A Voice in the
Wilderness
order the book
Covenants and Dispensations: -Topics
-
Introduction
- Perfection/Innocence
- Conscience
- Government/Religion
- Promise
- Law/Israel
(Crucifixion) - Church
(Wrath) - Peace/Rest
The End - Terra Firma? (Eighth Day)
Definitions
Time Line
Introduction:
When the body of "Scriptural theology" is considered, it is quite possible that it could be divided into two large, generic systems, along with their variations and off-shoots. "Covenant Theology" and "Dispensationalism." For this study I am happy that I am not well-versed in each's ideologies, nor each's arguments which exclude the other. As such, I'm not going to take time to study each in order to present them here. The fact that each, typically, excludes the other, indicates "error" in -both- camps. In Paul's day they were saying, "I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Peter, I am of Christ." (1Cor1:12) And today that list would include, "Our church believes in Covenant Theology" or "I am not 'Covenant' ...I'm 'Dispensational'." Church doctrine is approached from the "Covenant Perspective" or from the "Dispensational viewpoint." For many it is an "either-or" situation.
In the briefest of nutshells...
- Covenant theology typically takes from Scripture the things written to/about Israel, and since Israel was judged for their rebellion, it is said that those things now apply to the Church: that Scripturally today the 'Church -is- Israel'; that the original Israel no longer exists nor ever will again, because the Church -replaced- Israel; thus, you will also hear the expression, "Replacement Theology".
- Dispensationalism, on the other hand, subdivides the Scripture into time periods, makes distinctions between Israel and the Church; but also often says that Salvation was obtained in -different- 'ways' during different times. Ultra-dispensationalism even goes to the extremes of nitpicking at the gnats of the N.T., speculating that the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospels are not for the Church; or wrangling about 'when' did the Church start? Acts ch2? ch9? ch13? ch28? Some will say that -only- Paul's writings are to the Church, and abandon/reject the rest.
In case these paragraphs just "lost" you and you're wondering "what" I'm talking about, or "which" churches might represent which viewpoint; typically (not always) the Reformed, Dominion, Kingdom Restorationist, Calvinists, and many Charismatics to greater or lesser degrees will tend to be "Covenant." Pretty much all Baptists, EFC, etc. tend to be "Dispensational." Please understand, this is a very broad generalization, and does not speak to "individual" congregations and/or their pastors.
However, this series has nothing to do with church denominations; what this group believes, or that one doesn't. This explanation is given merely for the purpose of identifying the fact that these terms are in use, and that there are misconceptions about them. But to also say that this study will not be based on those ideologies as a starting point.
This series will seek to present a brief Scriptural look at this topic. As with other studies presented here, we may not touch on every last little nuance of each segment. This is not intended to be an unabridged seminary course. But we want to approach it in a way that most readers will understand.
Definitions:
The term "covenant" first appears when God commands Noah to build the ark(Gen6:18) for the saving of air-breathing life when God destroys the earth with the flood. And then again, God covenants that He will never again destroy all humanity with a flood.(Gen9:11)
According to Strongs, these covenants were a "treaty, alliance, pledge." The dictionary defines it as "a formal sealed agreement or contract." And under Bible, "God's promise to the human race."
Here we see a basic principle of the relationship between God and man. God originates everything. "In the beginning God.."(Gen1:1) Then God said, "Let Us make man..."(vs26) He did so according to "His will." (Rom9:18-24) And it is "in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts17:28)
God is the One Who "draws" man to Himself(Jn6:44,12:32) Even though man is busy running away as "we have turned everyone to his own way." (Is53:6) Since a covenant is an agreement, a promise, a contract; and since man is rebelling against God; the covenant is "one-sided." Man cannot be trusted to keep his promise. Thus, "when God made a promise... because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself"(Heb6:13)
Thus, we must understand one key factor about Scriptural Covenants. Covenants are God-centered. He makes the promise. He keeps the promise. Man has nothing to do with its fulfillment; but he can receive or reject it. As we shall see in each section of this study.
In this is one stark contrast to many who hold to "Covenant Theology." Many (not all) are seeking to go about to establish a MAN-MADE righteousness and "kingdom." "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God." (Rom10:3) Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world..."(Jn18:36)
Then, we have the term, "dispensation." Paul writes, "..in the dispensation of the fulness of times.."(Eph1:10) When the time was "just right", God did...something. (And we'll look at that verse in its proper sequence.) And Paul also states about his own ministry, the "dispensation of the grace of God" (Eph3:2) which was entrusted to him.
"Dispensation" is "management, oversight, administration, of" something or other. It is the act of "dealing out, distributing"; or of "preparing and giving out." It also includes "an arrangement" or "guidelines" by which a person or group of people are to conduct their affairs.
When God "chose us in Him"(Eph1:4) He did so with great planning; even before He created the universe. When the Believer is promised a future kingdom with Christ, He promised that He would "go to prepare a place." (Jn14:3) The salvation of God's grace is administered to us, after much planning and forethought by God.
And this is true of all of God's Covenants. He has planned them all out. He makes the promise and pledge. He fulfills them; He administers them; He... "dispenses" them. This act of "dispensing" His "covenant/s" is called a "dispensation." Do we see how it is not possible to have God's Covenant without His Dispensation? We cannot have a Dispensation without a Covenant, otherwise the dispensation is meaningless. There is nothing to dispense. Thus, they go hand-in-hand.
It's like God is saying 1) Here's My promise (covenant) and 2) here is how I'm going to fulfill My promise (dispensation).
How man views God's work depends upon whether or not he receives it, or rejects it. No matter what the title of the dispensation, if man in Faith receives God's work upon him, he experiences God's "grace." (Jn1:16) If he rebels, God's "wrath."(Rom1:18)
At different times throughout history God works in different ways to reveal His purpose. Much like a parent might with a child. At times a parent may use simple verbal interaction. Then, there might be a period in the child's development where the parent says, "if you behave in certain ways, the "stick" is going to be applied to your bottom. This is my promise (covenant), and you will know the (dispensation) when you feel the pain." The child grows up and now has "liberty" and has been made "free." If the child remains in good standing, the (covenant) may now be the understanding of the "will" of the "inheritance" when the parents are dead. But if the child rejects the family, often they are "written out" of the will. And the new (dispensation) may be the lack of that inheritance...since the "stick" is no longer an option. While this is a simplification, this might illustrate the aspect of how God deals with man in different ways at different times throughout history. (Heb1:1-2)
However, while God's dispensations may change, His covenants never change; and some are always in effect. First of all, no matter the time in history, Salvation has always been by God's grace through faith (Eph2:8,Heb11), comes about in repentance (Heb12:17), and is provided by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. (Gen3:15,12:3b,Acts4:12,Rev1:5,13:8)
Another thing to remember is that God never changes. "For I [am] the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (Mal3:6) And "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." (Heb13:8) And just as God is the originator and sustainer of all things, He is also central and foremost. "In the beginning God" (Gen1:1) created all things by His power, wisdom and discretion. (Jer10:12) In His wisdom, for a time, the "fullness" has been given to Christ. (Col1:16-19) But ultimately, all will go back to the Father "that God may be all in all."(1Cor15:28)
While God is unchanging, His covenants and dispensations vary. There are different ones, of different types, sometimes to different specific groups of people. Some are to all of humanity. Some to just Israel. Some to the Church. Some are "conditional" ...eliciting specific responses from people, with the stipulation that favorable responses will result in blessing; and rebellion, a curse. Others are unconditional; in other words, "this is just the way things are and will be" period. For example, "there will be a flood"; "there will be no more 'total' floods"; vegetarianism; carnivorousness; have dominion over creation, etc.
God has also seen to it that His message is known to man. We obviously know about Moses and the O.T. prophets to Israel, and of the apostles who started the Church and wrote the N.T. But we perhaps may not remember that Noah, while building the ark, was also a prophet.(2Pt2:5) Enoch, who was raptured before the flood, "prophesied."(Jude14) And in Abraham's day (prior to Moses) there was Melchisedek.(Gen14:18) And if a prophet was not nearby, He still did not leave "Himself without witness"(Acts14:17) as things in creation express His glory.(Rom1:19)
Time Line:
As we consider the various dispensations of God's covenants, of necessity we consider "time." Past, present, future. For the most part, history has had blocks of time in which various covenants and/or dispensations were in effect. But we say "for the most part" because God's nature is to be "merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (Ps103:8) He does not deal "with us according to our sins."(vs10) He "knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." (vs14) And so when David, who lived during the period of "Law", committed adultery and murder, the penalties for which should have been "death"; because his "heart" was one that continually "sought" God (Ps119:10) he experienced God's mercy.(Ps41:4) So, though he "fell" he was not "utterly cast down."(Ps37:24)
Our study concentrates on God's covenants with mankind with respect to the present creation. We know there will be a "new heavens and new earth" and this one we are now inhabiting will not be remembered when that time comes. (Is65:17,2Pt3:13) We are only given a slight glimpse of it in Revelation 21. But the present covenants apply to "this" heaven and earth, since the Scriptures begin with "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"(Gen1:1) and placed man on it. As He records, "This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created.."(Gen2:4)
God created what now exists in 6 days; and then rested the seventh day. (Gen2:2) Hebrews speaks of "enter[ing] His rest."(Heb4:3,11) While there is "everlasting life" (Jn3:16) which those who "believe in Him" receive; there is a finite limit to this "heaven and earth." Seven days for creation and rest. Peter speaks, "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day [is] as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2Pt3:8) As we view history, it becomes apparent that this creation's lifespan is about 7000 years. 6000 years have passed, and the final "Millenium" is imminently upon us. Unlike the time of "doom" that Hollywood depicts for the "Millenium" Scripture tells us it will be a time of peace. Christ will be ruling from Jerusalem, and all nations will stream to Jerusalem to pay homage. (Zec14) There will be peace, as war will have been eliminated. (Is2:4, Mic4:3) And nature will no longer be in travail (Rom8:22) as natural predators will coexist peacefully.. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them." (Is11:6) The final millenium corresponding with the seventh day...of "Rest."
Just as creation occurred in seven days, and this creation has a life span of about 7000 years; we can also see God's dispensations dividing themselves into "seven" periods.
At the beginning of each one God performs a work. Sometimes with "signs and wonders." He makes covenants; both conditional and unconditional. Man responds according to the nature of man. God fulfills His promises; and since man has failed and sinned, there is judgment, and the next period begins, and God makes new covenants. Just as parents try, first "this" and then "that" with their rebellious children, so God dispenses "this" and then "that" in order to show man's inability to follow God, in and of his own will. And throughout the whole course of history, man's failure allows God's mercy and grace to be manifested (Rom5:20) to those who "receive" Him (Jn1:12); and His wrath to those who refuse Him. (Jn3:36,Rom1:18)
I've always been intrigued by "how old" the earth is. Dates and times. The Scofield Bible I was given as a child had 4004 BC for Genesis 1:1. A few years ago, my reading through the Bible included a pad of paper to jot down any reference to time. So-n-so was so-many years old and begot somebody or other. This king reigned so-many years and died, and his son took over, etc. When all was said and done, Genesis 1:1 calculated out to be 4095 BC. I'm not saying my figure is correct, as there were some places where some things were a bit confusing; and it's quite likely that scholars have a better handle on this. If we take into account that calendars and methods of keeping track of time have changed from time to time, and sometimes from empire to empire, and that older records are not always clear, we come to understand that we may not be able to know, precisely, how many years from creation we are living today. As we attach certain year-labels to this study, we will round out to a near-by 100-year spot. If you were to check out various reference materials, you would find many of them differ from each other anyway. The years we attach here will be based on Gen 1:1 being approximately 4000 BC, and intervening years, based on my aforementioned calculations. It will be close enough for our purposes.
However, we can know that God knows. He is "not slack" concerning His promises.(2Pt3:9) The word "slack" means "not late, delayed, or loitering." Scholarship Dave Hunt presents in his book "How Close are We" shows how Jesus died at the very precise day and hour, according to the time of Daniel's prophecy in 9:24-27. And the Holy Spirit arrived right "on time" too.(Acts2:1) Thus, we can also know that early events were right on schedule, as God's "planning" is precise, since He created the whole universe as one gigantic "clock" to "let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years"(Gen1:14) Therefore, we can be assured that the future is all "under His control" as well.
The seven periods we will outline, will no doubt cause some to say, "see, you are 'dispensational'!" Yes, God is. But please remember the "definitions" we gave in the previous section.
The Seven Covenant-Dispensations:
Terra Firma? (Eighth Day)
"In the beginning God..."(Gen1:1)
In these four words is wrapped up the sum of theology, wisdom,
understanding, life issues, destiny. For modern man to claim
theological sophistication while denying God is an oxymoron. The very
word "theo" (God) "logy" (study of) indicates the existence of God. As
well, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the
knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Pr9:10) "In Him we live
and move and have our being" (Acts17:28) The One Who began it all, and
sustains it now, also knows the future destiny. God "Most High"
(Is14:14,Dan4:25,32,Hos7:16) is the only "god" Who can claim, and this
is His distinguishing feature from all other gods... "I God, and there
is no other; I God, and none like Me, Declaring the end from the
beginning, And from ancient times [things] that are not [yet] done,
Saying, `My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'
(Is46:9-10)
As such, these four little words are also the "answer" to any and all
questions man may think of; being the ultimate rebuttal against
evolution, and anything else man may be in rebellion with.
So now...in the beginning is God. And God begins to perform a work with
His "fingers."(Ps8:3) He begins making some "unconditional covenants."
"Let there be light"(vs3) Land & water (vs9) vegetation (vs11) the
universe arranged as a master clock (vs14) water & air animals.(vs20,24)
Then, God makes man. Of all creation, man is the only thing that is
made "in the image of God."(vs27) Man was created for "mercy" and
"glory."(Rom9:23) God's desire, continually, is for fellowship with
man. He called out to Adam "where are you?"(Gen3:9) Jesus communes
with the Father, "that they also may be one in us."(Jn17:21) As the
"two shall become one flesh" Paul spoke "concerning Christ and the
church." (Eph5:31-32) Man was "crowned with glory and honor."(Ps8:5)
And now, folks, we come to true "Dominion Theology"! "You have made him
to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things
under his feet,(Ps8:6) And in this we have God's next unconditional
covenant with man. "Dominion" over everything on the earth. He does not
say, "hug all trees and save the spotted owl" ...but He says "fill the
earth and SUBDUE it."(Gen1:28) "Subdue" means to "bring under
subjection, dominate, make it subservient" TO MAN. The earth was made
for man's dwelling. The first act of being "in charge" was Adam's chore
of naming all things. (Gen2:19-20) However, this authority is to be
used wisely. Wise stewardship would certainly not include polluting
with carcinogens, as God gave Adam charge to "tend and keep" Eden.
(Gen2:15) "Keep" meaning to "guard, protect, save life." In other
words, subdue the earth, keeping in mind the benefit of it and those
deriving life from it.
Vegetarianism was the order in the beginning, as well. God said, "See,
I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of
the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be
for food."(Gen1:29) While it doesn't say so here, I think we can assume
this applied to animals, as well; since the restoration of peace will
include a "truce" between predatory animals during the final millenium.
(Is11:7,65:25) And in this, we can be pretty sure that the famous ol'
T-Rex dinosaur was NOT a "meat-eater." For such a carnivor as the lion
is going to eat "straw like the ox."(Is11:7) I don't think there's any
reason why the T-Rex couldn't have been a plant-eater, too. For God Who
called everything "good" as He made each part, and then Who "rested"
the seventh day, animals going around killing each other would
certainly NOT be in keeping with this idyllic beginning where, once man
was created God says, "indeed it was [VERY] good."(Gen1:31)
God's "rest" was built into this initial existence. This was God's
will. He rested.(Gen2:3) And it is His desire for those who believe in
Him to "enter into His rest." (Heb4:3) As those who "die in the Lord
may REST from their labors."(Rev14:13)
The perfection, purity, and bliss included Adam and Eve being "naked,
the man and his wife, and were not ashamed."(Gen2:25) Can you imagine
being in such a state all the time...not just the bedroom. Literature
for nudism groups presents a supposed picture of such idyllics, where
everyone is "free" and it is so wonderful and pure. But what I've heard
from those who have participated while unregenerate, is that they are
characterized by flagrant sin, as one might suspect in our present
world.
So, here we have "perfection." And with their nakedness, "innocence."
Man has dominion. They are in charge. They can essentially "make the
rules" and do whatever they want. The whole creation is before them,
providing all their needs.
Into this idyllic realm God presents ONLY ONE "conditional covenant."
(All covenants up to this point have been unconditional. 'There it all
is. Go for it.') You have "free[dom]" regarding "every[thing]" that's
out there. (Gen2:16) Just one little boundary. JUST ONE TREE whose
fruit you are not to eat. You can eat of ANY OTHER plant. However, if
you do eat of that ONE TREE, you will die.(vs17)
As we will see spelled out more specifically in later sections; the
"blessing" and the "curse." The Blessing to exist on the earth, do
whatever, eat whatever. Be blessed and multiply. But, if the one
commandment is broken, the promise of the curse with its consequences.
As we have noted in other studies, man failed. They ate the forbidden
fruit. Now, it's time for consequences.
Now, when God came to commune, they ran to hide, as man has been doing
ever since, "All we like sheep have gone astray."(Is53:6a) And yet,
even though God knew what had happened, He calls out to them, "Where
are you?" (Gen3:9) This characteristic of God to call out to the sinner
we will see throughout history. "Cast away all your transgressions from
you by which you have transgressed in them, and make for yourselves a
new heart and a new spirit; for why will you die...? (Ez18:31 -Lit)
The promise of the conditional covenant now begins to see its
fulfillment. They disobeyed, and now a new covenant was established,
"For dust you are, and to dust you shall return."(Gen3:19) This new
covenant of "corruption" will be in effect until the resurrection and
rapture, where the "corruptible [will] put on incorruption" since
"flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."(1Cor15:53,50) This
new covenant of "rotting back to dust" was part of the "death" God
promised..."in the day you eat...you shall surely died."(Gen2:17) Even
as we live, the cells of our body are continually dying, and being
replaced by new ones. Eventually, as we get old, the new cell
production doesn't quite keep up with the dying of the old ones. And we
die.
And there is now no more "rest" as man must toil to eat. The earth
which was designed to be only good, is now also going to produce weeds
and thorns. Man no longer has total control over the earth. It is going
to "resist" man. It is "cursed."(3:17) And was through Noah's time.
(Gen5:29)
No longer is there freedom to do/eat anything. They are expelled from
Eden. The place of God's "rest." No longer do they have access to the
"Tree of Life."(Gen3:24) It will, now, no longer be available until the
Believer joins God in Paradise (Rev2:7) and also in the new heaven and
new earth. (Rev21-22)
And then, that which was so beautiful is gone. No more innocence. They
notice they are naked!(3:7) Now, nakedness is a "shameful" thing.
(Is47:3) And a companion event, the blessing God had blessed them with,
to be "fruitful" and multiply...will be painful.(3:16) And, instead of
the woman coming "along-side" (from the rib), she is now "under" the
man.(vs16)
After such an idyllic beginning, for however long a period of time it
lasted--Scripture doesn't say; all the beauty and wonder is shattered.
And by all thoughts, things could seem hopeless for man.
However, while God has been faithful to His covenants, and has
fulfilled His promised consequences if they disobeyed...He does not
leave man floundering. He establishes some new covenants, and makes
provisions...
First of all, God curses the serpent. (Gen3:14-15) Later in the study
we will see this curse fulfilled at the Crucifixion and again during
His Wrath as Satan is defeated. And in terms of his "host animal" ...
while all the rest of creation is at "peace" during the final
millenium, "dust shall be the serpent's food."(Is65:25)
And then, the woman's "seed" (3:15) This "One's" identity will be
progressively explained as succeeding periods unfold. But, in
hindsight, we know Him to be the Son of God, Jesus Christ. (Gal4:4) And
as a visual symbol of this promise, which would not occur until 4000
years into the future, God killed an animal to cover their shame
(Gen3:21) and explained the substitutionary animal sacrifice (Gen4:4)
as a ritual of faith. (Heb11:4)
"Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said,
"I have acquired a man from the LORD." Then she bore again, this time
his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller
of the ground."(Gen4:1-2)
Here we see the first two human offspring. The timing of their arrival
may provide a clue to us that the previous period of "Innocence" may
have been rather short-lived. If we consider from Scripture and
previous studies, that our "sin nature" is inherited at birth, "in sin
my mother conceived me"(Ps51:5) and the fact that "[ALL] have sinned"
(Rom3:23); there were no human births in Eden during their innocence.
They weren't there long enough to discover each other in that way.
Because of this, some have speculated that Eve may have been deceived
the very first day she was brought to Adam. I don't know that Scripture
tells us, specifically, one way or the other. But this is an
interesting deduction...and one that would seem to have merit. But I
won't claim it as "fact" until the Lord possibly confirms it for us at
some future date.
In addition, Cain and Abel represent the beginning of the struggle
between good and evil amongst the human race. Those who choose, in
faith (Heb11:4) to follow God, and those who rebel and persecute the
righteous.
As these periods have overlapping covenants, the judgment which ended
"Innocence", the killing/sacrifice of the animal, also became part of
the provision for "Conscience" and succeeding periods. The promise of
future redemption. (Job19:25-26) Abel chose to follow God by offering
an animal sacrifice...according to God's plan.
When Cain brought to God the work of his own hands ("of works" -Eph2:9
or "works of righteousness" -Tit3:5) he was rejected. He knew he was
rejected. And he saw that Abel was "accepted in the Beloved." (Eph1:6)
What was Cain's reaction to this rejection? Did he seek God with, "I'm
sorry, God...I must not have understood correctly. Please tell me,
again, what is acceptable"? No. He became angry. And God even confronts
him. "Why are you angry?" If you're doing what's right, it will be
accepted. But if not, you're struggling with sin. You need to face it
squarely and resist. (Jas4:7) If you don't, you will be enslaved by
it." (Jn8:34) Paul would write later of "PRESENTING [ourselves]" to
either righteousness or sin. (Rom6:16)
Now, this "sin" was between Cain and God, wasn't it. Cain was doing
wrong, and receiving God's reprimand. But what does Cain do? Repent and
correct the wrong? According to God's words he certainly had that
option. But no. He becomes angry WITH ABEL, of all things, and kills
him. Abel wasn't even part of the equation where Cain and God's
dialogue was concerned. But, Abel had one thing. Acceptance by God. As
Cain was "talk[ing]" with Abel (vs8), perhaps he was saying, among
other things, "So, you think you're better than me!! Well, I'll show
you...!" ..?
Abel was the first martyr for righteousness. And, for the same reason
martyrs for Christ are thus in recent years. The same reason the
Believer is persecuted. Righteousness shines like light in a dark
world. (Mt5:14) The Believer is a light because of the light of Jesus
Christ's righteousness shining through us.(Jn8:12,Col1:27,2Cor5:21) But
"men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are
evil."(Jn3:19) The Believer doesn't even have to DO or SAY anything.
Just the fact that they exist in the same vicinity, the evil is
"exposed."(Eph5:11) And the unrighteous will accuse the Believer of
"judging" and "condemning" them, when the Believer may not have said
even one word.
And now "Conscience" comes into play. God speaks, "Where is Abel your
brother?" This is what the Holy Spirit does; He convicts of sin.
(Jn16:8) So, Cain lies, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"(4:9)
In essence, God says, "yes you are."
And because of this murder, the earth is further cursed.(4:12) And Cain
is exiled.(vs14) While capital punishment hasn't yet been established,
people know they should not kill fellow-human beings, as Lamech is
terribly worried when he had to kill someone in self-defense.(vs23)
But the situation with humanity becomes totally corrupt during these
1600 years. As we read Genesis ch6, we see an essential "free-for-all"
regarding sex. (6:2) And "the earth was filled with violence."(vs11)
And also a "corruption."(vs11) The root word behind "giants" (vs4)
means "fallen." Putting the combination of these verses together, it is
thought by many that there was an intermarriage between fallen angels
and humanity. The angels whom Jude speaks about who "did not keep their
proper domain (in the spirit realm), but left their own abode." (Jude6)
Whatever the case, one senses that the offspring of these unions was
something rather "awesome" compared to the norm.(6:4b)
Do we have any "proof" of this theory? Well, perhaps not. But if one
considers that much regarding mythology has basis, somewhere in ancient
times, in fact; where did such creatures as the pegasus come from? Or
"Pan" with the human torso and goat's legs. Or Medusa with serpentine
"hair"? "Why" would such corruption come about? Was it just by chance?
Man's evolutionary tendencies to change? Or is the plot more sinister?
Out of the judgments at the end of "Innocence" remember God's
"promise"? The woman's "seed." Redemption from the curse of death
because of sin. God's plan was that Jesus Christ would be born "4000
years hence." But, Satan wants preeminence. He wants to be "like the
Most High."(Is14:14) He wants the glory for himself...not God. He is
fighting God for every inch of territory he can muster. What better
way to totally wipe out God's created humanity, than to keep that
"seed" from ever arriving on the scene! That would totally frustrate
God's plan for redemption, would make God into a liar who couldn't keep
His promise. If humanity is corrupted at the chromosome level of
genetics, then, the "seed" will no longer be a "man."
Did you ever wonder why Noah was picked for salvation, out of all
humanity on the earth at that time? Was it because he was a "good
boy?" No. He was "perfect IN HIS GENERATIONS."(Gen6:9) The word
"perfect" means "complete" or "without blemish." The genetics of his
family had not been "corrupted" (vs11)
At this point God makes two covenants. 1) My Spirit shall not strive
with man forever, for he is indeed flesh.(6:3) and 2) I will destroy
[all flesh] with the earth.(6:13)
First of all, do we see how God's Holy Spirit was active during this
time? And because of man's corruption, God says, "enough is enough. I'm
not going to keep doing this." What was the Spirit doing? What He does
today. Jesus said that He "convicts the world of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment."(Jn16:8) as Paul writes of the times prior to the
Wrath, "He who now RESTRAINS..."(2Ths2:7) When Adam sinned and hid, God
called out to him, "Adam where are you?" During this time of
"Conscience" what was the "agent" of conscience? God Himself, through
the Holy Spirit. The whole earth was corrupted...and God was
continually "striving" with man to keep (restrain) him from following
the "fallen ones." Even back then, He was "not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance."(2Pt3:9) They did not
have a multitude of prophets or written Scriptures to know right from
wrong. They had God's Holy Spirit, Himself. But they rejected Him.
So God says, "no more"; and does He at this point "remove" Himself?
Perhaps when Enoch was "raptured?"(5:24) A foreshadowing of a future
event when the Holy Spirit and the Church will be removed from the
earth?(2Ths2:7) Remember, Enoch was a picture of righteousness, because
it says, "Enoch walked with God.."(vs24) And of Jesus' second coming He
says, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of
the Son of man."(Lk17:26)
And then, the flood. Destruction of ALL "breathing" flesh.(7:15) But a
remnant (Zech14:2,Rom9:27,11:5) was saved in the ark, to preserve life.
(6:19) To preserve the "seed."
And while God is destroying the whole world, bringing to a close the
age of "Conscience" God makes a promise for the future to Noah. "But I
will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark--you
[and your family]"(6:18)
We cannot let this section pass us by without noticing more directly
the "example" for the times in which we now live. The days which are
imminently upon us in July, 1998. Again, Jesus said, "just as it was in
the days of Noah." What were the primary characteristics? Sexual
promiscuity, relationship with the fallen angels, and corruption of
genetic things. What do we see today? Pretty much everything is
sexually motivated, starting at the White House, on down. Everything in
society has some sort of occult/pagan/demonic connection, even into the
"church". And now, science is even dabbling around with genetics;
being used as evidence in the courts, as well as cloning experiments,
as they consider "manufacturing" body parts.
What happened around the time of the flood? God's Holy Spirit stopped
"striving" with man. What is prophesied for the future? He (Holy
Spirit) is restraining (2Ths2:7) until "it comes out of the midst."
(vs7-Lit) What is the "it" here? Those who "walk according to the
Spirit."(Rom8:1,4) That is, characteristically, the Church.(Rom8:9)
Those who are "CHRISTians." Just as Enoch "walked with God" (Gen5:24)
and was a prophet against the wickedness of his time(Jude14-15); and
was "taken"... so it will be again... "one will be taken and the other
left." (Mt24:40-41)
And then, we have the remnant who were kept safe in the ark. They went
"through" the flood, and came out the other side preserved. They were
there because their "generations" were perfect. Based on "seed." So,
likewise, a "remnant" of ISRAEL will be saved and come out the other
side of God's Wrath, preserved.(Zech14:2,Rom9:27,11:5) Israel is an
entity based on "seed" of Abraham and heredity. I don't find a
Scriptural reference to "remnant" connected with the Church. The Church
is "taken out" of the Gentiles "for His name."(Acts15:14)
For those willing to see it, here is yet another example of the
distinction between Israel and the Church. The "pre-70th week" rapture
of the Church, and Israel's preservation "through" it.
"And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals
that were with him in the ark."(Gen8:1)
When considering God and His covenants, here is a key thing to
remember. "He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He
commanded, for a thousand generations."(Ps105:8) Remember Peter says,
"He is not slack concerning His promises." (2Pt3:9) All air-breathing
life is in this huge "life pod." With all the rain, tidal waves, and
swells, they are no doubt initially experiencing motion-sickness. But
they are safe. They may have felt a bit confined. But it was God's
provision for them. And after a full year in the ark, the waters are
dried up, and they come out to be on land again.
And now God issues more covenants. First of all He renews the covenant
for life to "be fruitful and multiply on the earth."(Gen8:17) And then,
as Noah is offering a sacrifice, God lifts the curse on the ground; and
also covenants to never again destroy "every living thing."(8:21)
He establishes the "seasons." The flood changed some fundamental things
for the earth. Before, it had never rained, but the earth was watered
with a mist.(Gen2:6) Archaeological evidence points to pre-deluvian
tropics-like "greenhouse" effect, with fossil evidence of lush
vegetation at both poles. Thus, an ideal climate for Adam and Eve to be
naked. Now, there is to be what has been ever since. Hot and cold.
Planting and harvesting. How long is this covenant good for? "While
the earth remains." In other words, the earth worshippers don't need to
worry about their ozone layer being depleted. "Global warming" will not
result in another greenhouse.
Another fundamental change. The relationship between man and animal.
Animals will now be "afraid of" man. (This kind of puts a crimp in
Hollywood's style, depicting an adversarial relationship between
dinosaurs and people, doesn't it..since fossil evidence shows that
dinosaurs would have existed prior to the flood; and this covenant.)
In addition to this, man is now given "meat" to eat. (9:3) Good reason
for animals to now be "afraid" eh! Is this, then, also when carnivorous
animals begin to be carnivorous?
However, now comes a conditional covenant. First of all, while eating
meat, man is not to eat the blood. The "life, that is, its blood."(vs4)
Man is to respect life, even animal life. Make sure the blood is all
out, or cook it until it is. And you notice, God keeps a "reckoning" of
this. "Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the
hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man."(vs5)
And then, "capital punishment" is now instated. "Whoever sheds man's
blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made
man."(vs6)
God seals this whole series of covenants with the rainbow. It is the
"sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living
creature that is with you.."(vs12) The rainbow is visible when a
special combination of moisture in the clouds is present for sunlight
to refract through. This is a reminder of "weather" and seasons.
Something they didn't have prior to the flood. God's promise "while
the earth remains" to all flesh. A reminder, to Himself, even, to not
ever destroy all flesh on earth again with a flood.(9:15)
OK. Covenants are established, and life is ready to progress. We still
don't have very many rules do we. There is still relative "freedom." In
actuality, the rule about respecting life is only changed, in that now
there is a spelled-out "consequence" for murder.
The fact that Noah and his family were NOT "good boys" is illustrated
quite quickly with the incident of what Ham did to Noah.(9:22-24) They
were not saved through the flood because they were perfect in their
behavior. But the "seed" was preserved through God's grace.
The next 100 years establishes the character of humanity for the
following millenia. Everyone is speaking one language, and they migrate
from the regions of Turkey to what is now Iraq and Kuwait. And they
begin a system of worship that will dominate the whole world. They
build a "tower." Archaeologically known as a ziggurat. A kind of
pyramid. At the tops of these structures would be symbols and images
of sun, moon, stars, constellations. And what was their purpose for
this? To make a "name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over
the face of the whole earth."(11:4) Again, rebellion. God had said, "be
fruitful..and FILL the earth."(9:1) Man says..."No, we want to stay
right here."
Furthermore, the worship they begin on these structures will be the
basis for all world religions. It will spread into the region where
Israel will fall into idolatry. It will become the basis for Egyptian
worship. It will spread to Greece and Rome. And ultimately into the
present apostate "church." But, what we see today, and Revelation
speaks of as "mystery Babylon" all had it's origins right "here" after
the flood. It is the basis for the present "United Religions." And
while they claim "unity in diversity" it is Babylon that is "in
charge."
What is Satan's strategy with all this? God had given the animal
sacrifice. Babylon and Nimrod (10:8-10) had their sacrifices. God was
going to send His Son in the form of Jesus, born of a virgin, Who would
die and rise again. All the variations of Babylon have their
"mother-son" figures. In Egypt the son even dies and comes back to
life. And through the millenia comes to become the "madonna and child"
of the Roman religion. While God would establish an offering of the
first-born "animal" as a foretaste of God's "Firstborn", Babylon
corrupted this, and the various religions threw their human offspring
into the sacrificial flames. Things of which God said, "they have also
built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt
offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come
into My mind" (Jer19:5)
Satan's strategy? Counterfeits. Substitutes. He wasn't able to corrupt
the "seed" and his emissaries ended up in confinement.(Jude1:6) So now
he needs a new method. If the "seed" is going to make it, then, the
next best thing is to have people not recognize Him when He comes. Have
all the look-alikes in place before Jesus arrives, and after He comes,
attach His name to all the pagan entities, architecture and art. "This
is the [spirit] of the Antichrist, which...is now already in the
world." (1Jn4:3) The world religion? Satan's ABC's. [A]nything [B]ut
[C]hrist. To capture the minds and hearts of humanity in delusion.
What is God's reaction to all this? And the LORD said, "Indeed the
people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they
begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from
them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their languages, that they
may not understand one another's speech."(11:6-7)
It was called "Babel" because of the ensuing "confusion." And God
"scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth."(vs9) And then,
about 100 years into this period, God splits the earth into continents,
furthering the effect of this dispersion. (10:25)
An interesting observation about the days we live in. Remember how
Jesus said, "as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the
Son of man be."(Mt24:37) At the flood, Noah was 600 yrs old. Noah died
when he was 950 yrs old. That means, he was alive through this whole
period, and Abram was probably about 50 when Noah died. So, in one
sense, we could say that this period of Government/Religion, as mankind
is organizing itself into cities and worship, is also the "days of
Noah." Not just the time prior to the flood, as we usually think of it.
During this time they said "let's all be united...let's work
together..let's worship as one." And God scattered them. Today, after
millenia of separation, we again have a "global village." The entire
world is connected up together via satellite, internet, rapid
transportation. Worship together is now possible on a global level and
was done at the past two Olympics. And man is boasting that the
language barriers are all-but eliminated with software and machines
which are capable of instant translation. Boasting at having
circumvented God's counsel, as they say "Let us break Their [God's]
bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us."(Ps2:3) There is a
purposeful, militant effort currently, to get the whole world united,
both governmentally and religiously.
What does God counsel? "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The
LORD shall hold them in derision"(vs4) And His Son in the very near
future "shall break them with a rod of iron; [He] shall dash them in
pieces like a potter's vessel."(vs9)
So, the beginning of human Government/Religion was judged by a
confounding of the languages and forced division of the peoples. And
yet, while other periods will come and go, this one still progresses,
and will be ultimately, finally, judged during the "Wrath." It took a
mere 100 years to get Babylon started. God mixed up the languages and
scattered humanity. But man would continue to try to unite. And Egypt
will be destroyed. And then Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome will
attempt to conquer the whole world, in their times, and make a united
world. But in each case, God will bring disaster upon them. But
Babylon, the religion, will continue in the minds and hearts of
humanity.
While the next section of this series begins after 300 years, Babylon
is still continuing on. There will become two sets of covenants in
effect. What we see now will remain essentially unchanged for around
4000 years. But God will establish special covenants with specially
chosen people...along-side these "generic" covenants with the world.
This "Babylon" is the backdrop in front of which God will now display
His plan of redemption. This is the world of Satan's evil, and man's
willful self-expression, before which God will shine His light of
righteousness, crafting His plan through specially chosen people who
provide the focus for the remaining Dispensations.
The stage is set.
Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your
family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I
will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name
great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the
earth shall be blessed." (Gen12:1-3)
Here we see what has become known as the "Abrahamic Covenant."
Continental drift has now put some distance between peoples. The
confusion and turmoil of different languages is settling down. Families
and cities are becoming established. The earth is beginning to be
repopulated since the flood. Out of all these people, God calls out a
single person to travel a special journey of Faith. To leave the
"multitudes" on the "broad way"(Mt7:13) to travel a life of wandering
as a sojourner. Without going into details of his family
relationships, he takes off, as would be said of him later "And he went
out, not knowing where he was going."(Heb11:8)
"Get out of your country." He had to leave Babylon. (Ur was right
nearby to Babel.) As Believers are told "Come out of her My people."
(Rev18:4) It took him a little longer to leave his family, as his
father "took" him part way.(Gen11:31) Jesus spoke of the necessity to
forsake "family" to follow Him. (Lk14:26)
But God blesses Abram. Specially chooses him, and sets him up as a
standard by which to judge "all the families of the earth." Those who
act favorably towards Abraham (and his descendants) will experience
God's blessing. Those who are otherwise, God's curse. (Remember? the
blessing and curse.) And then, we see the "seed" of the woman (Gen3:15)
showing up here again. "In you all families of the earth will be
blessed." This is looking ahead to the "seed" which would come in the
future, from Abraham's lineage.
Until he obeys the first step, the promise is that there is a land
"that I will show you." But Abram has not yet seen it. He must step
out in Faith.
After his father dies, he finally leaves his family in Haran. (12:4)
But Lot tags along. Eventually there are more family squabbles, and
Abram tells Lot, "take your pick and move away." And once Lot is
gone, and Abram has finally "rid himself" of his family, as God had
told him to do "years ago" THEN the next covenant comes. This covenant
is with "just" Abram. Not all his tag-along relatives. (13:14)
"Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are...for all the
land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I
will make your descendants as the dust of the earth...arise, walk in
the land...for I give it to you."(13:14-17) This is the covenant of the
"land." This is the territory the Palestinians and other Arabs would
like to take away from Israel. They claim heritage back to Abraham. But
let's continue...
But you notice something here. Abram was in the land of promise, but
didn't know its extent. He had to get rid of the "encumberances" which
were weighing him down. It is not enough to follow God partially. When
Abram had finally fully obeyed God, then, and only then, did God
disclose the fullness of the blessing.
Now, Abram had no direct heir yet, and begins to try to "figure out"
how he is to have descendants. God promises his offspring to become as
numerous as the "stars"(15:5) And it says "he believed in the LORD, and
He accounted it to him for rightousness."(15:6) While Abram had
offered animal sacrifices, what we see God accounting to Abram's
benefit is "Faith." And we will see this being the foundation for
salvation prior to circumcision, Law and Church. (Rom4:12,13, Gal3:7)
And while circumcision, Law and Grace will come about with all their
covenants and rituals, the core essence of salvation is "Faith." "The
just shall live by faith." (Hab2:4,Rom1:17,Gal3:11,Heb10:38)
Only after Abram has thus been converted through faith does God now
present him with a very solemn, official covenant. Genesis 15 records
this incident. As the writer of Hebrews says (6:13) "since He could
swear by no greater, He swore by Himself." This is a one-sided
covenant, as Abram is in a trance-like state. God promises that
Abram's descendants will be in bondage a while, but that God will
deliver them. And He then spells out the boundaries of the "land" which
is bequeathed to Abram's descendants. This "covenant" is in dispute,
even today, by the peoples of that region. Let's continue, and see why
it belongs to Israel...
Abram has a lapse in faith, and fathers Ishmael through a servant,
not his wife. (Gen16) But that is not God's covenant. Finally, after
many years, when things seem hopeless, God gives Sarah Isaac. As Isaac
is promised, God changes his name from Abram (exalted father) to
Abraham (father of a multitude). ...so far just "one" baby is on the
way...!
In faith, Abraham obeys and begins the institution of "circumcision."
(17:10) But not until he has first suggested to God, "let Ishmael" be
the one. And here God clarifies the covenant. "No, Sarah your wife
shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will
establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with
his descendants after him."(17:19) So, you see...the Arab nations with
lineage back to Ishmael do not have claim to this covenant territory.
But we also see another lesson here. We should be careful "what" we
pray for, because sometimes God answers. He answered Abraham's desire
for Ishmael to prosper, and so God grants it. See how much of the
current struggles in the middle-east would be diminished if Abraham
hadn't stepped in and asked God... The number of Israel's enemies would
be much less today. They are Abraham's "seed" (21:13). But the
"PROMISE" was through Isaac; "the son of the bondwoman shall not be
heir with... Isaac."(vs10)
However, circumcision becomes a defining characteristic for those being
obedient to God's covenant for around 2000 years. Salvation is by
Faith. And circumcision was the physical symbol of obedience.
As we continue, Isaac has two sons, and God's covenant is, "Two nations
are in your (Rebekah's) womb, two people shall be separated from your
body; One people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall
serve the younger."(Gen25:23) The babies "struggled within" the womb,
and at birth Esau came out first and then Jacob, having a hold of
Esau's heel.
We won't repeat here the story of the stolen birthrights and blessings.
Suffice it to say that, to Jacob was given the "blessing of Abraham, to
you and your descendants with you, that you may inherit the land in
which you are a stranger, which God gave to Abraham."(28:4) Which God
confirms to him in the dream, "I am the LORD God of Abraham your father
and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and
your descendants...and in you and in your seed all the families of the
earth shall be blessed."(28:13-14)
You see, we still have only a "promise" of the inheritance. The land
has been given to Abraham's descendants...but it is not theirs yet.
They haven't yet "tak[en] possession" of it.(Josh22:19)
Then, Jacob (supplanter) finds himself wrestling with God and is given
a new name, "Israel" (God prevails). This, as he is about to meet his
brother, who he expects wants to kill him. Well, some of Israel's
enemies today are descendants of Esau; and they would like to "kill"
Israel. But, as God promised, the older will serve the younger, as "God
prevails." From prophecy, we know what the ultimate outcome will be.
As we know the story, famine comes, and the whole clan moves to Egypt
to be sustained by Joseph. And they are then enslaved for 400 years as
God had said to Abraham.
But the covenants of 1) BLESSING all "families of the earth" and of the
2) LAND, were repeated to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This repetition
makes it clear "who" the recipients are. They are not the descendants
through Ishmael and Abraham. Nor of Esau (Edom), Isaac and Abraham. But
of "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."(Ex6:8,33:1,Nu32:11,etc.)
When "God" is named, it is not "Allah" the god of Ishmael via Abraham.
Nor any of the other gods of the region. There is only One God Who
presented Himself to "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
So, the "land" and the "nation" are distinguished. God has promised it.
But Israel find themselves in bondage in Egypt. Again, according to
God's workings, He seems to delight in allowing man to get to the edge
of what seems like a hopeless situation, to then, show His mighty
works. Abraham and Sarah "just weren't" having any success having
children. Almost to an "impossible" age. And God had promised a
"multitude." Rebekah had problems having children. Their numbers are
still in the "single digits" and still no "multitude" to borrow from.
Now, with a name like "Israel" (God prevails)...they are in slavery
under the mightiest nation on earth at that time. (Ex1:10-11)
This period of "Promise" seems to have died "in a coffin in Egypt."
(Gen50:26)
Babylon is firmly entrenched. Egypt is the world leader in religion and
scholarship. Anyone wanting the best education of the day would go to
Egypt to find it. Their leadership in religion even extends to the
present times, as many of their obelisks have been removed, transported
and erected in various other locations around the world, including
USA's own "Central Park" in New York City, thus, effectively spreading
that aspect of Egypt's "Babylon" to these places in the world.
Into the middle of this is a little thorn in satan's side. The "seed."
A "Hebrew" has just been into Egypt's financial institutions, and has
bought up all the land for Pharaoh during the famine. But now,
anti-semitism is setting in. It doesn't matter that Joseph has saved
the lives of countless thousands during the harsh famine, now there
must be a "Jewish plot" and we must take care of this "problem." Just
look how they are multiplying! We can't trust them. Let's put them to
servitude. (Ex1:9~) And when they keep multiplying, a new edict is
handed down. "Drown all male babies" of the Hebrews.
Satan has established his counterfeit religion; the "spirit of
antichrist." But, he is going to still continue making attempts to keep
the "Seed" from arriving. So, if all male children are killed, pretty
soon the race will be eliminated. The one flaw in his thinking was to
not have Pharaoh just off and slaughter all the people, because they
provided cheap labor. But the children of Israel are crying out to God.
(Ex3:7)
In the midst of this, one mother, by faith (Heb11:23) disobeyed
Pharaoh. And through a course of events, Moses was raised up and
educated right under Pharaoh's nose. (Like they say, the best place to
"hide" is right "in plain sight.")
Through a series of events, Egypt is destroyed. This instance of
Babylon is judged, as the ten plagues, each, scoffed at an Egyptian
deity. God shows His marvelous power and "outstretched arm" (Ex6:6)
through "signs and wonders" (De6:22) and brings Israel out of Egypt
through seemingly impossible odds.
Israel, as a nation has now become an "entity." Clearly, God's hand is
upon them. And He establishes some covenants. While there are many laws
and dictates regarding everyday living and society, there are some key
covenants and symbols which have dispensational significance.
First of all, circumcision, as instituted to Abraham, continues. It
remains a symbol of Faith to Israel. Anyone, even from other nations,
wanting to partake in God's covenants has their males circumcised.
(Ex12:44,48) They "become" Jewish.
The covenant regarding the promised "land" is remembered. (Ex6:4)
And then God institutes some new covenants. They can be categorized in
three segments; the Ark, the Law and the Feasts.
The one most important physical item to Israel was the "Ark of the
covenant." (Nu10:33) On the Ark was the "mercy seat." This was a
physical representation of God's "presence" in the midst of Israel. As
the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God,
merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and
truth," (Ex34:6)
Another most important thing was the "blood of the covenant." (Ex24:8)
As the writer of Hebrews states, "And according to the law almost all
things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is
no remission." (Heb9:22) Essentially all of God's covenants with Israel
were based upon the sacrificial animals and the collecting of the
blood. This blood would be used to sprinkle on the people, to cleanse
people and things. And once a year the High Priest would sprinkle blood
on the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant. (Heb9:7)
Remember earlier God had made a point of mentioning "blood" with regard
to eating meat. And of shedding man's blood. That the "life is in the
blood." He reiterates this, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood,
and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your
souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."
(Lev17:11) Remember how God "breathed into [Adam's] nostrils the breath
of life" and he became a "living soul."(Gen2:7 -kjv) When man sinned,
the curse was "death." Until the "Seed" should come, the sacrifice, the
shedding of blood (life) would symbolize what the "Seed" would do when
He would give His own life, and shed His blood. (Rev1:5)
Then, God gives a complete set of instructions for living pleasing to
Him. Remember that the "generic" covenants essentially only cover how
the physical world and nature will function, and the value of life...
against murder. Otherwise, there are basically no rules for the rest of
the world. And yet, everywhere man turned, his rebellion against God
was called "wickedness" and "iniquity"(Gen6:5,15:16) Based on what?
Some sort of "intangible" things of the "conscience."(Rom2:15)
So, the Law is given. The "Ten Commandments" as well as a whole host of
rules and regulations for just about all areas of life. And we will
find that Israel is not capable of keeping them. As Paul would write,
in hindsight, the Law was given to show sin to be sinful. (Rom3:20) Sin
was in the world prior to this, but it was not imputed (Rom5:13)
because there was no standard (or gauge) by which to judge it. And
although God is "abounding in mercy" without a gauge to illustrate just
"how sinful" sin is, His grace is meaningless. (Rom5:20) Modern
theology wants to have God's grace, without a sinful man. they go
around saying "grace, grace, graaaeeeeesssss!" all-the-while, telling
everybody that they are "worth so much" to God and that God doesn't
really expect them to change...that that's what "grace" is. But the
true measure of God's grace comes about when the full extent of sin is
understood. The realization of "just how far away from" God the person
is, to then, understand "how far" God reached down to redeem us. Thus,
the Law was given.
In addition, finally, are the annual Feasts. In the feasts is contained
a keyed puzzle to the rest of history; ..to God's redemptive plan.
Please see also:
Feast of Ingathering &
The Next Feast of Israel
Every year Israel celebrated these feasts. they were divided into three
groups. In the spring of the year was Passover, which included
Passover, Unleavened Bread and Firstfruits; signifying the work of the
"Seed." The second trek was for Pentecost; the coming of the Holy
Spirit. And finally, the "Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year."
(Ex23:16) The "end of the year" signifying the "end of the age"
(Mt13:39,etc.) The gathering in prior to "Rest." The Church; then
Israel; then peace. Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles.
These covenants Israel lived with year in, year out. Not understanding
their significance..since Jesus had to explain it all to the disciples
after He had risen from the dead. "Then He opened their understanding
that they might comprehend the Scriptures." (Lk24:45)
But, we're not finished with Israel yet. After many ups and downs,
around 1000 BC, along comes David whom God chooses to lead Israel.
David is significant, not only because he establishes Israel among the
nations and gives them credibility as a power to be reckoned with, but
he is also the person for the "Seed" to become better focused. We have
known for 3000 years that there was to be "a" seed. And for 1000 years,
we know the nationality. Now we have a specific lineage "name" to
attach to Him. Another covenant...
The "Davidic Covenant." God says, "My covenant I will not break..I will
not lie to David: his seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the
sun before Me.."(Ps89:34-36) "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a
Son is given..of the increase of His government and peace there will be
no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and
establish it with judgment and justice..the zeal of the LORD of hosts
will perform this." (~Is9:6-7)
OK. Now we know "where" the "Seed" is to come from. So, the strategy
becomes focused. We have the Babylon conterfeits in place. Now we need
to focus on two areas. We know that a group of people will follow their
leader. So, the kingly line of Israel (Judah) became corrupt
throughout many generations. And, if the king is corrupt, then #2
naturally follows; the whole nation will become corrupt, and can be
enticed into the Babylon system, to worship the pagan gods of the
surrounding nations. Eventually, they become weak and are captured.
Once in captivity, it is easy to plot a total anihilation of the race.
(Esther) There can be plots to kill all the royal heir, etc. And once
the "Seed" is born, after the nation is back in the land of promise, an
angry king can be called upon to kill all babies under 2yrs old.
(Mt2:16-18)
We'll cover the work of the "Seed" next section. But, we find that
Israel, although being "the" nation through whom the "Seed" came, they
rejected Him. "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."
(Jn1:11) When the Holy Spirit came, they rejected Him. Throughout their
history God desired fellowship. He desired, "Oh that they had such a
heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My
commandments, that it might be well with them..." (De5:29) But as
Stephen preached as he was about to be martyred, "You stiff-necked and
uncircumcised IN HEART and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit.."
(Acts7:51) And so, in keeping with "the curse" ..."But it shall come to
pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe
carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you
today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake
you:"(Du28:15) ...and the rest of the chapter lists all the things
which came upon Israel. And ultimately, in 70 AD, the Romans came and
finished the job of "scatter[ing] them like stubble that passes away by
the wind...this is your lot, the portion of your measures from Me,"
says the LORD. (Jer13:24-25)
Now...according to Jesus' words, the period of "Law" ended when John
the Baptist was on the scene. (Mt11:13,Lk16:16) And the work of Jesus
on the cross brought an end to the curse of the Law. "For Christ is the
end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (Rom10:4)
If only Israel would have received Him! The eternal plan has been
fulfilled. The "Seed" came and died. They, as a nation, have fulfilled
their purpose, and now could have been enjoying "rest." (Heb3) But they
are scattered. And will be for nearly 2000 years. Things seem hopeless
for Israel.
But Paul writes, "..have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly
not! ...so all Israel will be saved.." (Rom11:11,26) Because God says
to them, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with
lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall
be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel!" (Jer31:3-4)
God promises a "new covenant" with Israel. (Jer31:31) Not like the old
one. But rather than a covenant of physical law, the new covenant will
be written on their hearts.
"In those days" there will not be an ark. "It shall not come to mind."
(Jer3:16) They will not need the ark, because Messiah, Himself, will be
ruling, as "Jerusalem shall be called "The Throne of the LORD." (vs17)
The fact that they are still looking for the ark, and some think they
know where it is, means they don't yet know the Lord. But when "Wrath"
is over, and they have recognized their Messiah with "mourning" as they
"look on [Him] whom they have pierced"(Zec12:10) God will draw them to
Himself as He says, "I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals,
and they shall be remembered by their name no more. In that day...I
will betroth you to Me forever..in righteousness and justice, in
lovingkindness and mercy...and you shall know the LORD." (Hos2:17-20)
God's promises to Israel He certifies to them. Just as sure as His
"covenants" about the sun rising and setting each day, so sure is His
covenant about the Seed ruling on David's throne. (Jer33:21) If during
"this" heaven and earth the seasons should not come and go in their
time, then His covenant to restore Israel is also false. (33:24-26)
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with
the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.
Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give
birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red
dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his
heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to
the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give
birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male
Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was
caught up to God and His throne. (Rev12:1-5)
In this passage we have the complete story of Israel and the Seed, that
we have been talking about, in one concise paragraph. The "woman" is
obviously "Israel." Remember Joseph's dream? (Gen37:9) The "male Child"
she bore is obviously the Messiah "who was to rule all nations" (Is9:7,
Ps2) And then Babylon-dragon. The 10 horns representing the world
government system; the seven diadems the religious system; and the
"third of the stars", the fallen angels (demons). Do you see satan's
purpose to keep the Seed from arriving? But He does, does His work and
is now "seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
heavens." (Heb8:1)
On one occasion Paul was speaking to a gathering of Babylon's "generic
covenant" people on the "Hill of Ares", one of their Ziggurat deities.
(Acts17:22) In their ignorance they worshipped all sorts of various
deities, and just in case they were missing anybody, they had an
inscription "To the unknown God." Paul proclaims "God Most High" to
them. He does not approach them from the Jewish perspective of knowing
Jehovah, "I AM" (Ex3:14-15) but from a pre-Abrahamic perspective. They
only know about the "generic" post-diluvian covenants. He reasons with
them how, although they are worshipping their babylon system, that God
"the Creator"(vs24) has left witness of Himself and has been providing
for them. But that in ignorance they have been worshipping idols.
(vs29-30) OK...those are the "generic covenant" people.
Also, there is the group that has been experiencing a knowledge of
God's standards. They are not in "ignorance" as the generic people are.
And yet, they, too, have not been able to measure up to God's standards
of righteousness. They had been breaking the law. (Rom2:21~) Because
the "carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the
law of God, nor indeed can be..those who are in the flesh cannot please
God." (Rom8:7-8)
Both groups have failed. So, "when the fullness of the time had come,
God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.."(Gal4:4)
There have been many different covenants, and prophets proclaiming
God's will. Now, the covenant was His Own Son, in person. And, in that
Jesus is a physical representation of God, we could say that the "Seed"
so long predicted, was God Himself. (Heb1:1-3)
Jesus "had to be" born as a "Jew." Under the Law. Under the standard
(gauge) of God's perfection. Remember, before the Law came, man did not
have a detailed accounting of "what" was good or evil. If the
substitutionary sacrifice is to be considered "blameless" He must come
within this perfect system, which other men were not able to fulfill.
When He was born, everything was "performed..according to the law of
the Lord." (Lk2:39) When He was tempted to sin, He was "without sin."
(Heb4:15) And when it was time for Him to be offered as the Passover
Lamb, He came to Jerusalem and was at the temple every day Passover
week, to be on display, as the Passover lambs were set aside to make
sure they had no blemishes. (Mt21, Ex12:3-6, Lk19:29-20:19) And then,
in His crucifixion, everything was done "that the Scriptures might be
fulfilled.."(Jn19:24) And when He had finished His work it says,
"Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished..." and then
after receiving the sour wine, He said, "It is finished! And bowing His
head, He gave up His spirit." (Jn19:28-30)
What was "FINISHED?"
"..redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins..that in the
dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in
one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on
earth--in Him." (Eph1:7,10)
Jesus did not die on the cross "just" to redeem man, but also to crush
satan. Remember way back in the beginning? The woman's "seed" satan
would "bruise His heel" but He would "bruise [satan's] head." (Gen3:15)
The rulers didn't know what they were doing (1Cor2:8), but Satan, who
had power over death (Heb2:14) probably thought he had succeeded in
eliminating the "Seed." But when Jesus died, He destroyed satan. And
when he rose from the dead, He destroyed death. (Rom6:5,1Cor15:54-57)
This "body of death" (Rom7:24) was transformed to be "incorruptible."
(1Cor15:53) And for the Believer, it is "reserved in heaven." (1Pt1:4)
Remember how Adam and Eve ran from God? And, even though they had the
Law and the covenants, Israel was continually running away from God.
But "you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of
Christ." (Eph2:13) The fellowship which God desires, which was broken
at Eden...the whole progression of getting the "Seed" into the
picture...the purpose of the "Seed" was to restore that broken
fellowship.
In the "fullness of times" this happened. God's total plan became
fulfilled...and "then" Christ came. Man was shown to be totally
incapable of keeping any promises (covenants) with God. Remember, at
the beginning we said these covenants are "one-sided." God makes the
promise; God keeps the promise. And when it was demonstrated "fully"
that man was totally incapable, "at the right time Christ died for the
ungodly." (Rom5:6)
For those who are part of Babylon and the "generic" world covenants,
God says, "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now
commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts17:30)
To the Jews, who were under the covenant of Law, but were failing
miserably, God says, "Cast away from you all the transgressions which
you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
For why should you die, O house of Israel? (Ez18:31)
The 4000-year promise is now fulfilled. The "Seed" has come. We now
know what it was that God had promised back in Eden. Redemption is
past tense. It is no longer a mystery.
Now what?
As mankind under two different simultaneously running covenants was not
able to follow God successfully prior to the work of the "Seed"
...maybe they would think, "that's an intangible concept...a sacrifice
for something that is GOING TO HAPPEN will make me righteous NOW?"
Well, now Christ has died and risen. Now let's see what man will do
with God's new covenant.
At the Last Supper Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in My
blood, which is shed for you."(Lk22:20) Remember how He had said "The
law and the prophets were until John."(Lk16:16) In other words, God was
proclaiming, those covenants are now finished, and here's a new one.
What is the nature of the new covenant? What are some of its
characteristics? Jesus was preaching the "kingdom of heaven."
(Mt5:19,7:21,etc.) Israel and the Law was based on earthly concepts and
the "land" given to Abraham. Jesus' "kingdom" was "not of this world."
(Jn18:36) And in this is a distinct contrast to typical "covenant
theology" adherents. They are busy trying to establish an "earthly"
kingdom on behalf of Christ. While it is true, and in the last section
we shall see, that Jesus will rule on the earth on David's throne, His
"kingdom" is a HEAVENLY kingdom.
In addition, before the cross, there was a barrier between God and man;
sin. (Is59:2) But since the cross, we now have bold access to the
"throne of grace." (Heb4:16) Jesus said, "No longer do I call you
servants...but I have called you friends."(Jn15:15) When Jesus cried
out, "It is finished" (Jn19:30) another accomplishment was the "unity"
about which He prayed to the Father in John 17. It would now be a new
relationship between God and man. For the one who was "justified by
faith in Christ" (Gal2:16) we are now "in Christ" (2Cor5:17) and it is
"Christ in you" (Col1:27) as the believer now has "been crucified with
Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the
[life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal2:20) Thus, many Christians
speak of a "personal relationship" with Jesus Christ.
The "agent" of this relationship is the Holy Spirit. Where there always
used to be a kind of "ambiguity" about righteousness or wickedness and
one's standing with God, now there is "certainty" because "the Spirit
Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
(Rom8:16) And, if a person doesn't have the Spirit of God, he is not
His child. (vs9) Simple as that.
And thus, Jesus' words begin to have meaning, "The kingdom of God does
not come with observation; nor will thay say, 'See here!' or 'See
there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Lk17:20-21)
Note this paragraph well, because it will be "key" to the "Church" age.
But, let's back up just a bit; back to Israel.
God had chosen Abraham to make a nation for His glory and for
fellowship. As a nation, He viewed them as the "apple of His eye."
(De32:10) But they crucified Him.
After Jesus was crucified, God is still working with Israel. The Holy
Spirit Who is the defining characteristic of the Church came precisely
at Pentecost, the "middle" Jewish annual feast. (Acts2:1) The apostles
and the early converts (by the thousands) in Acts were all "Jews."
Initially, the Church is intended to be a continuation of God's working
in the world through Israel. Remember, God had covenanted with Abraham,
"In you all families of the world shall be blest." (Gen12:3) While that
referred to the "Seed", Israel was placed where they were to be a
"blessing" to the nations. (Zec8:13)
But as the early Church begins, the Jewish rulers persecute them
because they are rejecting the "resurrection" of Christ (Acts4:2) Whom
they had crucified. And as they are ready to martyr Stephen, he lays it
out before them, "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears!
You always resist the Holy Spirit." (Acts7:51) The one thing that Jesus
said would not receive forgiveness was a rejection of the Holy Spirit.
(Mt12:31-32,Mk3:29,Lk12:10) And ultimately Paul would declare, "..the
salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear."
(Acts28:28) And in 70AD, Israel ceased to be a nation at the hands of
Rome, as they have been in exile until 1948.
However, while the official declaration is that things have moved from
Israel "to the Gentiles", faith in Christ is now an "individual" thing.
The Church is no longer a national or genetic entity. Although Israel,
nationally, was put on the "back burner" for a while, both Jews and
Gentiles have been "reconcil[ed]..to God in one body through the
cross."(Eph2:16)
Now, satan must develope a new strategy. The "gates of hell" have been
attempting to "prevail" against the Church. (Mt16:18) There are now two
fronts against which to fight against God. While Israel is now
scattered, the promise is that they will be restored. (Rom11:26) So,
his aim against them is extermination. Nothing more he can do. The
"Seed" came. So that battle continues.
But now there is a new group that needs dealing with. The "rest of the
offspring" of the "woman" who "have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
(Rev12:17) When Israel came on the scene, he already had Babylon's
counterfeits in place with the ritual sacrifices, etc. But now, the
Church is not offering sacrifices. The relationship between the
Believer and God is "personal." So, two strategies are developed. One
is out-n-out persecution. These Christians are meeting in homes and
forests. They are followed, hounded, tortured, killed. As Jesus
promised would happen. (Jn16:33,15:18-21)
The other, again, is a new counterfeit. The world emperor "becomes a
christian." And now, Babylon is adapted most cleverly. All the old
pagan deities and rituals now receive "christian" labels. The female
deity and child now are named "Mary and Jesus." The Lord's Supper
receives pagan "modifications." And it's called "christian." After many
years of this, another clever scheme is concocted. It is recognized by
some that this "church" is not Scriptural, so a "reformation" happens.
Trouble is, the reformation is no more "Christian" than the entity it
is supposedly "reforming." Its leader ultimately persecutes Jews and
Christians, too. And there become various factions (Catholic,
Protestant, Orthodox, Church of England, etc.) of this religion of
Babylon, all fighting each other...labelled the "church."
In the mean time, the True Church of Jesus Christ is existing separate
from all the hoopla. Remember above? "The kingdom of God is in you."
While all the "visible" cathedrals and buildings are displayed all over
the place, the True Believers exist in a state of "not with
observation."
Now, for everything, the big "hoopla church" has appeared to be the
real thing. And so, as they are "falling" into apostasy, they fulfill
what was prophesied for the end times as they "give heed to deceiving
spirits and doctrines of demons." (1Tm4:1) But John assures us that the
fact they "went out" means that they never were "of us" in the first
place and so, their falling away proves what they really were all
along. (1Jn2:19)
But to those whom Jesus called His "friends" (Jn15:14) He made a
promise. He left for awhile to "prepare a place" with the promise that
He would "come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there
you may be also." (Jn14:3) This is the event often called the
"Rapture." The Rapture will not be for the "hoopla church." They are
busy scoffing in their apostasy that they are "blessed" to be going
through God's Wrath (next section), poking fun at the few who in faith
are "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great
God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Tit2:13) But the True Church of Jesus
Christ is busy "walk[ing] just as He walked"(1Jn2:6) and will follow in
the footsteps of Enoch who "walked with God and was not, for God took
him" (Gen5:24) who had the testimony "that he pleased God." (Heb11:5)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
(Rom1:18)
For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous
man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ
and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these
things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Eph5:5-6)
Six periods have passed, and it is about time for the seventh, and
final, period of "rest." Of the new heavens and earth it is said, "But
there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an
abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book
of Life." (Rev21:27) That speaks of the future, where the old will no
longer be remembered. (Is65:17) The seventh period is one in which the
"Seed" rules, on "this" earth. He will rule "with judgment and
justice" (Is9:7) and in "righteousness, and princes will rule with
justice."(32:1) The earth will experience peace. In order for this to
be the case, some "house cleaning" needs to be done on the earth. How
can the "Seed" rule with continual competition from His arch-enemy the
"serpent?" And if He is to rule over the people of the seed-covenant,
their rebellion must be purged, as well.
Three entities need to be dealt with. 1) Serpent, 2) world which is
still under the post-diluvian "generic" covenant and has became
Babylon, and 3) Israel. These three entities have been in rebellion.
The "Church" is not here. They have been "walking with God" (Gen5:24)
and "have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev12:17) and had their sins
washed "in His own blood."(1:5) Because they are "worthy."
(Lk20:35,21:36,Rev3:4) Remember, the Scriptural "Church" is not that
"hoopla organization." But it is the group of "individuals" scattered
here and there throughout the world who are "In Christ." (2Cor5:17)
And so "war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against
the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not
prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the
great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and
Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his
angels were cast out with him."(Rev12:7-9)
Some of the time of devastation on earth during the time of wrath is
going to come from the serpent (dragon). It says "Woe to the
inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to
you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short
time."(vs12) Short time for, or until, what? "Then I saw an angel
coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a
great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of
old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a
seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the
thousand years were finished..."(20:1-3) This is temporary confinement,
along with those judged from the pre-diluvian period (2Pt2:4-5) who had
left their spirit domain to become like, or indwell,
humans. (Jude6) They are there,
"reserved for judgment."(2Pt2:4b) That judgment is yet future. But at
least "now", humanity can have a "level playing field" (so-to-speak)
with God.
And then, Babylon must be dealt with. While the serpent enticed
mankind, mankind was a willing subject. In over 4000 years this system
has become quite sophisticated. Governments, religion, and secret
societies behind these things. Everything in life is permeated with
evil; sex, occult, pagan worship of idols. As depicted in a Star Trek
rerun recently, a particular society didn't have any deities, and they
were about to make him "The Picard" because they saw the transporters
make people disappear, etc. (Technological advancements) And he was
adamant that humanity in its evolution had finally "gotten rid of" the
notion of any "supernatural being." That having done so was a "good
thing." And just as only Jean Luc can do, his whole being was dead-set
resolute that "There is Not to Be a god" for this culture they were
visiting; they would not allow this same "error" to become part of
their culture! While he did the right thing in persuading the culture
that "he" was not a deity, he did not recognize the True one and only
God Most High, creator of the universe.(Gen1:1,Acts17:24)
As Babylon is about to fall, the indictment against her is that she
"has become the habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit,
and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have
drunk the wine of the wrath of her fornication." (Rev18:2-3) Just as
she had rendered, it will be given back double. For the pleasure she
has had, give her torment and sorrow."(vs7)
Babylon has had ONE "conditional covenant" from God which she has been
breaking; regarding "murder." (Gen9:6) Only "ONE" covenant, and she's
militantly rebelling against it. Think about the very worst kind of
murder there is. To murder people who, as a result, cannot come to an
age of accountability to choose for themselves to receive or reject
God. Abortion. As we have studied elsewhere, a baby born of
unregenerate parents ("conceived" in sin -Ps51:5) does not have the
"holy" protection until that age, but is "unclean." (1Cor7:14) The
indictment against her is the "pleasure she has had" ...the choice to
have "free sex" and not suffer the consequences of the "inconvenience"
of a baby. And today's society, more than any other, MILITANTLY
INSISTS on their "RIGHT to MURDER" these helpless babies! While they
refuse to "train up" [their "living" children] in Godly fear (Pr22:6)
intoning the excuse, "We'll let them decide what they want" ...for
these poor helpless souls, they are MAKING the DECISION [for] them...
UNTO DAMNATION!!
Remember also that Babel started as a worship system. A world religion.
And when she falls, the whole world will be affected. As one reads ch18
we see that the world economy is going to be affected worst. But it
will also involve music and the arts. (vs22) Every aspect of life.
What will be the nature of her fall? How will she fall? We are not
told. The parts of Jeremiah 50-51 dealing with the future may give
clues. But we do know it will be catastrophic. Over 4000 years of
development (rebellion) wiped out "in one day."(vs8)
Remember how Babel was a religion of being "united." That's what we see
today. Another voice from heaven said, "Come out of her, my people,
lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues."(vs4)
And then, Israel. Babylon and her author, the serpent, have been dealt
with. Now, the entity which God had chosen out of Babylon, but which
was corrupted by Babylon, needs to be "cleaned up" to be back in good
standing with God.
This period of "Wrath" is designed specifically around Israel. Babylon
only had the "generic" post-diluvian covenants, so their judgment was
cataclysmic, as though God was taking this huge fire torch; torches
them and sweeps away the debris. But Israel is God's own special
people. The "apple of His eye."(De32:10) God "determined" seventy weeks
for Israel from the time of Daniel's prophecy. The purpose for that
determination was "to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins,
to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting
righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most
Holy." (Dan9:24)
Out of those 70 weeks, 69 have been fulfilled up to the time of the
crucifixion, when "Messiah [was] cut off [killed]."(vs26) And then
Israel has been scattered. The "people of the prince who is to come"
(Rome) destroyed Jerusalem, and it has been in "desolations." (vs26)
But as the time has been approaching, "the remnant of His brethren
shall return to the children of Israel..and He shall feed His
flock."(Mic5:3-4) As Jesus foretold, "He shall send His angels with a
great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from
the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Mt24:31) where
they had been scattered. (Jer13:24,18:17)
The O.T. speaks often of "in that day." "Alas! For that day is great,
so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob's trouble, but he
shall be saved out of it." (Jer30:7) Jesus said of that day, "unless
those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's
sake those days will be shortened." (Mt24:22)
Let's clear up two falsities that are flying around recently. First of
all, when Scripture speaks of seven years (70th "week")(Dan9:27) or of
three and a half years (Rev12:14), this word "shortened" does not mean
that the seven years will not be seven years, or that the three and a
half years will be less than that time. It means that for all the
thousands of years of rebellion for which wrath is being poured out,
God is limiting His judgments to only seven, and three and a half years.
If this time was any longer than that, the whole world's population
would be decimated. And the other point is "who" the "elect" are. This
is NOT the "hoopla church." (They are judged as part of Babylon.) It is
Israel. Remember back in this series how God chose Abram "out of
Babylon" to make a special chosen nation. And God speaks of Israel as
His "elect." (Is45:4,65:9,22)
Why is Israel being judged? To bring an end to her sins. (Dan9:24) She
was scattered first of all for idolatry. (Ez6:5) And then, for
rejecting the Holy Spirit. (Acts28:28,7:51,Mt3:29,Heb10:26-30) As God
had said, "your affliction is incurable, your wound is severe."
(Jer30:12) Here, Israel "knew" what God's law was, but they rejected
Him. Thus, Jesus said that from the "blood of righteous Abel to the
blood of Zechariah..whom you murdered...assuredly, I say to you, all
these things will come upon this generation." (Mt23: 35-36) And as
Jesus was "in the balances" before Pilate, Israel shouted out, "His
blood be on us and on our children." (Mt27:25) If only they had known
what they were saying that day!! God granted their wish!
This time of wrath judges Bablyon. It also judges the "nations where I
have scattered [Israel]." (Jer30:11) And while they have been so
rebellious, God promises, "yet I will not make a complete end of you.
But I will correct you in justice, and will not let you go altogether
unpunished...because the children of Israel and the children of Judah
have done only evil before Me from their youth. For the children of
Israel have provoked Me only to anger with the work of their hands"
says the Lord. (Jer32:30) This wrath is to "spank Israel's bottom."
This time is so horrific that Malachi says, "But who can endure the day
of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? ..He will sit as a
refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and
purge them as gold and silver." For what purpose? "That they may offer
to the LORD an offering in righteousness." (Mal3:3) And once that is
done, the offerings which God had "despised" (Amos5:21), now in their
purity "will be pleasant to the LORD."(vs4)
Israel will "loathe [themselves] because of the evils [they] have
committed."(Ez20:43) And as Christ returns, they will "look on Me whom
they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only
son.."(Zec12:10)
Do we understand why the "Church" will NOT be going through this time?
That which calls itself the "church" ...the apostates from Babylon,
have quite a campaign in these last days to deceive, telling anybody
with the label "C/christian" that the "church" will be going through
this time of "purification." However, the "church" they speak of is NOT
the True Church of Jesus Christ. It is Babylon's counterfeit. The True
Church is made up of "individuals" who are "In Christ" due to having
been washed in Jesus' blood. We have "fellowship" with Christ.
(1Jn1:6) We are His "friends" (Jn15:14) we are the "righteousness of
God in Him (2Cor5:21) and as such He has "not appointed us to wrath"
(1Ths5:9) because we are "worthy." (Lk21:36) It is our charactristic
that we "walk with God" and so like Enoch prior to the flood, Christ
will come to "receive us to" himself. (Jn14:3) The time of Wrath is for
those who have been in rebellion against God. (Rom1:18) "To finish the
transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for
iniquity.." (Dan9:24) By definition, that is NOT the "Church."
Q/A -Tribulation vs Wrath... or 70th Week? -
Extra Thoughts regarding 'Wrath'
And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this
world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He
shall reign forever and ever!" (Rev11:15)
"Men of Galilee [Israel], ..this Jesus, who was taken up from you into
heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
(Acts1:11) "Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those
nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet
will stand on the Mount of Olives..." (Zec14:3-4)
God has confined Satan, judged the nations, disciplined Israel; and now
Messiah comes to reign. TBN is not sitting at the Mt.of Olives with
their TV cameras, as Pat Robertson and Promise Keepers are all gathered
around, to "give the kingdom" to Jesus!! No, not hardly!!! Messiah has
been doing some "house cleaning" and gotten rid of all this filthiness
and sin. He has just been waging war, and is now coming to claim His
conquest in "power and great glory." (Mt24:30) He is coming to reign
"upon the throne of David and over His kingdom."(Is9:7) The "Davidic
covenant" will thus be fulfilled.
His process of setting up His kingdom will be the "sheep and goat"
judgments. (Mt25) Remember, this kingdom is over Israel, and the rest
of the nations will be streaming to Jerusalem to pay homage to the
King. (Zec14:16) The name "Israel" (God prevails) will be fully
understood by all the nations, as they "[say] to Zion, 'your God
reigns'."(Is52:7) The nations will be judged in accordance with their
treatment of Israel throughout the years. (Presently, this is about
USA's "ONLY" redeeming factor!)
And then, Messiah will begin the healing process with Israel. They will
have "acknowledg[ed] their offense. They will seek My face; in their
affliction they will diligently seek Me. Come, and let us return to the
LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He
will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He
will raise us up, that we may live in His sight. Let us know, let us
pursue the knowledge of the LORD." (Hos5:15-6:3) Israel has been
"stricken" for 2000 years (2 days). Then, He will raise them up.
"Therefore, behold I will allure her, will bring her into the
wilderness, and speak comfort to her. I will betroth you to Me in
righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth
you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord."(Hos2:14,18-20)
And a new covenant will be established with Israel. Not a covenant of
Law, but a covenant in their hearts. God will write His law into their
heart. They will not need instruction to "know the Lord" because with
this heart relationship "I will be their God, and they shall be My
people." (Jer31:33) "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them,
that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear
in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me...I will cleanse
them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and
I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by
which they have transgressed against Me." (Jer32:40,33:8)
This "kingdom" will be characterized by judgement, justice and peace.
(Is9:7) There will be no more idolatry. (Hos2:17) The animal realm will
be at peace (vs18) as the lion, even, will "eat straw like the ox."
(Is11:7,65:25) Implements of war will be made into agricultural tools.
(Is2:4,Joel3:10) and "neither shall they learn war anymore. (Mic4:3)
And people will, again, live a long time. (Is65:20)
Messiah's rule will be absolute, "with a rod of iron." (Rev19:15) And
the nations will stream to Jerusalem to learn of Him. (Is2:3,Mic4:2)
Who will be Messiah's deputies? "If we endure, we shall also reign with
Him." (2Tm2:12) Blessed and holy [is] he who has part in the first
resurrection...they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall
reign with Him a thousand years. (Rev20:6) Is this, perhaps, part of
the "good and faithful servant" scenario? (Mt25:21,23,Lk19:17,19) It
is, for certain, the "saints" who come with Him. (Dan7:18,Zec14:5)
But, in the end, again, it will be shown that man, alone, does not
follow God. There will be peace for 1000 years, and people will follow
Messiah...until Satan is released. He will again deceive the nations.
They will, again, surround Israel. And God isn't going to waste any
time with them this time, but will burn them up in short order.
(Rev20:7-9)
As we said when we began this series, many, many details have been left
out. It is simply not possible to speak of everything without making
this into a full-blown seminary course. There are so many more things
that could be said about each section; why, Israel, alone, could be a
complete topic unto itself; not to mention the whole area of Law and
Grace.. "For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ." (Jn1:17) But we have seen here a little sketch
of this heaven and earth's history. A simple look at 7000 years and
God's workings, condensed into a short little series, to help us see
God's plan as one complete "whole."
However, "this" heaven and earth do have an end. And there are several
judgments that come during that process. With prophecy it is often
difficult to know exactly "when" certain things happen. So, let's lump
together, here, a few final judgments. Some, no doubt, happen during
"Wrath." But others, after the Peaceful Millenium of Messiah's rule.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to
them." (Rev20:4) Who is "them" here? Does this include Believers
"judging angels?" (1Cor6:3) Perhaps this is where the hoopla-pretend
"christians" will "worship before your feet, and to know that I have
loved you." (Rev3:9)..??
There is the final judgment of the devil. He will be "cast into the
lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are."
(Rev20:10) And their torment is "day and night forever and ever."
The "Great White Throne" is the final judgment of unbelievers. Anyone
who has ever lived on the earth will be rousted up to "stand before
God." (Rev20:12) They will be judged according to their deeds, as
found in the "books." The most important book of all is the "Book of
Life." Anyone not found in that book shares the same fate as Satan. The
Lake of Fire was prepared for "the devil and his angels."(Mt25:41) It
was not God's intent for man to go there. But man sinned. The "wages of
sin is death" (Rom6:23) "as it is appointed for men to die once, but
after this the judgment."(Heb9:27) This is "that" judgment! This
torment will be "in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence
of the Lamb." (Rev14:10) "And they shall go forth and look upon the
corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm
does not die, and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an
abhorrence to all flesh." (Is66:24)
And then, one final judgment. Genesis 2:4 records,
"This is the history
of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that
the LORD God made the earth and the heavens." "Now" that history is
ended.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which
the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will
melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it
will be burned up." (2Pt3:10)
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away...Then, I, John, saw the holy city, New
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband." (Rev21:1-2) And John records in the next two
chapters a picture of fellowship with God. Tears being wiped away. The
absence of anything evil. (21:8,27)
While we are still in this life on this heaven and earth, Peter
admonishes, "what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and
godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God...we,
according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which
righteousness dwells." (~2Pt3:11-13)
But let us not forget, "The Lord is not slack (delaying) concering His
promise...but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should
perish but that all should come to repentance." (2Pt3:9) But His
"longsuffering" patience is not forever. There will come a time when He
says, "thus far, and no further." "He who is unjust, let him be unjust
still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous,
let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And
behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every
one according to his work." (Rev22:11-12)
Just as Jesus invited, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest" (Mt11:28) and God is always calling out to
sinful man, "Adam, where are you?" The True Church of Jesus Christ
(Spirit and bride) invites, "Come! ..and let him who thirsts come. And
whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely...Come to the
waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat...without money
and without price...Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him
while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD, and He will have mercy on
him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
(Rev22:17,Is55:1,6-7)
Amen!
Label/characteristic Ending Judgement
1) Gen 1:1 -Perfection/Innocence --cast out of Eden
2) 4000 BC -Conscience --flood
3) 2400 BC -Government/Religion --languages confused
4) 2100 BC -Promise --slavery/10 plagues
5) 1400 BC -Israel/Redemption --dispersion
-(Crucifixion)
6) 30 AD -Church --rapture
-(Wrath 7 yrs)
7) 2000 AD -Peace/Rest --burned up
Please notice, that while they don't qualify as "periods of time" in
the same way the Covenant Dispensations do, the Crucifixion and Wrath
are primary events, garnering attention to themselves as "bookmarks" in
the pages of history. Both of them being related to "all" of history,
albeit, occuring during specific times. As such, they will each receive
individual treatment in this series, also.
Biblical Timeline: Adam-Seth-Noah-Israel-Church
Perfection & Innocence:
-Creation (~4000 BC)
Conscience:
-Holy Spirit (~4000-2400 BC)
Government/Religion:
-Babylon, spirit of antichrist (~2400 BC-2000 AD)
Promise:
-Abraham (~2100-1400 BC)
Law:
-Israel & redemption (1400BC -30AD)
Crucifixion:
-the Seed fulfilled (30-33AD)
Church:
-Holy Spirit (~33-2000 AD)
Wrath:
-Babylon destroyed (7 yrs)
Peace & Rest:
-Christ rules (~2000-3000 AD)
The End:
-final judgments (~3000 AD)