Revelation Decoded Weekly Number 4
ONE OF THE PARADOXES surrounding the second coming of Christ is that many who expect to be saved will not be, and many who never considered themselves worthy of salvation will find the approval of God. Matthew 25:34ff – “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me to something to eat…’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You…’” There is an element of surprise in the question posed by the saved. The lost are also surprised by their condition.
In Matthew 7:21-23, the same paradox is echoed. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father… Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
We learn two important facts from these two passages: First, it isn’t what we profess but what we carry through on that makes us who we are. God is looking for more than lip service. Another lesson is that many who consider themselves Christians and “saved” are really serving the enemy while deceiving themselves and others.
God’s true people are the “church” and are also known as “the bride of Christ.” In Revelation, not only is there a bride, there is a harlot. Close study reveals that the harlot is very religious. It is false religion that attracts many by its forms and traditions (see Revelation 17). Jesus told His disciples to let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest. At that time the angels will sort out who are the saved and who are the lost.
The Bible says that there will be a “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” What triggers that time, we do not know. But we do know that those Christians represented by the harlot rather than the bride will seek to coerce all to worship so as to regain God’s blessing (see Revelation 13 and the last three newsletters). The “beast” of Revelation 13 is the persecuting power of the dark ages—the Church. An “image to the beast” will be made up of Christians who in the last days repeat the forceful methods of the dark ages to get what they want.
Daniel 12:1 also talks about a “time of trouble such as has not occurred since there was a nation,” (Matthew 24:21 is the one usually referred to). The word translated “trouble” in Daniel 12:1 literally means “rival wife!” A rival wife would mean real trouble! Just ask Abraham, Jacob, and Solomon. What could this mean in prophetic terms? Just this: before Jesus comes again, those who call themselves Christians but are not, will have their hey-day. They will take advantage of the unraveling circumstances in the world to bring about persecution of true Christians. Most will follow the banner of the harlot. It will be her day, and for the saved, it will be a time of real trouble.
During that time, the saved will rely on the promises found throughout the Bible, but especially in Psalm 91. They will endure severe trials, but their patience (Revelation 14:12) will pay off. They will be found faithful when Jesus comes to rescue them. Daniel 12:1 ends with these comforting words: “And at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”
One might want to do a personal inventory right now. “Am I one who professes, or one who does the will of God?” “Is my priority praising God or serving Him through obedience and helping those in need?” “Am I following the traditions of religious men, or am I following the simple precepts of the Bible?” Now is the time to answer those questions and make the proper adjustments. Soon it will be too late.
Until Next Week,
Dennis
dennispumford.com
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