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BOOK: Dispensationalism Misunderstood

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This book silences those who reject the dispensational teaching of the Bible on the grounds that dispensationalism is a “recent doctrine” and founded by Darby. Dr. Blue not only shows the proper balance of dispensationalism, he quotes from the scholarly work of C.H. Crutchfield whose research shows right the opposite. Dispensationalism or “right divisions” of the Bible was taught, not only by the inspired writers, but by the early church fathers.

Dispensationalism Misunderstood
Dispensationalism Misunderstood

This book answers many of the shallow arguments given by those who reject dispensationalism. An excerpt: Before a child of God can move forward in serious Bible study, he must understand the different dispensations. Failure to understand the true teaching of dispensations has led many to make false applications of the Bible. Some, who do not understand the truth about dispensations, have attacked the teaching of dispensations and even refuse to believe they exist. The purpose of this booklet is to answer these objections and to help the reader understand the true nature of dispensations.

NOTE: currently out of print.

 

KEN BLUE VS. KEN BLUE’S AUTHORITY TO HEAL #2

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KEN BLUE VS. KEN BLUE’S AUTHORITY TO HEAL

Authority to healby Ken Blue

On two or three occasions I have received emails with comments about the book, Authority to Heal. I did not write the book, but was tempted to bill for it anyway. Since the author’s name is the same as mine, I decided to purchase a copy. Having pastored for over 40 years, and studying the Bible more than 58 years, I have learned to “try the spirits,” and “prove all things” by the Word of God, not by human experience.

I do not question the character or sincerity of Dr. Blue. I detect that he is a compassionate and caring person. I have no animosity toward him, and believe he is sincere in what he teaches. However, I do question his healing ministry, and his misuse of Scripture in his premise to support his Authority to Heal ministry.

There’s no shortages of testimonies from all religions concerning miracle healings. Even the Roman Catholics, who pray to idols, pray to Mary, pray for the dead, practice baby sprinkling, teach that no one is saved without Catholic baptism, or a desire for it, also profess all manner of miracles and visions. Few religion are exempt when it comes to these experiences. Medical doctors are sometimes baffled that a former diagnosis changes or disappears in those who profess no religious faith. Therefore, inductive reasoning is never proof of cause and effect.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Because of the selfish and covetous nature of man, the “prosperity and healing gospel” attracts people[/pullquote]

Because of the selfish and covetous nature of man, the “prosperity and healing gospel” attracts people, as a pool of muddy water in the desert attracts all varieties of animals. Promise people “health and wealth,” if they follow that theology, and they will respond. It should be noted that theology is the creation of men. I have watched this deception for years, and those who espouse it are deceived, and many preach that doctrine to enrich themselves.

Perhaps the most calloused and wicked aspect of the health and wealth ministry is when the infirmed are left with the feeling that they just did not have enough faith. Or, when the blame is placed on the one who prays. Regardless, in the final analysis, the failure is always laid at the feet of someone’s unbelief. The Bible is clear that people were healed who lacked faith, and prayers were answered in spite of the absence of faith.

In any debate, when the main premise is wrong, the conclusion will always be wrong. I have found, the number one reason people come to a wrong conclusion about Scriptural matters is their failure or inability to rightly divide the Word of God. Without a doubt, when it comes to biblical hermeneutics, the most important verse in the Bible is 2 Timothy 2:15. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Paul said, “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” 1 Corinthians 10:32. Three groups are mentioned. Unless we rightly divide Scripture, we have no way of knowing to whom it is addressed. You, no doubt, have heard people say, “Every promise in the book is mine.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Also, the promise in Authority to Heal, is not given to the church today.

There are seven different baptisms in Scripture. There are also several different gospels, and dispensations. We must know the difference between the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the gospel of grace, which was a mystery revealed to Paul. If we fail to discern what was to the Disciples only, and that which was Kingdom of Heaven gospel, we will never rightly divide the Word. Therefore, we can make the Bible teach anything we wish.  A wrong premise will always lead to a wrong conclusion, which leads to wrong interpretation and application. This is what Dr. Blue, in Authority to Heal has done. His whole premise is wrong.

Because of his failure to rightly divide Scripture, he has embraced a hodge-podge theology on the subject of miracles and healing. He also, wrongly assumes the church possesses the promised kingdom to Israel, and now those promises belong to the church. He says,

  • “From the beginning, God intended for humanity to have dominion over the world (Gen 1:28). The lines of authority which were broken by Adam’s disobedience have now been re-established by the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ. As he proclaims in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” And this authority he gives to his church: “Go and make disciples of all nations, … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (w. 19-20). The lines of true authority were not only re-established by Christ but also extended by him into all the world through the church. The rule of God, that is to say the kingdom of God, was established by Jesus and is now expanded as we obey him.” Ken Blue. Authority to Heal.

It should be noted that Matthew 28 is incorrectly quoted. Also, there is no church on earth that obeys that commission, nor can they. It was given to the Twelve as a continuation of the Kingdom of Heaven ministry. All is in the context of the promised kingdom. The first question by the Disciples after Christ’s resurrection was, “…Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6.  The first matter of business was to fill the vacancy left by Judas. We need to ask, why? “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:24-26.

The “why,” is found in the gospels. “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28. This is the only place where apostolic succession was practiced.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]If healing and casting out of devils is in operation today, what of the other miracles?[/pullquote]

Not only does Dr. Blue believe the church is the kingdom, he thinks it was given the covenant promises to the Jews. He evidently doesn’t know the difference between a testament and a covenant. The New Covenant was made with Israel. “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34. There are no covenants made with the church of this dispensation. One may attempt to refute this by quoting the book of Hebrews. However, the book of Hebrews is not a church epistle. It was written for the Hebrews who will be in the Tribulation. Right divisions will show that Hebrews through Revelation are not church epistles, but are Jewish Tribulation epistles.

  • “As we look away from our own state of mind to God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ, we see that just as Israel was related to God through the covenant of Sinai so we are related to God through the new covenant in Christ’s blood. As the kingdom was made known to Israel through Jesus of Nazareth, so it is now made known to the church by the pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit. Saturating our minds with the truth of God’s unconditional love will do more to create a healing environment than anything else we may do.” Ken Blue. Authority to Heal.

Another error in Authority to Heal is the absence of the other miracles promised under the Kingdom of Heaven ministry. If we accept the premise that healing and the casting out of devils resides in the church today, why ignore the other miracles? Could it be that they cannot be validated? When Mark is quoted, part of the context is conveniently ignored. We will post the complete text. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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.” Mark 16:15-18. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14. We challenge any church to prove they experience either promise in the above text.

The argument that God does not want anyone to be sick, may be valid. However, to argue that the reason is because He so loves us is not a valid argument. We are now back to the prosperity gospel. Does God want anyone in this dispensation to be poor? Does He not love these as well? It is not a matter of what God wants, but what He allows. God cannot be inconsistent with Himself.  If we don’t understand right divisions, and understand that God administers His programs differently in different economies, we will never handle the Word of God correctly. This is the dispensation of grace, and His grace is sufficient.

If healing and casting out of devils is in operation today, what of the other miracles?

I will give a list of questions on this subject. They are simple, and the respondent should be straightforward with his or her answers. Please don’t waste my time with your beliefs or hearsay. We want the truth.

  1. Do you believe the miracle working power Jesus and the disciples had are present today? If not, why not?
  2. Do you know anyone with those powers?
  3. Do you know anyone who was dead three days or more and was raised from the dead?
  4. Do you know of any mentally retarded person who was healed by the gift of healing?
  5. Do you know anyone blind or deaf from birth, and a faith healer restored their sight or hearing?
  6. Do you know anyone who could not walk for 40 years, and was restored by a faith healer?
  7. Do you know a miracle worker who walks on water?
  8. Do you know a miracle worker who feeds thousands with a little boy’s lunch?
  9. Do you know anyone with ALS that was healed by a faith healer?
  10. Do you know anyone who had Alzheimer’s that was healed by a faith healer?

If you have positive answers to the above, please send us their name and address so we may contact them.

If you tell me that an elephant walked over your bed last night, I have no way of convincing you that it did not. Likewise, it is virtually impossible to convince one from Scripture the error of his experience. It is real to him. I have had this conversation for years with those who believe they were filled with the Spirit because they spoke in some unknown tongue. It is to no avail. They have no idea what they were saying, but they know they had an experience.

We leave the reader to his own conclusion. If you know the answer to the above questions, or if you choose to believe your experience above the Scriptures, so be it. However, you are not permitted to cherry pick the miracles you like, and ignore the others.

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #27

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 Back to Gospel of Matthew – HOME

THE CALL AND COMMISSION OF THE TWELVE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL

Gospel of the Kingdom

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:1-42

Verses 1-4.

Jesus calls the twelve, who have the title, Apostles. They are sent forth to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. The noteworthy thing, is that Judas is one of the Twelve. There is nothing out of the ordinary that would make the eleven believe he had a devil. He preached and healed, just like the others. If they didn’t have discernment to identify him, how mistaken we can be when we judge others. Especially, is this true, when they appear to have a “successful” ministry.

Verses 5-8.

The command is to go only to Israelites, who are called “lost sheep.” They are to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. They are also empowered to do Kingdom miracles. No one today preaches the same gospel they preached, nor do the miracles they did. One must understand that the Apostles knew nothing about the coming death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

I have discovered that many Baptist preachers have no understanding of this matter. “31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33  And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34. “For as yet they knew not the scripture that he must rise again from the dead.” John 20:9.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Many Baptist preachers hold Baptist tradition stronger than right division of the Scriptures.[/pullquote]

One Baptist preacher said, “The disciples preached the same gospel we preach today, and they baptized with a view of His coming death and resurrection. Scripture is abundant.” I wrote to him and ask for one Scripture that taught what he said. That has been over 10 years ago…still no response. I have discovered that most Baptist can’t afford to see this truth. I have been alienated by many Baptist brethren because of my teaching on this matter. Baptist tradition is stronger than right division of the Scriptures. No church on earth today, obeys these verses, nor can they.

Verses 9-15

All their needs would be met. They were forbidden to take money, food, two coats, shoes, or a staff. Does this sound like any Evangelist or Pastor you know today? Those who welcomed them, they were to greet. Those who rejected them, were to be ignored. The reason it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, is because Sodom did not have a Bible, a preacher, the gospel, nor the miracles in their city that Israel had. To whom much is given, much is required.

Verses 16-27

The Lord was preparing His disciples for His absence, although they did not understand it at that time. They would discover, during the Acts period, and in the Tribulation that man is not, nor has he ever been a friend of Jesus Christ, and His gospel. The world hates the Jesus of the Bible. They would be hated and brought before authorities for judgment. The ministry of Paul is a good example of this.

This instruction is not directed to any member of the Body of Christ. Today, one must pray and think about what to say before appearing before a judge. This instruction is for the Apostles. The remnant will be hated by all nations as they preach in the Tribulation. Note verse 22-23. “22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” These must “endure” to the end of the Tribulation, or refuse the mark of the Beast. Likewise, the Lord assures them that they will not have gone over all the cities of Israel, before He returns. This did not happen in the Acts period. Thus, the context is Israel, and the Tribulation.

The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven requires that one believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and water baptism. This was, and will be their confession before men. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16. “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30. Believer today do not have to be baptized to be saved. Baptism is a step of obedience for those who are saved. Although Paul baptized, his gospel of grace did not require it for salvation.

 Verses 34- 42

The disciples had no concept that there would be a period where He would be absent before established the Kingdom of Heaven. This is evident until His ascension up to heaven. And, after He left, they believed He would soon return, if Israel would repent. Notice the first question they have after His resurrection. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:” Acts 3:19-20.

Jesus did not come to bring peace, but judgment that ends in repentance. Until then, there will be war. In fact, before the Kingdom of Heaven is established on earth, the greatest war the world has ever witnessed will take place.

Finally, at that time, men must receive the Apostles to be saved. To reject them, is to reject God. To receive and assist them will bring salvation, and its rewards.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT #12 – Kingdom of Heaven

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MARRIAGE, MORALITY AND DIVORCE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

lion and lamb

27  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29  And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30  And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31   It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Matthew 5:27-32

This is the seventh of the Ten Commandments. It was given to Moses on stone, but Jesus reveals that adultery is a heart matter. He who has a heart of lust, will lust for another, and has already committed adultery in the heart. The believer should understand that all with God is a heart matter. We can assume that the lust is not speaking of a one-time event, but of a heart that is controlled by lust.

Since this sermon is located in Matthew, the book of the King of Israel, and Kingdom of Heaven is the subject, there is no reason one should spiritualize verses 29-30. I am aware that this is so foreign to Western thinking, that our minds have difficulty grasping it. There is no record of this practice In the Old Testament. Therefore, this must be a law for entrance into the Kingdom.  One need not spiritualize verse 29-30, while taking the other verses to be literal. As drastic as the action may be, it will be better than going to hell.

Divorce and remarriage was granted under the Law, although that was not God’s intent when Adam and Eve were created. In the beginning, God’s plan was one marriage only. Had sin not corrupted man that would still be the case, but God later allowed divorce. Paul, in the church epistles also allows divorce and remarriage. Under the Law, a bill of divorcement was sufficient to release the wife from her former husband, and she was free to marry another. (Deuteronomy 24.)

Under the Kingdom of Heaven rule, a man may not divorce his wife except she is found to be sexually impure. To do so causes her, and her new husband to committee adultery.

We are not informed of any further punishment on the two. Perhaps they will be expelled from the opportunities granted other citizens of the Kingdom. It is also possible that they are banished beyond the boundaries of the “Holy Land,” thus “cast out.” The full extent will be known in that time.

“THE BODY” AND “THE BRIDE.” #4

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IS THE CHURCH THE BRIDE OF CHRIST?

brideBy E. A. Rawlence.   (Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

Now, the “former rain” caused the grain to start its growth, corresponding with the outpouring of the Spirit on the nation at Pentecost, as we have seen, and as Peter was quick to note. The “latter rain” caused the ears to fill and mature for the harvest. So will Israel’s final testimony, when Joel’s prophecy will be fulfilled, cause “the harvest of earth” to ripen (Rev. 14.  15).

Out of this godly remnant we have to seek a company that will answer to the Bride, whilst the residue will answer to the bond-servants who went forth with the message, and the guests will be their Gentile converts. Such a company we find in Revelation 14:4, in the 144,000 which were redeemed from the earth. “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.”   The term, “they are virgins,” is no doubt not literal, but spiritual, indicating that they have not been guilty of spiritual whoredom, and have never given allegiance to the Antichrist. This seems clearly indicated verse 5. Whereas we are expressly told that on mankind “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thess. 2. 11). The whole relations, as described between these sealed ones and the Lamb are such as would alone answer to the position of husband and wife.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The term, “they are virgins,” is no doubt not literal, but spiritual, indicating that they have not been guilty of spiritual whoredom, and have never given allegiance to the Antichrist.[/perfectpullquote]

I believe those 144,000 are to be identified with the man-child in Rev. 12, as the travailing woman is obviously Israel under her final great trouble, corresponding to the prophecy in Isa. 66:7, 8, “Before she travailed, she brought forth ; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child.”  “Who hath heard such a thing ? Who hath seen such things ? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day ? or shall a nation be born at once ? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”   And it is whilst the nation is in this wilderness condition that the re-marriage is to take  place. “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. “And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope : and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.  “And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me ISHI, i.e., my Husband; and shalt call me no more Baali (i.e., My Lord). “For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.” Hos. 2:14-17.  

We have yet to ascertain the time of the marriage. This is placed almost beyond dispute from Rev. 19, which clearly shows that it is practically the last event that takes place before the apocalypse of Jesus Christ as “the King of Kings and Lord of lords,” to usher in the Millennium. From this it is clear that if the Bride be the Church, the Church must then go through the whole of tribulation except the final act.  

In conclusion I trust I have shown that there are many difficulties in the way of the Church being the Bride, although on the other hand there are no doubt passages which may seem to indicate that they are the same Bodies, but these are not absolute statements of identity, as in Rev.21. 9. They are only illustrations or comparisons, and are, I believe, open to a reasonable interpretation of the lines which I have indicated, whilst, if I have rightly divided the Word, I venture to think that such an interpretation clears many doubtful points, and opens the way to better understanding of God’s dispensational dealings.