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Awesome Hands - part 103 Discussion

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Awesome Hands – part 103

“Hallowed priests”

August 3, 2016

Today we start a study which will start to show us how the Lord has established His church, and the membership within that church, for His glory and the kingdom of God.

Mal 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

As we know from scripture, the Lord does not change, and if we adhere to this scriptural truth, then we will be able to see that any time the Lord gives us examples of how He establishes His church, we can take that example, and it can be spiritually applied throughout all of the bible. This study will show several examples of that.

Last study we read through the garments that the priests had to wear in order to approach the Lord properly; so who are the priests that will be wearing the various garments.

The tribe of Levi

Anyone serving the temple in any capacity was from the tribe of Levi. The verses we are going to read today are going to show us who the priests were as they were first being established, but we need to realize that “the Levites” who served the tabernacle but couldn’t touch the holy things of the temple, are from the same tribe as the priests.

Gen 46:11  And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

Exo 6:18  And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.

Exo 6:20  And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.

Who then are Aaron and his sons, and why were they chosen as priests?

Exo 28:43  And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

Exo 29:1  And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

So, the Lord is going to establish Aaron and his sons as priests for the purpose of MINISTERING to God and His people by hallowing them for the job.

We are about to read the mechanics of this hallowing process, but what does it mean to be hallowed?

H6942

qâdash
kaw-dash'
A primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally): - appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.
Total KJV occurrences: 171

H6942
qâdash
BDB Definition:
1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated
1a2) to be hallowed
1a3) consecrated, tabooed
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic
1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred
1b3) to be holy
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate
1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred
1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow
1c4) to consecrate
1d) (Pual)
1d1) to be consecrated
1d2) consecrated, dedicated
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate
1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow
1e3) to consecrate
1f) (Hithpael)
1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate
1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God)
1f3) to be observed as holy
1f4) to consecrate oneself
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root
Same Word by TWOT Number: 1990

Now that we know that hallowing the priests is to set them apart and separate them we can ask ourselves if this is REALLY what the Lord does with His priests or is it simply that mankind desires to set up kings over themselves and this is just one man trying to control another?

Exo 29:1  And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,
Exo 29:2  And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.
Exo 29:3  And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.
Exo 29:4  And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

The priests are washed with water first just like anyone who is being dragged to service of the Lord is.

Then, they are going to perform some tasks that train them on how they will minister to the Lord in His tabernacle moving forward.

Exo 29:5  And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:
Exo 29:6  And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
Exo 29:7  Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
Exo 29:8  And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.
Exo 29:9  And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Exo 29:10  And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.
Exo 29:11  And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

The priests are washed with water first just like anyone who is being dragged to service of the Lord is.

As you can see, I have emphasized several verses. First, we notice that Aaron and his sons were washed at the door of the tabernacle, and then we see that Aaron is anointed with oil.

After they are consecrated they put their hands on the head of the bullock and kill the bullock. This is a procedural process that the Lord uses to show the congregation that the Lord has chosen and set aside some from the tribe of Levi to minister to Him in His tabernacle.

How is it the priests, who have been taken from out of the tribe of Levi, minister to the Lord? What is their purpose in ministry? We are not left to wonder.

Num 18:1  And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
Num 18:2  And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.
Num 18:3  And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.
Num 18:4  And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.
Num 18:5  And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be NO WRATH ANY MORE upon the children of Israel.
Num 18:6  And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Num 18:7  Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Num 18:8  And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

Now there are a couple very prominent points that I want to point out that will help us understand our service to the Lord collectively as a body and as a member in particular of the body.

This can very well offend some and no doubt will offend those who want to find fault with anyone who “boldly” claims, according to them, to be part of the chosen elect of God.

The priests of God were and are anointed so that they can be set aside and consecrated to SERVE the Lord, and by SERVING the Lord they are used so that NO MORE WRATH comes upon the children of Israel. That is the whole point of the priesthood and those who are given charge over the tabernacle.

If this is indeed the function of the priests, how does that apply to all of us today in a practical sense? After all, we are NOT making physical sacrifices any longer today.

Rev 1:4  John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Rev 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 5:9  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev 5:11  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

So, since we are all made kings and priests, how does being “anointed as a priest” work in a multi-membered body of Christ in our functions as a priest in ministry to God?

1Co 12:24  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
1Co 12:25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
1Co 12:26  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
1Co 12:27  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1Co 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co 12:29  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

The application of being a priest in the new testament is easy to understand when we look at the sum of the word that says we are given every gift in measure now and in down payment form.

In other words, we are ALL sons of God NOW but we are also sons of MEN now. We are all sons of God now, but we are all still male and female now.

1Jn 3:1  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.
1Jn 3:2  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.
1Jn 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

So, being a son of God NOW does not mean we do not have to deal with being sons of God now WHILE DEALING with being a son of MAN now. What do I mean by saying that? What am I getting at, and how does this apply to priests serving the temple?

You’ll often hear, and the teachers have many times over the years, that we are told we no longer have need that a MAN teach us without, of course, any accounting to the sum of the Word on this topic.

Here is the often quoted verse:

1Jn 2:26  These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

1Co 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:11  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Co 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Paul goes on to say that he could not SPEAK SPIRITUALLY to the Corinthians, but what does that even mean?

1Co 3:1  And I, brethren, could not SPEAK unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2  I have fed you with milk, and not with MEAT: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Joh 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Joh 14:10  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

If Jesus Christ is judged by the same measure that “no man need teach you” then Jesus Christ would not be qualified to TEACH ANY of us! He said more times that He was the son of man than He said that He was Son of God. He came in the FLESH TEACHING what the WORDS of SPIRIT were, and that is EXACTLY what overseers of the flock do today.

If you read 1 Corinthians 12 above, God set some in the church in different functions with different gifts and that includes those that today fill the role of being chosen, anointed and given to “bear the iniquity of the sanctuary” being in service to “bear the iniquity of the priesthood”.

What is the iniquity of the priesthood?

Remember those spiritual WORDS we are to speak?

Act 26:24  And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
Act 26:25  But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

1Co 14:19  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Teaching, being overseers, speaking the Truth about Life and the Way and pronouncing the commandments of God are all roles which are fulfilled by those given to fill the spiritual function of being a priest in the temple AND ministering to the people of God.

Yes, I said MINISTERING to the people.

Act 5:25  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are STANDING IN THE TEMPLE, and TEACHING THE PEOPLE.

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1Co 9:13  Do ye not know that they which MINISTER ABOUT THE HOLY THINGS live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
1Co 9:14  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

And here is what the priests of God, who have been ORDAINED by the Lord, speak and preach about the temple among other things:

2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Having said all that, one of the main arguments about not having a man teach is that men are not the head or the ruler over others in the body of Christ, and I say AMEN to that! However, I also know that God uses the FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING to spread His Word and to confound those who are “wise in their own hearts”.

1Co 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Being saved is a continuous process just like preaching and teaching is.

“Spiritual priests” in this role are given to train up other kings and priests who will all be joined together in the fullness that is to come later after resurrection.

We are NOT rulers over anyone and certainly have no dominion of anyone’s faith. Here is what we do preach:

Heb 13:12  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 13:13  Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:14  For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Heb 13:15  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Heb 13:16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Heb 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Verse 17 is a horrible translation of the words 'rule' and 'obey', and those words better understood to “esteem or be persuaded by those who you respect and are leaders”.

This same concept can be found in Acts 20:

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Spiritual priests feed the church and declare, with the Words of God, the counsel of God to the FLOCK  of God, because they are overseers.

The iniquity of the priesthood falls on us all, to learn and be raised up as kings and priests. However, it is God, via the Holy Spirit, who anoints those in whom He would have serve the TEMPLE, the body of Christ, by being overseers NOW in this present age.

We no longer know no man after the flesh, and just as Christ was a son of man and the Son of God, we must recognize that the Lord still has us all living in temporary tabernacles that we must endure with the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the Head and anyone following Him will always be pointing to Him in all things.

Rev 1:9 – Part 2, John, Our Brother in Tribulation

[Updated September 6, 2023]

Rev 1:9  I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Last week we were reminded of what the scriptures mean by the phrases “this generation”, “the last days” and the word “heaven.” Not understanding these phrases and words keeps the words of this prophecy from being understood, as these symbols are all meant to be understood. In this verse before us today we are told that the apostle John is 1) our brother and companion in tribulation, and 2) is in the Isle of Patmos for the word of God, and 3) for the testimony of Jesus Christ. To whom are all of these phrases applied in God’s Word? The entire orthodox Christian world, following their three rules for understanding God’s Word, 1) Context, 2) Context, and 3) Context, they generally see all of this as referring to John himself. “Comparing spiritual with spiritual” is a mysterious statement which conflicts with context, context, context, and so is dismissed and ignored. If we have come to see that we are to “keep those things which are written in this book”, we cannot be cavalier about God’s Word.

It is important we understand that living by every word of God amounts to the same thing as “dying daily.” What this tells us is that every word of God, especially the three words, 1) tribulation, 2) patience, and 3) testimony, are all the judging of this body of flesh. When we see this, only then will we have been brought to the point of being able to “rejoice in trials.” It is then that we begin to experience “the peace that passes [or excels] all understanding.”

Many who read these words could never verbally articulate why they are experiencing the peace of mind that comes with “knowing God and Jesus Christ”, but God’s spirit has witnessed to their spirit that these are words of Truth.

Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

With that peace of mind in the total sovereignty of God, we can read Revelation 1:3 and rejoice just to know that we are given eyes to see and ears to hear that verse:

Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Let us see now how we are to live by and keep all the symbols of “this generation… the last days… heaven… John… the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ… and being exiled to the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Last week we saw that John simply typifies our walk and our life as the revelation of Jesus Christ within us. We saw that the seven churches are the recipients of this book. Then why would anyone ever doubt that all of God’s words are words of judgment and wonderful words of the outcome of judgment:

Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

This book of the revelation of Jesus Christ is no exception to that Truth. It is rather the capstone of that Truth, for it is the revelation also of the Christ of Christ, because this book also reveals that it is you and I who experience all “the things that are written therein.” It is you and I who have crucified our own Lord and are in need of being judged for our sins and ungodliness and unrighteousnesses. So let’s examine exactly who it is to whom this book is addressed, and with whom this book called “the revelation of Jesus Christ” is concerned.

To whom is the book of Revelation addressed?

Who will give account for the death of Christ and of all the prophets? Will it be the Romans? Will it be the Jews? It is of utmost importance that we know who is to give an accounting of all these things if we ever hope to understand this book of signs and symbols. What does all of the evidence of scripture indicate? To answer that question we need to notice to whom this entire book of the revelation of Jesus Christ is addressed?

Here are those to whom this book is addressed. Here are those who are responsible for the blood of Abel, the persecutions of the seed of the woman, the selling of Joseph into slavery and for the death of our own Savior:

Rev 1:4  John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Again in verses 10-11:

Rev 1:10  I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev 1:11  Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

That is who is addressed by this entire book. These “seven churches” are as much a symbol as the apostle John is. We have already demonstrated in our study of verse 4 that “the seven churches of Asia” are the church as a whole. Read the study notes and listen to the study dealing with the spiritual significance of the number 7 in scripture on iswasandwillbe.com. The seven churches are all who name the name of Christ. It is the woman out of whom the manchild comes. “The seven churches of Asia” are both the many called as well as the few chosen out of those many are called. This book is not written to them about someone else, it is written to them about themselves, and they are twice admonished to “keep the words written therein.” It does not say, “Keep the applicable words.” We are told instead that “man will keep every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Rev 22:7  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

This is “the revelation of Jesus Christ.” It involves the very fiery trial of the capstone experience of sweating blood and being forsaken of all men and facing the wrath of God as He turns His back upon our flesh, causing us to die so that we can “bring forth much fruit.” John has already been there and done that. Paul and John and Peter have all lived the Revelation of Jesus Christ and are “looking behind them” at all they have been through. They all learned what they were taught by “the revelation of Jesus Christ…” the words of “the sayings of this prophecy” which is confirmation of, and the capstone of, all the rest of scripture. Here are all three of these apostles, telling us that they learned what they learned only through “the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1Pe 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

It is only through “the revelation of Jesus Christ” that any man learns anything of God. That revelation includes being forsaken of all men and being exiled to the Isle of Patmos for this word of God and this testimony of this revelation.  Look at Paul’s experience:

2Ti 1:15  This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia [that is these very “seven churches] be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Phygellus and Hermogenes were among those who were of such influence among these very churches which Paul had established, these symbolic “seven churches of Asia”, that “all they which are in Asia” turned away from this apostle of God who was in prison in Rome. Paul repeats this fact in the last chapter of this epistle:

2Ti 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2Ti 4:11  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
2Ti 4:12  And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
2Ti 4:13  The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring [with thee], and the books, [but] especially the parchments.
2Ti 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2Ti 4:15  Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
2Ti 4:16  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2Ti 4:17  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2Ti 4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Was John’s experience any different? No, not really. The only difference was that instead of going to Rome as a prisoner because of the efforts of the Jews that believed on Christ, John was “in that Isle that is called Patmos” at the behest of the very people in the very churches in which John had been ministering after Paul’s departure, and he was there “for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Here was John’s experience among His own brothers in Christ to whom he had ministered:

3Jn 1:9  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
3Jn 1:10  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

John, the apostle who “has the testimony of Jesus Christ”, writes an epistle to his own spiritual brothers in Christ, and sends it to the church, and we are told that “Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them… received us not.”

That proud spirit of Korah, who accuses the meek of being proud, is still alive and well in the midst of God’s people today.

Num 12:3  (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Num 16:1  Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
Num 16:2  And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
Num 16:3  And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

When we become aware of what the spiritual significance is of “the earth” as revealed to us in Jeremiah 22:29…

Jer 22:29  O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

…Only then do we realize that “the earth” is still opening up its mouth and swallowing those up who resist the fiery words of God. Those who do so, in the process, have rejected and forsaken those whom God is sending with “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” “Strong delusion” is just that. It is so very strong that “if it were possible, it would deceive God’s very elect.” However, that is not possible, even as they stand alone on the Isle of Patmos or as they “lie dead in the streets of that great city where also our Lord was crucified.”

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Rev 11:8  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Who has “the testimony of Jesus Christ?”

John tells us that he was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Who does John symbolize as such? God’s truth is in its sum, and considering the way the disciples of Christ used the Old Testament scriptures, Christ is in every verse of His word (“here a little and there a little”) either as the Creator of darkness or the Creator of light. It is all “of Him, and through Him, and to Him.”

Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Rom 11:36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Isa 28:10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Isa 28:11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Isa 28:12  To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
Isa 28:13  But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Isa 28:14  Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. [earth (Jer 22:29)]

Now let’s see how true these principles are of this book. Let’s see “line upon line and precept upon percept, here a little and there a little” just who are “our fellow laborers, who have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” We have already covered the first two verses which reveal who has this testimony, but I will include them here with the other two verses which tell us who it is who has “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Here all together, are all four verses in this book of the revelation of Jesus Christ, which reveal to us just who it is who has “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” It is very revealing indeed:

Rev 1:2  Who [John] bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Rev 1:9  I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 17:1  And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

This is the angel to which verse Revelation 17:1 refers:

Rev 19:10  And I fell at his feet [the feet of this angel] to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus : worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

In other words, the seven angels of this prophecy are those who, like the apostle John, are our fellow laborers who “have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

“The testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy.” What is “the spirit of prophecy?” Here is how God’s Word defines “the spirit of prophecy”:

1Co 14:3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1Co 14:4  He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
1Co 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Who has this “testimony of Jesus Christ?

Mat 8:2  And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Mat 8:3  And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Mat 8:4  And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Those whom Christ has healed of the incurable disease of death have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Who else has this testimony?

Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Mat 10:17  But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
Mat 10:18  And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Mar 6:11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Those who are sent to the Sanhedrins and synagogues of the church and the Gentiles have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Who else has this testimony?

Joh 3:31  He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
Joh 3:32  And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

Act 22:18  And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

“The testimony of Jesus Christ is not received by men, but it is, through God, received by, and is in, His elect.

Mat 16:17  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

In other words, all of Christ’s true prophets are these angels which bring us the words of this prophecy, all of which words we are to keep. So it is God’s Word which is the fire which comes out of the mouths of God’s elect witnesses, and it is God’s elect who blow the seven trumpets and who pour out the seven vials upon a rebellious world within us all.

Jer 5:14  Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

2Ti 1:8  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

It is out of the mouths of God’s elect, who must all “keep the things that are written therein”, that this declaration must also be made to the seven churches which are within us all:

Rev 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

These words are addressed to the seven churches in us all. These churches are Christ’s own wife who has left her first love to become the harlot of this verse:

Rev 18:7  How much she [the great harlot] hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

In other words it is those who deny that Christ has come both in His own, and also in our sinful flesh. It is those who deny that we are all to keep the things written therein who also deny that we are that fallen harlot, and who also deny that we are all to go through “the plagues of the seven angels.” All who deny that we are to ‘read, hear, and keep the things written in this book’ have “that spirit of antichrist.”

1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

The whole world declares Christ came in the flesh, but the whole world also denies that it was “the same flesh and blood” as the children of Abraham, the same sinful, under the law, made of a woman flesh; the same corruptible, sinful flesh and blood in which Christ presently resides within His elect today as they, through the power of His word, “keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book, and the things that are written therein” and who, in turn through that same fiery word, pour out the seven vials on all the earth who say they will not drink of the cup of His wrath.

The cup of God’s wrath is a cup that is in the hand of the harlot, but that harlot is nothing more than a creation of our Creator, and it is through His words in the mouths of His elect that the seven vials are poured out upon all men. Here is what is decreed for all who say otherwise:

Jer 25:1  The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that [was] the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;
Jer 25:2  The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying
Jer 25:4  And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.
Jer 25:7  Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.
Jer 25:8  Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words,

“Because you have not heard my words?” What is Jeremiah saying? He is saying what God’s prophets, to this very day, are saying. Because you hear, but don’t understand, because you see, but do not perceive, because you think that “keep the words which are written therein… every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” means that none of the words therein which deal with God’s wrath, will be poured out upon your ungodliness, and your unrighteousness, therefore these words are decreed upon you:

Jer 25:15  For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
Jer 25:16 And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.
Jer 25:17  Then took I the cup at the LORD’S hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:
Jer 25:18  To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day;

It is God’s church which is furious at the thought of enduring God’s wrath. Even those who realize that the doctrine of a secret rapture is a false doctrine still cannot conceive of God pouring out His wrath on their own sins and unrighteousness. It is God’s own people who are desolate and poor and blind and naked and miserable and totally unaware of their own spiritual condition, “as it is this day.”

Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

God’s gold has been through the hottest flames. That is where it is purified. All our heavenly Father does He does in love. The doctrine which teaches that God hardens hearts just for the sake of pouring out His wrath is akin to the doctrine which says that He creates most men just for the sake of sending them into eternal torment. It is God’s wrath which brings us to our wits’ end and brings us to repentance. That is the very definition of “His goodness” in these verses:

Psa 107:21  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psa 107:22  And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Psa 107:23  They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Psa 107:24  These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Psa 107:25  For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Psa 107:26  They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Psa 107:27  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end [Through the wrath of God].
Psa 107:28  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Psa 107:29  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Psa 107:30  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psa 107:31  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

The scriptures teach that “all things are ours, whether things present of things to come”, and all things are through us:

1Co 3:22  Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

The Greek words translated “for your sakes” are “dia humas” and they mean “through you” as God’s channel of doing all that He does. His wrath is poured out “through you” whether it is on you and me now, as well as on those who believe they can refuse to receive it. They just receive it last. So Jeremiah continues:

Jer 25:28  And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink.

There are many who declare, just as the harlot of Babylon declares, “I have never blasphemed and I will never receive of God’s wrath.”

“Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” has no personal application for that person at this time. “Keep the words that are written therein” has no personal application for that person at this time either. Here instead is what does apply to all such who will be judged out of their own mouth:

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

We have all been guilty of taking away and adding to the words of the book of this prophecy and teaching others so. We will all live by every word in this prophecy, in accord with our works, for which we will all give an accounting. The only question which remains to be answered is when will these words of this prophecy be fulfilled in us? Will we judge ourselves now, that we will not be judged? Will we be in be in “a better resurrection”, the first resurrection? Or will we be in the second resurrection and face the pouring out of God’s lake of fire on those who thought that they could somehow avoid “living by every word of God?”

Again notice who the angels of the book of Revelation symbolize:

Rev 22:8  And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Rev 22:9  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

If you and I are fellowservants of our brothers which keep the saying of this book, then we are the angels that show others these things because, as we are told…

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes [Greek: dia humas, through you], that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

“All things are through you…” It is good and right to esteem our teachers as men of God. It is right and proper that they be given respect and honor as overseers of God’s flock and as helpers of our joy. However, unless we each know Christ and His word personally, we do not know God or Christ whom He has sent.

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Conclusion

God’s elect are the “overseers… the angels of the seven churches.” Every word of this prophecy is directed to us. Let us never be guilty of taking from or adding to the words of this prophecy. Let us also always be aware of the sacrifice which is made for our salvation. Let us always appreciate the fact that even Babylon plays a part in our salvation. This is how it is all accomplished:

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Rom 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

God’s grace works “through thanksgiving.”  Our mercy is “obtained through the unbelief of others.”

God does “all things through you,” His elect. “How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out”, but he has revealed them to us by His spirit:”

1Co 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Hello Guys and Mike! Do you still have “Comments or Questions” e- mail on your site? I notice it disappeared. Will you let me know if you rather me not to email any further? Over year, I have been thinking about babies and infants/ toddlers died early and go to judgment (white throne judgment?) but also I have wondering about how will they know what is good and evil even they don’t know what will say to the judgment? The reason I have been wondering is from the scripture:

Ecc 1:13 And I(Solomon)gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore(Strong- Hebrew #7451 rah, Evil)  travail(Heb. #6045 inyan, humble? experience?)hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised(experience? Heb.#6031  ah na, about 15 words of different meaning in KJ concordance) therewith.

Great insight by God’s words through your web site! Thanks a bunch! B____

Hi B____,
It is good to hear from you again.
We certainly do have the questions and answers on the site, but it is under the heading of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). It is in the upper right side of the home page.  I certainly want you to continue to e- mail me with your questions.
I think the Concordant Version is the best out there on Ecc. 1:13:

Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.

Put this together with Psa 107 and 50:16 and you will see what God is doing.

Psa 107:24  These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Psa 107:25  For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Psa 107:26  They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Psa 107:27  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
Psa 107:28  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Psa 107:29  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Psa 107:30  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psa 107:31  Oh that [ men] would praise the LORD [ for] his goodness, and [ for] his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psa 50:15  And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

As for babies and judgment, we must remember that the invisible things of God are understood by the things that are made:

Rom 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:

What this tells us is that God will mature all who are in the lake of fire, just as any father rears His children. All people of all time will be in that symbolic ‘lake.’ So there will be plenty of parents to rear their children who need rearing, and God’s elect will be the overseers of all the needed circumstances to purge all mankind who has ever lived of their sins. If a child died too young to know good from evil, then he will learn the difference as a maturing spirit, just as all the angels who have not yet rebelled against God will learn what needs to be learned to be made at one with God:

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Every man who has ever lived, regardless as to how young or how old, and not just every man but even every spirit:

Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Judgment is not a matter of ‘saying’ as much as ‘doing’. Everyone in the lake of fire will see their sins and abhor them. They are raised in need of purging, and they will receive purging. God has a record even of a baby’s days:

Psa 139:16  Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance; And in thy book they were all written, Even the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was none of them .

So David and you and I all have a symbolic “book” with all of our preordained days written in His book, before the world began:

2Ti 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called [ us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

And it is this book of each person which will be used to judge us before God’s “great white throne.”

Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books of every man who has ever lived] were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: a nd they were judged every man according to their works.

I hope this helps you to see that God has everything well in hand and will not forget or overlook the least among us. Our days were all planned for every man “while there were yet none of them.”
Your brother in Christ.
Mike