Is this simply a prayer recited by many, under varying circumstances or might there be more to these words then fits our eye? We find this prayer in Matthew 6 and again in Luke 11. The disciples were being instructed by Jesus. We have in these two book and chapters a record of Jesus’ lesson(s)… and more. There is so much in this discussion with Jesus’ disciples many simply overlook or don’t take for the same value as the Lord’s Prayer which itself is within the same chapter(s).
The lessons and advice is very pointed but we seldom get beyond the Lord’s Prayer. Why? It is too obvious. We want what fits our lives but not what goes against our preferred lifestyle, attitudes and way of worship; or secular lives. We repeat the prayer out of habit or in our form of worship but seldom listen to what is being recited. Words, words and words, but meaning? Content? Context?
Before going on, this author must put out front that this article applies first to him, then to his potential readers.
The circumstances (Luke 11): Jesus had just finished praying and “one of his disciples said to him. ‘Lord, teach us to pray’” (ESV; 11:1). This is a chapter break in Luke, but in Matthew the same request does not come until after a brief explanation of when, how and what to pray.
Jesus also gives a comparison with how NOT to pray. In Matthew 6:5 Jesus tells his disciple(s) that hypocrites pray for the purpose of being observed and/or heard by others. This verse ends with (ESV) “Truly I say to you, they have received their reward.” What reward? Not an answered prayer but being observed by others as pious and some sort of wonder for the loud and open prayer (in the church or on the street corner).
In Matthew a couple of verses prior to the Lord’s Prayer, there is a lesson that serves well with which to connect. Verse one states, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will *have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. *Echō ou misthos (Greek) loosely translated means: God will not be beholding to give a pat on the back for his or her praying yet alone listen to or answer their prayer.
JIV NOTE: To avoid writing a sermon instead of an article as intended, I will return to my original purpose for writing today; the opening title “Our Father who is in heaven.” The word “our.”
John 4:24 states: (ESV) “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit….” When one understands this verse in John, it might make one look differently at the opening two words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our father” Let me explain. God the Father is a spirit. He created us and blew breath and spirit into our being. All creation is from him so regardless of one’s denomination or seminary, if any, he fathered all spirits too.
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them… Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 1:1-3, 1:26-27 & 2:7 (WEB). I like how Ian Johnsons connects breath and spirit:
Although the Hebrew (here) rendered “breath” is a different word from that rendered “spirit” in (Genesis) 1:2, both have similar underlying meanings, and in Psalm 104:29-30 the same word rendered “spirit” in Genesis 1:2 is translated both “breath” and “Spirit” in the same context: “when you take away their breath (rûwach), they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit (rûwach), they are created…” ian4christ41@yahoo.com
This means God is the father of every spirit he creates, “created in his image,” a spirit included. Right? Where is this logic wrong; if wrong? By accepting the body, mind, soul, and spirit as all-inclusive, “for by none other is anything created that is created” we are like God in image even when not of or following God. My proof is not my education and knowledge twisted into theological theories, but is based upon scripture. (Colossians 1:16)
(NIV) “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
This is tough to swallow if denominationally or as a seminarian indoctrinated to separate these created parts; a soul/spirit of a believer and the soul/spirit of a nonbeliever. We are all created by him and the soul he puts into us with our first breathe (or at conception?). The only difference is the destination of the soul; eternity with God or without God. This being so, then the Lord’s Prayer or “Our Father…” is universal. He is the father to all souls and spirits.
Now before my evangelical brothers erect a 4th cross with me on it, stop and reason as Isaiah instructs us in Isaiah 1:18, “Come, let us reason together…” (KJV). There are but two destinations in the eternity all will experience; i.e. one with God and one without God. There is no neutral third option. The Lord’s Prayer is inclusive of all created humans (OUR FATHER), so where in the prayer is there any differentiation? We know God is Holy and Holy is his name (just like Jim is my name). “His kingdom is coming” first for a 1,000 year reign with Christ on the throne in Jerusalem and king of all nations, then in 1 Corinthians 15:24 Jesus hands the Kingdom over to the Father.
His ‘will’ is currently being done in heaven. At the time Jesus hands the Kingdom over to God the Father, his ‘will’ is being done on earth as it is in heaven but only “…after he (King Jesus) has destroyed all dominion, authority and power” (1 Corinthians 15:24b.) Now we get to the differentiation of saved and lost; born again and not; eternal life with Jesus or with Lucifer.
(JIV NOTE): Some denominations try hard to claim that the kingdom is not Christ’s rule but that of God the Father alone. Taking 1 Corinthians 15:24 for its word, it is only after all dominion and authority and power is destroyed. If this is gospel (pun intended) then we must remember that Lucifer is yet to be released at the end of the millennial reign “but for a short time” (Revelation 20:7). This means all dominion, authority and power (competition to God) has not yet been destroyed. Christ is on the throne for 1,000 years ruling with an iron scepter (Revelation 2:27; 12:5; 19:15; Psalm 2:9). For additional millennial information read the article “What Life Is Like During the Millennium.”
Yes, Jesus is talking to his disciples, at least the one who called the question of “teach us to pray.” However, one must also realize God does hear the prayers of the sinner seeking forgiveness. Dig a sentence deeper into the Lord’s Prayer… “Forgive us our sins (depts; trespasses) as we forgive those who have sinned against us.” Oh, oh! Is this not the sinner’s prayer too? Forgive us (me) our (my) sins…? It sure is!!! How did the Lord Jesus Christ begin this prayer lessen; by saying, “OUR FATHER.”
The Father is spirit and we must pray to him in spirit. He is the father of all creation. “All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made.” Now the clincher that certainly includes this writer: “forgive us as we forgive those who have sinned against us.”
How do you forgive; with reservations included; a grudge; giving the silent treatment; getting historical instead of shouting with exclamations? I know all too well how many times I have heard and was once captive to the statement, “Yah, but you don’t understand what s/he did, said to or about me.” Yes, I went to that school too. But then, I didn’t write the Word of God. Since this forgiveness fact within the Lord’s Prayer is so clearly stated, how can we claim dominion over sin if we harbor a sin against another? How can we expect God’s forgiveness?
Might this be from the religious school of modern day thought in America; “if it fits, keep it; if it doesn’t try to make it politically correct.” As Detective Kenda puts it in his TV series Homicide Hunter, “MY, my, my… now you have my attention.”
It first ended in France. Might history repeat itself?
Sometime around 622 c.a. a political and fervent religious influence in the Middle East was spawned. It founder’s ideas were rejected by his home town. He moved then eventually brought his dedicated followers back to his home town; on horses and armed. Many battles ensued until he established himself as a regional leader and spiritual prognosticator. He dies shortly after conquering his former home town.
His successor is his father-in-law. Even though he leads this movement for only two years, his footprint in the sand is established by incredible military victories in The Battles of Uhud, Trench, Khaybar, Hunyan and Tubak. Wikipedia: “Though the period of his (conquests) was not long, it included successful invasions of the two most powerful empires of the time….”
This political, military and religious establishment conquers the Middle East and northern Africa. Assassinations and the sword spread their influence out of Medina with Damascus, Syria then Baghdad eventually becoming its power center.
This political, military and religious force eventually marched on Europe. They would have marched clear through Europe had it not been for King Charles Martel of France. Historian-author Henri Pirene noted, “In less than 200 years (from its birth in Mecca) the Mediterranean was completely in the hands of Islam and its northern coast was what was left of the Roman Empire, ….” Eventually Turkey (Ottoman Empire) dominated Islam.
In the 8th century, Charles Martel of France stopped the 1st Islamist invasions of Europe. In 1683 the great Polish warrior, King Jonas (Jan) Sobieski, broke the siege of Vienna marking the end of the 2nd Islamic invasions of Europe. In view of current news from France, will it begin again with the French? Will there be a third invasion or has it already begun?
How might God (Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit) create something that is less than excellent when in its original created form? When we read the second verse of Genesis 1 in the Holy Word of God, we can easily ask this question, but not easily conclude. We will likely be left conjecturing if doing anything other than reading a few words as a devotional or in one of our races to “read through the bible” in a year. This is why it is critically important to STUDY the Word of God; not just read it. To “study through the bible” requires dedication and certainly more than a year.
Sadly, this is the limit, content without context, of far too many so-called Bible studies; i.e. read a few verses then have a surface discussion of only the obvious, then share several “my opinions” without additional bible support of those personal opinions. Usually the discussion just reiterates or echoes the obvious. In the above example from Genesis 1:2 the discussion question would be something like… “what is form and void? What does it mean to be without?” This is a discussion type that usually takes a group of would-be bible studies to the land of nowhere. To get the rest of a bible passage we venture into STUDY; sometimes word-by-word study.
Too often one assumes that every verse or passage in the Bible is sequential without even considering that there might be a gap (time lapse) between them. Has any of us ever told a story or relived an incident in life and left out details within our sequence of events? What about the part that is left out? Might it influence or change one’s conclusion?
Example: Where were you? Answer: I was at the store. Missing or the gap in this store venture… “I also stopped over to see _____, then grabbed something to eat at a quick stop.” Would any of this additional information left out of the original change or influence YOUR analysis or conclusions of the events? Of course it would. Would the summary of “I was at the store” be the truth? Yes! It is a summary, but not an unabridged review of events.
Realizing this human example may be weak, it does make the point that additional information would help with a better conclusion. The Bible does not record every event in every historical discussion within its pages. That would require volumes; an entire library, not one bound book called the bible. This is also why 11 Timothy 2:15 tells us:
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (NIV)
Let’s now apply study and show ourselves approved of correctly handling the word of the truth; the gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Let’s also realize that there was a time people didn’t understand algebra, calculous or physics (Hebrew or Greek). That is, until s/he takes the time to “STUDY” and grow his or her knowledge one piece of new information at a time.
Genesis 1:1 states that “God created the Heavens and the earth… in the beginning.” This slight detour is not part of this blog, but it is part of this thought and study process. What does “in the beginning” mean to you? What does God and author of this Holy Spirit inspired book, penned by Moses, intend it to mean? It certainly doesn’t mean the beginning of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are eternal.
First, the heaven being referred to in this verse is shâmeh in the Hebrew; the skies and universe above and within our sight; telescope and Hubble space craft included. It means the beginning of when earth, the heavenly bodies we can see that surround us today were created. This all had a beginning. It will also have an end if we study the bible books of Revelation, Ezekiel, minor Prophets, Daniel, Matthew, Luke and other scripture.
Matthew 24:25 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (NIV)
Now that we better understand the words “in the beginning” and the “heaven” in Genesis 1:1, let’s increase our awareness and understanding by offering convincing knowledge of why there is very likely a GAP between 1:1 and 1:2.
We communicate via words be they written or spoken. Even signing is a form of words and communication. The Bible is written for us to study and understand. One does not walk into a foreign language class and immediately understand without background and study of that language. This is true of the Bible; we must examine it; not just read it and express opinions without something to back up the opinion.
The creation of earth in a perfect state and before v2 that tells us it “was without form and void,” requires a bit of bible searching. Let’s go to Job 38. Job is being challenged by God himself. One question God asks of Job is (38:4) “where were you when I laid the foundation?” This questioning continues through verse 6. Then in Job 38:7 we get proof that the earth was originally created as a site to be seen: “…while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy.” In Job 38 God is talking about the creation of our known universe and the heavenly bodies were amazed. This simply does not fit with “without form and void” as we find recorded in Genesis 1:2.
The Hebrew helps our understanding much better than do most translations: Morning stars (bôqer kôkâb) are the elite princes or angels of heaven; “sang together and *all (kôl) the angels shouted for joy.”
Not hidden but often missed is additional insight(s) into the heavens and earth of Genesis 1. First, in Job 38:7 the heavenly beings are rejoicing over the laying of the foundation and creation of the earth. If this creation was little more than dull, void, and without form, why would the prince angels and angels of heaven SHOUT with joy (amazement)? Second, the word “all” in this passage is kôl in the Hebrew. kôl according to Strong, #3605 means: the whole; any (totally inclusive). Therefore the angels and the prince angels mentioned have to be the entirety of God’s angelic creation. This also points out that Lucifer and his 1/3 of the heavenly stars (angels) he pulled with him when cast out of heaven were still amongst the heavenly bodies; not yet cast out of heaven [to earth]. On a graph it would look like the following:
God creates earth – all the angels rejoice and are amazed – Lucifer, an angel, is part of “all”
Logically and without one earning a degree in theology, we can conclude that God’s perfect creation in Genesis 1:1 somehow became a waste land in v2. Who might have an interest in wasting it? The answer is too simple but explains much. Lucifer, the “morning light and most beautiful of prince angels,” became Satan once he rebelled against God. He claimed that the earth was his domain when he tried to tempt Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-11) by offering him the world’s kingdoms if he would only bow and worship him (Satan). He roams to and fro upon the earth seeking whom he may devour (Job 1:7; 2:2). He wants to destroy anything beholding to or created by the God-head.
What Satan destroyed between verse 1:1 and 1:2 God redesigned beginning in verse 3 by “shedding light” upon this now formless void. The 2nd verse of Genesis 1 begins, depending on the translation being read, with words like: the [ESV], and [KJV], now [NIV], when [ISV], and etc. Let’s go directly to the Hebrew Old Testament; i.e. the Tanakh. It reads (v2): (reading left to right – translated Hebrew)… והארץ(earth) היתה(became) תהו(desolate) ובהו(empty)
“Earth became desolate, empty”…
Note a couple of things. There is no prefixed word like now, the, when, etc. in the original text of the Tanakh. Also the second word is “became.” This suggests earth in verse 2 is not what it was created to be in verse 1 when all of heaven rejoiced. Something happened between verse 1 and verse 2. JIV (Jim’s Introspective View): Satan was cast out of heaven to earth and he promptly made a mess of God’s creation; a vindictive attitude toward even his own creator.
Here us how the Summarized Bible puts it… (cut and pasted from e-Sword)
“Gen. 1 (v2) is not a history of the original creation, but of a reconstruction following a cataclysmic judgment which had befallen the original creation.
Gen_1:1 Original creation.
Gen_1:2 Its destruction.
Gen_1:3 and on, Reconstruction.”
Jamieson, Fausset, and BrownCommentary puts it this way:
…the earth was without form and void — or in “confusion and emptiness,” as the words are rendered in Isa_34:11. This globe, at some undescribed period, having been convulsed and broken up…
One might easily dismiss researching this topic on his or her own as it is “too complicated.” The same argument is given for only reading and not studying any scripture. All that means to this author is that one is not interested enough to do the work. This brings us back to 11 Timothy 2:15… right? Christianity is not a religion. It is a way of life and how can one determine or be convinced s/he is doing this without reading the manual?
Chapter 6 of Revelation is a turning point in the prophecy of this final book of the New Testament and the Bible. This is the chapter of the Scroll “SEALS.” There are a total of seven seals. Chapter 6 discusses 6 of these seals. This is also the chapter renown as the chapter of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. What so many do sometimes fail to understand is, the breaking of each seal is what releases each horseman. Chapter 7 is the breaking of the 7th seal. This helps us locate events in Revelation 6 and 7. In chapter there are 6 seals and in chapter 7 we find the 7th seal.. Seal number seven in the 7th chapter of Revelation is the sealing of the 144,000 witnesses and the seal of Christ on all who accept Him during the Tribulation. We will get back to Seals #5 & 6 later in this discussion, but for now we want to discuss the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.
i.e. Chapter 6 finds the 6 Seals broken and completed;
Chapter 7 finds the 7th seal opened, the sealing of the 144,000 witnesses from the twelve tribes of Israel and God’s wrath poured out on those who are not sealed in Him.
Each of the first four of the six seals broken “the lamb” in chapter 6, the only one worthy to open the scroll, reveal four different colored *horses:
Click on the accompanying graph to see the sequence of these four horsemen and their fulfillment of scripture during the Tribulation. Tribulation graph
Seal #1 is the WHITE horse and rider;
Seal #2 is the RED horse and rider;
Seal #3 is the BLACK horse and rider;
Seal #4 is the PALE horse and rider.
*As you read this full article, allow for the possibility that there is nothing that demands in these verses or insists that the riders are different men, but possibly the same rider on a different horse; only his mission changes.
Before discussing seal #5 and #6, let’s discuss these four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Too often one will hear or read the short descriptions of these horsemen and then discuss or preach on what each signifies. This is almost too obvious. But, let’s put them into perspective with the Apocalypse of the (7 year) Tribulation. Here is what scripture tells us per the very first seal/horse-man.
Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering (nikaō) and to conquer (nikaō).
(Revelation 6:1-2)
What we learn from this passage is that there is the white horse, a rider with a bow, and that he is out to *conquer. What we only sometimes hear is what is going on as it compares or should be placed on anEnd Time Line graph.
The Koine Greek states the word nikaō is what we translate “conquer.” There is nothing in the Strong or Thayer translation of this word that suggests war type conquering… to overcome, the end result, maintaining ones cause, to prevail. One can do all of this by diplomatic treaty. Remember he has ONE crown and a bow without arrows.
Let’s step back and recall that the 7-year Tribulation is divided into two 3 ½ year periods of time and listed events. Israel is given a promise of peace for 7 years by someone (antichrist) who dominates global politics enough that Israel believes in his or its power to enforce this peace agreement. In other words, he has conquered the world diplomatically or with a show of unquestionable military force. He then breaks this peace agreement with Israel at the 3 ½ year point. This is the guy on the white horse who conquers. He has a bow in his hand, no arrows, but a crown (singular) is given to him. It is the antichrist who signs the pact of peace with Israel and our absolute indication that the 7-year tribulation countdown has begun.
This white horse and rider cannot be Jesus Christ. He comes with a sword on a white horse at the END OF the 7 year Tribulation. No one gives Christ a crown, but he is wearing many crowns. No other horsemen follow him other than his angels all on white horses; not a red, black, then pale horse. Seals 5 and 6 cement this truth. What follows the first white horse are three evil horsemen all bent on war, death and the destruction of ALL mankind.
If you have not previously clicked on the graphic link that comes with this article, please do so now. Notice that the first seal and this particular horseman on the graph begin the Tribulation and up to the 3 ½ year mark. This is when the Red horse and horseman appear. (JIV: I believe the horses change color for identity purposes but the horseman is one and the same. Each horse indicates a different calling or mission for this rider)
The Second seal; second horseman. A fiery Red horse appears at the breaking of this seal. This does not stipulate we have a different rider now in charge, It does however tell us that this guy takes peace from earth and causes huge conflict between mankind on earth… beginning in the Temple at Jerusalem where he sets himself up as a god to be worshiped. This still sounds like the Antichrist from the white horse and seal #1. It could simply mean that he has changed steeds from a peace-keeper (deception) to a war monger; i.e. the fire-red horse. What we do know for a fact is he breaks the covenant at the 3 ½ year mark. He signed one with Israel assuring their peace for 7 years. Deception is now running rampant in the world. People are scrambling and begin fighting amongst themselves.
This fits perfectly on the graph as located at or shortly after the 3 ½ year Tribulation mid-point. What we know about Islam today and their actions as Muslim (means life style believers), it makes it highly unlikely Islam is going to simply go away. We should factor this into any thoughts that this conflict between men beginning at the 3 ½ year juncture of the Tribulation may be as political as it is cult or religious based. (Be patient; when we get to the pale horse, things will begin to make a lot of sense)
Since the second half of the Tribulation is identified as the Great Tribulation; Jacobs trouble (Jeremiah 30:4-7), there is going to be much bloodshed and conflict with it beginning in Israel/Jerusalem and the Temple Mount that Islam believes to be one of their top three holy places. Not just with Israel, but with world leaders and those trying to become world leaders. The antichrist is the one on top, but even he has to put down three of the ten nations in their military alliance when they rebel per his policies, dominance, or fighting tactics. (Read Jeremiah 1:10, Joel 3:2, Daniel 7:23, 24)
The Black horse (third seal and rider: This rider is renowned for the scales (of his justice?) in his hand. Since this article identifies these scales as “to take or not take” the seal of 666 (antichrist)” this could still be same person or his agent using a different tactic to conquer.
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
(Revelation 6:4; NIV)
Great famine and economic inflation occur at this time. Let’s consider the mark of the beast discussed in Revelation 13. This famine for some may reflect that if one does not receive the mark of the beast, s/he cannot buy, sell or trade in the globally controlled market. This seal is on his or her hand or forehead. Replacing “discriminatory evangelical practices,” such as not politically correct beliefs, will be a *semi-global world false religion. It is likely this is when Islamist’s are given a portion of the world to run rampant and this world false prophet religion, mostly in of the western powers, temporarily controls the rest of the world. The mark of the beast may or may not be a factor with Islamist’s and in fact may be the grounds for breaking the forth seal thus entering the Pale horse and horseman.
*I say a semi-global false religion when there will most likely be two conflicting and at war false religions on earth at this time, The revived Holy Roman Empire of Europe (King of the North) and the Middle East and Africa dominated by Islam; i.e. the King of the South; controlling ¼ of the world.
The Pale horse is a yellowish-green color. This is the color of Islam today. If they are given dominance over ¼ of the earth as an appeasement with some deal to leave Israel alone during the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation and in agreement with the anti-Christ, we now have the King of the North and the King of the South poised for a major head-to-head conflict.
Here is what scripture says about this fourth seal and Pale horse-horseman.
Revelation 6:8: And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
“…over a fourth part of the earth?” Simple mathematics tells us how and where this prophecy might play out. There is 57,000,000 square miles of habitable land on this planet. 71% of this world’s surface is water. In the Middle East there is 3,600,000 sq miles of land and Africa has 11,608,000 sq miles of land. This is a combined total of 15,200,000 square miles of habitable land. This is very close to ¼ of the total world land mass… 15,200,000 x 4 = 56,000,000. (CIA global land mass calculation).
There is great turmoil on earth during the tribulation. No one is simply sitting neutral on the sideline. This is a true global conflict; man slaying man; man jockeying for political power and dominance; great military forces trying to virtually eliminate each other; in short… mankind destroying mankind. This is precisely why Matthew 24:22 is written as a warning.
Zechariah 12:3b states “…And *all nations shall be gathered against it.”This is the net result of the Red Horse, Black Horse and then the Pale Horse and why the sequence is shown on the included chart/graph of the 7 Tribulation years. A huge number of mankind will be slain, Christian, Gentile, Hebrew, Israelite, Arab, … When the king of the North and the King of the South converge in the Valley of Jezreel to war with each other, about 50 miles north of Israel, they are joined by Russia and China from across the Euphrates. This is when they find a common enemy in the new guy on the block of world powers standing over on the Mt of Olives about 50 miles south of this 200,000,000 million man army; i.e. Jesus Christ on the Mount of Olives where he declares himself King of the World.
So ends our current discussion and graph help per Revelation 6
Reliability is the extent to which an experiment, test, or any measuring procedure yields the same result on repeated trials.
Validity refers to the degree to which a study accurately reflects or assesses the specific concept that the researcher is attempting to measure. While reliability is concerned with the accuracy of the actual measuring instrument or procedure, validity is concerned with the study’s success at measuring what the researchers set out to measure.
Using a scientific approach, can we say that the Bible is true via reliability and validity? The world of secular research and science usually holds to this regimen. They MUST demonstrate reliability and validity of results in order to confirm its reported results.
Let’s begin with Reliability? Question: Is the Bible reliable to the extent that it produces the same results regardless of the text used to support or make a point? Let me explain this as the world would use and accept the results per this part of the measure.
I recently went in for a hearing test. I do have severe hearing issues, deaf in my left ear and limited hearing in my right ear. The test results from this test were the same minus a few exceptions with a test I had two years earlier by another audiologist. This would suggest that the testing method is reliable; it yields the same results on repeated trials. But this is also contingent upon all other variables being constant in that means the testing circumstances are controlled in similar manners. But it also means that the client (me in this scenario) is also unchanged.
The Bible has similar conditions and pre-conditions. Can over time the scriptures be reliable? Let’s consider the simplest yet most important verses in Scripture, that which concerns salvation. This is also where the word faith (pistis in the Greek) comes into the equation. As early in the New Testament as one can go (The Book of Mark) salvation comes only through faith, belief in Jesus, and a committed heart. Belief is not simply accepting the facts as presented, but acting upon them. Faith that a well-tuned piano can produce some of the most beautiful music is more than looking at a piano and making such a statement. It requires the good works of application by a true pianist. If my brother who was a concert pianist played the keyboard and another applied pianist did the same thing, we would prove two things; the piano was reliable and a true pianist was valid. For me to sit at the ivory keys, we would still have reliability per the piano, but no longer valid beauty in the sound results.
This is true of the Christian faith. True believers demonstrate time after time that Christ makes a difference in his or her life. This is reliability. We get similar changes in lives. To prove the validity of this measure, one would need to see if this same “improvement” occurred in all measured subjects. These measures would be Galatians 5:22 “ the fruit (evidence) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, fruitfulness, gentleness, self-control i.e. indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There must be consistency between those measured with only occasional blips. When it is the blips that are more often revealed in this example research, the measure is somehow wrong.
When a by-mouth-only so stated Christian tries to sit at the ivory keyboard of Christianity, s/he would soon prove to be a fraud or invalid as a true believer in and follower of Christ; thus reliability of inconsistent living AND little to but no validity. Put the two side by side and our Christianity study or measure would demonstrate different results meaning something is invalid.
Want a check list for yourself? Okay here is one. If you don’t’ want to personally know about validity and reliability in Christian living, stop reading here. The rest of this blog or article may be too truthful to accept. Remember that true results must have both measures.
Do you thirst for bible knowledge or are the simple “stories of the Bible” good and deep enough for you?
Do you pray on a continual basis for more things than a blessing on the food you are about to eat, and then only if in private and NOT in a public place? Do you forgive others as you want the Lord to forgive you your sins?
Do you want to share what God has done for you or are you still wondering IF God has done anything for you?
Do you seek to be with other believers in fellowship and WORSHIP or is Sunday attendance good or close enough?
When was the last time you picked up, opened and STUDIED the bible other than to possibly carry it to church?-
Is a Bible devotional to you the same thing as bible study?
Are you more worried about the ball game next weekend than the salvation of your neighbor, friends and/or family?
Do you pray for the healing of others so that you yourself may be healed?
Is a little gray sin, a little deceit, or little lie not a sin in your opinion?
What does the word HOLY mean to you? Just a special word or do you grasp its true depth?
These are enough measures to test one’s Christian reliability and validity. Here is how the Biblical addresses each of the above questions. If we believe in Jesus Christ, live the above and the Bible commands it, one is a reliable and valid Christian. See you here, there, or in the air.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 6:9-13, Daniel 9:3-19 (forgiveness of sin) Adoration of God’s Holy Name and His holiness, His goodness, His omnipotence, His sovereignty. The Lord’s Prayers says “Hallowed be your name.” also read), Daniel 6:10
Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 8:39John 4:28-29.
Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 18:20
Luke 4:4, Exodus 24:3, Deuteronomy 6:6, Acts 17:11
1 Timothy 4:15, John 5:39, 1 Corinthians 2:13
Acts 10:1-8, Acts 16:20-34, Luke 23:39-43
Matthew 7:7, Psalms 107:28-30, James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18
Romans 6:23 simply calls sin, SIN, James 2:10, Matthew 12:31-32
PS: There is an old song and saying that goes like this:
“God said it, I believe it, and that’s good enough for me.” On the surface this seems to be good enough. But the validity is missing; i.e. evidence. Now if one can relate to this… “God said it; I LIVE it, and that’s valid enough for a witness,” then we have a true Christian life after which one can model his or her own.
These two chapters in the Book of Revelation are like a corner on the same block in a city. We go from a description of heaven to eventualities; i.e. from what is to what will be. The significance of what is in the throne room of “the one who sits on that throne” (Revelation 4:2b & 3) is a given conclusion if we also read 5:13b… “To him who sits on the throne AND to the Lamb”. This is a plural statement and we know the Lamb of God is Jesus (John 1:29). This means the only other remaining being of throne-worthiness is God the Father. We do not have to speculate much as to what and who John initially describes in verse 3. The real significance is that John is in the presence of the greatest.
What each of the described beings or objects in and around the throne room is subject to someone’s interpretation. The caution? Be careful about assigning a perception to a given or a doctrinal plank. What might be perceived as correct is sometimes taken to extremes or speculation. We see these extremes that may be mentioned but once or twice in scripture becoming dogmatic practices is supposedly Christ-centered churches. The above is my disclaimer for chapter 4 and 5 with full knowledge of Col 2:8. “Be sure you are not led away by the teaching of those who have nothing worth saying and only plan to deceive you. That teaching is not from Christ. It is only human tradition and comes from the powers that influence this world.” (ERV)Tribulation graph
Chapter 4 begins with John receiving an open invitation to witness what is in the throne room of heaven. Whether this is what we as the redeemed will witness when we get to heaven is speculative. I say this because John does not indicate there is a presence of others who have been redeemed or of seeing any of the Old Testament saints. Significant to John and our studies, it includes an offer to also “see what will be” via the scroll and Seven Seals. We detail this when we get to chapter 6 of Revelation.
To many it is difficult to keep the Seals, Trumpets and Vials (bowls) straight. Dale Carnegie teaches that the best way to commit something to memory is by association. I keep the order straight by connecting these three events to the alphabet; Seals (S), Trumpets (T), then Vials (V); S comes before T and T comes before V. I will repeat this in a later article, but it is the 7th Trumpet that opens the delivery of the Vial (bowls) contents.
The opening verses in chapter 4 set the stage for John’s anticipation or excitement of something he knows is exclusive. A poor but perhaps helpful analogy would be like anyone anticipating a long dreamed of trip or vacation (keep this thought in mind as 5:4 refers back to this anticipation). We sent many of our dreams on this trip, just as did John when he was told to “come up here” in 4:1.
The next few verses in chapter 4 are symbolic and great discussion points. However, any dogmatic conclusion would be speculative. 24 elders and who they are or represent; the white clothing and individual crowns; lightning and thunder; the *7 lamps – even though we are told these represent the 7 spirits of God (but what are they?); the rainbow; the crystal sea; **the four living creatures and their being covered with eyes; the representation or reason for the six wings on each creature. The true underlying message in this passage is their continual praising; “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,” who was, and is, and is to come (NIV). This triggers a response by the 24 elders (V9-11). It also defines the eternal existence of the God-head; was, and is, and is to come. It also parallels what will happen to creation upon the 2nd advent of Jesus Christ (“Every eye will see” (NIV; Revelation 1:7).
*The “seven spirits of God” are mentioned in Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; and 5:6. The seven spirits of God are not specifically identified. It is therefore impossible to be dogmatic. Revelation 1:4 mentions that the seven spirits are before God’s throne. Revelation 3:1 indicates that Jesus Christ “holds” the seven spirits of God. Revelation 4:5 links the seven spirits of God with seven burning lamps that are before God’s throne. Revelation 5:6 identifies the seven spirits with the “seven eyes” of the Lamb and states that they are “sent out into all the earth.”
** The four living creatures: Here we find something that “looks like” a Lion, an ox sometimes described as a calf, a face like a man, a flying eagle. Without speculating too much, go back to the Tribes of Israel and their wandering encampments around the Tabernacle Tent (Numbers 2:2). They had exited Egypt but had not yet entered the Promised lands. As Chuck Missler (khouse.org ) puts it, “…the lion, the man, the ox, and the eagle–are the same as the four faces of the living creatures” found in Revelation 4:6b-7. Each time we encounter a view of the throne of God, we notice these strange living creatures, somehow associated with the protection of His throne, His holiness, etc.
It would seem that the camp of Israel–with the tabernacle in the middle–is a model of the throne of God: His presence in the center, represented by the tabernacle, encircled by the four faces, all surrounded by His (authority).”
Chapter 5 is our turn at and in the corner-of-events as John records them; i.e. the Scroll and seven Seals. The scroll must be extensive as john makes sure to note that it is “with writing on both sides” (5:1; NIV); “inside and outside” as the King James Bible puts it. Each one of the seven seals on the scroll represents an event which unfolds beginning in chapter 6. We get to this discussion in our next article.
The question asked in 5:2b, “who is worthy to break the seals and open he scroll” is straight forward. What follows is sometimes missed in commentaries. It says in 5:3 that John saw that “no one” could open the scroll or even peak inside it yet. The KJV identifies this “no one” as no man, but the ERV, ESV and other translation put it, no one can open it. The verse then explains what is so often missed. “…(no one) in heaven, on earth, or under the earth…” Limiting this statement to man or mankind does not reflect well the Greek word oudeis. Thayer defines and translates oudeis as “NOTHING” can open it. This means angels fallen or still in heaven, Satan himself, man-made devices like computers or super chips, or molten lava under the earth. This is the power in this verse. The only option left standing is identified in v6 & 7; the Lamb (of God).
Why does the Bible identify Jesus as the Lamb of God? It is the sacrificial lamb God gave up (John 3:16) to pay the price of our sin. It isn’t a name as much as it is an action that happened at Calvary. God gave up his son as the sacrifice. Only one “thing” (the antithesis to NO-THING) can take on this role of opening the scroll; one seal at a time. He is the only one who paid the price of redemption; Jesus Christ.
The Lamb of GOD
Look closely at verse 8; once Jesus (the he/Lamb of v6) took the scroll, the elders AND the four creatures fell (shachah) to the ground in worship of him. In short, everything and anything (see v13) recognized him who took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the heavenly throne. For those who desire a deeper education on this one word, Yochanan Zaqantov notes: “the word translated as Worship in the Tanakh is transliterated as shachah (shah-ghah) which is Shin-Chet-Hey.”
V4; chapter 5: One may wonder why John “.” Go back to my analogy of a highly anticipated vacation (paragraph 5). What a great disappointment it had to be to John to “get there” after being called only to find out that what he anticipated was not going to be revealed. His heart ached for it, but now….?
We too often discuss being politically correct today. Politically correct does not always mean “something is correct.” Well, read v9 and 10. Can we think of anyone left out? Yes! Only those who are purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ will reign. Those who reject this offer of eternal salvation will have eternity but at a different ranch.
Then, much to the relief of John (5:5) his anticipation is reassured by one of the 24 elders. What happens in v11 is nothing short of astounding. John “looked and heard” thousands and thousands of angels as they encircled the throne and gave out praise. It is almost like they now realized the time of the ‘end of time’ as we now know it is at the brink of past tense. They are total encouragement for the “Lamb” to take the scroll and release its contents.
Then it gets even better in v13; everything (ktisma)… “and I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” This means all H: KOL/G: PAS (3605 and 3956 in Strong’s dictionary); of creation; anything that was created. By this time Satan certainly knows it is all over but the reading of the credentials; i.e. God’s, not his. In human terms, it is a moment in Satan’s life that will be similar to that nanosecond one recognizes an eminent-imminent danger; the shock of being one step short of stepping into or onto “it” and leaning forward. This is why and when (my speculation; you decide) Satan now makes his bold moves. He realizes it is over so he attempts to destroy what remains of God’s creation; first by dominance, then by elimination.
V14: “The four living creatures said ‘Amen’.” Speculation on my part… they put their blessing on the seal of Satan, his minion(s), and his influence over earth and its occupants. So be it!
This is a tough article (blog) to write. It isn’t that I don’t know the answer to my own question, but that theory itself has been so entrenched with partial truth that “the truth, WHOLE TRUTH and nothing other than the truth” has been diluted to one’s reality and politically correct actuality. I fear many will someday stand before a judge and claim to have lived a politically correct social life, but by whose definition are they calling politically correct?
The hot topic today, but not the purpose of this blog is the bible and homosexuality. A reader recently wrote to me: “I threw out my bible.” I asked why? He stated, “It is full of lies and it doesn’t fit [my] reality.” Wow! Does he even have a clue? Reality is one’s perception; not necessarily actuality. There was a time when then modern science claimed the world was flat. That was their reality until some guy proved actuality… it is round. Let’s leave this paragraph with Adam and Eve (actuality); not Adam and Steve (perceived and preferred reality). You go figure.
The question is, “what is Christianity?” This is such a loosely used word it defies definition and is seen as religions that have multiple versions or guises of being Christian. Giving a single definition to or trying to lump one’s perception of what Christianity is into a finite statement is impossible; that is, as far as the world goes.
Let’s go back to some very basic precepts. In Islam there are two primary documents that define Islam and a Muslim’s way of life; the Koran (Quran) and the Hadith. The first is their written word of rules for life. The second is, as define by Wikipedia, “the collections of the reports purporting to quote what the Islamic prophet Muhammad said [and did in life] verbatim on any matter.” (emphasis mine)
Islam Explained in Layman’s Term
Here is a perspective by Dr. Peter Hammond, a former Muslim. Dr Hammond’s doctorate is in Theology. He was born in Cape Town in 1960, grew up in Rhodesia and converted to Christianity in 1977. Adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond’s book: Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat: Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life. Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other components.
The synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Holy Word of God (bible) are somewhat similar to what a Muslim calls the Hadith. The Gospels show and record what Jesus did while on earth and what he said. The difference is that the Gospels were written over 600 years before Mohammad was even born. This makes the bible actuality and Islam someone’s new reality; just a perception of what is the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth. True Christianity, per living a life patterned after Jesus in the Gospels is the same thing… a way of life; not a religion or a cult. Anything less than a way of life is one’s preferred definition of a religion s/he wants to call Christianity.
This is why and where some confusion and modern day deception of end time comes in. The first Seal [beginning of End Time or end of time as we now understand it, described in Revelation is “a great deception” of mankind. If the world is allowed to (re) define what Christianity is or for all that matters, what so-called Christian religion is supposed to be is to ignore what Christ said and did as recorded in the Gospels. To ignore what Christ DID in life and what He taught is not an alternative option to actuality, but a position against Christ’s teachings. We are to live a life patterned after that of Christ. Islam claims that Muslims are to do the same thing but pattern it after Mohammed. That being true, he was as much a military man as a preacher of death to infidels (i.e. America in modern day terminology; anyone who is not a Muslim).
Many religions that identify, as often the world tries to re-identify as so-called Christian, (a very generic term in modern days) are anything but. True Christianity is a way of life, not a religion of on-again and off-again practice usually reserved for and limited to any given Sunday and being politically correct according to the rules of man. TV shows, as is in the news reports today are on the increase trying to point out the evils or misguided practices of “Christian churches and ministers; the extremist or inferred lunatic.” To the casual observer, this puts a brand on the Christian that is not actuality; it is their reality though. I taught a marketing principle in my college marketing classes that one’s perception is their reality even when that is not the facts of actuality. Therefore in the mind of someone with limited information, s/he takes it as actuality.” How wrong but s/he will then make a broad judgment based upon partial truth.
Bottom line: Is Christianity one’s perception of reality or one’s actuality in living? One’s answer to this is also the answer to his or her life in Christ and the promised eternity with God and Jesus Christ.
PS; Muslims practice their beliefs 7-days a week. This is precisely why they cannot and never will assimilate to any other way of living even at the cost of his or her life. It is their reality AND their actuality. The world and most religions simply don’t understand this. It is a way of, not an exception to one’s way of life. This is not negotiable. Neither is God’s actuality.
Zechariah was written to comfort and encourage the returning Babylonian remnant to repent of their evil ways, to return to the Lord and to rebuild the temple. The people who had just returned from Babylonian exile felt like their efforts were insignificant and the future was uncertain. Not only were they just a remnant of the Jews, their kindred tribesman of Judah who still lived in Babylon, they weren’t even an independent nation – just a client state of a mighty Mede-Persian empire.
Zechariah’s message focuses on the future of Israel-Judah and proclaims that God would send the Messiah to establish His Kingdom through the submission, then destruction of the Gentile empires; i.e. the salvation of His people Israel.
JIV NOTE: I find it amusing and a bit proverbial that the New Testament Zechariah (a priest by the same name as O.T. Zechariah) was the father of John the Baptist whose sole purpose in his life was to proclaim that the first advent of the Messiah had come. Elisabeth was Mary’s cousin and gave birth to John the Baptist 3 or 4 months prior to our “Jesus is born in Bethlehem” history. O.T. Zechariah prophesied to the End Time; the second advent of Christ. Keep in mind that Zechariah means: “God/the Lord remembers”
Here is a list with locations of the 8 *visions in Zechariah:
*Vision 1
The man on a red horse in the Myrtle trees
Zechariah 1:7-17
*Vision 2
The 4 *horns and the 4 workmen
Zechariah 1:18-21
*Vision 3
The man who is measuring Jerusalem
Zechariah 2:1-5
*Vision 4
The chief priest
Zechariah 3:1-10
*Vision 5
The *lampstand and the 2 *olive trees
Zechariah 4:1-14
*Vision 6
The flying *scroll
Zechariah 5:1-4
*Vision 7
The woman in the basket
Zechariah 5:5-11
*Vision 8
The 4 *chariots
Zechariah 6:1-8
Most Bible students think that the *visions connect together somehow. Unfortunately, they do not all agree on how they connect.
Here is one idea:
*visions 1, 2 and 3 are about the return from *exile;
*visions 4 and 5 are about the leader;
*visions 6, 7 and 8 are about the removal of *sin.
Here is another idea:
*visions 1, 2 and 8 are about the relationship of Judah with other countries;
*visions 3-7 are about the future of Judah/Israel as a nation.
Probably both ideas are useful to Bible students.
Four *visions (1, 3, 4 and 5) also have messages from the *LORD. They are in:
The shepherd will be smitten and the sheep scattered (see Matthew 26:31).
Minor Prophets: There is a coded Bible message within the Minor Prophets and the focus of their writings or meaning of their names. Read the following as if it is a statement. WHY? Because there is a message to “them who have earsto hear” (Revelation 2 & 3: to the 7 churches).
Salvation, the Day of the Lord; YHWY is God; carried the servant of YHWY, the divine judgment and restoration of Israel [like a] Dove [of peace]. Who is like YHWY, the comforter? Embrace YHWY [for a] festival and celebration [is] hidden. YHWY remembers [his] messengers.
Yes, there are hidden bible codes; coded messages of reassurance to which we must pay attention but only those close or in tune with GOD/YHWY will ever understand.
When we think of anything it usually includes something within a time. When is one’s appointment? When is one expected at work? What are a store’s open hours? When is the company coming over? Is there a good or better time to visit, meet, go somewhere, do something, have a discussion about something or with someone? Time – time – time!
This is why humans have such difficulty getting a good grasp on what is really eternity. We equate “sitting around the Throne of God” as something that is on the clock and might become boring after a few thousand years. In fact, time is what I needed to write this blog. Even aging is time relevant just as birthdays are marked by time. The days of a week are a form of time. We live by the seasons and calendar. When is the winter or summer solstice?
What is TIME
Everything we know is based upon time – time – time! What most do NOT KNOW is that “time” is a creation of God, just as are humans and the tree outside your window. It isn’t until verse 5 in Genesis 1 that God calls light ‘day’ and darkness ‘night’; “…and there was evening and there was morning – the first day” (NIV). Up to this verse, what God (trinity) created is just an existence of, uh, what He created.
Not a subject of this blog, but the heavens above and earth were already in created by verse 5. There could be a countless gap between this creation and the creation of light (the sun and solar system). Verse 2 of Genesis 1 clearly states that darkness already existed but this is a different discussion (for additional insights go to verses Genesis 1:14-19 and Genesis 1:31). However, we must stay true to the subject of this blog. A GAP (not the store) is subject to a time frame of when it began and when it ended. It began when God spoke it into existence. It ended when God created day and night; i.e. time.
When we sing songs like Ten Thousand Years (eternity will have just begun); The Dawning of That Day; … are scripturally incorrect. Eternity is timeless. It might be closer, yet still not correct, to call eternity ‘infinity.’ Wikipedia defines infinity as “an abstract concept describing something without limits.” However, giving it a definition effectively puts limits on it.
TIME to get real with this blog…:)
How many “times” has someone stated that eternity with nothing to do but sit around a throne in Heaven is not for him or her? This person simply does not understand eternity. The Bible is full of hints as to what this might be like. The problem comes in when we equate such a prolonged period of time as just that… a prolonged period of time. Time is no more. It went away when God ended it (Matthew 24:31; Psalm 102:26; Psalm 119: 89; Isaiah 51:6; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 5:18… need more convincing? Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; 2 Peter 3:10; Jeremiah 31:36, 37; Revelation 6: 14).
Consider a moment (a synonym for time) when everything in life seemed simply wonderful; even if it was a thrill ride on a roller coaster. What happens to this MOMENT IN TIME? Well, things move on and time destroys that moment with other issues. If time didn’t do that, a moment of elation would remain be a constant. We wouldn’t tire; we wouldn’t be subjected to other moments that bring us back to reality on earth; but then, this is how things are in a created world. Time moves on as does life. In an eternity with eternal actualities there is no such thing to destroy our moment(s) of elation.
When a Christian steps into his or her eternal body, s/he will for the first time see the heavens and as Revelation 21:1-7 explains. It will be a NEW heaven and a NEW earth. Since this is our introduction to eternity, this moment will become our reality AND our actuality. The Bible does not explain what this ‘new’ is. Why? We couldn’t understand it since we are framed in by what we now know as time meaning this is how we try to grasp it. This is why songs that describe eternity in verse or chorus as a number in days or years are scripturally incorrect. It is all we understand. It is folded into our minute time capsule minds and equated understood as limited or numbered.
Scripture gives us a sense or feel for what life will be like up through the end of Jesus Christ’s millennial reign on earth. This is a true scenario where we can know the end but not understand the new beginning? Why? Because it never before existed. Evolutionists should rally around this new heaven and new earth promise in Revelation 21 as this new creation is something that didn’t exist before. It evolves out of the old order of things and will be superior to what we now understand what exists. However, we lose these people when all of the “NEW” happens when God speaks it into existence (*Revelation 21:6) instead of being buried in evolutionists’ supposition that all is hidden in this “over millions of years” theory.
Revelation 21:5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” v6 Then He said to me, “It is *done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
*ghin’-om-ahee: to bring into existence (what wasn’t before); to cause [it] to be.
An important truth we often don’t consider or think about is that ‘END TIME‘ simply means the end of time.
Time for me to move on to other places to be, things to do and people to see. Boy! Will I be delighted when time is irrelevant; beside the point; not a point in, uh, time.
A senior House of Representatives Democrat said Tuesday [May 2015] that the White House’s description of supposed progress in the war against the Islamic State should ring “alarm bells,” and called the fall of the city of Ramadi to the extremists “a very serious and significant setback.” [emphasis mine]
“I don’t think we’re losing the war, but I don’t think we’re making tremendous progress either,” Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters.
It is common knowledge to those who search for it, the world troubles have centered around the Middle East for centuries if not a couple of millennia. I like how T.O.W. editor Chris? put it; when John noted the “end is near, he didn’t mean he would see end time but that the Kingdom of God is ‘in your face’”. One better be prepared. I remember as a Boy Scout, the motto “Be Prepared.” What has changed? Nothing has so being prepared is always in our face.
The late John Walvoord of author and research fame at Dallas Theological Seminary, in one of his books on Revelation, he notes the following chapter by chapter identities:
Brief on Revelation:
The Thing That You Have Seen
The Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira
The Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
The Church in Heaven
The Lamb and the Seven-Sealed Book
The Beginning of the Great Day of God’s Wrath
The Saints of the Great Tribulation
The Seventh Seal and the Beginning of the Trumpets
The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets: The First and Second Woes
The Mighty Angel with the Little Scroll
The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet
The Conflict in Heaven and on Earth
The Two Beasts
The Victory of the Lamb and His Followers
The Vision of the Seven Last Plagues
The Bowls of God’s Wrath
The Destruction of Ecclesiastical Babylon
The Fall of Babylon
The Second Coming of Christ
The Reign of Christ
The New Heaven and the New Earth
Concluding Revelations and Exhortations
Note that the late John Walvoord, as do I (this site’s author), believe the church is GONE in chapter 4. I suggested in my previous Revelation posting that the church rapture happens between the end of chapter 3 and 4:2 of Revelation.
Chapter 4 is a description of Heaven itself. This is what the redeemed will see upon his or her arrival at the “pearly Gates”. If Walvoord describes chapter 4 as “the church in heaven” and chapter 4 is a detailed description of heaven, the supposition that a chapter 4 church rapture is near if not ON the bull’s eye.
Today I wish to challenge each reader with the some of the arguments against a pre-tribulation point of view. Revelation Commentary.orgis a good example. Their research and articles are well written, reasonably sensible, but dead set against pre-tribulation. Here is their scriptural argument against a pre-tribulation view point. …and I quote:
“There are at least nine different references to the church in Revelation 4-19:
Every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 5:9c
A kingdom and priest, 5:10
Fifth seal martyrs, 6:9
A multitude, 7:9; 19:5-6
Bond-servants, 11:18; 19:2, 5
Our brethren, 12:10
The rest of her children, 12:17
Saints, 13:7, 10; 14:12; 18:20, 24
Wife, 19:7” (end quote)
(We will discuss the first 7 as all are self-evident to be out of context when examined)
Let’s look at seven of their supposed points used to contest pre-tribulation views.
First, recall that the restrainer, often referred to as the Holy Spirit, is part of the God-head. That means he is omnipresent. He is everywhere all the time and cannot be denied existence. II Thessalonians 2:5-8 is as good of a reference to this part of study as any. It says:
“2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let,until he be taken out of the way.” (study note: what v6; he v7)
“…until he is taken out of the way.” Without getting too theologically steeped in Greek, there are a few things to consider per the Greek. As always, when something of fact is stated in the Bible or life itself, look for the context. In scripture study, read and study the pre and post verses. In life events, be more than simply aware of something; include understanding and find convincing evidence that one has the facts within and around the issue of concern or study.
In II Thessalonians 2 Paul is warning those in Thessalonica, and alerting us who are currently alive. To be “taken out of the way” in no way suggests that the restrainer is removed from the scene. Many times in watching football, a defensive back is “taken out of the way” by a blocker. This doesn’t mean he was no longer in the game. The same is true here. The restrainer withholding the wicked one is no longer doing so. He is omnipresent so he is still present. But, and this is a significant BUT, the wicked one (Satan) is given opportunity for 42 months to fulfill scripture and prophecy without the imposing of restraints.
I point out that there are many interpretations or views as to who is or what might be the restrainer. The Greek for restrainer is ka-te’-kho. It simply means “to hold back.”
The Greek for restrainer is ka-te’-kho. It simply means “to hold back.” The English restrain as you see defined in this IMAGE is similar but not the same.
Regardless of any who or what, God’s will or word is good enough to withhold the evil one. As is the warning by the Apostle Paul, the restraints on Satan, the lawless one and/or the anti-Christ or dragon are withdrawn for but a season. This in NO WAY means the omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent God is gone. People will recognize Christ as Savior during the tribulation, but that will mean they become the focus for elimination by the evil one.
Here we discuss one-by-one, published arguments against pre-tribulationism:
Argument #1 against pre-tribulation: Every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 5:9c
To simplify the challenge of this argument against pre-tribulation, read the next verse. It is a continuation of verse 9 so should be read as one statement or sentence.. 10 “…and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” This is not a reference to saints during the Tribulation time, but during the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth; His earthly millennial kingdom reign. This argument is taken out of context. Go back to my warning above; “…until he is taken out of the way.”Where the restrainer was taken out of the way for a season, Satan is now taken out of the way for the 1,000 year reign of Christ from Jerusalem.
Argument #2 against pre-tribulation:A kingdom and priest, v10 of chapter 5
The same counter for argument #1 also addresses #2 in any doctrinal stance against pre-trib. This passage is not a reference to the church at all. It is post Tribulation era scripture; Christ’s kingdom on earth in Jerusalem. The end of this verse states… “and they shall reign ON EARTH.” Is there even a shred of evidence prior to or during the Great Tribulation “priests to our God” are reigning on earth? NONE! Therefore either the church (believers in Jesus Christ) have been redeemed and have returned to earth with Christ, or there is no meeting Christ in the clouds; i.e. a rapture.
Argument #3 against pre-tribulation: Fifth seal martyrs, 6:9
“When he opened the 5th seal, I saw under the alter souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.”
This passage is post-rapture and mid-tribulation. The evil one, Satan, anti-Christ or the dragon will target any new Christians who accept Christ as savior during the Great Tribulation. Those identified in this passage are those who accept Christ during the tribulation. The supposed ‘wonder of peace and understanding,’ Satan himself is initially disguised as a redeemer and peacemaker; somewhat tolerant until the mid-point of 3 ½ years into the Tribulation. It is these Christians John sees “…under the alter.” If this is not so, then those who believed and trusted in Jesus Christ but were not “slain for the word of God” they are not and never were/are souls under the alter. This of itself highly suggests these poor souls not under the alter never had a relationship with Jesus Christ as his or her savior. They are as lost as the heathen who openly rejects such a plan of salvation.
The Holy Spirit is still present, but the restraining of Satan is temporarily set aside. Yes, the souls under the alter, slain during the tribulation cry out “…how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on earth?” These souls are those slain during the tribulation. Since the church has already been raptured, the souls of the tribulation Christians remain (under the alter) until the 2nd advent and millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
Look at the obvious in the words found in 6:9 themselves… under the alter? There is no new alter or Tabernacle in presently in Jerusalem, not until the first half of the Tribulation. This reference can’t be the souls since the beginning of time or the church age; i.e. the rapture has occurred. It is a reference to those who actually suffered death under the rule of the evil-one and during the Great Tribulation when the restrainer is temporarily set aside. It is their souls who cry out to the Lord for vengeance (Greek: dispotace); 2nd advent and their redemption.
Again my apology for the Greek lesson but it is noteworthy here. The words “on them” in the Greek is apo. It means a separation from the whole; whole what? Answer: Man-kind! It is the TIME when the restraining power imposed on Satan, anti-Christ, dragon or whatever, is separated from mankind as a whole. Why this distinction? John is pointing out that the whole is no longer on earth. It is Satan against the Christians who accept Christ during the Tribulation but not yet redeemed as is the Christian church at the rapture. They are waiting for the 2nd advent and their release from the grave.. under the alter.. Another point is a promise made in Old Testament times and New Testament times: Deuteronomy 31:8 (O.T.) and Hebrews 13:5 (N.T.). “I will never leave nor forsake you.” If the church is redeemed/raptured before the tribulation, God keeps his promise since he has raptured the church.
JIV NOTE: The Hebrew for forsake is ‛âzabmeaning ‘depart from or leave behind.’ In the Greek, forsake is egkataleipō meaning ‘to leave in straits or helpless.’
Argument #4a & b against pre-tribulation: A multitude, 7:9; 19:5-6
Talk about taking something out of context… WOW!!! Pure deception; the truth but not the whole truth is being stated as an argument against a pre-tribulation rapture of the Christian body of Christ sometimes poorly understood when called the church. This is gross evidence of out of context. Reading the passage content to grasp the context we see that this is a gathering around the Throne of Christ. This has nothing to do with refuting or challenging a pre-tribulation point of view. It is an event yet to happen in the timeline of God. Verse 14 says: “These (the multitude) coming out of the great tribulation…” Out of the great tribulation means those who were in the tribulation plus those who are redeemed before the tribulation. There is no way to consider this being the church alone. It specifically identifies the multitude as those who have accepted Christ as messiah (Hebrew children) and savior (Gentiles) DURING the tribulation. These are the people Left Behind and who now understand the facts of redemption.
7:9 This multitude in verse 9 is standing before the Throne of Christ. Whether one holds a pre, mid, or post Tribulation rapture point of view, all agree the “standing before the Throne” is AFTER the Great Tribulation. This verse is not evidence that pre-tribulation is either right or wrong. It also does nothing to support a mid or post-tribulation point of view.
JIV CAUTION: Don’t be party to those who listen and do not bother to double check the presented information or even turn to the reference in Bible. This includes my statements.
STUDY THE WORD for yourself!
19:5-6 (multitude argument)
V5… And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”
V6… Then I heard what seemed to be the voiceof a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Verse 4 states that it is the 24 elders and the four ‘living creatures’ who now bow down in worship and it is to them that the voice gives the command to shout out. This may, but I do not know, include the angels of heaven who continuously support the God-head. Angels are often referred to as a multitude or great multitude. (One example: Luke 2:13; ESV. The NIV uses the term ‘company’)
Back up to verse 1…” After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven” [ESV]. Quickly ask ones’ self, after what? Answer: After the judgment of the harlot and from those souls under the alter asking for vengeance. What connection can anyone who is anti-pre-tribulation suggest to glean evidence that this somehow disproves a pre-tribulation point of view? In both verse 1 and verse 5, John identifies this sound “as what seemed to be the voice (NOT VOICES) of a great multitude.
This voice shouting out is IN HEAVEN. If it is the church shouting out, it is obvious the church is IN HEAVEN. It could also mean the all of the heavenly host is shouting in ONE accord.
Argument #5 against pre-tribulation: Bond-servants, 11:18; 19:2, 5
Who are the bond-servants and when is this era during God’s *time-table? Go back in this passage to better understand this scriptural context and what it reveals:
*JIV NOTE: time is a creation of God (Genesis 1:4). In God’s plan for His creation(s) we must speak of events, not time-tables.
Rev 11:1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the (1) temple of God and the (2) altar and (3) those who worship there,
Rev 11:2 (a continuation from v1) but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.
This era in bible history, now known as prophecy is yet to be played out. 11:3 specifies this prophecy is while the two witnesses from heaven are on the scene in Jerusalem witnessing. It is during the first half of the Tribulation period of seven years (Daniel’s 70th week). Verse 19 states that the Temple in heaven is opened.
Chapter 20, another review of God’s divine plan, explains that this is the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the beginning of open war between the power of darkness and Jesus Christ. There is additional symbolism where Revelation 12:6 states that she fled to the wilderness after her son was “caught up to God and to HIS throne.” Again, the simple question is… what has this to do with a pre-tribulation rapture of the church be it a correct or incorrect view when the scripture used to support an anti-pre-tribulation view isn’t even discussing the church?
Verse 7 of chapter 12 is quite plain. “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back…, “
A quick review before plowing forward: this passage takes us back to when Satan and his rebelling angels (followers) were cast from heaven to earth. This explains Satan’s domain on earth. But, verse 10 of chapter 12 adds a summation of then and the soon-to-be New NOW!
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, (Lord’s Prayer: thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is [after Satan was cast out] as it is in heaven) emphasis mine. When Christ returns to earth his will is done on earth. He is of the Tribe of Judah, the line of King David, and from whom the scepter will never be removed; Genesis 49:10. Geological fact: When Christ returns to earth he will stand on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) and it will divide to the north and the south. Geologists have determined that there is a natural fault line precisely as Zechariah describes a split in the mount; i.e. Valley of Megiddo. JIV NOTE:Armageddon??? The geological institute in Tel Aviv discovered a major fault line running right through the Mount of Olives. It takes a line from the Mount Olives over to the Kidron valley all the way into the valley of Hinnom . The fault line follows the Kidron Brook which empties into the Dead Sea.
Read http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-s-largest-underground-water-source-discovered-near-jerusalem-convention-center-1.365216 for additional secular facts to back up other prophecies of the New Jerusalem.
Conclusion? The casting from heaven and the roaming to and fro of Satan on earth is viewed by John. He will later have additional insights per the continuation of events during the Tribulation We will discuss them later in our study. One might easily put Revelation 11:18 in a predestination category. Remember that John is viewing multiple future events: past, present, and future while getting a lesson and review of how it all began. This helps John see the whole picture and probably why he had to “SEAL UP” some of these predestined events until they are revealed on God’s sequence of events. Perhaps since tears are not wiped from our eyes until chapter 21, we too will get a heaven-side view as did John of *events during the tribulation. *Events are all played out prior to “the wiping of all tears from our eyes.
19:2 & 5“ …for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his *servants.”
*The bond-servant argument against pre-tribulation views; i.e. “servants” in the above are those souls under the throne; those who follow Christ during the 7 year tribulation.
The judgment of the great prostitute is a foregone conclusion; again, a judgment yet to happen but unavoidable by Satan’s team of deceivers. This is what predestination actually means. Just as Christians are predestined or appointed of God that once we accept Christ as our Lord and savior, we are predestined to be(come) sons and daughters of God the Father. The avenging on her the blood of his servants is a post judgment that has already been determined by God the Father. This is a historical event that is to come. This is another example of trying to disprove pre-tribulation by not understanding or deliberately avoid the context of the passage.
Argument #6 against pre-tribulation:Our brethren, 12:10
…for the accuser of our *brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. *accusing since the Book of job to the present.
How this is an argument against pre-tribulation is a mystery to me. Adam, Methuselah, Noah, Seth and Shem, Abraham, and John himself are “our brethren.” So is the Christian reader of this document. Satan began accusing God’s human creation at the Garden of Eden with the deception of Eve. So what’s new? This doesn’t even qualify as a receptacle capable of holding any argument against pre-tribulation beliefs. This isn’t a stretch of the truth, whole truth and nothing but the facts; it is total bible revision in an attempt too make it fit some ones doctrinal platform or plank in his or her denominational platform. I am almost embarrassed to assess their shallow claim as evidence presented to refute pre-tribulation. Context, context, context. Did I mention context? Argument #7 against pre-tribulation: the rest of her children; 12:17 (our final review for this blog)
“Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the *commandments of God and hold to the **testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.”
*The commandments of God (Old Testament)
**Testimony of Jesus (New Testament)
Once again we need to understand the history that is here being played out. This is all about the Nation of Israel. The “woman” gave birth to a son. Then she fled to the desert just as Joseph and Marry fled to Egypt to avoid the death order of King Herod on all children under the age of 2. This is paralleled in the Old Testament when the Pharaoh gave orders to kill all children under the age of two when hearing about the birth of Moses. This woman in Revelation is symbolic of Mary who gave birth to the future Messiah of Israel and the one who provided the plan for salvation. Jesus was taken to heaven until the fruition of end time is ordained of God the Father. Mary and Joseph are from the Tribe of Judah. Her offspring are the Jews as they are identified today.
This covenant between God and Israel is exclusive to them. The church does not fit into this passage even with a stretched but well intending imagination. The Judeo-Christians of end time see the errors of their ways. They become followers of the real Messiah. Satan, who is not then restrained, will try to destroy them. This takes us to the great war against Israel when the nations of this world align themselves against her; the *200,000,000 man army outside the walls of Jerusalem. We can see this happening on the news of today as world opinions are turning against Israel. The pieces are falling into place, but this argument of making war against her offspring as proof the church still on earth is shallow at best. There has been “offspring” since Adam and Eve yet God flooded the world on “some of her offspring.”
*Revelation 9: 14-16… This passage alone is a huge challenge to those who want to suggest that the church is referenced in Revelation chapters 4-19 and there is no pre-tribulation church rapture. This huge army does not align itself against the church for one good reason; it is no longer here. Only Israel remains as part of God’s elect and chosen.
Conclusion: I do the research and report. YOU decide. Maybe you should also do some research and not take anyone’s opinion for an eternal yet very personal decision. The Tribulation and God’s judgment is not a laughing or “for discussion” only issue or possibility. It is not a matter of IF, but of WHEN. When ‘when’ becomes “the when,” it becomes a then and no longer a choice.
Is this simply a prayer recited by many, under varying circumstances or might there be more to these words then fits our eye? We find this prayer in Matthew 6 and again in Luke 11. The disciples were being instructed by Jesus. We have in these two book and chapters a record of Jesus’ lesson(s)… and more. There is so much in this discussion with Jesus’ disciples many simply overlook or don’t take for the same value as the Lord’s Prayer which itself is within the same chapter(s).
How do you forgive; with reservations included; a grudge; giving the silent treatment; getting historical instead of shouting with exclamations? I know all too well how many times I have heard and was once captive to the statement, “Yah, but you don’t understand what s/he did, said to or about me.” Yes, I went to that school too. But then, I didn’t write the Word of God. Since this forgiveness fact within the Lord’s Prayer is so clearly stated, how can we claim dominion over sin if we harbor a sin against another? How can we expect God’s forgiveness?
Rev Dr. Jstark
AHA Bible Moments 