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ISRAEL, MY SERVANT IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

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ISRAEL, MY SERVANT IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, others are called the servants of God. The context is the key.

The first few verses of Revelation are the key to the book. However, the book of Revelation is Hebrew and Jewish to the end.

“ 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:  Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.  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.” Revelation 1:1-3.

There are several factors that need to be noticed in the above verses.

  1. It is written to His SERVANTS. (God’s servants today are Christians, the Body of Christ. After the Rapture, The Jews will be His servants during the span of the book of   Revelation)
  2. The things in the letter were SHORTLY come to pass. (Over 2000 years have passed)
  3. John HAD SEEN the entire Revelation before he put a pen to the scroll.
  4. Blessings are promised to those that read and KEEP the things written to the servants.
  5. John repeats his warning FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND. (Over 2000 years have passed)  

 

THE GREAT FALLACY IS THAT THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS ARE WRITTEN TO THE BODY OF CHRIST, THAT THE RAPTURE TAKES PLACE IN CHAPTER FOUR. HOWEVER, VERSE ONE TO CHAPTER 22 IS TO ISRAEL. FALSE TEACHERS MUST CREATE A FALSE RAPTURE TO GET RID OF THE FALSE CHURCHES IN CHAPTER 1-3. THERE IS NO RAPTURE OF ANYONE BUT JOHN, AND HE IS CAUGHT AWAY INTO THE DAY OF THE LORD. AS EZEKIEL WAS CAUGHT UP AND TRANSFERRED TO JERUSALEM.  (And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.  Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.  And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, Ezekiel 8:1-3)

Since the book is to Jews the SERVANTS would Jews, as declared in the Old Testament.

 “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. Isaiah.” 41:8

Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Isaiah 44:1

 Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. Isaiah 44:21

 

 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Isaiah 49:3

 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. Isaiah 49:5

 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6

 

 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:
Revelation 1:1

 

 

 

ISRAEL’S FIVE SUCCESSIONS OF PUNISHMENT

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THE FIFTH SUCCESSION OF ISRAEL’S PUNISHMENT

punishment

The fifth succession of Israel’s punishments is found in Lev. 26:27-39. The fifth succession begins with the Assyrian/Babylonian captivities, (Some believe it began with Egypt,) and continues until the Second Advent of Christ, which ends the “times of the Gentiles” and the Day of the Lord. (Tribulation.) All the curses in Leviticus 26:27-39 will be found from the captivities until the Second Advent.

As one reads these warnings and promises, he cannot help but be appalled. We post them here. “And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;  Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.  And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.  And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.  And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.  And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.  And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.  Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.  As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.  And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.  And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.  And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.  And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.” Leviticus 26:27-39.

Most of these are behind them and can be found in those books which cover this period. As one reads the book of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel, he can see the unbelievable misery Israel endured. However, Jesus warns Israel the worst is yet to come upon them.

In Matthew 24 Jesus describes some of the things the Jews can expect in the Day of the Lord. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22. The end of this fifth succession of punishments on Israel will be worse than all that has preceded it. In fact, if those days were not limited to the seven year period, no Jew would be left alive. The Bible tells us that only one third of the Jews will survive the Tribulation. As the wickedness of Israel exceed the nations around them, so is it now and will be through the Tribulation. Israel is give the name, Sodom and Egypt in the Revelation. God’s two witnesses will be killed by the unbelieving Jews and their dead bodies will be left in the street to rot. The corrupt city is designated, “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.” Revelation 11:8.

God’s fury and wrath will allow their Gentile enemies to slaughter them until only one third remains. “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.  And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8-9.

Jesus will lead this third in battle and defeat all the nation that come up against Israel. “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.  In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.  And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.  In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.  The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.  In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.” Zechariah 12:2-8. Thus, the five succession of punishment will end. (Leviticus 26:14-39).

This remnant will repent and accept Jesus as their Messiah King. The reign of the Gentiles over Israel will end forever. Jesus will begin to organize and establish His Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

ARE YOU RIDING THE LAODICEAN SCAPEGOAT?

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rich

 

By Ken Blue

” Leviticus 16:21-22 “ And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:  And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.”

Two goats were chosen. One was sacrificed, the other was led into the wilderness and released. Both were a type of Christ. One died for sins, the other carried them away. We use the term, scapegoat, today when the blame is placed on another person, or for some excuse.

One of the reasons churches are not winning souls today is found in the “Laodicean” scapegoat. That is, we are supposed to believe we are now living in a period, supposedly prophesied in the seventh church of Revelation 3.

Some are so sure these veiled prophecies exist that they have assigned dates to each one. I will not waste our time listing them. Our concern is with the last one, the so called “Laodicean period.”

I am very familiar with the teaching and the logic behind these. I have done some research on the subject. E.W. Bullinger sees these as periods in Old Testament history.

Since there is not one verse of Scripture that teaches these are seven epics of church history, there must be another reason some see these as hidden prophecy.

The major error lies at the first verse of Revelation. That is, the assumption that chapter one through three are in this church dispensation. The reason for that conclusion is the use of the word “church” and “churches.” Next, John is seen as a “type” of the church being raptured in chapter four. One other argument is that the word “church” doesn’t appear again until the end of the book. Each argument is erroneous, and impossible to prove. However, our purpose is to show that, in most cases, the church ages are a fabrication, and that pastors use this as an excuse for the lack of soul winning.

One writer says, “The Laodicean Age began around the turn of the Twentieth Century, perhaps 1906. How long will it last? As a servant of God who has had multitudes of visions, of which NONE has ever failed, let me predict (I did not say prophesy, but predict) that this age will end around 1977.” The Laodicean Church Age – 1 – Bible Believers  www.biblebelievers.org.au/7ch045.htm.

Another writer, Don Koenig, says, “The age of Laodicea has arrived next comes the rapture and the tribulation.  Most Bible prophecy teachers would say the Laodicean church age started around AD 1900. This is correct but when Laodicea appeared among Thyatira (Catholics), Sardis (the near dead denominational churches) and Philadelphia (the Church of true believers), she was not the predominant church of that era. That is no longer true. By what we see taking place in Christianity today there should be no question that Laodicea is now the predominant church type of our age (for those of us who believe that there are seven church ages).

Laodicea is the final church age before Jesus comes for His Church. When Christ comes for His spiritual body He vomits this Laodicean church out of His body into the tribulation. I am not saying that Laodicea was ever part of His body to start with but only that this church type was identified with His body. After Jesus stomachs the lukewarm condition of this church, He spews them out implying that those identified with Laodicea have no place in His spiritual Body unless they repent and see.”

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Revelation is a book of prophecy to Israel. It was not written to or about the body of Christ.[/pullquote]

There are so many problems with the above, one hardly knows where to start. Assuming that these ages have existed, there were “Laodicean Churches” in every one of them. A study of church history confirms that. In fact, they existed in Paul’s day. The next error is the interpretation of church history in a particular geographic location. If you lived in Muslim countries, you would conclude that you were in the” Smyrna period.” If you were in some Asian countries, you would believe you were in the “Philadelphia period.”

It ought to be evident that no one could understand these as epochs of church history until the Laodicean epoch arrives. Also, we need to ask, if the first three chapters are written to and about the church/churches of this dispensation, to whom is the rest of the book written? Where is the salutation to the recipients of the rest of the book

Revelation is a book of prophecy to Israel. It was not written to or about the body of Christ. Individual churches possessing some of these characteristics have existed since the birth of the body of Christ, the church. All of these will exist in the churches in the Tribulation. It is to these, the book is written. One hint, and there are many, these churches must “overcome” something or someone. Could it be the Antichrist and the mark of the Beast?

Very few pastors today would admit that they are the pastor of a “Laodicean” church. To them, the rebuke applies only to the spirit of religion in general, or to another pastor and another church.

If you are riding the “Laodicean Scapegoats,” get off, and start winning souls. People can be saved, even today!

 

 

 

 

PARADISE REGAINED #68

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<- Chapter #67 — Chapter #69  ->

REVELON BOOK

PARADISE REGAINED # 68

The River of the Water of Life

 “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”  (Revelation 22:1-5).

Verses 1-5 are chronological and are a continuation of chapter 21 and the description of the New Jerusalem. It is unclear as to the location of the new city. Some think it will be situated on the new earth; others believe it will be suspended in space. One thing is for sure, this city is vastly different from the millennial city.

In chapter 21 John describes the construction and materials of the city. In this chapter, he describes the inside and its provisions. We have seen that the number 12 signifies that the New Jerusalem is the center of the divine government, which will rule the new heavens and the new earth. The light, although literal, speaks of the truth and righteousness in which the nations will walk.

John sees a “pure river” proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb. This raises the question as to the extent of this river and its purpose. If is a literal river, is the river confined to the city? Does it dissipate or pool into lakes and seas? Will those who live in the New Jerusalem need this water to survive or is it symbolic?

Dake says there are 12 boulevards matching the 12 gates. Most likely there is one main boulevard that leads to the throne, and it is this street that has the river of life and the tree of life by it. Dr. Ruckman says the tree is not singular but the species, and that many trees grow on either side of the boulevard. These trees produce fruit constantly for the nations dwelling on the new earth.

If those living on the new earth are in natural bodies, like those of Adam and Eve prior to the fall, these trees may provide for their eternal life in their natural bodies. We should keep in mind that the Garden of Eden also contained the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. The first pair needed to eat of the tree of life to maintain their natural lives. Instead, they chose to believe Satan’s lie and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was necessary for God to station a Cherub by the entrance of the garden to ensure that no one ate of the tree of life after the fall, lest they live forever in a sinful state. God deemed a natural death and resurrection superior to the alternative.

We must not think of sickness and disease being present in the new eternal state. However, those in natural bodies would become older and weaker and eventually die if they did not eat of the tree of life. The “healing” was for the preservation of eternal life. It is uncertain if one is required to eat of the tree continuously or if one partaking will give eternal life. Some commentators think it will be necessary for individuals to go up each year on their birthday.

Again, if literal, the trees yield their fruit each month. Therefore, there will be days, months and years on the New Earth. This will require the sun and the moon for those seasons.

The curse will be removed and will never return. Those in the city will have unbroken fellowship with God as Adam and Eve had prior to the fall. They shall see His face and will walk with Him in perfect fellowship.

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 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. 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.”  (Revelation 22:6-9).

The attention shifts from the New Jerusalem back to John and the angel. John is reassured that what he had seen and heard was indeed from God, and that they were about to take place. Those who hear and keep the saying of the letters to the churches will be blessed and enter into the joys described in the book (Revelation 1:3). We should add that John had seen the completed revelation before he wrote any part of the book.

When John hears these things, he does a strange thing. He falls down to worship at the feet of the angel. John is rebuked and told that the angel was only a servant of God. Notice that the angel directs John’s allegiance to the Scriptures and the worship of God. This is good advice for all people at all times.

 “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”  (Revelation 22:10-15).

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]If you have not come to Jesus Christ for eternal life, will you ask Him to save you now and receive the gift of eternal life? The invitation is “come.” [/pullquote]

The above passage confirms that the city is occupied by the Jews, or is open to them. Those have a right to enter the city who have observed the commandments. Also, the “dogs” is a reference to Gentiles.

Daniel, when shown the vision, was instructed to seal it up for the time of its fulfillment was in the distant future. However, that time in the Revelation had come and would be fulfilled at the Second Advent. Those, in the Tribulation, will receive their reward according to the state they are in at Christ’s return. As the tree falls, it will lie.

The wicked will be judged at the White Throne Judgment and will be cast into the lake of fire. Only those nations who obey God in the Millennium will have access to the tree of life on the new earth. Others will have been destroyed.

 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 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: 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.”  (Revelation 22:16-19).  

We noted in chapter 1:13 that Jesus walked in the midst of the seven churches. He was with them in all their suffering and tribulation. Now, at the conclusion of the Revelation, He reassures them. He is the promised seed of David. He is the Bright and Morning Star that brings light and life to the earth.  All are invited to come and kiss the Son and drink deeply of the eternal life that is only in Him. It is free to all!

Once again, we are reminded of the certainty of the prophecies. Those who reject its teachings and warnings will be judged accordingly. These words are directed specifically to those who will be on earth at the time of these events.

 “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”  Revelation 22:20-21

Once the events in this book commence, they will move in rapid succession. The Tribulation will last only seven short years. The Second Advent of Jesus will close it and begin the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. That will be followed by a new heaven and a new earth, which will be totally righteous and without sin.

Mankind has been returned to the exact condition planned in the beginning. He has learned that without total obedience to God he is hopeless and helpless. Men and angels will praise and serve Him forever for His wisdom, power, love, mercy, and salvation! If you have not come to Jesus Christ for eternal life, will you ask Him to save you now and receive the gift of eternal life? The invitation is “come.”  Paradise has been regained!

THE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST. HEROD SEEKS TO KILL JESUS. THEIR FLIGHT TO EGYPT. THE RETURN TO NAZARETH. A-2

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THE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST. HEROD SEEKS TO KILL JESUS. THEIR FLIGHT TO EGYPT. THE RETURN TO NAZARETH. A-2

lion and lambMatthew 2:1-23

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in accordance with prophecy. We are not told specifically what part of the East these wise men came from, or how many there were. They may have been from the area of Babylon where Daniel was a captive. They uttered prophecies, explained omens, interpreted dreams, and practiced divination (Dan. 2:2, 48; 4:9). Balaam attempted to curse Israel, but God overruled, and he spoke this prophecy. “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.” Numbers 24:17. The “Star” here is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Herod the king was troubled at the thought of another king. Jerusalem was troubled because they knew the cruelty of Herod. Dake gives the following note about Herod.

  • “Herod the Great, son of Antipater (an Idumean) and Cypros (an Arabian woman). Antipater was made Procurator of Judea by Julius Caesar in 47 B.C. Herod was made governor of Galilee when he was 25 years old and was made king of Judea in 37 B.C. He rebuilt the Jewish temple (Jn. 2:20). At his death in 4 B.C. his kingdom was divided. His son Herod Antipas reigned over Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39 (Lk. 3:1-2). He killed John the Baptist (Mt. 14:1). Another son, Archelius, was made ruler of Judea and Samaria (Mt. 2:22). He is called “Philip” in Mt. 14:3. Philip was succeeded by Herod Agrippa I in A.D. 37. In A.D. 40 he took over all the original territory of Herod the Great. He is mentioned in Acts 12. He was succeeded by Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25:13; 26:32).”Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.

A major indictment of the religious leaders was, they knew where their Messiah was to be born, and what His office was.  Knowing all this, they willingly and knowingly rejected and killed Him.

Herod pretended he wanted to worship Jesus, but his plan was to kill him. All this was plotted by the devil to destroy the Son of God. The star that led the wise men, not to a manger, but to the house where the young child was. He was about two years old at this time. The star that led the wise men was an angel. (Rev. 1:20).

The important thing is that they were seeking the King. His mother has no preeminence in their search and worship. They “fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” God warned them not to let Herod know where the child was. Thus, they returned home without going back to Jerusalem from Nazareth.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Matthew shows how New Testament events were a fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture.[/pullquote]

Joseph is warned in a dream to take the child to Egypt for protection from Herod. After the death of Herod, Joseph was instructed to return to Israel. Two prophecies were fulfilled in this action. One, “out of Egypt have I called My Son.” The second prophecy, although not written down, was His return to Nazareth.

While Joseph and his family were in Egypt, Herod went on a killing spree, and murdered all babies two years old and younger. Again, Matthew shows how all events were a fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture.  The text quoted from Jeremiah 31:15 is a Tribulation passage. Ramah is a city about five miles north of Jerusalem. This shows the extent of Herod’s wrath. Thus, the worship by the wise men, the flight into Egypt, and the return to Nazareth, was all fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

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