God gave believers instructions for the day of his wrath, and then he made a way to show them why it is important to follow his instructions: Judah's captivity is a pattern for our edification. Judah was approaching the time of her captivity, and it was a time of great confusion. She received instructions, and those who obeyed them, benefited. God's people were warned that captivity would come upon them when they had corrupted themselves, and when they had forsaken God's word (Deuteronomy 28:41; Isaiah 22:17). Bringing the captivity upon Judah was not only a way for God to cleanse the temple, but it was God's way of generating end time understanding. Like Judah, believers today have perverted their ways and they have forsaken God's word. According to prophecy, during end times God will cause the world to experience his mighty hand of correction. God required Judah's captivity, because God required believers to have pattens to study. Judah's captivity will cause believers to understand end times, and it will especially help them to understand the importance of following God's instructions (Ecclesiastes 3:15).
Jeremiah was hand picked by God to prepare Judah for the captivity, but his message fell on deaf ears. “Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? Saith the Lord (Jeremiah 35:13).” God could have delivered his instructions through many prophets, however he chose to use Jeremiah and raise up a single voice of instruction in Jerusalem. This was confusing for the people. Judah didn’t know whether or not God was operating through Jeremiah. Jeremiah was insulting the temple and the people of God, when he prophesied unto them saying that they should turn from their evil ways, or else God would bring curses upon them, and punish them. Yet they were the people of God, and they were more godly than the people around them (Jeremiah 26:2-8).
“Ah, Lord God! Behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them (Jeremiah 14:13-14).” Human nature had assessed Jeremiah to be the one that was mistaken, and out of step with the Lord. All of Judah's priests and prophets sided together against Jeremiah. “Prophesy not in the name of the Lord, that thou die not by our hand (Jeremiah 11:21).” “The kings of earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem (Lamentations 4:12).”
Jeremiah sat alone. “Behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee (Jeremiah 1:18).”
Jeremiah’s principal instruction for priests and prophets was to study the words of the ancient prophets. “Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people… because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor my law, but rejected it (Jeremiah 6:19).” Obviously there were priests that did study the scriptures, however no man as able master Jeremiah’s instructions. God was calling on priests to prayerfully and faithfully study the scriptures and review his word, however they were refusing to obey God's voice of instruction, because it was coming unto them through the voice of a single messenger. They ignored Jeremiah, and continued to remain deceived by their own teachings. “I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear (Jeremiah 22:21).”
In order for the Lord to cause righteous priests to investigate the problem, Jeremiah was told to call the Rechabites into the house of the Lord, and set pots of wine before them. The Rechabites refused to drink the wine, for they explained that their father, Jonadab, had commanded them that they should never drink wine, and they kept his command. The Lord heard their speeches, then responded: “The words of Jonadab… are preformed… notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets… but you have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened… Therefore, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered (Jeremiah 35:14-17).” The upright attitudes of these priests, had exposed a problem: they were righteous in their own eyes, and they had quit listening to God. When God rises up to do a new thing, the priesthood will need to listen unto God's voice through his messengers, and through his prophets, and in addition they will need to spend time reviewing and studying the scriptures. The laws of religion will not deliver them in the day of the curse.
Everything about Judah’s experience is relevant to our times: We are situate in Judah’s shoes. No one is exempt from listening to, and following God's end time instructions. “Hear ye the word of the Lord… I am against thee… which say, Who shall come down against us? Or who shall enter into our habitations? But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings (Jeremiah 21:13-14).” The priests of Judah were not interested in Jeremiah's words. “This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction (Jeremiah 7:28).” Their rejection of Jeremiah's message traces back to their own lack of spending time in the scriptures (Jeremiah 5:31). God was instructing priests to review the scriptures for two reasons: the first was because priests needed to increase their understanding of the captivity, for they had no understanding of it, except that which they had learned from the mistaken teachings of their forefathers. And the second reason why priests were instructed to review the scriptures was because doing so would have allowed them to recognize the voice of the Lord through Jeremiah; for if they had reviewed the scriptures, then they would have known that Jeremiah's words were in perfect agreement with the ancient prophets.
“They hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear… therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee (Jeremiah 7:26-27).” It pleases God to use ordinary men as his voice, but if our ways are perverted, then instructions that come unto us from ordinary men, are offensive (Jeremiah 6:10). Don’t stumble over that stumbling block. “Obey my voice, and I will be your God… that it may be well unto you (Jeremiah 7:23).” God patiently waited for Judah to obey his voice: Jeremiah sounded his warnings throughout the city of Jerusalem for twenty three years before God made it official and declared that the captivity would come upon that generation (Jeremiah 25:3). If Judah's priests had listened unto God's voice through Jeremiah, and if they had studied the scriptures, then their captivity might have been delayed, and it might not have come upon their generation. Nevertheless Judah's captivity was a requirement, because not only did it fulfill scripture, but it was purposed to be a pattern for end time edification (Jeremiah 18:8).
“Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know… if ye can find a man, if there be any that… seeketh truth; and I will pardon it (Jeremiah 5:1).” Because no priest heeded Jeremiah's warning to search the scriptures, and because no priest had discovered the truth concerning the captivity, therefore Jeremiah's instructions took on a warning (Jeremiah 6:19). Jeremiah warned God's people that Babylon would rule over all nations, and that they would be required to serve the king of Babylon, or be punished (Jeremiah 27:8). He also informed Judah that if she obeyed the word of the Lord and served Babylon for seventy years, then she could stay in her own land while she was serving him. Jeremiah pled with the priests, and with the people, warning them that they should not be deceived by the lies which were being prophesied in the name of the Lord. Jeremiah boldly professed these instructions before all the people, wielding the righteous words, “Saith the Lord” (Jeremiah chapters 25-27). Judah served Babylon for three years, and then she turned and disobeyed God (2Kings 24:1).
Judah’s rebellion against Babylon caused believing priests to reexamine the words of the ancient prophets, where it is written: “It shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God… The Lord shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known (Deuteronomy 28:15, 28:36).” The priests which had reexamined the scriptures, humbled themselves, and they conformed their prayers to agree with the will of the Lord. “O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many, we have sinned against thee (Jeremiah 14:7).” But until the captivity actually materialized, these confused priests remained uncertain of what to believe, and they kept their thoughts quiet as they stood before the congregation (Isaiah 30:28).
This period of silence was a time of preparation. “He that believeth shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16).” Priests were given a chance to draw near, and they had time to reason with the Lord. They were given time to study the scriptures, and time prepare their congregations for the captivity (Isaiah 41:1). “Ye shall not go out with haste, nor by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward (Isaiah 52:12).” This is the pattern for our edification: today's priests are incrementally being fed the truths of newly revealed prophesy, which is how God is giving them time to study the scriptures. Keeping the major controversy silent is allowing time for priests to perfect their understandings of end times, and time for them to prepare their congregations to do God's will.
Seven years after Judah stopped serving Babylon, Babylon besieged Judah and carried her king away captive, and bound in fretters. This was the prophesied event which caused believing priests that had been preparing themselves and their congregations, to confess their newly acquired understandings of God's word to the congregation (Deuteronomy 28:36). These priests instructed their congregations to obey the voice of the Lord through Jeremiah. “Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live (Jeremiah 27:12).” Three months later, ten thousand Jewish believers went along with their newly appointed young king, out of the city and allowed themselves to be carried into captivity by the king of Babylon (2Kings 24:11-16). Their compliance to Jeremiah’s instructions had separated the obedient from the transgressors, in other words, the sheep from the goats.
Those that obeyed the instructions, were justified (James 2:24). “I have sent them out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. I will set mine eyes upon them for good… and I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people (Jeremiah 24:5-7).” “Of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity; Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence (Jeremiah 29:16-17).” The faith and obedience of the people that went forth, are patterns which suggest the righteousness of leaving the safe confines of religious understanding, in order to do God's will.
Instructions are for the purpose of causing believers to go in the direction of the Lord’s will. Everyone that ignores instruction is at risk of suffering the punishments of correction (Jeremiah 21:14). In Jeremiah's day, God turned his back upon every rebellious believer that did not follow his instructions, and he shut out their prayers (Jeremiah 7:14-15; Lamentations 3:8; 3:44). Their woes are recorded in the book of Lamentations. “He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned… He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces (from Lamentations 3:2-11).” “The Lord hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied (Lamentations 2:17).”
If priests will rise early and seek to verify the truths of the covenant message, then God will allow their places of worship to remain forever (Jeremiah 7:7). Study is a requirement: How else will they recognize the voice of the Lord? “Trust ye not in lying words (Jeremiah 7:4).” “Gird thee with sackcloth… make thee… most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us (Jeremiah 6:26).” The Lord will turn his back upon every priest that disregards this instructions (Jeremiah 7:15; 7:20). “A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and a howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard: for the Lord hath spoiled their pasture, and the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the Lord (Jeremiah 25:36-37).”
When Judah's captivity did materialize, Jeremiah stayed in Jerusalem to do whatever he could. There were others there that tried to help Jeremiah spread God's truths, but they were disrespected, and their words were disregarded. “Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them (Jeremiah 6:30).” Their troubles were according to their err. “I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way (Jeremiah 6:27).” It was a hostile environment. “I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon… Thou saidst, Fear not… Thou hast seen all their vengeance and all their imaginations against me… Render unto them a recompense, O Lord, according to the work of their hands. Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse unto them (Lamentations 3:55-66).” God will not forsake the righteous forever; when they return unto him, and repent, then he will be found of them. “I will punish all that oppress them (Jeremiah 30:20).” (for evidence of this read Jeremiah 30:15-17)
“The anger of the Lord hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favored not the elders (Lamentations 4:16).” “They mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy (2Chronicles 36:16).”
During end times, destruction is appointed against everyone that despises God's instructions. “If you will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation (Jeremiah 22:5).” “Destruction unto them! Because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me (Hosea 7:13).” “Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her. As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness… before me continually is grief and wounds. Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee (Jeremiah 6:6-8).”
“Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction (Jeremiah 4:6).” The riveting prophesies of the north are prophesies about the backslidden. “Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause my anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful (Jeremiah 3:12).” The backslidden are the God's weapons of indignation which he will bring forth to destroy whatever remains of religion. When the backslidden hear the message of the covenants, they will come against the places of worship that haven’t adopted God's truths. “As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 4:17).” “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war; for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms (Jeremiah 51:20).”
The backslidden will be very receptive to the message of the covenants (Jeremiah 31:8). “In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north (Jeremiah 3:18).” The parable name of, Judah, represents God's lawgivers, or, in other words, God's priests. Therefore this verse is signifying that there will be backslidden priests which will be learning the ways of the Lord, right along side of their backslidden congregations. “They shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, the Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of Israel out of the north (Jeremiah 23:7-8).”
“Evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction. I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about (Jeremiah 6:1-3).” Backslidden believers are going to make mistakes, and one of these mistakes is that they will be hostile towards religion's lies, therefore God has likened them unto a destroying mountain. “Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee (Jeremiah 51:25).” Instructions for the backslidden are very explicit: Acknowledge your iniquities, and that you too have transgressed against the Lord, and that you have not obeyed his word (Jeremiah 3:13). Every infuriated backslidden believers that doesn’t, or won’t do this, will suffer correction. “Lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts (Jeremiah 25:29).”
“Shall iron break the northern iron and steel (Jeremiah 15:12)?” Religion is God’s rod of iron, therefore, this verse is asking, Do you think that religion, with all of its strength and with all its might, can stop the northern prophesies from occurring? If Billy Graham himself were to stand up and appeal to the highest against the resurrection of the dead, God will not alter his plan: God’s word must be fulfilled. No one, and nothing, can stop end time prophesy from being fulfilled. There were priests in Jeremiah’s days who wanted to kill Jeremiah, because they wanted to silence his instructions. In essence, they were trying to silence God's voice, therefore God pronounced swift judgments against them (Jeremiah 11:22; 14:15; 20:6; 29:21; 28:16).
“Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow (Jeremiah 14:17).” This instruction is informing believers that they should pray for the things which are going to come upon God’s people. “Make thee bald… for they are gone into captivity from thee (Micah 1:16).” God’s people have adopted religion's rules, and they are trusting in laws of salvation which are not working: Religion's laws are responsible for causing believers to be offended at one another simply because of religious technicalities. It’s time for all of God's people to ask forgiveness for their own spiritual blindness, and it is time for them to forgive those persons that trespassed against them because of their religion. As messengers take the newly revealed truths of prophesy unto the people, some of the people will refuse to believe, and they will fight against God's word: Rebuke them in love, and forgive them. “We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee (Jeremiah 14:20).”
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction (Proverbs 13:1).” Christians need to pay diligent attention to the voice of the ancient prophets: “They have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice (Jeremiah 9:13).” Christianity had forsaken the old testament, and therefore God is calling her priests back to review the old testament scriptures, for in them Christianity will perfect its understanding of the Father. “How shall I put thee among the children… Thou shalt call me, My Father; and shalt not turn away from me (Jeremiah 3:19).” Be diligent: we are preparing for the Lord’s kingdom upon earth, which is the everlasting kingdom that cannot be removed (Hebrews 12:28). “The work of righteousness shall be peace (Isaiah 32:17).”
Why did God allow religion to stand in our pulpits, knowing that his people were being exposed to lies. Man created religion when he didn’t believe God, but religion benefited God by spreading the knowledge of him. Having a variety of faiths prompted certain situations which caused his people to study the scriptures. But religion corrupted herself when her priests and prophets started learning truths from one another, and they stopped spending time in God's word. “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5).”
The prophet Jeremiah understood that God was prophesying evil against temple, and it grieved him: “Ah, Lord God! Surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul (Jeremiah 4:10).” A paraphrased version of God’s response, might read like this: In the day of the Lord, there will be dry wind coming across pulpits towards the people of my congregation. I am watching the priests and prophets which have received my instructions, and I am considering their ways. Many of them aren’t cleansing my congregation, nor are they scattering the wicked. Now I will give my sentence against them (Jeremiah 4:9-12). “I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways (Jeremiah 15:7).”
God has two fundamental objectives for end times. The first one is to correct religion, and bring peace unto his people, and the second, is to awaken the world with a loud understanding that he exists. God will achieve his objectives by humbling priests which have spoiled his flocks, and he won’t forget about those priests which have lightly esteemed his messengers. “The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget their works (Amos 8:7).” “The day of vengeance is in my heart (Isaiah 63:4).” “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).”
“I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is the Lord (Jeremiah 16:21).” God prophesied a conclusion to religion which will expose every misunderstanding of every religion. His amazing end time plan will cause all the believers that love his ways, to flow together and sing in the height of Zion, for they will witness God’s unstoppable ability to fulfill his word. “Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might. The sinners of Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites (Isaiah 33:13-14).”
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Confirmed With an Oath
God, who cannot lie, counseled believers with prophecy, then lifted his hand and confirmed the matter of end times, with an oath. “God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath (Hebrews 6:17).” “I make this covenant and this oath… also with him that is not here with us this day (Deuteronomy 29:14-15).” The words of God’s oath were written and recorded in the thirty second chapter of the book of Deuteronomy. “Hear, O earth, the words of my mouth (Deuteronomy 32:1).” “For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever (Deuteronomy 32:40).”
God’s oath was written to believers in the words of a song. “Write ye this song for you… that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:19).” The song that God swore unto believers on that day, was a promise to bring the curse. “The day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste (Deuteronomy 32:35).” “It shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness (Deuteronomy 31:21).” Before surmising the logic of the curse, consider the wonderful message of God's blessing:
“Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day (Deuteronomy 9:1).” Prior to entering into the promised land, Israel stood and listened as God's oath concerning the blessings and cursings, was read unto them. “Ye stand this day… That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day (Deuteronomy 29:10-12).” The blessed event was rallied by the words “this day.” “Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God (Deuteronomy 27:9).” On that day believers were aggressively informed that they should keep, and do all the commandments of that day. The words of Moses' testimony wherein he repeatedly warned God's people that they should keep do the commandments of that Day, were written, and they were rewritten, in order to impress upon believers the importance of keeping and doing all of the commandments of that law, just as it was presented unto them on that day. “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is for your life (Deuteronomy 32:46-47).” “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you (Deuteronomy 4:2).”
"I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)." In the law of God's oath, believers were given a detailed list of the many blessings that God promised to bring upon every believer that kept his commandments, however God's oath also included other promises which were given to encourage perseverance: “It shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain (Deuteronomy 11:13-14).” “If ye hearken… God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he swore unto thy fathers (Deuteronomy 7:12)”
Which brings us to two solemn reasons why God has sworn to bring the curse (Daniel 9:11). The first reason is because the curse is, in effect, a act of God's love, for God is correcting the corrupted seed, and causing everyone who is called by his name, to worship him, and obey his word with true integrity. The second reason is because an oath makes it official: it takes away the need for debating and striving about whether or not God will bring the curse. “When it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it (Isaiah 27:8).” “An oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife (Hebrews 6:16).” Knowing that God has sworn to bring the curse, empowers believers with the truth of it, and it emboldens them to speak out and warn others. “Before it came to pass I showed it unto thee (Isaiah 48:5).” “It will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3).”
The curse is about cleaning up religion's mistakes. It will end religious warfare by correcting everyone that is religiously deceived. “Thou shalt consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee (Deuteronomy 8:5).” God is correcting religion's mistakes for the good of his people, and for the good of their children (Jeremiah 32:39). “When all these things come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee… and thou shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice… then the Lord thy God will turn… and have compassion on thee (Deuteronomy 30:1-3).”
“This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth… I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name (Zechariah 5:3-4).” God is testifying and verifying that the curse will come upon deceived priests, as well as their corrupted congregations. The word, thief, pertains to the religious leaders that are telling lies, because their lies are robbing God of his children. The word, house, pertains to the sanctuary, or in other words, the places wherein God's people gather to worship. God does not take pleasure in bringing the curse upon the thief, nor upon his house. “Truly this is grief, and I must bear it (Jeremiah 10:19).” “O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end (Deuteronomy 32:29)!”
God, who cannot lie, swore to bring the curse upon every believer who hears the words of his oath, and then arrogantly believes that the curse does not pertain to them (Deuteronomy 27:26). “And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart… Then the Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven (Deuteronomy 29:19-20).”
“It shall be, as with the people, so with the priest (Isaiah 24:2).” God has also sworn that he will not spare any priest that has corrupted himself and is not obeying his voice (Deuteronomy 32:5). “He abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters (Deuteronomy 32:19).” “They ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord God, and they shall bear their iniquity (Ezekiel 44:12).” “I will heap mischiefs upon them; and I will spend mine arrows upon them. They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction (Deuteronomy 32:23-24).”
After deceived priests are caused to bear their shame, if they repent, then God will put the curse upon their enemies. “The Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee… and the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee (Deuteronomy 30:3, 30:7).” “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face (Deuteronomy 7:9-10).” “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good (Numbers 23:19)?”
Israel has kept the charge of God's request, for Israel has continually had some believers that did hearken and do the commandments of their covenant. Throughout each generation a seed did serve the Lord their God, and God accounted their perseverance as righteousness for their generation. “A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation (Psalms 22:30).”
“If ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers (Deuteronomy 7:12)” Because Israel did keep God's charge, God is now keeping the promises which he swore unto Moses and all believers, for he is going to fulfill those oaths which were made with Abraham, and with Isaac: God is establishing a new and everlasting covenant with their seed (Genesis 17:7; 17:19; 1Chronicles 16:17). “The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of the our enemies might serve him without fear (Luke 1:73-74).”
“I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord (Zechariah 11:10-11).” There are two reasons why the old covenant which God gave his people through Moses will be dissolved on the day that God brings the curse. The first reason is because the old covenant was based upon the promise to bring the curse, and second reason is because God is delivering the people's long anticipated, new and everlasting covenant. “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people (Isaiah 55:3-4).”
David was selected by God to be a witness which represented the people: He was the man that stood and listened as God swore an oath, and confirmed his promise to reveal and uphold a new, and everlasting covenant. “He hath made with me an everlasting covenant (2Samuel 23:5).” David’s name was attached to the oath, like a parable, because it made a way for those children which are of the believing seed of David, to connect all of the verses that pertain to the new covenant. “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established (Psalms 89:20-21).” “I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore (1Chronicals 17:14).”
Just as God called Moses a father to Israel, David is a father of everyone that obeys the new covenant (Numbers 11:12). David's name was also chosen and used, because David was the first king that was given understanding of these things. In essence, David's name in prophecy pertains to every believer that acknowledges and confesses the new covenant. “The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it… If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest forever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it (Psalms 132:11-14).” These are the rejoicing words of God’s oath, and in them God confessed and promised that he planned to reveal a new covenant unto the seed of David, and he verified that this new covenant would be his will for the people. These same words also confirm that if God's people will keep and believe the new covenant, then their children will sit upon the throne of God's mercy for evermore. “Mercy shall be built up forever (Psalms 89:2).”
Like the law of the old covenant which Israel received through Moses, this law of the new covenant comes with promises of blessings for obedience, and it also comes with a promise that God will punish those people that forsake it. “If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statues, and keep not my commandments; Then I will visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquities with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail… I have sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (Psalms 89:30-37).” This is God's promise that he will continually be with believers that preform the words of the new covenant, and he will correct them, and their children, whenever it is necessary.
God’s oath unto David is also an answer to religion's ever debated question: “The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne (Psalms 132:11).” This verse is evidence and proof that God swore unto David that Messiah would come through his lineage: Jesus Christ is the realization of that oath. Furthermore, God has also raised his hand and sworn that Jesus Christ would be our new heavenly priest, forever. “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110:4).” “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Timothy 2:5).”
“The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).” “Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).” “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).”
The Lord has given Jesus’ teachings as our new covenant. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me (Matthew 11:29).” The new covenant is fashioned to work like a marriage covenant, because of its unity, and its vows. If you vow to learn of Jesus, and preform that vow, then God will be your God. It is not surprising that studying scripture is our new covenant, for this is God's way, and God never changes. In the old testament, God suggested that his love towards his people is like that of a protective, nurturing husband; and God afirmed that he looks upon the covenants as being the vows which unite us. “Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine (Ezekiel 16:8).”
“He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6).” There are a host of beneficial reasons why God's people should want to obey the new covenant, and many of them are written in the one hundred and third Psalm. The new covenant has been established by an oath of God, and it was built upon the promise of everlasting life, for us, and for our children. “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those who remember his commandments to do them (Psalms 103:17-18).”
“Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of his covenant… that I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers (Jeremiah 11:3, 11:5).” God is obsoleting the old covenants, and bringing the curse upon every believer that refuses to believe the words of his new covenant. Christianity has been partaking in the new covenant, however they were unaware of it. Consequently, even those Christians which have already entered into the everlasting kingdom, must acknowledge and confess God's new covenant, or else they will be afflicted, and shame will cover them. “Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground…. Thou hast covered him with shame. How long Lord? Wilt thou hide thyself forever? Shall thy wrath burn like fire? (Psalms 89:44-46).” We already know the solution. “When all these things come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee… and thou shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice… then the Lord thy God will turn… and have compassion on thee (Deuteronomy 30:1-3).”
David left a message behind for the priesthood: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after the rain (2Samuel 23:3).” These words are meant for encouragement and comfort unto those priests which have faithfully served the Lord, for they prophesy a secret. God will bless those priests which have been faithful, with blessings, and he will show their righteousness before their congregations. “I will clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish (Psalms 132:16-18).”
“It shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The Lord liveth… then shall they be built in the midst of my people (Jeremiah 12:16).” The new covenant is requiring Muslims and Jews to learn the ways of Jesus, however even Christianity must know and confess who it is that they are serving: which is why God has given us his name: “The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob… this is my name for ever, this is my memorial unto all generations (Exodus 3:15).” “The king shall rejoice in God; everyone that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped (Psalms 63:11).”
God’s oath was written to believers in the words of a song. “Write ye this song for you… that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:19).” The song that God swore unto believers on that day, was a promise to bring the curse. “The day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste (Deuteronomy 32:35).” “It shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness (Deuteronomy 31:21).” Before surmising the logic of the curse, consider the wonderful message of God's blessing:
“Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day (Deuteronomy 9:1).” Prior to entering into the promised land, Israel stood and listened as God's oath concerning the blessings and cursings, was read unto them. “Ye stand this day… That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day (Deuteronomy 29:10-12).” The blessed event was rallied by the words “this day.” “Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God (Deuteronomy 27:9).” On that day believers were aggressively informed that they should keep, and do all the commandments of that day. The words of Moses' testimony wherein he repeatedly warned God's people that they should keep do the commandments of that Day, were written, and they were rewritten, in order to impress upon believers the importance of keeping and doing all of the commandments of that law, just as it was presented unto them on that day. “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is for your life (Deuteronomy 32:46-47).” “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you (Deuteronomy 4:2).”
"I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)." In the law of God's oath, believers were given a detailed list of the many blessings that God promised to bring upon every believer that kept his commandments, however God's oath also included other promises which were given to encourage perseverance: “It shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain (Deuteronomy 11:13-14).” “If ye hearken… God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he swore unto thy fathers (Deuteronomy 7:12)”
Which brings us to two solemn reasons why God has sworn to bring the curse (Daniel 9:11). The first reason is because the curse is, in effect, a act of God's love, for God is correcting the corrupted seed, and causing everyone who is called by his name, to worship him, and obey his word with true integrity. The second reason is because an oath makes it official: it takes away the need for debating and striving about whether or not God will bring the curse. “When it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it (Isaiah 27:8).” “An oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife (Hebrews 6:16).” Knowing that God has sworn to bring the curse, empowers believers with the truth of it, and it emboldens them to speak out and warn others. “Before it came to pass I showed it unto thee (Isaiah 48:5).” “It will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3).”
The curse is about cleaning up religion's mistakes. It will end religious warfare by correcting everyone that is religiously deceived. “Thou shalt consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee (Deuteronomy 8:5).” God is correcting religion's mistakes for the good of his people, and for the good of their children (Jeremiah 32:39). “When all these things come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee… and thou shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice… then the Lord thy God will turn… and have compassion on thee (Deuteronomy 30:1-3).”
“This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth… I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name (Zechariah 5:3-4).” God is testifying and verifying that the curse will come upon deceived priests, as well as their corrupted congregations. The word, thief, pertains to the religious leaders that are telling lies, because their lies are robbing God of his children. The word, house, pertains to the sanctuary, or in other words, the places wherein God's people gather to worship. God does not take pleasure in bringing the curse upon the thief, nor upon his house. “Truly this is grief, and I must bear it (Jeremiah 10:19).” “O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end (Deuteronomy 32:29)!”
God, who cannot lie, swore to bring the curse upon every believer who hears the words of his oath, and then arrogantly believes that the curse does not pertain to them (Deuteronomy 27:26). “And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart… Then the Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven (Deuteronomy 29:19-20).”
“It shall be, as with the people, so with the priest (Isaiah 24:2).” God has also sworn that he will not spare any priest that has corrupted himself and is not obeying his voice (Deuteronomy 32:5). “He abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters (Deuteronomy 32:19).” “They ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord God, and they shall bear their iniquity (Ezekiel 44:12).” “I will heap mischiefs upon them; and I will spend mine arrows upon them. They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction (Deuteronomy 32:23-24).”
After deceived priests are caused to bear their shame, if they repent, then God will put the curse upon their enemies. “The Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee… and the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee (Deuteronomy 30:3, 30:7).” “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face (Deuteronomy 7:9-10).” “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good (Numbers 23:19)?”
Israel has kept the charge of God's request, for Israel has continually had some believers that did hearken and do the commandments of their covenant. Throughout each generation a seed did serve the Lord their God, and God accounted their perseverance as righteousness for their generation. “A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation (Psalms 22:30).”
“If ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers (Deuteronomy 7:12)” Because Israel did keep God's charge, God is now keeping the promises which he swore unto Moses and all believers, for he is going to fulfill those oaths which were made with Abraham, and with Isaac: God is establishing a new and everlasting covenant with their seed (Genesis 17:7; 17:19; 1Chronicles 16:17). “The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of the our enemies might serve him without fear (Luke 1:73-74).”
“I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord (Zechariah 11:10-11).” There are two reasons why the old covenant which God gave his people through Moses will be dissolved on the day that God brings the curse. The first reason is because the old covenant was based upon the promise to bring the curse, and second reason is because God is delivering the people's long anticipated, new and everlasting covenant. “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people (Isaiah 55:3-4).”
David was selected by God to be a witness which represented the people: He was the man that stood and listened as God swore an oath, and confirmed his promise to reveal and uphold a new, and everlasting covenant. “He hath made with me an everlasting covenant (2Samuel 23:5).” David’s name was attached to the oath, like a parable, because it made a way for those children which are of the believing seed of David, to connect all of the verses that pertain to the new covenant. “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established (Psalms 89:20-21).” “I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore (1Chronicals 17:14).”
Just as God called Moses a father to Israel, David is a father of everyone that obeys the new covenant (Numbers 11:12). David's name was also chosen and used, because David was the first king that was given understanding of these things. In essence, David's name in prophecy pertains to every believer that acknowledges and confesses the new covenant. “The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it… If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest forever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it (Psalms 132:11-14).” These are the rejoicing words of God’s oath, and in them God confessed and promised that he planned to reveal a new covenant unto the seed of David, and he verified that this new covenant would be his will for the people. These same words also confirm that if God's people will keep and believe the new covenant, then their children will sit upon the throne of God's mercy for evermore. “Mercy shall be built up forever (Psalms 89:2).”
Like the law of the old covenant which Israel received through Moses, this law of the new covenant comes with promises of blessings for obedience, and it also comes with a promise that God will punish those people that forsake it. “If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statues, and keep not my commandments; Then I will visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquities with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail… I have sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (Psalms 89:30-37).” This is God's promise that he will continually be with believers that preform the words of the new covenant, and he will correct them, and their children, whenever it is necessary.
God’s oath unto David is also an answer to religion's ever debated question: “The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne (Psalms 132:11).” This verse is evidence and proof that God swore unto David that Messiah would come through his lineage: Jesus Christ is the realization of that oath. Furthermore, God has also raised his hand and sworn that Jesus Christ would be our new heavenly priest, forever. “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110:4).” “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Timothy 2:5).”
“The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).” “Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).” “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).”
The Lord has given Jesus’ teachings as our new covenant. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me (Matthew 11:29).” The new covenant is fashioned to work like a marriage covenant, because of its unity, and its vows. If you vow to learn of Jesus, and preform that vow, then God will be your God. It is not surprising that studying scripture is our new covenant, for this is God's way, and God never changes. In the old testament, God suggested that his love towards his people is like that of a protective, nurturing husband; and God afirmed that he looks upon the covenants as being the vows which unite us. “Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine (Ezekiel 16:8).”
“He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6).” There are a host of beneficial reasons why God's people should want to obey the new covenant, and many of them are written in the one hundred and third Psalm. The new covenant has been established by an oath of God, and it was built upon the promise of everlasting life, for us, and for our children. “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those who remember his commandments to do them (Psalms 103:17-18).”
“Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of his covenant… that I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers (Jeremiah 11:3, 11:5).” God is obsoleting the old covenants, and bringing the curse upon every believer that refuses to believe the words of his new covenant. Christianity has been partaking in the new covenant, however they were unaware of it. Consequently, even those Christians which have already entered into the everlasting kingdom, must acknowledge and confess God's new covenant, or else they will be afflicted, and shame will cover them. “Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground…. Thou hast covered him with shame. How long Lord? Wilt thou hide thyself forever? Shall thy wrath burn like fire? (Psalms 89:44-46).” We already know the solution. “When all these things come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee… and thou shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice… then the Lord thy God will turn… and have compassion on thee (Deuteronomy 30:1-3).”
David left a message behind for the priesthood: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after the rain (2Samuel 23:3).” These words are meant for encouragement and comfort unto those priests which have faithfully served the Lord, for they prophesy a secret. God will bless those priests which have been faithful, with blessings, and he will show their righteousness before their congregations. “I will clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish (Psalms 132:16-18).”
“It shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The Lord liveth… then shall they be built in the midst of my people (Jeremiah 12:16).” The new covenant is requiring Muslims and Jews to learn the ways of Jesus, however even Christianity must know and confess who it is that they are serving: which is why God has given us his name: “The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob… this is my name for ever, this is my memorial unto all generations (Exodus 3:15).” “The king shall rejoice in God; everyone that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped (Psalms 63:11).”
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Unveiling the Mystery of Abomination of Desolation
“When ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains (Mark 13:14).”
When Jesus included the abomination of desolation on his list of end time signs, he magnified the importance of Daniel’s vision, and caused his followers to know that they would not see this sign until it was the time of the end. Jesus prophesied additional clues that are to aid in the interpretation of Daniel's vision: The abomination will stand in the holy place (Matthew 24:15), and the holy place is a place where it ought not stand (Mark 13:14). The mystery concerning the abomination was sealed up till the time of the end, which is why solving it is unprecedented. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us… that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).”
The abomination of desolation is also called the transgression of desolation, therefore it is necessary to know the God's interpretation of the word, transgression (Daniel 8:13). Transgressions are sins against God, but transgressions and iniquities are not the same thing. Iniquities are unintentional mistakes which are being made against God because his people are observing religion's laws, for they are professing and believing certain misrepresentations of the deep and hidden mysteries of God's word; whereas transgressions are sins which happen because people know and understand the truth of God's word, but fail to do it. Religious iniquities become transgression in the day that believers discover religion's errs, and they forsake the truth of God's word, and continue to promote their long standing traditional religious beliefs. “His power and wrath are against all them that forsake him (Ezra 8:22).”
From the beginning of time God determined that spiritual death would be the punishment of transgressors (Proverbs 14:12). When Adam and Eve transgressed in the garden, God recorded their eviction as a pattern for our edification (Genesis 3:23). The pattern of their eviction from the garden suggests that when people transgress against God's word, they are separated from God. It’s what John eluded to in the verse: “There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it (1John 5:16).” It’s also what Ezekiel expressed in the words: “The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression (Ezekiel 33:12).”
When a priest perceives the truth of the covenant message but elects to ignore it, then even his words become transgression and abomination. “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, O house of Israel (Ezekiel 18:30-31)?”
Being able to see the abomination of desolation requires finding a solution to the eleventh chapter of the book of Daniel. This chapter orates a battle between a mighty king of the north, and a strong king of the south. Right there in the midst of the battle, helpers stand to assist the king of the north, and they place the abomination that maketh desolate. “Arms stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate (Daniel 11:31).”
Above all else, the battle of end times is a battle which is meant to cause believers to accept the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and convert their understandings of God's word. God will cause Islam, Judaism, and Christianity to be united into one way of serving him, for he is giving them a new covenant. “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south (Zechariah 14:4).” The dividing lines for the north and south are based upon one thing: whether or not people will hear and receive the covenant message. “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south (Psalms 75:6).” This informative verse implies that promotion comes from the north.
God grouped together every person that has not heard the covenant message, and they are the people of the south; and everyone that has heard the covenant message is of the north, regardless of whether they believed the message, or not. A big mistake which is being made by the northerners, is documented in the words, “He that cometh against him shall do according to his own will (Daniel 11:16).” Believers are suppose act in accordance with God's will, and they are do all things in accordance with his word. Be aware that people on both sides of this controversy are making big mistakes, for they are under the very powerful influence and persuasions of their forefather's teachings. Also be aware that when believers perform a work which promotes the new covenant, then God removes them from these kingdoms, and they are received into everlasting habitations.
“His kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides those (Daniel 11:4).” In essence, God will be plucking up the occupants of these kingdoms, casting them down in their pride, and setting others in their stead. This means that ever changing faces will be coming in and going out of these kingdoms, with massive exchanges taking place when God changes the times. This precept is especially evident in verses nineteen through twenty one, wherein one king falls, and another king stands in his estate, then after a few days he is destroyed, and still another stands in his estate.
The details which are necessary for interpreting Daniel’s vision are strewn throughout scripture. To insure that all of the proper details are applied to the vision, parable names must first be ascribed to the kings. Start by aligning occurrences which are prophesied throughout scripture with events that occur in the vision. Next, find out who God is addressing in the aligned prophecy, and therein you will have the king’s name. When parable names are ascribed to the kings of this vision, then the prophecy is understood, and knowledge concerning the time of the end, is increased.
Another vision which was delivered by Daniel, aligns itself with this vision and thereby it is used to identify and name the first king to stand up in this vision: “The rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation (Daniel 8:21-22).” Grecia is the name of the first king to stand up and entertain the covenant message. The name "Grecia" also translates into the word, Greece. Both of these city names were used in the new testament to elude to Christianity, for it is the gentile nation. “When he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided towards the four winds of heaven (Daniel 11:4).” This verse is suggesting that as soon as even one Christian priest stands up and acquires understanding of the covenant message, then the thoughts, beliefs, and ways of its people will be divided, and they will go in four different directions. See how that thought aligns itself with the vision from chapter eight that is quoted above.
The next name to be applied to the vision, is the king of Tyrus: this name is used in prophecy to represent Christian priests which have either ignored, or refused to hear the covenant message. “The king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes (Daniel 11:5).” Scripture records lamentations for the king of Tyrus, as well as for the prince of Tyrus (Ezekiel 28:2; 28:12). By studying these lamentations, believers can conclude that the king of Tyrus' name represents those priests which have either ignored, or refused to hear the covenant message. Being titled a king, means that Tyrus already possess a crown: the crown is an inerrant symbol that Tyrus is righteous in the Lord's eyes. The same symbolic meaning of the crown applies to all the other kings of Daniel's vision. Tyrus was beautiful, and perfect in his ways until the day that iniquity was found in him. Pride lifted his heart, and iniquity corrupted his wisdom. His own merchandise is a factor that is warring against him: but his books and his merchandise will fall into the midst of the sea. God will judge Tyrus for not listening to his messengers: Tyrus will be afflicted by the loathsome pestilence. “I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.” (Ezekiel chapter 28 and Ezekiel 27:34).
Tyrus was forewarned: “If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book… then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and long continuance, and sore sickness (from Deuteronomy 28:58-60).” This is God’s answer against those priests which have refused to listen to the warnings of his messengers. “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; what wisdom is in them (Jeremiah 8:9)?” Pestilence will humble Tyrus, and it will repay him for what he’s done unto the congregation (Isaiah 59:18). “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty (Ezekiel 28:12).” “I am against the shepherds; I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock (Ezekiel 34:10).”
The Assyrian is the next king to stand up on behalf of Christianity, and he stands up in the north. Although he has entertained the covenant message, he remained unconvinced, therefore he’s not sharing its controversial news with the congregation. Nevertheless, the covenant message is being propelled by his newly awakened passions. “Oh my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction (Isaiah 10:24-25).” The Assyrian is identified by his escapades with Ephraim:
Ephraim is called the daughter of the south in the vision. The name of Ephraim applies to Christianity; and use of the female gender suggests that the parable name of Ephraim represents the elders, as well as the other people that are helping to run the Christian church. “In the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king’s daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: But she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm (Daniel 11:6).” Ephraim goes to the Assyrian when her priest is afflicted, because she is looking for a new priest. “When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian (Hosea 5:13).”
Ephraim is either ignorant of, or fighting against the covenant message. “I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not I healed them… He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refuse to return (Hosea 11:3, 11:5).”
Because the Assyrian took the time to at least consider the covenant message, he will escape the afflicting pestilence. However, if the Assyrian fails to tell the congregation the truth, then his transgressions will be discovered. Therefore the Assyrian will taste of spiritual death, which is the punishment that is ordained for transgressors. This is God’s way of not only punishing the Assyrian, but also of encouraging him to change his direction. The Assyrian is guilty of ignoring the end time instructions of God's word. When the Assyrian does finally change his direction, then the noisome pestilence will be waiting. Find evidence that both of these punishments are prophesied to come against the Assyrian, in the verse: “Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon... I have delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness (Ezekiel 31:11).”
“Out of the branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: and shall carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes… and he shall continue more years than the king of the north (Daniel 11:7-8)." The word, Egypt, is the prominent clue which identifies the next king to stand up in Daniel's vision. Pharaoh is the reigning king of the south, and he retains the title of "king of the south" throughout the remainder of the vision. Pharaoh is Islamic. Believers can be certain of this, because the prophesies concerning that name are connected to the descendants of Esau, Ishmael and Lot. Also remember that the parable of the south, pertains unto the people that are ignorant of the covenant message, and Christian priests that are ignorant of it, were given the parable name of Tyrus (Ezekiel 28:19). The words “carry captives into Egypt” insinuate that some Christian believers will be persuaded to turn unto Islam, and the Koran for answers.
But as the covenant message gets louder, God's messengers will carry news of the newly revealed truths of prophecy unto those who went into the captivity. “They of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man (Zachariah 10:7).” Their messages will be heard by the sons of Islam. “One shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through (Daniel 11:10).” Islamic leaders will be offended by this. “The king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north (Daniel 11:11).”
In this battle, the beliefs of Islam shall prevail. “When he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it (Daniel 11:12).” This is God’s way of purging our iniquities. “My people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoices, shall descend into it (Isaiah 5:13-14).”
“I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms (Ezekiel 30:22).” This is one of those prophesies which align itself with Daniel’s vision, and confirm that Pharaoh is the king of the south. “The arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand (Daniel 11:15).” Pharaoh was strong as long as he was ignorant of the covenant message, however his strength is broken by the voice of prophecy. “The spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof (Isaiah 19:3).”
After God pours affliction upon Christian priests, a sound of rejoicing is heard coming from the princes of Tyrus: “Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned me (Ezekiel 26:2).” That same offensive sound is heard coming from the sons of Islam. “Say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord God; Thus saith the Lord God; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned… and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity; Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession (Ezekiel 25:3-4).” The voices of these princes are an offense to God, as well as to his people, for they are celebrating the adversity of others. Whereas these princes ought to be fearing the Lord and having concern for the condition of their own souls, instead they are viewing the affliction as an opportunity to advance their own religious beliefs, and increase their riches. They will be delivered into the hands of their enemies, for God will cut off their rejoicings.
When affliction causes priests to be removed from ministry, then church officials will inadvertently hire false teachers as replacements. These false teachers will not regard the voice of the church, and they will oppress the congregations which they lead. In their eyes the congregation is corrupt, because their leaders were afflicted by God. “Ephraim has hired lovers (Hosea 8:9).” “Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee… and I will bring them against thee on every side; the Babylonians… and all the Assyrians with them (Ezekiel 23:22-23).” The souls of these replacements are not right with God, for they have despised the covenant message. In essence, strangers are occupying the pulpits, and these strangers will rage against the congregation. “We offend not, because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice, even the Lord, the hope of their fathers (Jeremiah 50:7).”
The bible warns about this development. “My face will I turn from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for robbers shall enter into it, and defile it (Ezekiel 7:22).” “You have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it… they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations (Ezekiel 44:7).” Robbers are prophesied to lead all congregations that are refusing to listen to God. “If ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me… I will send the pestilence among you; and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy… And if you will not for all this hearken unto me, but will walk contrary unto me… I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation (from Leviticus 26:21-31).”
These robbers will bring into the sanctuary divisive and offensive religious memorabilia. “They shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate (Daniel 11:31).” There it is: the abomination that maketh desolate. Robbers are brought into the sanctuary, to stand in the pulpits and teach God's people. These robbers will bring religious memorabilia into the sanctuary with them, and set it before the eyes of the people. This is an attempt to propagate a religion. “I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable things (Jeremiah 16:18).”
It’s time to take courage: Asa took courage and put away the idols which his fathers had made (1Kings 15:12); Hezekiah removed high places and broke down images, including the brazen serpent which Moses made (2Kings 18:4). Manasseh destroyed idols, including all the altars which he was responsible for building (2Chronicles 33:15); Josiah purged the high places of Israel and Judah, destroying all of their carved images, molten images, and their altars and groves (2Chronicles 34:3-7). These were courageous acts which took great boldness. “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past (Ecclesiastes 3:15).”
In order for God to unite the religions, the sanctuary must be free of offensive memorabilia; memorabilia it is the stumbling block of our iniquity (Ezekiel 7:19). “They ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity (Ezekiel 44:12).” Should Christianity be exempt from the purposes of God? “He that exalts his gate seeketh destruction (Proverbs 17:19).” God prophesied that during these times we will remove our idols. “In that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin (Isaiah 31: 7).” “Thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth (Isaiah 30:22).” “Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword (Isaiah 31: 7).”
Memorabilia in the sanctuary, is iniquity. “Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbidden thee (Deuteronomy 4:23).” “Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the Lord thy God hateth (Deuteronomy 16:22).” “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puts it in the secret place (Deuteronomy 27:15).”
In the vision, another king stands up in the north. “Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom (Daniel 11:20).” Behold Nebuchadnezzar, the forth king which stands up on behalf of Christianity: Grecia, Tyrus, the Assyrian, and Nebuchadnezzar. The best way to identify this king is to delve into the Hebrew word which was translated “taxes.” That same word was translated “oppressor” and it was used in the verse, “Take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased (Isaiah 14:4)!” The king of Babylon is being dubbed, the oppressor, or, the raiser of taxes. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of Babylon, however, in prophecy, the names, king of Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar, are considered separately. Nebuchadnezzar is the first king to stand up and believe the covenant message, therefore his name is used to represent all of the priests and prophets which are rising up and believing the covenant message, even though they are not following the instructions of it. “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms (Jeremiah 51:20).” These kings are moving in the right direction, however their practices are not perfect. Pride, covetousness, and the mistreatment of others, are some of their offenses. “I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria (Jeremiah 50:18).”
“In his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom.” The Hebrew word which was translated into the word “vile” credits this appearance as being that of the king of Moab, for that same Hebrew word was translated “despised” and it was used in the verse, “I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised (Obadiah 1-2).” Moab is the first Islamic king to stand up and entertain the teachings of the covenant message, but he rejects them. He is throughly convinced that the heritage of the Lord is Islam’s for the taking (Ezekiel 35:10; 36:5). He and his fellows devise a crafty plan to work together with Edom and come against Christianity, when its priests are afflicted by God (Psalms 83:2-8).
“Keep not thou silence, O God… they that hate thee have lifted the head (Psalms 83:1-2).” “My sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment… The Lord hath a great sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea… it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance (Isaiah 34:5-8).” “I will lay vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord (Ezekiel 25:14).”
Because Moab is the instigator of this battle, indignation will rise up against him, and it will destroy him. “The people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood (Daniel 9:26).” “With an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof (Nahum 1:8).” “With the arms of a flood shall they be over flown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant (Daniel 11:22).”
After the flood, Gog, who is referred to as the prince of the covenant, makes his debut in the north (Ezekiel 38:15). Gog is a prince, for he has no crown, because his works have not been pleasing to the Lord. “If a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully (2Timothy 2:5).” “There shall stand up yet three kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than they all (Daniel 11:2).” Gog is the anticipated fourth presence to stand up on behalf of Islam: Pharaoh, Moab, Edom, and Gog. Gog represents the reinvented princes of Islam. These princes have heard the covenant message, and they believed it, however they also continue to believe that God favors the Islamic religion. Gog gains a following, and becomes a strong host (Daniel 11:23). “I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth (Ezekiel 38:3-4).”
“By his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia (Daniel 11:2).” Gog is against the Christian priests which are leading Islamic congregations. The Hebrew word “Grecia” also translates “Javan,” and this word provides evidence that Grecian’s are backslidden Christian believers (Isaiah 66:19). “The children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold to the Grecians (Joel 3:6).” These backslidden leaders are ignoring the warnings of God's word, and they are meddling with Islam. This is known as defiling their neighbor’s wife (Ezekiel 18:6). Certain priests are electing to ease themselves from studying God's word, and they opting to sell their congregations into the hands of preachers of other religions. Not only do some Islamic priests sell their congregations into the hands of the Grecians, but there are also some Christian priests which are selling their congregations into the hands of Islam. “Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompense upon your own head (Joel 3:6).”
Prophesy reveals that Ephraim will be sold unto Egypt by the Assyrian: “He shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him (Daniel 11:17).” Hosea concurred, “They shall not dwell in the Lord’s land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt (Hosea 9:3).” Defilement is God's punishment for pride, and it will cause the ignorance of the congregation to cease. “I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the Lord hath spoken it (Joel 3:8).”
Gog's discontentment is for good reason. Grecian's are strangers unto God, for they have ignored the truth of his word. They are endangering the congregation because they are misrepresenting God's intended meanings of prophecy. Having false teachers is the punishment which is prophesied to come against rebellious congregations. Believers who despise and refuse to obey the instructions of God's word, are reserved unto the day of his wrath. “In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee (Ezekiel 24:13).” “I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it (Leviticus 26:32).”
Daniel describes Gog as coming “like a whirlwind” (Daniel 11:40); Ezekiel calls it, “like a storm” (Ezekiel 38:9). The day wherein Gog leads his people to attack the deceived Christian priests which are preaching before Islamic congregations, is the day of God's wrath. In that day God will pour afflicting pestilence upon everyone that is fighting against his word; and the rebellion of the rebellious will be destroyed, forever. "It shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face… I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon all his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone (from Ezekiel 38:18-22-23)." "The destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed (Isaiah 1:28)." "Then shall ye know that I am the Lord, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars (Ezekiel 6:13)."
“Yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God (Ezekiel 28:26).”
When Jesus included the abomination of desolation on his list of end time signs, he magnified the importance of Daniel’s vision, and caused his followers to know that they would not see this sign until it was the time of the end. Jesus prophesied additional clues that are to aid in the interpretation of Daniel's vision: The abomination will stand in the holy place (Matthew 24:15), and the holy place is a place where it ought not stand (Mark 13:14). The mystery concerning the abomination was sealed up till the time of the end, which is why solving it is unprecedented. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us… that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).”
The abomination of desolation is also called the transgression of desolation, therefore it is necessary to know the God's interpretation of the word, transgression (Daniel 8:13). Transgressions are sins against God, but transgressions and iniquities are not the same thing. Iniquities are unintentional mistakes which are being made against God because his people are observing religion's laws, for they are professing and believing certain misrepresentations of the deep and hidden mysteries of God's word; whereas transgressions are sins which happen because people know and understand the truth of God's word, but fail to do it. Religious iniquities become transgression in the day that believers discover religion's errs, and they forsake the truth of God's word, and continue to promote their long standing traditional religious beliefs. “His power and wrath are against all them that forsake him (Ezra 8:22).”
From the beginning of time God determined that spiritual death would be the punishment of transgressors (Proverbs 14:12). When Adam and Eve transgressed in the garden, God recorded their eviction as a pattern for our edification (Genesis 3:23). The pattern of their eviction from the garden suggests that when people transgress against God's word, they are separated from God. It’s what John eluded to in the verse: “There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it (1John 5:16).” It’s also what Ezekiel expressed in the words: “The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression (Ezekiel 33:12).”
When a priest perceives the truth of the covenant message but elects to ignore it, then even his words become transgression and abomination. “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, O house of Israel (Ezekiel 18:30-31)?”
Being able to see the abomination of desolation requires finding a solution to the eleventh chapter of the book of Daniel. This chapter orates a battle between a mighty king of the north, and a strong king of the south. Right there in the midst of the battle, helpers stand to assist the king of the north, and they place the abomination that maketh desolate. “Arms stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate (Daniel 11:31).”
Above all else, the battle of end times is a battle which is meant to cause believers to accept the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and convert their understandings of God's word. God will cause Islam, Judaism, and Christianity to be united into one way of serving him, for he is giving them a new covenant. “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south (Zechariah 14:4).” The dividing lines for the north and south are based upon one thing: whether or not people will hear and receive the covenant message. “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south (Psalms 75:6).” This informative verse implies that promotion comes from the north.
God grouped together every person that has not heard the covenant message, and they are the people of the south; and everyone that has heard the covenant message is of the north, regardless of whether they believed the message, or not. A big mistake which is being made by the northerners, is documented in the words, “He that cometh against him shall do according to his own will (Daniel 11:16).” Believers are suppose act in accordance with God's will, and they are do all things in accordance with his word. Be aware that people on both sides of this controversy are making big mistakes, for they are under the very powerful influence and persuasions of their forefather's teachings. Also be aware that when believers perform a work which promotes the new covenant, then God removes them from these kingdoms, and they are received into everlasting habitations.
“His kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides those (Daniel 11:4).” In essence, God will be plucking up the occupants of these kingdoms, casting them down in their pride, and setting others in their stead. This means that ever changing faces will be coming in and going out of these kingdoms, with massive exchanges taking place when God changes the times. This precept is especially evident in verses nineteen through twenty one, wherein one king falls, and another king stands in his estate, then after a few days he is destroyed, and still another stands in his estate.
The details which are necessary for interpreting Daniel’s vision are strewn throughout scripture. To insure that all of the proper details are applied to the vision, parable names must first be ascribed to the kings. Start by aligning occurrences which are prophesied throughout scripture with events that occur in the vision. Next, find out who God is addressing in the aligned prophecy, and therein you will have the king’s name. When parable names are ascribed to the kings of this vision, then the prophecy is understood, and knowledge concerning the time of the end, is increased.
Another vision which was delivered by Daniel, aligns itself with this vision and thereby it is used to identify and name the first king to stand up in this vision: “The rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation (Daniel 8:21-22).” Grecia is the name of the first king to stand up and entertain the covenant message. The name "Grecia" also translates into the word, Greece. Both of these city names were used in the new testament to elude to Christianity, for it is the gentile nation. “When he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided towards the four winds of heaven (Daniel 11:4).” This verse is suggesting that as soon as even one Christian priest stands up and acquires understanding of the covenant message, then the thoughts, beliefs, and ways of its people will be divided, and they will go in four different directions. See how that thought aligns itself with the vision from chapter eight that is quoted above.
The next name to be applied to the vision, is the king of Tyrus: this name is used in prophecy to represent Christian priests which have either ignored, or refused to hear the covenant message. “The king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes (Daniel 11:5).” Scripture records lamentations for the king of Tyrus, as well as for the prince of Tyrus (Ezekiel 28:2; 28:12). By studying these lamentations, believers can conclude that the king of Tyrus' name represents those priests which have either ignored, or refused to hear the covenant message. Being titled a king, means that Tyrus already possess a crown: the crown is an inerrant symbol that Tyrus is righteous in the Lord's eyes. The same symbolic meaning of the crown applies to all the other kings of Daniel's vision. Tyrus was beautiful, and perfect in his ways until the day that iniquity was found in him. Pride lifted his heart, and iniquity corrupted his wisdom. His own merchandise is a factor that is warring against him: but his books and his merchandise will fall into the midst of the sea. God will judge Tyrus for not listening to his messengers: Tyrus will be afflicted by the loathsome pestilence. “I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.” (Ezekiel chapter 28 and Ezekiel 27:34).
Tyrus was forewarned: “If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book… then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and long continuance, and sore sickness (from Deuteronomy 28:58-60).” This is God’s answer against those priests which have refused to listen to the warnings of his messengers. “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; what wisdom is in them (Jeremiah 8:9)?” Pestilence will humble Tyrus, and it will repay him for what he’s done unto the congregation (Isaiah 59:18). “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty (Ezekiel 28:12).” “I am against the shepherds; I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock (Ezekiel 34:10).”
The Assyrian is the next king to stand up on behalf of Christianity, and he stands up in the north. Although he has entertained the covenant message, he remained unconvinced, therefore he’s not sharing its controversial news with the congregation. Nevertheless, the covenant message is being propelled by his newly awakened passions. “Oh my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction (Isaiah 10:24-25).” The Assyrian is identified by his escapades with Ephraim:
Ephraim is called the daughter of the south in the vision. The name of Ephraim applies to Christianity; and use of the female gender suggests that the parable name of Ephraim represents the elders, as well as the other people that are helping to run the Christian church. “In the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king’s daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: But she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm (Daniel 11:6).” Ephraim goes to the Assyrian when her priest is afflicted, because she is looking for a new priest. “When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian (Hosea 5:13).”
Ephraim is either ignorant of, or fighting against the covenant message. “I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not I healed them… He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refuse to return (Hosea 11:3, 11:5).”
Because the Assyrian took the time to at least consider the covenant message, he will escape the afflicting pestilence. However, if the Assyrian fails to tell the congregation the truth, then his transgressions will be discovered. Therefore the Assyrian will taste of spiritual death, which is the punishment that is ordained for transgressors. This is God’s way of not only punishing the Assyrian, but also of encouraging him to change his direction. The Assyrian is guilty of ignoring the end time instructions of God's word. When the Assyrian does finally change his direction, then the noisome pestilence will be waiting. Find evidence that both of these punishments are prophesied to come against the Assyrian, in the verse: “Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon... I have delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness (Ezekiel 31:11).”
“Out of the branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: and shall carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes… and he shall continue more years than the king of the north (Daniel 11:7-8)." The word, Egypt, is the prominent clue which identifies the next king to stand up in Daniel's vision. Pharaoh is the reigning king of the south, and he retains the title of "king of the south" throughout the remainder of the vision. Pharaoh is Islamic. Believers can be certain of this, because the prophesies concerning that name are connected to the descendants of Esau, Ishmael and Lot. Also remember that the parable of the south, pertains unto the people that are ignorant of the covenant message, and Christian priests that are ignorant of it, were given the parable name of Tyrus (Ezekiel 28:19). The words “carry captives into Egypt” insinuate that some Christian believers will be persuaded to turn unto Islam, and the Koran for answers.
But as the covenant message gets louder, God's messengers will carry news of the newly revealed truths of prophecy unto those who went into the captivity. “They of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man (Zachariah 10:7).” Their messages will be heard by the sons of Islam. “One shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through (Daniel 11:10).” Islamic leaders will be offended by this. “The king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north (Daniel 11:11).”
In this battle, the beliefs of Islam shall prevail. “When he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it (Daniel 11:12).” This is God’s way of purging our iniquities. “My people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoices, shall descend into it (Isaiah 5:13-14).”
“I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms (Ezekiel 30:22).” This is one of those prophesies which align itself with Daniel’s vision, and confirm that Pharaoh is the king of the south. “The arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand (Daniel 11:15).” Pharaoh was strong as long as he was ignorant of the covenant message, however his strength is broken by the voice of prophecy. “The spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof (Isaiah 19:3).”
After God pours affliction upon Christian priests, a sound of rejoicing is heard coming from the princes of Tyrus: “Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned me (Ezekiel 26:2).” That same offensive sound is heard coming from the sons of Islam. “Say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord God; Thus saith the Lord God; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned… and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity; Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession (Ezekiel 25:3-4).” The voices of these princes are an offense to God, as well as to his people, for they are celebrating the adversity of others. Whereas these princes ought to be fearing the Lord and having concern for the condition of their own souls, instead they are viewing the affliction as an opportunity to advance their own religious beliefs, and increase their riches. They will be delivered into the hands of their enemies, for God will cut off their rejoicings.
When affliction causes priests to be removed from ministry, then church officials will inadvertently hire false teachers as replacements. These false teachers will not regard the voice of the church, and they will oppress the congregations which they lead. In their eyes the congregation is corrupt, because their leaders were afflicted by God. “Ephraim has hired lovers (Hosea 8:9).” “Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee… and I will bring them against thee on every side; the Babylonians… and all the Assyrians with them (Ezekiel 23:22-23).” The souls of these replacements are not right with God, for they have despised the covenant message. In essence, strangers are occupying the pulpits, and these strangers will rage against the congregation. “We offend not, because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice, even the Lord, the hope of their fathers (Jeremiah 50:7).”
The bible warns about this development. “My face will I turn from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for robbers shall enter into it, and defile it (Ezekiel 7:22).” “You have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it… they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations (Ezekiel 44:7).” Robbers are prophesied to lead all congregations that are refusing to listen to God. “If ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me… I will send the pestilence among you; and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy… And if you will not for all this hearken unto me, but will walk contrary unto me… I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation (from Leviticus 26:21-31).”
These robbers will bring into the sanctuary divisive and offensive religious memorabilia. “They shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate (Daniel 11:31).” There it is: the abomination that maketh desolate. Robbers are brought into the sanctuary, to stand in the pulpits and teach God's people. These robbers will bring religious memorabilia into the sanctuary with them, and set it before the eyes of the people. This is an attempt to propagate a religion. “I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable things (Jeremiah 16:18).”
It’s time to take courage: Asa took courage and put away the idols which his fathers had made (1Kings 15:12); Hezekiah removed high places and broke down images, including the brazen serpent which Moses made (2Kings 18:4). Manasseh destroyed idols, including all the altars which he was responsible for building (2Chronicles 33:15); Josiah purged the high places of Israel and Judah, destroying all of their carved images, molten images, and their altars and groves (2Chronicles 34:3-7). These were courageous acts which took great boldness. “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past (Ecclesiastes 3:15).”
In order for God to unite the religions, the sanctuary must be free of offensive memorabilia; memorabilia it is the stumbling block of our iniquity (Ezekiel 7:19). “They ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity (Ezekiel 44:12).” Should Christianity be exempt from the purposes of God? “He that exalts his gate seeketh destruction (Proverbs 17:19).” God prophesied that during these times we will remove our idols. “In that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin (Isaiah 31: 7).” “Thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth (Isaiah 30:22).” “Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword (Isaiah 31: 7).”
Memorabilia in the sanctuary, is iniquity. “Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbidden thee (Deuteronomy 4:23).” “Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the Lord thy God hateth (Deuteronomy 16:22).” “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven image, or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puts it in the secret place (Deuteronomy 27:15).”
In the vision, another king stands up in the north. “Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom (Daniel 11:20).” Behold Nebuchadnezzar, the forth king which stands up on behalf of Christianity: Grecia, Tyrus, the Assyrian, and Nebuchadnezzar. The best way to identify this king is to delve into the Hebrew word which was translated “taxes.” That same word was translated “oppressor” and it was used in the verse, “Take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased (Isaiah 14:4)!” The king of Babylon is being dubbed, the oppressor, or, the raiser of taxes. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of Babylon, however, in prophecy, the names, king of Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar, are considered separately. Nebuchadnezzar is the first king to stand up and believe the covenant message, therefore his name is used to represent all of the priests and prophets which are rising up and believing the covenant message, even though they are not following the instructions of it. “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms (Jeremiah 51:20).” These kings are moving in the right direction, however their practices are not perfect. Pride, covetousness, and the mistreatment of others, are some of their offenses. “I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria (Jeremiah 50:18).”
“In his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom.” The Hebrew word which was translated into the word “vile” credits this appearance as being that of the king of Moab, for that same Hebrew word was translated “despised” and it was used in the verse, “I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised (Obadiah 1-2).” Moab is the first Islamic king to stand up and entertain the teachings of the covenant message, but he rejects them. He is throughly convinced that the heritage of the Lord is Islam’s for the taking (Ezekiel 35:10; 36:5). He and his fellows devise a crafty plan to work together with Edom and come against Christianity, when its priests are afflicted by God (Psalms 83:2-8).
“Keep not thou silence, O God… they that hate thee have lifted the head (Psalms 83:1-2).” “My sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment… The Lord hath a great sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea… it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance (Isaiah 34:5-8).” “I will lay vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord (Ezekiel 25:14).”
Because Moab is the instigator of this battle, indignation will rise up against him, and it will destroy him. “The people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood (Daniel 9:26).” “With an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof (Nahum 1:8).” “With the arms of a flood shall they be over flown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant (Daniel 11:22).”
After the flood, Gog, who is referred to as the prince of the covenant, makes his debut in the north (Ezekiel 38:15). Gog is a prince, for he has no crown, because his works have not been pleasing to the Lord. “If a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully (2Timothy 2:5).” “There shall stand up yet three kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than they all (Daniel 11:2).” Gog is the anticipated fourth presence to stand up on behalf of Islam: Pharaoh, Moab, Edom, and Gog. Gog represents the reinvented princes of Islam. These princes have heard the covenant message, and they believed it, however they also continue to believe that God favors the Islamic religion. Gog gains a following, and becomes a strong host (Daniel 11:23). “I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth (Ezekiel 38:3-4).”
“By his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia (Daniel 11:2).” Gog is against the Christian priests which are leading Islamic congregations. The Hebrew word “Grecia” also translates “Javan,” and this word provides evidence that Grecian’s are backslidden Christian believers (Isaiah 66:19). “The children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold to the Grecians (Joel 3:6).” These backslidden leaders are ignoring the warnings of God's word, and they are meddling with Islam. This is known as defiling their neighbor’s wife (Ezekiel 18:6). Certain priests are electing to ease themselves from studying God's word, and they opting to sell their congregations into the hands of preachers of other religions. Not only do some Islamic priests sell their congregations into the hands of the Grecians, but there are also some Christian priests which are selling their congregations into the hands of Islam. “Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompense upon your own head (Joel 3:6).”
Prophesy reveals that Ephraim will be sold unto Egypt by the Assyrian: “He shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him (Daniel 11:17).” Hosea concurred, “They shall not dwell in the Lord’s land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt (Hosea 9:3).” Defilement is God's punishment for pride, and it will cause the ignorance of the congregation to cease. “I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the Lord hath spoken it (Joel 3:8).”
Gog's discontentment is for good reason. Grecian's are strangers unto God, for they have ignored the truth of his word. They are endangering the congregation because they are misrepresenting God's intended meanings of prophecy. Having false teachers is the punishment which is prophesied to come against rebellious congregations. Believers who despise and refuse to obey the instructions of God's word, are reserved unto the day of his wrath. “In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee (Ezekiel 24:13).” “I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it (Leviticus 26:32).”
Daniel describes Gog as coming “like a whirlwind” (Daniel 11:40); Ezekiel calls it, “like a storm” (Ezekiel 38:9). The day wherein Gog leads his people to attack the deceived Christian priests which are preaching before Islamic congregations, is the day of God's wrath. In that day God will pour afflicting pestilence upon everyone that is fighting against his word; and the rebellion of the rebellious will be destroyed, forever. "It shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face… I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon all his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone (from Ezekiel 38:18-22-23)." "The destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed (Isaiah 1:28)." "Then shall ye know that I am the Lord, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars (Ezekiel 6:13)."
“Yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God (Ezekiel 28:26).”
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The Moon Shall Not Give Her Light
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not… While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened (Ecclesiastes 12:1-2).” In prophecy, the words, "sun" and "moon" and "stars" are all parable words. The "stars" are the people of the congregation, however this message is about the interpretations of the words the sun and moon. Knowing the interpretation of these words, is beneficial for end time understanding. In prophecy, these words pertain to worship leaders, and their teachings. God used two different words because he allowed believers to know that has made a distinction between priests which have heard the covenant message, and those which have not heard it. The word "moon" refers unto priests which have heard; and the word "sun"refers unto the priests which have not heard. Although the moon has gained a certain amount of understanding, these priests have not confessed the controversial parts of the covenant message to their congregations.
“He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down (Psalms 104:19).” Proving God's interpretation of parable words is done by studying all of the prophecies of scripture which pertain to that word, and then building its interpretation one piece of evidence at a time. When a true parable meaning of a word is discovered, then each and every verse which uses that parable word, will make sense. "At that time... they shall bring out the bones... and they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served... and whom they have worshipped (Jeremiah 8:1-2)." This piece of evidence is suggesting that believers have been serving their priests; for they are promoting the mistaken beliefs and thoughts of their teachers. The words of this verse are also suggesting that one day priests will come face to face with the true spiritual condition of their own congregations.
God used the names of these two distinctly different types of light to show believers that during end times he will be judging priests based upon whether or not they have heard the covenant message. “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory (1Corinthians 15:41)." Consider that the moon's light is simply a reflection of the sun's glory. Likewise, if priests which have actually heard the truth, hide it, and simply teach the portions of the covenant message which are convenient for them, then they are just reflecting religion's glory. Believers should be looking forward to the day of a new moon, wherein God's glory is all that matters. "Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on the solemn feast day (Psalm 81:3)."
Certain verses of prophecy testify that God has elevated the role of the moon and its followers during end times: “The moon and stars to rule by night (Psalms 136:9).” This verse suggests that the priests which know the covenant message will be leading God's people during the end times. Another prophecy confesses that the moon shall possess God's end time instructions, and that those instructions shall never depart. “Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night… If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever (Jeremiah 31:35-36).”
“He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass… In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endures (Psalms 72:6-7).” This verse is implying that peace and prosperity will come from the moon's teachings, however the "abundance of peace" which comes from the moon, is temporary, because the moon is teaching truths which are incomplete, and which can never bring peace between the nations of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Rather, the moon's teachings are bringing peace between religion's denominations. This peace came about because God caused certain leaders to rise up and read the covenant message, and they have been teaching some of the less controversial portions of it. "The light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound (Isaiah 30:26)."
There are prophecies of scripture which testify that there will come a day in the which the sun will be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light (Ecclesiastes 12:2). "Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine (Isaiah 13:9-10)." "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The Lord shall roar... and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people (Joel 3:14-16)." That day is will be a day of repentance; but so long as the moon continues to shine, there is no repentance. "He maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45)."
There is one verse of scripture which seemingly suggests that the moon will continue in its strength forever. "I have found David... His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (Psalm 89:20; 89:35-36)." But what is this verse actually verifying? Is it not testifying that God's people will endure forever? And is it not validating God's promise to bring the moon and his ordinances?
"The sun knoweth his going down (Psalms 104:19)." "God commands the sun and it riseth not (Job 9:7)" The Hebrew word which was translated into the word “sun,” was also translated into the word “itch,” and it was used in the verse, “The Lord will smite thee... with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed (Deuteronomy 28:27).” God's peculiar, albeit, very precise placement of this word, is designed to imply that every priest who is refusing to hear the covenant message, will be taken by the curse. God's warning about the itch appears within Israel's covenant: it is God's testimony against believers who received the prosperity of his blessings, and then stop listening to his commandments (Deuteronomy 28:15). The sun shall be turned into darkness, because God commanded it to be dark in that day, and every priest who ignores God's commandment will suffer God's correcting punishment. “He knows their works, and he overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed. He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others; because they turned back from him, and would not consider his ways (Job 34:25-27).”
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the notable day of the Lord come (Acts 2:20; Joel 2:31).” The same word which was translated into the word “turned,” was also translated into the word “converted.” This is true in the book of Acts, as well as in the book of Joel. In other words, both verses could have been translated: the sun shall be converted into darkness, and the moon into blood. These verses pertain to the day wherein the sun will receive God's messengers, and many priests will be corrected, and they will convert their understandings of scripture. In other words, the sun is darkened because it submits itself unto the authority of God's word. This happens when priests which are silencing the covenant message, start promoting it. "The sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood (Revelation 6:12)." Blood depicts the righteousness of working to please God. “Being in agony Jesus prayed the more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44).” Suggesting that the moon is turned into blood, is God's way of acknowledging that he sees the anguish of those priests which sacrifice themselves and share the controversial parts of his end time message with their congregation. These priests will, in effect, be laying down their lives for the word of God.
"The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining (Joel 2:10)." The word, dark, has to do with believers repenting and humbling themselves, and giving God the glory. The earth will quake because priests are teaching the controversial parts of the covenant message, because God's army is being released. “The Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide (Joel 2:11).” The world will hear God's instructions, as well as his warnings. "He was clothed in a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. The armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine lined, white and clean (Revelation 19:13-14)." “Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces gather blackness (Joel 2:6).”
Despite the vast size of the Lord's army, there will still be leaders that refuse to accept the truth, and they will not receive God's messengers. Their lights shall be put out in the day of God's wrath (Habakkuk 1:5). “When I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light… I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall (Ezekiel 32:7-10).” God will pour affliction upon these leaders, and he will violently remove their beauty, and will not spare, but he will utterly destroy all their places of assembly (Lamentations chapter two). “Heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him (Job 20:27).”
“They shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously (Isaiah 24:22-23).” This verse eludes to the afflicting pestilence which will be poured upon some priests. The sun will be taken hostage in an unwalled prison of public opinion, for these priests have transgressed against the Lord, and God will make them an abhorrence to all flesh (Isaiah 66:24). This is God's promise and his punishment which will be forever correcting the priesthood. "I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible (Isaiah 13:11)." “He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word (Psalms 105:28).”
When believers hear the new covenant, and when they learn what Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished for every believer, then New Jerusalem be lit by God's glory, and by the teachings of Jesus Christ. “The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof (Revelation 21:23).” “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory (Isaiah 60:19).”
One final thought: “There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered (Revelation 12:1-2).” So long as priests are permitted to preach iniquity in our pulpits, all of creation is travailing together in birth pains. Along with that thought, be aware that our iniquities are causing righteous priests who are privy to the covenant message, to remain silent and cleave to their traditional religious teachings. Understanding these two things brings interpretation to the prophecy concerning the appearance of a great wonder in heaven. This prophecy is showing believers a portrait of the final victory: The final enemy which still needs to be defeated is seen under the woman’s feet. “He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet (1Corinthians 15:25).” The moon is the final enemy, and the moon is depicted as being put under the feet of the those who are travailing in the birth of the covenant message! The moon will be defeated and put under the woman's feet, when these priests see the mistakes which they are making, and they confess their own failures.
“He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down (Psalms 104:19).” Proving God's interpretation of parable words is done by studying all of the prophecies of scripture which pertain to that word, and then building its interpretation one piece of evidence at a time. When a true parable meaning of a word is discovered, then each and every verse which uses that parable word, will make sense. "At that time... they shall bring out the bones... and they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served... and whom they have worshipped (Jeremiah 8:1-2)." This piece of evidence is suggesting that believers have been serving their priests; for they are promoting the mistaken beliefs and thoughts of their teachers. The words of this verse are also suggesting that one day priests will come face to face with the true spiritual condition of their own congregations.
God used the names of these two distinctly different types of light to show believers that during end times he will be judging priests based upon whether or not they have heard the covenant message. “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory (1Corinthians 15:41)." Consider that the moon's light is simply a reflection of the sun's glory. Likewise, if priests which have actually heard the truth, hide it, and simply teach the portions of the covenant message which are convenient for them, then they are just reflecting religion's glory. Believers should be looking forward to the day of a new moon, wherein God's glory is all that matters. "Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on the solemn feast day (Psalm 81:3)."
Certain verses of prophecy testify that God has elevated the role of the moon and its followers during end times: “The moon and stars to rule by night (Psalms 136:9).” This verse suggests that the priests which know the covenant message will be leading God's people during the end times. Another prophecy confesses that the moon shall possess God's end time instructions, and that those instructions shall never depart. “Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night… If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever (Jeremiah 31:35-36).”
“He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass… In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endures (Psalms 72:6-7).” This verse is implying that peace and prosperity will come from the moon's teachings, however the "abundance of peace" which comes from the moon, is temporary, because the moon is teaching truths which are incomplete, and which can never bring peace between the nations of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Rather, the moon's teachings are bringing peace between religion's denominations. This peace came about because God caused certain leaders to rise up and read the covenant message, and they have been teaching some of the less controversial portions of it. "The light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound (Isaiah 30:26)."
There are prophecies of scripture which testify that there will come a day in the which the sun will be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light (Ecclesiastes 12:2). "Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine (Isaiah 13:9-10)." "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The Lord shall roar... and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people (Joel 3:14-16)." That day is will be a day of repentance; but so long as the moon continues to shine, there is no repentance. "He maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:45)."
There is one verse of scripture which seemingly suggests that the moon will continue in its strength forever. "I have found David... His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven (Psalm 89:20; 89:35-36)." But what is this verse actually verifying? Is it not testifying that God's people will endure forever? And is it not validating God's promise to bring the moon and his ordinances?
"The sun knoweth his going down (Psalms 104:19)." "God commands the sun and it riseth not (Job 9:7)" The Hebrew word which was translated into the word “sun,” was also translated into the word “itch,” and it was used in the verse, “The Lord will smite thee... with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed (Deuteronomy 28:27).” God's peculiar, albeit, very precise placement of this word, is designed to imply that every priest who is refusing to hear the covenant message, will be taken by the curse. God's warning about the itch appears within Israel's covenant: it is God's testimony against believers who received the prosperity of his blessings, and then stop listening to his commandments (Deuteronomy 28:15). The sun shall be turned into darkness, because God commanded it to be dark in that day, and every priest who ignores God's commandment will suffer God's correcting punishment. “He knows their works, and he overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed. He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others; because they turned back from him, and would not consider his ways (Job 34:25-27).”
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the notable day of the Lord come (Acts 2:20; Joel 2:31).” The same word which was translated into the word “turned,” was also translated into the word “converted.” This is true in the book of Acts, as well as in the book of Joel. In other words, both verses could have been translated: the sun shall be converted into darkness, and the moon into blood. These verses pertain to the day wherein the sun will receive God's messengers, and many priests will be corrected, and they will convert their understandings of scripture. In other words, the sun is darkened because it submits itself unto the authority of God's word. This happens when priests which are silencing the covenant message, start promoting it. "The sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood (Revelation 6:12)." Blood depicts the righteousness of working to please God. “Being in agony Jesus prayed the more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44).” Suggesting that the moon is turned into blood, is God's way of acknowledging that he sees the anguish of those priests which sacrifice themselves and share the controversial parts of his end time message with their congregation. These priests will, in effect, be laying down their lives for the word of God.
"The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining (Joel 2:10)." The word, dark, has to do with believers repenting and humbling themselves, and giving God the glory. The earth will quake because priests are teaching the controversial parts of the covenant message, because God's army is being released. “The Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide (Joel 2:11).” The world will hear God's instructions, as well as his warnings. "He was clothed in a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. The armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine lined, white and clean (Revelation 19:13-14)." “Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces gather blackness (Joel 2:6).”
Despite the vast size of the Lord's army, there will still be leaders that refuse to accept the truth, and they will not receive God's messengers. Their lights shall be put out in the day of God's wrath (Habakkuk 1:5). “When I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light… I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall (Ezekiel 32:7-10).” God will pour affliction upon these leaders, and he will violently remove their beauty, and will not spare, but he will utterly destroy all their places of assembly (Lamentations chapter two). “Heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him (Job 20:27).”
“They shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously (Isaiah 24:22-23).” This verse eludes to the afflicting pestilence which will be poured upon some priests. The sun will be taken hostage in an unwalled prison of public opinion, for these priests have transgressed against the Lord, and God will make them an abhorrence to all flesh (Isaiah 66:24). This is God's promise and his punishment which will be forever correcting the priesthood. "I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible (Isaiah 13:11)." “He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word (Psalms 105:28).”
When believers hear the new covenant, and when they learn what Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished for every believer, then New Jerusalem be lit by God's glory, and by the teachings of Jesus Christ. “The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof (Revelation 21:23).” “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory (Isaiah 60:19).”
One final thought: “There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered (Revelation 12:1-2).” So long as priests are permitted to preach iniquity in our pulpits, all of creation is travailing together in birth pains. Along with that thought, be aware that our iniquities are causing righteous priests who are privy to the covenant message, to remain silent and cleave to their traditional religious teachings. Understanding these two things brings interpretation to the prophecy concerning the appearance of a great wonder in heaven. This prophecy is showing believers a portrait of the final victory: The final enemy which still needs to be defeated is seen under the woman’s feet. “He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet (1Corinthians 15:25).” The moon is the final enemy, and the moon is depicted as being put under the feet of the those who are travailing in the birth of the covenant message! The moon will be defeated and put under the woman's feet, when these priests see the mistakes which they are making, and they confess their own failures.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Shaking the Heavens
“Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven (Hebrews 12:26).” God testified in his word that there will be a time of shaking, and that that time will occur just prior to the day of the Lord. “The stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:25-26).” The first step towards being able to interpret God's intended meaning of the shaking, is for believers to understand God's parable use of the word, heaven. In prophecy God used the parable name of "heaven" to refer to places wherein men have crafted laws which govern salvation, and wherein believers have respect for, and obey those laws. In other words, our sanctuaries, and our religions, are our heavens. "The heavens declare his righteousness (Psalm 97:6)." "I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass (Leviticus 26:19). "
Within the parable place called heaven there exists such names as, the powers of heaven, the angels, and the stars of heaven. The "powers of heaven" are church officials who look after, and control, what is, or isn't, taught in the pulpits. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for you souls, as they that must give an account (Hebrews 13:17).” The powers of heaven will shake at the realization that their forefather's have made mistakes, and that they are making those same mistakes. "The powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (Matthew 13:25)." Angel, is another name that is used in prophecy to refer to priests. Jesus revealed the parable meaning of this word in the prophesies of Revelation when he spoke unto John asking him to write letters unto the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 2:1). The stars of heaven are the people within the congregation, for they shine the light of understanding into a dark world. "Be blameless... sons of God... in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15)." "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven (Genesis 22:11)."
The prophesied time of shaking has little to do with the wicked. “There is no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:18).” The wicked have no idea that there is even a need to shake. “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented (Matthew 11:17).” “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1Corinthians 10:12).” “Hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time (Luke 12:56)?”
When God does shake the heavens, the fig trees will be among those that are shaken. “The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind (Revelation 6:13).” Consider who the parable of the fig tree represents. It represents priests which have already heard portions of the covenant message, and which have already changed some of their teachings. These priests believed the report that they heard, therefore they are teaching things which go against their former religious beliefs. Their hope and desire is to teach the truth of God’s word, however because of deeply embedded religious beliefs, and because of their uncertainties, these priests have not confessed the controversial parts of the covenant message before their congregations. “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken (Luke 24:25).” When God promised to shake the heavens, he was referring to that day when nervous priests would stand before their congregations, and confess the controversial parts of the covenant message.
When the controversial parts of the message are openly confessed and the powers of heaven are shaken, then some of the people within the congregation will also be shaken, "and the stars of heaven shall fall (Mark 13:25)." "We beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word... as that the day of Christ is at hand (2Thessalonians 2:1-2)." God's people have respect for the laws of religion, so hearing their own priest confessing and preaching controversial things which go against their traditional beliefs, will be strange, wherefore some people will be shaken, however the word "fall" suggests that the overall reaction of the congregation will be one of being humbled by the almightiness of God. "When the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid (Matthew 17:6-7)." God, in his infinite mercy, will pour his Holy Spirit upon them, and calm their fears. "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3)."
God anticipated our fears, which is why he prophesied truths which will strengthen his people. When believers understand the truths of prophecy, then they know what is coming, and they will be ready for that day. "He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken... that those things which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:26-27)."
“He thunders with the voice of his Excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard (Job 37:4).” Priests already know that end time prophecy must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed (Acts 16:26).” Truths which are being proclaimed through the covenant message, will suddenly be confirmed. However, for the past seven years a remnant of believers have already been at work raising, proving, and confirming the truths of prophecy. They have reported their findings to the priesthood, as well as to the religious authorities. Wherefore unto these believers, end time understanding did not come in an instant, but they were made weary by the unbelief of God's people. In essence, God called a weary remnant to do the work of encouraging and persuading his priesthood. “The Lord of hosts hath visited Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle (Zechariah 10:3).”
"Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail (Micah 4:10)." This verse is evidence that much work needed to be done before God's people could enter into the everlasting kingdom: "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22)." "In those days, after that tribulation... the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (Mark 13:24-25)." The very words, "after that tribulation... the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken," are proof that God allowed for seven years of travail while believers worked to convince the authorities and the priesthood, before that day when the powers of heaven would suddenly be shaken. Those seven years of travail have been accomplished, and the covenant message is complete, and therefore the day of sudden shaking is at hand. "To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels (2Thessalonians 1:7)."
Prophecy also speaks about a gathering which will take place during end times. “In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn (Matthew 13:30).” The first step in being able to understand the work of gathering, is to consider that God foretold believers that one day he would separate the righteous from the hypocrites. "Before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32)." Every believer will have to make a decision concerning what message they will believe. If they oppose what is being taught in their pulpits, they will go out from their places of assembly, and they will be gathered unto places which promote their beliefs. Therefore the separating of the righteous from the rebellious is based upon what is being taught in the pulpit. The faithful will be gathered unto God's house to learn the truths of the covenant message, but the rebellious will be gathered therein to fight against God's word. "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire (John 15:6)."
Sudden destruction is also prophesied to take place. Sudden destruction has everything to do with God pouring out the affliction for the purpose of enforcing his ways. Priests who refuse to receive God's messengers, will be the first casualties of sudden destruction. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Proverbs 29:1).” “This is a rebellious people… that will not hear the law of the Lord… Thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because you despise this word… Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (Isaiah 30:9; 30:12-13).” “He shall break it as the breaking of the potter’s vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare (Isaiah 30:14).” “Suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment (Jeremiah 4:20).”
Now discover an important lesson from the parable of the ten virgins, five of which prepared themselves for the bridegroom by bringing oil for their lamps, and five of which did foolishly and neglected to bring any oil. The ten virgins are ten groups, or bodies of believers, and each of these groups are referred to as virgins, which confirms that all ten of these bodies are innocent and righteous in God's eyes. The difference is that five of the groups have the joy of the Lord. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Hebrews 1:9).” Having the “oil of gladness” is an act of obedience which insures that believers are keeping their lamps lit. Be happy witnesses, and rejoice and be glad that God is faithfully fulfilling his word, and that he has made a way for all believers of every religion! “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).”
Be happy that God is putting an end to religious warfare. He is giving the nations answers concerning Jesus Christ, and now every believer can receive his gift of the Holy Spirit! “They sung a new song, saying... thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).” Don’t fly past the fantastic news that believers of every kindred, tongue and nation will be rejoicing, for good came from their sacrifices. Rejoicing witnesses will inherit praise, for they will safely guide many into glorious truth, and the kingdom of God will be enlarged by their sacrifices! How excellent are His ways! “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty (Psalms 29:1).” “Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people… Give unto the Lord the glory due his name (Psalms 96:7-8).”
It is also necessary for believers to have a spirit of repentance. "He began to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not (Matthew 11:20)." We, as individuals, and as religions, have made grievous mistakes, for we upheld and promoted iniquities and lies which caused others to stumble in their walk with the Lord. Weep and pray for the mistakes of religion, as well as for those who have stumbled in their walk. Pray that God will open the eyes of their understanding. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).”
“I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth… saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come (Revelation 14:6-7).” The covenant message is an end time gospel message, which been delivered into the very capable hands of the God's people. “That he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad (John 11:52).”
The confusion over the covenant message will end when Satan is cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:1-9). “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:9).” This happens when believing priests stand before their congregations and confess the controversial parts of the message, for then religion's lies will be cast out of God's pulpits, forever. “I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before God day and night (Revelation 12:10).” The casting down of Satan is a casting down of his countenance, for deceived priests will be forced to deal with the reality of their mistaken ways. “Cast down, but not destroyed (2Corinthians 4:9).”
Rejoice, for God made a way which unites the believers of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity together, giving them one way in which they may serve him forever. God will fulfill all of his prophecies, and all of his promises, while at the same time he will maintain the integrity of all of the apostles and the prophets. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out (Romans 11:33).” “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).”
Within the parable place called heaven there exists such names as, the powers of heaven, the angels, and the stars of heaven. The "powers of heaven" are church officials who look after, and control, what is, or isn't, taught in the pulpits. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for you souls, as they that must give an account (Hebrews 13:17).” The powers of heaven will shake at the realization that their forefather's have made mistakes, and that they are making those same mistakes. "The powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (Matthew 13:25)." Angel, is another name that is used in prophecy to refer to priests. Jesus revealed the parable meaning of this word in the prophesies of Revelation when he spoke unto John asking him to write letters unto the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 2:1). The stars of heaven are the people within the congregation, for they shine the light of understanding into a dark world. "Be blameless... sons of God... in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15)." "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven (Genesis 22:11)."
The prophesied time of shaking has little to do with the wicked. “There is no fear of God before their eyes (Romans 3:18).” The wicked have no idea that there is even a need to shake. “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented (Matthew 11:17).” “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1Corinthians 10:12).” “Hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time (Luke 12:56)?”
When God does shake the heavens, the fig trees will be among those that are shaken. “The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind (Revelation 6:13).” Consider who the parable of the fig tree represents. It represents priests which have already heard portions of the covenant message, and which have already changed some of their teachings. These priests believed the report that they heard, therefore they are teaching things which go against their former religious beliefs. Their hope and desire is to teach the truth of God’s word, however because of deeply embedded religious beliefs, and because of their uncertainties, these priests have not confessed the controversial parts of the covenant message before their congregations. “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken (Luke 24:25).” When God promised to shake the heavens, he was referring to that day when nervous priests would stand before their congregations, and confess the controversial parts of the covenant message.
When the controversial parts of the message are openly confessed and the powers of heaven are shaken, then some of the people within the congregation will also be shaken, "and the stars of heaven shall fall (Mark 13:25)." "We beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word... as that the day of Christ is at hand (2Thessalonians 2:1-2)." God's people have respect for the laws of religion, so hearing their own priest confessing and preaching controversial things which go against their traditional beliefs, will be strange, wherefore some people will be shaken, however the word "fall" suggests that the overall reaction of the congregation will be one of being humbled by the almightiness of God. "When the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid (Matthew 17:6-7)." God, in his infinite mercy, will pour his Holy Spirit upon them, and calm their fears. "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3)."
God anticipated our fears, which is why he prophesied truths which will strengthen his people. When believers understand the truths of prophecy, then they know what is coming, and they will be ready for that day. "He hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken... that those things which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:26-27)."
“He thunders with the voice of his Excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard (Job 37:4).” Priests already know that end time prophecy must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed (Acts 16:26).” Truths which are being proclaimed through the covenant message, will suddenly be confirmed. However, for the past seven years a remnant of believers have already been at work raising, proving, and confirming the truths of prophecy. They have reported their findings to the priesthood, as well as to the religious authorities. Wherefore unto these believers, end time understanding did not come in an instant, but they were made weary by the unbelief of God's people. In essence, God called a weary remnant to do the work of encouraging and persuading his priesthood. “The Lord of hosts hath visited Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle (Zechariah 10:3).”
"Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail (Micah 4:10)." This verse is evidence that much work needed to be done before God's people could enter into the everlasting kingdom: "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22)." "In those days, after that tribulation... the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (Mark 13:24-25)." The very words, "after that tribulation... the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken," are proof that God allowed for seven years of travail while believers worked to convince the authorities and the priesthood, before that day when the powers of heaven would suddenly be shaken. Those seven years of travail have been accomplished, and the covenant message is complete, and therefore the day of sudden shaking is at hand. "To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels (2Thessalonians 1:7)."
Prophecy also speaks about a gathering which will take place during end times. “In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn (Matthew 13:30).” The first step in being able to understand the work of gathering, is to consider that God foretold believers that one day he would separate the righteous from the hypocrites. "Before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32)." Every believer will have to make a decision concerning what message they will believe. If they oppose what is being taught in their pulpits, they will go out from their places of assembly, and they will be gathered unto places which promote their beliefs. Therefore the separating of the righteous from the rebellious is based upon what is being taught in the pulpit. The faithful will be gathered unto God's house to learn the truths of the covenant message, but the rebellious will be gathered therein to fight against God's word. "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire (John 15:6)."
Sudden destruction is also prophesied to take place. Sudden destruction has everything to do with God pouring out the affliction for the purpose of enforcing his ways. Priests who refuse to receive God's messengers, will be the first casualties of sudden destruction. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Proverbs 29:1).” “This is a rebellious people… that will not hear the law of the Lord… Thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because you despise this word… Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (Isaiah 30:9; 30:12-13).” “He shall break it as the breaking of the potter’s vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare (Isaiah 30:14).” “Suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment (Jeremiah 4:20).”
Now discover an important lesson from the parable of the ten virgins, five of which prepared themselves for the bridegroom by bringing oil for their lamps, and five of which did foolishly and neglected to bring any oil. The ten virgins are ten groups, or bodies of believers, and each of these groups are referred to as virgins, which confirms that all ten of these bodies are innocent and righteous in God's eyes. The difference is that five of the groups have the joy of the Lord. “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Hebrews 1:9).” Having the “oil of gladness” is an act of obedience which insures that believers are keeping their lamps lit. Be happy witnesses, and rejoice and be glad that God is faithfully fulfilling his word, and that he has made a way for all believers of every religion! “At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).”
Be happy that God is putting an end to religious warfare. He is giving the nations answers concerning Jesus Christ, and now every believer can receive his gift of the Holy Spirit! “They sung a new song, saying... thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).” Don’t fly past the fantastic news that believers of every kindred, tongue and nation will be rejoicing, for good came from their sacrifices. Rejoicing witnesses will inherit praise, for they will safely guide many into glorious truth, and the kingdom of God will be enlarged by their sacrifices! How excellent are His ways! “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty (Psalms 29:1).” “Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people… Give unto the Lord the glory due his name (Psalms 96:7-8).”
It is also necessary for believers to have a spirit of repentance. "He began to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not (Matthew 11:20)." We, as individuals, and as religions, have made grievous mistakes, for we upheld and promoted iniquities and lies which caused others to stumble in their walk with the Lord. Weep and pray for the mistakes of religion, as well as for those who have stumbled in their walk. Pray that God will open the eyes of their understanding. “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).”
“I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth… saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come (Revelation 14:6-7).” The covenant message is an end time gospel message, which been delivered into the very capable hands of the God's people. “That he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad (John 11:52).”
The confusion over the covenant message will end when Satan is cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:1-9). “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:9).” This happens when believing priests stand before their congregations and confess the controversial parts of the message, for then religion's lies will be cast out of God's pulpits, forever. “I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before God day and night (Revelation 12:10).” The casting down of Satan is a casting down of his countenance, for deceived priests will be forced to deal with the reality of their mistaken ways. “Cast down, but not destroyed (2Corinthians 4:9).”
Rejoice, for God made a way which unites the believers of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity together, giving them one way in which they may serve him forever. God will fulfill all of his prophecies, and all of his promises, while at the same time he will maintain the integrity of all of the apostles and the prophets. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out (Romans 11:33).” “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).”
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