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LETTERS TO THE REMNANT CHURCH
A letter to the church:
Time is quickly running out in this dispensation of Grace, in which we are presently living. I am writing this letter at this time in the hope that certain doctrines and teachings that have infiltrated and profaned the Temple of the Living God, (Jer 23:10-11, Ez 23:38-39), would, by the revealing of the Holy Spirit, be illuminated, exposed, and cast out of the Most Holy Place.
Please, read this letter with an open mind, and an open heart, toward the Word of God, that the Truth of God, through the Holy Scriptures, will be allowed to speak for itself. It is not my intention to convince, argue, or impose these words upon you, but that the Holy Spirit would reveal this truth, so that Life can be produced in us.
Revelation is the seed that produces LIFE.
Listen to what the prophet Isaiah says: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. (Is 29: 13-14). Surely YOUR turning of things UPSIDE DOWN shall be esteemed as the potters clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding? (vs 16). And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. (vs 18). They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. (vs 24).
There are many scriptures that talk about the traditions of men, the commandments of men, the teachings of men, which, are all contrary to the teachings and doctrines of God. When you are taught a teaching, or taught a doctrine, by men who have NOT received the teaching or the doctrine by revelation by and of the Holy Spirit, all you are getting, or receiving, is what that man, (or woman) was taught by yet another man (or woman). Now. IF it was originally received by revelation from the Holy Spirit, and taught accordingly, carefully, and in the light of the revelation in which it was originally given, then ,all is well. This is how the Bible was written, and this is also how the Bible should be taught. This has not been the case in many teachings and doctrines permeating the church today. Obviously, one needs to use his God given common sense here. I am NOT talking about the kind of teaching where God says , "if you are obedient, I will bless you"... type of teaching. What we need is a revelation of "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" type of teaching in the church.
Paul writes to Titus and directs him to "give no heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, (the perceived mosaic law), that turn from the Truth." He goes on to say that unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. What Paul is saying is simply this: that if you believe in your heart an untruth, for WHATEVER the reason, your mind is defiled. You are supposed to be CONTINUALLY RENEWING YOUR MIND, NOT CONTINUALLY DEFILING IT! Please remember what Paul wrote to the Ephesians. He said: "I testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk, in the VANITY of their mind, having the (their) understanding (of their minds, of their ability to think right) darkened, (and then) being alienated from the LIFE of God through the ignorance that is in them . (through the error of false teaching and false doctrine, Ep 4:17-18). Why? Because of the blindness of their heart. Through believing a lie (which is what false teaching is) you keep a vail of covering over your heart, which, is where you have "received" a teaching. You are "protecting" the very thing that you need to get rid of! Rip the vail, and empty yourself out. Allow the Holy Spirit to "pour you out", completely! Just WHO are you trusting in anyway? I hope and pray (for your sake) that you are clinging to absolutely nothing of anything that you are, or, especially of anything that you know! (apart from Christ,[ the anointing] ). If, you are believing on, standing on, or, otherwise trusting on, any "truth" (of doctrine, or teaching,etc.) that YOU have not personally received by revelation from the Spirit of Truth, ...then, you are in a very precarious and dangerous place. Again, when I say "you" personally, that is not to say that you cannot receive revelation from a teacher, who has been given revelation. Revelation is the very "seed of Life". Once you "have it", you can "plant it" in whatever ground the Lord directs you to.
Do you have a revelation of being "born again"? Is it alive in your spirit man? Does it produce "life" in you? Hopefully it does, IF you are CONTINUING in the Word of God. Think about some of the teachings and doctrines that you believe in. How did you receive them, by man, or by God? The Lord Himself will teach you HIS Truth by revealing it to you in your spirit man. I am not telling you anything that you do not already know, but I am asking you to PRAYERFULLY evaluate what you believe, and think about how you learned it, and how important it is to you.
Paul goes on to say to the Ephesians, that you have not so learned Christ (or, of Christ); If so be that you have HEARD him, (or, from him), and have been taught by him, as the Truth is in Jesus: that you PUT OFF (throw down) concerning the former conversation the old man (old thinking) which is corrupt (defiled) according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and PUT ON (pick up) the new man (new thinking), which after God is created in righteousness and TRUE holiness.
None of this can happen if we are bound with untruth! Remember, when you renew your mind by revelation, then and ONLY then are you being created in "righteousness" and "true holiness", (which is the Truth, held in righteousness and holiness).
Paul goes on and tells us to put away lying, (if you tell someone something that is untrue, even if you BELIEVE it is true, it is a lie), speak every man TRUTH with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. How can you be sure that you are speaking the TRUTH to your brothers and sisters in Christ, if, perhaps what you are professing, and confessing, and teaching, is in fact, NOT TRUE. (not Truth).
The fires of purification and refining are DESPERATELY needed in the church today... from top to bottom. (see Is 4:4, Ep 4:11-16). The church today is no where near ready to "meet the Lord".
Please read Ephesians 4:11-16 very carefully, and especially very PRAYERFULLY. The "gifts"
given to the church by the Lord, are for the "building of the church", which is to say, the building of the "Temple of God", a house built by the Lord, without hands, made of "living stones of fire". These "gifts" are for the "perfecting" of the saints. How does that statement line up with Luke 13:32, which says: (Jesus speaking)...I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be "perfected." Do we dare compare the condition of the church today to this? Yet we teach that the Lord "could come" for his church at ANY time. This is the "imminent rapture" theory, which is a false teaching and a false doctrine.
These "gifts" are also for the "edifying " of the body of Christ. "Edifying" is just another word for "building", and this is saying that the "gifts" are for the "building" of the body of Christ. But wait... the next verse continues as to WHEN the "building" of the house, or Temple of the Lord, should be finished. It will be "finished" WHEN the "body" has ALL come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a PERFECT man, (perfecting) unto the MEASURE of the stature of the FULLNESS of Christ. So, we can see that the "building" of this house is not quite finished. If YOU believe that the Lord can come today or tomorrow to "rapture" you off the planet, then you are greatly DECEIVED.
But wait... vs 14 says that WHEN this "house" (Temple) is FINISHED, then, and only then, will we be "no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about WITH every wind of (false) doctrine, by the sleight of (good) men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." This says that we are STILL children, and have not yet "grown up" in the Lord, and , in fact, will not be until the body of Christ is come into it's "fullness". It also says that we are STILL being "carried about", with a diversity of doctrines within the church. What this means is, that the church does NOT know what it believes, corporately, but each individual member has his or her own belief about certain teachings and doctrines.
But wait... vs 15 says that we MUST (all of us) speak (his) truth IN LOVE, in order that we may "completed" (fully grown) in Him. Without this, we cannot be "completed" in Him. 2 Thes 2:10 puts it this way: ...with all deceivableness of unrighteousness IN THEM THAT PERISH; because they received not the LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED! (etc).
The church DESPERATELY needs to hear the TRUTH, but will the church receive, and LOVE the TRUTH? When "revelation" comes to the church, it will cause a "shaking" of the very faith on which it thinks it stands. There is only ONE truth, and it belongs to God. The problem is, God is beginning to reveal His truth to the church, but will the church receive this revelation of God's truth... will it love the truth it hears... will it hold (fast) to this truth, that it hears, loving not it's life unto the death?
I feel it is time for a history lesson. Let us look at the past, in order to CLEARLY see the future.
After the death of Solomon, the twelve tribes of Israel divided into two separate kingdoms: The Northern kingdom, of Ephraim, or Israel, and the Southern kingdom of Judah, (1 Kgs 11:28-36, 12:21),Ephraimites and Judahites.
The two houses of Israel were NEVER reunited.
In 722 BC, the northern kingdom was taken captive by the Assyrians, and were placed in the region of the Caucasus Mountains, which is north of Israel. There the captive tribes of Israel lived for about a hundred years, and became known as "Caucasians".
From there, the northern kingdom of Israel, or, the "Ephraimites", as the Lord generally calls them in the Bible, were assimilated into what is known today as Europe, and eventually into Great Britain. The migration did not stop at Great Britain. Out of the "seventh world kingdom" came the "eighth", and the United States of America was born.
In being lost to their identity, the Ephraimites were fullfilling scripture. When Jacob crossed his hands to bless the sons of Joseph, he said concerning Epraim: " His decendants shall become a "melo goyim" (Gen 48:19). Melo means "fullness", (see Psalms 24:1), and goyim means "gentiles". Jacob prophesied that the decendants of Ephraim (an Israelite) would become a "fullness of gentiles".
Hosea prophesied of their punishment and of their scattering among all the gentile nations. (Hos 1:10).
The truth about one's physical heritage remains hidden only to humanity, but it is not hidden to God. He has numbered the hairs on our head, He also knows who our "grandfathers" are.
Though "swallowed up among the nations", (Hos 8:8), the Epraimites were not lost to God: " I will sift the "house of Israel" among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth". (Amos 9:9).
The Ephraimites were "lost" as to their idendity as "Israelites" (see Hos 1:2), and after his resurrection, Jesus began to search for these "lost sheep"; to gather them into "one fold", even as he prophesied.
The book of Ephesians speaks of those who were formerly "gentiles". He declares that those who were formerly "far off" have been brought near by thr new covenant blood of Jesus, and , that these (gentile) believers are " no longer strangers and aliens, but now share citizenship with the saints" (Eph 2:12-19). "There shall be one law for the citizen AND for the stranger who dwells among you". (Ex 12:49).
The "alien" (stranger) living with you must be treated as one of your native-born (Israelite). Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. (Lev 19:34). This rule was stated over twenty five times, and was declared a "perpetual staute" in Israel. (Num 15:15-16). Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say " the Lord will surely separate me from his people... (see Is 56: 3,6-8).
Gentile believers are "spiritual Israel", Jews are "physical Israel"... This is an "erroneous teaching" which impies a certain inferiority: Those who think it more important to be "spiritual", may think less of those who are "only physical". Those who think it is a greater privelege to be a "physical" Israelite, think one who is only a "spiritual" heir is inferior. Also, it implies that the Jews are not "spiritual", and that the non-Jews are not "physical.
Both covenants are "spiritual". Regarding the Law the Bible says: "Where there is no Law, there is no transgression". (Rom 4:15). This means that for one to realize that he is a sinner, or a "Law-breaker", he first must know there is a Law that he is breaking. It follows that someone must "always uphold" the Law, for without it's presence in the earth, man cannot realize the Lord's Grace, which means that he cannot realize the Lord's forgiveness. Therefore, the people of Judah (the Jews) perform a spiritual service for those destined to know God's Grace.
Dividing the body of true born-again believers and Jews into physical and spiritual camps is groundless, ambiguous, and confusing. It promotes an "unbalanced perspective of true spirituality". It leads believers to "over-emphasize" spiritual interpretations of scripture. It paves the way for belief that only new covanant scriptures apply to the church, a teaching that opposes Paul's instructions: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus". (2Tim 3:14-15).
The erroneous physical and spiritual theory leads many christians to lightly esteem old testament scriptures. They often view them as irrelavent, and thus, are led astray from the Hebraic teachings of the Jewish Messiah of Israel. It also robs the believers of the "truth". It strips them of their "true identity" as part of the "people of Israel".
Without a "true understanding " of their call, the "rootless church" clings to a "spiritual Israel" title. They long for heaven, and look for God to take from this world. However, Jesus taught us to pray, "thy kingdom come, on earth..." Accordingly, the excessive, unbalanced emphasis on being "spiritual", puts one out of touch with the physical reality of being God's chosen people... while here on earth. It puts the believer "out-of-touch" with their job, which is to bring the kingdom of God to the earth (Mat 4:23 , 24:14, Mark 1:15, Lk 16:16, Acts 1:5-7).
This concept also encourages the erroneous and anti-Jewish teaching of a "pre-tribulation rapture". This hypothesis is anti-Jewish because it claims that the "spiritual people" will be "taken out", but the "wicked Jews" must stay until they also become "spiritual". Opposing this concept, the Word declares that "it is the kindness of God that leads one to repentance". (Rom 2:4).
Stephen, the first martyr, said his "physical" ancesters were part of the "church" (ekklesia), that was in the wilderness. (Acts 7:38). True believers belong to the same church which Stephen and his ancesters belonged.
Paul said also: "having the fruits of the spirit, we eagerly await the redemption of our body". (Rom 8:23). Neither Stephen nor Paul divided the church and Israel; they did not put the excessive emphasis on separation of "physical and spiritual" redemption.
The idea that "gentile believers" are "adopted" into the faith of Abraham, while "physical Jews" do not have to be "adopted", is of the same spirit as the "grafted in gentile" theory. Misconception about the faith of Abraham goes hand in hand with misunderstanding about the "olive tree" of Israel. Paul refers to a "wild" (uncultivated) olive shoot (branch) that has been "grafted in" among the others. The "others" being "natural" (cultivated) branches, meaning the Jews. (Rom 11:17,24).
Many interpret this to mean the former gentile believers are not "natural" children, but, are "adopted", while Jewish people, are "natural" children, and not "adopted". This teaching could produce one of two feelings in the former gentile believer:
A) They see themselves as adopted, and in some way, they think that they are inferior to the natural Jewish child.
B) Others may interpret it to mean that one is "spiritual" (adopted) and the other is "carnal" (natural). They might think (and usually do) that they are superior to the "spiritually void", "carnal" Jew. Within the Jewish people, it produces feelings of superiority. Believing that they are "natural" sons, decended from the "chosen race of the Jews". Some say that they are "twice chosen", after being born again.
The scriptures uses the word "adoption" only five times:
1) "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of "adoption", whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Rom 8:15).
2) "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselvesgroan within ourselves, waiting for the "adoption" to wit, the redemption of our body." (Rom 8:23).
3) "My kinsmen"... (vs 3): Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the "adoption", and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises." (Rom 9:4).
4) "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the "adoption" of sons." (Gal 4:5)
5) "Having predestinated us unto the "adoption" of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will..." (Ep 1:5).
"Adoption", in the greek, is the word 'huiothesia', which, literally means, "the placing as a son", "Sonship". this will have it's fullness at the redemption of our body, which will happen at the resurrection.
As his Sons, we await the fullness of our "adoption", which is the redemption of our bodies. This Spirit of "adoption" belongs to "the Sons of Israel."
Israel was first called an olive tree in Jerimiah 11:16. He said, "The Lord called your name a green olive tree." The Lord is talking to both the house of Israel, and the house of Judah. Thus, the olive tree of Israel has two branches, the branch of Ephraim, and the branch of Judah.
Those of Ephraim who went into the Assyrian captivity, became "degenerate and wild" (Jer 2: 18-21). They became, for all outward appearances, "pagan gentiles". It is these "wild olive branches" that Paul is speaking of. Paul the Apostle, isn't speaking about grafting a "pear branch" into a "peach tree", but what he is saying is that God has grafted a "wild,uncultivated, olive branch" back into an olive tree, and "all" of Israel is the olive tree.
Isaiah had warned both houses to "revere the Lord of Hosts", (Is 8:13-14), then he (Jesus) "shall become a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both houses of Israel..."
Both houses of Israel "stumble over the one" who became a sanctuary. God is dealing with all of Israel, both houses. His plan includes both Ephraim and Judah. Until the two houses fully enter into the truth about "all" Israel, and who Israel really is, they remain as a divided house, unable to stand as the Kingdom of Israel." (Mt 12:25).
Ezekiel accurately explains all of this in detail. In the 37th chapter, beginning in vs 1, Ezekiel is carried away in the Spirit to thr midst of a valley, which was full of dry bones. This text, (through vs 10), has always been taught to be the restoration of the 'nation' Israel, (which happened on May 14, 1948). What this chapter is really talking about is something entirely different. In vs 11, we see that the Lord, first of all, refers to Ezekiel as "Son of man", which is a reference to Jesus, (and also to the Manchild). Secondly, he says that "these bones are the 'whole' house of Israel": (both the houses of Ephraim and Judah together). Then, in vs 16, Ezekiel, (son of man), is told to "take a stick (branch) and write upon it for Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then, take another stick (branch), and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick (branch) of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: and join them one to another into one stick (branch); and they shall become one in thine (Jesus) hand. (vs 17).
The Lord is about to do something in the earth that will completely amaze, and even shock most christians. We, as a church, and, as a people in, and upon this earth, have not properly discerned who "the Israel of God" is, (Gal 6:16) that the Lord is talking about in all of the Bible!
Ask any christian who has been born again longer than a week, and he (or she) will tell you that during the "end times", God is going to judge Israel, presumably for rejecting Jesus the Messiah. Well, judgement is coming to Israel, but who, or what is Israel? First of all, Israel is, and has always been, people. The land in the middle east, that currently is occupied by modern day "Israel", (which is a misnomer for them, they are Jews, of the tribe of Judah, of the southern kingdom of Judah) has never been called "Israel", but called only "the land " (into which I will bring you). What does that mean? It means that the judgement that is coming to Israel, is not coming to a "land", but to a "people". Now, the question is, who are the "people" Israel? The answer to that question becomes very clear now. If Israel has become a "fullness of gentiles", as the prophecy says in Gen 48: 19, (see Ez 5:7), Then, it must follow that the "fullness of gentiles" that is upon the earth today, are Israel. Look at Ez 5:7-8: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye MULTIPLIED MORE that the nations that are round about you, and have NOT walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgements, neither have DONE according to the judgements of the nations that are round about you. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, am AGAINST thee, and will execute judgements in the midst of thee IN THE SIGHT OF ALL THE NATIONS."
Israel is a "nation of people", a people, which are not (and have never been) dependent upon any one "land" on (or in) which they are presently living, in order to be the "people of God, which are called by my name, Israel."
Judgement is coming to the nations of the world. To deny this, would be foolish. To deny that "Israel" today is a nation of people "scattered into all the corners" of the earth, and the remembrance of them (Israel) would cease from among men, (Deut 32:26, the song of Moses, which is a prophecy to Israel for the "end times"), is also foolish! Wake up Israel. Isaiah says in 14:1: "For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob."
This has not happened yet.
So, you say, let the judgement come to the people Israel, I will not be here. I am leaving when the "rapture" comes. You are not going anywhere, until the resurrection happens, and Jesus said that would be at the last day. (John 6:39-40,54). The last day of what? The last day of the period of time known as "Jacob's trouble". This is a period of time which is three and one half years long. Seven years is not recorded in scripture in connection with this time of Jacob's trouble. Dan 9:27 is the only verse of scripture in the Bible, that talks about a seven year period of time, to which we (the church) have concluded to be the time of Jacob's trouble, or the tribulation period.
Nothing could be further from the TRUTH.
First of all, Dan 9 is a model to the church today of what a true prayer of intercession is. Not only did Daniel understand by reading the scriptures of the accomplishment of the seventy years of desolations upon Jerusalem, but he immediately understood what to do about it, and did it. Daniel "set his face" unto the Lord, with supplications, fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, and made HIS confession to the Lord. Daniel stood in the gap for ALL of Israel, and proclaimed to the Lord, "we have sinned",(vs 5). The "we" Daniel is refering to , is the "whole" house of Israel, (not just the Babylonian captives). Daniel says that righteousness is far from Israel, (the people), but that all Israel is "confused" in their thinking. How were they confused? They were confused In NOT understanding the time in which they were living, and in what they were supposed to be doing about it. Also, "unto all Israel", that are "near", and that are "far off", through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee." Because "all" of Israel was scattered, it was clear that they were scattered because of their disobedience. Today, Israel is STILL scattered throughout all the world. It must be that all of Israel is still disobedient, and it must also be, that all of Israel is still "confused." In all the world today, there are only about seven million Jews. Hardly qualifies for "the sand of the sea," or "the number of the stars", that Abraham's seed would be.
Verse 24 begins the Word, to Daniel concerning the "seventy weeks." This is a period of time "determined upon the "people Israel", (not just the Jews), and the "holy city", (for thy city and thy people are called by thy name, (vs 19), The city, and the people, prophetically, are the "Temple", and the "dwelling place" of God. Seventy weeks will accomplish six things:
1) To finish the transgression,
2) To make and end of sins,
3) To make reconciliation for iniquity,
4) To bring in everlasting righteousness,
5) To seal up the vision and prophecy, (prophet),
6) To anoint the most Holy.
These six things represent the "seventieth week". The first three were completed, (fullfilled), by the Lord, at the completion of His three and one half years of ministry. The second three have yet to be completed. Sixty nine weeks can be counted, and accounted for, in verses 25 and 26, and that is where we (the church) have "stopped counting." Gabriel came and gave "skill and understanding" to Daniel, therfore, he was able to "understand the matter", and was able to "consider the vision."
The "body of Christ" has a "ministry" in the earth, and I DON'T think anyone would dispute that statement. The fact that a "little bit of time", has separated the "head", from the "body", is inconsequential. The "body" must function as one, complete unit. The body of Christ is "one man", in the earth. One corporate man, with one corporate anointing. To be "one", to think as "one", to walk as "one", in the Spirit, according to the Word.
Jesus completed three and one half years of the last week of the seventy weeks. Sixty nine and one half weeks, have already been completed,(fullfilled).
Verse 24 through verse 26, IN CONTEXT, is talking about the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one. It is NOT talking about "anti-christ." The CONTEXT continues, through the end of the chapter, through vs 27, which is ALSO talking about the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed one. It was Jesus who confirmed the "covenant" ( there is only ONE covenant) with "many", for "one week", ( the seventieth week), (WE are the "many"). Galations 3:15 says this: "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be "confirmed", no man disannuleth, or addeth thereto". (vs 17) "And this I say, that the COVENANT that was CONFIRMED before of God IN CHRIST, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect." And in Romans 15:8, he says: "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to CONFIRM THE PROMISES made unto the fathers." And it was Jesus, who , in the "middle" of that "seventieth week", put an end to ALL sacrifices, by becoming the final sacrifice, himself. And now, because of the "profaning" of the "Temple" of God, for the "covering over" with a "vail of disception", for all the "abominations" within the very "sanctuary of God", He (the Lord) shall make it "desolate", desolation upon desolation, even until the very end, or completion, or fullfilling of this prophecy, and that which is determined (what is determined, is the curse, that was written in the law of Moses, see Dan 9:11,Is 24:6, Zech 5:3-4, Zech 14:12), shall be "poured" (Dan 911, the pouring out of the curse) upon the desolate, (the desolate are the "desolations" of the "people Israel", (Dan 9:18).
"We have sinned, AND have committed iniquity, AND have done wickedly, AND have rebelled, even in departing from thy precepts and from thy judgements: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land" (leaders, elders, pastors, teachers,etc.). This is Daniel's confession, to God, concerning all of Israel. This is also why Israel had been scattered, and was, in a state of "confusion".
Who will fullfill the "last half" of the "seventieth week"?
I say to YOU... "The voice of one crying in the wilderness (desolate place), Prepare YE (that is YOU) the way of the Lord, (YOU) make his paths straight. O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits WORTHY OF REPENTANCE... And NOW also the axe is laid to the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (Luke 3:4,7,8-9).
And, "no man, having (once) put his hand to the plough, and lookong back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).
Who will "finish the work" (not of salvation, for that "work" is complete) but of "making straight the path of (for) the Lord, BEFORE He returns. Have His paths EVER been made straight in the earth?
Do you suppose, that the "so called" "tribulation saints" will be the ones to complete the last half of the seventieth week?, (presupposing that the church has been "raptured" beforehand). If you believe this, then you are most deceived. PREPARE YOU the way of the Lord... If YOU are not preparing, then HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR HIM? There is a time, and a season of PREPARATION, in which, you and I, must diligently prepare for the work which the Lord has called and commissioned us to "do". This preparation, almost always, takes years of "seeking, praying, dying, frustration, crying, rejection, (from people), much travailing, in order to get to a place of "birthing". All of this , will bring you to a place of "some" understanding, of "who you are", and "what you are called to do", IN THE EARTH, before the return of the Lord.
I hardly think, that the Lord would trust this "work" to a group of people who just got born again, and other than that, "don't have a clue."
There is ONLY three and one half years remaining to be fullfilled, and YOU and I, are the ones that are called to complete, or fullfill "all righteousness." All things written in the Word, shall be fullfilled, If it is not you and I, then, God is able to "take stones, and raise up children unto Abraham," to whom the promise came. The "promise" has been fullfilled in Isaac, who was the child of promise. So, you and I have inherited that promise, and have become the true "Israel of God." But remember, what Paul has said: "take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be in any of YOU an evil heart of UNBELIEF, in departing (from the truth, held in righteousness) from the living God. For SOME, when they had heard, did provoke, whose carcases fell in the wilderness. If THEY could not enter in because of unbelief, then we also should "take heed" of an evil heart of "unbelief, which will keep us from also entering in. Entering in to what? From entering into the "promises of God."
You and I have been "elected" (by God) into the Government/Kingdom of God. Let your calling and election stand sure, otherwise, you will fall.
Before the Kingdom/Government of God can come to the earth, the present, existing kingdom, MUST BE OVERTHROWN! I am not talking about the kingdom(s) of men, (as agents of Satan), but of the kingdom of Lucifer, which is ruling in the hearts of ungodly men, and has been made manifest in the earth. If the Son's of God are to be manifested, (and they are, Rom 8:19) in the earth, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, "in the SPIRIT and POWER of ELIJAH, don't you think that there might be some opposition? What of the "Son of Perdition", who, "OPPOSETH and EXALTETH himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God (the Body of Christ), showing himself that he is God... with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; (destruction/perdition); because they received NOT the LOVE of the TRUTH, that they (son/children of perdition) might be saved. "They did not believe the TRUTH, therefore, they are damned. But you and I were "chosen", by God, to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and BELIEF OF THE TRUTH: whereunto you and I were called, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When you have finished your race, then you will have completed your salvation, in much fear and trembling. The "redemption" of the body, is the completion of our salvation. If there is any "unbelief" in you at all, then there is danger of not entering in, because of that unbelief. If we do not enter in, then, we cannot finish the race, then, we also cannot complete our salvation. Unbelief WILL KEEP YOU OUT of the kingdom!
The Jews did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. They did not believe! Did their unbelief change the truth? Of course not. It just kept them from entering into that truth. Jesus spoke revelation to them, and all that they wanted to do was kill him. Revelation has a way of doing that. The revelatory Word of God is a sword of division, that will cut the soul (apart) from the spirit, and will discern the very thoughts and intentions of the heart, and EXPOSE them.
There is only one truth, and it belongs to God. The ONLY way you and I can get this truth, IS BY REVELATION. But prepare your hearts, and make up your minds, for not every word of revelation from the Lord is pleasing to the ear. Your kingdom MUST COME DOWN, in order for God's kingdom to be raised up in you.
So then, having properly discerned who (and where) Israel is today, should put a whole new and different LIGHT on prophecy, especially God's dealings with Israel in the end time.
Understanding that three and one half years of Daniels "seventieth week", have already been fullfilled by Jesus, should also shed new light on end time prophecy, especially since the "body" is called to "finish" the prophecy That Jesus quoted in Luke 4:18-19. In this prophecy, Jesus quotes from the book of Isaiah, chapter 61:1-2. Notice that Jesus stops his quote in Luke, at vs 19 with "to preach the acceptable year (year of Jubilee) of the Lord". Jesus' ministry can be seen in these two verses of scripture, Lk 4:18-19.
1) To preach the Gospel to the poor.
2) To heal the brokenhearted.
3) To preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind.
4) To set at liberty them that are bruised.
5) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
And he CLOSED THE BOOK!
Jesus left off part of the scripture. Remember, that the Lord was not reading from the book of Luke, but from the book of Isaiah. Here is what it says in Isaiah 61:1-2.
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me ...
1) To preach good tidings unto the meek.
2) To bind up the brokenhearted.
3) To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
4) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, AND THE DAY OF VENGEANCE OF OUR GOD...
If it was NOT part of Jesus ministry to proclaim "the day of vengeance of our God", ( he taught much about it , but never proclaimed it, because it was NOT for his time. You can only proclaim "present truth"), then "who shall declare his generation"? Who shall "proclaim" the "day of the Lord"? Who shall "stand, in that day", as priests and ministers unto the Lord, as prophets and judges before the world, to proclaim and to render, the Word of the LIving God.
Think about it. Above all, pray about it.
The Lord GOD is about to "get in the face " of the church. A decision, AND a response WILL BE REQUIRED of you. Do not be deceived by well meaning teachers, who teach after the traditions and counsel of men. They are filling you with error, and you will both perish. For these "prophets and teachers" say unto you, " you shall not see the sword, neither shall you have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place". But the Lord said, "The prophets prophesy LIES in my name: I SENT THEM NOT, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart.
If you believe the prophet, you will receive the prophets reward. In this case, both of you will die. "Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them NOT, yet they say, Sword and famine shall NOT be in this land; BY SWORD AND FAMINE SHALL THOSE PROPHETS BE CONSUMED. AND THE PEOPLE TO WHOM THEY PROPHESY SHALL BE CAST OUT IN THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM BECAUSE OF THE FAMINE AND THE SWORD; and they shall have none to bury them, (Rev 11:9), them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: FOR I WILL POUR THEIR WICKEDNESS UPON THEM (Jer 14:13-16).
"Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow." (vs 17).
Honest, before God, repentance, seeking HIM, and Him alone, will bring truth.
Prophets (of God) are sent, to a disobedient "people of God."
Judges (of God) are sent to a disobedient "ungodly people."
"The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, OF WAR, AND OF EVIL, AND OF PESTILENCE.
The prophet which prophesieth of PEACE, when the word of the prophet shall COME TO PASS, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him." (Jer 28:8).
It is true. Prophets are sent because of evil and wickedness in the house of God. Haven't you heard, that God is restoring the Apostle and the Prophet, back to the church? We have not seen the restoration of these two "gifts" walking in their fullness as yet, but we will. Could it be that "judgement" is getting ready to "begin at the house of God?" Where will YOU be standing, when judgement begins? "Saved by Grace" will not be enough, when the Lord demands Holy Purification by the "Spirit of judgement, and by the Spirit of burning", (Is 4:4).
Ezekiel says... "The Lord said unto him (the man clothed with linen, which had the writers inkhorn by his side), Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and SET A MARK UPON THE FOREHEADS (Rev 7:3), of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. Go ye through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young... but come not near ANY MAN UPON WHOM IS THE MARK; and BEGIN AT MY SANCTUARY. And he said unto them, defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: (Ez 9:1-11).
You have not been marked ...you have been sealed, by the Holy Spirit, unto (until) the day of redemption (resurrection). The "sealing" that you have been sealed with, is in your inner man. It is not a manifested (outward appearing) identifying mark. The manifestation of the Glory of God, as an outward mark, will be visibly apparant.
The man, clothed in linen, with the writers inkhorn, will write his mark upon you if, you are "sighing and crying, for ALL the abominations that are done within the house of God, (body of Christ). But you HAVE TO SEE THEM, before you can begin to cry and travail to the Lord over them. This "seeing" comes only by revelation of and by the Holy Spirit. Outside of the pitfalls and pratfalls of daily life, if everything "looks" good to you, (ie: the world is going to hell in a handbasket, but you are leaving in the rapture, just hang on till then), you are NOT SEEING CLEARLY.
God is dealing with the church, so that, the church can deal with the world. As God "deals" with the church, so, the church will "deal" with the world.
Saints, the Temple of God has been defiled. It is defiled with diverse kinds of teaching and doctrines. You need to know for yourself, what is true, and what is not. You need to know for yourself what is God, and what is just "good." Do your ears itch, or does your heart cry? It is for you to decide.
The "pre-tribulation rapture" doctrine is a teaching designed to lull you (the church) into a false sense of security.
First of all. there is not a seven year period of time, called the tribulation period. As we have seen together, one half of Daniel's (or, the church's) seventieth week, has already been fullfilled by Jesus, at the completion of his three and one half year ministry. Only three and one half years are remaining, not seven.
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet... "O lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid; O Lord, REVIVE THY WORK IN THE MIDST OF THE YEARS, IN THE MIDST OF THE YEARS MAKE KNOWN; in WRATH remember mercy."
"Revive" is literally "preserve alive." In the midst of what years? In the midst of the seventieth week of years, the Lord will "revive" His work, within his people, He will make known for all to see. The Lord will also "revive" His work in the earth, and He will use HIS PEOPLE, WHO HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING, to accomplish the work. In "wrath" the Lord will "preserve alive" his chosen vessels of honor, to show forth His Glory, and to render the judgements of God in the earth.
Church, your "blessed hope" is the resurrection of the body, not the "rapture". Paul the Apostle told us that he was "continually judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise OUR TWELVE TRIBES, instantly serving God day and night, HOPE TO COME. For which hope's sake, I am (continuously) accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? The "hope " of the promise, is of course, the resurrection of the dead, (of the just, not the wicked, for BOTH are raised at the same time, together), NOT the "rapture". Paul was continuously "called in question", because of the hope and resurrection of the dead.
Jesus talked about the resurrection, plainly. Paul talked about the resurrection, plainly. Paul talked openly and plainly about the resurrection (only) in the book of Acts, which was written WELL AFTER he wrote to the Corinthians, which was in 54-60 AD, and also, WELL AFTER his writings to the Thessalonians, which was in 51-54 AD. The book of Acts was written as early as 62 AD, to perhaps as late as 90 AD, YET, IN THE BOOK OF ACTS, Paul never mentions a pre-tribulation "rapture", but only ever mentions the "hope of the resurrection". Why did he not mention the rapture, which, he should have already written about, in all of his other epistles to the churches? Why did the Jews KNOW NOTHING of this doctrine, at the time of his "judging", which ultimately, led him to Rome!? If Paul talked "openly" of the "hope of the resurrection" to the Jews, he would also have talked "openly" of the doctrine of the rapture of the church? Paul ALWAYS spoke BOLDLY, (over twenty scripture references) and would never, ever, have held such an important truth back, NOT EVEN FROM THE JEWS! The truth is, the Jews did not know about this "rapture", and Paul never talked about it to them, ( or anybody else, for that matter).
Proper discernment of the scriptures reveals that there is only ONE resurrection, of the just and of the unjust, of the righteous and of the unrighteous, of the quick and the dead, those to everlasting life and those to everlasting death (Dan 12:2). "All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and (all) shall come forth, (at the same time) they that have done good, unto the resurrection of Life; and they (at the same time) that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29, clearly depicts a universal, at one time, resurrection for all that are in the graves. Jesus had to expound upon this because of what he said in verse 25: Verily, verily, (double truth) I say unto you, (his disciples, which include you and I) The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that HEAR shall LIVE. (This is the resurrection of Life). Verse 25 is directed to the church, to the faithful, servants of God. To the rest, is the resurrection of death.
John records that the resurrection will occur "at the last day", (Jesus' words), not "in the last days." Matthew records the Lord's words in 13:30: "Let BOTH grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, AND BIND THEM IN BUNDLES TO BURN THEM: but gather the wheat into my barn."
One resurrection equals one harvest, and they BOTH occur at the "appearing" of the Lord (at His MANIFESTED appearing).
Church, your "BLESSED HOPE" is the resurrection of the body, at the "last day."
And you are wondering in yourself, and thinking "What of the 'mansion' that the Lord is 'preparing' for us (me)?
"Let NOT your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (Jesus). In my Father's house are 'many mansions': if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO."
What exactly is the "Father's house"? The "house" of God, has ALWAYS been the "dwelling place" of God. God's "house", is His Temple, and God's Temple, is the body of Christ. HIS body, HIS eternal dwelling, and place of rest, is, and has always been, you and I. The Father's house, is the "body" of Christ. Contained within that "corporate" body, or "house", are the "many mansions", the many rooms, that make up the one body. You and I are "individual rooms and mansions", that when "fitly joined together", will make up the "whole house ... of Israel."
Jesus went away to prepare this place for you and I. How then, is He preparing it? He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and to lead us into all the truth, to exhort us, to correct and chastise us, to bring us into that place of "oneness" in the Spirit with Him. This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and this is what will "prepare us a place" in the house of God. You and I are "being prepared" for the Lord himself to be manifested in us. The Lord WILL "take up manifested residence" within his people, within His house, within His Temple.
And where the Lord is, we will be with Him (he is coming to the earth), and we will "be like Him" when He appears. I am talking about those "which are alive and remain" unto the "coming of the Lord"... (A better translation of this would be ...those "which are remaining alive"). It is those which have remained alive at the coming of the Lord, that we are talking about. This is the resurrection.
That is how the Lord is "preparing his house", any other belief is error, and potentialy dangerous.
So that there is absolutely no confusion as to "which" Temple is being prepared, and "which" Temple is being talked about in scripture, (as concerning the house of God), it is ALWAYS the body of Christ that is being referred to in the New Testament. It is ALWAYS the body of Christ, which Paul is talking about in his epistles to the churches, (concerning the house of God, or, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit), no other temple has ever been given consideration as being the "house of God", the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
There is a very popular teaching which says that "anti christ" will come, and, after three and one half years of a seven year tribulation period, he will declare himself to be god, will go into the re-built temple in Jerusalem, sit down, (he will have to bring his own chair), and declare himself to be the long awaited Messiah, King of the Jews, etc... thereby defiling "the Temple of God", and ushering in the final three and one half years of "the great tribulation" period. Of course, the "church" will have already been "raptured", presumably, at the beginning of this seven year "tribulation period."
What is wrong with this picture becomes "painfully" clear and obvious, IF we have the "understanding" (again, by revelation) of what the "Temple" is, and what it is not. The "latter house" is ALWAYS the body of Christ, which is the Temple of the Living God. Scripture ALWAYS interprets scripture.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians (2 Thess) and told them several important things. First of all, the "context" of the whole book, (two chapters) is "the coming of our Lord, AND, OUR gathering together unto Him." This is the subject matter, in context. In case there is a question as to exactly "which" coming, (ie, rapture, or second advent), let's look at chapter one of this book, verse 4, which says that Paul "gloried" in the fact that the church at thessalonika had "patience and faith" in all of their "persecutions" and "tribulations" THAT THEY ENDURED. Persecutions and tribulations, are a manifest "token" of the righteous judgement of God, WHY, in order that WE may be COUNTED WORTHY of the Kingdom of God, (to receive, or, to enter in) for which you (we) also suffer.... The key here is that they ENDURED, and fainted not. As to the question of "which" coming this is talking about, verse 7 clearly tells us. Paul exhorts the church, which has, is, and will, suffer persecution, that they will, along with him, "rest", for a season, "until the Lord Jesus shall be 'revealed' from heaven, with His mighty angels, IN FLAMING FIRE TAKING VENGEANCE on THEM that know NOT God, AND THAT OBEY NOT the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ... When He shall come to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS... Wherefore also WE PRAYalways for YOU, that our God would COUNT YOU WORTHY of this CALLING, (what is the "qualification" for being "counted worthy", THAT YOU ENDURE...TO THE END), Why ? So that you may FULLFILL all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with POWER... THAT YOU MAY BE GLORIFIED.
Which "coming" does THIS sound like to you?
Paul goes on: In chapter two he says to the brothers, concerning "this coming" of the Lord, and "our gathering together" unto Him, AT THIS COMING, (still in context), that they were not to be SHAKEN UP IN THEIR MINDS, neither were they to be troubled concerning a certain false teaching that had entered into their congregation. The concern was, that the day of Christ, (The Day of the Lord, The Day of Vengeance of our God, [Is 61:2]), was at hand. What Paul said to them, is worth repeating to YOU: LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS, (means: ie, by spirit, or by word of teaching, or by letter, even this one), REVELATION PRECLUDES DECEPTION... It is IMPOSSIBLE to be deceived, if you have it by revelation! Revelation is the seed which produces Life!
Paul told the Thessalonians that the Day of Christ would not come until there was FIRST, A FALLING AWAY, which would produce the "son of perdition," or "the man of sin."
This "son of perdition", is the "corporate" "man of sin", which RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED, (vs 10), because they allowed themselves to be "deceived", and refused revelation of the truth. Revelation comes by the Holy Spirit, and to REFUSE revelation is to "blaspheme (against) the Holy Ghost. IT WILL MOST SURELY KILL YOU.
The "son of perdition", was first mentioned in John 17:12. Here, Jesus calls Judas Iscariot "the son of perdition", who, being one of the twelve diciples, (apostles), were each "hand picked" by Jesus, that he (Jesus) might pour himself into these twelve men, who in turn, would go into all the world, and do likewise. So, Judas was part of the ministry of Jesus. These twelve men were "seeds" for the entire "Church."
In the book of Acts, Peter talks about Judas, (1:16), and said that the scripture had been fullfilled, by Judas, as the "son of perdition." Judas was "guide" to them that took Jesus. Judas was "numbered" with the twelve, and had "obtained part of the ministry." He was "part" of the ministry, part of the "seed" of the church, part of the "seed", which would become the "body of Christ", the Temple of God. Judas' fullfillment, as a "traitor", was to become a "field of blood." "For it is written in the book of Psalms. Let his (son of perdition) habitation be DESOLATE, and let no man dwell therin: and his bishoprick (elected office) let another take" (Ps 41:9, 109:8).
This is a CLEAR description of "one who has fallen away" from the church. Judas was "one man" who fell away. In the end time of this dispensation, "one corporate man" will, again, "fall away" from the church. As the "first falling away man" (from the church) was called the "son of perdition, so, the "last falling away man" (from the church) will ALSO be called the "son of perdition."
Those who "fall away" from the church, will most assuredly qualify for the "man of sin" title, that has been given to them. They are "anti-christ", which is to say, that they are "anti- the- anointing" of the Holy Spirit. John tells us about the spirit of anti-christ: "...it is the "last time: and AS YE HAVE HEARD that anti-christ (anti-anointing) shall come, EVEN NOW are there MANY anti-christs; whereby we know that it is the last time. THEY WENT OUT FROM US, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt HAVE CONTINUED with us (in sound doctrine and teaching): but they WENT OUT, (they "fell away" from the church, from sound doctrine and teaching), that they might be made MANIFEST (this IS the "REVEALING" of the "man of sin", the "son of perdition") that they were not of us."
The "son of perdition" will "oppose and exalt" himself, as a collective "one man", against God, and will "profane" the "Temple" of God, which is the body of Christ, with every kind of abomination under the sun. This "son of perdition" is presently "holding down" the true church, for the "mystery of iniquity" is (and has been) already working (IN THE CHURCH) until he (the son of perdition) is TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY. THERE IS COMING A HOLY CLEANSING TO THE CHURCH! When the son of perdition is removed, he will be revealed, to the true church. This "man of sin" will deceive with all kinds of "signs and wonders", that will deceive "many", and they will perish (they will go to destruction, or perdition) because they did not receive the love of the truth. They did not believe God when He spoke!
Further understanding about the "son of perdition" comes from the scriptures...
In the book of Hebrews we are warned, that "we" (the believing church), are not of "them" who DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; but (we are ) of them THAT BELIEVE to the saving of the soul (with much fear and trembling) (10:39). Who are "they"? "They", are the believers who have "wavered", (10:23), those who have (and continue to) "sin wilfully", AFTER having received the knowledge of the TRUTH, (10:26). Those who have "cast away their confidence", (in Him, and especially His Word, TO THEM), (10:35). So, If you are one of the "justified', then you are required to live by FAITH. ANY drawing back (from faith living), will be displeasurable to the Lord (10:38).
Also, Peter tells us that: "the heavens and the earth ... are reserved unto fire against the day of judgement and PERDITION of ungodly men (2PT 3:7). Who are the ungodly men he is talking about here? Verse one of chapter 2 clearly tells us "who". False teachers, (this includes ANY one within the "body of Christ", who is teaching in "error"), who, believing with all good intention, that what they are teaching is "truth", but in fact, are teaching "error" to the church, to the body of Christ, to the Temple of the LIving God. These are "damnable heresies", (some even denying the Lord, as their LORD), bringing upon themselves (and those who believe them) "swift destruction"). This is what "falling away" is, and this is what "falling away" means. Simply, "falling away" is one who believes something other than the truth, AFTER having been shown (or told) what the truth is and steadfastly refuses to humble themselves before God, and find out firsthand "if these things be so." So, "ungodly" does not have to mean "the heathen" of the world, who know not, and love not God, but are of those who are "fallen" from the faith of the Word of God, for without faith (or, living your life without faith) it is impossible to please God. That person, in the eyes of the Lord, is ungodly.
In all of this, we can clearly see, that these "ungodly" ones are destined for perdition. We can also see very clearly, that "these", and "they", are not "one person", BUT ARE MANY PEOPLE(S).
Do you suppose that Jesus knew, whenever he preached, or taught the people, what he was talking about? Of course he did. Why? Because he had every Word by revelation. So, why did the "very established church" of his day "understand not" the sayings of the Lord? After all, they were the "church", and had been the "church" for fifteen hundred years. Don't you think it a little more than strange for the "church" to act and react the way that they did every time that Jesus opened his mouth and "declared truth" to them? The "church" wanted to kill him every single time. Why? Because they thought that they knew every thing that there was to know about the Law. They thought that they had understood everything that there was, contained in the Law. They had it all "figured out", (they thought). Not much has changed! Not only did they NOT understand the Law, they knew virtually nothing about God, or His Word. Not much has changed!
Jesus declared "revelation" to them, and they wanted to kill him! Why? Because he declared "truth" to them that they did not understand, but that was not the crime. There is not one person on the face of the earth who has ANY understanding of truth from the Lord, UNTIL the Lord Himself (by the Holy Spirit) gives the understanding BY REVELATION. They did not "receive" the love of the truth, (they held to the "vain imaginations" of their minds) therefore, they remained "deceived." So, they could not "enter in", because of their "unbelief." Not much has changed!
Revelation is coming forth from the Lord. HEARKEN TO THE WORD OF THE LORD! Listen... REVELATION DOES NOT CHANGE SCRIPTURE, (or, that which you THINK you understand), Revelation "REVEALS" the "TRUTH" contained in the scripture! The "truth" is (and was) there all the time.
How will YOU react to revelation, when it is spoken to YOU?
If you react the same way that the Jews did, THEN YOU ARE "ANTI-CHRIST!"
Remember, John tells us "who" and "What" this "anti christ", or "son of perdition" is. 1 JN 2:19 says that the (spirit of) anti christ ones, "went out" from (among) us, (from the church), and had "fallen away" from sound teaching and doctrine. If they (the anti christ ones) had been "of us", (of the "believing" church), then, they would have "no doubt" CONTINUED with (sound teaching and doctrine) us. The scripture goes on to say: (vs 24) Let that (sound teaching and sound doctrine) therefore ABIDE in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning SHALL REMAIN IN YOU, ye also SHALL CONTINUE in the Son, and in the Father.
In the first century of the church, the truth was not only known, but was openly, and boldly proclaimed and taught throughout the church, everywhere. The apostles and disciples of the first century church had revelation of the truth, and did not hesitate to declare openly, the things which were being revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. But some, (in the church) were "seduced", (deceived) and then those that had been deceived began to "seduce" others within the church (vs 26). It is this "spirit of anti christ", that John is addressing here in this epistle.
This "spirit of anti christ" entered into the church in the first century, AND REMAINS UNTIL THIS VERY DAY.
This is (the) "anti-christ", which is to come!
You are admonished this day, to take heed to the warning that John gave to the early church... "the anointing which you have received of him abides in you, and you NEED NOT that ANY MAN teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you OF ALL THINGS, and IS TRUTH, and IS NO LIE, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him (or it, which is, the anointing).
The "church" is at present, NOT walking in this kind of anointing. The church, at present, has been infiltrated with every kind of (false) teaching and "so called" doctrine and it is to the point now, that the church DOES NOT know what it believes. Oh, everybody believes SOMETHING, but if every cell of the body "differs" (or, opposing, as in "anti"), then where is the "oneness" of truth? As individuals, the "body" (every "single" one) has his or her own belief about this or that. As "one corporate man" in the earth, well, that is an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MATTER ALTOGETHER! This "man", as "one man", (in the earth), DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IT BELIEVES. As far as "corporate truth" is concerned, THIS MAN IS "DIS-JOINTED", and "DIS-FUNCTIONAL", IN THE EARTH.
And , if that is so, (and it is), then, "this man", by definition, has been rendered "unfit for the Kingdom", because he has "turned back", and gone in "another direction." The direction that he has chosen, is one of "anti anointing", pure and simple, this person is against the anoniting that reveals NEW (to us) TRUTH, which has been "hidden" in the scriptures, until the time in which the Lord has chosen to reveal it.
Let us not be concerned more with the things that are going on in the world, as relating to end time bible prophecy, as to the things which are GOING ON IN THE CHURCH! The church is NO WHERE NEAR ready to "meet the Lord." How then, can you say that the "rapture" is "imminent", when most clearly, the church does not know what it believes, which means that it has "never grown up" yet. The church is still a "child", a baby, sucking on milk. Until there is a "corporate man" in the earth, who KNOWS (as Jesus knew), who WALKS (as Jesus walked), who SPEAKS (as Jesus spoke), who REMAINS AND ABIDES CONTINUALLY in the very presence of the Lord (asJesus did), until THIS man "appears" in the earth, and does the "work" of "restitution" of all things, and "fullfills" all the scripture concerning him, (for Lo, I come, [in the volume of the book it is written of me,] TO DO THY WILL, O GOD) ... for thou hast prepared for me a body, (and that "body" is you and I, IF we continue on.
"MANY" of the church, will not accept this truth. And, "many" will "fall away", having been "seduced" and put to sleep in their thinking. This "many" will produce the "son of perdition", the one who "opposes" and "exalts" himself above God. THIS is anti christ.
IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP CHURCH, FOR YOU HAVE BEEN ASLEEP.
This "man of sin" WILL persecute the church... "that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye suffer." But God has from the beginning, chosen you and I to "obtain salvation" (through much fear and trembling) through sanctification of the Spirit AND BELIEF OF THE TRUTH. Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.
The word "anti-christ" appears in the new testament only four times. The greek word is "antichristos", which means "an opponent of the Messiah", or, an opponent of "the anointed one's anointing." Of course, the "anointed one" is Jesus, and , His "anointing" is upon His chosen people, the body of Christ, or, "His body of anointing." The "anointing" and the "opposing" of His "anointing", is what "antichrist" is referring to. In all four occurrences of the word "antichrist" in 1 and 2 John, the context is of someone who has "denied (and will continue to deny) the Father," and of someone who is a "deceiver" (and, who has been deceived, thereby deceiving many others). It is also someone who confesses not, that Jesus has ( and continues to) come in the flesh. He also goes on to say that "many deceivers" have already gone into the world, who confess not that Jesus has come in the flesh. THIS is a deceiver, and an anti christ. No where in all of scripture, is there any reference to "the anti christ" being one person. John tells us plainly, that it is "A SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST," which has ALREADY entered (and has been continuously entering), into the world.
"For there shall arise 'false christs', and 'false prophets', (those with false, or 'anti anointings), and these shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, (and it is), that these 'false anointings' would deceive the very elected ones of God. This is NOT talking about one who is teaching an OBVIOUS untruth, or false doctrine, but of one who is teaching after the traditions of men, instead of the traditions and doctrines of God. This could be ANY ONE, well meaning as he or she is, if it is not true, even though you may believe that it is true, IT IS A LIE. Therefore, once deceived, you go about deceiving others. That is the spirit of anti christ subtly at work within the church of the Living God.
Paul tells us plainly by the Holy Spirit, that: in the latter times, (the times in which we presently are living), SOME SHALL DEPART from the faith, (who's faith? the faith of God, which was once delivered unto the saints of God),...these departed, fallen away (from the church) ones WILL give heed (acknowledge fully) to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. Also, Paul tells us that there" must be heresies (heretics, teachers of false doctrine) AMONG YOU (in the midst of the church), SO THAT THEY WHICH ARE APPROVED (OF GOD) WILL BE MADE MANIFEST AMONG YOU (IN THE CHURCH).
"For the leaders of THIS people cause them to err; and they (of the church) that are LED of them (those that teach lies), are destroyed." (Is 9:16). And,: "Sanctify the Lord of Hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM BE YOUR FEAR, and let HIm be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary, (a place of protection), but, for those who are in error, He will be a stone of stumbling, AND a rock of offence, for BOTH the houses of Israel. And MANY among them (the church) shall stumble, AND FALL (AWAY) and be broken, and be snared, and be taken, (deceived, by the enemy, and , given over, by God, because they "believed not the truth", (received not the LOVE of the truth, that they might be saved). None of us has the complete truth, and that, beloved, is a sobering thought.
It is time for the church to WAKE UP, (we have been stung asleep, numbed by the "sting" of false teaching, and false "winds of doctrine", that are "blowing through the church", with gale force. It is time for the "Wind of God" to blow through the church, in order to "fan the flame" which is kindled within us, but is so small, it can hardly be seen.
The ""Wind of God" that should "blow" upon you, will not be a very comfortable experience for you and me, for the "wind of God" is meant to cause "the burning of purification" in us, and although you may say, "come Lord, send your fire to me", you may not fully understand this "fire", and what it's intended purpose is.
THIS IS A PROPHECY TO THE CHURCH:
"I will visit them with fire, (2PT 3:7), it will burn and consume the ungodly, it will completely consume the wicked, all those who have not hearkened to my Word, (JR6:17-19, JR7:23-28). The fire will start with a kindling, (IS5:24-24), and will grow into a consuming inferno, (EZ24:9-11). I will fan the flames (JR51:1-2) with my breath (IS30:33, MT3:11-12), I will blow the flames of fire from one end of the earth unto the other end of the earth, (JR25:15-17). All those who are not prepared (IS40:13, IS62:10-11, MAL3:1, MT3:3) for my fire will surely be consumed by the flames, for the same flame (ZEC13:8-9, MAL4:1-2, MT13:30) of fire of my Spirit that will purge and purify MAL3:13, IS1:25, IS4:4) and set apart for holiness my called and elect, will utterly consume and destroy the unprepared. Walk after the Spirit ONLY! (RM8:1, RM8:4, 814, GL3:3, GL5:16). All those who are not totally walking after the Spirit, will be consumed (IS10:16-18) in the day that I visit with my fire. O my people, who say that they are called by my name, (2CHRN7:14, IS43:7, IS63:19) SEPARATE (2COR6:17, HB7:26) yourselves NOW, for the day fast approaches that you will be required to stand on your faith, (HAB2:4, RM1:17). As of now, your faith is not matured in me, (EP6:13-14). As a child, you will not stand. Only as a FULL STATURE, (IS66:7, REV12:5), MATURE OF AGE, (EP6:13-14), SON OF GOD, (RM8:19), will you be able to stand in the fiery trial (1PT1:7, 1PT4:12, 1COR3:13) which is to try them upon the whole earth, (IS14:26, IS28:22). My fire is coming, (IS4:4, IS66:15-16, MAL3:2-3, MAL4:1, ZEC13;9). It must come. It is the final baptism (LK12:49, MT3:11, LK3:16) wherewith you must be baptised with. I tell you the truth, if you do not fully understand (PR4:5,7 DAN11:33,35) my fire, you will not stand (ZEC13:9, DAN11:33,35) through the flames, but will be consumed (IS10:16-18, IS10:22-23, IS28:22) by it. SURRENDER TO ME NOW! COME TO ME NOW! ABIDE IN ME NOW! COMMUNE IN ME BY MY SPIRIT NOW! HEAR ME TODAY! The prophet Daniel prophesied that "those who understand (DAN11:33-35) will instruct those who do not understand." Get understanding (PR4:5-7) of what I am about to do in the earth. The fire will begin at MY HOUSE (EZ9:4-6, JR25:29, 1PT4:17). It will burn through and through. Every room, every corner, every space will taste of my flame of purification, (MAL3:3,TITUS2:14). I am come to "set you apart" (PS4:3, LK12:51) unto myself. Determine in your heart to yield your total "self" to me. You must be totally yielded to me, (RM6:13), otherwise I cannot be totally manifested in you, (2COR4:10). Prepare for the fire that is to come to YOU! For thus saith the Lord of Hosts, 'I AM COMING WITH FIRE (LK3:16) TO CLEAN AND PURIFY THE SONS OF LEVI, (MAL3:2-3) THOSE WHO ARE WILLING AND OBEDIENT TO STAND BEFORE ME (1KGS17:1, ZEC4:14, REV11:4), AND TO DO THE SERVICE (NU18:7) OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD BEFORE ME (EX40:15), AND BEFORE MY PEOPLE.' (LV10:11, MAL2:7). If you understand this, then you will be ready"!
(End of prophecy).
"When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning." (IS4:4).
"Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men!" (of full age, perfect). (1COR14:20).