Articles and Topical Studies
Bible Question: can you please explain deuteronomy chater 18 verse 9-12 where it says causes his sons or daughters to dance through the fire?
Debbie, serious question! But we are not sure where you got the idea or translation of "dance through the fire" from Deut. 18:10. "PASS THROUGH THE FIRE." It appears that all the standard translations (KJV, NAS, NIV, RSV, ASV, ROTH, etc.) have "pass through the fire." The Hebrew for "pass through" is verified by Strong"s Concordance, #5674, as `abar (aw-bar'); a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
CHILDREN BURNT IN FIRE TO THE GODS. But what was being warned against as the children of Israel came into Canaan is that they should not worship the local gods, such as Molech, by passing their children (their "seed" through the fire). Some have postulated that it merely meant a simple rite of consecration to the idol, passing between two large fires as a kind of purification. This rite may have first occurred. But the scriptures are clear that it was an "abomination" what the people of the land were doing in burning their children in worship to their gods. Deut 12:31 "Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods."
GOD"S JUDGMENT ON THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE LAND OF CANAAN. Because of these abominations in the land of Canaan, God exercised His judgment on these people through His people Israel. Israel was commanded under the leadership of Joshua to conquer the Land by destroying and dispossessing the people. Deut 18:12 "For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee." Under the leadership of Joshua they were to conquer the Land. Josh 3:10 "And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites."
CANAANITES AND SODOMITES DESTROYED FOR THEIR "GOOD." Unfortunately, the Israelites compromised and were consequently influenced from time to time by the abominable idolatry of the inhabitants of the Land who were not destroyed. But God used the Israelites to conquer Canaan as He saw good"just as God Himself destroyed the Sodomites "as I saw good" (Ezek. 16:50). How was it for their "good"? Both the Sodomites and the Canaanites actually will come back as "daughters" to Israel under an "everlasting covenant" of life and blessing. Ezek 16:61 ". . .and I will give them [Sodom and her daughters," vs. 46] unto thee [Samaria, Israel] for daughters, but not by thy [old Law] covenant. The Sodomites and Canaanites were mercifully interrupted in their downward spiral into abominable sins so that they will have better opportunity to be recovered in Christ Jesus" Kingdom on earth.
MODERN DATE CANAANITES OFFERING THEIR CHILDREN. Unfortunately today we have modern-day "Canaanites" who offer their children to their god Allah. (They are not lineal descendants of the Canaanites, but only perhaps culturally related with a similar mentality.) Moslems prepare their children from a very young age to become "suicide bombers" and take great satisfaction (and also some monetary payment) when their children commit suicide"and kill some Jews with them. Hopefully, the children programmed from earliest childhood to hate the Jews will still be able to come up to Jerusalem in Christ"s Kingdom to learn about the "God of Jacob" and submit to the program of restoration and peace.
Isa 2:2-4 "The mountain of the house of the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it. 3 And many peoples will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. NAS
ABOMINABLE TEACHING ASCRIBED TO OUR GOD. What is even more abominable through the centuries is how most Christians have ascribed to our loving and just God an eternity of burning hell for unbelievers! (Most of earth"s billions are unbelievers.) Is Satan to be believed and not God? The "father of lies" Satan told Adam, "Ye shall not surely die" (Gen. 3:4)"after God said, "In the day that thou eatest there thou shall surely die" (Gen. 2:17). Ezek 18:4 "The soul that sinneth, it shall die.." Is the penalty death"or life somewhere else? 1 Cor 15:22 "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Whether of the "first fruits" (James 1:18) or the world of mankind"our eternity depends on the resurrection! Our God of love would never burn or torture anyone for eternity.
Bible Question: Well, from my understand god creating the world in six days? Dinosaurs lived for thousands of years. Where were they when god created the man on the 6th day?
We agree with you that it doesn't make sense that dinosaurs could have lived for thousands of years before man if the creative days were 24-hour periods. Our understanding is that the Bible teaches each creative day was 7,000 years, and the whole creative week was 49,000 years. Therefore, dinosaurs could have been around for many years before man was created at the end of the 6th creative day.
The concept behind the creative day equaling 7000 years comes from calculating Bible chronology, which demonstrates that from the creation of Adam to Christ's 1000 year reign is 6000 years. Then we are told Christ's reign is 1000 years. Therefore, the last creative day (in which God rested, man was created, and the work of restoring mankind to his perfection lost is given to Christ to accomplish) is 7000 years.
This chronology can be found at:
http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0086.htm
Having established that the last creative day is 7000 years, it is reasonable that the previous 6 creative days were also 7000 years each. This concept is based on the Jewish sabbath system of 6 days labor and 1 day rest.
We also find this concept shown when Jesus said he was Lord of the sabbath (Matt. 12:8). Jesus healed on the sabbath in order to picture that on the great Sabbath (the last 1000 years of the seventh 7000-year Creative Day, the Millennium) he would heal the whole world. Rev. 20 clearly states the antitypical Sabbath would be 1000 years, so we can conclude that 6 "days" of labor under sin and death came before it.
The 1000 years of Christ's reign is mentioned specifically in Rev. 20, Psa. 90, and 2 Peter 3. In Psalm 90:3 the whole 7000 years of man's fall into sin and their restoration is summarized: "Thou turnest man to destruction;and sayest, Return, ye children of men." In Psa. 90:4 the whole 7000 years is stated to be, in God's timing, days of 1000 years length: "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
In 2 Peter 3 the context is the return of Jesus for the day of judgment (vs. 7). In the day of judgment, the old order will be replaced by Christ's new order (vs. 10). Verse 8 is letting us know the judgment day is to be 1000 years.
It should be noted that there are different "days" in the Bible. Israel's 40 years in the wilderness are called a day in Heb. 3:8. The last creative day of 7000 years is called a day in Heb. 4:4. So 2 Peter 3:8 is specifically telling us that the judgment day, the Millennium, the day of the Lord is 1000 years. All these scriptures are clarifying the concept of the 1000-year day in regard to the sabbath system.
Bible Question: Where is this in the Bible? For the creation itself will be a witness to everyone on earth so that they have no excuse so as not to believe.
You may be thinking of Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
This scripture indicates that nature itself testifies to the existence of God. In a way, there are two Bibles issued from the same Divine Author; the Bible of the unwritten word, and the Bible of the written word. Or we may look at it as one bible in two volumes, the volume of Nature and the volume of Scripture; and the first volume is the second volume illustrated.
Ignorance and superstition in the world are not the fault of God. Rom 1:21 Because that , when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Men began to disregard God's laws soon after the fall of man. The heathen quickly replaced the true God with worship of wood and stone. Only the faithful like Noah and his lineage through Abraham retained God in their thoughts.
It is interesting to look at a concordance and see how many times God identifies himself as the creator of all that exists. This is his fingerprint, so to speak, which may be traced in everything in which has been created in heaven and earth. Isa. 42:5, Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it and spirit to them that walk therein:
Bible Question: what ia the meaning of the four beasts of Revelation?
First, take a look at a different translation — the New American says: Rev 4:6 "and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind." The "living creatures" is symbolic, and is not a real creature. The Book of Revelation is written in symbols. It tells us so right at the introduction of the book "he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John" (Revelation 1:1) According to Thayers( a Greek dictionary) the word "signified" means to give a sign. Some of the illustrations in Revelation would be absurd if taken literally.
"Living Creatures" is the correct thought in Revelation 4:7. When beast is used in other places in Revelation it is from a different Greek word and means a dangerous animal. So whatever "Living Creatures" means it would illustrate something positive and active.
From the context of the chapter we suggest that the scene is in heaven. Verse 1 mentions "a door (view or insight) was opened in heaven. Verse 2 says "A throne was set in heaven." Verse 4,5 and 6 mention" round about the throne," "out of the throne," and "in the midst of the throne." Who is the one sitting on this throne? Verse 8 helps us here and is a key to then unlock the rest of the chapter because the "Living creatures" are saying to the one on the throne "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come." Also verse 11 mentions some bowing down before the throne saying "Thou art worth, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" The chapter itself shows that God is the one that is sitting on this throne and these living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to God.
Which brings us to the question what could these Living Creatures be? Since there are no nations in heaven we would like to suggest that these represent the attribute of God. See the following interpretive understanding of this passage that is consistent with the rest of the Bible and with the symbols of Revelation.
6. And before the throne [in the arrangement of the divine government] there was a sea of glass [an eternal fixity] of glass [purity] like unto crystal: and in the midst [central fundamental principles] of the throne [divine government], and round about the throne, were four beasts [living creatures, four attributes of God] full of eyes before and behind [far-seeing in wisdom extending before his creations and afterward maintaining his integrity].
7. And the first beast [living creature, attribute] was like a lion [justice], and the second beast [living creature, attribute] was like a calf [young ox, power], and the third beast [living creature, attribute] had a face as a man [love], and the fourth beast [living creature, attribute] was like a flying eagle [active far-seeing wisdom].
8. And the four beasts [living creatures, attributes] had each of them six wings [with two wings God maintains his sovereignty, with two other wings he protects his subjects, and with the last two he carries forth his plan] about him, and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9. And when those four beasts [living creatures, attributes] give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne [seat of divine government], who liveth for ever and ever
If you would like a further insight into the book of Revelation we have a booklet on our web site "Revelation: How to study it and have it make sense" Just click on Bible Topics and Revelation will be listed near the bottom. A link is provided for your convenience.
http://www.biblestudents.com/BibleTopics.cfm
Bible Question: explain balm in Gilead
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for
your question concerning the balm in Gilead. We read this statement from the
prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 20: 22)
20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For
the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment
hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician
there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
So what is the thought behind - No balm in Gilead " We might understand the
prophet to be saying that there is no consolation for the wounded spirits on
the battlefield of life. That is there are no human remedies that will cure
the malady of human depravity & the pain and sorrow that is part of the
death process (the curse upon mankind).
But for the Christian it is different, he must not be disappointed and allow
his faith to falter when his outward peace and quietness which he craves
tarries long. Our Father has not forgotten us when the answer to our prayers
seems to be delayed. Outward peace and calm are not always the conditions
best suited to our needs as New Creatures; and we would not desire
conditions in which the precious fruits of the Spirit would not grow and
develop in us.
Therefore, "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which shall try
you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice." (1 Peter
4:12,13.)
He who numbers the very hairs of our heads is never indifferent to the
sufferings and needs of His weakest and humblest child. Oh, how sweet is the
realization of such loving, abiding care! "When He giveth quietness, who
then can make trouble?"
In every sorrow and grief the saints have a blessed consolation of which the
world is wholly in ignorance. What is this consolation? It is the precious
balm of Gilead for wounded spirits on the battle-field of life; it is the
stimulating, refreshing drink for fainting souls, hard pressed by the
relentless foe. It is the gentle whisper of hope and love and courage when
heart and flesh are almost failing. This is Divine consolation, the only
consolation that has in it any virtue of healing or refreshment. It is
reserved alone for those noble souls who are faithfully bearing the burden
and heat of the day in the service of the King of kings; while those who
listlessly drift with the current of the world and the downward tendencies
of the carnal nature can never have an intimation of its sweetness. How
loving and tender is our God, and how wise and strong! His promises have
never failed those who have put their trust in Him.
Bible Question: Can religion and church membership help you go to heaven?
Accepting Jesus as your savior is the way to gain salvation. Gathering with those "of like precious Faith" will be a means to assist you to be faithful. No Scripture teaches us to have a church membership. 2 Pet 1:1-3 But the Scriptures do admonish Christians to have close fellowship around the Bible teachings. Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6. Jesus told us to follow him (not a Church organization or a man). Luke 9:23 Paul, one of the twelve appointed apostles, admonished Christians to only follow him to the extent that he followed Jesus. 1 Cor 11:1 Paul also reminded the Christian to remember that Jesus was the authority for the Church. "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" 1 Cor 1:12-13
The "Christian Church" is not made up of memberships in specific denomination(s) but is a "little flock" (Luke 12:32) that has been gathered by the Lord from around the world over the last 2000 years since its founding at Pentecost as recorded in Acts. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.." Eph 4:4 The True Church is made up of those called and consecrated to His Cause. Rom 8:17, Psa 50:5
The Bible encourages the "called" to seek fellowship with likeminded: "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest (Jesus glorified) over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Heb 10:19-25
We encourage you to seek fellowship with those who point you to the Scriptures and follow the examples set up by our Lord at the First Advent and recorded in the Gospels and book of Acts. The Bible Study book entitled The New Creation is a place for you to begin a study of Christian fellowship and the teachings set forth in the early church. Study 5, "THE ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW CREATION", is a good place to start a personal study. http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0143.htm
Bible Question: how to deal with the pressures of life?
Michael,
"For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15
What it means is that our spiritual strength and freedom from the pressures of life comes from understanding God"s plan of salvation and doing those things that show that we are in harmony with Him and His plan. When we do those things, we enter into a rest that revives us. 1 Pet 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Peace — the opposite of worry:
Jesus said: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28) Each Christian, in proportion to his or her knowledge and faith, will have rest and peace within themselves. "We which believe do enter into rest." The perfect time of rest for Christians comes when we submit our all to the Lord, accepting joyfully his promised guidance through a "narrow way" to the Kingdom. There we rest from our own works, from all effort to justify ourselves. There, we confess ourselves to be imperfect and unworthy of Divine grace, and unable to make ourselves worthy. There we gratefully accept Divine mercy extended toward us in the redemption which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But this rest we have entered into is not our ultimate rest. A permanent rest awaits us: "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.... Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." (Heb. 4:9-11) Christians will enter into that rest when they experience their resurrection change, when they will enter into the joys of their Lord.
The word Sabbath signifies rest or peace, and, therefore, its deeper significance was to lead the Jew to Christ and have the burden of the Law lifted. No Jew was able to gain life under the Law Covenant, but by becoming dead to the Law, he was privileged to come into membership in Christ"become a sharer in the covenant of sacrifice. (Rom. 7:4-6 and Psa. 50:5) So doing, he was promised rest from the Law and its condemnation, because "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 8:1) Indeed, the merit of Christ covers the shortcomings of all those who are striving to walk in his steps, and the Scriptures give them the assurance of Divine favor, ushering them into peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Bible Question: Are there miracles at this Christian age period of Bible history, or not?
DEFINITIONS. The meaning of what a "miracle" is should probably first to be defined"so we are all talking about the same concept! There are two Greeks words used in the New Testament that are translated as "miracles." They both signify supernatural power:
Strong"s #4592
semeion (say-mi'-on); neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of NT:4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:
#4591 semaino (say-mah'-ee-no); from sema (a mark; of uncertain derivation); to indicate. (Eg. John 2:11, 23; 3:2; Rev. 13:14, etc.)
Strong"s #1411
dunamis (doo'-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):
#1410 dunamai (doo'-nam-ahee); of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible: (Eg. Acts 2:22; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 29; Heb. 2:4)
PROVIDENCE. Some would understand a "miracle" to be a violation of the laws of nature. But we would understand that all the forces of nature are under Divine control in ways we cannot understand or fully explain. In this sense of the word, we have miracles all around us every day. These "miracles" may be providences related to God"s people: For example, if God did not think a certain Christian was ready to finish his earthly walk and still had some lessons to learn and character to develop"He might providentially or "miraculously" prevent unexplainably the plane not crashing even though there were serious mechanical problems.
INTRODUCTION. But Jesus at his first advent performed miracles to illustrate his power and draw attention to his ministry. Our Lord"s remark, "Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not believe" (John 4:48) implies that the highest order of faith would be that which would not require such tangible demonstrations of divine power. While he healed many, Jesus did not miraculously heal and raise from the dead the many others. But miracles were necessary then and the early infant Church for the introduction of the Gospel message.
PICTURE. Most"if not all"Jesus" miracles were performed on the Sabbath. These miracles were a picture how the "Lord of the Sabbath" would be raising the dead and healing all the sick in his Kingdom for which we pray. "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That will be the time when "The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. . .And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (Isaiah 35:5, 6, 10).
GREATER GIFTS. Apostle Paul explained the various "spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:1) and "working of miracles" (vs. 10) in the early Church would be supplanted by "greater gifts" of the holy spirit, that is, fruits of the spirit as encapsulated in "Love" (1 Corinthians 13)" :
1 Corinthians 12:28-31; 13:1-2
"And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. . ." (NAS)
So the gifts and miracles in the Early Church were to be supplanted by the more important development of all the fruits of the spirit of Love.
END TIMES. One more consideration on miracles is during these End Times. We are living in a time when apparently in order to hold his dominion, the great Adversary Satan is going into the healing business. Through spirit mediums and some preachers, Satan is making a bid for power in the world. Apostle Paul warned that the coming of Jesus would be accompanied by the "work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders" (2 Thess. 2:9 NIV) So while much of what might be passed off as "miracles" today might be deception and fraud"it is also possible that some instances represent fallen angel or demon power.
Bible Question:
Who were the 7 heads and 10 horns of Rome of Daniel?
LITTLE HORN OF FOURTH TERRIBLE BEAST OF DANIEL. Actually, the outspoken "little horn" which plucks up three others appears in the Book of Daniel (7:8) on the fourth "terrible beast." This had ten horns and represents Pagan Rome. Certainly we know that the "Holy Roman Empire" emerged from the fourth universal empire, the Pagan Roman Empire. As you know, horns represent different divisions of power. As this "little horn" rose in influence, three of the divisions, horns or powers of the Roman Empire (the Heruli, the Eastern Exarchate and the Ostrogoths)"were plucked out of the way to make room for Papacy"s establishment as a civil power or "horn." (See more details on our link http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0098.htm.)
LEOPARD BEAST OF REVELATION. But there is a clear identity connection between this "little horn" with the Leopard Beast of Revelation 13"because they do the same things. What began as a division of power as a "little horn" out of Pagan Rome became a Beast, a government, on its own!
Daniel 7 - "Little Horn" Revelation 13 - Leopard Beast
Vs, 7 "a mouth speaking great things" Vs. 5 "mouth speaking great things and blasphemies"
Vs. 21 "made war with saints" Vs. 7 "made war with the saints"
The Leopard Beast"s deadly wound that was "healed (vs. 3) would refer to the Protestant Reformation. It helped a "little," but was overcome with " flatteries." (Dan. 11:34)
CONSTANTINE THROUGH CHARLEMAGNE. Actually the plucking up of the three horns happened centuries before ("charlemane"?) Charlemagne. (Perhaps you were thinking of Constantine?) Constantine was the first to recognize the Christian Church in 313 A.D. with his Edict of Toleration. Under Valentinian"s era, the Church persecuted through civil power. But it was Justinian in 539 A.D. who not only recognized the Bishop of Rome, but defeated the Ostrogoths in Italy, thus ensconcing the Pope in Rome. Finally, it was Charlemagne who began the right to crown kings, thus commencing the 1,000-year counterfeit Kingdom of Christ, the "Holy Roman Empire." (See more details on our link: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0093.htm.)
Number of Head Emperor Ch. 13
Leopard Beast
1 Constantine Church recognized by civil powers (313)*
2 Valentinian Church persecutes through civil power (364)*
3 Justinian Church Bishop (Pope) rules from Rome (539) as "Pontifex Maximus"
4 Charlemagne Church leadership (Pope) crowns kings (800)
Bible Question: In the seventy weeks of Daniel the Chapter 9 verse 26 I need help to where the three score and two weeks start and finish I believe the Messiah being cut is the death of Jesus it's the starting period of that verse that I need advise on.
God many times hides prophecy so it may be revealed only to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. This is the case in Daniel 9:24-27, the prophecy of Jesus first advent.
(Dan 9:24) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
(Dan 9:25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
(Dan 9:26) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
(Dan 9:27) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The prophecy of 70 weeks is a period of 490 years beginning in 454 B.C.from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem. The ending of the 70 weeks was 36 AD. The last week or 70th week is the significant part of the prophecy. Jesus presented himself to the nation of Israel at the beginning of the 70th week which was 29 AD.
Your question was, when was the 62 week, but this is not an important date it was simply one of the weeks which add up to bring us to the last week, the 70th week. In order to understand verse 26 you must look at verse 25 and 26 together. The calculation of 69 weeks is stated as seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks. With that in mind when the prophet says after threescore and two weeks, we must automatically include the 7 weeks from verse 25. Therefore the prophet is not pointing to the 62 week but the 69th week which will bring us to the 70th week.
To further illustrate the prophecy:
7 weeks + 62 weeks =69 weeks (which brings us to the last week the 70th week.)
after 62 weeks would mean after the 69th week because the 7 weeks is automatically included.
The last week of the prophecy (the 70th week) is the last week of favor to the Jewish nation. It begins with Jesus presenting himself to them as their messiah. The week consisted of 7 years (a day for a year). It began in 29 Ad. when Jesus presented himself to John the Baptist to begin his ministry. The midst of the week was 3 1/2 years afterward in 33 AD. It was in this year that Jesus was crucified. 3 1/2 years later the week ended in 36AD . At this time the 70 weeks of special favor to the Jew ended and the Gospel was opened to the Gentiles.
Bible Question: how long did it take noah to build the ark?
There is not a direct scripture , except indirectly found in Gen 6:3, stating that the fallen angels were given a 120 years, when you read Gen 6th chapter you will find that is the reason why Noah built the ark.
Noah's family was singled out as exceptional, in the statement, "Now Noah was <perfect in his generation>""implying that few or no others were perfectly generated—of pure Adamic
stock. (`Genesis 6:9`.) Noah's family, therefore, included all the uncontaminated—only eight persons. They, by Divine command, built the Ark, and thus witnessed to the world the Divine intention respecting a Deluge
While the Ark was being Prepared The disloyal course of the angels apparently continued
for centuries without any outward manifestation of God's ability to check them. Thus all the holy angels we retested, and all who chose "were disobedient in the days of
Noah."—`1 Peter 3:20`.
Noah's message respecting a Divine judgment by a Deluge seemed ridiculous. Until the Deluge there was no rain. The last of the great "rings" which then flooded the Earth was of
pure water. For centuries it was spread out over the firmament. The whole Earth was a great hothouse. There were practically no changes of seasons, nor storms, because the great
water canopy preserved it in perpetual Summer. Of that period we read: "For as yet there was no rain on the Earth." (`Genesis 2:5.`) Noah, the preacher of righteousness, was mocked and considered a fool because of his faith in God's Word, just as others of the Lord's people at various times have been mocked by those who lacked faith, and are yet mocked.
Food for thought
Why did Jesus in Matt 24, talk about Noah ?
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noah [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Did you ever look the meaning of the work coming?
Why the comparison of the days of Noah to the days of Jesus coming?
Bible Question: Daniel's dream, great image, 5th universal empire
What is the meaning of Daniel 7:7-28 mean?
In Daniel the 7th chapter, Daniel was given a dream; this dream was a
prophetic picture of the four universal empires that ruled over the world,
Babylon, Medeo Persia, Greece and Rome (four great beasts).
Throughout the bible we see that the bible interprets itself, so when we
come to Dan 7:16; we read,
"I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all
this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17
These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of
the earth."
Then we read of the 5th universal empire, God"s kingdom on earth which will
never end -(Dan 7:18) But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the
kingdom forever, even forever and ever.
This is a very exciting prophecy that teaches us that although God allowed
evil governments to reign he will not allow it forever. After man has
learned his lesson under the dominion of oppressive governments he will be
prepared for the blessings under God"s kingdom of righteousness.
Bible Question: Does the greek word stauro mean cross, or stake.
stauro-, staur- (Greek: upright stake; hence, "rood, cross"; cross-shaped, crosslike, crossed).
Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says, "STAUROS denotes, primarily, an upright pole or stake ... Both the noun and the verb stauroo, to fasten to a stake or pole, are originally to be distinguished from the ecclesiastical form of a two-beamed cross.
The literal word from Vine's definition seems to indicate a stake was used, but it does not negate the possibility of a cross piece being used on that stake since it was the Roman practice.
Roman traditions. They used a stake with a cross piece. Thus the idea of a cross.
We also know that crucifixion was the Roman form of punishment for vile criminals and Jesus was sentenced under Pilate the Roman Governor (at the insistence of the Jewish religious leaders).
John 19:13-18
13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. 16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away. 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
Bible Question: Will you please explain Revelations 20 Verse 5?
"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."
Most Biblical scholars are agreed that the first sentence of this text is an interpolation, or spurious, meaning it was not originally in the book of Revelation. There are many passages found in the modern translations that were additions, which do not properly belong in the Bible. Since we are told not to add to the Word of God, it is our duty to recognize as spurious such additions.
Sometimes additions were made by copyists who were trying to improve on what they thought the text should say, and sometimes it was just a simple mistake.
If we left out the spurious part, the verses preceding would easily flow together, speaking about the faithful followers of Christ, the Church class, who will receive the heavenly reward in the first resurrection:
(Rev. 20:4) "...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Rev 20:5) This is the first resurrection."
Although the world of mankind will be raised to life during the 1000 years of Christ's reign (that is the purpose of his reign), we can still explain this text if someone insists those words should be there because the world will not live again in the full sense of perfection, as Adam had, until the 1000 years are finished. It will take the full 1000 years to perfect and test mankind to see if they are worthy to inherit eternal life.
Raising people to life will be a momentary work. But resurrecting (full raising up) people to perfection will be a gradual work, lasting 1000 years. So although the words "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished" are most likely not part of the inspired Bible, it would be strictly true to say that the rest of the dead will not live again (will not regain the fulness of life lost) until the thousand years of restitution and blessing are complete.
Bible Question: WOULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT THE GREAT COMMISSION MEANS.
Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples numerous times over a period of forty days. This time period was used to fortify the disciples' faith in Jesus and open their understanding of the scriptures. He instructed them in the law of Moses and the prophets - as expressed in the following scriptures:
Luke 24:44-48 - "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." As this time of special instruction drew to a close, he assembled the disciples to share parting thoughts often referred to as the great commission. Although noted in Luke and in Acts, it is most commonly summarized in Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The commission divides itself into three parts: (1) "teach all nations;" (2) "baptizing them;" (3) "teaching them." In the first portion of verse 19, direction is given to "teach" all nations. If we look closer at this word we find it to mean "to become a pupil" or "to disciple; enroll as a scholar". Was this to mean covert all nations? These words, if taken alone, could well be interpreted in that manner. However, this instruction was given at the close of the earthly ministry of Jesus and must harmonize with earlier teachings. Let us look at a few of those precepts. Matthew 24:14 tells us - "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;"" In Matthew 7:14 we read, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." and further we find "for many be called, but few chosen." (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). Jesus himself did not want to convert the world as we read in Mark 4:11-12, "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them." In fact the word "church" in the New Testament is the Greek word "ekklesia" which means "that which is called out" (see Young's Concordance). Jesus was looking for disciples with "ears to hear" (Mark 4:9), a "little flock" (Luke 12:32) to become his "church", "his body" (Colossians 1:18,24). He defined this discipleship, saying, "If any man will come after Me [be My disciple], let him deny himself [set himself aside, ignore himself, his talent, his will, his wealth, his everything-discipleship first], and let him take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24). The Apostle Peter confirms this reasoning in Acts 15:14 - "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name." The Living Bible translation perhaps better expresses this first point - "Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19).
The second portion of the commission refers to "baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". What does that mean? It is important to note that it is not into a denomination or sect, nor is it referring to water baptism. "Into the name of" signifies into accord with, into fellowship with. All of Christ's disciples are to recognize the Father's name as standing for righteousness; and they are to become dead to every other principle than that which His name represents, and to be thoroughly immersed into that name of righteousness, justice, truth. Water baptism is a symbol of the true baptism which Paul describes in Romans 6:3-5, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"
In the third part of the commission (verse 20) we read "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you". The word "teaching" in this verse differs from the word "teach" in verse 19. In this reference the meaning is "to teach or learn" (see Strong's concordance) through instruction. Let us look to the scriptures for this instruction. In Genesis we learn of God's promise to bless ALL the nations of the earth through Abraham's seed - "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Genesis 22:17-18) Paul writes in the third chapter of Galatians "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ".
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (3:16,27,29) This is part of the understanding to which Jesus opened the disciples' eyes. If Christ and his followers are Abraham's seed, then who are they to bless? Paul alludes to part of the answer in Hebrews 11:39,40 when after listing many of the faithful servants of old he concludes with "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Other scriptures tell us "all the nations of the earth" - all those who believe not, whose eyes and minds have been blinded by the "god of this world" - 2 Corinthians 4:4 - "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
As we seek to follow Jesus' example, may we consider his words in Luke 4:18,19 as he quoted Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." May these words guide our efforts to fulfill the great commission.
Bible Question:
Were the devil and arch angel Michael warring over Moses" bones when Michael threw the devil out of heaven?
We are assuming you are referring to Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7-9. To our understanding, these are two different occasions.
MICHAEL CONTENDED WITH THE DEVIL ABOUT BODY OF MOSES. In disputing "about the body of Moses," Michael the archangel contended with the devil close to the time when Moses died. Jude 9 "But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you" (NAS) As you may know, "Michael" signifies "who as God," or one representing God. Who else but the Logos"Jesus in his pre-human existence"could be more "as God"? Satan desired to have the corpse of Moses to use it for the further misleading of the people, who might worship it as a mummy"which might become a temptation to idolatry. But God miraculously hid the body of Moses.
MICHAEL LEFT JUDGMENT OF DEVIL TO GOD. It"s an interesting lesson for us too that the Logos himself did not make a judgment even on Satan, but left that in God"s hands and in His times. According to the Bible, Satan will be bound during the Thousand Years and then destroyed at the conclusion of the "Little Season" (Rev. 20:1-3, 10) But at that time, the Logos contended for what was right, but left the final judgment to God. How often we contend with others"even Christians"and sentence them to judgments for which we have no right to do!
MICHAEL FOUGHT AGAINST DRAGON. Revelation 12 actually is a key to understanding the whole book of Revelation as it describes the progress of the whole Christian Age from beginning to its end"including the time Michael and his angels fought against the dragon in heaven" (vs. 7), Furthermore, as you may understand, the Book of Revelation is written in symbolic language as denoted in the first verse, Revelation 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him to point out unto his servants the things which must needs come to pass with speed,"and he showed them by signs sending through his messenger unto his servant John. . ." (Rotherham).
WOMAN WITH A CROWN OF TWELVE STARS IN TRAVAIL. So when Revelation 12 talks about a "dragon," "twelve stars," a "woman," a "tail" and a "horn"and even "Michael""they have to be decoded from their symbolic signs. The other times in Jude and Daniel (10:13, 21; 12:1) "Michael" was referred to, it was not in a symbolic context. Briefly, the "woman" we would suggest is the Early Church who had "a crown of twelve stars" as the twelve Apostles, her guiding lights. She was clothed with the Gospel light of the "sun" and stood on the "moon" which was a symbol of the reflective light of the Law which pointed forward to Jesus and his Church. But inside the Early Church also Paul says even in his day was festering "the mystery of iniquity." See 2 Thessalonians 2:7 - "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work""
MAN CHILD IS MICHAEL WHO DISPLAYS HIMSELF "AS BEING GOD." So the "man child" that came out of the Early church was the "man of sin" which was born in the ecclesiastical "heaven," where the Red Dragon was! The Red Dragon was Pagan Rome"which not only ruled the "earth," but also the "heaven," the religious, spiritual (pagan) ruling powers of the day. But this Dragon was thrown out of the "heaven" and replaced in the struggle with the growing apostate Christian man child which wanted to "rule all nations with a rod of iron" (vs. 5). Who was this "Michael" who fought with the "dragon"? Jesus never had to "fight" with anybody for a place in "heaven." This "Michael" ("who has God") would be a false "Michael" claiming to be "as God""
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NAS
"Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God."
Much, much more could be said"including why the "woman" fled to the wilderness for 1260 "days" when this "Michael" was ruling and rejoicing (vs. 10). But the "Michael" in Jude refers to Jesus in his pre-human existence, and the "Michael" of Revelation 12 refers to a false Christ—the antichrist.
Bible Question:
I am trying to understand the meaning or underlying meaning behind each of the plagues. What is the significance of each as it relates to levels of pain, order of occurrence, and conditions surrounding judgment on the Egyptians.
Dear Friend, interesting question! First we"ll start with an overview purpose of the plagues, then focus on your specific questions"and then possible important prophetic implications that are relevant to us as Christians at the end of the Age.
PLAGUES HARDENED PHARAOH"S HEART. When Moses announced to Pharaoh that God intended to deliver his "firstborn" Israel (Ex. 4:22) from slavery and bring them to the Land He had promised to their forefathers (Ex. 6:8)"God also knew Pharaoh"s heart would be hardened against letting them go (Ex. 4:21). Even though God planned to gradually "strike Egypt with all My miracles" " also called "wonders" and "signs" (Ex. 7:3; Psalm 105:27) " the increasing severity of the plagues and the intervals of mercy in between would only have the effect of making Pharaoh more resistant. Human nature can be like that! Eccl. 8:11 "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil."
THE PLAGUES, A JUDGMENT AGAINST EGYPT. The first three plagues were on all of Egypt, but the last seven did not affect the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived. As the plagues progressed in severity, they were specific judgments against Egypt: A judgment against the sacred Nile River; the various false "gods of Egypt" (Ex. 12:12), such as frogs; the worship of the elements (which failed with the downpour of hail); the murrain on the cattle directed against their Apis-worship by sacrificing cattle; the reversing of the Egyptian omen of throwing ashes into the air; the plague of darkness against the sun-god"and finally the death of the firstborn showing that in the hand of Jehovah alone was the life of all His creatures.
Ten Plagues on Egypt
ON ALL EGYPT (1 " 3)
1. BLOOD
(Ex. 7:13-25) This plague was doubly humiliating to the religion of the country, as the Nile was held sacred, as well as some kinds of its fish, not to speak of the crocodiles, which probably were destroyed. It may have been a marked reproof for the cruel edict that the Israelitish children should be drowned, and could scarcely have failed to strike guilty consciences as such, though Pharaoh does not seem to have been alarmed by it.
2. FROGS
(7:25; 8:1-15) This must have been an especially trying judgment to the Egyptians, as frogs were included among the sacred animals, probably not among those which were reverenced throughout Egypt, like the cat, but in the second class of local objects of worship, like the crocodile. The frog was sacred to the goddess Hekt, who is represented with the head of this reptile
3. LICE
(GNATS)
(Ex 8:16-19) The superstitious practice Egyptians throwing dust in the air for prosperity and benefit"became a mockery as Moses was instructed to strike the dust in the land which became lice (gnats): "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats through all the land of Egypt.'" And they did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats through all the land of Egypt. And the magicians tried with their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast."
NOT ON GOSHEN (4 " 10)
4. FLIES
(SCARABS)
(Ex. 8:23-24) In the hot season the flies not only cover the food and drink,
but they torment the people by settling on their faces, and especially
round their eyes, thus promoting ophthalmia. Those who suppose it to have been a beetle (scarab) might draw attention to the great reverence in which that insect was held among the sacred animals, and the consequent distress that the Egyptians would have felt at destroying it, even if they did so unintentionally.
5. MURRAIN
(Ex. 9:1-7) This plague would have been a heavy punishment to the Egyptians as falling upon their sacred animals of two of the kinds specified"the oxen and the sheep"but it would have also been most felt in the destruction of their most useful beasts.
6. BOILS
(Ex. 9:8-12) One species of boils which seized upon the legs and knees, and was regarded as incurable, was peculiar to Egypt, and was hence called "the botch of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 28:27, 35). This eruption had a tendency to break out into larger swellings and became probably the disease called elephantiasis, a disease said to be peculiar to Egypt, or the black leprosy, a disease which also affects cattle.
7. HAIL
(Ex. 9:13-35) The character of this and the following plagues must be carefully examined, as the warning seems to indicate an important turning-point. The ruin caused by the hail was evidently far greater than that effected by any of the earlier plagues. It destroyed men which those others seem not to have done, and not only men, but beasts and the produce of the earth. Pharaoh for the first time acknowledged his wickedness.
8. LOCUSTS
(Ex 10:1-20) This plague has not the unusual nature of the one that preceded it,
but it even exceeds it in severity, and so occupies its place in the
gradation of the more terrible judgments that form the later part of the
series. it is impossible to imagine any more complete destruction
than that always caused by a swarm of locusts. Where they
alight they devour every green thing, even stripping the trees of their
leaves.
9. DARKNESS
(Ex 10:21-29) The impossibility of moving about with the natural fear of darkness which affects beasts and birds as well as men (as in a total eclipse), this plague would have caused great suffering and distress. As worshippers of the Sun, this god was proven effete. The darkness was a terrible foreshadowing of the next great calamity of the death of the firstborns.
10.
DEATH OF FIRSTBORN The first-born of the Egyptians were smitten at midnight, as Moses had forewarned Pharaoh. "And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead." The clearly miraculous nature of this plague, in its severity, its falling upon man and beast, and the selective singling out of the firstborn, puts it wholly beyond comparison with any natural pestilence. The preeminence of the God of Israel in control ultimately of all life was certainly validated while the gods of were Egypt condemned.
ISRAEL, GOD"S FIRSTBORN CALLED OUT OF EGYPT. What happened to Israel was a lesson for us as Christians. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NAS) "Now these things happened to them [Israel] as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." Exodus 4:22-23 "Thus says the LORD," Israel is My son, My first-born. So I said to you, 'Let My son go, that he may serve Me."" As a babe Jesus providentially was taken to Egypt to fulfill the prophecy about being called out of Egypt. Matthew 2:15 "And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son." While Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation" (Col. 1:12-15), faithful Christians are the "Church of the firstborn enrolled in heaven" (Heb. 12:23-25). They also are called out of "Egypt""the world. John 15:19 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." Just as Pharaoh was judged and finally destroyed"so Satan, "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4), is judged and will be finally destroyed. "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out" (John 12:31). This is the big picture!
FIRSTBORN PASSED OVER DURING TENTH PLAGUE. Within Israel was another picture"a picture within a picture! In all the households of Israel during the tenth plague, of course, the "firstborn" were in particular jeopardy of the death angel. But since there was "the [lamb"s] blood upon the lintel" (Ex. 12:22-23; 13:2), they were passed over and not destroyed. Just so, the "firstborns" of Christians are now saved under the blood of Jesus Christ and passed over. Rom 5:9 ". . .being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." But the deliverance of the firstborn during the night was also a harbinger of the entire nation of Israel passing through the Red Sea in the morning under the cloud. 1 Cor 10:1 "Our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea. . ." What a wonderful picture of salvation not only now during the night of sin, but the deliverance of the whole world during he morning of God"s Kingdom under the leadership of Someone so much greater than Moses"Jesus Christ!
AFTER THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES. The "Seven Last Plagues" in the prophetic Book of Revelation (15:1; 16:1-21; 21:9) are "last" because they were preceded by three previous ones (9:1-21). They are symbolically poured out not on a literal Egypt, but on symbolic "Babylon." Ancient literal Babylon, of course, is long ago destroyed, but "Babylon" is symbolic of the worldly nominal Church. God"s judgments will be poured out soon, and the system of error and hypocrisy will be destroyed. But the people who supported the "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Rev 17:5) will have an opportunity to accept Christ in his Kingdom on earth for which we pray. "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Bible Question: Who were the two witness in Rev 11 . The Bible seems to say the two witness are Moses & Elisha by comparing Zechariah 4:10-14 and Malachi 4:1-6 and Matthew 17:4 What do you think?
Thank you for your inquiring on the "two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3. Yes, we would heartily agree and understand that the Bible is its own interpreter comparing "scripture with scripture." Still we have to use context and judgment in interpreting and comparing any text to another. For example, we would not equate the "lion of the tribe of Judah" who is Jesus (Rev. 5:5 KJV) with the Satan, "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). We understand that you are suggesting "Moses & Elisha" (you probably mean Moses and Elijah) appeared with Jesus in a vision on the mount of transfiguration as also being the "two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3? We trust with this additional consideration, what is posted will make more sense! Please consider the following:
TWO WITNESSES ARE SAME AS TWO OLIVE TREES. As you suggested, the "two witnesses" of Rev. 11:3 would certainly be parallel to the "two olive trees. . . which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves" in Zech. 4:12 because in the context Rev. 11:4 also adds: "These ["the two witnesses"] are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." How then do the "two witnesses""also described as "two olive trees""prophesy?
FOR 1260 DAYS TWO WITNESSES PROPHESIED IN SACKCLOTH. In our context of Rev. 11:3, the "holy city shall be trod under foot for forty and two months" and at the same tim, "my two witnesses. . shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth" (Rev. 11:2). As you probably know, 42 months would compute to the same as 1260 days (42 x 30 days = 1260 days). During this time then, the "two witnesses" are prophesying in "sackcloth." What does "sackcloth" indicate? Yes, it is a time of mourning and grief (eg. Gen. 37:4; 2 Sam. 3:31, etc.) In the same Book of Revelation, the same 1260 days is described. We see the "woman" who was crowned with the 12 Apostles as her guiding lights and clothed with the gospel "sun" had to flee to a "wilderness" where she was nourished for the same period of time: "a thousand two hundred and three score [1260] days."
"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. . . And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Rev. 12:1, 6)
1260 DAYS TWO WITNESSES PROPHESIED; 1260 DAYS ELIJAH IN WILDERNESS. The Prophet Elijah also fled from Jezebel into the wilderness for 1260 days and was nourished"first by the Brook Cherith by ravens, then by the widow (1 Kings 17). So, yes, certainly there would be a connection between Elijah and the 1260 days of the prophesying of the "two witnesses." But during this time, Elijah"s prophesying ministry"to the people of Israel and before Jezebel and the false prophets of Baa"was actually interrupted. (During that time he was alone and fed by the ravens and then only housed by the widow and her son.) However, he was sustained and nourished in a "wilderness" just like the "woman" of Revelation 12 and for the same amount of time. See 1 Kings 17 and James 5:17 "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months" [3 x 360 + 180 = 1260].
ELIJAH AND MOSES DIED IN FAITH. Now, as you know, "Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11). Does this mean Jesus was wrong when he said, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man. . ." (John 3:13) Of course, not. There are three senses of "heaven." [1] The first "heaven" is the earth"s atmosphere where birds fly (Gen. 1:20; Jer. 4:25; 34:20; Zeph. 1:3). [2] Another "heaven" is where the planets and stars exist (Gen. 1:14-17; 15:5; 26:4; Psalm 8:3; Jer. 8:2, etc.). [3] Where God and his sanctuary exist is in the "heaven of heavens" (Deut. 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27, etc.). Elijah was dramatically taken into the sky (as his life was a picture of the Gospel church), but he is not alive in approximation of God"s throne. But Elijah"with Moses, Abraham and all the faithful ancient worthies of old"died. "These all died in faith, not having received the promises. . ." (Heb 11:1-13) Moses too, though faithful, did not receive what was promised"because Jesus had not yet come; and his followers, his Church, were not all yet called and prepared (Heb 11:24-40):
"By faith Moses. . .forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. . . And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."
THREE WITNESSES IN THE VISION ON MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION. On the Mount of Transfiguration, was it a vision of Moses and Elijah with Jesus that the Apostles saw? Or did they actually see Moses and Elijah as alive? "Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man. . ." (Matt 17:9) Jesus, of course, was alive and literally there, but his appearance was transformed. But the other two in the vision were not around after the vision ended. So the three together in this special event demonstrated the glory of God"s plan. Moses represented the "house of servants" during the Jewish Age; and Elijah represented the Church, the "woman" who endured persecution during the Christian Age, but was finally and gloriously delivered.
"And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." (Heb 3:5-6)
Jesus"to whom the whole Jewish Age pointed and on whom the whole Gospel Age is based"will reign gloriously in the Millennium of his Kingdom Age, the third Age represented in the Vision. These three were figures of the glory of God"s plan of salvation.
MOSES AND ELIJAH PRINCES "IN ALL THE EARTH." In the Kingdom of Christ, yes, Moses, Elijah (and Abraham, Noah, Jacob, Rahab, Barak, David, etc.) instead of being our "fathers" in faith will be resurrected to be the "children" of the glorified, heavenly Church, the Bride of Christ"and "princes in all the earth." As "children," they will receive life from Jesus and his Church. As "princes," they will rule over the earth as the earthly representatives of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
" Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. . . The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace. Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth." Psalm 45:10-17
"TWO OLIVE TREES" IN THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE. So exactly who/what are the "two witnesses" of Revelation 11:3 who prophesy 1260 days and are compared to "two olive trees"? As you may know, the Book of Revelation is a symbolic language book. Not surprising! Just as Jesus spoke in parables"word pictures"we would expect the visions he gave to John to record are symbolic of literal realities. Matt 13:34 "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them." So Jesus was really not talking about literal seeds or literal sheep. (Even the Old Testament is full of "types" or "shadows" of things to come for our later understanding - Col. 2:17, etc.). The Passover sacrifice of the lamb, of course, pointed forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Chris, the Lamb of God, dying for all mankind. The "two olive trees" of Zech. 4:1-11 symbolically produced the oil which fed the lampstand of seven candles. The lamp stand represents the seven churches whom Jesus cares for through the Christian Age as described in the vision of Revelation 1:11-20.
REVELATION, A SYMBOLIC BOOK. Our specific premise in understanding the book of Revelation is symbolic is based on an opening statement in Ch. 1, verse 1: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." The word "signified" means that the Revelation was given in signs or symbols, so that in understanding this revelation we should expect to find symbolic language. (See, for example John 12:33 on the word "signified," Vine"s Expository Dictionary). Thankfully, in a few instances, parts of the visions are decoded from symbolic to literal. For example, "waters" are symbolic of peoples in Rev 17:15, "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."
TWO WITNESSES PROPHESY AND TEMPLE TROD UPON DURING THE SAME TIME. The setting in which the "two witnesses" are mentioned relate to the "temple" being trodden "under foot" while the "two witnesses" at the same time are prophesying for 1260 "days" in "sackcloth." Rev 11:1-5 "And there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. "And leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. 3 "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These [the two witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (NAS). (The "two witnesses" are identified with the "the two olive trees," and the 1260 days are the same as the 42 months.)
TWO WITNESSES SAME AS TWO OLIVE TREES. Also, these "two witnesses" are"as mentioned above"similarly described parallel to the "two olive trees" in a prophecy in Zechariah (4:1-3). The "two olive trees" would symbolically support the true Church during the Christian Age"the "candlestick all of gold" with "seven lamps." "And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof." What has supported the true Church during the Christian Age? The Bible! And the Bible has "two [agreeing] witnesses""the Old and New Testaments"which have given strength and nourishment to the true Church during the Christian Age. Just so, the "two olive trees" through the Scriptures have taught and provided the symbolic oil of the holy Spirit for the Church during this Age.
TWO WITNESSES IN "SACKCLOTH," MOURNING. But the Bible was for a time in a mourning state, "clothed in sackcloth." The Scriptures were banned by the nominal Church in power and hardly accessible to the common Christian. Still Jesus watched over his true church, a "little flock," throughout the seven periods of time throughout the Christian Gospel Age. So as Jesus is described as caring for the 7 candlesticks at the end of Chapter 1"so the 7 stages of the Church"s history are then described in Chapters 2 and 3: Ephesus, Smyrna, etc. Rev 1:12-20 "And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man [Jesus], clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle. . . ."As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches." NAS These seven lampstands of Revelation 1 would confirm our understanding of the Zechariah prophecy. (The Bible is its own interpreter!)
CHURCH FIRST PERSECUTED BY PAGAN ROME "DRAGON." In prophecy, a "day" equals a year. Ezek 4:6 ". . .I have appointed thee each day for a year." During the Christian Age, true Christians were sustained and carried for those 1260 "days" or 42 "months" (42 x 30 = 1260) by the truths of the Bible"even though the Bible was banned and in "sackcloth." When did this time start and when did it end? Chapter 12 of Revelation is an overview of the Christian age, during which is also mentioned the 1260 "days." But first, the "dragon" persecuted Christians. The "dragon" of Pagan Rome persecuted Christians in the first centuries. The "woman" of Vs. 1 would describe the early church with the "twelve stars" of the apostles as her "crown." But festering in the early church already was the "mystery of iniquity" (2 Thessalonians 2:7)"which could not be, so to speak, born until Pagan Rome was thrown out of ruling the false spiritual "heavens." The Pagan Roman "dragon" enjoyed both spiritual and civil rule"until thrown out of "heaven" (spiritual) to the "earth" (civil).
CHURCH FLEES TO WILDERNESS ON TWO WINGS OF EAGLE FOR 1260 YEARS. But then, Christian church leaders who were grasping for power at Constantine"s time united with the civil Rome"and lo, the "man of sin" was born! As a result, the "woman" had to flee to the "wilderness""for how many "days"? "A thousand two hundred and threescore days," that is, 1260 years. The true Church separated (in spirit if not actually) from the false church in power. The prophecy says she was carried in this "wilderness" condition on the "two wings of a great eagle." The "two wings" here would represent the Old and New Testament carrying and nourishing the true church"often called heretics"during those 1260 years. "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent" (Rev. 12:14). This would described the same period of time: 360 + (2 x 360) + 360/2 = 1260 "days" or 1260 literal years when the "two witnesses" prophesied in "sackcloth."
Revelation 11 Revelation 1 Revelation 12 Zechariah 2
Old & New Testaments 2 witnesses;
2 olive trees (Jesus in midst of 7 candlesticks) 2 Wings of eagle 2 Olive trees
True Church Temple 7 Candlesticks (7 churches) Woman 7 Lamps
(TIME)
1260 Years Prophesy 1260 days;
Holy city trod on 42 months (vs. 2) N/A Fled to wilderness 1260 days N/A
BIBLE NO LONGER PROPHESYING IN "SACKCLOTH." When did this 1260 years begin and end? They began when the papacy was fully installed in power in A.D. 539 A.D. when the Bishop of Rome was grant ed actual authority in the Western Roman Empire. This period concluded exactly 1260 years later in the very year 1799 A.D."when Napoleon broke the persecuting power of the papacy when the pope"whom he put in jail"died. Very shortly after the persecuting power of the Roman Church"s power was broken, the Bible began to be widely published and available to the common people. "After three days and a half" (Rev. 11:11) [31/2 years) in 1803, The British and Foreign Bible Society conceived of and then in 1804 founded which proliferated Bibles at reasonable costs for everyone who would want one. (http://www.revelation-today.com/Ch11-foo.htm) The "two witnesses" no longer taught the Church in "sackcloth."
ELIJAH ALSO FLED INTO WILDERNESS FOR 1260 DAYS. This time would be appropriately be compared to Elijah also fleeing into the wilderness for 1260 symbolic days when he was sustained. This was, indeed, a time of famine for the word of the LORD when the "two witnesses" prophesied in "sackcloth." Still Elijah, the Church in the wilderness, was fed by the unclean ravens and then by the widow, who represented the Reformers who used the Bible—a little more food! What period of times did/does the 1260 symbolic "days" of "wilderness" cover? For more studied description of Elijah in prophetic type , see: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0092.htm
ELIJAH, A PROPHETIC TYPE IN MALACHI"S PROPHECY. But what does the prophet Malachi mean in Mal 4:5-6, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse"? This last Prophet predicted that Elijah would introduce their Messiah"so the Jews to this day are expecting him Elijah to tell them who the Messiah is! In Jesus" day, the Apostles"believing Jesus was the Messiah"asked where is "Elias" [Elijah] according to prophecy? So Jesus acknowledged that Elias would first come and "restore all things""but then he added that "Elias" has to suffer first:
"And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought." Mark 9:11-13
ELIJAH"THE WHOLE ANOINTED BODY OF CHRIST"INTRODUCES THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS. Then Jesus added, that in a sense"to those who could receive it"John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-17) had thus come and had introduced him as the Messiah. "But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him." John the Baptist actually was an extension of the picture type of Elijah introducing the Messiah who would "restore all things." (See also Acts 3:19-21) John introduced the Head of the Messiah anointed"Jesus. When the whole anointed body is completed at the end of the Christian Age (2 Cor. 1:21)"then the Christ, the whole anointed Christ, will "restore all things." The Anointed has to suffer and die first before restoring. While from one standpoint the Christ will die gloriously going up in a "chariot" as Elijah did"from a human standpoint the career of the "anointed" will be ended with an imprisonment and beheading as John died. While on earth, the Church"s influence as "salt" in the world for good"turning "the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers""will not have much success. So the earth will be smitten "with a curse."
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Malachi 4:5,6
AFTER THE TRIBULATION"THE BLESSING OF THE WORLD. But after the earth is smitten with trouble and tribulation, the Anointed will bless the world. So when did this 1260 years begin and end? They began when the papacy was fully installed in power in A.D. 539 A.D. when the Bishop of Rome was granted actual authority in the Western Roman Empire. This period concluded exactly 1260 years later in the very year 1799 A.D."when Napoleon broke the persecuting power of the papacy when the pope"whom he put in jail"died. Very shortly after the persecuting power of the Roman Church"s power was broken, the Bible began to be widely published and available to the common people. "After three days and a half" (Rev. 11:11) [31/2 years) in 1803, The British and Foreign Bible Society conceived of and then in 1804 founded which proliferated Bibles at reasonable costs for everyone who would want one. (http://www.revelation-today.com/Ch11-foo.htm) The "two witnesses" no longer taught the Church in "sackcloth."
THE TWO WITNESSES. Therefore, we would understand that the "two witnesses" are the Bible"the Old and New Testaments which supplied the Church during those difficult 1260 years of persecution"and now triumphantly are supplying the Church the "oil" of the holy Spirit (see Rev. 11:6-12). Moses and Elijah are ancient worthies (the "elders," Heb. 11:1) who although they appeared with Jesus in "vision" are still waiting their "better resurrection" (Heb. 11:35) as "princes in all the earth" (Psalm 45:16).
Bible Question: Why was the offering of Cain rejected and Abel's offering accepted?
It seems that one of the most important themes in the Bible is the ransom which Jesus gave and the blessings that will come to all because of it. In the Old Testament God often directed His people as to what kinds of sacrifices He was pleased with. God was pleased with sacrifices that would point to His Son, Jesus, the Lamb of God, and the fact that Jesus would die and give His flesh for the life of the world. Abel's sacrifice of a lamb was a very apt picture of this.
We are told in 1 Peter 1:18-20 that, "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." In John 1:29, John the Baptist called Jesus "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." How would Jesus take away the sin of the world would be a logical question to Jesus' early followers. Jesus partially answered this by telling them, "I will give . . . my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51) In other words, He laid down His life—His perfect human life. Why was this necessary? The Apostle Paul in Romans 5:12 tells us that we were all condemned in Adam—we inherited an imperfect, "dying" life from our father, Adam. That was all Adam could pass on to his progeny because once he sinned, he was condemned, and as an imperfect, dying man he only had imperfect life to pass on to his children. "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." In 1 Corinthians 15:22, we are told "In Adam all die." But we are also assured "Even so in Christ shall all be made alive." And the verse before that says: "For since by man [Adam] came death, by man [Jesus] came also the resurrection of the dead." The Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:5 and 6 tells us that "the man Christ Jesus . . . gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified [or made manifest] in due time." The word ransom in this verse is translated from the Greek word "antilutron" which means a "corresponding price." By becoming a perfect man, Jesus could give His perfect human life as a ransom for the perfect human life which Adam had forfeited through sin. Thus Jesus took Adam's place in death. We all are dying because of Adam, but because Jesus took Adam's punishment, Adam and all of his progeny will get to have life!
The ransom which Jesus gave guarantees a raising from death during God's thousand-year kingdom on earth for which we all pray: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) That kingdom will be the time when so many promises of God will be fulfilled here on earth! That will be when the nations "shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Isaiah 2:4) There will be "peace on earth, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14) "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:9) It will be when the billions of people who have never known of Jesus will be raised to life on earth and learn of Him who loved them so much that He gave His life as a ransom for them! All that Adam lost for the human race—life, health, a perfect earthly home, fellowship with God—will then be restored to all mankind. That kingdom will be a time of restitution to what Adam once had. We are told in Acts 3:20 and 21, that God, "Shall send Jesus Christ, . . Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." It will be a time of learning and becoming more and more perfect in heart, mind, and body. They will be taught about God's will and ways. In Isaiah 29:24, 18-20 (NAS) we learn that whether they finally obtain eternal life will depend upon their heeding the instruction of that day. "Those who err in mind will know the truth, And those who criticize will accept instruction. On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, And out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the Lord, And the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless will come to an end and the scorner will be finished. Indeed all who are intent on doing evil will be cut off."
What about those who are Christians now? What about those who in this age "follow the Lamb [Jesus] whithersoever He goeth" and who "were redeemed from among men [now during this Gospel age] being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."? (Revelation 14:4) As Christians we have an almost unbelievable opportunity during this age to follow Jesus! We as Christians believe on Jesus now, and by faith in Christ our sins are covered. We are justified and "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1) We are invited to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:1 and 2) What a wonderful invitation to become God's children now! 1 John 3:1 and 2 says "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is!" We will be resurrected in heaven as part of Christ's church. Revelation 5:10 says of those Christians who are faithful in this life that we shall become "kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth!" Who will we reign over? The resurrected billions of mankind to whom we will have the joy of teaching God's ways. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him [Jesus]." We will "live and reign with Christ a thousand years." Revelation 20:6
In Genesis we are told how Adam sinned and plunged the world into sin and death. In much of the rest of the Bible God gives us promises and pictures of His wonderful plan to bless all mankind through His Son, Jesus. When God first told Adam and Eve they had forfeited everlasting life and were going to die, He gave them a little glimmer of hope—a little hint of His plan to eventually cover their sins. He covered them with coats of skins. (Genesis 3:21) "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them." Perhaps Abel realized from this that God would be more pleased with the sacrifice of an animal, or perhaps he had asked God. We are told in Hebrews 11:4, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts." We can see why a slain lamb pictures Jesus' sacrifice better than Cain's offering of fruit. Paraphrasing part of Genesis 4:6 and 7 we see that basically God told Cain, "Why are you angry? If you do the right thing, you will still be accepted." Cain could have learned what was more acceptable to God and exchanged some of his produce for a lamb from Abel's flock. He could have then offered a sacrifice to God that would have been very pleasing to God. But, Cain let jealousy take over. In 1 John 3:12 we read, "Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous."
As Christians we appreciate "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world." We appreciate God's loving plan which will eventually include all who have ever lived.
Bible Question: Since Adam was created perfect, it seems he was justly sentenced to "eternal" death for his act of rebellion. He had no excuse for what he did. If he is to return to be "judged" a 2nd time wherein is justice served?
Yes, Satan was created perfect when he was originally a heavenly angel. His name was Lucifer, which means "shining one." He later became Satan, which means "opposer." Ezekiel 28:15, "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."
Satan's punishment for his rebellion will eventually be that Christ will destroy him, as we're told in Heb. 2:14, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."
We agree that Adam also was created perfect, and when he sinned, his penalty was death. But the Scriptures tell us that Christ gave his life a ransom for Adam; that is, a corresponding price of a perfect man to take the place of a perfect man who sinned, and because of this ransom, Adam and all his children will be released from the death penalty.
I Tim 2:4-6, "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
We are specifically told that Satan's punishment would be destruction. We are never told that Adam would be destroyed. Instead, it is strongly inferred that Adam will be raised to life, since that was the purpose of Jesus' death. He died to ransom ALL MEN. Certainly, if he sacrificed his perfect human life to take the place of the perfect human life of Adam, we would not expect Adam to die and his children to live. We would expect Jesus' ransom merit to provide for the restitution of all that was lost in Adam — including Adam's life.
You raise an excellent question concerning the difference between Satan's judgment and Adam's. We aren't given all the details of how God has dealt with his heavenly realm. But, obviously, we know God is just, so He must have determined that Satan's sin was greater than Adam's. We can assume that Satan may have been given a period of time to repent, but it is just not stated. We know that the angels who fell into sin have been given time to repent, and their final judgment will be in the future. So it may be that Satan was not judged immediately upon his rebellion, but he had some time to repent, which he did not do.
There was also some difference between Satan's sin and Adam's sin in that Satan was an angel, not a human. As a spirit being, he probably had greater insights and closer fellowship with God, having lived a very long time in heaven. Therefore, having greater light, he would have been held more responsible for the light he possessed. Satan not only committed a sin, but he sinned against God in a rebellion because he wanted to be like God (Isa. 14). Evidently, Satan knew good from evil even though he had never before experienced evil. Maybe this is what is implied in Gen. 3:5, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."
Whereas, in contrast, Adam was the first human being ever to live on the earth. Obviously, he was totally inexperienced, having only been alive a very short time. He was tempted by Satan. (Whereas, Satan was not tempted by anyone; he went astray because of his own ambition.) Adam's sin of disobedience was willful, but it also was due in part to his lack of experience. Adam had not spent many years with God (as Satan had) to have more confidence that God would take care of him without Eve.
After Adam is raised to life, he will have a wonderful demonstration of God's love in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. By the end of Christ's kingdom, God will then expect Adam, as well as the remainder of the world, to fully and perfectly keep His laws in order to live forever.
Question: When Saul went to the witch of Endor, was it really Samuel's spirit that he talked to?
Dear reader,
Samuel was dead in the grave, and no one in the death condition can speak because the condition of death is likened to sleep or non-existence. Saul never heard Samuel himself, but was told of what Samuel supposedly said by the witch. The witch was listening to fallen angels who impersonated Samuel — it was not really Samuel. The "familiar" spirit was the fallen angel impersonation. Fallen angels still do this kind of thing today to make people think they are talking to a dead relative, etc.
Bible Question: Do you believe the "Lost ten tribes of Israel" are the British people who have inherited the birth right blessing of Jacob?
Dear Sir,
The fact that the ten tribes strayed away from the two is
not to their credit, but otherwise. It is an evidence that they
were disposed to reject God's promises; it is a sign of infidelity,
of unbelief; for they well knew that God had predicted
that the Lawgiver, the Savior, the Deliverer, the
King, in whom and by whom the promises were to be fulfilled,
was to come out of <Judah>. The tribe of Benjamin was
the only tribe, therefore, aside from Judah, which, at the
time of the revolt, manifested faith in God's promises. But
at the time of the return from the Babylonian captivity,
though those who showed their continued faith in God and
his promises, by returning to the land of Canaan, were
mostly of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, yet all who
came back were not of these two tribes. Among them were
some from the various tribes, who loved the Lord and
sought him with repentance, still relying upon his promises.
However, the vast majority of the ten tribes, as well as of the
two tribes, did not avail themselves of the opportunity to
return to the land of promise, preferring Babylon and other
lands, many among them having fallen into idolatry and
lost their respect for God's promises.
We must remember that but a few of those who returned
to their land under the lead of Ezra and none of those who
returned under Nehemiah were of those who had been
taken captive, the vast majority having died years before
in Babylon. These were their children, in whose hearts the
faith of their fathers still burned, who still hoped for the
blessings and honors promised to Abraham's seed. Thus
the returning little band of less than fifty thousand were all
the Israelites then remaining, of all the tribes, who by the
act of returning to the land of promise showed that they still
held to the faith of Abraham. It was to the descendents of
these fittest ones, sifted out of all the tribes of Israel—
though principally of the two tribes, and all called Jews,
after the royal and predominating tribe—that our Lord presented
himself and the Kingdom at the first advent, as representing
the holy nation, Israel entire.
Our Lord referred to them as Israel, and not as a part of
Israel, not as Judah merely. He speaks of even those who
had clung to the promises, and to each other, as the "lost
sheep of the house of Israel," in that they had wandered far
from the truth, after the traditions of false shepherds who
had led them in their own way and not as God directed. He
says: "I am not sent save [except] to the lost sheep of the
<house of Israel>." To the house of Israel consequently his ministry
was confined, in harmony with the foregoing, showing
that the Jews of his day were the only recognized representatives
of the "house of Israel," as the terms, "all Israel,"
"our twelve tribes constantly serving God," and many similar
expressions of our Lord and the apostles indicate. And
it will be remembered that our Lord, in connection with
this statement, that his ministry was to Israel, forbade his
disciples going to any outside the Jews of Palestine.
`Matt. 10:5,6; 15:24`
Notice also how the apostles used the word "Israel," and
not "Judah," when speaking of those who were living at
that time in Palestine (`Acts 2:22; 3:12; 5:35; 13:16; 21:28`),
and how they apply the words of Isaiah concerning the <remnant>
of Israel to the comparatively few who received the gospel
(`Rom. 9:4,27,29,31-33; 10:1-4; 11:1,7-14,25,26,31`),
and speak of all <the rest> as stumbling and being blinded. So,
then, even if it could be demonstrated that the Anglo-Saxon
peoples were part of "the ten lost tribes," we see clearly
that no favor could have come to them upon that score, under
that covenant; for they <deserted the Israelitish covenant> and
became idolaters, unbelievers, and practically Gentiles. Besides,
as already noted,* all recognized as the <natural seed> of
Abraham, who would continue to reject Christ, were cast
off from all favor from the time of Christ's death to the year
1878, when, chronologically, divine favor was due to return
to them, and their blindness to begin to be removed. Consequently,
the prominence of the Anglo-Saxons for the past
centuries could in no sense have been Israel's <returning> favor.
Those from whom the favor was taken for the rejection and
crucifixion of the Lord are the ones to whom the favor is
to return now. At that time, and ever since, Israel has been
represented by "the Jew" (`Rom. 2:9,10`), and it is the Jew
that will now be restored to favor as the <natural> "seed of
Abraham." These, with the spiritual "seed" (selected during
the Gospel age—a remnant from Israel, Jews, and the remainder
gathered from the Gentiles), are to be God's
agencies for blessing all the families of the earth.
Nor will the coming favor to Israel be exclusive. All believers
in the covenant promises may share those returning
favors with the natural seed, just as during the Gospel age
any Jew who accepted Christ was eligible to all the spiritual
blessings and advantages offered during the Gospel age. As
only a small remnant believed in and accepted the gospel
favors at the beginning, so, aside from the Jews, only a
small number of mankind will be ready for the new laws
and conditions of the Millennial age, under the righteous
administration of the glorified Lord and his glorified
Church; and hence, at first, few but Jews will be blessed
under it.
Associated Bible Students of Central Ohio
Bible Question: How do I celebrate Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Eastertide, Pentecost, and Advent? I am fairly new at being a Christian and I was told that I am supposed to or can celebrate these, but I do not know how to. Can you help me?
Dear Brittney,
We are glad that you are trying to understand your Christian responsibilities in serving and pleasing God. God has instructed us in his word how we are to worship and serve him. Jesus instructed us to observe only two sacraments: 1. Baptism - We are to follow in Jesus footsteps by being baptised as an outward expression of the covenant we have made with God. After we have dedicated ourselves through the blood of Christ to do God's will, we then present ourselves to be immersed in water as a symbol of being buried into Christ's death. 2. Memorializing the death of Jesus, by partaking of the bread and the cup. Jesus instructed his followers to remember him Luke 22:19, 20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them , saying, This is my body which given for you this do in remembrance of me. Like wise also the cup. Jesus followers are to remember his death on the anniversary of his death.
We are not under a set of laws as the Jews were before Christ. The Christian does not have to observe feast days and fast days as the Apostle Paul points out that in Colossians 2:14-16, Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Jesus death did away with the law to the Jew who, by faith, became a Christian. They were transferred into the liberty in Christ. The Christian is to live everyday as a follower of Christ. Various denominations have established holy days to be observed by their congregants, but these were not established by the Bible. The various celebrations that you have listed are not found in the Scriptures. Look at a Bible concordance and you will see that these are not in the Bible.
If we examine Lent for an example, we will see that with most Christians it is a mere formality to be observed for a short period of time leading up to the Easter. The spirit of self denial is to be a daily effort for the true Christian. Luke 9:23, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. . The true Christian has entered the narrow way of sacrifice, this is the only acceptable attitude to Heavenly Father.
God has instructed us to worship him in spirit and in truth John 4:23, not with outward forms and ceremonies. He is looking at the intentions of our heart in our service to Him and his cause.
Look at the following link http://www.biblestudents.com/whyareyouachristian_01.cfm
We are interested in your further thoughts or questions as you begin the Christian way.
Sincerely, JS
Bible Question: Christmas - proper month and year Jesus was born?
Christmas:
Early Christians regarded the birth of Jesus with heartfelt appreciation for God's great goodness toward us. However, the story of Jesus' birth did not become an event that organized religion observed as a festival until the 4th century. Roman favor was so sweet to the church after so many years of persecution, that they were ready to make religion anything to suit the views of their new half-pagan friend Constantine. The festival date was chosen to coincide with the pagan festivities connected with the winter solstice, and the rationale at the time was probably to win over converts to Christianity by substituting the pagan festivities with Christian meanings. Since 274 AD, under the emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the "Invincible Sun" on December 25.
It is generally understood among Christian scholars that the true date of Jesus' birth was around October 1st and that the announcement to Mary was closer to the December date. (To be covered in a future issue.) But, the precise date for paying a tribute of respect to the birth of the King of kings is not significant, and we join with others whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God at this or any time of the year.
During the Middle Ages, the pagan custom of tree worship was popular. Again, Christianity compromised by incorporating existing pagan traditions. Germans adapted the tradition as a "paradise tree" in their homes at Christmas time and decorated it with wafers (emblematic of the Eucharist), and later cookies, candles, and other ornaments. By as early as the 17th century, German settlers had introduced this Christmas tradition into North America.
Today groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses deplore the custom of having Christmas trees, by claiming these become "idols that are worshiped." We would agree that any item that becomes an idol is to be avoided, but would also recommend that we do not legislate "laws" for our fellow Christians that would presume to judge their motives.
Most of what we see celebrated during the Christmas season is based upon such traditions. Jesus spoke against the people conforming their lives to traditions, not because the traditions themselves were evil, but because they added unnecessary burdens on the people, and caused them to lose sight of God's goodness. We would not criticize any for their desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but we encourage all to place proper emphasis when doing so upon the true cause for which Jesus came into the world - to bear witness to the truth of the "good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Let us resolve then, that this season, we will not allow the frenzy of the world and the traditions of men to darken the great light that our God has graciously given. "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light..." Isa. 9:2
THE DATE OF OUR LORD'S BIRTH
In the sixth century the Church began to reckon time
from the birth of our Lord, and fixed the date A.D. as it
now stands; namely, 536 years after the first year of Cyrus,
king of Persia.* Whether they placed it correctly or not does
not affect the chronology as just given, which shows that
the six thousand years from the creation of Adam ended
with A.D. 1872; because it is eighteen hundred and seventy-two
years since the year designated A.D., and the first
—————
*The year A.D. was fixed upon as early as the sixth century by Dionysius
Exiguus, and other scholars of that period, though it did not come into
general use until two centuries later.
year of Cyrus was five hundred and thirty-six years before
that year (A.D.), whether it was the year of our Lord's birth
or not.
We cannot, perhaps, explain this better than by the
time-worn illustration of a line with a star upon it—thus:
B.C._____________________*____________________A.D. Let the
line represent the six thousand years of earth's history from
the creation of Adam to 1873 A.D.; and let the star represent
the turning point between B.C. and A.D. To move that
point either way would not alter the length of the entire
period, though it would alter the names of the years. To
move the A.D. point backward one year would make the
B.C. period one year less, and the A.D. period one year
more, but the <sum> of the B.C. and A.D. years would still be
the same; for the amount taken from the one is always an
addition to the other. Nevertheless, let us briefly examine
the date of our Lord's birth, as it will be found useful in our
subsequent studies.
It has become customary among scholars to concede that
our commonly accepted A.D. is incorrect to the amount of
four years—that our Lord was born four years previous to
the year designated A.D., that is, in the year B.C. 4. And
this theory has been followed by the publishers of the common
version of the Bible. We cannot agree that B.C. 4 was
the true date of our Lord's birth. On the contrary, we find
that he was born only one year and three months before our
common era, A.D., namely, in October of B.C. 2.
The general reason with most of those who claim that
A.D. should have been placed four years earlier to correctly
mark the Savior's birth, is a desire to harmonize it with certain
statements of the Jewish historian Josephus, relative to
the length of the reign of Herod the Great. According to
one of his statements, it would appear that Herod died
three years before the year reckoned A.D. If this were true,
it would certainly prove that our Lord was born in the year
B.C. 4; for it was this Herod, that issued the decree for the
slaying of the babes of Bethlehem, from whom the infant
Jesus was delivered. (`Matt. 2:14-16`) But is this statement of
Josephus reliable? Is it true that Herod died four years before
the year A.D.? No, we answer: Josephus alone is not
sufficient authority for such a decision, as he is known and
admitted to be inaccurate in his record of dates.
But this notion has prevailed: the date B.C. 4 has been
generally accepted, and historical events and dates have
been somewhat bent to fit and support this theory. Among
other supposed proofs that B.C. 4 was the proper date, was
an eclipse of the moon, said by Josephus to have occurred a
short time before the death of Herod. All that is known of
that eclipse is as follows: Herod had placed a large golden
eagle over the gate of the Temple. Two notable Jews,
named Matthias and Judas, persuaded some young men to
pull it down. They did so, were arrested and executed. To
make the matter clear, Josephus relates that there was at
that time another Matthias, a high priest, who was not concerned
in the sedition. He then adds: "But Herod deprived
this Matthias of his high priesthood, and burnt the other
Matthias who had raised the sedition, with his companions,
alive, and that very night there was an eclipse of the moon."
This is recorded as one of the last prominent acts of Herod,
and is given a date which might correspond with B.C. 4 by
Josephus, who marks the date by the eclipse mentioned.
But since at times as many as four eclipses of the moon
occur in one year, it is evident that except under very peculiar
circumstances the record of such an occurrence proves
nothing. Where the time of the night, the time of the year
and the amount of obscuration are all given, as has been
done in several instances, the record is of great value in fixing
dates; but in the case under consideration, there is nothing
of the kind; hence absolutely nothing is proved by the
record, so far as chronology is concerned. Josephus does
mention a fast, as having been kept before the event, but
what fast, or how long before, is not stated.
As it happens, there was only one eclipse of the moon in
B.C. 4, while in B.C. 1 there were three. The eclipse of B.C.
4 was only partial (six digits, or only one-half of the moon
being obscured), while all three in B.C. 1 were total
eclipses—the entire moon was obscured, and of course for a
longer time causing the event to be much more noticeable.
Hence if the eclipse theory has any weight it certainly is not
in favor of the earlier date, B.C. 4.
Unfortunately, the time of Herod's death is not given by
a reliable historian. Josephus gives some important periods
in his history and the dates of some events, but these dates
are not trustworthy. Some of them would teach that Herod
died B.C. 4, but others cannot be reconciled with that date.
For instance, his death is said to have been at the age of seventy.
He was made governor of Galilee B.C. 47, at which
time Josephus says he was twenty-five years of age. (Ant.
14:9:2) This would date his birth B.C. 72 (47 plus 25). His
death at seventy would then be B.C. 2 instead of B.C. 4.
In this connection it may be well to note the conflict of
opinion among learned men, relative to the exact date of
Herod's death, that thus it may be apparent to all that
there is no well founded reason for accepting B.C. 4 as the
only date in harmony with `Matt. 2:14-16`. Faussett's Bible
Encyclopedia gives Herod's age when made governor at
about twenty years. This would make his death, at seventy
years, A.D. 2. Chambers' Cyclopedia and Smith's Bible
Dictionary give his age at that time as fifteen years, which
would place his death A.D. 7. Appleton's Cyclopedia, article
Chronology, says: "Josephus also gives dates, but he is
altogether too careless to be taken into account."
We now proceed to offer the Scriptural evidence relating
to this subject, which more nearly agrees with the common
era, and shows that our Lord's birth occurred only one year
and three months prior to January, A.D. 1. It is as
follows:
Our Lord's ministry lasted three and a half years. The
sixty-nine symbolic weeks of years (`Dan. 9:24-27`) reached
to his baptism and anointing as Messiah, and there the last
or seventieth week (seven years) of Israel's favor began. He
was cut off [in death] in the <middle> of that seventieth week—
three and a half years from the beginning of his ministry.
He was crucified, we know, at the time of the Passover,
about April 1st, whatever the year. The three and <a half>
years of his ministry, which ended in April, must consequently
have begun about October, whatever the year.
And October of some year must have been the true month
of his birth, because he <delayed not> to begin his ministry as
soon as he was thirty, and could not, according to the Law
(under which he was born and which he obeyed), begin before
he was thirty. As we read, "Now when Jesus <began to be>
about thirty years of age <he cometh>" etc.
John the Baptist was six months older than our Lord
(`Luke 1:26,36`), hence he was of age (thirty years, according
to the Law—`Num. 4:3`; `Luke 3:23`, etc.) and began to
preach six months before our Lord became of age and began
his ministry. The date of the beginning of John's ministry
is clearly stated to have been the "fifteenth year of the
reign of Tiberius Caesar," the third emperor of Rome.
(`Luke 3:1`) This is a clearly fixed date of which there can be
no reasonable doubt. Tiberius became emperor at the
death of Augustus Caesar, in the year of Rome 767, which
was the year A.D. 14.
But those misled by the inaccurate statements of Josephus
relative to Herod, and who place the birth of Jesus
at B.C. 4, in order to harmonize with him, run across a difficulty
in this clearly stated date given by Luke, and endeavor
to make it also harmonize with their B.C. 4 theory.
To accomplish this end they make the claim that Tiberius
began to exercise authority some three or four years before
Augustus died, and before he was fully constituted emperor.
They claim that possibly his rule might have been
reckoned from that date.
But such suppositions will be found baseless, by any who
will investigate the matter on the pages of history. It is true
that Tiberius was exalted to a very important position by
Augustus, but it was not <four> years before Augustus' death,
as their theory would demand, but <ten> years before, in A.D.
4. But the power then conferred upon him was only such as
had been enjoyed by others before his day. It was in no
sense of the word imperial power, and in no sense of the
word can his "<reign>" be said to have begun there: he was
only the heir-apparent. Even in the most exaggerated use of
language, his "<reign>" could not be said to have commenced
before Augustus' death and his own investiture in office at
the hands of the Roman Senate, A.D. 14.
History says, "The Emperor, whose declining age needed
an associate, adopted Tiberius A.D. 4, <renewing> his tribunian
power." Article TIBERIUS, <Rees' Cyclopedia>.
"He [Augustus] determined accordingly to devolve upon
him [Tiberius] a share in the government....This formal
investiture placed him on the same footing as that enjoyed
by the veteran Agrippa during his later years, and there can
be no doubt that it was universally regarded as an introduction
to the first place in the empire....The programme
<for the succession> was significantly shadowed out:
Tiberius had been ordered to assume his place at the head
of the Senate, the people, and the army....The <adoption>,
which took place at the same time, is dated June 27
(A.U.C. 757)—A.D. 4." <Merivale's History of the Romans>
(Appleton's), Vol. IV, pp. 220,221
Thus there is conclusive proof that the first year of the
reign of Tiberius Caesar was not three or four years before
Augustus died; and that the honors referred to as conferred
during Augustus' reign were conferred ten, and not four,
years before Augustus' death, and then were in no sense
imperial honors.
We may, therefore, consider the date of `Luke 3:1` not
merely the only one furnished in the New Testament, but
an unequivocal one. There can be no doubt about it in the
minds of any who have investigated it. Tiberius began to
reign in A.D. 14. The fifteenth year of his reign, would
therefore be the year A.D. 29, in which year, Luke states
(`3:1-3`), John began his ministry. Since our Lord's thirtieth
birthday and the beginning of his ministry were in October,
and since John's birthday and the beginning of his
ministry were just six months earlier, it follows that John
began his ministry in the spring, about April first—just as
soon as he was of age; for God's plans are always carried out
on exact time. So, then, John was thirty years old in A.D.
29, about April first, consequently he was born B.C. 2*,
about April first. And Jesus' birth, six months later, must
have been B.C. 2, about October first.
Again, there is clear, strong evidence that Jesus was crucified
on Friday, April 3rd, A.D. 33. The fact that his crucifixion
occurred at the close of the fourteenth day of the
month Nisan, and that this date rarely falls on Friday, but
did so in the year A.D. 33, substantiates that date so thoroughly
—————
*For the benefit of readers not much accustomed to calculating dates, we
call attention to the fact that in the beginning of the year A.D. 29, only 28
full years had elapsed: the twenty-ninth was only beginning.
that even Usher, who adopted B.C. 4 as the date of
Jesus' birth was forced to admit that his crucifixion was
A.D. 33. Compare Usher's dates in the margin of the common
version Bible at `Luke 2:21` and `Matt. 2:1` with those at
`Matthew 27` and `Luke 23`. The date of the crucifixion being
A.D. 33, it follows that if Jesus had been born B.C. 4, he
would have been 36 years old when he died; and his ministry
from his thirtieth to his thirty-sixth year would have
been six years. But it is clear that our Lord's ministry was
three and a half years only. And this generally conceded
fact is proved by Daniel's prophecy concerning Messiah's
cutting off in the <middle> of the seventieth week of Israel's
favor.
Thus, it is again proven that Jesus' birth was about one
year and three months before our common era, A.D. 1; for,
his ministry ending when he was thirty-three and a half
years old, April 3rd, A.D. 33, the date of his birth may be
readily found by measuring backward to a date thirty-three
and a half years prior to April 3rd, A.D. 33. Thirty-two
years and three months before April A.D. 33 would be
January 3rd, A.D. 1, and one year and three months further
back would bring us to October 3rd, B.C. 2, as the date
of our Lord's birth at Bethlehem. The difference between
lunar time, used by the Jews, and solar time, now in common
use, would be a few days, so that we could not be certain
that the exact day might not be in September about
the 27th, but October 1st, B.C. 2, is <about> correct. Nine
months back of that date would bring us to about Christmas
time, B.C. 3, as the date at which our Lord laid aside
the glory which he had with the Father before the world
was [made] and the taking of or changing to human nature
began. It seems probable that this was the origin of the celebration
of December 25th as Christmas Day. Some writers
on Church history claim, even, that Christmas Day was
originally celebrated as the date of the annunciation by Gabriel
to the virgin Mary. (`Luke 1:26`) Certain it is that a
midwinter date does not well agree with the declaration of
Scripture, that at the time of our Lord's birth the shepherds
were in the fields with their flocks.
Associated Bible Students of Central Ohio
Bible Question: Who created god?
If someone suggests an answer to the question "who created God" - then the next question is "who created that being that created God"? There's some things that are beyond our finite minds to comprehend and we accept them based on reason of what we see. Just because a dog can't understand algebra doesn't mean algebra doesn't exist.
Reasoning from what is known to the unknown we must agree that effects must be produced by competent causes and the greater the effect the greater the cause. We see in nature regularity, uniformity and harmony. If you were driving through a remote deserted part of America and saw a neat and orderly cornfield - you would think, someone has been here. So in nature we see an amazing regularity that astronomers can predict when the sun will rise and set a thousand years from now. It's the evidence of God's work.
We would also reason that the grandest thing created is not superior to the Creator. So what ever we do see and understand is an expression of just a part of God's ability. It's amazing isn't it?
We particularly like this scripture "Psa 90:1 A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psa 90:2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
We have on book on our web page called "The Divine Plan of the Ages" that has a chapter called "The Existence of a Supreme Intelligent Creator Established" We think this short chapter will be a assistance in your search for God. http://www.biblestudents.com/HTDB.cfm
KB
Bible Question: Wearing gold, jewelry, ornaments, earrings against Christianity?
According to the New Testament, "adornments" are to be minimized as they may be a source of pride or arrogance. Some Christian groups ban all jewelry, but we would not make it a rule, but advise moderation in all things.
(about women)
1Pe 3:2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.
1Pe 3:3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;
1Pe 3:4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
Rom 12:2 "And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Bible Question: I am having trouble locating a verse in the bible about not marking your skin.. so many ppl draw on their hands & leave messages & I know it says not to do that sort of thing, unless it was referring to tattoos..I thankyou in advance for your answer. GBU all!
Dear Ruth,
Thank you for your Bible question. Here is the verse you are looking for in two translations:
Leviticus 19:28 King James Version: "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."
Leviticus 19:28 New American Standard Version: "You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord."
Actually, "for the dead" is not a good translation —- it would be properly rendered "for the soul." See the margin of most Bible translations.
Any marks on the skin, whether messages or tattoos would be contrary to the Law given to the Jews. Even though the Law is not binding upon Christians, because Jesus fulfilled the Law and freed his followers from its bondage, there is still good reason why God set these Laws into place. It was for the protection of His people that they might keep healthy. Also, marking the skin was a practice of paganism, such as found in ancient Egypt and Babylon, therefore, it was also to keep His people from identifying with these pagan practices.
I hope that this helps to answer your question.
Sincerely, EG
Bible Question: Eve created from a rib? Do men have one less rib?
biblequestion: Genesis states that God created Eve from one of Adam's ribs
(also interpreted as "from the side"). My question is: What was used to
create Eve? If it was in fact a rib, wouldn't males have one less rib than
females? I believe we all have 24 ribs (12 on each side). An Atheist posed
this question to me, and I'm trying to find the answer. Thanks for your help.
Christian greetings. Thank you for your excellent question.
It is now commonplace to remove a part of one's body, with no consequence to that
person's offspring. Having some part of the body removed does not affect the
genetic code that controls what the children will look like. The Fact is that men
and women have the same number of ribs.
Your definitions of "rib" are correct according to Strong's Exhaustive
Concordance. God created a perfect man, Adam. Adam was a perfect blend of
male and female characteristics; and he was made in God's image. After a
time, God took Adam's rib, or side, to create Eve. Adam and Eve were still
perfect. However neither was complete without the other; their masculine
and feminine qualities complemented each other's qualities. Adam was the
head of the unit; he was given the instructions from the Lord to pass on to
his wife, and he was to oversee the affairs of their little family of two.
Eve truly was bone of his bones, flesh of his flesh - Gen. 2:23. God
"called their name Adam" - Genesis 5:2.
An atheist might not appreciate what a Christian would understand: We
believe that Jesus is the "second Adam". We coin that term from 1 Cor.
15:47 - Jesus is the "second man", and from :45 - Jesus is the "last Adam".
So figuratively speaking, the church is the "second Eve", which came forth
from the wound in Christ's side. He is her husband; she is His bride. In
another picture, He is her Head, and she is His body. Together they are
Christ (the anointed).
Moreover, God's plan called for a "life for a life" (Deut. 19:21), that is,
a life needed to be sacrificed so that Adam's life, which he lost in the
fall, could be restored to him. Jesus paid that exact price for Adam's
life, for He was a perfect man, complete in Himself, a ransom for all (1
Tim. 2:6). Because Jesus paid the price for Adam, then He paid the price
for all, because everyone came out of Adam.
During this Gospel Age, the church recognizes the great sacrifice which
Jesus made, and individually fulfils her covenant of sacrificing her will
to do God's will, in this earthly life. At death, she is taken to be with
her Lord. Jesus will give her instructions and guidance to help Him give
the opportunity of salvation to the world, in the next age, the Millennial
Age. He will be the world's father (Is. 9:6); we will be their mother
(Gen. 24:60). The dead are to be raised, in an orderly and accommodating
fashion. There is to be an ongoing educational process, to enlighten all
the world, no matter what their belief was in this life - even if they
professed to be atheists! All will come to realize that they are sinners.
All will see clearly that Jesus died to take away their sin. All will have
ample time to develop their head knowledge and heart attitudes to finally
be able to give their hearts to the Lord. This is "the times of
restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21), the restitution of all the
privileges and blessings which Adam lost when he fell from God's favor.
And so, sometimes we may not have all the answers to give others, but soon
we will. And they will be more ready to listen. May the Lord bless you as
you get ready for that wonderful time of reconciling the world to God. We
hope we have answered your question; if not, please let us know what we can
clarify.
Sincerely, Your Brethren in Him, RKB
Bible Question: Is there anything in the bible about smoking?
God sets down principles of conduct and then leaves it to each individual to decide what is proper and what is improper. The Scriptures state that we are "ambassadors for Christ." Whatever we do, we "should do all to the glory of God." If our behavior can be misunderstood by others, we should really consider whether this is glorifying God. 2Pet. 3:11 states: "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness..."
The Apostle Paul said that "all things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient." In otherwords, even if there are things that are now lawful, because a Christian is not under the law, there are things that might not be good to do because it would stumble or harm others or harm ourselves.
The Christian is admonished to live a "sanctified" life apart from the world. If Jesus where to walk in and come up to you, would he join in with what you are doing, or would he say, "My child, what are you doing here?" Only you can answer this question.
As for the person who is smoking, you will not find anything specific in the Bible that will tell you that it is not honoring God. Again, there are only principles of righteous living. For example, you will not find anything in the Bible that says that you should not eat rocks, but it is common sense not to do so. There is nothing in the Bible that says you should not inhale glue, but it is common sense not to do so. There is nothing in the Bible that says that you should not jump out of a 10 story window, but it is common sense not to do so. In the same way, you will not find anything that says you should not smoke, but it is common sense not to do so. The Bible calls the body the temple of God — why would we chose to defile it? (1Corinthians 6:19)
Hopefully I have given you something to think about. If you have any other Bible questions, be sure to write again.
Sincerely, EG
Bible Question: What will be our identity in heaven?
if there is no marriage in heaven, will people who have passed away know us,
or we them? Lydia
Dear Lydia,
The character of every person who has ever lived still exists in the mind
of God, even the very minutest features of it. And, therefore, when in his
own time God creates another body, and stamps it with all the lines of that
character just as it exists in his memory, and awakens it to life, instantly
that character (identity) will recognize itself. And it will be recognized
again by former friends and acquaintances from whose memory it had not
perished.
Thus the Lord Jesus recognized himself when his character was transferred
from a spiritual body to a body of flesh as the babe born in Bethlehem.
When Jesus died and his identity was completely lost to himself for three
days, Jesus' character still existed in the memory of God. As soon as God
transferred, from his memory to an actual, glorious, divine body, those
mental characteristics, our Lord Jesus recognized himself again-with the
same love for God, the same devotion to his great work, the same love for
the fallen human race, the same tender love and solicitude for his
followers, every one of whom then living he remembered personally and
distinctly. The accounts of the resurrection teach that, before he ascended
into heaven, Jesus appeared in different forms (a gardener to Mary, a
stranger on the way to Emmaus, etc). In all cases, Jesus' friends
identified him, not by his appearance, but by his actions and mannerisms!
Only for Thomas's sake did Jesus appear in a representation of his familiar
earthly body. Jesus chose to do so to help strengthen Thomas's faith in the
fact that his Master who had died on the cross was now alive. "I am he that
liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore"" Rev 1:18
The promised changes in the resurrection discussed in 1 Cor 15:20-22, 35-49
will not destroy either memory or identity. The power of God will be fully
realized in the resurrection work just as it was witnessed in the
resurrection of Jesus.
Because God promises a restitution of all, the tomb is spoken of as a great
'prison house,' in which the captives of death await deliverance. Acts
3:19-21; Isa 42:5-7 Though dissolved in death, the identity of each being is
preserved in the mind and power of God, and will be reproduced in due time
by resurrection power. But the Church and the world are promised different
resurrections. The faithful followers of Jesus are promised a part in the
"first resurrection" as Jesus experienced. "Blessed and holy is he that hath
part in the first resurrection"they shall be priests of God and of Christ,
and shall reign with him a thousand years." Rev 20:6.
For everyone else who has ever lived, they will awaken from death during
"Christ's thousand year reign". It will be a resuscitation to practically
the same conditions-mentally, morally and physically-which they had before
they went into the tomb. From that beginning, each will have the
opportunity to gain perfection as they "go up the Highway of Holiness"
during the Kingdom Age with the assistance of the "priests of God and of
Christ". (Isa 35)
We hope you visit the following cites to study more about the preservation
of the identity in the resurrection and the blessings awaiting all in the
resurrection to come.
The comprehensive Bible study book entitled THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES,
addresses the subject in study 10: "Spiritual and Human Natures Separate and
Distinct" at: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0077.htm
Further study on the subject is embedded in Study 13 entitled "Hope For Life
Everlasting and Immortality Secured by the Atonement" in the Bible study
book entitled: THE ATONEMENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN.
http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0134.htm
DM
Bible Question: WHO WERE THE MOABITES?
Dear Renita, Interesting question.
As you probably know, Moab was a son of Lot with his own daughter. The story is in Gen. 19:30-38. (Another daughter had a son by her father Lot called Ammon.)
ISRAEL TOLD NOT TO DISTRESS MOAB. Originally, when the children of Israel came out of Egypt and were brought to Canaan, they were told not to distress or conquer the Moabites. Deut 2:9 "And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession."
MOAB REFUSED ISRAEL'S PASSAGE. However, when Israel asked permission of Moab to pass through their Land, they were refused. Judg 11:16-17 "But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh; Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh."
MOAB CONQUERED DURING THE TIME OF JUDGES. During the period of time Judges when the children of Israel were in the Land, Judge Ehud ordered the conquering of Moab also. Judg 3:26-30 "And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath. And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them. And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years."
IDOLATRY OF MOAB. Moab, like the other Canaanites, were steeped in terrible idolatry (eg., I Kings 11:33). Chemosh, meaning approximately 'subduer', was the primary god of the Moabites, and was essentially the same as the god Moloch. Both were Canaanite gods with similar attributes, but of different names. The sacrifice of children as a burnt offering, a central part of both Chemosh and Moloch, was abhorred by the Jewish prophets, who constantly admonished the kings of Israel for its continuing practice.
MOAB DURING KING DAVID'S REIGN. During King David's reign of conquering the Land Jehovah had told him to conquer, Moab is included. Moab became "servants" to Israel. 1 Chron 18:1-6 "Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines. And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates. And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. Then David put garrisons in Syria-damascus; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went."
ISRAEL WILL POSSESS MOAB. In end-time prophecy, Moab-which is east of the Jordan Rive and the Dead Sea-shall be possessed by Israel. Zeph 2:9-10 "Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts."
MOAB TODAY IS IN JORDAN. Moab now is in the area of the recently created state of Jordan. Tranjordan first was created in the 1920s by the British government when they gave away Arabia to the Saudi family. Transjordan was a "consolation prize" to the Hashemite family which rules over eastern Palestinian Arabs to this day. In 1948 when Transjordan took over what is known today as the "West Bank," its name was changed to "Jordan." Therefore, that East Bank (as well as the disputed "West Bank") belongs to Israel's promised Land.
MOABITES IN MESSIAH'S KINGDOM. However, the peoples of all those ancient civilizations-including the Moabites-will have an opportunity in Messiah Jesus' Kingdom to come up to Jerusalem to learn about the "God of Jacob." Isa 2:2-4 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
Renita, Hope these scriptures and thoughts are helpful in your question about Moab!
RG
Bible Question: Is it right or wrong to eat pig meat and what does the bible say about this? Owen
Dear Owen,
The Law to the Jew had many rules, mostly for health reasons, but are not applicable to Christians. Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace."
The Law given to Israel was based on justice. It showed Israel their weaknesses and gave them a moral guide. Romans 3:20, "for by the law is the knowledge of sin." The purpose of the law was to demonstrate to Israel that they could not be justified by the law because they could not keep the law perfectly. This should have taught them to look elsewhere for their justificaiton. This is what Apostle Paul meant when he said in Galatians 3:24, "Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
Anyone who could perfectly keep the whole law was promised eternal life. Romans 10:5, "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them." Not a single Israelite was ever able to keep the whole law, since all men are born sinners. And any infraction of the law meant the law was not kept, as James 2:10 states.
Jesus was the only one member of the Jewish nation who perfectly kept the whole law. He, therefore, received the promises of the Law Covenant, and any blessings to come from the Law had to come through him. Romans 10:4, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." All who were under the Law Covenant were in "bondage" to keep it. But any who become Christ's disciple, accepting of his ransom merit provided through his death, are under a different law — the law of liberty, the law of love. Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
Christians who have taken the step of full consecration to follow Christ's footsteps will sacrifice many of the pleasures of this earth in order to serve God and God's people. This is what they promise to do when they give up their earthly wills to do the will of God. But God has put these Christians under a law of liberty because they are his children. They are not told exactly what to do and how to do it. Christians have liberty in Christ to determine how they should fulfill their vows to serve God.
In Galatians 5:13 Apostle Paul tells us, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty: only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." And in 1 Cor. 1:23, Paul said, "All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful, but all things edify not." This is what James meant when he said we should speak and work according to the law of liberty. Although we have liberty, we should do all things according to the law of love.
If someone wishes to keep the Laws concerning the things proper to eat, then they need to follow all its rules, given below —
Leviticus Chapter 11:
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.
3 Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
4 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
6 And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
13 And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
14 And the vulture, and the kite after his kind;
15 Every raven after his kind;
16 And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,
17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,
18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,
19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.
20 All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you.
21 Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;
22 Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.
23 But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.
24 And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcase of them shall be unclean until the even.
25 And whosoever beareth ought of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
26 The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.
27 And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.
28 And he that beareth the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you.
29 These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind,
30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole.
31 These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.
32 And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.
33 And every earthen vessel, whereinto any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it.
34 Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.
35 And every thing whereupon any part of their carcase falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean and shall be unclean unto you.
36 Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean.
37 And if any part of their carcase fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean.
38 But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you.
39 And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcase thereof shall be unclean until the even.
40 And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.
41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten.
42 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.
43 Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby.
44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:
47 To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
Bible Question: In Isaiah 40:Verses 27-31. How can Jacob say My way is hidden from the Lord? I did'nt know you could hide anything from the Lord.
Dear Lloyd,
Sometimes it is good to read another translation of the Bible to get the sense of the passage. The original texts had no punctuation which wasn't developed until much later. Question marks and quotation marks can greatly clarify the meaning intended by the writer.
Isa. 40:27 in the Tanahk (a Hebrew Bible) makes the scripture clear, Why do you say,O Jacob, why declare, O Israel, "My way is hid from the Lord My cause is ignored by my God? The nation of Israel was punished by God and they felt that he was no longer caring for them as he had in the past. The prophet asks Israel, why do you say your way is hidden from God and that he is ignoring you?
Isaiah 40 is dealing with Israel's unfatihfulness and their eventual return to favor with God. When Israel (Jacob) was unfaithful they were punished and God gave them a period of disfavor it was at this time that they felt their way were hidden from God and that God had ignored the plight and was no longer caring for them as in the past. This is pointed out in Isaiah 40:1,2 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
Israel received special favor from God from the death of Jacob until the death of Jesus this was period of 1845 years. For the next 1845 years they suffered a period of disfavor from God. Isaiah is saying that after the 1845 years of disfavor they would regain God's favor and that would begin in the year 1878. Since that time Israel once again became a nation and a homeland for the dispersed Jewish people.
Read more at: http://www.biblestudents.com/timetofavorzion_01.cfm
Janice
Bible Question: I am pastor in guntur state ap in india. I have one critical doubt about Bible.
1)In the Bible 66 books are written.each and every book and every
work is truely god inspired.How the bible developers team are measuring
and filtering each and every word that are truely inspired by god.it is
based on the prophet or desciple of god so that they were conformed or
they were testing each and every word in their books, which test they
can examine to 100% accuretly inspired by god which method they used?
2)In Deuteronomy 18:22 god says that if the prophet says by the name
of god it is correct when the prophecy is fulfilled otherwise not.but
god told so many prophecies in OT that are fulfilled almost so many
hundered years after that books are written.how the people conclude or
believe that it is not yet fulfilled at very same time when the book is
written, but it is god word?
3)In the time of OT so many prophets are written books in Israel how
people choose only few among them are god inspired word of books.
in NT time so many desciples of jesus and many writers are also written
books, out of all How can take only few books are truely ispired by god
how it will be conformed and concluded?
4) Now a days so many people wirte many books about god,one telling
my book is god inspired so added it to bible,the bible developers team
can even cheak or test that book and if the results are 100 % accurate
then that book is added to bible is this possible today?
Thank you. solomon
Solomon, we have tried to get the essence of your four questions. Following are some considerations in response:
1) How do we know the accuracy of every word of the Bible and that it is inspired by God?
MEANING OF INSPIRATION. "Inspiration" means "God-breathed" in the Greek. 2 Tim 3:16-17 "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Biblical inspiration may be defined as God's superintending of the human authors so that, using their own individual personalities (and even their writing styles), they composed and recorded without error His revelation to man in the words of the original autographs. Inspiration means that "the Holy Spirit of God superintended the human writers in the production of Scripture so that what they wrote was precisely what God wanted written.
ITS WRITERS, ITS AUTHOR. The word Bible means book. The Bible is not one book, however, but a library of sixty-six books, the compilation of which extended over almost 1600 years. Its various writers (for God was the real Author), were drawn from every class of society. Kings, statesmen, priests, laymen, scholars, shepherds, fishermen and others co-operated in its production. One man wrote one part in Syria, another man wrote in Arabia, a third man wrote in Italy, a fourth man wrote in Babylon, others wrote in Israel. And yet, though these writers were divided by time, class and distance so that there was no possibility of any collusion, there is a wonderful harmony manifest in all that they wrote that is quite unlike any other composite work in the realm of literature.
BIBLE HARMONIUS. That is due only to the fact that God was the moving influence in its production. It was He Who caused the various authors to write as they did, so that each one, in his own individual manner, expressed that which Inspiration caused him to write. Thus all sixty-six books agree perfectly in teaching. Each one harmonizes with the rest, supplementing or expounding upon what has gone before, so that by "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Cor. 2:13), the reader is brought to a complete understanding of the Divine will and purpose and plan.
2) In Deut. 18:22 it says that a true prophet is known when his prophecies are fulfilled. How can anyone then know before prophecies are fulfilled that the prophet is true?
PROPHECIES FULFILLED GIVE CREDENCE TO FUTURE PROPHECIES NOT YET FULFILLED. Yes, the Judaeo-Christian Bible is unique with its prophetic descriptions about future events. Some prophecies have a ready occurred; others have not. But it might be observed that prophets who prophesied are verified by some of their prophecies already fulfilled so that we can have confidence that the others will be fulfilled also. Many prophets of the Old Testament speak of events for both the first and second advents of Christ. There were more than 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ's first coming 2,000 years ago. There is no doubt that these are prophecies from God because of manuscripts and scrolls dated before the birth of Christ. These were not written after the fact. They were written beforehand. Because they were fulfilled, we can understand that the second advent prophecies will also be fulfilled. For example,
SOME OF JEREMIAH'S PROPHECIES FULFILLED, SOME FUTURE. Jeremiah prophesied that a certain man would die and he did within a year (Jer. 28:10-17). This gives credence to Jeremiah's prophecies, for example, about the time when all on earth will know the Lord. Jer 31:33-34 "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "And they shall not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares This time has not come, but we can have confidence in it because of earlier prophecies of Jeremiah fulfilled already. Another prophecy of Jeremiah already fulfilled was his prediction of the fall of the temple in Jerusalem (Jer. 7:12-14). Nobody believed him at the time, but it actually occurred So we can have confidence that there will come a time when everyone will "know the LORD."
DANIEL'S PROPHECIES OF FIRST ADVENT AND END TIME. Another example is the prophet Daniel. He spoke of 2300 prophetic "days" when the "sanctuary" would be cleansed. Daniel, who knew these were actually 2300 prophetic years, groaned knowing the time would be long. But then he is told that 70 "weeks" would be cut off from that period of time which would bring Israel to its Messiah Prince. That prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus presented himself at the Jordan River at the beginning of the 70th prophetic week (69 x 7 years = 383 years) in A.D. 29. (For a complete study of this subject, please check, THE TIME IS AT HAND, "The fulfillment of Time prophecy at the First advent of Christ. Dan. 9:23-27.) So then students of prophecy could have confidence in Daniel as a reliable prophet. Isaiah spoke of many First Advent prophecies which were already fulfilled (such as Isaiah 53)-so we can have confidence in his end-time prophecies.
3) In OT times there were many prophets, how do we know which ones God inspired to write? How may we conclude which disciples of Jesus wrote books that were inspired by God?
FORMATION OF OLD TESTAMENT CANON. The formation of the Old Testament canon was gradual, and was composed of the writings which spread over many centuries. Moses commanded that the books of the law be placed in the ark. This—with the addition of the book of Joshua—was done, and the sacred books were kept there during the wilderness journey, and also were in the ark during its permanent residence in Jerusalem. (Deuteronomy 31:9,26, cf. 2 Kings 22:8; Joshua 24:26; 1 Samuel 10:25.) Then were gathered and placed in the temple the historical and prophetical books from Joshua to David's time. On the construction of the temple Solomon deposited in it the earlier books (2 Kings 22:8, Isaiah 34:16), and enriched the collection with inspired writings from his own pen, and also some prophetic writings. So we find Daniel (9:2, R.V.) referring to "the books," Isaiah to "the book of the Lord" (29:18, 34:16).
PROPHETS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. After Solomon's day a succession of prophets arose, Jonah, Amos, Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Obadiah, and Habakkuk. These all flourished before the destruction of the temple, and enlarged the collection of existing sacred books by valuable additions. After the Babylonian capture, when the temple was rebuilt and worship re-established, then doubtless were added the writings of Haggai and Zechariah. About fifty years after the temple was rebuilt Ezra made a collection of the sacred writings (Neh. 8:2,3,14). To this collection were added the writings of Nehemiah, Malachi, and Ezra. It is a fact of history that Nehemiah gathered the "Acts of the Kings and the Prophets, and those of David," when founding a library for the second temple, 432 B.C. (See 2 Maccabees 2:13).
CANON OF OLD TESTAMENT CONCLUDED. The canon of the Old Testament in the form we now have it, was the work of Ezra and the Great Synagogue. This fact is borne witness to in the most ancient Jewish writings. The Great Synagogue was composed of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. There is no doubt but that such a collection of books existed in the time of our Lord and the apostles (Luke 24:27,44)
THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON. The New Testament canon was gradually added to that of the Old Testament. But it was some considerable time after our Lord's ascension before any of the books contained in it were actually written. The first and most important work of the apostles was to deliver a personal testimony to the chief facts of the Gospel history (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:21,22). Their teaching was at first oral, and it was no part of their intention to create a permanent literature. A cycle of selected representative facts sufficed to form the groundwork of their oral Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-10).
GOSPEL ACCOUNTS. But in the course of time many endeavored to commit to writing this oral Gospel (Luke 1:1-4). So long as the apostles were still living, the necessity for written records of the words and actions of our Lord was not so pressing. But when the time came for their removal from this world, it became extremely important the authoritative records should be put forth. Thus the Gospels came into existence, two by apostles themselves, and two by friends and close companions of the apostles.
EPISTLES TO THE CHURCH. But already had arisen another kind of composition. Founders of churches, often unable to visit them personally, desired to communicate with their converts for purposes of counsel, reproof, and instruction. Thus arose the Epistles, which were put forth from time to time to meet special needs and emergencies.
PERSECUTION AND GENUINE CANON. The persecution of Diocletian (302 A.D.) brought to the front the question of the sacred literature of the church. The persecutors demanded that the Scriptures should be given up. This the Christians refused to do. Hence the question became urgent-What books are apostolic? The answer lies in our New Testament. There were at that time many false and spurious gospels and epistles. Careful, prayerful, and deliberate examination, however, proved which were genuine and which were false. The genuine were received by the church as the inspired writings of the apostles and others whose names the books bear. Thus arose the New Testament canon.
4) At the present time, there are writers who claim inspiration. How can we determine which ones might be added to the Bible?
APOCRYPHAL BOOKS. These books derive their name from a Greek word, apokruphos, which means "hidden." They are so called because they are,- (1) hidden; (2) of unknown authority; (3) spurious. They were not recognized as inspired books by the Jews, who regarded them, however as having high authority, and held them in high esteem as being a valuable history of their nation. Although they were carefully distinguished from the canonical Scriptures, their use was not only allowed, but many of them are quoted in Talmudical writings. The Apocrypha contains fourteen books. They were given a place by themselves in the sacred volume, but with the distinct statement that they were not to be regarded as of equal authority with the books of the canon, their position being between the Old and New Testaments. We find them in some Bibles to-day—especially in Roman Catholic Bibles, since they are regarded by the roman church as inspired books. Internal evidence, moreover, is against their inspiration. Divine authority is claimed by none of the writers, and by some it is virtually disowned (2 Mac. 2:23; 15:38). The books contain statements at variance with history (Baruch 1:2, compared with Jer. 43:6,7), self-contradictory, and opposed to the doctrines and precepts of Scripture."
CONCLUSION ON CANONOSITY OF BIBLE. These facts sufficiently indicate the course of the argument by which the canonicity of the sacred Scriptures is proved. Let it be proven that these books were written by the men whose names they bear, and that these men wrote under the inspiration of the divine Spirit, and the canonicity of the Bible is a settled fact. We have, therefore, a right to believe that we have in our Bible a rule of faith and life-yes, the supreme and ultimate rule-by which we may govern our lives in order that they may be in accordance with the revealed will of God!
Solomon, hope these thoughts have been helpful. Much more could be said, of course! We would encourage you to check out our excellent study helps of Studies in the Scriptures. Vol. 1 of the series deals with "The Bible as a Divine Revelation Viewed in the Light of Reason." http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0070.htm
RG
Bible Question: jeremiah 8:8 the pen of the scribes is in vain. does this mean the bible was tampered with by the scribes and they could have added some of their interpretation in to the bible. your bro. in Christ , Mike
Dear Mike,
The Bible is inspired by God. "All scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 2 Tim 3:16 The few errors that have crept into the original texts have been identified by scholars. The trouble is not the translations, but that popular religious leaders have interpreted Scripture using man's philosophies . It happened during the Jewish age as Jeremiah recorded. It happened at our Lord's first advent. And it happened again during the "Christian Age".
Jere 8:7-9 "The stork in the heavens knows her seasons, and the turtledove and the swallow and the thrush observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of Jehovah. How do you say, We are wise, and the law of Jehovah is with us? Behold, the lying pen of the scribes has certainly worked deceit. The wise are ashamed; they are terrified and are captured. Behold, they have rejected the word of Jehovah, and what wisdom is theirs?" LIT
It helps to look at the context of verse 8, to understand the discussion. Verse seven says that the unfaithful Jewish teachers were showing less discernment than the migratory fowls. They did not discern or understand the times and seasons of God's plan. Verse nine confirms that these "wise" (false) scribes (teachers) had rejected the instruction of God. The verse is rhetorical: how could they be wise if they have rejected God's wisdom as given through His prophets? The point being made is that when God's Truth is ignored, one will not be able to recognize God's "due time".
As recorded in Luke 19:41-44, Jesus made a similar observation of the Jewish religious leaders and the nation during his day. ""because (they) did not know the time of (their) visitation"" they rejected their Messiah. The Word of the Lord by his prophets was made void and tampered with; set aside without attention. It was "due time" for the "new and living way" to be opened up and only a remnant of Israel realized their favor and opportunity and "entered in". Heb 10:20 The same has happened during the Christian age. The prophets of the Old Testament and the Apostles of the New Testament have been ignored. Instead, many favor the traditions and philosophies of men. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col 2:8
"In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt 15:9 But God has promised that His true Word can be discerned by the faithful and humble. Find out why the Christian can rely on the Bible for Divine instruction and become wise about the times and the seasons that God has ordained at : http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/indexa.htm "The Bible as a Divine Revelation as Viewed in the Light of Reason" and "The Epochs and Dispensations Marked in the Development of the Divine Plan" are two studies in a Bible study aid book entitled The Divine Plan of the Ages.
DM
Bible Question: I want to know what the bible says about blood transfusions. JWs say it is a violation because it is like eating blood.
Dear Karon,
We know of no Bible verse that forbids blood transfusions. That which is not specifically addressed in the Bible is best left to the individual consecrated Christian to consider using the general principles and guidelines that are in the Bible and applying them as he sees best after prayer and study for "wisdom from above".
One of the clear principles to consider is this: Christians are not under regulations of "thou shalt" and thou shalt not", but are free from the bondage of the Old Law as given to Israel in the Old Testament. "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, ... not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, ... shall be blessed ..." James 1:25 Galatians chapter five addresses our law of liberty too. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." Christians have been given liberty so that we might better manifest our love and gratitude for salvation and to allow us the freedom to serve God; free-will offerings.
The Bible has wonderful guidance about the new "law" Jesus left for us. Please begin a study of the subject at: http://www.biblestudents.com/htdbv5/htdb0145.htm This is study 7 (The Law of the New Creation) from a comprehensive and practical Bible Study book entitled "The New Creation". Many Christians have gained deeper understanding about the Christian lifestyle through this Bible aide.
DM
Bible Question: What all things can God not do?
2Timothy 2:13 " He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."
This scripture indicates that God cannot go against His own laws or promises. He will be faithful to accomplish every plan he sets in motion. The plan of God is wonderful and can be summarized in a short article at http://www.biblestudents.com/endtimes_win04.cfm
Bible Question: Where do I go to find scriptures on Trusting God?
Greetings in Jesus name
Thank You for your question on "trusting" below may be of some help
Trust in God
Signifies confidence in or dependence upon him. This trust ought to be:
1. Sincere and unreserved not in idols, in men, in talents, riches, power, in ourselves part and in him part Proverbs 3:5-6;
2. Circumstances 1 Peter 5:7
3. Perpetual Isaiah 26:4
4. With a lively expectation of his blessing Micah 7:7.
The encouragement we have to trust in him arises:
1. From his liberality Romans 8:32; Psalm 84:11
2. His ability James 2:17;
3. His relationship Psalm 103:13;
4. His promise Isaiah 33:16;
5. His conduct in all ages to those who have trusted him Genesis48:15, 16Psalm 37:25.
The happiness of those who trust in him is great, if we consider,
1. Their safety Psalm 125:1;
2. Their peace Isaiah 26:3
Bible Question: What does the bible say about snake handling?
Dear Paul,
Christians that believe in a ritual of snake handling base it on the verses in the King James version in Mark written below:
Mar 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mar 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
This translation is not from the oldest manuscripts, and in the older manuscripts these verses to not appear. We and most authorities agree that these are not valid verses, and probably were added sometime later than when originally written. The thought that the Lord's people may be specially favored of him in respect to physical health and other creature comforts is a delusion and a snare. Our Lord did not use his power, so far as the record shows, upon any of his followers or disciples. While no immunity from poisons, bites and stings is granted to the Gospel Church, we do have the Lord's promise that nothing shall by any means hurt us as new creatures (the spirit, not our flesh).
To find out more about verses and words added to the Bible, look up the words "spurious verses" on the internet. You will find a compete listing. One site that has these is http://www.bibletoday.com/htstb/spurious.htm
In Christ,
WG
Bible Question: How can I overcome bitterness?
Dear reader,
It is very difficult to overcome bitterness until you understand why their is evil in the world today, and to be able to separate the sin from the person. People today are not much different than a dog that always snaps and bites when afraid. That dog was conditioned to be that way by either being abused by its owners, or by being a stray and very afraid, by being born in the wild and never knowing the love of a human, or heredity of a bad trait from its parents. But, do we hold all this against that dog? Do we have bitterness toward that dog? No, we just feel sorry for it.
Humans can be affected by their heredity or environment in the same way, and turn out to be mean and sinful. Many people are simply mentally ill and can't help themselves. We are not to feel good about the sinful thing someone does, but if we separated the sin from the sinner, separate that behavior from the person that maybe does not really desire to be that way, then we might have sympathy for that person — just as for that dog.
In God's kingdom, all will have a learn of God's ways and will have a chance to be good. The deceiving influence of Satan will be removed, and the inherited sinfulness will also be removed. Then, these same people that were so bad, might turn around and be good.
This is what it means to "love thine enemy" — not to love the evil that your enemy did, but to try to see what the person might be like if all the factors out of their control that made them mean and evil were removed.
After understanding the above reasons why people can be evil and disappoint us, a practical way to overcome bitterness is to pray for those who anger us. It is very difficult to still stay bitter if we sincerely pray for them.
In Christ,
WG
Bible Queston: I'd like to know if it is against Bible principals to vote?
We should obey the laws of this country, but that does not necessarily
mean a participation with the world in the functions of
government. Our advice would be that we maintain a strict neutrality
in respect to politics, and avoid voting. But this is up to each one's own
reasoning. These are not direct commands.
Our reasons are these:
(1) We could not hope to find on any electoral ticket persons
thoroughly competent for office, according to our standards of judgment.
(2) Those of the New Creation who engage in politics
and its various arguments find not only their time consumed
thereby, but also their energies and their means—all
of which are consecrated to the Lord, to heavenly things, to
promulgating the good tidings of great joy. And not only
so, but their minds will necessarily be occupied with these
political interests to such a degree as to hinder considerably
their private meditations on the better things—their communion
and fellowship with the Lord in spirit.
(3) Those who vote for a man or a party become more or
less obligated to support the results of the election, if necessary
with guns and bombs. We are not saying that we should not defend
ourselves, but if we have voted for a government that becomes aggressive
towards other countries, or trys to promote a takeover to secure this
countries oil interests, or other selfish interests, then we may be
partly responsible for these un-Christian acts because of our vote.
Our preferable position, therefore would be that
which the Scriptures indicate, the position "as stranger" or as if we were
aliens in this land — not part of this country's citizenship. (`Psa. 39:12`;
`1 Pet. 2:11`) Aliens must be obedient to the laws; so
must we. Aliens must pay taxes according to the laws; so
must we. Aliens may look for protection under the laws;
so may we. But aliens would not feel compelled to fight
against their own King (Jesus), the allegiance which they recognize
primarily; and we would prefer to be in the same position,
so far as possible, for are not we "translated out of the kingdom
of this world into the Kingdom of God's dear Son"—in
its embryonic condition? `Col. 1:13`
The kingdoms of this world more or less identified with "the
prince of this world," and his law of selfishness, and therefore the Lord
is in the process of tearing them down to make way for His Kingdom.
If we "support" the world governments by our vote, we may be working
against our Lord and what He is now doing. His purpose is to let
mankind experience selfishness at the hand of rulers — resulting
eventually in mankind (the Lord's great army in Scripture) overthrowing
these worldly systems and bringing about what the scriptures call the
battle of Armageddon. We certainly don't want to be unwillingly working
against our Lord's plan. The best action is to step aside and let Him
do His good work. War and disasters now befalling the world are not
desirable from one standpoint, but from the long-range standpoint these
conflicts will lead mankind to desiring the Kingdom under the perfect
ruler, Christ, which will only come after mankind has learned the
lessons from experiencing man's selfishness, greed, and sinfulness.
One thing to remember is that all who will have died in war, starvation, etc.
will have a resurrection. They are not lost forever. In fact, they may be
better off in a way because they will not have to experience any more
of this world's troubles and pain. They will "sleep" in the grave until the
new order, the Kingdom of God, is established, and then they will learn
and experience righteousness. Isa.26:9