I've Been Justified...Now What?

Sanctification: The Process of Setting Apart

 

One of the most under utilized and least taught precepts of the Christian faith in the churches of America is the doctrine of sanctification. How can this statement be true? It is easily recognized when comparing a majority of professing Christians and churches in the United States of America. They are not standing in overwhelming contrast with the culture and world around them. For this to change, it must be taken back to fundamental basics.

To begin with, what is sanctification? In Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary, the definition is simple: "hagiasmos- separation to God." This word in its root form is hagios which means holy. With this being established, it can naturally be followed in the Bible and theology to determine how it applies to the individual Christian and the church. This is not some man made word that theologians created. It is a word from the precepts in the Word of God. What does the Word of God say about sanctification?

There is a passage in the epistle to the church at Rome which shows sanctification and justification tied to one another. The Holy Spirit working through the Apostle Paul penned:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemend sin

in the flesh. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4 KJV)

What is God saying in these verses? With the introduction of verse one it is clear to see that once a soul comes to Christ in repentance and faith, they are no longer condemned. This is a result of justification. In the very same verse there is another connected truth. These who have repented and have been justified are now able to not walk after the flesh. Verse two contrasts once again the new life in Christ and the old man. The justification and sanctification are shown forth again in verse two. The Spirit of life which happens post justification sets the Christian apart from the law of sin and death. Again in the third verse, the law and flesh prior to new life in Christ were unable to save or sanctify the Christian. For the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in the Christian, then the Christian cannot walk in the flesh. This is impossible to do apart from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is this process of not walking in the flesh post justification that is sanctification.

The above passage is only one passage in regards to sanctification that

comes after being justified. Emery Bancroft in his book Elemental Theology puts forth the precept that sanctification is a process that occurs in stages. He has an intial stage which coincides with salvation just as Paul penned in Romans chapter eight. Paul also mentions this in 1^st Corinthians. Consider the greeting to the church at Corinth:

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them which are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's."

(1^st Corinthians 1:2 KJV)

Who is this epistle addressed to? To the church at Corinth. What else is said of the church at Corinth? They are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. Why are they sanctified and called "to be" Saints? Because they called on the name of Christ Jesus the Lord for salvation. Here in this verse it is clear that because of salvation, there is to be sanctification. This is positional sanctification as a result of justification. There is another stage in this process and it is called or termed progressive sanctification.

The precept of progressive sanctification is set forth in another letter to the church at Corinth. Take note of what God says in this epistle:

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the image from glory to glory , even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have recieved mercy, we faint not; (Because the truth taught is commended by the life.) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2^nd Corinthians 3:18-4:2 KJV)

In the above passage, there is a clear message about progressive sanctification. First there is a changing from glory to glory. This denotes action from one state to another or one place to another. Notice that this is done in the Spirit of the Lord. Notice there is an action and result from taking action in verse two of chapter four. Renouncing the hidden things of the former life before salvation. Things inherent of the fallen flesh nature. Things such as deceit and manipulation. This putting away of sinful things is done in the witness of God and man. Take a look at a another passage in the book of 2^nd Corinthians:

  "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit

perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2^nd Corinthians 7:1 KJV)

Again, establish what God is saying through Paul. Beloved denotes having been saved and justified. Just as having these promises does. After that, there is an imperative that should result in action. There is cleansing and perfecting which are removal and growing. These are two aspects or actions that happen in setting apart or sanctification unto God. There is another well known New Testament passage that shows the Christian life and the need for practical sanctification. It is in the Pauline epistle to the church at Galatia.

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due seasonwe shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:8- 10 KJV)

God is saying in the above passage that which ever nature is fed, is the very nature that will grow. It is the sowing seed precept that is throughout the entire narrative of the Bible. There is the warning of the consequences that are harvested according to the nature and manner it is sown. Sow to the Spirit and reap life. Sow to the flesh and reap corruption. There is the earthly application and results of carrying out sanctification as well. Every opportunity is to be taken to walk in sanctification and there will blessings reaped eventually for doing good to all men, especially fellow Christians.

After the the first two stages, there is the last stage of sanctification. In this stage is the culmination of the the first two having been carried out in the Christian life. This is glorification into Christ likeness. There will be nothing lacking in the Christian's life at this point. In the "Pastoral Epistles" of Paul written to Timothy, Paul addresses saying goodbye to this temporal world and his anticipation of entering into glory:

"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make fool proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2^nd Timothy 5-8 KJV)

   Amen. What a declarative statement on that which awaits the soul that

loves and anticipates Jesus' certain return. To begin with, in verse one, Paul is instructing Timothy in acts of sanctification. He is telling Timothy and Christans to be observant in all things and evangelize by carrying out the Great Commission that Jesus instructed all saints to do. Then the door swings into the result of the well sanctified life by his own testimony. Look at verses and seven. "For I am now ready to be offered..." "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" Paul's own words need no emphasing or changing. He has done what was commanded of him. He by being faithful to Christ, has been sanctified. His final stage of sanctification is spoken of in verse eight. Paul was justified by Christ. And in the act of progressive sanctification, Paul worked in concertive effort with the Holy Spirit and the reward of final sanctification awaited him. Not just him but all that loved the appearing of the Lord. Scripture and common sense tell the Christian that the faithful servant is the one who works and anticipates with eagerness the return of Christ.

The Christian apologist and author C.S. Lewis brilliantly illustrates the process and end result of progressive sanctification in his book Mere Christanity:

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and s topping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself." (Lewis 174)

   A sanctified life is evidence of a justified life. A sanctified life is a powerful witness for the Gospel of Christ. It is the sanctified life that stands out so brightly in this ever darkening world. A sanctified life is a holy life. It is set apart from the world and self, and unto God. He is Holy, Holy, Holy, and He commands the Christian to be holy as He is Holy. The sanctified life is a birth mark of the maturing Christian, of the Christian who loves and anticipates the certain return of Jesus.

 

When Did Liberty Become Cheap?

When Did Liberty Become Cheap?

Robert Jason Bryant

Webester's 1828 dictionary defines liberty as "LIB' ERTY [L. libertas, from liber, free. ]1. Freedom from restraint, in a general sense, and applicable to the body, or to the will or mind. " Freedom from restraint, applicable to the body, will, or mind. These of course being within the constraints of the "Law of the Land." Also known as the Constitution of these individual sovereign states united. The United States of America, a Federal represenative republic and NOT a democracy. On the local level of county/city/township We The People operate in a quasi-democratic basis, meaning our voices are clearly heard on the local level; however, we still elect persons to office to represent our views, and they being constrained to protect, observe, and obey the state constitution of their office, as well as the Constitution of the United States of America. Within the constraints of the rule of law. To get the perspective of our Founding Fathers, we always hold and view the cornerstone of the federal and state constitutions, in the unchanging document named the Declaration of Independence.

In Thomas Jefferson's strategic discourse of Natural Law, Common Law, and Contract of Government, we see in the opening lines:

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Plain elementary English composed letter of intent, this beautiful declaration of a free people, written by a thirty-three year old Virginian, a mind born and concieved in liberty. President Jefferson was a great student of the classics. He was excellent at his studies of agriculture, history, mathmatics, architecture, law, philosophy, religion, and perhaps the most brilliant of all our Founding Fathers. Was he perfect? No. Mr. Jefferson was human, he was a man who owned slaves [When slavery was the common practice, not just in the thirteen English colonies.], but he was consumed with the passion of liberty for the mind, will, soul, and body within the constraint of Natural Law, Common Law, and Social Contract. This meaning he was no anarchist, priest, preacher, or tyrant. He was a man of principle who believed that all men were created equal. To get twelve of the thirteen colonies to vote unanimous on a Declaration of Independence his text of admonishing slavery by the Crown of England was stricken from the original text of his rough draft. (It must be noted the colony of New York neither voted for or against independence.)

From this mindset of liberty, as viewed by the framers of our government, how much did liberty cost? At the time, the thirteen colonies were inhabited by three million citizens. Not all Patriots of liberty. Liberty cost a small percentage of Americans enormous toils, sweat, blood, fortunes, and yes their lives. What has it cost you? Keep that question in mind as you finish reading this, if you dare.

The vote for independence was the culmination of the freedom of the human mind, illumination of the heart by the Bible being translated into English at the cost of many an English Christian martyred for their faith. The English philosopher John Locke, of whom Mr. Jefferson was a well versed student, was an ardent Christian whose philosophy of Natural Law and Rights, Social Contract were influenced by his faith. Revolution was in the heart, mind, and soul before the Declaration of Independence, before the shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, and before the Boston Tea Party. Revolution was implanted into created man by the Creator. These being so intertwined into the hearts of the American Patriot, that they were Self Evident. Logic, reason, and Providence dictated that man stand against tyranny. To not do so was a crime.

In the generation post Constituional implemented government a French philosopher and sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville came to the United States of America to observe the Great American Experiment. He toured the venues, cities, and states to record what he saw.

"“When the taste for physical gratifications among them has grown more rapidly than their education . . . the time will come when men are carried away and lose all self-restraint . . . . It is not necessary to do violence to such a people in order to strip them of the rights they enjoy; they themselves willingly loosen their hold. . . . they neglect their chief business which is to remain their own masters.”
― Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America Volume 2

To the observant and rational American, Tocqueville's quote was and is prophetic. Consider where We The People are in the current circumstances of America. We are a people who are being taxed for being alive. The Affordable Care Act is nothing more than a tax for being born in America. Liberty to speak against the government, or the ruling oligarchy has introduced retaliation by a federal taxation agency, the I.R.S. for being Conservative, Constitutional, and Christian. The Grand Ole Party or Republican establishment has joined forces with the Democratic Party to quench the liberty of a grass roots alternative party seeking to place the Constitution back into the center of the government, and a government of consent by We The People. What has liberty cost America?

Again, to quote a non-American observer of the first generation of Americans governed under the Constitution, look and see how these circumstances came to be.

“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

Again from Tocqueville, we see simply it is from the moral restraint of Christianity and it's strong power in a moral society. The moral society is able to yield to consent of being governed. It i the sacrifice of moral restraint, absolute moral restraint of pure Christianity, Biblical Christianity that has kept liberty alive in America, simply put reader, liberty unrestrained has cost America liberty. All the while, We The People thought we were free.

The Seven Trumpet Judgments of the First Quarter of Tribulation

The Seven Trumpet Judgments of the First Quarter of Tribulation

 

   In this first trumpet blast, fire and flaming hail are flung to the face of the earth. It is wrath returned to the earth in the prayers of all the Saints. (Swete 110) Immediately in this judgment all grass is burned up and one third of the trees as well. Although this first judgment of the first Five Trumpet Judgments is aimed at the earth, they will by consequence effect humanity still here on earth marking the beginning of the second quarter of the Tribulation.

In what can be considered as rapid succession, the second trumpet blast by the second angel following the first trumpet is blown. It is directly behind the first angel's work in the text of chapter eight of Revelation:"

8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." (Revelation 8:8;9 KJV)

Following the golden rule of interpretation, this would logically appear to be a meteorite which hits in the Mediterranean Sea and turns the sea to blood, kills a third part of life in the seas, and destroys a third part of the ships operating in this sea. Since Babylon is already rebuilt in Revelation chapter 18, it is logiacal to believe that this sea will be loaded with ships sailing to and from ports in the Meditteranean Sea, carrying out great commerce. (LaHaye 130)

Again, as stated earlier, the third trumpet is blown in scripture immdediately after the text of the second trumpet. Back to back judgments meted to the earth and most assuredly touching humanity by default:"

10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."

This third trumpet sounds and a "star" crashes into earth, a star named Wormwood. It would be logical to accept this as a meteorite or comet. Its mass, size, and energy must be great for it to bury deep into the crust of earth. The Bible says it this way: "

10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. (Revelation 8:10- 11 KJV) It should be gleaned from the text the obvious change in description between a "great mountain" and "burning as a lamp." They are different phrases used by the Apostle John and the Holy Spirit. These objects are different. This star hits somewhere in the world where the headway of three major rivers start. Either by earthly corruption, or whatever is in the star, it poisons these three waters. It makes them bitter. It kills many men.

The fourth trumpet sounds and it is located right on the heels of the first three judgments. These first four judgments have come directly from the heavens, and affected earth and man. A third part of the sun, moon, and stars are smitten. Day and night reverse and sixteen hours of darkness takes over each twenty-four hour day.

On the fourth day of the Creation story, God gifted earth with heavenly bodies that illuminated earth from darkness. This judgment removes a third of light. (LaHaye 133)

The claxon after this judgment is an angel who pronounces, "Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" with a great an mighty voice. To really stop and muse over this, taking the action literally from the text, it is a voice mighty enough for the inhabitants of earth to hear the three fold warning. (Revelation 8:13b KJV)

Three fold warning from a mighty voice. Following the devastation of the first three judgments, and man repents not. It would seem that the heart of humanity hardens in pride. Pride is a hard thing to break in man, impossible apart from God's grace and a man's understanding his need of that grace. God seems to be warning humanity that what has already came is only a feather compared to what follows the woes. The next and last three judgments are described by LaHaye as "hell let loose on earth."

The first woe is the fifth trumpet or judgment. With this woe follows:

"1

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Revelation 9:1-6 KJV)

One of the most painful things known to man is the sting of certain insects, spiders, and scorpions. The pain in this judgment will be so ferocious that man will seek to die, yet he will not. They will be in torment for five months. Except those sealed and protected by God. In comparison to the first four judgments that struck earth, this judgment comes aimed towards man!

In this judgment comes the destroyer know as Apollyon, and he rises amidst the black smoke of the bottomless pit. He commands the beast that strike pain and torment into the bodies of man. He most likely is the archangel Michael's antagonist in Satan's kingdom of darkness. (LaHaye 137)

After the 1^st woe is over, then comes two more woes in the scripture. The sixth trumpet judgment or the 2^nd woe comes and once more the angel sounds. A voice is heard from the altar of God, "

Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." (Revelation 9:14b KJV) One of the most prominent rivers in the world of the Bible and the nation of Israel is the River Euphrates. It was the northernmost boundary of the Promised Land that God gave Abraham. It is a natural barrier to the enemies from the North. It is mentioned in the Creation story as a boundary or river in the vicinity of the Garden of Eden.

Four angels will be loosed after the River Euphrates is dried up in this judgment. They will command an evil army of 200,000,000 called riders who are not human and derive power from the four angel, beast like creatures. A third of men are killed by these riders. Despite the mighty acts of God Almighty, the circumstances of the first quarter of the Tribulation, and the first five trumpet judgments, man will not repent. He chooses to hold onto and foster the sins of idolatry, murder, sorcery, fornication, and thievery. Man will recieve the just wrath which he has stored up against himself.

Chapter eleven of Revelation brings us to the blowing of the last or seventh trumpet judgment and the last woe. This is the beginning of the seven vial or bowl judgments. It doesn't begin anything here on earth but opens a parenthetical part of Revelation that covers over three chapters in Revelation and reveals what is happening in the climatic build up into the bowl judgments.

Which Of The Seven Churches Or Church Age Christian Are You?

Which Of The Seven Churches Or Church Age Christian Are You?

 

NOTICE THE COMMENDATIONS, THE CONDEMNATIONS, AND THE CORRECTIVE INSTRUCTIONS from Jesus to these Christians:

In the Bible is located a beautiful testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is His bookend of the books of the Bible and His personal testimony to the individual Christian and His bride the church. Our Lord's own epistle to His Beloved. In the opening verses, the tone is set for the individual Saint and the church. This is a letter from Truth Himself and Jesus makes it clear in the opening verses, the magnitude of what He is sharing with the Saints:

"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:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

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.

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;

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,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (Revelation 1:1-6 KJV)

These opening verses, when taken in context, in proper translation, in sound heart, must needs

garner and grasp the attention of the Saint in Christ as it is read out loud. Consider that starts with: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ..." and it piques the reading Saint's ear automatically.

"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.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle." (Revelation 1:11-13 KJV)

In the practical sense of all simplicity our Lord informs the reader to whom this is written. In the last verse of chapter 1, Jesus tells the reader the seven candle sticks are the seven churches of Asia. Each address from Jesus is an individual epistle so to speak as Christ individually addresses each church by name. Their names being Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philedelphia, and Laodicea. In the opening chapter it is obvious that this epistle is from Jesus, to seven specific churches and there is no guess work in establishing this fact.

These seven churches can be viewed as literal because they were seven actual churches with whom Jesus addressed. Looking back at over two thousand years of church history, and in the "plain sense" of interpretation it can be seen that the church has passed through seven specific ages. It is logical that as she has come through these ages, she has remenants unfortunately left of the six church ages that aren't so good. (LaHaye 17)

The first address or letter from Jesus is to the church at Ephesus which covers the church at Ephesus and represents the Apostolic Age (A.D. 30-100). The manner or form in which Jesus approaches each individual church with begins what the possitive or commendation of what that particular hurch was getting done properly. For example, Jesus commends Ephesus for the work she had done in His name. He praises her for being separate, pure, and a church of endurance for His name's sake.

The church was singled out for being His church, she was autonomous and separate from the sensual worldly port of Ephesus. It must be noted that at the time John wrote what Jesus was saying, that Ephesus was a great commercial port of Asia. She flourished with goods, merchandise, money, and people. (Swete lx) With the worldly influences encroached all around Ephesus, and idolatry aknown fact from Paul's writings, this church had avoided such and even stayed away from the "deeds of the Nicolaitanes" as Jesus said. Ephesus and the church of the Apostolic Age had avoided the dreaded church heirarchy and structure that would soon plunge Christians into an age of persecution by those who would claim to be Christian, but actually were Satan.

   Jesus also called out the church's error by condemnation. The church at Ephesus had gotten many things right but she had forsook the One Whom helped her do that. She had left her "first Love." It is not that Ephesus did not love Christ but other things had begun to take prominence in their hearts. God demands our first fruits, our entire devotion, and our first love or most love for practical matters. He must be loved more than we love ourselves. 

       Jesus then challenges Ephesus with "renew the broken vow and return to me..." (Simmons 6) God always has offered His people a chance at repetance before the chastening iron rod. It is in his mercy and love He warns us, before He punishes us. It

is never that our God is without mercy. Jesus praises the church at Ephesus, condemns her errors, offers the solution, and promises the reward for being obedient. (Revelation 2:7)

The second church letter is to the church at Smyrna, or the second church age known as the Persecuted Church Age (A.D. 100-312). It is no coincedence if one looks back in history books that this is the age of Rome that had tyrants for emperors and devils on the throne to attack the church. The church of Smyrna was a persecuted church yet she was consistent in her faith despite persecution.

Jesus' commendation for Smyrna was "I know thy works and tribulation, and poverty (but thou art rich)." (LaHaye 29) What solace the Saints at Smyrna must have felt as these words from Christ were read. They are today to the Saint who has taken a step from the world system of economy and lifestyle to serve Christ for little or no money. Smyrna was poor financially anf one of the aspects of her persecution was financial. Because they were steadfast in the Lord, the world would not associate with them in business. They were outcasts in the economic society. No different from Christians in places like Asia or the Middle East today. It is no shock that Jesus had nothing in rebuke to say to Smyrna. They had lost the things that could steal their affections for Christ. They had lost them because they stayed true to the King. Jesus offers the counsel to her, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer...Be thou faithful unto death." (LaHaye 29) Jesus promises that he who overcomes this will not be hurt in the second death, or cast into hell. As Christians, we have absolutely nothing to fear in death.

    The third church or church age was Pergamos or the Indulged Church Age (312-606 A.D.). This is the age that Christianity became a state church. This opened the

door for tremendous persecution, idolatry, and wickedness for centuries to come against the true church of Jesus. This is the age pagan influence and postmillenialism was introduced into the church.

Jesus' commendation to Pergamos was that He knows who are truly His. He knows who has and has not denied Him. He knows those who hold fast to His name. He is aware of the martyred for His name's sake. And He also knows who tabernacles with Satan. (LaHaye 35)

Jesus condemnations to Pergamos are two fold. He rebukes and condemns the doctrine of Balaam which is idolatry and the doctine of the Nicolaitians which He hates. Imagine how horrendous this doctrine is that it warrants the word hate from our Lord. These two doctrines are nothing new under the sun. It is the renamed doctrines of Babylonian mysticism. Satan and humanity have always paired together for the most part to commit high treason against the Most High.

     There is of course the chance of repentance in Jesus' counsel to Pergamos "Repent; or elseI wil come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." (LaHaye 36) This doctrine is so terrible and hated that He will combat it Himself quickly. To the genuine Saint or church, this is an eye opener! Jesus challeges the Beloved to be overcomers and He will feed them with His manna from heaven. God is the supplier of the Saint's needs. Spiritual, physical, and emotional needs are met in Christ. He will also give them a new name which none other can read, and in a white stone that denotes innocence derived from the righteousness of faith in Christ. Not guilty is the verdict when at the bar of God's justice for second death sentence. That in itself is one defintion of hope for the church, Christ meeting our needs, and imputing His righteousness to usward. In the scope of eternity, what else matters?

    

Jesus' letter or address to the church in Thyatira is one that really registers to the student of world and church history. This is also known as the church of the Dark Ages (606A.D. until the Tribulation). This means that the church Jesus addressed here is still wreaking havoc and heresey on this earth. In this era of church history it is well documented that paganism, offices, and ordinances of men and Satan swept in. As noted in the research on the church at Pergamos, the door was opened there or then, to allow a toe hold for this to happen.

In Jesus' commendation of this church is the beginning of rebuke: "I know thy works, and love, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and the last to be more than the first." (LaHaye 43) Not much of any commendation from our Lord. Perhaps, this is because of the the bloody history and future of this church age, and her involvement in the moving of humanity from the truth towards the enemy and liar.

Jesus' condemnation cannot be described as harsh after considering history and looking into the book of Revelation. "Thou allowest that woman, Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols." This is a graphic, yet all too true description of this church. It would be during this age that the edicts of Satan and man would sweep in and pervert Truth. Too many to note in a single paper, and still to this day, and future to come will be introduced. Horrendous if one were to sit and muse the consequences.

Our Lord in His mercy offers solution and counsel again. For God is not arbitrary when justice is handed out. It is addressed to the true Christians that are mixed into this Papal heresy. "Hold fast till I come." (LaHaye 48) That pretty sums up the advice and counsel Jesus gives. To those who heed this, is the challenge to overcome and keep His works untill the end. They will recieve the reign in the Millennial

and to have the Morning Star (Jesus). Awesome reward for the Saint involved Kingdom in the Christ-less church.

Church in Sardis is a dead church. This church or the church age started at the time of the Reformation (1520 A.D.- Tribulation). Jesus' only positively commends this church with "I know thy works, and thou hast a name that thou livest." The very name Sardis means escaping ones. This along with scripture and history points to the obvious. These are the Reformation churches which came straight out of the Catholic church, but did not finish the work of tearing heresey out of her doctrines. Jesus instructs the church to be alert, be strong in what truth is left, stand in that truth, and repent from all else. In all church ages there have been true and genuine Saints. Jesus reminds theses that the soul that accepts His counsel will recieve their clean white linens and inherit eternal life.

The church at Philadelphia or the age lasting from 1750 A.D. to rapture is the clostest to the good attributes of the church at Ephesus and Smyrna. Jesus commends them for their works and sets before them an open door which no one can close. Jesus promises to come quickly that no person or thing can steal their crown. This church recieved no condemnation from our Lord. Jesus promises to make us a pillar in the Temple of God and write His name upon us. This is the faithful church. The true church to be raptured.

The last letter or church is addressed to the church at Laodicea. This afe persists from 1900 until the Tribulation. She recieves no positive remarks from our Lord. In her rebuke, she is promised to be "spewed out" of Jesus' mouth. This appears to be the money focused church, ornate mega-churches, that think they are rich but are destitute. They think all is well but it isn't. No mission purpose or evangelism. Self focused and

and self promoting church. This has the appearance of the social club society church. Jesus counsels these to buy hold of the Truth, medicate their eyes to see Truth, and if they recieve Truth, it will be allowed unto them to have audience with Him on His throne.

In careful study of the Seven Churches in Revelation, the individual Christian, church, and denomination can steer clear of false doctrine, correct what is already wrong, and lay hold to the promise of and in Christ's return.

In His Service, Jason

 

 



The Stored Wrath of the Just, Merciful, and Gracious God of the Bible

The Wrath and Justice of Gracious God

Jason Bryant

 

Marking the last half of Tribulation is an end of the Trumpet Judgments, and this is the beginning of the end for fallen earth, and fallen humanity on earth. These judgments will be so terrible and horrendous. One must consider that this is the beginning of the just hand of God Almighty smiting mankind for rejecting His eternal goodness, mercy, sacrifice, and grace. Everything that Christ went through in His passion, God's sacrifice is thrown back in His face and man chooses to stand on his own demerits before a Holy, Holy, Holy, and just God. And this is the beginning of the “Great Tribulation” that Jesus foretold us about. This is the beginning of the “Day of the Lord” prophesied by the Old Testament Saints. The Creator is setting things back to His pristine design. This period of judgments is not arbitrary by any means. God has warned man since the day of the fall in the Garden of Eden, He's spoken through His creation, His laws, His people, His Son and His Spirit. Now God will speak in His perfect righteous judgments upon earth and man.

 "1And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” (Revelation 16:1-2 KJV)

Pretty straight forward in the text spoken through the Apostle John that the judgments are a result of the wrath of God. The wrath of God and yet, man would not repent. It is easy to glean from the first judgment that this is directly punishing blatant idolatry against God. It is limited; however, to those whom have cast their lot with the antichrist. They have willfully chosen to commit idolatry after all that they have witnessed. And it is a plague of sores like those of the Old Testament. Truly there is

there is nothing new under the sun. Humanity since the fall of man has been a master at idolatry. And God faithfully executes justice as He has always done in the Bible.

"3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea." (Revelation 16:3 KJV) Consider reader, this plague affects three quarters of the earth's surface. The sky on earth in the day time is blue because the seas are blue. Now the seas are red. Only eight hours of day now on earth because of the Trumpet Judgments, and those eight hours will not be blue skies and pretty white clouds. Everything in the oceans and seas die because it is blood rather than water. All the creatures will rot and decay and the stench of death will encompass the earth yet, men will not repent.
 
   The next bowl to be poured out upon humanity is another judgment involving water. This judgment is a correlation to the rejection of God's Living Water of Christ Jesus and the persecution of His Saints. For the streams of blood of His Saints and His blood at Calvary:

"4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

"7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.” (Revelation 16:4-7 KJV)

Now at this point on earth, all natural water in it's natural place is blood. This is a completion of a plague God started in Egypt. The life of man is sustained by essential water and now it is blood.

A brief and temporal foretaste of the second death is initiated in the Fourth Bowl Judgment. After all that has transpired before humanity at rapture and through the Great Tribulation, one would think that men would repent, swallow pride, and beseech for mercy and turn to God in faith. “8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” (Revelation 16:8-9) Imagine reader, there are no pretty blue skies, the stench of death abounds, blood is everywhere, people with sores can't bathe for a lack of water, darkness reigns for eighteen hours a day, and now the fourth bowl of God's wrath is poured out on earth and man. A heat wave of the likes never experienced by man and earth together! Remember, only two-thirds of the sun is exposed now because of the Trumpet Judgments. There is no water to cool off in, or bathe in to sooth sweaty bodies, ease the pain of sores, or quench the assured thirst of relentless heat. Still humanity for the most part will not repent. The three woes of the Trumpet Judgments is definitely warranted.  In a what would seem to be a merciful act towards humanity, to allow a moment to reconsider his plight, God paints darkness on the antichrist and his capital directly. This is another of the plagues originally enacted in the land of Egypt prior to the Exodus.

"10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, 11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:10-11 KJV)

Even during this day of wrath God offers what appears to be an act of Divine Mercy considering the last judgment of scorching heat. Surely a logical man would consider repenting; however, he will not. Quite the opposite take place. Not only does mankind refuse to repent, he will turn and blaspheme the God of heaven. He will not repent.

  The Sixth Bowl Judgment now occurs and this is the opening of the Day of the Lord long awaited by His people and creation:

"12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Revelation 16:12-14 KJV)


  The Euphrates which is well noted in the Bible and the northernmost boundary of the land promised to Abraham dries up. This is significant because historically is has been a natural barrier o the peoples of the lands of Asia. The people of Gog and Magog. These are the kings of the East foretold by the prophet Ezekiel. This will herald three frog like spirits that represent demonic forces that will come from the beast and manipulate mankind into forming a Satanic alliance to come together and rally their armies to do battle against the Lord. Even after all the circumstances, all the supernatural acts of God moving the heavens and the earth they will attempt to strike back against the hand of God. Unfathomable to a point for the Christian to be able to see man be so stubborn and stiff necked yet, we Christians were none the less rebellious towards God before He showed us our need for grace. It will be by the tongue and working of miracles that these demonic spirits will be able to sway the kings of the East to their side.

It is the crossing off the dry Euphrates river bed that allows the massive armies of the East to traverse Asia into the Arabian peninsula and into the plains of Meggido for the Great Day of Battle of our Lord. This battle is most commonly known as Armageddon. The valley is tactically ideal for a battle between armies. Many battles throughout the history of man have been fought out in this valley. This will be the battle to end all wars, the battle that our Lord prevails in and allows men to beat their weapons into plow shares.

"7 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” (Revelation 16:17-21 KJV)

  The last and seventh bowl to be poured out declares the end of fallen earth with a massive earthquake so powerful that it levels mountains, all cities are destroyed, and the islands sink into the seas. Hail from the heavens like the plague of hail in Egypt strikes earth and man repents not, rather, he blasphemes the God of heaven more. Yet in all this, God still is gracious, just, and merciful... just not in the human concept, but in the true Divine aspect.

 

 



God's Plan to Reveal Himself to Man After Eden

A Light For All The World To See

The Light Amidst The Darkness

Robert Jason Bryant

There is a commonly held misperception in many a Christian's mind that Yahweh only sent missionaries into the world with the first advent of Christ, and His giving the Great Commission to the apostles, disciples, and church He established here on earth. This was a belief and misunderstanding the writer of this paper held himself until recently. The entire Old Testament since the fall of man in the garden of Eden is a hefty indictment against this incorrect teaching, belief, and understanding of Yahweh revealing Himself unto fallen humanity. The first missionaries were the nation of Israel. She was given the task as a whole, with manifold opportunities to be the people who were to reveal the Light, Yahweh to a dark and fallen world. She struggled to no surprise, recorded in the Old Testament pages of Scripture, and her failure was completed until the second advent of Christ, when she rejected the first coming of the Messiah. She got it wrong for now, until the Abomination of Desolation occurs, and the Messiah is received and preached by Israel. With the before mentioned statement brought to mind to the reader, are we church being the light that Christ assigned us to be? Are we church fulfilling that which Israel has failed to do so far?

" 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:27-32 KJV)

In Simeon's declaration and fulfilled prophecy, in six short verses, it is seen evidently and clearly that the proclamation that God has made since He said, "Let there be light..." that God's purpose has always been to make Himself known. To the Hebrew first, then the Gentile that He is God, and in Him alone is salvation. Notice in verses 30 through 32 God reaffirms this. He sums it up rather well with the Hebrew Simeon stating he has seen the salvation of the Lord upon seeing the Christ. He again reaffirms it in his statement that it was prepared for all people. Simeon leaves no room for error with the statement that God has prepared this before the face of all people, and it is a light to the glory of Israel, and a light to lighten the Gentile people. All bases are covered. God leaves absolutely no wiggle room. None are with excuse in this matter. The reader may be asking them self, "This is a New Testament passage, how does this show that Israel is a missionary nation or people?

"49 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. 4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. 5 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. 6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up t he 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. 7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. 8 Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them." (Isaiah 49:1-10 KJV)

Written almost three thousand years ago, in the Word spoken to Isaiah it is even more detailed the model, purpose, and plan of God, to the nation of Israel. They were given charge, a commission to bare witness of the Light of salvation. In the mentioned passage from the forty-ninth chapter of Isaiah, glean from the very first word of verse one, "listen, hearken, ye people" these are the ones whom are charged with sharing the light. This is the Hebrew people. What are the Hebrew people to listen and hearken for? To begin with, they are servants of God! Servants have a master to serve in the very nature of the name servant. Secondly, notice the statement, "I will be glorified." God is the "I" and the servants are to bring Him glory. How is Israel to glorify God? Again beloved it is in the passage of Isaiah chapter forty-nine, verses on through ten. Hone in on verse six. God says it is a "light thing" that Israel should be His servant. God also says that Israel should be light to the Gentiles and His salvation unto the end of the earth! Here in the Old Testament, there is an unveiling, peeling back, or revealing of God's plan of redemption laid before the foundation of the earth. Where else might the reader recall the sharing of salvation unto the end of the earth? It is the Great Commission account of Mark.

"14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:14-20 KJV)

It is wonderful how God ties everything together in His Word. He leaves no loopholes, and it isn't ambiguous to the seeking heart, mind, strength, and ability to the servant who seeks with all his heart what God desires. It is written in plain English for the English believer of the Way. Look at verse fifteen of Mark chapter sixteen and behold the words Jesus spoke are the same as what God spoke to and through His prophet Isaiah. Jesus said it, God the Father said it but are we obeying it? Did Israel obey it? For the most part, collectively as a whole no it isn't obeyed. The other side of the same coin is yes in faithful circles of biblical oriented Christians it is. Sound familiar reader? It should sound very familiar to the biblical Christian. Anyone who is familiar with the nation of Israel and the Hebrew people in the Old Testament, is well familiar with the reality that Israel as a whole collectively wasn't faithful, yet there was a faithful remnant in her serving the Master. In Babylon, in the wretchedness of being a Hebrew, in a lost and desolate land, four faithful Hebrew princes come easily to mind for the lay person as an example of the faithful remnant that chose to be examples of light, and thus remain loyal and faithful to Yahweh. Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abendigo were faithful to God. Was it easy? No it wasn't. Was there a cost to pay? Yes, there was. Daniel stood as a faithful old man, before the mouths of ferocious lions, yet faith in God saved him! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo would not commit idolatry, and their faithfulness landed them in the fiery furnace, yet the walked out with Christ unharmed. There is a Missionary Baptist church in Lauderdale county Mississippi that averages approximately around seventy souls for corporate worship on the Lord's Day, yet the sponsor two churches overseas with an annual amount of over 100,000 dollars. That is an example of a faithful remnant in the midst of an unfaithful majority. There is a church here in Jones county, that averages easily around two hundred and fifty souls on the Lord's Day, yet only an approximate 10,000 dollars are scraped up for missions. To those whom much is given, even more is expected. Is the the larger congregation even considered faithful to the Great Commission in comparison to the smaller one? No, it isn't. There appears to be a disconnect to where the treasure of the heart is, and a willingness to be selfless. Which group of Christians are taking God and Jesus at their Word? Which group is obeying what the Master has commanded His servant to do? Which group is letting the Light of salvation shine for all the world to see beloved? The answer is obvious reader, it is the group that is letting the light shine for, the group that has it's "feelers" branching out into the dark and fallen world. Is the light shining in you? Are you letting His Light shine forth? Is a dark, dying, and fallen world seeing the Light? Is God being glorified? When these are answered to the yes, then we are carrying out the Great Commission as a whole.