

### EASTWARD IN EDEN

### Jack Marshall

### EASTWARD IN EDEN

### Jack Marshall

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2017 Grain of Wheat Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it

appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.

To Michael Walton, a good friend and brother in Christ.
Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Parables

Chapter Two: Two

Chapter Three: Eastward

Chapter Four: The Garden of Eden

Chapter Five: Two Trees

Chapter Six: Two Bodies

Chapter Seven: Two Adams

Chapter Eight: Two Olive Trees

Chapter Nine: Two Eves

Chapter Ten: Two Sons

Chapter Eleven: Fallen Asleep

Chapter Twelve: Firstfruits

Chapter Thirteen: The Fig Tree

Chapter Fourteen: The Tabernacle of Witness

Chapter Fifteen: The Cherubim

Chapter Sixteen: The Four Angels

Chapter Seventeen: Three Woes

Chapter Eighteen: Fourteen Generations

Chapter Nineteen: Captivity in Babylon

Chapter Twenty: The Third Part

Chapter Twenty-One: Kings, Merchants, Inhabitants

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Beast of the Earth

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Bowls

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Wilderness

Chapter Twenty-Five: Time and Times and Half a Time

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Second Death

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The End of the Age

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Reality Check

Bibliography

Introduction

This has been an extensive work and grew into a much larger study than I first intended. However, I hope what is presented will provoke you to thought and consideration and give you a better understanding of the purpose of God in the earth. Despite the apparent confusion and chaos which presently exists throughout the world at this time, I believe that His purpose is being fully reckoned and that all things are moving according to His divine will. All of us know that appearances can be deceiving.

I do not write to entertain but to enlighten. That being said, I do wish at times that I was more competent with my writing, better able to explain the things which I discuss. Still, I hope enough is said to help those who read this study understand the beauty and depth that is His Word.

There's no doubt about it; we live in very difficult times. It is hard to believe that in less than 250 years or the approximate lifespan of just four sixty-five year olds, we have reached a place in technology and science which is quite astounding in its own right. Yet, despite our advances, we still cannot understand those things which lie deep within the recesses of our own hearts and minds. We still don't have the answers to the behaviors which continue to advance the violence that is so prominent in every part of the world.

It is strange to think that all of what we see is simply a product of the invisible realm of thought or thinking, of the ideologies which have been formed over generations of time (Prov. 23:7), ideologies which have been propagated from one generation to the next and has led to where we are today.

It has been said that we cannot fix the problem with the same mind which created it. I wholeheartedly agree. So it is that something or someone must change our way of thinking if we, as a species, hope to further evolve from our present chaotic condition into a true state of peace and harmony. Simply put, we need a _Savior_ , not one whose motives are mixed, but whose intentions are pure, good, and right, and whose wisdom is unquestionable. Friend, we have such a Savior in Christ, who as a "life-giving Spirit" has been advancing the will of our Maker since His first appearance almost two thousand years ago.

There are mistakes in this presentation, not by intention, but out of ignorance. I am still and always will be learning. It has been difficult to put aside what I have inherited in order to see from a fresh perspective.

In His Grace,

Jack Marshall

Please note: All Hebrew and Greek definitions are taken from the Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionary unless otherwise noted. All scriptures used are from the New King James version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.

### Genesis 2:8  
The Lord God planted a garden

eastward in Eden,  
and there He put the man whom He had formed.

# Chapter One

# PARABLES

Matthew 13:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 **Then He spoke many things to them in parables**...

Matthew 13:34-35 (NKJV)  
34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; **and without a parable He did not speak to them** , 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: _"I will open My mouth in parables;_ _I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."_

The first mention of the word "parable" in the Old Testament is found in Numbers 23:7 while the first mention of this word in the New Testament is found in plural form in our passages above. The Hebrew word for parable in the King James Old Testament is found 38 times, but is translated, not only as "parable," but also "proverb" and once as "byword" (Psalms 44:14). In the King James New Testament, the Greek word for parable is found 50 times, translated as "parable" or "parables," but also once as "comparison" (Mark 4:30), once as "proverb" (Luke 4:23), and twice as "figure" (Heb. 9:9; 11:19).

The definition of this word in the Old Testament reads, "In some original sense of _superiority_ in mental action; properly a pithy _maxim_ , usually of a metaphorical nature; hence a _simile_ (as an adage, poem, discourse)."

The definition of this word in the New Testament reads, "A _similitude_ (" _parable_ "), i.e. (symbolic) _fictitious narrative_ (of common life conveying a moral), _apothegm_ or _adage_." It's taken from a compound word which means, "To _throw alongside_ , i.e. (reflexive) to _reach_ a place, or (figurative) to _liken_."

Look again at the definition from which the word parable is taken, meaning, "To _throw alongside_." Consider the following from Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament.

Parables (παραβολαῖς)

From παρά, beside, and βάλλω, to throw. A parable is a form of teaching in which one thing is thrown beside another. Hence its radical idea is comparison. Sir John Cheke renders biword, and the same idea is conveyed by the German Beispiel, a pattern or example;bei, beside, and the old high German spel, discourse or narration.

The word is used with a wide range in scripture, but always involves the idea of comparison...

Now, let me share with you an excerpt from J. Preston Eby's "Echoes from Eden" and his explanation of parables.

"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Gen 2:8-9).

The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is the greatest parable in the Bible. It is supremely important because it explains the real nature of our life here on earth. It tells us about ourselves, about our state of being, and how we bring about the conditions in which we live. It is the blueprint of man's experience on earth and his destiny in God. When you thoroughly understand the Garden of Eden you will understand the nature of God, the nature of man, and the nature of Satan. This parable is placed at the beginning of human history, because it is the foundation upon which the whole plan of purpose of God is built. The entire revelation of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, assumes an understanding of the great principles and characteristics in the Garden of Eden.

Don't let it disturb you that I call the Garden of Eden a parable. What is a parable? Your dictionary or Bible Concordance will tell you that a parable places one thing alongside another for a variety of reasons. There are quite a number of English words which sound a little like parable; in fact they all start with the same four letters, P-A-R-A. This prefix "para" means "by the side of." One word I would like you to think of is the very common word parallel. It's a word they use a great many times in school. In the Art Department, in the Geography Department, in the Mathematics Department, even in the Music Department, as music is written on five parallel lines, and, of course, in the English Department. If you look at the edges of this paper you'll find they are parallel with each other. If you are sitting at a table it is most likely to have parallel sides. The edges to the door of your room should be parallel; the floor and ceiling ought to be parallel; the edges of the window frames should be parallel, too! So now I've got you thinking about this word parallel perhaps it would help if we wrote the two words down like this:

P A R A B L E

P A R A L L E L

Now we can ask another question: If a parable is only a story, why not call it a story? Why use an unusual word like parable, if an ordinary word like story will do? The answer is simple: A parable is more than a story. It is a story plus, it has a bonus added to the story. It has two things that run side by side – the lesson and the reality!

So that's where a parable is different; it's more than a story – it has a story line and then a parallel line – a new idea, concept, or meaning to comprehend! Also – parables may be based upon actual events. For instance, when Jesus begins His parable by saying, "A sower went forth to sow..." if there were no such things as actual farmers, soil, and seed we would miss His point altogether. The natural and outward corresponds in principle to the spiritual and inward – the one is set along side the other. That's just what makes it a parable! So do not be distressed by the representation of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden as a parable!

There is one thing about which God's people must be perfectly clear. The Bible is not primarily intended to teach history or biography. It is intended to teach THE PURPOSES OF GOD and SPIRITUAL REALITIES. It deals primarily with states of being and the laws of spiritual activity; and anything else is only incidental. Each of the principal characters in the Bible represents a kind of nature, character, or state of being that any of us may experience and walk in; and the events that happen to the various characters illustrate the consequences to us of walking in such realms of nature and character, either good or bad. Some of the Bible characters, such as Adam and Eve, Moses, Elijah, and Paul, are indeed historical figures. They were real people who lived on earth and did the deeds attributed to them; nonetheless they represent kinds of natures and states of being revealed in their varying hues as their lives unfolded. Other Bible characters, such as the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, or the Great Harlot in Revelation are, of course, fictional and never lived on earth as actual persons; but as parables and allegories they express inner conditions and states of being too, and always in a most effective and graphic manner.

You cannot with brush and canvas paint a picture of fear for instance; but you can paint a picture of a human being, and create terror on his countenance. You cannot take a pencil and draw sensuality, rebellion, hatred, or spiritual bondage as such; but you can take a pen and write about great crises in men's lives, about the emotional trauma, inner torment, and excruciating pain caused by tyranny, brutality, hatred, bigotry, immoral conduct, hopelessness, despair, darkness, and death men execute and perpetrate upon one another. You can describe the righteous judgments of God brought into men's lives by all these evils, as does the Bible, with the symbolic term "hell fire." And the carnal mind and natural understanding is certain to think that you mean a literal human body being tortured in a physical flame! On the other hand, you cannot picture a soul abiding in the perfect peace, joy and harmony of the glorious presence of God, adoring and worshipful; but you can speak of a great choir of rapturous beings playing music upon perfectly tuned harps, and again the carnally minded people will think that redeemed souls are to spend eternity literally playing harps! The Spirit of God uses this method to impart understanding to our minds and hearts. The Spirit uses outer concrete things to express inner spiritual realities. As Paul says, "These things are an allegory" (Gal 4:24).

In the Garden of Eden many people seem to think that Eve symbolizes woman as a sex and that Adam somehow stands for man as a sex. The truth goes far beyond this! Adam and Eve in the Garden represent the whole of humanity in the first Adam. They represent you and me and every man and woman who has ever lived or shall live. What happened to him happens to us. What he was we are. His experience is our experience. His destiny is our destiny. May the mighty spirit of wisdom and revelation from God give enlightenment to the eyes of your understanding that you may see and know of a truth that what was happening to Adam in the Garden speaks of spiritual realities even in the beginning of history, before history, beyond history and yet in history; it is we ourselves of whom the Garden speaks, it is we ourselves who are confronted, intended, addressed, accused, expelled, instructed, and redeemed.

What an excellent explanation of parables from J. Preston Eby! Wouldn't you agree?

Matthew 13:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 **Then He spoke many things to them in parables**...

Matthew 13:34-35 (NKJV)  
34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; **and without a parable He did not speak to them** , 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: _"I will open My mouth in parables;_ _I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."_

Following our passages above in Matthew 13, we find the Parable of the Sower. After the Lord shared this parable with the "great multitudes," His disciples came to Him and asked Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" (Matt. 13:10) Valid question.

Matthew 13:11-17 (NKJV)  
11 He answered and said to them, " **Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given**. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, **because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand**. 14 **And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled** , which says: _'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,_ _And seeing you will see and not perceive;_ 15 _For the hearts of this people have grown dull._ _Their ears are hard of hearing,_ _And their eyes they have closed,_ _Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,_ _Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,_ _So that I should heal them.'_ 16 "But blessed _are_ your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous _men_ desired to see what you see, and did not see _it,_ and to hear what you hear, and did not hear _it._

Why did the Lord speak to them in parables? Because it was given to His disciples "to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them," the multitudes, it was not given. Furthermore, "I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled" (Isa. 6:9-10). According to the Lord, the hearts of His people had "grown dull," and due to this fact, their "eyes" and "ears," spiritually speaking, were incapable of receiving what Jesus taught. These statements set a precedent which we will consider throughout this study.

So think about this. According to Matthew 12, verses 39 through 45, Jesus declared that His wisdom was greater than that of Jonah and Solomon. This being true, He expressed this wisdom to the multitudes in parables. As it states above, "All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; _and without a parable He did not speak to them_ , that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: _"I will open My mouth in parables;_ _I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world"_ (Matt. 13:34-35; Psalms 78:2).

John 6:63 (NKJV)  
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. **The words that I speak to you are spirit, and** _they_ **are life**.

John 8:26 (NKJV)  
26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and **I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him**."

John 8:38 (NKJV)  
38 **I speak what I have seen with My Father** , and you do what you have seen with your father."

John 12:49-50 (NKJV)  
49 For **I have not spoken on My own** _authority_ _;_ but **the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak**. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, **whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak**."

These passages leave no doubt. Jesus spoke the words of our Father, words of wisdom that proceeded from God Almighty Himself. And I don't believe anyone would argue with me when I say that there is no greater wisdom. Know my friend that the words of Jesus are "spirit" and "life," therefore they must be received "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). This too explains why the multitudes did not understand His teachings. Few in Jesus' day were able to receive "in spirit."

It should come as no surprise that Jesus used parables to illustrate the mysteries of the kingdom of God, for the Old Testament is written in the same fashion. From Genesis to Malachi, the Word of God uses parables, symbols, analogies, metaphors, as well as what is known as "types" and "shadows."

"Types" are a person or thing in the Old Testament which foreshadows (shadow) a spiritual reality in the New Testament. For example, the flood of Noah's day in Genesis, Chapters 6 and 7, is used as a "type" of baptism in I Peter 3:20-21. The word for type that Peter uses is "figure."

Think of "shadow" or "shadows" in the same way we see it today. The "shadow" of a tree is not the tree, however, the fact that it is cast by the tree points to its reality.

Finally, we should realize that even today, human speech often involves literal and figurative elements. How often do we find ourselves speaking in such terms as, "My feet are killing me," yet none of us would picture someone's feet actually rising up to do bodily harm to someone.

In agreement with Eby, it is my opinion that the story of Adam and Eve is presented as a parable; it is a story with an added bonus. One thing has been "thrown beside another" for the sake of comparison, "not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (I Cor. 2:13). The Garden of Eden, along with the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life, is not a literal garden or trees. And by no means would the serpent be a literal, talking snake. When we recognize this fact, then we should also realize that those things presented to us in Genesis require diligent research, consideration, and a humble heart to arrive at an understanding of what these things truly mean.

Revelation 1:1 (KJV)  
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and **signified** _it_ by his angel unto his servant John...

We will get into the book of the Revelation in this study, so it's important to understand that this book is the most symbolic book of the Bible. In agreement with this thought, consider our passage above and the word "signified." The definition of this word from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words reads, "To give a sign, indicate," and "to signify," and finally, "Where perhaps the suggestion is that of expressing by signs." In other words, the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to John was in keeping with the rest of scripture, _presented in symbolic form_. That being said, some of the symbols are interpreted within Revelation itself (Rev. 1:20; 19:8), however, much of it is not. So how do we come to understand it? By seeking out the meaning in other areas of scripture, for rest assured that the meaning of the symbols in Revelation are found in both the Old and New Testaments when we are willing to study and search it out.

So why parables? Because they are like a wheel with spokes in that many things can be connected in scripture to give a greater understanding of the subject at hand. Think about it. When Jesus said, "The seed is the Word of God" (Luke 8:11), doesn't that open up something about the Word of our Maker which can be better explained and understood by comparing it to a natural seed? And when we do, we get a better grasp of the intricacies of His divine truth.

As I close this chapter, allow me to share with you an illustration to provoke you to thought.

# Chapter Two

# TWO

If you are familiar with any of my studies, you know that I place a lot of importance on the spiritual meaning of numbers. Several books have been written on this topic, two of which I use quite often; _Number in Scripture – Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance_ by E.W. Bullinger, and _Biblical Mathematics – Keys to Scripture Numerics_ by Ed F. Vallowe.

In this study we will consider the spiritual meaning of several numbers but the most important for the first part of this study is the number _two_. Here's a brief explanation of its spiritual meaning from E.W. Bullinger.

We now come to the spiritual significance of the number Two. We have seen that One excludes all difference, and denotes that which is sovereign. But Two affirms that there is a difference—there is another; while One affirms that there is not another!

This difference may be for good or for evil. A thing may differ from evil, and be good; or it may differ from good, and be evil. Hence, the number Two takes a two-fold colouring, according to the context.

It is the first number by which we can divide another, and therefore in all its uses we may trace this fundamental idea of division or difference.

The two may be, though different in character, yet one as to testimony and friendship. The Second that comes in may be for help and deliverance. But, alas! where man is concerned, this number testifies of his fall, for it more often denotes that difference which implies opposition, enmity, and oppression.

Here's a portion of what Ed F. Vallowe wrote in _Biblical Mathematics_.

TWO is the number of UNION (TWO becoming ONE). This also has the meaning of DIVISION and WITNESSING. Amid the dangers of primitive life, with a fear of wild beasts, or of hostile attack by his enemies constantly before him, man gained courage in companionship. TWO were far stronger and more effective than ONE. Thus, the number "TWO" came to stand for strengthening, for confirmation, for redoubled courage and energy. As TWO were joined together in a union, strength and power was united into ONE force.

There was a symbolic significance in the fact that Jesus sent His disciples forth TWO by TWO. TWO witnesses confirmed the truth, and their testimony which otherwise would have been weak was made strong. Always this number TWO meant augmented strength, redoubled energy, confirmed power.

As both Bullinger and Vallowe attest, _two_ is the number which represents _division_ or _witness_ (union), depending on the context. Also consider the following explanation of the spiritual meaning of two from Stephen E. Jones and his book, _The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty_.

Two (beth)

Division, Double Witness

Beth is a house or household in Hebrew. God established the household with Adam and Eve, two people in a marriage. This provided direction, a double witness in the family to know the will of God. It takes two points to make a line and establish direction.

The number two signifies either division or a double witness. God established two covenants in the Bible, first as a double witness of truth, but also to establish direction. Going from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant shows a progression of revelation from the lesser to the greater.

This same principle is found with Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac, with Jacob and Israel, with David and Saul, and (in the New Testament) in the contrast between Saul and Paul. In each case, there is division with a resulting conflict between the two characters, yet also God establishes the pattern of moving from one point to another.

Consider what's recorded in the creation story and you will find confirmation of its spiritual significance. On the first day, God divided the light from the darkness (Gen. 1:4). Since darkness is the absence of light, then it stands that you cannot have darkness without it.

On the second day of creation, God divided "the waters from the waters" (Gen. 1:6). What happens when you pour water into water? You can't tell them apart because they blend together as one substance.

On the third day, God divided the waters from the earth (Gen. 1:9), but it's just one planet isn't it?

Finally, on the fourth day, God provided "lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night" (Gen. 1:14), and while it is day on our side of the planet, isn't it also night elsewhere? Furthermore, the light of the moon is simply a reflection of the light of the sun, so it is essentially one light.

On the first four days of creation we find a separation of one thing from another, (even as Eve was taken from the side of Adam; Gen. 2:21; I Cor. 11:8-9). Herein lies the beauty of God's wisdom in all of creation, for in that which has been divided is found the witness of the one who divided it, a testimony of our Creator that is made far more evident when the two are once more brought together (union).

Also consider that our human form is both "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalms 139:14), consisting of two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, two arms, two hands, two legs, and two feet. Ah, but it is just one body isn't it? Coincidence, or has our Creator designed us in accordance with this twofold principle?

Allow me to give you one more example. For each of the six days of creation, and after God's Word had brought forth, we read, "So the evening and the morning were the first day... the second day," and so on. Evening and morning, not morning and evening? Correct. So wouldn't this indicate that the creation of the world and all that is in it was "darkness"? Yes. So where is the morning and evening or light? In God Himself, for "God is light" (I John 1:5). So just as the natural light of the sun was given to sustain life on this planet, so too the spiritual light of our Father is necessary for our well-being. Apart from the natural light of the sun, all life on this planet would cease to exist, and in the realm of Spirit, the same is true. So, darkness doesn't necessarily mean that something is evil, it just means that it needs light to survive. No wonder John wrote, "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5).

As we move forward in this study, we will find that in division is revealed the witness necessary to promulgate God's purpose in this earth.

# Chapter Three

# EASTWARD

Isaiah 46:8-10 (NKJV)  
8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, for I _am_ God, and _there is_ no other; _I am_ God, and _there is_ none like Me, 10 **declaring the end from the beginning** , and **from ancient times** ( _eastward_ ) _things_ **that are not** _yet_ **done** , saying, **'My counsel shall stand** , and **I will do all My pleasure**...'

Genesis 2:8 (NKJV)  
8 The Lord God planted a garden **eastward** ( _ancient times_ ) in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed.

In Genesis 2:8, our word "eastward" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "The _front_ , of place (absolute the _fore part_ , relative the _East_ ) or time ( _antiquity_ ); often used adverbially ( _before, anciently, eastward_ )." As shown, our phrase "ancient times" in Isaiah 46:10 is the same Hebrew word.

Now, Genesis means "origin" or "beginning," so wouldn't this correlate with our passages from Isaiah where we read, "Declaring the end from the beginning," especially considering the fact that "ancient times" means "eastward," agreeing with Genesis 2:8? Know too that the transliteration of "eastward" or "ancient times" is found 87 times in the Old Testament, usually translated as "east" but also as "old" and "ancient."

Psalms 74:12 (KJV)  
12 For God _is_ my King **of old** , working salvation in the midst of the earth.

Psalms 78:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 A Contemplation of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, _to_ my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings **of old** , 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

Psalms 119:151-152 (NKJV)  
151 You _are_ near, O Lord, and all Your commandments _are_ truth. 152 Concerning Your testimonies, I have known **of old** that You have founded them forever.

Our phrase "of old"? It's the same word. Does Psalms 78, verse 2, look familiar? It should. Jesus referred to this in Matthew 13:35, which we looked at in Chapter One.

"Eastward" signifies the east. As all of us know, the sun rises in the east. So we read, "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem" (Matt. 2:1). Ah, "wise men from the East." Consider the following from Proverbs concerning the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 8:22-23 (KJV)  
22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, **before** his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, **or ever** the earth was.

"Before" and "or ever" is our same word for "eastward." East, eastward, the rising of the sun, the natural light of the sun typifying the spiritual and boundless wisdom of our Father. No wonder James wrote, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the _Father of lights_ , with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17). Again consider.

1 John 1:5 (KJV)  
5 **This then is the message** which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that **God is light** , _and in him is no darkness at all_.

"This then is the message," this then is what we need to truly understand, "that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." Oh my friend, how much we blame our Creator for those things we don't understand. There is no darkness at all in our Creator. He alone is God and in His immutable wisdom He determined the path of His creation before there was even an earth (Prov. 8:22-36). "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (II Peter 1:19). Look once more at our passages from earlier.

Isaiah 46:8-10 (NKJV)  
8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, for I _am_ God, and _there is_ no other; _I am_ God, and _there is_ none like Me, 10 **declaring the end from the beginning** , and **from ancient times** ( _eastward_ ) _things_ **that are not** _yet_ **done** , saying, **'My counsel shall stand** , and **I will do all My pleasure**...'

Genesis 2:8 (NKJV)  
8 The Lord God planted a garden **eastward** ( _ancient times_ ) in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed.

The Word of God is indisputable, so let us not add to or take from what God Himself has said. He has declared "the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done." So it is that "God planted a garden eastward," in ancient times, concealing spiritual realities in parables, "and there He put the man," all of us, past, present, future, whom He "had formed," until such time that He allows us to see, understand, and grasp those things which He has determined. His "counsel shall stand" and He will do all His pleasure.

# Chapter Four

# THE GARDEN OF EDEN

As we have learned, Genesis means "origin" or "beginning," and so John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). His Word is His wisdom and we have found that His wisdom "was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was" (Prov. 8:23; KJV).

What did Jesus teach? "The seed is the Word of God" (Luke 8:11). Jesus did not say it was "like" a "seed," but is the "seed." So in the beginning we find the "seed" of His living Word. Ah, but having a seed is to no advantage unless it is sown. So it was that "the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed." Our Creator placed the "seed" of His divine wisdom into humankind's existence and then He placed humankind into it (Gen. 2:8; Matt. 13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12, 15).

In our parable in Genesis we find a simple pattern. First we have Eden, where the garden was placed. Then we have the garden itself. Within the garden we find two trees in the middle. Finally, outside of Eden we have the land of Nod (Gen. 4:16). This gives us four areas to consider. Here's the spiritual meaning of four from E.W. Bullinger's Number in Scripture – Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance.

We have seen that three signifies Divine perfection.

Now the number four is made up of three and one (3+1=4), and it denotes, therefore, and marks that which follows the revelation of God, namely, His creative works. He is known by the things that are seen. Hence the written revelation commences with the words, "In-the-beginning God CREATED." Creation is therefore the next thing—the fourth thing, and the number four always has reference to all that is created. It is emphatically the number of Creation; of man in his relation to the world as created; while six is the number of man in his opposition to and independence of God. It is the number of things that have a beginning, of things that are made, of material things, and matter itself. It is the number of material completeness. Hence it is the world number, and especially the "city" number.

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Gen 1:14-19).

Four is the number of the great elements—earth, air, fire, and water.

Four are the regions of the earth—north, south, east, and west.

Four are the divisions of the day—morning, noon, evening, and midnight. Or in our

Lord's words, when He speaks of His coming at evening, midnight, cock-crowing, or in the morning (Mark 13:35). We are never to put off His coming in our minds beyond tomorrow morning.

Four are the seasons of the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Four are the great variations of the lunar phases.

In Genesis 2:10, 11, the one river of Paradise was parted, and became into four heads, and "the fourth river is Euphrates." Here, as so often elsewhere, the four is made up of 3 + 1. For three of these rivers are now unnamed, while one is still known by its original name "Euphrates."

Four marks division also. For the river was "parted." It is the first number which is not a "prime," the first which can be divided. It is the first square number also, and therefore it marks a kind of completeness as well, which we have called material completeness.

In the next chapter (Gen 3:22-24) the cherubim are first mentioned. These are four, and they have to do with creation always. They are first seen here, keeping, i.e., guarding (Gen 2:15), the Tree of Life, and thus preserving the blessed hope of immortality for creation. They are next seen in connection with atonement, showing the only ground on which creation could hope for the end of its groaning. They are seen on the veil and on the mercy-seat, binding up the hope of creation with Him who is called "the Hope of Israel." So that there is no hope for a groaning creation apart from atonement, apart from Christ, or apart from Israel. In the Apocalypse the same four cherubim are called ζῶον, "the living creatures" (Rev 4). These announce the Coming One; these sing of creation and of Him who created all things, and for whose pleasure they were created (Rev 4:11). Whenever they speak it is in connection with the earth. These call forth and announce the judgments or plagues (Rev 6) which issue on the ejection of the Usurper from the earth, and the destruction of them which destroy the earth, and in the exaltation and enthronement of Him when all the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord and His anointed, and when the LORD God omnipotent reigneth.

Four is the "number of Creation," of God's "creative works" and of "man in his relation to the world as created." "It is the _world number_ , and especially the 'city' number." In keeping with this understanding, our Lord taught the Parable of the Sower, showing _four_ divisions which incorporates _the entire world_ ; the wayside, stony places, thorns, and good ground.

Is the Parable of the Sower the presentation of the Garden of Eden? I believe it is. What begins as a parable in Genesis is further defined by the parable which Jesus taught. No wonder Jesus asked His disciples, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?" You see my friend, Jesus knew and understood what His Father was declaring in ancient times.

# Chapter Five

# TWO TREES

Genesis 2:8 (NKJV)  
8 The Lord God **planted a garden** eastward in Eden, and there He put the **man** whom He had formed.

Our word "man" in this passage is inclusive of every human being who has or ever will live on this planet. It is the word translated as "Adam," meaning, "Ruddy, i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)." For this reason Paul could write, "For as in (just like) Adam all die" (I Cor. 15:22).

Despite the traditional view, understand that Adam and Eve were not the parents of every living human being, for that would have required incest to propagate the species which is clearly condemned in the law. Rather, they were representative of the first generation of humankind out of which all other generations have evolved. Just as one policeman represents the entire police department, so too Adam and Eve represent the first generation of humankind. This explains how Adam and Eve's son, Cain, came to dwell in "the land of Nod on the east of Eden" (Gen. 4:16), found a wife, had a son, and "built a city" (Gen. 4:17). Whenever we consider Adam and Eve, we are in essence considering ourselves.

In the previous chapter, we discovered that the Garden of Eden is even better defined by the Parable of the Sower, illustrating the presentation of the "seed" of God's divine wisdom in the earth, representing the hearts of His creation. For this reason Jesus declared, "Man," inclusive of everyone, "shall not live by bread alone, but by every word," which begins as a seed, "that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4; Deut. 8:3). No wonder we read, "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness," (significant of a harvest; the result of the seed), "the world and those who dwell therein" (I Cor. 10:26; Psalms 24:1).

So what is the purpose of a garden? Is it not for the reason we have already considered, the planting of seed? Yes. But isn't it also for the purpose of eventually receiving that which was planted? Of course.

So what is the spiritual reality of the Garden of Eden? We've already mentioned the Parable of the Sower, however, Paul goes one step further and describes what is meant by it.

Galatians 6:7-10 (NKJV)  
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man **sows** , that he will also **reap**. 8 For he who **sows** to his flesh will of the flesh **reap** corruption, but he who **sows** to the Spirit will of the Spirit **reap** everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for **in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart**. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Friend, like our Maker, "whatever a man sows" or plants, "that he will also reap" or harvest. So here we have two components united in one principle. When we take time to ponder this, we will realize that this is an indisputable and universal principle relevant to everyone on this planet. It doesn't matter where one is born, what culture they are part of, or even what ideology they eventually come to embrace; what is "sown" or planted is what is "reaped" or harvested. It will not be otherwise. Just as you cannot plant apple seeds and expect oranges, neither can you sow hatred and bigotry and expect love and acceptance.

Matthew 13:19 (NKJV)  
19 When anyone hears **the word of the kingdom** , and does not understand _it_...

Here we go. What is the true essence of the Garden of Eden? It is the "seed" or Word of _His_ kingdom, the immutability of His divine wisdom revealed in the _twofold_ principle of sowing and reaping. No wonder John wrote, "And _the Word was God_ " (John 1:1) and Paul wrote, "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, _who became for us wisdom from God_ —and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (I Cor. 1:30), and finally, "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being... for we are also His offspring" (Acts 17:28; KJV). Unlike so many of the things we think, believe and say which are often in error, the same is not true of our Maker once it is truly understood. God's Word _is_ God and we, His creation, are subject to His divine injunctions whether we realize it or not. And so goes the principle of sowing and reaping.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)  
12 For **the word of God** _is_ living and powerful, and **sharper than any two-edged sword** , piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Genesis 2:9 (NKJV)  
9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow... **The tree of life** _was_ also in the midst of the garden, and **the tree of the knowledge of good and evil**.

1 Corinthians 15:46 (NKJV)  
46 However, the spiritual is not first, **but the natural** , and **afterward the spiritual**.

What do we have in regard to sowing and reaping in Galatians? Two principles bound up in one; "he who sows to his flesh" and "he who sows to the Spirit." It is two sides of one coin. No wonder Paul wrote, "The spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual."

What two trees are singled out for our consideration? The "tree of life" and the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." In regard to the tree of knowledge we read, "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Gen. 2:16-17). Furthermore, "And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden" (Gen. 3:2) and "she took of its fruit and ate" (Gen. 3:6). Clearly our trees are "fruit" trees, are they not? And how does a fruit tree form? Doesn't a seed have to be planted first? And what is the "seed"? Again, it is the "Word of God" (Luke 8:11). So we are not talking about literal trees or fruit, but symbols that define for us what happens when the "word of the kingdom" is presented to our heart (Matt. 13:19). Note too that both trees were "in the midst of the garden," clarifying that both are necessary in God's purpose in you and me.

To emphasize, a garden is for the express purpose of sowing or planting and reaping or harvest, and within this garden are two trees, one which defines the "knowledge of good and evil" and the other "life." Would the tree of knowledge then correlate with "he who sows to the flesh" and the tree of life correspond to "he who sows to the Spirit"? It would, for we are told that when we sow to our flesh we reap or harvest "decay and ruin and destruction" (Gal. 6:8; AMP), but when we sow to the Spirit we reap or harvest "everlasting life" (Gen. 3:24). So in our passages from Galatians, we have the "natural" first, followed by the "spiritual," agreeing with I Corinthians 15:46.

As I mentioned previously, the beauty of a parable is like the hub of a wheel with spokes extending outward, connecting many things together to form a more complete understanding of its presentation. No wonder our Creator chose this method to illustrate His truth to you and me. Let it be said that there is no book like the Bible which is so rich with purpose and meaning, with a wisdom that is so profound. Please consider the following illustration in light of what we have considered.

If you will, indulge me for a moment. What do we see in this illustration? One sword with two edges. We also see two trees. Remember our explanation of the spiritual meaning of two from Ed F. Vallowe's Biblical Mathematics? Here it is once again.

TWO is the number of UNION (TWO becoming ONE). This also has the meaning of DIVISION and WITNESSING. Amid the dangers of primitive life, with a fear of wild beasts, or of hostile attack by his enemies constantly before him, man gained courage in companionship. TWO were far stronger and more effective than ONE. Thus, the number "TWO" came to stand for strengthening, for confirmation, for redoubled courage and energy. As TWO were joined together in a union, strength and power was united into ONE force.

There was a symbolic significance in the fact that Jesus sent His disciples forth TWO by TWO. TWO witnesses confirmed the truth, and their testimony which otherwise would have been weak was made strong. Always this number TWO meant augmented strength, redoubled energy, confirmed power.

As mentioned, both trees were "in the midst of the garden," both necessary for our Father's purpose in humankind, but just as the Word of God is symbolized as one sword with two edges, so our two trees are really one as well, for "two is the number of union (TWO becoming ONE)." In fact, we could say that the two edges of the sword of the Word of God represent our two trees.

Now, let me say up front that our two trees are fig trees, which we'll consider further in this study, but understand that they are presented to us as two trees to exemplify the "witness" and "strength" and "confirmed power" of God's dynamic Word in the midst of His creation.

"The first man Adam was made a living soul," but "the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving) Spirit" (I Cor. 15:45; KJV). The first man Adam was "natural" but the last Adam was "spiritual" (I Cor. 15:46). "The first man was of the dust of the earth" but "the second man from heaven" (I Cor. 15:47; NIV). Like our two trees which are really one, we have two "Adams" if you will, which we will find are also essentially one.

And so I emphasize our principle of sowing and reaping. The one who sows to his flesh reaps corruption but the one who sows to the Spirit reaps everlasting life. One principle with two different outcomes but both necessary in the plan and purpose of God. And let it be said that the dynamic essence of His Word is so powerful that it pierces to the division of the soul (natural) from the spirit (spiritual), the joints (natural) from the marrow (spiritual), and the thoughts (natural) from the intents (spiritual) of the heart. So "there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Heb. 4:13).

# Chapter Six

# TWO BODIES

1 Corinthians 15:44 (NKJV)  
44... There is **a natural body** , and there is **a spiritual body**.

Friend, "the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12). One sword, two edges. In agreement, the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians, Chapter 6, verse 8, is a twofold principle, divinely wrought and divinely ordained for all creation, especially man, reflected in the two trees of the garden. Ah, but it doesn't end there, for in I Corinthians, Chapter 15, Paul uses this principle to define the most important understanding of scripture—the resurrection of the dead.

Romans 10:8-9 (NKJV)  
8 But what does it say? _"The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"_ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus **and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead** , you will be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (NKJV)  
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the **gospel** which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 3 **For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received** : that **Christ died for our sins** according to the Scriptures, 4 and that **He was buried** , and that **He rose again the third day** according to the Scriptures, 5 and that **He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve**. 6 After that **He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once** , of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that **He was seen by James, then by all the apostles**. 8 Then **last of all He was seen by me also** , as by one born out of due time.

What is the gospel? At its core it is that "Christ died for our sins," that "He was buried," and "that He rose again the third day." In agreement Paul stated that if we believe in our heart "that God has raised Him from the dead," we will be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (NKJV)  
12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that **there is no resurrection of the dead**? 13 But **if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen**. 14 And if Christ is not risen, **then our preaching** _is_ **empty and your faith** _is_ **also empty**. 15 Yes, and **we are found false witnesses of God** , because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 **For if** _the_ **dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen**. 17 And if Christ is not risen, **your faith** _is_ **futile; you are still in your sins**! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, **we are of all men the most pitiable**.

Note carefully how Paul addresses the resurrection of Christ. First, he is speaking to those who say "there is no resurrection of the dead." In other words, Christ did not rise because no one rises. When you're dead, you're dead and there's nothing after it! Sound familiar? It should, for there are many today who believe this, just as it was in the Lord's and Paul's day (Matt. 22:23).

Look again at our passages. As stated, the argument is "there is no resurrection of the dead." If this is true and the "dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen," our faith is futile and you and me are still in our sins. There is no atonement, no forgiveness, and no hope! Furthermore, we are "found false witnesses of God" and "our preaching is empty." This means that the Bible is a lie and Christianity is a hoax, a useless and vain religion concocted by the imaginations of many long ago and "we are of all men most pitiable." When we die, there's nothing; we simply cease to exist.

Ah, but if it is true that the dead rise, then Christ is risen. And if Christ is risen, then it begs the questions, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come"? So how does Paul answer? He turns to our principle of sowing and reaping, stating, "Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies." And what better evidence would there be than that which is found in nature, for we read, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made" (Rom. 1:20)?

John 12:24 (ESV)  
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, **unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies** , it remains alone; **but if it dies** , it bears much fruit.

Oh my friend, do we not know that a seed must fall into the ground and die before the life within it springs forth? "What you sow is not made alive unless it dies," but "if it dies, it bears much fruit"! Isn't evidence of this in plain sight in this natural realm in which we live; in the grass, plants, trees, insects, fish, animals, birds, and humans? And such is the principle of resurrection, for our word "resurrection" simply means, "A standing up again." So a seed falls into the ground to die in order to release the life contained within it to stand up again. In light of this natural phenomenon, is it so hard to believe in the spiritual reality of this basic and indisputable truth?

So the next question is, "With what body do they come"?

1 Corinthians 15:37-41 (NIV)  
37 When you sow, **you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed** , perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 **But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body**. 39 All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also **heavenly bodies** and there are **earthly bodies** ; but **the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind** , and **the splendor of the earthly bodies is another**. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

The seed is not the "body that will be." It's just a seed. Ah, but within the seed are the elements necessary to form the body "He has determined." Each kind of seed contains "its own body" (Gen. 1:11-12). So I'll say it again; you cannot plant an apple seed and expect oranges.

So what's the "body "of an apple seed? Is it not the tree which is formed from it up to and including the fruit? And what do we find in the fruit? More seed, but not until the tree or "body" reaches its maturity and is able to bring it forth.

John wrote, "God is light" (I John 1:5) and also wrote, "In Him (Jesus Christ) was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4), so understand that in our parabolic principle of sowing and reaping is a perfect picture of resurrection life! The seed of God's Word is sown into the "ground" or hearts of His creation, and being the living and dynamic essence of our Creator Himself, it cannot produce anything other than what it is, which is life! No wonder Jesus said that man, all-inclusive, lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). When I say this, I mean every single person who has or ever will live on this planet is subject to and enveloped in His all-encompassing Word regardless of whether they know it or believe it. Just as every created thing in this world follows a predetermined nature set forth by our Creator, having no choice whatsoever but to do so, so too do we. Just as a duck can only be a duck, we also follow a fixed process that was set in place before we were even formed!

1 Corinthians 15:42-46 (KJV)  
42 So also _is_ **the resurrection of the dead**. **It is sown** in corruption; **it is raised** in incorruption: 43 **It is sown** in dishonour; **it is raised** in glory: **it is sown** in weakness; **it is raised** in power: 44 **It is sown** a natural body; **it is raised** a spiritual body. There is **a natural body** , and there is **a spiritual body**. 45 And so it is written, **The first man Adam** was made a living soul; **the last Adam** _was made_ a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that _was_ not first which is spiritual, **but that which is natural** ; and afterward **that which is spiritual**.

Notice how Paul tells us, "It is sown in corruption." "It" refers to the entire process of "the resurrection of the dead" which begins "in corruption," "dishonor," and "weakness" in order to be "raised (stand up again) in incorruption," "glory," and "power." This shows that the "seed" of God's living Word, which can only produce life, is sown into our hearts when we are corruptible, dishonorable, and weak. Ah, but its purpose is to bring us to incorruption, glory, and power. And what begins as a "natural body" will ultimately become a "spiritual body."

So what is the "body" of the "seed"? It is the evidence of the Word of God within us! After all, if the "seed" is the living and powerful "Word of God," then the "body" it produces is the manifestation or expression (fruit) of this same Word! Paul defines this quite well in Romans, speaking of "the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom. 7:23), also calling it "the law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2), comparing it with the spiritual aspects of its working, stating "the law of God according to the inward man" (Rom. 7:22), "the law of my mind" (Rom. 7:23), and "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:2). When we carefully consider how Paul describes this in Romans 7:14 through Romans 8:11, we discover that Paul is describing for us the working and transition of God's law which, once sown within our hearts, evolves from "natural" to "spiritual" by means of His divine process. And when does this happen? The moment we are conceived and the "breath of life" or spirit enters into this human form (Gen. 2:7). Think about it. Reality clearly indicates that everyone on this planet struggles with the "law of sin and death" in their "members" (Rom. 7:22-25; 8:2). For this reason Paul wrote, "The letter kills," (for as in Adam all die...), "but the Spirit gives life," (... even so in Christ all shall be made alive) (II Cor. 3:6; I Cor. 15:22). What is seen in the "outward" man of our soul (first Adam) is the manifestation of an "inward" work pertaining to our spirit (last Adam; II Cor. 4:16).

Remember, Adam is the one who represents the many. This being true, so too is Christ, for He also is "Adam." Our Adam in the garden was "the first man," but Christ was the "second" and "last" (John 12:31; I Cor. 15:47). Just like our two-edged sword and two trees, we have two "Adams," two representations of all humankind; past, present, and future. The "first man Adam" signifies the beginning of the process when the "seed" is first "sown" into the "ground" or heart, while the "second" or "last Adam," Christ, defines the end of the process, where the "fruit" reveals the evidence of what was sown. So with certainty, Paul wrote, "For as in Adam all die," i.e. our process begins in the same way as Adam, "even so in Christ all shall be made alive," our process ends in Christ (I Cor. 15:22). In all of this we see that our Creator's purpose and process reconciles everyone to Himself, for Paul wrote that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." (II Cor. 5:19; see also Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:20). Just as all of us died in the "first man Adam," so too all of us were judged and made alive through the "last Adam," Christ. This shows that absolutely no one is outside the scope of God's eternal purpose in this earth and that in the end, everyone returns to the Father (Ecc. 12:7)!

So allow me to emphasize this point. What is "sown"? The "seed" of the Word of God. And what is the essence of His Word? Life, but more specifically the process of resurrection, which begins with life, then death, then life once again, confirmed by the Lord's brief parable in John 12:24.

So think about this. When John the Baptist came preaching and baptizing "he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees," the religious leaders of the Jews, "coming to his baptism." What did John say to them? "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance." He followed with, "And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matt. 3:7-8, 10). Trees? Fruit? Yes! Consider.

Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)  
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 **You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?** 17 **Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.** 18 **A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor** _can_ **a bad tree bear good fruit.** 19 **Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.** 20 **Therefore by their fruits you will know them.**

Apparently "trees" were an important symbolism to both John the Baptist and Christ Jesus, were they not? Why was this? Could it be because our parable in Genesis begins with a garden in which are found two very important "trees"? I believe so. And keep in mind that John and Jesus, as well as all the disciples, did not have the New Testament. Rather, they had the Old from which they pulled from to declare the gospel. We could in fact say that the New Testament was derived from the Old, revealing the spiritual realities that were brought forth as "types" and "shadows." In regard to the ten Old Testament books most cited in the New Testament, we have over two thousand references.

So let me emphasize a very important point. Concerning the resurrection of the dead, Paul begins his point with, "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believe in vain" (I Cor. 15:1-2). He then goes on to explain that Christ died and rose again the third day "according to the Scriptures" (I Cor. 15:3-4). As he continues, he uses the principle of sowing and reaping to illustrate and define the principle of resurrection, bringing in "the first man Adam" and Christ, "the last Adam," stepping all the way back to Genesis to show that it incorporates everyone since the beginning. And does he not make it very clear that if there is no resurrection, then Christ is not risen and we are yet in our sins? He does. That being said, I think it's safe to say then that the resurrection of the dead is the gospel of Christ, the "hub of the wheel" to which all of our "spokes" attach. It is the focal point of scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

Is there an afterlife? Most definitely, confirmed by the principle of sowing and reaping which exists all around us. Our Creator has made it quite evident in all that He has created. Countless seeds have been sown and died to "stand up again" in the "body" which He determined and this is clear evidence that within His "law of sin and death" is found "life." Friend, know that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul" (Psalms 19:7; KJV).

On a side note, when I did a search for the phrase "law of the Lord," it's found just _eighteen_ times in the Old Testament. _Eighteen_ is the number which stands for "bondage" (Vallowe) and can be seen as _three sixes_ or "666." This is the number which signifies the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:18). And what is the "mark"? _It is the law_ my friend, under which all of us stand until such time that we are truly converted to walk in its spiritual essence (see my study, "The Dream – Through the Eyes of Sowing and Reaping" and the chapter, "The Mark of the Beast"). No wonder the word "sin" is derived from the word which means, "To _miss_ the _mark_."

Ecclesiastes 12:7 (KJV)  
7 Then shall **the dust** return to the earth as it was: and **the spirit** shall return unto God who gave it.

# Chapter Seven

# TWO ADAMS

1 Corinthians 15:44-46 (NKJV)  
44 It is sown **a natural body** , it is raised **a spiritual body**. There is **a natural body** , and there is **a spiritual body**. 45 And so it is written, _"_ _The first man Adam_ _became a living being_ (living soul; KJV) _."_ **The last Adam** _became_ a life-giving spirit. 46 However, **the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual**.

The spiritual is not first, the natural is. Adam was first and defines the natural, and Adam, was a son of God.

Luke 3:38 (NKJV)  
38... _the son_ of Enos, _the son_ of Seth, _the son_ **of Adam,** _the son_ **of God**.

In our parable of Adam and Eve we are presented with the Garden of Eden, denoting as we have found, the twofold principle of sowing and reaping represented by the two trees in the garden. But let's go deeper with our understanding.

Genesis 2:9 (KJV)  
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, **and the tree of knowledge of good and evil**.

What do we find in the garden? Not a literal tree but a tree of "knowledge." And not just any knowledge, but knowledge of "good and evil." In other words, a moral standard by which we live. Please consider.

Romans 7:5, 7 (NKJV)  
5 For **when we were in the flesh** , the sinful passions **which were aroused by the law** were at work in our members **to bear fruit to death**... 7 What shall we say then? _Is_ **the law sin**? Certainly not! On the contrary, **I would not have known sin except through the law**. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, _"You shall not covet."_

Look at our phrase, "when we were in the flesh." Would this correlate with our "first man Adam"? It would. Please consider.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)  
7 And **the Lord God formed man** _of_ **the dust of the ground** , and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (soul; KJV).

1 Corinthians 15:45-49 (NIV)  
45 So it is written: "The **first man Adam** became a living being (soul)"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, **but the natural** , and after that the spiritual. 47 **The first man was of the dust of the earth** , the second man from heaven. 48 **As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth** ; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 **And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven**.

Our "first man Adam," was formed from "the dust of the ground." So Paul writes, "The first man was of the dust of the earth" and "as was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth." "The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual." What does the "natural" typify? Consider.

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NKJV)  
14 **But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God** , for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know _them,_ because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is _rightly_ judged by no one.

Genesis 3:3 (NKJV)  
3... but of **the fruit of the tree** which _is_ in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, **lest you die**.' "

Do you see it? The "natural" points to "the natural man" who "does not receive the things of the Spirit of God." And what happens when we are in this state of being? According to Romans 7:5, our "sinful passions" are "aroused by the law" and works "in our members to bear fruit to death" (agreeing with Genesis 3:3). Is this what is portrayed with Adam and Eve in Genesis, Chapter 3? I believe it is. This shows that the tree of knowledge of good and evil is symbolic of the law. Paul confirms this stating, "I would not have known sin except through the law." Furthermore, "Therefore, just as through one man," referring to Adam (Rom. 5:14), "sin entered the world" (Rom. 5:12), and sin "is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4; KJV). So to put it simply, the tree of knowledge is figurative of the law and isn't the moral purpose of a law to define "good and evil"? Of course.

Now, let me make a bold statement. The letter of the law kills or brings death, right? That being said, then the existence of death, just as life, is irrefutable evidence of our Creator and His dynamic Word.

Romans 5:19 (NKJV)  
19 For **as by one man's disobedience** many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

Didn't God command Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge? He did. So as our parable goes, Adam disobeyed this one commandment. And just as Adam is one yet indicative of many, so too the commandment of God is one indicative of many.

Romans 5:18 (NKJV)  
18 Therefore, as through **one man's** offense _judgment_ came to all men...

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)  
27 And as **it is appointed for men to die once** , but **after this the judgment**...

Should there be any doubt about Adam's fall being by divine ordinance, consider our two passages above. Paul, speaking of Adam, tells us quite clearly, "through one man's offense judgment came to all men." Hebrews then confirms it. "It is appointed," i.e. divinely ordained, "for men to die once" (just like Adam), but after this the judgment." Would this "judgment" be reflected in the reaping of what we sow? I believe it would. Remember, this is a universal principle relevant to all humankind.

Adam, representative of all humankind, was made "a living soul" (Gen. 2:7). We then read in Ezekiel 18:4, "Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die" (KJV). Adam was "alive" before he sinned (living soul), but then "died" after he took of the tree of knowledge, reaping "death" as a consequence. But does this mean that Adam no longer belonged to the Father? Not at all, for "all souls" are His.

So let me say it again. Adam was a son of God. This being true, and the story of Adam and Eve being quite specific, there is another "son of God" which I believe Adam represents. Collectively speaking, it was the nation of Israel.

Exodus 4:22-23 (NKJV)  
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the Lord: " **Israel** _is_ **My son** , My firstborn. 23 So I say to you, **let My son go** that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn." ' "

What did the Lord God tell Moses to tell Pharaoh? "Israel is My son, My firstborn." So what is seen as one "son of God" in Genesis is now seen as a collective "son" in Exodus. Quite important wouldn't you say?

So what would be the most significant aspect to consider concerning the nation of Israel? Would it not be the giving of the law since that is what is reflected in the tree of knowledge in our parable in Genesis? Wasn't it the law of God given at Mount Sinai that separated Israel from the rest of the nations on earth? Most definitely!

Exodus 3:1-12 (NKJV)  
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. **And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God**. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush _was_ not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn." 4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." 5 Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand _is_ holy ground." 6 Moreover He said, "I _am_ the God of your father--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. 7 And the Lord said: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who _are_ in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God, "Who _am_ I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 So He said, "I will certainly be with you. **And this** _shall be_ **a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain**."

Most everyone is familiar with the story of Moses and the burning bush. Now, look at where we read, "And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." There Moses sees the burning bush and the Lord speaks to him about delivering His people from Egypt. So Moses asks, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" The Lord's reply? "I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." What mountain? "Horeb, the mountain of God." Consider the following from the "Jewish Encyclopedia" at www.jewishencyclopedia.com (by Joseph Jacobs, M. Seligsohn, and Wilhelm Bacher; published 1906) (bolding mine).

Mount Horeb—Biblical Data:

Mountain situated in the desert of Sinai, famous for its connection with the promulgation of the Law by God through Moses (Ex. xix. 1-xx. 18). The general opinion of modern scholars is that the name "Sinai" is derived from the name of the Babylonian moon-god Sin. Mount Sinai is often referred to as "the mountain" (that is, the mountain par excellence), "the mountain of Elohim" (Hebr.), and "the mountain of Yhwh" (Hebr.; Ex. iii. 1, iv. 27, xviii. 5, xix. 2, et passim; Num. x. 33), and in many other passages it is called "Horeb" (Ex. iii. 1; Deut. i. 2 et passim). The Biblical text, indeed, seems to indicate that this last was its proper name, while "Sinai" was applied to the desert. According to one theory, Sinai and Horeb are the names of two eminences belonging to the same range; if this be so the range became prominent in the history of the Hebrews some time before the promulgation of the Law. When Moses led the flocks of his father-in-law to the desert and came "to the mountain of God, even to Horeb," an angel appeared to him from a flaming bush, and then God Himself spoke to Moses, telling him that where he stood was holy ground, thus foreshadowing the great event that was to occur there. From that mountain God persuaded Moses to go to Pharaoh and deliver the Israelites from his yoke. After the Exodus, when the Israelites who had encamped at Rephidim were suffering with thirst, Moses, by command of God, smote water from a rock in Horeb (Ex. xvii. 6).

Having encamped before Mount Sinai, the Israelites were told that from this mountain they would receive the commandments of God, and that they would hear His very voice. They were commanded to give three days to preparation for that solemnity, for on the third day God would come down on the mountain in sight of all the people. Moses set a boundary up to which they might go, and they were prohibited under penalty of death from even touching the mountain. On the third day the mountain was enveloped in a cloud; it quaked and was filled with smoke as God descended upon it, while lightning-flashes shot forth, and the roar of thunder mingled with the peals of trumpets. Then Moses appeared upon it and promulgated the Ten Commandments, after which God instructed him in many of the laws which form a part of the Pentateuch (Ex. xix. 1-xxiii. 33). Later, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel went together up the mountain, where they saw the God of Israel. Mount Sinai was then enveloped in a cloud for six days, while on its summit, fire, the emblem of God, was seen burning. On the seventh day Moses was commanded by God to ascend the mountain to receive the tables of the Law; he remained there forty days and nights (Ex. xxiv. 9-10, 16-18). The Song of Moses refers to the solemn promulgation of the Law on Mount Sinai (Deut. xxxiii. 2); so does the Song of Deborah (Judges v.), which declares that the "earth trembled," the "heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water," and the "mountains melted" (comp. Ps. lxviii. 9, 17).

Horeb reappears later as the place to which Elijah escaped after Jezebel had massacred the prophets of Yhwh (I Kings xix. 8 et seq.).

As our information shows, Horeb, the mountain of God, incorporates Mount Sinai, where Moses and Israel received the law of God. This included a number of laws (approximately 613; see Judaism 101 at www.jewfaq.org/613.htm), the Ten Commandments on "two tables of stone" (Exod. 31:18), as well as the instructions for the Tabernacle of Witness (Moses) and the Feasts of Israel. Further in this study, we will consider the importance of the tabernacle and feasts.

Exodus 19:16-20 (NKJV)  
16 Then it came to pass on the **third day** , in the **morning** , that there were **thunderings** and **lightnings** , and a thick cloud on the mountain; and **the sound of the trumpet** was very loud, so that all the people who _were_ in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai _was_ completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and **the whole mountain quaked greatly**. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by **voice**. 20 Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

Once Moses brought the people of Israel out of Egypt, he did what the Lord told him to do and brought them to Horeb "to serve God on this mountain." So we read, "In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain" (Exod. 19:1-2). Is it simply a coincidence that the people of Israel came to this mountain "in the third month" and were commanded to prepare for this momentous event for three days? I don't think so. Consider Ed F. Vallowe's explanation of the spiritual meaning of _three_ from _Biblical Mathematics – Keys to Scripture Numerics_.

When a man found in his primitive home the divinest thing that life had to offer—a father's love, a mother's love and a child's love—he found God reflected in the interplay of love and kindness and affection in his own household and began to think of the number THREE as a symbol of the Divine. The divinest thing in life was "THREE" and the divine origin of life was THREE. Here in the ultimate world were father's love, mother's love and child's love. Here, too, were the glimpses of the great mysteries which we express in the terms of "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit." THREE came to carry the thought of the Divine. It means, "GOD IS IN IT". It is the number of DIVINE COMPLETENESS AND PERFECTION.

Like our number two, we see that _three_ is another very important number. Its spiritual meaning saturates the scriptures. Again from Vallowe.

The relation of Jehovah to eternity is given in the THREE-FOLD expression, "Who is" (present), "Who was" (past), and "Who is to come" (future).

In reference to our Lord many things could be said.

1. THREE times a voice from heaven spoke to Him.

2. His great temptation in the wilderness came in a THREE-FOLD way (Luke 4:3, 6-7, 9-10) being repeated in the three later temptations of His life.

3. He is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE (John 14:6).

4. He raised THREE from the dead during His earthly ministry (The widow's son, Jairus's daughter, and Lazarus).

5. He was crucified at the THIRD HOUR.

6. There were THREE hours of darkness when He was on the cross.

7. He arose the THIRD DAY.

By far the most important spiritual significance of the number _three_ is our concept of _resurrection_. Here's more from Vallowe's _Biblical Mathematics_.

The number THREE also stands for the RESURRECTION of the body. Jesus said, "As Jonah was THREE days and THREE nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be THREE days and THREE nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40).

In John 2:19, He said to the Jews, "Destroy this temple, and in THREE days I will raise it up." In verse 21 Jesus says He was speaking of the temple of His body. By this Jesus taught that His body would be raised from the dead after being dead for THREE DAYS and THREE NIGHTS. Not only did Jesus teach that He would actually be raised from the dead after THREE days, but He also taught that the THREE days and THREE nights Jonah spent in the whale's belly was a type of His death, burial, and resurrection. The book of Matthew, the book of John, and the book of Jonah are in agreement on the number THREE being associated with the RESURRECTION of the body.

Friend, know too that there are _three_ recorded instances in the Old Testament of someone being raised from the dead. Added with the _three_ in the New Testament, we have _six_ , the number of man's enmity with God (Bullinger; Vallowe). When we add the Lord's own resurrection, we have _seven_ , the number of _spiritual perfection_. Concerning this, Vallowe wrote, "The SEVENTH RESURRECTION (completeness) is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and through HIS RESURRECTION all mankind can rise and live forever. In the six, they were RESURRECTED but died again, but in CHRIST, they live forever."

Not only is three significant, but also our phrase "in the morning." This is the word transliterated as bōqer and means, "Properly dawn (as the break of day); generally morning." When contrasted with our parable in Genesis, this agrees with the understanding of "eastward" or "east," denoting the rising of the sun, symbolic of the light and life (wisdom) of the glory of God in Christ.

Just as we see Adam presented with the tree of knowledge in Genesis, so we see Israel presented with the law at Mount Sinai.

Now, as our parable shows, it was actually Eve to whom the serpent came in regard to the tree of knowledge, stating, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?'" (Gen. 3:1) (Author's Note: We'll understand this better once we consider "Jerusalem" in a later chapter). And what did Eve say? "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die'" (Gen. 3:3). Did Eve add to the word which God said? I thought this for a long time but please consider.

Exodus 19:11-13 (KJV)  
11 And be ready against the **third** day: for the **third** day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. 12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, **or touch the border of it** : **whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death** : 13 **There shall not an hand touch it** , but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, **it shall not live** : when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

One must ask... is it simply coincidence that Eve responded the way she did, or was it a prophetic utterance which was fulfilled in our preceding passages?

Genesis 5:1-2 (KJV)  
1 This _is_ the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 2 **Male** and **female** created he them; and blessed them, **and called their name Adam** , in the day when they were created.

1 Timothy 2:14 (KJV)  
14 And **Adam was not deceived** , but **the woman being deceived** was in the transgression.

In regard to Eve, Adam said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen. 2:23-24). Doesn't this explain why God "called their name Adam"? As with Adam, so with Eve. As with Eve, so with Adam. Note too that they are called "one flesh," signifying the natural. That being said, consider the following.

Deuteronomy 13:6 (NKJV)  
6 "If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, **the wife of your bosom**...

Deuteronomy 28:54 (NKJV)  
54 The sensitive and very refined man among you will be hostile... **toward the wife of his bosom**...

Job 31:33 (NKJV)  
33 If I have covered my transgressions as Adam, **by hiding my iniquity in my bosom**...

Our passages from Deuteronomy speak of the husband's wife as his "bosom," and Job 31:33 shows that Adam hid his iniquity in Eve. Paul confirms this, stating, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (I Tim. 2:14). In the New International Version of Job 31:33 it reads, "If I have concealed my sin as men do, by hiding my guilt in my heart."

What is the heart? It is the "ground" in which the "seed" of the Word is sown. And what does the woman represent? The womb in which seed is also sown. So the "seed" of God's Word was presented to Adam through Eve, representative of his own bosom or heart or affection, in the form of the commandment which God gave him. Ah, but Adam was prevented from truly perceiving this word, for he was a "natural man," unable to "receive the things of the Spirit of God." We will consider this enigma in another chapter.

Now, in regard to Adam's "natural" state and as representing the nation of Israel, consider the following.

Romans 11:21, 24 (NIV)  
21 For if God did not spare **the natural branches** , he will not spare you either...  
24... After all, if you were cut out of **an olive tree that is wild by nature** , and contrary to nature were grafted into **a cultivated olive tree** , how much more readily will these, **the natural branches** , be grafted into their own olive tree!

In Romans, Chapter 11, Paul likens the nation of Israel as "a cultivated olive tree," stating that they are "the natural branches," in other words, a people of natural lineage or bloodline. So just as Adam signifies the "natural man" in the singular, so too Israel signifies the collective "natural man."

Those familiar with scripture know that the nation of Israel was a result of the twelve sons of Israel (see Genesis, Chapter 49), whose father was Isaac, and whose grandfather was Abraham. When we consider their lineage in Luke, Chapter 3, we will find that they are clearly a part of Adam's offspring.

And who is the "olive tree that is wild by nature"? Those from all other nations (Gentiles), who through the precious sacrifice of Christ, have been granted access to the kingdom of God (Eph. 2:11-22).

So here again we have two trees, more specifically two "olive" trees, one "wild" and one "cultivated," the first consisting of natural Israel, i.e. Israel after the flesh and the other consisting of those whom God calls from all other nations (Gentiles; Rom. 11:13). Are these two trees synonymous with our two trees in the garden? No they are not, but they are intimately connected as we will soon see.

# Chapter Eight

# TWO OLIVE TREES

Romans 11:21, 24 (NIV)  
21 For if God did not spare **the natural branches** , he will not spare you either...  
24... After all, if you were cut out of **an olive tree that is wild by nature** , and contrary to nature were grafted into **a cultivated olive tree** , how much more readily will these, **the natural branches** , be grafted into their own olive tree!

Let's use some simple logic. We have already found that our two trees in the garden define the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians, Chapter 6, verses 7 through 10. We then discovered that the tree of knowledge also symbolizes the law of God which was given to Israel at Mount Sinai. When we come to Romans, Chapter 11, we find natural Israel spoken of as "a cultivated olive tree" and the Gentiles or all other nations spoken of as "an olive tree that is wild by nature."

Now, if the tree of knowledge represents the law, what good is a law if there is no one to govern? And what did Jesus teach in the Parable of the Sower? The seed is the Word of God sown into the heart of man. Once this happens and the seed takes root, then the seed and the ground become joined, i.e. the Word of God becomes a living essence "rooted" within one's heart. So when we speak in regard to man's inner being, we speak of him as a "tree," for again, the seed and the ground join within and the manifestation of this union is seen through the person. For this reason Jesus taught that "a tree is known by its fruit" (Matt. 12:33).

The fact that natural Israel is seen as an "olive" tree is significant. Olive oil was used for fuel in the lampstand found in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle of Witness (Moses) (Exod. 27:20-21). It was also mixed with spices and used to "anoint" the priests and the Tabernacle to make them "holy" or consecrated to God (Exod. 25:6; 28:41; 29:7, 21; 30:22-33). So the spiritual significance of the oil points to the "anointing" or life-giving essence of the Spirit and Word of God (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; II Cor. 1:21; Heb. 1:9; I John 2:27) which separates and consecrates to God that which is anointed. This is the meaning of the word "Christ."

Never before in the history of humankind has there been anything to match what happened with Israel at Mount Sinai with only one exception; the ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (see Deuteronomy 4:32-39).

Like our parable in Genesis, the story of Israel is much more than a story. Underlying all that transpired with the nation of Israel are spiritual realities throughout; many of which we now understand and yet many which we do not. For this reason Paul wrote, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come" (I Cor. 10:11).

According to Paul, natural Israel is the "cultivated olive tree," and so scripture shows that the hand of God was evident from Adam to Noah, Noah to Abraham, and from Abraham to Jacob, who became Israel and from which the twelve tribes sprang (Luke 3:23-38). You see my friend, God had a purpose foreshadowed in Genesis which pointed to a people that He would call out of Egypt and bring to the mountain to receive the most important thing that any nation would ever receive; the law of God by the hand of God (Exod. 31:18; Deut. 9:10).

Exodus 3:6 (NKJV)  
6 Moreover He said, "I _am_ the God of your father-- **the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob**." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

Exodus 3:15-16 (NKJV)  
15 Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: **'The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob** , has sent me to you. This _is_ My name forever, and this _is_ My memorial to all generations.' 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, **'The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob** , appeared to me, saying, "I have surely visited you and _seen_ what is done to you in Egypt...

What did the Lord tell Moses to tell Israel? "I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Here we have three "fathers," the spiritual meaning which again points to resurrection, the crux of the gospel (see also Exod. 4:5; I Kings 18:36; I Chron. 29:18; II Chron. 30:6).

What did God tell Moses to tell Pharaoh? "Israel is My son, My firstborn" (Exod. 4:22). And what did Paul say of Adam? He was the "first man" (I Cor. 15:45). And what did Paul say regarding the resurrection of the dead? "It is sown a natural body" (I Cor. 15:44). In other words, the resurrection of the dead, the heart of the gospel, began in earnest with a "natural body," being Israel after the flesh, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ah, but then came a necessary change. Indeed, the "first" was a natural body, but there must of necessity be a "second," for the resurrection of the dead is sown in a natural body in order for a spiritual body to follow. "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving) spirit" (I Cor. 15:45; KJV). The "last Adam"? Yes. Christ was the "last Adam," for "when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law" (Gal. 4:4; KJV). Having been born of Mary, Jesus was a "natural man," a Jew like His brethren, but after His baptism by John at the Jordan River, Jesus became the Christ, the anointed Son of the living God (Matt. 3:16-17; 16:16). No wonder He told John in Revelation, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Rev. 1:8). Through His death on the cross He brought an end to the "first man Adam" and set in motion the beginning of a "new creation" (II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). For this reason, He is the "firstborn from the dead" (Col. 1:18), exemplifying the purpose of the gospel in all of its glory, the resurrection from the dead, which is seen as the true spiritual essence of the law which was delivered exclusively to natural Israel.

First, a "natural body," natural Israel, as defined by "the first man Adam." Second, the "last Adam," Christ becoming the judgment and the end of the first (John 12:31; 16:11). Third, resurrection, Christ being raised from the dead by the power of an endless life (Acts 4:10; Rom. 6:9; 7:4; I Cor. 15:20; Heb. 7:16), the "seed" of the living Word revealed in its fullness as a glorious "tree" of righteousness (Isa. 61:3).

What did Paul write? "For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished" (I Cor. 15:16-18). But Paul didn't stop there and went on to write, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming" (I Cor. 15:20-23).

Ephesians 2:11-22 (NKJV)  
11 **Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh** \--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 **that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world**. 13 **But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ**. 14 For He Himself is our peace, **who has made both one** , and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, _that is,_ **the law of commandments** _contained_ **in ordinances** , so as to create in Himself **one new man** _from_ **the two** , _thus_ making peace, 16 and that **He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross** , thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 **For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father**. 19 Now, therefore, **you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God** , 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner _stone,_ 21 in whom the whole building, **being joined together** , **grows into a holy temple in the Lord** , 22 in whom you also are being **built together** for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Paul makes it clear that concerning you and me (Gentiles or other nations), we were at one time "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise." We had "no hope" and were "without God in the world." We were an "olive tree" which was "wild by nature." But through His precious sacrifice on the cross we have been "brought near by the blood of Christ." He "has made both" Israel and the nations "one," grafting us into the "cultivated olive tree" of Israel, creating "in Himself one new man from the two."

The fact that we too are called an "olive tree" suggests that the Spirit (anointing) and Word of God (Christ) most definitely applies to us as it does natural Israel. This is confirmed by the statement that, "For through Him we both," natural Israel and all nations, "have access by one Spirit to the Father." This is also confirmed by the fact that the gospel, through Christ, was opened up to all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). Ah, but we are grafted into the "cultivated olive tree," are we not? And natural Israel, who received the law at Mount Sinai is this "tree." For this reason Paul went on to say, "For if the _firstfruit_ is holy, the lump is also holy _;_ and if the _root_ is holy _, so_ _are_ _the branches_. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, _being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them_ , and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, _do not boast against the branches_. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, _but the root supports you_. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.' Well said _._ Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. _Do not be haughty, but fear_. _For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either_. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in _His_ goodness. _Otherwise you also will be cut off_. And they also, _if they do not continue in unbelief_ , will be grafted in, _for God is able to graft them in again_ " (Rom. 11:16-23).

# Chapter Nine

# TWO EVES

Genesis 2:18, 21-22 (NKJV)  
18 And the Lord God said, " _It is_ **not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him**..." 21... And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and **He took one of his ribs** , and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 **Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man**.

In our parable from Genesis, we find the Lord God saying of Adam, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." We then see the creation of the woman from the "rib" or side of Adam, one becoming two but destined to become one again (Gen. 2:23-24). This agrees with our understanding of Eve as being Adam's "bosom."

As this study suggests, Adam is symbolic of the nation of Israel. Eve being taken from the side of Adam is also symbolic. Please consider.

Deuteronomy 12:1-5, 10-11, 21 (NKJV)  
1 "These _are_ the statutes and judgments which you shall be careful to observe in the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 And you shall destroy their altars, break their _sacred_ pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place. 4 You shall not worship the Lord your God _with_ such _things._ 5 **But you shall seek the place where the Lord your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place; and there you shall go**... 10 But _when_ you cross over the Jordan and dwell in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you dwell in safety, 11 **then there will be the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide**. There you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, and all your choice offerings which you vow to the Lord... 21... **If the place where the Lord your God chooses to put His name** is too far from you, then you may slaughter from your herd and from your flock which the Lord has given you, just as I have commanded you, and you may eat within your gates as much as your heart desires.

It is apparent by these passages that the Lord God intended to choose a place out of all the tribes of Israel "to put His name." This is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 14:23 and 24, 16:2, 6 and 11, and 26:2. And where was this place? Consider.

1 Kings 11:31-36 (NKJV)  
31 And he said to Jeroboam, "Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to you 32 (but he shall have one tribe for the sake of My servant David, **and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel** ), 33 because they have forsaken Me, and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the people of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways to do _what is_ right in My eyes and _keep_ My statutes and My judgments, as _did_ his father David. 34 However I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of My servant David, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and My statutes. 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand and give it to you--ten tribes. 36 And to his son I will give one tribe, **that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for Myself, to put My name there**.

1 Kings 14:21 (NKJV)  
21 And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam _was_ forty-one years old when he became king. He reigned seventeen years in **Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put His name there**...

2 Kings 21:4-7 (NKJV)  
4 He also built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, " **In Jerusalem I will put My name**..." 7... He even set a carved image of Asherah that he had made, in the house of which the Lord had said to David and to Solomon his son, " **In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever**..."

As we see it was "Jerusalem" where the Lord intended to put His name "forever." So out of Adam or all the tribes of _Israel_ , God chose and fashioned Eve, symbolic of _Jerusalem_.

In Bible times, it was extremely important to the Hebrew people for the husband and wife to have a son or sons in order to carry on the family name and this same mentality still exists today. This did of course require that a husband and wife be joined together in the hopes that a son would be born. This importance is stressed in the story of Abraham concerning Ishmael and Isaac (see Genesis, Chapters 15 through 21), as well as in Genesis with Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:1-2). This importance carries over into the spiritual relationship between the Lord and Israel.

Isaiah 54:5 (NKJV)  
5 **For your Maker** _is_ **your husband** , the Lord of hosts _is_ His name; and your Redeemer _is_ the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.

Jeremiah 31:31-32 (NKJV)  
31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the **house of Israel** and with the **house of Judah** \-- 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day _that_ I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, **though I was a husband to them** , says the Lord.

Just as Eve was taken from Adam, so Jerusalem was taken from Israel, becoming the "heart" (bosom; capital) of Israel, representative of the female where the seed of God's Word could be sown.

Our word Jerusalem is derived from two words. The first word means, "To _flow_ as water (i.e. to _rain_ ); transitive to _lay_ or _throw_ (especially an arrow, i.e. to _shoot_ ); figurative to _point_ out (as if by _aiming_ the finger), to _teach_." The second word is defined as, "To _be safe_ (in mind, body or estate); figurative to _be_ (causative _make_ ) _completed_ ; by implication to _be friendly_ ; by extension to _reciprocate_ (in various applications)." Consider the following from Hebrew for Christians at www.hebrew4christians.com.

יְרוּשָׁלִַם יְרוּשָׁלַיִם

(ye-roo-sha-LAI-yeem) n. Jerusalem. Also known as the City of David, Zion, Salem, Ariel, Jebus, the "City of God," the "holy city," comes to designate heaven itself (Heb. 12:22-23). In Psalm 122:6 we read, "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." The word _sha'alu_ actually means "ask" (as in ask a _sheilah_ , a question) and _shalom_ is a Name of Jesus, since He indeed is _Sar Shalom_ (the Prince of Peace). The word _Jerusalem_ means "teaching of peace" (the "Jeru" at the beginning comes from the same root as Torah, which means teaching), so the phrase could be construed as "ask about the Prince of Peace and His Teaching." At any rate, we know that Jesus is indeed the King of Jerusalem (Matt. 5:35) who will soon return to reign over all the earth.

Genesis 3:20 (KJV)  
20 And Adam called his wife's name **Eve** ; because **she was the mother of all living**.

The name Eve means "life-giver," taken from the word which means, "To live; by implication (intensive) to declare or show." When we give this some thought, it correlates perfectly with the idea that Eve represents Jerusalem, no doubt the most important city on the face of this earth; past, present, or future. What is it that the Lord wishes to "declare" or "show"? Please consider.

Galatians 4:21-31 (NIV)  
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. 24 These things may be taken figuratively, **for the women represent two covenants**. **One covenant is from Mount Sinai** and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 **Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem** , because she is in slavery with her children. 26 **But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother**. 27 For it is written: "Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband." 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are **children of promise**. 29 **At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now**. 30 But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son." 31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

Here we find the spiritual reality and importance of the city of Jerusalem. In these passages, Paul compares Abraham's wives, Sarah and Hagar, stating that they must be "taken figuratively" and represent the "two covenants," Old and New. The Old speaks of "Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves," and "corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem," while the New speaks of "the Jerusalem that is above" and "is free," who bears "children of promise."

Though we see two women in these passages, there is actually but one "Jerusalem" to consider as indicated by Eve, for the Old Covenant or law is the essential component that is necessary for the second covenant to be realized (Heb. 8:7-13). In regard to the New Covenant, this is why it states, "I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts" (Heb. 8:10).

So what is the difference between the two? As Paul states, the first covenant produced sons "born in the ordinary way," i.e. natural lineage, whereas the second covenant produces sons "born by the power of the Spirit," i.e. spiritual lineage (God's choosing). The Spirit therefore, is where the difference lies, confirmed by Ephesians 2:18. No wonder Paul said that "the law," symbolized by the tree of knowledge, "is spiritual," symbolized by the tree of life (Rom. 7:14). Though we see two trees in the garden, they are but one tree even as God's Word is one sword with two edges. In the same way, the New Covenant is the spiritual realization and fulfillment of the Old (Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:7-13). This also agrees with our principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians, Chapter 6, the first or Old Covenant or law in regard to the flesh and the second or New Covenant in regard to the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:5-11 (NKJV)  
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as _being_ from ourselves, but our sufficiency _is_ from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the **new covenant** , **not of the letter** (Old Covenant) **but of the Spirit** (New Covenant); **for the letter kills** (Old Covenant), **but the Spirit gives life** (New Covenant). 7 But if **the ministry of death, written** _and_ **engraved on stones** (Old Covenant), was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which _glory_ was passing away, 8 how will **the ministry of the Spirit** (New Covenant) not be more glorious? 9 For if **the ministry of condemnation** (Old Covenant) _had_ glory, **the ministry of righteousness** (New Covenant) exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even **what was made glorious** (Old Covenant) had no glory in this respect, because of **the glory that excels** (New Covenant). 11 For if **what is passing away** _was_ **glorious** (Old Covenant), **what remains** _is_ **much more glorious** (New Covenant).

In agreement with what we have considered, Paul describes the "New Covenant" as the "ministry of the Spirit" and "righteousness" which is "not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." This is signified by Sarah. So again Paul wrote that "the law is spiritual" (Rom. 7:14), made so by the anointing or Spirit of God (Is it not true that there must first be a law before it can become spiritual?).

Paul then describes the Old Covenant as "the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones," no doubt pointing to the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. As Galatians shows, this is signified by Hagar.

In our parable in Genesis we have _one_ woman, Eve, signifying _Jerusalem_ , the "city" which incorporates and represents _both_ covenants as seen in Sarah and Hagar. Is this foreshadowed in Genesis? Yes it is. Consider.

Genesis 3:13-15 (NKJV)  
13 And the Lord God said to the **woman** , "What _is_ this you have done?" The **woman** said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." 14 So the Lord God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you _are_ **cursed** more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. 15 **And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.** "

After Eve and Adam's disobedience, we see the Lord reckoning with them and the serpent. In our preceding passages, note that God says to Eve, "What is this you have done?" and the woman replies, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Immediately the Lord speaks to the serpent, telling him that he is " _cursed_ more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field." He then tells him, "And I will put _enmity_ between you and the woman, and between _your seed_ and _her Seed_ ; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." So here we have:

1. Cursed

2. Enmity

3. Your (serpent) seed

4. Her (Eve) seed

In regard to "cursed," consider the following.

Galatians 3:10-14 (ESV)  
10 For **all who rely on works of the law are under a curse** ; for it is written, " **Cursed** be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." 12 But **the law is not of faith** , rather "The one who does them shall live by them." 13 **Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us** —for it is written, " **Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree** "— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

It is evident by these passages that anyone who relies on the "works of the law are under a _curse_ ," Paul quoting Deuteronomy 27:26 and Deuteronomy 21:23 as his premise. Why is this? Because "the law is not of faith." Now, consider Deuteronomy 21:23.

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (NKJV)  
22 " **If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death** , and **you hang him on a tree** , 23 his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you _as_ an inheritance; **for he who is hanged** _is_ **accursed of God**.

Let me be honest with you. This scripture is a bit baffling isn't it? Think about it. "He who is hanged" on a tree "is accursed of God." Why is this? The answer is found in our definition of "tree." It is ʿēṣ and reads, "A _tree_ (from its _firmness_ ); hence _wood_ (plural _sticks_ )." No surprise here. Ah, but the word this is taken from is quite revealing. The root word is _ʿāṣâ_ and reads, "Properly to _fasten_ (or _make firm_ ), i.e. to _close_ (the eyes)." "To _close_ the eyes"? Yes. And this word is used only once in the Old Testament in the following passage.

Proverbs 16:29-30 (AMP)  
29 The exceedingly grasping, covetous, _and_ violent man entices his neighbor, leading him in a way that is not good. 30 **He who shuts** his eyes to devise perverse things and who compresses his lips [as if in concealment] brings evil to pass.

"He who shuts" in our passage above is rendered "He shutteth" in the King James Bible. The implication is clear. In the same way that a dead body is fastened firmly to a tree because one has "committed a sin deserving of death," so too this indicates that the one who "shuts his eyes" speaks of an "exceedingly grasping, covetous, and violent man" who wishes to entice his neighbor into "a way that is not good." Such a person is "dead" while they live. Wouldn't such a person be openly against the law of God which is summed up in "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" and " _you shall love your neighbor as yourself_ "? (Matt. 22:37, 39; Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18) And when such a person is _firmly attached_ to this behavior, wouldn't they be "accursed of God" due to the moral essence of His divine law? I think so.

Now the fact that this type of person is attached to a tree certainly points to our tree of knowledge in Genesis, symbolic of the law. After all, the serpent tempted Eve with this tree, did he not? And what was the consequence of Eve and Adam eating from it? " _You shall surely die_." (Gen. 2:17) Wouldn't this agree with "if a man has committed a sin _deserving of death_ , and _he is put to death_ "? Didn't Eve and Adam "die" just as God said they would? Of course. And wasn't it because they, figuratively speaking, became attached to the tree of knowledge?

Returning to our list from Genesis 3:15, our next item to consider is "enmity."

Ephesians 2:13-16 (NKJV)  
13 But now in Christ Jesus **you who once were far off** have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, **who has made both one** , and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 **having abolished in His flesh the** enmity, _that is,_ **the law of commandments** _contained_ **in ordinances** , so as to **create in Himself one new man** _from_ **the two** , _thus_ making peace, 16 and that **He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the** enmity.

Our word "enmity" is defined as, " _Hostility_ ," taken from the word which means, "To _hate_ (as one of an opposite tribe or party); hence to _be hostile_." So what is it that provokes this attitude and behavior? According to our passages above, it would be "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." Consider the following from the Amplified Bible.

Ephesians 2:14-16 (AMP)  
14 For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], **and has broken down** (destroyed, abolished) **the hostile dividing wall between us** , 15 **By abolishing in His** [own crucified] **flesh the enmity** [caused by **] the Law with its decrees and ordinances** [which He annulled]; that He from the two might create in Himself one new man [one new quality of humanity out of the two], so making peace. 16 And [He designed] to reconcile to God both [Jew and Gentile, united] in a single body by means of His cross, **thereby killing the mutual enmity** _and_ **bringing the feud to an end**.

The Amplified Bible makes it clear for us, speaking of the law as "the _hostile_ dividing wall between the Jews and Gentiles which Christ abolished "in His own crucified flesh, thereby removing the _enmity_ caused by the Law with its decrees and ordinances." What does this mean? Consider.

Romans 7:5 (ESV)  
5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, **aroused by the law** , were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.

Remember this passage? According to Paul the law arouses "our sinful passions." Is this really what Paul meant? Yes. See what Paul says a few verses later.

Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)  
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." 8 **But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness**. Apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, **but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died**. 10 **The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me**. 11 **For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me**. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Couldn't we take these passages and refer them to Adam and Eve? We could, for the "commandment" of which Paul speaks points to the one commandment which God gave Adam. "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Gen. 2:16-17; ESV). Within this _one_ commandment is incorporated the idea of _all_ the commandments, the essence of which is an admonition against "covetousness." Our word "covetousness" is rendered "concupiscence" in the King James and the definition reads, "A _longing_ (especially for what is forbidden)." It's taken from the word which means, "To set the _heart upon_ , i.e. _long_ for (rightfully or otherwise)." If we bring this understanding to the Ten Commandments, we will find that it defines the "essence" of all the commandments. Think about it. The first commandment reads, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exod. 20:3), and what would provoke us to have "other gods" if not our longing for them? Furthermore, in regard to the tree of knowledge, we read, "So when the woman saw that the tree was... _a tree desirable to make one wise_ , she took of its fruit and ate" (Gen. 3:6). Isn't desire another word for "longing"? Of course. What created this longing? The serpent. So Paul defines this for us in our passages stating, "For _sin_ , seizing an opportunity through the commandment, _deceived me_ and through it _killed me_." No wonder Paul wrote that "Adam was not deceived, _but the woman being deceived_ , fell into transgression." Remember that Eve represents Adam's "bosom" or "heart."

Did Jerusalem ever long for other gods? She did (see Deut. 7:1-4; 8:19; 11:16, 28; 29:25-29; I Kings 9:1-9; 11:4; Jeremiah 1:1-19; 3:1-25; 11:10; 13:10; Isa. 1:21).

Eve symbolizes Jerusalem, which is further defined for us in Hagar and Sarah as figurative of the Two Covenants. We have also considered that our two trees in the garden are also symbolic of the covenants. Is there a contradiction here? Not at all, for Jerusalem being "the city of God" (Psalms 6:4; Psalms 87:3) _speaks of His people in whom His covenants are realized_ (Heb. 12:22). Israel, signified by the "cultivated olive tree" with Jerusalem as its capital, were presented with the law at Mount Sinai, represented by "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." This being true, and in regard to Eve, Hagar, and Sarah, we should emphasize that the most important city on earth is symbolized as female. Why? Because again, it is the female where seed is sown. Furthermore, we have Eve, Hagar, and Sarah, _three_ women, our number _three_ again pointing to _resurrection_.

Should we doubt the efficacy and importance of Jerusalem, let us realize that what begins in "seed" form in our Genesis parable is found in its _spiritual reality_ and _fullness_ in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 21:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 **Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband**. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, **the tabernacle of God** _is_ with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them _and be_ their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

Without a doubt, "New Jerusalem" would be "Jerusalem that is above," for John sees "the holy city" "coming down out of heaven (above) from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Also note that John wrote, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men," showing us that the Tabernacle of Moses which was in the midst of Israel in the wilderness is also found in the midst of the "holy city, New Jerusalem," in the book of Revelation (Rev. 21:22-23).

So in Eve, Hagar, and Sarah, we see both natural Israel (cultivated olive tree) under the Old Covenant or law (tree of knowledge), and spiritual Israel (wild olive tree) under the New Covenant or Promise (tree of life). Two covenants which are in actuality, two sides of the same coin. This brings us to our last two items on the list; "your seed" and "her seed."

John 8:31-33 (NKJV)  
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him, " **We are Abraham's descendants** , and have never been in bondage to anyone. How _can_ you say, 'You will be made free'?"

As the gospels show, the religious leaders of the Jews opposed Christ at every turn. Here we find the Lord saying to them, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." What was their reply? " _We are Abraham's descendants_ , and have never been in bondage to anyone." Look at how Jesus responds.

John 8:34-38 (NKJV)  
34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, **whoever commits sin is a slave of sin**. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, _but_ a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 " **I know that you are Abraham's descendants** , but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 **I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father**."

Immediately following their comment, Jesus replies, "Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever." Doesn't this agree with the "one covenant" which "is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves," corresponding with "Hagar" and "the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children"? It would.

Jesus then states, "I know that you are Abraham's descendants." No problem here, but clearly the Lord is addressing a spiritual state of being as opposed to their natural lineage, is He not? Look at how the Jews replied to what Jesus said about their "father."

John 8:39-41 (NKJV)  
39 They answered and said to Him, " **Abraham is our father**." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 **You do the deeds of your father**." Then they said to Him, " **We were not born of fornication; we have one Father--God**."

Ah, now they get it! Jesus is not talking about their natural lineage but about their spiritual lack. So the Jews respond, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God" (see Rev. 17:5).

John 8:42-47 (NKJV)  
42 Jesus said to them, " **If God were your Father** , you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 **You are of** _your_ **father the devil** , and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and _does not_ stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own _resources,_ for **he is a liar and the father of it**. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God's words; **therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God**."

No doubt these are very strong words to say to the Jews, but Jesus made it clear, "You are of your father the devil." So if the devil was their "father," spiritually speaking, wouldn't this make them the "seed" of the serpent as well as guilty of sowing the "seed" of the serpent? Yes it would. What did the serpent tempt Eve with? The tree of knowledge, i.e. the law. And what did the Pharisees claim to hold to? The law. So couldn't we say that the "seed" of the serpent was the law? Yes, but don't forget, the serpent took away and added to this law, corrupting its essence (see Matt. 15:6; Mark 7:13). Now, in direct contrast, there was another "seed" which Genesis stipulates as "her seed" and which Eve represented. It was the "seed" from "Jerusalem above."

John 8:23 (NKJV)  
23 And He said to them, "You are from beneath; **I am from above**. You are of this world; **I am not of this world**."

Here we have the spiritual reality. "I am from (Jerusalem) above." You are of this world; I am not of this world." Natural lineage served for a time but that time had come to an end in the man Christ Jesus. The law of Moses had served its purpose in a natural people but a spiritual shift was taking place before their very eyes. The spiritual essence of the law which the religious leaders failed to perceive had unquestionably become evident through the Lord.

Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)  
17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. **I did not come to destroy but to fulfill**."

Last, but certainly not least, I must emphasize the fact that, just as our two trees are really one, then they come from one "seed," representative of His Word.

Genesis 3:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, " **Has God indeed said** , 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" 2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which _is_ in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' " 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, " **You will not surely die**. 5 **For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil**."

What did the serpent use to tempt Eve? Was it not the Word which He had given Adam? So we have just one "seed" or commandment which the serpent used, and to which he added to and took from, in order to deceive.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you. 2 **You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it** , that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

So let me ask you, "What is it that causes us to question our Maker and His Word"? Why do we, like Adam, seek to find a way around His truth in order to justify our actions? One answer is quite simple. It's because we don't often "see" that His Word of truth is always for our own good, that His commandments are given so that we "may live." Beneath the surface of the commandments is found the life of the commandments. Beneath the "death" of the law dwells the "life" within. There is no need to add to or take from it. It stands as is.

1 John 4:6 (NKJV)  
6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and **the spirit of error**.

In I John, Chapter 4, John states, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). He follows with, "By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world" (I John 4:2-3). As we see, several things are brought to bear.

First of all, it is a question of "spirit," not flesh. Secondly, "false prophets" conduct themselves by "the spirit of the Antichrist," i.e. another spirit instead (anti) of His Spirit (Rom. 8:15; 11:8; II Cor. 11:4). Third, the "spirit of the Antichrist" is "the spirit of error" which John stated "is now already in the world." For this reason Paul wrote, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world (error), but the Spirit who is from God" (I Cor. 2:12; see also I John 2:15-19). Wasn't this "spirit" in the garden tempting Eve? Would this "spirit" relate to the fact that Adam and Eve were "natural," hence the "spirit of the world"? I believe so. And again, what did this "spirit of error" seek to do? Change the Word which God had spoken! So in essence a "false prophet" or "antichrist" is someone who embraces the Word but does so in complete error due to a carnal mind.

Friend, despite the traditional view, understand that there is not someone coming in the days ahead who will be THE "Antichrist," for just as Christ is one body yet many members (I Cor. 12:12), so too is antichrist. Whether you have one or one hundred operating out of the same spirit of error, then that's antichrist! One of the greatest deceptions ever fabricated by tradition is this foolish idea that one person will rise up in the "last days" to deceive God's own. John himself confirms this saying "many false prophets have gone out into the world," and this was in his day! No wonder Jesus warned that they would come to us in "sheep's clothing" but inwardly be "ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15; see also Matt. 24:21-28).

So my friend, our "two" remains consistent throughout, separated for understanding but one in purpose.

# Chapter Ten

# TWO SONS

Galatians 4:21-22 (NKJV)  
21 Tell me, **you who desire to be under the law** , do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had **two sons**...

Our passages in Galatians, Chapter 4, which we considered in the last chapter, refer to Abraham and his family. Why? Because it was Abraham to whom the promises were made, the covenants declared (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:1-21; 17:1-27; 18:17-19; 21:12; 22:1-18). For this reason, the genealogy of Christ begins with Abraham in Matthew 1:1, and as we have seen, the Jews as well as Jesus embraced Abraham as their natural and spiritual "father" (Matt. 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Luke 1:55; 3:8; 13:28; John 8:31-40, 53, 56-58; Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2, 8; Rom. 4:1-25). Ah, but who bore his children? Sarah and Hagar, for again, the seed is sown into the female and it's our "two sons" which are important. Abraham's sons were Ishmael and Isaac.

The story of Abraham begins in Genesis, Chapter 12. There we find that Abraham's name was actually Abram at the time meaning "high father." Abram's wife, Sarah, was "Sarai" at this time, which means, "Dominative," taken from the word which means, "A head person (of any rank or class)."

In regard to Hagar, who symbolizes the Old Covenant and the law, it begins in Genesis, Chapter 16. There we find that "Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an _Egyptian_ maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, 'The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.' _Abram agreed to what Sarai said_ " (Gen. 16:1-2; NIV). Our spiritual parallel is found in Genesis 3:17 where God told Adam, " _Because you have heeded the voice of your wife_." Let's continue, paying close attention to the comments which I've inserted.

"So after Abram had been living in Canaan _ten_ years (indicative of the law), Sarai his wife took her _Egyptian_ maidservant Hagar (indicative of Gentiles or other nations) and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, _and she conceived_. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, 'You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me (a clear sign of the _enmity_ between "your seed" and "her seed"; Gen. 3:15). May the LORD judge between you and me.' 'Your servant is in your hands,' Abram said. 'Do with her whatever you think best.' Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, 'Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?' 'I'm running away from my mistress Sarai,' she answered. Then the angel of the LORD told her, 'Go back to your mistress and submit to her.' The angel added, ' _I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count_.' The angel of the LORD also said to her: 'You are now with child and you will have a son _._ You shall name him _Ishmael,_ for the LORD has heard of your misery _. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers_ '" (Gen. 16:3-12; NIV).

Our phrase "wild donkey" in the NIV is "wild man" in the King James. Our word "wild" is defined as, "In the secondary sense of _running_ wild; the _onager_." An "onager" is an Asian wild ass, hence the reason we read "wild donkey of a man" in the NIV.

In his book, _Number in Scripture_ , Bullinger wrote briefly about "the ass" in one of his explanations concerning "the multiples of seven." Bullinger stated, "The 'ass' is the only animal that man is compared to: see Job 11:12, 'For vain man would be wise, though man be born a wild ass's colt.' In Exodus 13:13 the first-born of man is classed with the firstling of an ass. Both must be redeemed with a lamb. This is repeated in Exodus 34:20. Nothing less than a sacrificial redemptive act could bring such a being to God. There are 28 (4x7) asses separately spoken of, and with these may be compared the 28 (4x7) "times" connected with "vain man" in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8."

I am intrigued by the statement in Job 39:5 and 6, where we read, "Who set the wild donkey free? Who loosed the bonds of the onager, whose home I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwelling?" (Job 39:5-6). We'll get into this later in the study.

Our word "man" in "wild donkey of a man," is our word _ʾādām_ or Adam, the same word used in Genesis regarding the creation of humankind (Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:5, 7, 8, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20-23, 25; 3:8, 9, 12, 20-22, 24; 4:1; 5:1, 2). Is this simply a coincidence, or could we say that Ishmael represents the "natural man" which is also seen in Adam? I believe we could. Furthermore, would our phrase " _wild_ man" also point to Romans, Chapter 11, and the olive tree which is " _wild_ by nature" (Rom. 11:24)? Again, I believe we could since this "wild olive tree" is simply a collective presentation of our "natural man" (Rom. 11:17). It is also evident that Hagar was an "Egyptian" woman, a "Gentile," meaning that Ishmael would have been part Gentile. Can we not see in this that the grace of God fully intended for all the world to be included through Christ? Now, let us consider Isaac.

Genesis 16:2 shows that Sarai (Sarah) was barren, unable to conceive, however, we find in Genesis, Chapter 17, that "God also said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; _her name will be Sarah_. I will bless her and _will surely give you a son by her_. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.' Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, 'Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?' And Abraham said to God, 'If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!' Then God said, 'Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him _Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him_ '" (Gen. 17:15-19; NIV).

It should be noted that before the Lord told Abraham that he would have a son by Sarah, _He first reaffirmed His covenant with Abram and changed his name to Abraham_. We read, "When Abram was _ninety-nine_ years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. _I will confirm my covenant between me and you_ and will greatly increase your numbers.' Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 'As for me, this is my covenant with you: _You will be the father of many nations_. No longer will you be called _Abram_ (exalted father); your name will be _Abraham_ (father of many), for I have made you _a father of many nations_. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. _I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come_ , to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.' Then God said to Abraham, 'As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be _circumcised_. You are to undergo _circumcision,_ and _it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you_ '" (Gen. 17:10-11; NIV).

So consider this. Abraham was " _ninety-nine_ years old" when the Lord reaffirmed His covenant with him. The spiritual meaning of _nine_ is "FINALITY or DIVINE COMPLETENESS FROM THE LORD" (Vallowe). Bullinger states, "It is the _last_ of the digits, and thus marks the _end_ ; and is significant of the _conclusion_ of a matter. It is akin to the number _six_ , six being the sum of its factors (3 x 3 = 9, and 3 + 3 = 6), and is thus significant of the _end of man_ , and the summation of all man's works. _Nine is_ , therefore, the number of _finality_ or _judgment_." In keeping with this idea, consider what Stephen E. Jones writes in _The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty_.

Nine (teth)

Visitation

Teth is a snake in Hebrew. It can also signify being surrounded, for the snake was often pictured in a circle swallowing its tail.

The number nine speaks of God's "visitation." This is a Hebraism that pictures God as an Investigator "visiting" a person, city, or nation to expose the hearts, gather evidence, and "see" firsthand, as it were, the truth of a matter. It is much like a divine court case where the evidence is uncovered and presented to the judge for judgment.

What became of Abram? He _ended_ with God's _visitation_ and the confirmation of the covenant and was replaced by Abraham, God's oath or covenants indisputably set to bring the "end of man" in the first Adam in order that a "new creation" would follow (II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Being _two_ nines illustrates the "witness" of God's covenants to all creation. Furthermore, two nines added together equals _eighteen_ , the number of " _bondage_ " (Vallowe; see also Rev. 13:18). Abraham was _Abram_ when _Ishmael_ was born, representing everyone under the "bondage" of the law (Gal. 4:25) until such time that we are brought to Christ (Rom. 10:4; Gal. 4:1-3).

Now, as our passages show, circumcision became "the sign of the covenant." For this reason, and from Abraham forward, circumcision was that which separated Israel from the rest of the world (Luke 1:59; John 7:22-23; Acts 7:8; 10:45), directly linked to the Jews and the Law of Moses (Rom. 2:25-29; 3:1, 30; 4:9-12). Not surprisingly, circumcision was performed when the child was _eight_ days old (Gen. 17:12), signifying a " _new beginning_ or a _new order of things_ " (Vallowe). The spiritual reality of circumcision is found in Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4 and explained in Romans.

Romans 2:25-29 (NKJV)  
25 For **circumcision** is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, **your circumcision has become uncircumcision**. 26 Therefore, **if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision**? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, _even_ with _your_ written _code_ and circumcision, _are_ a transgressor of the law? 28 **For he is not a Jew who** _is one_ **outwardly, nor** _is_ **circumcision that which** _is_ **outward in the flesh** ; 29 **but** _he is_ **a Jew who** _is one_ **inwardly; and circumcision** _is that_ **of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise** _is_ **not from men but from God**.

What is circumcision? It is the cutting away of the foreskin of the male penis. This involves the physical member of the male which is used to sow "seed" into the female. Coincidence, or do we have a spiritual reality here? Of course. Doesn't Paul make it clear in our preceding passages that circumcision is no longer a physical matter but a spiritual one? And what is removed in circumcision? _Flesh_. So in circumcision we find the necessity of the putting away of the "works of the flesh" (Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Rom. 4:11; Gal. 5:19-21) and moving from "sowing" to _our_ flesh to "sowing" to _the_ Spirit. Consider.

Galatians 5:16-26 (NKJV)  
16 I say then: **Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh**. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 **But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law**. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told _you_ in time past, that **those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God**. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. **Against such there is no law**. 24 And those _who are_ Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 **If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit**. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Consider the statement which Paul makes in verse 18. "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Wouldn't this mean that _if we are not_ led by the Spirit, then we _are_ under the law? Yes it would. Understand my friend that through the death of Christ, the "law of commandments contained in ordinances" (Eph. 2:15) was done away with, however, the moral and prophetic essence of the law was not (Matt. 5:17; II Cor. 3:11; Heb. 8:13). In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ is even now fulfilling the prophetic details of the law as the life-giving Spirit which He is and He will continue to do so until "all is fulfilled" (Matt. 5:17-20; I Cor. 15:45; see my study, "Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord").

To "walk in the Spirit" is to bear the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22-23), so is it just coincidence that Paul lists "nine" of them? Furthermore, we also find "nine" gifts of the Spirit, which Stephen E. Jones states "are supernatural tools to be used to make the 'tree' more fruitful." Last, but not least, there are "nine" beatitudes in Matthew 5, verses 3 through 11, which are clearly those who bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Returning to our understanding of Isaac, we find the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis, Chapter 21. We read, "And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him--whom Sarah bore to him-- _Isaac_. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was _eight_ days old, as God had commanded him. Now Abraham was _one hundred years old_ when his son Isaac was born to him" (Gen. 21:1-5).

As mentioned previously, circumcision was performed when Isaac was "eight days old." Vallowe wrote, "The number EIGHT always means a NEW BEGINNING or a NEW ORDER OF THINGS. As the series is complete in SEVEN, EIGHT signifies a new beginning, and thus stands for the NEW in contrast to the old. Observe the EIGHTH day which is really the first day of a new week, or the EIGHTH note of the musical scale which is the same as the first. EIGHT is the number for the NEW BIRTH or the NEW CREATION. FOUR is the number for the first creation and EIGHT is the number for a NEW CREATION."

Clearly, eight shows that the spiritual essence of circumcision represents the end of the "old" or "natural man" as signified by Ishmael (Rom. 6:6; I Cor. 2:14) and the rise of the "new man" as signified by Isaac (Eph. 2:15; 4:24; Col. 3:10). And as Vallowe indicates, "FOUR is the number for the first creation," which is seen in our "first man Adam," while "EIGHT" is the number for a NEW CREATION," as seen in the "last Adam," Christ.

We are told that "Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him." For this reason, one hundred "stands for GOD'S ELECTION OF GRACE, or THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE. Isaac, a child of promise, was born when his father was a HUNDRED years old" (Vallowe; see also Gen. 26:12, Rom. 9:7-8; Gal. 4:28). Ten signifies that "the whole cycle is complete" and "that nothing is wanting" (Bullinger). One hundred is ten times ten, times (x) denoting an increase, two tens denoting witness. So in one hundred we see that once the Two Covenants are realized in a person, we have a "child of promise." For this reason, Sarah speaks of the New Covenant which gives birth to the children of promise (Gal. 4:23, 26-28). This being true, let's consider the following.

Genesis 22:1-18 (NKJV)  
1 Now it came to pass after these things that **God tested Abraham** , and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 Then He said, " **Take now your son, your only** _son_ **Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you**." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the **third day** Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." 6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid _it_ on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, **but where** _is_ **the lamb for a burnt offering**?" 8 And Abraham said, "My son, **God will provide for Himself the lamb** for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." 12 And He said, " **Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only** _son,_ **from Me**." 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind _him was_ a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said _to_ this day, "In the Mount of The Lord it shall be provided." 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: " **By Myself I have sworn** , says the Lord, because you have done this thing, **and have not withheld your son, your only** _son_ _\--_ 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which _is_ on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 **In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice**."

Our spiritual parallel should be obvious. Even as Abraham was willing to offer up Isaac, his "only son" to God, so too our heavenly Father offered up His only Son for you and me (John 3:16). So in Abraham, we see a type of God Himself and in his son Isaac, a type of our Lord Jesus Christ, _a child of promise_ (Gal. 3:16). We find another parallel in the words of Christ—"Greater love has no one than this, than to _lay down one's life_ for his friends" (John 15:13) and again, " _He who loses his life_ for My sake shall find it" (Matt. 10:39).

Note too that we read, "Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham _a second time_ out of heaven, and said, 'By Myself I have sworn.'" _Two_ being the number of _witness_ , we see in our "second time" the immutability of God's Two Covenants which are working in humankind.

Hebrews 6:13-19 (NIV)  
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, **since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself** , 14 saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. 16 **Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument**. 17 **Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath**. 18 **God did this so that, by two unchangeable things** (His Word and His oath) **in which it is impossible for God to lie** , we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Is it simply a coincidence that it was "on the third day" when Abraham "saw the place afar off"? (Gen. 22:4) Not at all, for as indicated by the context of our passages, what we are considering points to the gospel of Christ which is summed up in _resurrection_.

Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV)  
17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 19 **Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death**.

These passages leave no doubt. What happened at Moriah was clearly a type of the gospel of Christ, i.e. _resurrection_. This shows that our Two Covenants, symbolized by Hagar and Sarah, denote _the gospel of Christ_ in all of its glory, and that glory is fully realized in _the resurrection of the dead_.

Acts 24:14-16 (NKJV)  
14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that **there will be a resurrection of** _the_ **dead, both of** _the_ **just and** _the_ **unjust**. 16 This _being_ so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Now, allow me to share the following from the online article, "A Biblical History of Jerusalem" at www.shamar.org (bolding mine).

The Beginning

The scriptural history of Jerusalem begins around 2110 _bce_ after Abram defeated King Chedorlaomer of Elam and the kings with him, and rescued his nephew Lot. The king of Sodom went to meet Abram in the Valley of Shaveh (the Valley of the King). There King Melek Tzedek of Salem brought bread and wine to Abram and blessed him (Genesis 14.17-20).

Several years later (approx. 2082 _bce_ ), following a command from Yahweh, Abraham took Isaac, his only son by his wife Sarah, to Mount Moriah in order to offer him as a sacrifice to Yahweh (Genesis 22.1-18). As he was about to kill Isaac, Yahweh intervened and supernaturally provided a sacrifice in the place of Isaac. Abraham called that place, _Yahweh Will See_ , of which it is said, " _On the mount of Yahweh it will be seen_ " (Genesis 22.14). This is usually improperly interpreted as "the Lord will provide" or "the Lord who provides" since Yahweh provided a sacrifice in place of Isaac. However, there is actually two different statements there, which most people generally overlooked, and they each say something a bit different. By this we can see that Yahweh had already chosen Jerusalem as the place where He would establish His dwelling place. (The JPS version interprets the passage as _On the mount of Yahweh there is vision_.)

Also consider the following article from Jerusalem.com (bolding mine).

In the first five books of Torah, there is little or no mention of the city. Scholars believe that this was deliberate, intended to prevent other nations from occupying the city and keeping it out of the hands of the Sons of Israel. The portions that do refer to Jerusalem usually do so with phrases like "the place which the Lord your God shall choose." Though Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Torah, there is mention of Mount Moriah, the mountain where Abraham was sent by god to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This is believed to be the later location of the Temple Mount, where King Solomon constructed the First Temple.

In contrast, in the later books of the Old Testament, Jerusalem is widely referenced as the capital of Jewish people. Founded by King David after he defeated the Jebusites, David built his palace in Jerusalem and provided it with its initial prominence. Later, David's son King Solomon built the first temple of the Lord on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 3:1 (NKJV)  
1 **Now Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah** , where _the Lord_ had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

In keeping with our understanding of Eve and Jerusalem in the previous chapter, we find a correlation between the city of Jerusalem and "Mount Moriah" where Abraham offered up his son, Isaac. So within the Two Covenants is seen the beauty of the _sacrificial nature_ of our covenants as exemplified through our Lord's death on the cross.

Two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, representing those born of both covenants. First, _that which is natural_ , afterward, _that which is spiritual_. Is there a parallel in our parable in Genesis? Yes there is, seen in Cain and Abel, Adam's first two sons (Gen. 4:1-2). Ah, but Cain murdered Abel, did he not? But as a result, we read, "And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, 'For God has appointed _another seed_ for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed" (Gen. 4:25). "Another seed"? Yes. And not surprisingly, the name "Seth" means, " _Put_ , i.e. _substituted_." Friend, wasn't Christ our _substitute_ on the cross? Yes He was.

# Chapter Eleven

# FALLEN ASLEEP

Genesis 2:18, 21-22 (NKJV)  
18 And the Lord God said, " _It is_ not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him..." 21... **And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept** ; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

1 Corinthians 15:17-21 (NKJV)  
17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith _is_ futile; you are still in your sins! 18 **Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished**. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, _and_ has become **the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep**. 21 For since by man _came_ death, by Man also _came_ the resurrection of the dead.

As our study suggests, Adam represents Israel while Eve, taken from the "rib" or side of Adam, represents the capital city of Jerusalem. Now let's consider what we read in verse 21—"And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept."

One might suppose that this "deep sleep" was a form of anesthesia in order for the Lord to remove Adam's "rib" and make the woman. This supposition is certainly foolish for our Creator is not restricted by such human constraints. Remember, this is a parable.

Our phrase "deep sleep" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "A _lethargy_ or (by implication) _trance_." It's taken from the word which means, "To _stun_ , i.e. _stupefy_ (with sleep or death)." Our "deep sleep" appears to represent some form of spiritual unconsciousness, an inner state of being. Paul describes the effects of this "deep sleep" in Romans.

Romans 8:20-21 (ESV)  
20 For **the creation** (original _formation_ ) **was subjected to futility, not willingly** , but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that **the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay** and **obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God**.

Do you see it? We, "the creation," while yet in Adam (first generation), were "subjected to futility (vanity), not willingly." In other words, we had no part in it as indicated by the fact that it was God who caused this deep sleep to come on Adam. And why was this done? "In hope that the creation itself," again you and me, "will be set free" from our "bondage to decay," i.e. sowing to the flesh "and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God," i.e. sowing to the Spirit. First the natural, afterward the spiritual.

Our phrase "fallen asleep" in our passages from I Corinthians reads, "To _put to sleep_ , i.e. (passive or reflexive) to _slumber_ ; figurative to _decease_ ," taken from the word which means "to _lie_ outstretched (literal or figurative)." This agrees with our Hebrew definition which is used just _seven_ times in the Old Testament with the most revealing understanding found in Isaiah, Chapter 29.

Isaiah 29:9-14 (NKJV)  
9 Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink. 10 **For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep** , and has **closed your eyes** , namely, the prophets; and He has **covered your heads** , _namely,_ the seers. 11 The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which _men_ deliver to one who is literate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I cannot, for it _is_ sealed." 12 Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I am not literate." 13 Therefore the Lord said: " **Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men** , 14 therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise _men_ shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent _men_ shall be hidden."

First we read, "And the Lord God caused a _deep sleep_ to fall on Adam, and he slept." Then in regard to "Ariel" or _Jerusalem_ (Isa. 29:1) we read, "For the Lord has poured out on you _the spirit of deep sleep_." In both cases, it is the same Hebrew word and the "deep sleep" is obviously by the hand of the Lord. The "deep sleep" of Isaiah 29 is confirmed by the Lord in the following passages.

Matthew 15:1-9 (NKJV)  
1 Then the scribes and Pharisees **who were from Jerusalem** came to Jesus, saying, 2 "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." 3 He answered and said to them, " **Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?** 4 For God commanded, saying, _'Honor your father and your mother';_ and, _'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'_ 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me _is_ a gift _to God"--_ 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.' **Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition**. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 _'These people draw near to Me with their mouth,_ _and honor Me with their lips,_ _but their heart is far from Me_ _._ 9 _And in vain they worship Me,_ _teaching as doctrines the commandments of men_ _.' "_

In regard to this "spirit of deep sleep," the Lord tells the scribes and Pharisees that they have made the commandment of God of no effect because of their tradition, quoting our passage from Isaiah 29:13. Would this "spirit of deep sleep" be responsible for this? Would this not put the responsibility for this on the Lord Himself, especially considering the fact that both Genesis and Isaiah declare it? If God closed the eyes of the "prophets" and covered the heads of the "seers," wouldn't they be helpless to act otherwise? Look once more at our passages from I Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 15:17-21 (NKJV)  
17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith _is_ futile; you are still in your sins! 18 **Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished**. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, _and_ has become **the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep**. 21 For since by man _came_ death, by Man also _came_ the resurrection of the dead.

Take a moment to really think about these passages. When Paul spoke of those who had "fallen asleep" in Christ, was he talking of those who had passed on or was he actually referring to the "deep sleep" that was on his own brethren, i.e. Israel, making them incapable of perceiving the things of the Spirit of God? The following seems to confirm this thought.

Romans 11:1-10 (ESV)  
1 **I ask, then, has God rejected his people?** By no means! For **I myself am an Israelite** , a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 **God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew**. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." 4 But what is God's reply to him? "I have kept for myself **seven thousand men** who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 So too at the present time there is a **remnant** , chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 7 **What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it,** _but the rest were hardened_ , 8 as it is written, " **God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day**." 9 And David says, " **Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them;** 10 **let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever**."

Once again, Paul refers to our passages from Isaiah, Chapter 29 (see also Deuteronomy 29:4 Isaiah 43:8; Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2; Ephesians 4:18). Note how he says, "But _the rest were hardened_ , as it is written, ' _God gave them a spirit of stupor_ (deep sleep), _eyes_ that would not see and _ears_ that would not hear, down to this very day.'" What was the meaning of our word _ʿāṣâ_ in Chapter 9? "Properly to _fasten_ (or _make firm_ ), i.e. to _close_ (the eyes)."

Friend, why did Paul suggest that God rejected His people Israel? Doesn't he make it quite clear about Israel, stating, "What then? _Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking_." But who obtained it? The "elect" did and " _the rest were hardened_ (blinded; KJV)." Who are the "elect"? Would it be those represented by the "seven thousand men" and whom Paul referred to as the "remnant" in verse 5? It would. It should be apparent to us that the disciples whom Jesus chose made up the "elect," for this word means, " _Select_ " (see John 15:16).

Romans 9:1-5 (ESV)  
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ **for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh**. 4 **They are Israelites** , and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, **according to the flesh** , is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

These passages, found earlier in Paul's letter to the saints in Rome, confirms our thought, Paul making it clear that it was his "brothers," his "kinsmen _according to the flesh_ ," who were under the influence of this "deep sleep," yet "to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises." Do we not see in this how important the people of Israel are in God's purpose? Now look at what follows.

Romans 9:6-13 (ESV)  
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. **For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel** , 7 and **not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring** , but " _Through Isaac shall your offspring be named_." 8 **This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring**. 9 For this is what the promise said: " **About this time next year I will return and Sarah shall have a son**." 10 And not only so, but also when Rebecca had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that **God's purpose of election might continue** , _not because of works but because of his call_ — 12 she was told, "The older will serve the younger." 13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

Here Paul refers back to Isaac, the child of promise, a type of Christ. So, "not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring." Rather, it is "the children of the promise" who are "counted as offspring." Paul goes one step further, speaking of Jacob and Esau, the children of Isaac "in order that _God's purpose of election_ (choosing) _might continue_ , _not because of works_ but _because of His call_." What began with Isaac continued through Jacob who became Israel and whose twelve sons became the nation of Israel and all of this according to God's own purpose.

Deuteronomy 29:1-4 (ESV)  
1 These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with **the people of Israel** in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb. 2 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: "You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 3 the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. 4 **But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.**

The Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam and he slept, symbolizing Israel's inability to really understand what God was doing in their midst. Interestingly, verse 4 cites several passages in regard to this deep sleep; Isaiah 6:9, 10; 63:17; John 8:43; Acts 28:26, 27; Romans 11:8, 10.

Friend, as Abraham offered up Isaac, so too our heavenly Father offered up Christ. But there was another "son" offered up, even Israel, _for the sake of the world_. Look at what Paul follows with in Romans, Chapter 11.

Romans 11:7-15 (NKJV)  
7 What then? **Israel has not obtained what it seeks** ; but the elect have obtained it, and **the rest were blinded**. 8 Just as it is written: _"God has given them a spirit of stupor,_ _eyes that they should not see_ _and ears that they should not hear,_ _to this very day."_ 9 And David says: _"Let their table become a snare and a trap,_ _a stumbling block and a recompense to them._ 10 _Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see,_ _and bow down their back always."_ 11 **I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall?** Certainly not! **But through their fall** , to provoke them to jealousy, **salvation** _has come_ **to the Gentiles**. 12 Now **if their fall** _is_ **riches for the world** , and **their failure riches for the Gentiles** , _how much more their fullness_! 13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy **those who are** **my flesh** and save some of them. 15 For if **their being cast away** _is_ **the reconciling of the world** , **what** _will_ **their acceptance** _be_ **but life from the dead**?

How does Paul describe this "deep sleep"? Blindness (verse 7), darkened (verse 10), stumbled (verse 11), fallen (verse 11 and 12), failure (verse 12), and cast away (verse 15). As with Adam, so with Israel (Gen. 2:21; 3:13, 17-19, 23-24).

Clearly, through Israel's "fall," salvation came to the Gentiles (nations). "Their fall is _riches_ for the world," "their being cast away is the _reconciling_ of the world." And when they are accepted once more it will be "life from the dead," _resurrection_ , the third and final stage of the living Word in a people, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.

Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Now the Lord had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; **and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed**."

Genesis 18:17-18 (NKJV)  
17 And the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, 18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and **all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him**?

Genesis 22:15-18 (NKJV)  
15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only _son--_ 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which _is_ on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 **In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed** , because you have obeyed My voice."

Brother and sister, from the beginning God assured Abraham that "all the nations of the earth" would be blessed because of him. Even as God placed a deep sleep upon Adam, so too He placed it on Israel, offering up both "sons" as He did Christ, once for all (II Cor. 5:14-15). This is truly a mystery.

# Chapter Twelve

# FIRSTFRUITS

Romans 11:15-16 (NKJV)  
15 For if their being cast away _is_ the reconciling of the world, what _will_ their acceptance _be_ but life from the dead? 16 For if the **firstfruit** _is_ holy, the lump _is_ also _holy;_ and if the **root** _is_ holy, so _are_ the branches.

Our word "firstfruit" is a compound word, defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "A _beginning_ of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) _first-fruit_ (figurative)."

Galatians 3:16 (NKJV)  
16 Now to Abraham **and his Seed** were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, **but as of one** , _"And to your Seed,"_ **who is Christ**.

God's promises were to Abraham "and his Seed," not many, just one, and that "Seed" is Christ. Our word "Christ" means "anointed," taken from the word which means, "Contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service." This agrees with our two "olive" trees in Romans, Chapter 11.

God sowed the "seed" of His Word in the nation of Israel, in "corruption," "dishonor," and "weakness," in order that this "seed" would flourish and one day arise in "incorruption," "glory," and "power" in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:42-43). This being true, we should understand that the "firstfruit" is the first ripe fruit of what is sown or planted.

John 12:24 (NKJV)  
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, **unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies** , it remains alone; **but if it dies** , it produces much grain.

In this simplistic teaching from Jesus, we find a precious understanding confirmed by nature around us. A seed must fall into the ground and die or it "remains alone." In other words, if the seed is not sown, nothing is grown and nothing reaped. Ah, but if it is sown and dies, it will produce much more than what first went into the ground. This is known as the exponential function; one to many. Al Bartlett, Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado said, "The greatest shortcoming of the human race is our inability to understand the exponential function."

So in the "one" of Adam, we see the "many" of Israel, confirmed by the lineage given us in Luke, Chapter 3. No wonder Paul wrote, "For by _one_ man's disobedience," i.e. Adam, " _many_ were made sinners," i.e. Israel (Rom. 5:19; KJV).

In the beginning, God caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam "and he slept." Due to this spiritual stupor, Adam then took of the tree of knowledge and "died." Despite the traditional view, Adam's "fall" was not just a result of Adam's own will but rather by divine intention (Rom. 8:20-21). None of us can experience the spiritual essence of the law without first encountering the law itself.

In keeping with our pattern, God also caused a deep sleep to come upon Israel, confirmed by Deuteronomy 29:4 (see also Ezek. 12:2). Would this also be by divine intention?

Finally, and most importantly, God caused a deep sleep (death) to come upon His Son Jesus.

With each of our "sons" is found a necessary death if you will, a seed falling into the ground to die in order to bring forth "much grain," God's purpose in each one made evident in the many who would follow. Three sons, Adam, Israel, and Christ, the spiritual meaning of three again pointing to the principle of resurrection.

What does Paul say? "For if the _firstfruit_ is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the _root_ is holy, so are the branches." Who is Paul referring to as "firstfruit"? He tells us in I Corinthians 15.

1 Corinthians 15:20, 23 (NKJV)  
20 But now **Christ** is risen from the dead, and **has become the firstfruits** of **those who have fallen asleep**... 23 But every man in his own order: **Christ the firstfruits** ; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Isaiah 11:10 (NIV)  
10 In that day **the Root of Jesse** will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.

Romans 15:12 (NKJV)  
12 And again, Isaiah says: " _There shall be a_ _root_ _of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope_."

Revelation 5:5 (NKJV)  
5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the **Root** of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."

These passages clarify that Christ is the "firstfruits" and the "root." Ah, but Christ speaks of the Spirit and Word of our Maker, and it is evident that His Spirit and Word were present with Adam, then Israel, and finally, Christ Jesus. We could say then that Adam was the "firstfruits" of all humankind, Israel the "firstfruits" of His people, and Christ was the "firstfruits" of both, reconciling all humanity by means of His people. Consider the following passages.

Exodus 12:1-11 (NKJV)  
1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 " **This month** _shall be_ **your beginning of months; it** _shall be_ **the first month of the year to you**. 3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: 'On the **tenth** _day_ of this month every man shall take for himself a **lamb** , according to the house of _his_ father, **a lamb for a household**. 4 And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take _it_ according to the number of the persons; according to each man's need you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 **Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take** _it_ **from the sheep or from the goats**. 6 Now you shall keep it until the **fourteenth** day of the same month. **Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight**. 7 And they shall take _some_ of the blood and put _it_ on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 8 Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread _and_ with bitter _herbs_ they shall eat it. 9 Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire--its head with its legs and its entrails. 10 You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. 11 And thus you shall eat it: _with_ a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. **It** _is_ **the Lord's Passover**.

Most everyone is familiar with the story of the Passover. Take note that this was done _before_ the people of Israel departed Egypt. Note too that the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron that "this month shall be your _beginning of months_ ; it shall be the _first month_ of the year to you."

A year is _twelve_ months. Concerning the spiritual meaning of this number, Vallowe wrote, "This number symbolizes God's perfect, divine accomplishment actively manifested. It shows a COMPLETENESS of a GROWTH or ADMINISTRATION. TWELVE marks GOVERNMENTAL PERFECTION and is used as the SIGNATURE of Israel. This number is used 187 times in the Bible. It is used 22 times in the Book of Revelation. TWELVE is the number for GOVERNMENT BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT."

What marked "the beginning of months" for Israel? The Passover. And what did this signify? That all Israel would no longer be governed by Egypt but by the Lord Himself.

As shown, all Israel was to take "from the _sheep_ or from the _goats_ " a "male of the first year" "without blemish." This was to be done "on the _tenth_ day of the month." Here is what Vallowe wrote concerning the spiritual meaning of _ten_.

As the basis of the decimal system, TEN has been a significant number in all historical ages. This is a number of TESTIMONY. Considered as twice FIVE, TEN stands for responsibility, intensified, signifying the measure of responsibility and its judgment or reward. This is a number used under the LAW. Man was responsible under the LAW to keep the commandments and bear a testimony for God. This number is made up of the sum of the world number FOUR and SIX the number of man. It is looked upon as a complete number as THREE, SEVEN, and TWELVE. Man has TEN digits on his hands and feet. There were TEN patriarchs before the flood (Genesis 5). God gave the Ten Commandments to man for him to bear Testimony before God and man. There were TEN plagues upon Egypt and Pharaoh during the days of Moses. Abraham prayed for TEN righteous people within the wicked city of Sodom. He wanted a TESTIMONY FOR GOD. In the parable of the TEN virgins, it gives the legal number necessary for a Jewish function or wedding.

Also from Vallowe (bolding mine).

In Galatians 4:4-5 it is said,

"When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

**This proves that the Passover lamb was typical of Christ**. In I Corinthians 5:7, the Bible says, "Christ is our Passover Lamb." In Exodus 12:3, the Passover lamb is connected with the number TEN.

"Speak ye unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, in the TENTH day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb."

Why was the lamb taken on the TENTH day of the month? **Was it not to typify Christ who was to be made under the Law, so He could redeem those who are under the Law so that we could bear testimony for Him?**

The lamb was taken up on the TENTH day (Exodus 12:3). This was the identical day that Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem before the cross. Here is RESPONSIBILITY and TESTIMONY.

Here's Bullinger's explanation of the spiritual meaning of _ten_.

It has been already pointed out that ten is one of the perfect numbers, and signifies the perfection of Divine order, commencing, as it does, an altogether new series of numbers. The first decade is the representative of the whole numeral system, and originates the system of calculation called "decimals," because the whole system of numeration consists of so many tens, of which the first is a type of the whole.

Completeness of order, marking the entire round of anything, is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number ten. It implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle is complete.

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 (ESV)  
22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 **But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ**.

Let us follow the logic. When the harvest approaches, there is a part that ripens before the rest, appropriately called "firstfruit" or the first ripe fruit. This is the "order" of which Paul speaks. "Christ the firstfruits" or first ripe fruit, followed by those "who belong to Christ." The first ripe fruit is gathered first and signifies that the rest of the harvest will soon be gathered as well. First the Passover, indicative of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, followed by the nation of Israel, or rest of the harvest. Just as _ten_ signifies that " _the first is a type of the whole_ ," so Christ represents this "tenth," also known as the "tithe," _the first to be offered up to God_.

Because the _tenth_ or _firstfruits_ are "holy" or _separated_ and _consecrated_ unto the Father, then the rest of the "dough" or "branches" are also "holy" (Rom. 11:16). In the eyes of our Father, the death of Christ prefigured in the Passover sanctified the entire nation of Israel for His divine purpose.

Exodus 12:6 (NKJV)  
6 Now you shall keep it until the **fourteenth** day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight.

As instructed, the lamb was chosen on the tenth day of the month and kept until the " _fourteenth day_ of the same month." Here's Bullinger's brief explanation of the spiritual meaning of _fourteen_.

Fourteen being a multiple of seven, partakes of its significance; and, being double that number, implies a double measure of spiritual perfection.

The number two with which it is combined (2x7) may, however, bring its own significance into its meaning, as in Matthew 1, where the genealogy of Jesus Christ is divided up and given in sets of 14 (2x7) generations, two being the number associated with incarnation.

The same principle may be applied to other multiples of seven, and Bible students can find their own illustrations.

Vallowe wrote, "FOURTEEN is the number that represents DELIVERANCE or SALVATION. It is used some 26 times in the Bible. It was the FOURTEENTH day of the first month of the year when the children of Israel were DELIVERED from Egyptian bondage, and from the stroke of judgment which fell upon the firstborn of the Egyptians (Exodus 12:6-7; Exodus 12:12-13; Leviticus 23:4-5). The number FOURTEEN is found three times over connected with Christ's coming into the world, and He came to SAVE, or DELIVER His people from their sins."

Vallowe's mention of "three times over" refers to the following passage.

Matthew 1:17 (KJV)  
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen** generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon _are_ **fourteen** generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ _are_ **fourteen** generations.

Friend, know that _seven_ is "the great number of _spiritual perfection_." (Bullinger). Bullinger goes on to state that _seven_ is from the root which means " _to be full_ or _satisfied_ , _have enough of_ ," and "it is _seven_ , therefore, that stamps with perfection and completeness that in connection with which it is used."

As we know, _two_ is the number of "union" and "witness," and in _fourteen_ , we have _two sevens_. Would this suggest the "witness" of "spiritual perfection"?

Now, in our passages from Matthew 1:17, we have _three fourteens_ , emphasizing the principle of _resurrection_ (3) which, through Christ, is His process which _delivers_ and _saves_ us (14). No wonder God instructed Israel to kill the lamb at twilight on the _fourteenth_ day. In keeping with this natural type, we find that the Lord "yielded up His spirit" after the "ninth hour" (Matt. 27:45, 46, 50). The ninth hour is approximately 3 p.m. to sunset (twilight).

We should also note that our three fourteens found in Matthew 1:17 point to the book of the Revelation, where we find _six_ important _sevens_ ; _seven_ churches and _seven_ angels of the churches (Rev. 1:20), _seven_ prophecies and a scroll with _seven_ seals (Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3; 5:1), and finally, _seven_ trumpets (Rev. 8:2) and _seven_ vials or bowls (Rev. 15:7). _Six sevens_ is _three fourteens_ and in both we have a sum of _forty-two_. In our _six_ times _seven_ we see our _enmity_ (6) dealt with by the _spiritual perfection_ (7) of God's process. We'll come back to this later in our study.

Revelation 11:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot _for_ **forty-two months**.

Revelation 13:5 (NKJV)  
5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for **forty-two months**.

# Chapter Thirteen

# THE FIG TREE

Romans 11:16 (NIV)  
16 If the part of the dough **offered as firstfruits** is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if **the root is holy** , so are the branches.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 (NKJV)  
20 **But now Christ is risen from the dead,** _and_ **has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep**. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For **as in Adam** all die, even so **in Christ** all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: **Christ the firstfruits** , afterward those _who are_ Christ's at His coming.

Look once more at our passages from I Corinthians. Christ "has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." This would be Adam and Israel, so Paul declares, "By man came death," referring to Adam, which is a type of Israel who received the law at Mount Sinai. And what did Paul call the law? "The ministry of death" and "condemnation" (II Cor. 3:7-11). If the law is "the ministry of death," would it not then bring death to Israel? Didn't Paul write, "The letter kills" (II Cor. 3:6)? Like Adam, who was a son of God, Israel was also a son of God (Hosea 11:1). Just as the tree of knowledge brought death to Adam and Eve, so too the law at Mount Sinai brought death to Israel. Ah, but God's purpose was unfolding, little by little, until such time that the "seed should come to whom the promise was made" (Gal. 3:19).

Friend, understand that "fallen asleep" speaks of a spiritual state where we are unable to "see" or "hear" those things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:13-15). Paul refers to this when he writes, "By man came death." Think about it. Did Adam physically pass from this planet when he ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge? No, he did not. He lived to be 930 years old (Gen. 5:5). However, once Adam took of the tree of knowledge, something changed with Adam's present state of being. This is confirmed by the fact that we read, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden" (Gen. 3:7-8).

"The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked." "Eyes" speak of "seeing" or understanding (Matt. 13:13) and our word "knew" speaks of "knowing" or "knowledge." When we understand that the tree of knowledge is symbolic of the law, then what Paul tells us in Romans 7:7 explains this—"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law said, 'You shall not covet.'" What else did Paul say? "Therefore, just as through one man," Adam, "sin entered the world, and death through sin" (Rom. 5:12; see also Eph. 2:1-3). Furthermore, "until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses" (Rom. 5:14). Though the law was yet to be given to Israel at Mount Sinai, the consequences of sin were still evident, the scripture stating, "The soul who sins shall die" (Ezek. 18:4). Note too that Paul speaks of the time from "Adam to Moses," agreeing with the presentation of our first "son" and our second "son."

Now, we often fail to understand the intent of a parable by failing to take time to consider what is meant. For example, in the one simple act of "eating" from the tree of knowledge, we might assume that Eve, then Adam, reached out to the tree of knowledge, plucked the fruit, then took a bite. Ah, but much more is to be understood in this simple analogy. The action of "eating" the fruit suggests an ongoing process in the same way that you and I must eat regularly to live. Furthermore, the idea of "knowledge" or knowing suggests intimacy (Gen. 4:1), which can only be derived over a long period of time. So when Paul wrote, "I would not have known sin except through the law," he is telling us that, over time, the law becomes more and more evident to us as we struggle with the sin which it provokes in our daily lives. As for "naked," look at the following from II Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NIV)  
1 Now we know that if **the earthly tent** we live in is destroyed, **we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands**. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be **clothed** with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are **clothed** , **we will not be found naked**. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, **because we do not wish to be unclothed** but to be **clothed** with our heavenly dwelling, so that **what is mortal may be swallowed up by life**.

Our word "naked" in Genesis 2:25 means, "Nude, either partially or totally," taken from the word which means, "To be (or make) bare." Our word "naked" in II Corinthians 5 means, "Nude," so our definitions agree. And what is meant by "naked"? Exposed flesh. That being said, Adam and Eve were naked before they ate of the tree of knowledge, however, they "were not ashamed" (Gen. 2:25). After they ate of the tree of knowledge, they were still naked, however, they now "knew that they were naked," their "flesh" or carnal mindset exposed by the law of God. So again, Romans 7:7 explains, stating, "I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet.'" Following this we see Adam and Eve sewing "fig leaves together" and making their own "coverings." This is explained by the following.

Romans 9:30-32 (NKJV)  
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 **but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.** 32 **Why? Because** _they did_ **not** _seek it_ **by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law...**

Would the idea of sewing fig leaves together symbolize the "works (sewing) of the law"? Didn't the Jews of Jesus' day, who sat in "Moses' seat" (Matt. 23:2), believe they were righteous in the sight of God (John 8:33-59)? Yet Paul makes it clear that Israel, "pursuing the law of righteousness," didn't attain it. "Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law." In contrast, it was God who told Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge, suggesting that Adam was to have faith in what God had commanded. Instead, he took of the tree. But "no one is justified by the law in the sight of God," for "'the just shall live by faith.' Yet the law is not of faith" (Gal. 3:11-12), and again, "Whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23).

Now, fig leaves come from a fig tree, don't they? Of course, and tradition has led many to believe that the fruit of the tree of knowledge was an apple, but there is absolutely no mention of this in Genesis. However, following the eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge we see Adam and Eve making "coverings" from "fig leaves." Would this suggest that the tree of knowledge and its corresponding fruit is symbolized by a fig tree? I believe so. Hiding in plain sight, isn't it?

Mark 11:12-14, 20-22 (NKJV)  
12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar **a fig tree having leaves** , He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, " **Let no one eat fruit from you ever again**." And His disciples heard _it..._ 20 Now **in the morning** , as they passed by, **they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots**. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, "Rabbi, look! **The fig tree which You cursed has withered away**." 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God."

Look closely at this story of the fig tree. Note that Jesus came to it looking for fruit, however, "it was not the season for figs." So why would Jesus expect to find fruit? The answer? He wouldn't. Instead, He was demonstrating an important principle for His disciples. The fig tree representing the law, Jesus "cursed" it. Consider.

Galatians 3:5-14 (NKJV)  
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, _does He do it_ **by the works of the law** , or by the hearing of faith?-- 6 just as Abraham _"believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."_ 7 **Therefore know that** _only_ **those who are of faith are sons of Abraham**. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, _saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."_ 9 So then those who _are_ of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 10 **For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written,** _"Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."_ 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God _is_ evident, for _"the just shall live by faith."_ 12 **Yet the law is not of faith,** but _"the man who does them shall live by them."_ 13 **Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us** (for it is written, _"_ _Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree_ _"_ ), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Do you see it? "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse," just like our fig tree! And to whom was Paul referring if not to his own people, the Jews, who embraced the law and yet rejected the Lord and His gospel? When Jesus cursed the fig tree, He was in essence showing that He would redeem His own people as well as the rest of the world from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us! Look once more at these passages from Romans, Chapter 9.

Romans 9:1-8 (NKJV)  
1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that **I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart**. 3 **For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh**...

Can we even imagine Paul's distress over his own people? No, we cannot! Ah, but Paul understood quite clearly that God's purpose in blinding his own people was for the sake of the entire world (Rom. 11:15).

Romans 9:30-33 (NKJV)  
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 **but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.** 32 **Why? Because** _they did_ **not** _seek it_ **by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.** For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: _"Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,_ _and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."_

Galatians 2:21 (NKJV)  
21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for **if righteousness** _comes_ **through the law, then Christ died in vain**.

Galatians 3:21 (NKJV)  
21 _Is_ the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, **truly righteousness would have been by the law**.

Isn't it clear that Israel, including the Jews, were unable to attain to "the law of righteousness" because "they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law"? No wonder Jesus followed His cursing of the fig tree with, "Have faith in God" to His disciples (Mark 11:22). And further in Romans, Paul makes it evident, telling us that "God did not spare the natural branches." "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity." On those who "fell"? Yes! On those who "fell" because of the "deep sleep," just as Adam!

Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV)  
25 **For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in**. 26 And **so all Israel will be saved** , as it is written: _"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,_ _and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;_ 27 _For this is My covenant with them,_ _when I take away their sins."_

Paul's wish for us is that we would not be "ignorant of this mystery," lest we become conceited, "that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." And it is truly a mystery, is it not?

Our word "blindness" is defined as, " _Stupidity_ or _callousness_ ," taken from the word which means, "To _petrify_ , i.e. (figurative) to _indurate_ ( _render stupid_ or _callous_ )." When contrasted with what Jesus said in Matthew 13, verses 13 through 15, we have an understanding and again a confirmation of the affects of this "deep sleep."

Hosea 9:10 (ESV)  
10 Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. **Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers**. But they came to Baal-peor and consecrated themselves to the thing of shame, and became detestable like the thing they loved.

Who are the "fathers"? Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Jacob became Israel and fathered the twelve tribes, the nation of Israel. How does our Creator view the "fathers"? "Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season." As our parable in Genesis shows, Adam/Israel took of this "fruit" in the Garden of Eden.

So what have we found so far in this study? First, that which is natural and afterward, that which is spiritual. That being said, the "natural" is defined by the tree of knowledge which represents the "natural body" of the law (I Cor. 15:44). But Paul said the law is spiritual, so within the "natural body" is found the life of the "spiritual body" (I Cor. 15:44), represented by the tree of life. This shows that our two trees in the garden are but one tree. This being true, then there is but one "seed" which produces this tree and that "seed" is the Word of God. And His Word incorporates His law which reflects the righteous requirements of His own nature.

Take a moment to consider our illustration. As we have said, there is but one "seed," the Word of God, represented by our double-edged sword in the middle. Out of this one seed comes the twofold principle of sowing and reaping which is incorporated into and exemplified by our two trees or Two Covenants. So in essence, our two trees could be brought to the middle where the double-edged sword is shown to represent the seed and the tree it bears like I have done with the following illustration.

As shown, the fig tree is now in the middle where we also find the image of the cross. On both sides of our sword and cross, we now have our two olive trees which represent Israel and the Gentiles (nations). In regard to our tree in the middle, consider the following.

Acts 5:30 (NKJV)  
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered **by hanging on a tree**.

Acts 10:39 (NKJV)  
39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, **whom they killed by hanging on a tree**.

Galatians 3:13 (NKJV)  
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, _"_ _Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree_ _"_...

1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)  
24... **who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree** , that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness...

Our spiritual reality is evident. The cross is our "tree," indicative of the law of God as signified by the tree of knowledge and the law made spiritual as signified by the tree of life. And how was the law made spiritual? Through the precious death of Christ which took down the "the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" (Eph. 2:14-16; NIV). You see my friend, "in this one body," His "natural" body, we see both death and the life which springs from it.

1 Peter 1:17-21 (NKJV)  
17 And if you call on the Father, **who without partiality judges according to each one's work** , conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay _here_ in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, _like_ silver or gold, from your aimless conduct _received_ by tradition from your fathers, 19 **but with the precious blood of Christ** , as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 **He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you** 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Consider Peter's words. Those who "call on the Father" are judged "without partiality" and "according to each one's work." Is this not sowing and reaping? It is. So Peter tells us to conduct ourselves throughout the time of our stay here in fear, knowing that we were redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world." Please consider.

Genesis 2:7-9 (KJV)  
7 And **the Lord God formed man** _of_ **the dust of the ground** , and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8 And **the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed**. 9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; **the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil**.

In the beginning "the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." And before there was sin or death, He "planted a garden eastward," in ancient times, "in Eden," according to His pleasure, "and there He put the man whom he had formed." In the midst of this garden, in this place of sowing and reaping were two trees, "the tree of life" and the "tree of knowledge of good and evil," in essence but one "tree" derived from one "seed," but separated for our understanding. When we bring the two trees together, here is what we have.

Friend, there should be no doubt. Christ was "foreordained before the foundation of the world" (I Peter 1:20; KJV). Our word "foreordained" is defined as, "To know beforehand, i.e. foresee." So I emphasize—before Adam sinned and death entered, all humankind was placed into His garden, into the principle of sowing and reaping, where in the midst or middle is found the precious and eternal grace of God which would one day be made clearly evident through the death of His Son on the cross.

As our illustration shows, the horizontal cross beam defines the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the law of God which sets the moral boundary of every person's existence, both Israel and the Gentiles (nations), left to right. The vertical cross beam denotes the purpose of the tree of knowledge or law of God which is to bring life out of death, for as Paul said, "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (II Cor. 3:6). Know that Jesus, "through death," destroyed him who had the "power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14), and by His precious sacrifice guaranteed that "all shall be made alive" (I Cor. 15:22). From the beginning of man's existence we see the death and resurrection of Christ in our two trees in the garden, our number three confirming the fact that He would "create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace" (Eph. 2:15). Truly His "works were finished from the foundation of the world" (Heb. 4:3; KJV). When God said, "Let there be light," He spoke the essence of His Son into all creation, setting a precedent that would remain and be confirmed from Genesis to Revelation (John 8:12).

2 Corinthians 5:14-17 (NKJV)  
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 **Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh**. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know _Him thus_ no longer. 17 **Therefore, if anyone** _is_ **in Christ,** _he is_ **a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new**.

Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)  
1 **Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth** , for **the first heaven and the first earth had passed away**. Also there was no more sea.

As I close this chapter, give this some thought. The Pharisees, along with the Sadducees, embraced the law and the prophets. And when Jesus came to the Jews, it was in fulfillment of these types, shadows, and prophecies recorded therein, yet, they were incapable of seeing it! As a result, they refused to let go of their present religious system. Though many of their prophecies spoke of a Messiah and Jesus fulfilled these prophecies perfectly, they stood opposed to Him while in their midst, so much so that they were responsible for His death. That being said, does this negate the fact that He came? Of course not! But doesn't this also show that His coming can be missed if we don't truly understand it? It does, so one must consider the same thing in our present time. Will we, like the Pharisees, fail to see His "coming," and this due to our own stubborn resistance to let go of our religious systems and traditions? It is something to think about.

# Chapter Fourteen

# THE TABERNACLE OF WITNESS

In Chapter Four, I mentioned that we are given a simple pattern in our Genesis parable, consisting of four areas. First Eden, where the garden was placed. Then the garden itself. Then our two trees in the garden and last, the land of Nod outside of Eden.

Remember that four is the number of "material creation" and speaks of "His creative works." "It is emphatically the number of Creation; of man in his relation to the world as created... It is the number of material completeness. Hence it is the world number, and especially the 'city' number" (Bullinger).

In keeping with this pattern, Jesus gave us four divisions in the Parable of the Sower; the wayside, stony places, thorns, and good ground (Matt. 13:3-8), so in essence we could show our four divisions like this:

1. Wayside (The Land of Nod)

2. Stony Places (Eden)

3. Thorns (Garden of Eden)

4. Good Ground (Two Trees in the Garden)

As the title of this chapter indicates, there is another pattern given which aligns with that found in our Genesis parable. It was the Tabernacle of Witness, also called the Tabernacle of Moses since its instructions were given to him on Mount Sinai, making it an integral part of the law or Old Covenant.

Hebrews 8:1-5 (NIV)  
1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 **and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man**. 3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, **for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law**. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a **copy and shadow of what is in heaven**. **This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."**

According to the writer of Hebrews, there is an earthly "sanctuary" or tabernacle "that is a copy and shadow of what is in Heaven," a reflection if you will of "the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man." As Hebrews makes clear, the instructions for this tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai where he was warned, "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." And why was this pattern so important? Because it accurately reflects the divine work of God in the earth, incorporating every person who has or ever will live on this planet.

Now, let me share an illustration with you that shows the pattern of the Tabernacle of Witness which God gave Moses so long ago. There will be several things to consider in this illustration, but we will use the remainder of this study to go over them.

The first thing I wish to point out are the numbers and their corresponding descriptions.

1. The Land of Nod (Wayside) – The "seas" or nations

2. Eden (Stony Places) – The "earth" or Israel (12 Tribes)

3. The Garden of Eden (Thorns) – The "tabernacle" or Jerusalem

4. Two Trees in the Middle of the Garden (Good Ground) – The Temple of God

Let's count what we have. The land of Nod, Eden, the garden, and finally, two trees in the middle of the garden. When we separate our "trees," that comes up as five. Coincidence? I think not, for five is our number which represents "sin" (author) and "grace" (Bullinger; Vallowe). So Paul wrote, "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5:20-21). Again, from the beginning of our existence, God's grace is clearly evident in our two trees (cross) in the garden. And I cannot help but mention the Ten Commandments, given as two five's and summed up in two commandments (Matt. 22:35-40).

As shown, the "land of Nod" corresponds to the "wayside" of the Parable of the Sower, both symbolic of all the nations of this world, Israel excluded. As also shown, the nations are represented by "the seas." Please consider.

Genesis 4:16 (NKJV)  
16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the **land of Nod** on the **east** of Eden.

Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, a twin to his brother Abel (Gen. 4:1-2). We are told that Cain was "a tiller of the ground" but Abel was "a keeper of sheep." Immediately we have a contrast between the "natural" or Cain, a "tiller of the ground," and the "spiritual," or Abel, who like Christ, was a "keeper of sheep" (Matt. 15:24; 25:33; John 10:1-16). As the story of Cain and Abel goes, Cain murders his brother Abel (Gen. 4:8). Wouldn't this act accurately describe the "natural" essence of our being, of you and me in the "world" when we are unable to receive the things of the Spirit of God? It would. And just as Cain killed Abel, so too our "natural man" puts to death our "spiritual man" within until such time that we are drawn by the Father to Christ and into His process of resurrection.

1 John 3:11-13 (NKJV)  
11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that **we should love one another** , 12 **not as Cain** _who_ **was of the wicked one and murdered his brother**. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not marvel, my brethren, **if the world hates you**.

How does John describe Cain? "Of the wicked one," which is first seen as the "serpent" in the garden. Remember, figuratively speaking, this makes him the "seed" of the "serpent." And again, what did Paul write? The natural is first (as in firstborn).

Following the murder of his brother, we see the Lord reckoning with Cain. We then see that "Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden." Our word "Nod" is defined as, "Vagrancy," taken from the word which means, "Exile" or "wandering." This corresponds to our number "1" in the illustration, signifying all the nations of the world.

1 John 5:18-19 (NKJV)  
18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, **and the wicked one does not touch him**. 19 We know that we are of God, and **the whole world lies** _under the sway of_ **the wicked one**.

Here we have confirmation. "The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one," under the deceptive workings of the serpent, just like Cain. When this is true, then the "message" of Christ that "we should love one another" is of little or no effect because we are lost in the darkness of our own natural and carnal mind (Rom. 8:6-8). When we conduct ourselves after this mindset, we "wander" without true purpose, devoting ourselves to the lust of the flesh and eyes and pride of this natural life (I John 2:15-17).

Proof? Consider the state of our present societal structure. How much do we now manufacture and produce and make available to our society which is clearly bad for us? Do we not realize that much of what we take for granted is tainted with harmful chemicals which should not be exposed to our bodies or our homes? How many things have you heard about that for a long time were not considered as harmful or bad for us? Friend, there is a great number of them, yet, we promote these things as necessary and needful, and most of us never question it. Even our basic food and water has been tampered with time and again, so much so that much of what we eat and drink introduces problems into our systems that starts diseases in us that become more evident as we age. Wouldn't a lack of love for our fellow man lead to such things? And what is the ultimate reason for doing this? The love of money (I Tim. 6:10).

Luke 9:23-25 (KJV)  
23 And he said to _them_ all, If any _man_ will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 **For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?**

When the Lord reckoned with Cain he responded with, "My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth" (Gen. 4:13-14). Our words "fugitive" and "vagabond" both mean "to waver" and "to wander," respectively, agreeing with our understanding of "Nod." And what did Jesus say in regard to one who gains "the whole world"? He loses himself and is "cast away." Doesn't this align with our picture of Cain and the "natural man" who doesn't receive the things of the Spirit of God?

Now, let's go to the book of the Revelation to understand the meaning of "seas."

Revelation 17:1, 15 (NKJV)  
1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot **who sits on many waters**... 15 Then he said to me, " **The waters which you saw** , where the harlot sits, **are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues**.

Isaiah 57:20-21 (KJV)  
20 But **the wicked** _are_ **like the troubled sea** , when it cannot rest, **whose waters cast up mire and dirt**. 21 _There is_ no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

These passages are clear. "The wicked are like the troubled sea" and in agreement, John saw the "great harlot who sits on many waters" and he is told that, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues." Have we not all heard the phrase "sea of humanity"? Here's further proof.

Matthew 4:18-20 (NKJV)  
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; **for they were fishermen**. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and **I will make you fishers of men**." 20 They immediately left _their_ nets and followed Him.

Two of the Lord's disciples were Peter and Andrew, "fishermen" if you will, "casting a net into the sea." And what does the Lord say to them? "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Revelation 13:1 (NKJV)  
1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And **I saw a beast rising up out of the sea** , having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

In the highly symbolical book of the Revelation, John tells us, "Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea." Rising up from where? "Out of the sea," the specificity of John's vision giving us a very important spiritual reality to consider. Note too that John is standing on the "sand" of the sea, which we could easily define as "earth," hence the reason our illustration shows "The Seas" and "The Earth" and a clear distinction between the two.

Acts 4:24-26 (NKJV)  
24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You _are_ God, who made **heaven** (1) and **earth** (2) and the **sea** (3), and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: _'Why did the_ _nations_ _rage,_ _and the people plot vain things?_ (3) 26 _The_ _kings of the earth_ _took their stand_ (2) _,_ _and the rulers were gathered together_ _against_ _the Lord and against His Christ_ (1) _.'_

In these passages, we have a mirror image (Gen. 2:4), beginning with "heaven" and followed by the "earth" and the "sea," and "all that is in them." The passage which follows then speaks of the "nations" or "sea," followed by "the kings of the earth," and finally, "the Lord" and "His Christ" or anointed, no doubt referring to "heaven."

1. Heaven = The Lord and His Christ

2. Earth = Kings of the Earth

3. Sea = Nations

Acts 14:15 (NKJV)  
15... and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the **heaven** , the **earth** , the **sea** , **and all things that are in them**...

Here we have the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, also speaking of "the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them." Is it not true that "heaven" is higher than the "earth," and the "earth" is higher than the "sea"? So in our natural presentation is found a spiritual reality of our makeup. "Heaven" would speak of those who are "spiritually minded" (Rom. 8:6), while "earth" speaks of those who are "carnally minded" (Rom. 8:6). Finally, the "sea" speaks of the depths of depravity that the human heart is most certainly capable of (Jer. 17:9) and is clearly evident throughout the world.

Think about it. With our current technology, we are able to go deeper into the ocean than ever before, descending to a place where there is no light whatsoever. Found within these depths are creatures never before seen until now, and we are still not able to reach to the very bottom due to the intense pressure of the water at such depth. Can we imagine what else might be found there?

In the same way, those things which lay within the depths of men's hearts is just as unfathomable to you and me. How do we explain the "Hitlers" and "Mussolinis" and the "Kim Jong-uns," the serial killers, human traffickers, and child molesters? Friend we cannot, for God alone knows the depths of men's hearts and judges accordingly. So it is that the "land of Nod" or "seas" aptly describes the depravity of the human condition and the world at large, the "wayside," where "the wicked one comes and snatches away" the life of the Word of God that is "sown" in the heart (Matt. 13:19; note that "one" has been inserted by the translators). In keeping with this understanding, consider the following.

Revelation 9:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the **bottomless pit**. 2 And **he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit**. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

In these passages we see the sounding of the fifth trumpet, five being the number which represents both sin and grace. As shown, the fifth trumpet shows the opening of the "bottomless pit." Our word "bottomless" is defined as, "Depthless." It's a compound word, derived from "a" or alpha as "a negative particle," and bythos meaning, "Depth, i.e. (by implication) the sea." In agreement, our word "pit" means, "A hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e. a cistern or well." We should see by these definitions that the "bottomless pit" is synonymous with the "sea" and the "beast" which rises out of it and again denotes the darkness or depravity of the human heart (Jer. 17:9). The fact that "locusts" come out of the "smoke" and "upon the earth" represents the powerful influence of the world at large and its ability to destroy the "fruitfulness" of God's Word or "seed" in His people (Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:18-19). And I emphasize that our passages from Revelation, Chapter 13, in regard to the "beast" which rises up "out of the sea," are synonymous with the opening of the "bottomless pit."

Revelation 7:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow **on the earth, nor on the sea** , nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, **to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea** , 3 Saying, **Hurt not the earth, neither the sea** , nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)  
12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! **Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea**! For **the devil has come down to you** , having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."

In Revelation 7, we see the "four winds of the earth" are set to "blow" on the "earth" and the "sea," showing a clear distinction between the two. In Revelation 12 we read, "For the devil has come down to you (the earth and the sea), having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." Also note the phrase, "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!" No doubt, this speaks of those who are "spiritually minded" and know "life and peace" (Rom. 8:6) as opposed to those who don't (earth and the sea).

Revelation 10:2 (KJV)  
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and **he set his right foot upon the sea** , and _his_ **left** _foot_ **on the earth**...

It's quite interesting to see in these passages that a "mighty angel" whose description matches that of Christ Himself (Rev. 10:1), is seen with a "little book open" in His hand and He sets "His right foot upon the sea, and His left foot on the earth." The "right foot" correlates with the "right hand," representing the Gentiles or world at large and the spiritual power and authority of God's New Covenant being worked in its midst (Matt. 22:44; 25:33-34; 26:64; Heb. 8:1; 12:2; I Peter 3:22; Rev. 3:21). This being true, the "left foot" corresponds with the "left hand" and speaks of natural Israel and the Old Covenant law of God. This confirms that God's covenants reside over all humankind. For this reason we are told, "For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet" (both covenants; I Cor. 15:25). Consider the following.

Matthew 21:28-32 (NKJV)  
28 "But what do you think? A man had **two sons** , and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' 29 He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I _go,_ sir,' but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of _his_ father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, " **Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you**. 32 **For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw** _it,_ **you did not afterward relent and believe him**.

Here again we have "two sons," which I believe points to Ishmael and Isaac, Hagar and Sarah, the Old Covenant and the New. When we examine our parable, it should be apparent that our "left foot" would correspond with the religious leaders of the Jews, i.e. the "earth," while the "right foot" with the "tax collectors and harlots," i.e. the "sea." Both covenants are evident.

Matthew 25:31-33 (NKJV)  
31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 **All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides** _his_ **sheep from the goats**. 33 And He will set the **sheep** on His **right hand** , but the **goats** on the **left**.

In keeping with the "left" and "right foot" in Revelation 10:2, the Lord taught the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, setting the "sheep" on "His right hand, but the goats on the left."

When we compare this with our illustration of the two olive trees, the "left" hand signifies natural Israel and the "natural body" of the law (earth) while the "right" hand signifies the nations and the formation of the "spiritual body" of the law, i.e. the law made spiritual through Christ (seas). And what makes the law spiritual? No doubt, the "message of the cross" found in the middle.

# Chapter Fifteen

# THE CHERUBIM

In our illustration in Chapter Fourteen, we learned that the "land of Nod" and the "seas" correspond to all the nations of the world with the exception of the nation of Israel. As our illustration shows, this lies outside of "Eden," which is indicative of "the earth" or Israel, the twelve tribes, also identified with "Jerusalem, the Holy City" or capital of the kingdom of Israel.

When we view our illustration, we find that the twelve tribes of Israel were required to camp around the tabernacle in the wilderness in a specific order, three tribes on each side (our number of resurrection). Not surprisingly, the entrance to the tabernacle was found on the east side where Moses, Aaron, and the priests were situated, which coincides with our "eastward in Eden" (Gen. 2:8), representing the Word and wisdom of God in which Israel was enveloped, His plan and purpose clearly revealed in this pattern which is first foreshadowed in our Genesis parable.

Remember, twelve is the number which signifies "government by divine appointment." As Vallowe wrote, "It shows a COMPLETENESS of a GROWTH or ADMINISTRATION," marking "GOVERNMENTAL PERFECTION and is used as the SIGNATURE of Israel."

Can we imagine how all of this must have looked to anyone who happened to see this arrangement in the wilderness, where an entire nation was situated around a nondescript enclosure in the middle, the outside veiling a large amount of gold and silver which lay beneath its plain appearance?

As our illustration shows, the two trees of our garden represent the temple of God situated within the tabernacle, a rectangular room divided by a veil. The first room was called the Holy Place and the second the Most Holy Place (Exod. 26:33-34). It was in the Most Holy Place that the high priest entered once a year to make atonement for the sins of Israel and where the awesome presence of God would descend between the cherubim on the mercy seat which covered the ark of the covenant (Exod. 25:22; 30:6; Lev. 16:2; Num. 7:89; Heb. 9:7). Consider.

Genesis 3:24 (NKJV)  
24 So He drove out the man; and **He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden** , and **a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life**.

As this passage suggests, "the way to the tree of life," seen as the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle, was guarded by the "cherubim" and "a flaming sword which turned every way." No doubt, the "cherubim" are a mysterious symbolism, but go with me now to the book of Ezekiel for understanding.

Ezekiel 1:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Now it came to pass in the **thirtieth** year, in the **fourth** _month,_ on the **fifth** _day_ of the month, as I _was_ among the captives by the River Chebar, _that_ **the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God**. 2 On the **fifth** _day_ of the month, which _was_ in the **fifth** year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, 3 **the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest** , the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.

Note the bolded words; the "thirtieth" year, the "fourth" month, the "fifth" day of the month, and the "fifth" year. In regard to thirty we read, "Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:23). Bullinger wrote, "Thirty being 3 x 10, denotes in a higher degree the perfection of Divine order, as marking the right moment." As we know, four is the number which signifies the material or natural creation as well as a foundation, while five speaks of sin and the corresponding grace of God in regard to sin. It was during this specific time that Ezekiel states, "The heavens were opened and I saw visions of God." And what glorious visions they were!

Ezekiel 1:4 (NKJV)  
4 Then I looked, and behold, a **whirlwind** was coming out of the north, **a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness** _was_ **all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire**.

When I read "a whirlwind" and "a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself," I immediately think of the "four winds" of Revelation 7, verse 1, and the "flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life." Our word "flaming" in Genesis 3:24 is defined as, "A blaze." Being a "sword," it points to the double-edged "sword" of His living Word (Heb. 4:12) and the divine process we are considering in this study. Now, look at what Ezekiel sees next.

Ezekiel 1:5-8 (NKJV)  
5 Also from within it _came_ the likeness of **four living creatures**. And this _was_ their appearance: **they had the likeness of a man**. 6 Each one had **four faces** , and each one had **four wings**. 7 Their legs _were_ straight, and the soles of their feet _were_ like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of **burnished bronze**. 8 The **hands of a man** _were_ under their wings on their **four sides** ; and each of the **four** had faces and wings.

Is it merely coincidence that we find the "cherubim" and the "flaming sword" in Genesis 3:24 and Ezekiel sees a "raging fire" and "four living creatures" in his vision? What was their "likeness"? "The likeness of a man."

Should we doubt what the living creatures are, it is clarified for us in Ezekiel, Chapter 10, where Ezekiel sees them once more and states, "And the cherubim were lifted up. This was the living creature I saw by the River Chebar" (Ezek. 10:15) and again, "This is the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the River Chebar, and I knew they were cherubim" (Ezek. 10:20). Clearly, our "four living creatures" are the "cherubim."

Revelation 4:1-2, 6-9 (NKJV)  
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door _standing_ open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard _was_ like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, **a throne set in heaven, and** _One_ **sat on the throne**... 6 Before the throne _there was_ a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, _were_ **four living creatures** full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The **first living creature** _was_ like a lion, the **second living creature** like a calf, the **third living creature** had a face like a man, and the **fourth living creature** _was_ like a flying eagle. 8 _The_ **four living creatures** , each having **six wings** , were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: " **Holy** , **holy** , **holy** , Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" 9 Whenever the **living creatures** give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever...

No doubt, the Word of God is consistent, for in Revelation, John is taken to a "throne set in heaven" and there he sees "four living creatures" or cherubim as well, the same creatures which Ezekiel beheld in his vision. "And they do not rest day or night, saying: 'Holy (1), holy (2), holy (3), Lord God Almighty, Who was (1) and is (2) and is to come (3)!'" Here again we have two "threes," indicative of the testimony (2) of resurrection (3)! Ah, but there is a small difference between our two visions. In both Ezekiel, Chapter 1 and 10, the living creatures are seen with "four wings" (Ezek. 5:6; 10:21), however, in John's vision, there are "six wings." That's two more wings than those in Ezekiel. Why the difference? Perhaps due to the fact that John's vision was after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ "so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace" (Eph. 2:15). Or could it be that the "witness" of God was now complete in the cherubim in Revelation, again due to the fact that Christ had died and rose again. Also remember that six is the number of man and his enmity with His Maker (Bullinger), but after the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul wrote, "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer" (II Cor. 5:16).

As mentioned previously, Israel was required to camp around the tabernacle in a particular order. Our illustration shows that each of the three tribes on each side had a banner, a flag if you will that was the standard under which they camped. Each of the four standards matches the faces of the four cherubim which Ezekiel and John saw; a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle (Ezek. 1:10; Rev. 4:7). Being four cherubim, it speaks to us of a foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, _you are_ God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder **I have laid the foundation** , and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 **For no other foundation** can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)  
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 **having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner** _stone_ _,_ 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Revelation 21:10-14 (NKJV)  
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me **the great city, the holy Jerusalem** , descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light _was_ like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with **twelve gates** , and **twelve angels** at the gates, and **names written on them, which are** _the names_ **of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel** : 13 **three** gates on the east, **three** gates on the north, **three** gates on the south, and **three** gates on the west. 14 Now the wall of the city had **twelve foundations** , and on them were the names of the **twelve apostles of the Lamb**.

Friend, according to Paul there is but one foundation, "which is Jesus Christ," and this foundation was signified long ago by our two trees in the garden (cross). Christ Himself is "the chief corner stone" of this foundation, of which His apostles and prophets are also a part. Note in Revelation that John sees "the great city, the holy Jerusalem" with "twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel." This corresponds with our illustration where we find the cherubim or twelve tribes situated around the tabernacle. The fact that "the children of Israel" are the "gates" reveals to us that we must pass through the prophetic components of the law in order to enter "the holy Jerusalem." The "wall of the city" also "had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb," twelve denoting "God's perfect, divine accomplishment actively manifested" (Vallowe).

Now, let me share a very important point in regard to the foundation. Note where Paul wrote, " _For no other foundation can anyone lay_ than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Friend, there is "no other foundation" but that which was given by our Creator Himself, foreshadowed in the first four days of creation and in our Genesis parable. And this is not only true of His people, _but of the world at large_. After all, isn't the whole world under the auspices of His divine law (Rom. 3:19)? No wonder Peter said to the religious leaders of the Jews, "Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the _'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.'_ Nor is there salvation in any other, for _there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved_ " (Acts 4:10-12).

There is but one foundation, and a search through the New Testament scriptures will show that it is called the "foundation of the world," again exemplified by the first _four_ days of creation, the Tabernacle of Witness, and Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim. Incidentally, when I did a search for this phrase, it came up _ten_ times in the New Testament. Coincidence, or does this point to the Ten Commandments which sum up the law of God?

Brother and sister, understand that _the whole world_ is under the law of God, for Paul wrote, "Now we know that whatever the law says _it speaks to those who are under the law_ , so that _every mouth_ may be stopped, _and the whole world may be held accountable to God_. For by works of the law _no human being_ will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:19-20; ESV). And how is it that our Maker is able to do this? By means of our own conscience (Rom. 2:12-16).

Matthew 5:17-20 (NKJV)  
17 " **Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill**. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 **Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches** _them,_ **he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven**. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds _the righteousness_ of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Who is the "chief corner stone"? Christ. And what did He tell us? "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." He then makes it clear that "whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." You see my friend, the regulations of the law were fulfilled in Christ, but the moral essence of the law will never pass away. Proof? Consider how Jesus followed the passages above.

Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV)  
21 "You have heard that it was said to **those of old** , 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.

The implication is clear. "Those of old" speaks of Moses and Israel, and the Lord is quoting the sixth commandment, describing its spiritual essence, showing that there are many ways to "kill" someone without physically taking their life.

Ezekiel 1:13-14 (NKJV)  
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, **their appearance** _was_ **like burning coals of fire** , **like the appearance of torches going back and forth** among the living creatures **. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning**. 14 And the living creatures ran back and forth, **in appearance like a flash of lightning**.

Exodus 19:16-19; 20:18-21 (NKJV)  
16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were **thunderings** and **lightnings** , and **a thick cloud** on the mountain; and **the sound of the trumpet** was very loud, so that all the people who _were_ in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now **Mount Sinai** _was_ **completely in smoke** , because the Lord descended upon it in **fire**. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and **the whole mountain quaked greatly**. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by **voice**... 18 Now all the people witnessed the **thunderings** , the **lightning flashes** , **the sound of the trumpet** , and **the mountain smoking** ; and when the people saw _it,_ they trembled and stood afar off.

Revelation 4:5-6 (NKJV)  
5 And **from the throne** proceeded **lightnings** , **thunderings** , and **voices**. **Seven lamps of fire** _were_ **burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God**. 6 Before the throne _there was_ a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, _were_ **four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back**.

When we compare all of these passages, the "fire" and "lightning" of the cherubim is seen in the fire and lightning of Mount Sinai which also issues "from the throne" in Revelation. Coincidence? I don't think so. It should be clear that the "four living creatures" denote the twelve tribes of Israel camped before Mount Sinai and then later around the tabernacle.

Would the "burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches" coincide with the "seven lamps of fire" which are also seen "burning before the throne," which we are told "are the seven Spirits of God"? I believe they would as confirmed by, "And in the midst of the throne (see Ezek. 1:5)," "and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back." "Eyes" denote understanding (Eph. 1:18), so consider what we find in the "seven Spirits of God."

Isaiah 11:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 There shall come forth a **Rod** from the stem of Jesse, and a **Branch** shall grow out of his roots. 2 **The Spirit of the Lord** shall rest upon Him, the **Spirit** of **wisdom** and **understanding** , the **Spirit** of **counsel** and **might** , the **Spirit** of **knowledge** and of the **fear** of the Lord. 3 His delight _is_ in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 but with **righteousness** He shall judge the poor...

Here we find a description of the "seven Spirits of God," which are, in actuality, six attributes summed up in the seventh (fulfilled) of "righteousness." Note how they are described for us. First, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding (2), then the Spirit of counsel and might (2), followed by the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord (2). So we have three "twos," again indicative of the witness of resurrection.

What is the spiritual meaning of six? Bullinger wrote, "Six is either 4 plus 2, i.e., man's world (4) with man's enmity to God (2) brought in: or it is 5 plus 1, the grace of God made of none effect by man's addition to it, or perversion, or corruption of it: or it is 7 minus 1, i.e., man's coming short of spiritual perfection. In any case, therefore, it has to do with man; it is the number of imperfection; the human number; the number of MAN as destitute of God, without God, without Christ." No doubt, it is the righteous Spirit of the Lord (7) which even now deals with our "enmity" (6) on a daily basis (John 16:8).

Ezekiel 1:9, 11-12 (NKJV)  
9 Their wings touched one another. _The creatures_ **did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward**... 11 Thus _were_ their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two _wings_ of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies. 12 And **each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went**.

Exodus 40:33-38 (NIV)  
33 Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work. 34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 **In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out** ; 37 **but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out--until the day it lifted**. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, **in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels**.

We read, "The (living) creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward" and "they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went." When we compare this with our passages from Exodus, we have an understanding. "In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out." "If the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted." No doubt, this lifting of the cloud signified "wherever the spirit wanted to go."

Ezekiel 1:15-21 (ESV)  
15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a **wheel** on the earth beside the living creatures, **one for each of the four of them**. 16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were **a wheel within a wheel**. 17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went. 18 And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around. 19 And when the living creatures went, **the wheels went beside them** ; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, **the wheels rose**. 20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, **and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels**. 21 **When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels**.

Ah, a "wheel within a wheel," and "when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose. Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels." So again, does this point to our "flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life"?

Where was the "cloud of the Lord" found? "Over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night." Compare with Hebrews 12:1 and Revelation 6:9-11. Careful consideration shows that when we are "natural," conducting ourselves in the "night" of our being, we come under the divine fire of His righteous judgment that issues from His "witnesses" (Rev. 6:9). Ah, but once we align with His will, we enter into the "day," where no fire is found (I Thess. 5:5).

A wheel is a circle. What does a circle represent? _Eternity_.

Acts 15:18 (NKJV)  
18 "Known to God from **eternity** are all His works.

Isaiah 57:15 (NKJV)  
15 For thus says the High and Lofty One **Who inhabits eternity** , whose name _is_ Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy _place_ (Most Holy Place) _,_ with him _who_ has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)  
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, **he has put eternity into man's heart** , yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

# Chapter Sixteen

# THE FOUR ANGELS

The first appearance of the cherubim is in our Genesis parable surrounding the tree of life. The next appearance is found in Exodus and the instructions of the tabernacle, the most prominent found on the Ark of the Covenant.

Exodus 25:8-10, 18-22, 40 (NKJV)  
8 **And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them**. 9 According to all that I show you, _that is,_ the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make _it._ 10 "And they shall make an **ark** of acacia wood; two and a half cubits _shall be_ its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height... 18 **And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat**. 19 **Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it** _of one piece_ **with the mercy seat**. 20 **And the cherubim shall stretch out** _their_ **wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim** _shall be_ **toward the mercy seat.** 21 You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. 22 **And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which** _are_ **on the ark of the Testimony** , about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel... 40 **And see to it that you make** _them_ **according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain**.

Note how the Lord told Moses, "And let them," Israel, "make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it," and again, "And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain." And why was this pattern so important? Because, as we have previously learned, it served as "the copy and shadow of the heavenly things" (Heb. 8:5), the spiritual realities that would follow. Our illustration below is an idea of how the Ark of the Covenant may have looked.

Two living creatures or cherubim, facing each other, and "there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony."

John 20:11-12 (NKJV)  
11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down _and looked_ into the tomb. 12 And she saw **two angels** in white sitting, **one at the head** and **the other at the feet** , _where the body of Jesus had lain_.

Following the burial of Christ Jesus, we find Mary Magdalene "outside by the tomb weeping." When she looks into the tomb she sees "two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." Is this not a perfect picture of our two cherubim on the mercy seat of the Ark? And isn't the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ a precious and eternal picture of God's mercy?

Now, in order to avoid confusion, let's take a moment to consider this idea of angels, for we've already considered that our four cherubim represent Israel around the tabernacle. Please consider.

Hebrews 1:7 (NIV)  
7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels **winds** , his servants **flames of fire**."

In the King James Bible, our passage reads, "Who maketh his angels spirits," but as we see, the New International Version reads "winds." This is because the Greek word for "spirits" reads, "A current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze." This definition is used for the word "spirit" throughout the New Testament. Doesn't this description align with Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim, the "whirlwind" (winds) and "fire" (flames of fire) (Ezek. 1:4)?

John 3:5-8 (NKJV)  
5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, **unless one is born of** water and **the Spirit** , he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and **that which is born of the Spirit is spirit**. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 **The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit**."

Our word "Spirit"? It's the same Greek word as Hebrews 1:7. So in essence, spirit is represented by wind, and in regard to those who are "born of the Spirit," Jesus likens it to the movement and sound thereof.

So what's my point? Tradition has led us to think that the cherubim represent some form of angelic beings, but as we have learned, it points to man, does it not? As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin so eloquently said, are we not spiritual beings immersed in a human experience? And as Ezekiel states clearly, "the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels," the dynamic essence of God's living Word moving His people forward according to the counsel of His own divine will.

The first appearance of the cherubim in the New Testament is found in Revelation, Chapter 4, verses 6 through 9, which we considered in the last chapter, but this is not the only time we see them. We find them again in Revelation, Chapter 5, verses 6, 8, 11, and 14, then again in Revelation, Chapter 6, verses 1 through 7, where they are seen in conjunction with the opening of the first four seals of the seven-sealed scroll which Christ had taken from the right hand of the Father in Chapter 5. Our cherubim are also found in Revelation 7:11, 14:3, 15:7, and 19:4. And what is the significance of these cherubim in Revelation? They are always present "in the midst of the throne, and around the throne" of God (Rev. 4:6), and again, in conjunction with the first four seals, indicative of the "material creation" (Bullinger) and a "foundation." It is not my intention to get into the specific details of the first four seals, but know that they represent the implementation of His divine law in the earth (see my study on, "The Second Death," available for free at Smashwords). This agrees with our illustration of the twelve tribes or "cherubim" camped around the tabernacle in the wilderness, which we know is an integral part of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Look once more at Bullinger's explanation of the spiritual meaning of four in relation to the cherubim.

In the next chapter (Gen 3:22-24) the cherubim are first mentioned. These are four, and they have to do with creation always. They are first seen here, keeping, i.e., guarding (Gen 2:15), the Tree of Life, and thus preserving the blessed hope of immortality for creation. They are next seen in connection with atonement, showing the only ground on which creation could hope for the end of its groaning. They are seen on the veil and on the mercy-seat, binding up the hope of creation with Him who is called "the Hope of Israel." So that there is no hope for a groaning creation apart from atonement, apart from Christ, or apart from Israel. In the Apocalypse the same four cherubim are called ζῷον, "the living creatures" (Rev 4). These announce the Coming One; these sing of creation and of Him who created all things, and for whose pleasure they were created (Rev 4:11). Whenever they speak it is in connection with the earth. These call forth and announce the judgments or plagues (Rev 6) which issue on the ejection of the Usurper from the earth, and the destruction of them which destroy the earth, and in the exaltation and enthronement of Him when all the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord and His anointed, and when the LORD God omnipotent reigneth.

Hence it was that these four cherubic forms were placed in the Signs of the Zodiac, and so placed that they divide it into four equal parts, thus uniting in one the twelve signs which set forth the blessed hope of a groaning creation, which waits for the Promised Seed of the woman to come and crush the serpent's head and bring in universal blessing.*

* See The Witness of the Stars, by the same author.

They are the four heads of animal creation: the lion, of wild beasts; the ox, of tame beasts; the eagle, of birds; and man the head of all. Again we have the four divided into 3 + 1: three animal, and one human.

They mark the purpose of God from the moment the curse was pronounced, and are the pledge that it will one day be removed.

Other characteristics mark the cherubim off from all else. They are not Divine, for they are never worshiped, and all likeness of God was forbidden; moreover the God-head is presented at the same time with them, for they are connected with His throne. They are distinguished from angels, and they are never dismissed on errands. They are distinguished from the Church in Revelation 5:9, 10, a passage which is supposed to prove their identity with it; for in verse 9, the word "us" should be omitted, with Lachmann, Tischendorf, Alford, Westcott and Hort, and the RV; and the words "us" and "we" in verse 10, should be "them" and "they" (with all the textual and ancient authorities), the verses reading as in RV:—"Thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with Thy blood, men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,* and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth."

* Note the four-fold description.

The fact, therefore, of the living creatures being four (and no other number) marks them as connected with Creation, and as a symbolical representation that its hope of deliverance from the curse is bound up with the blood-shedding of the coming Redeemer.

Bullinger's explanation is quite good and I remind you that the "four heads of animal creation," of the faces of the cherubim, are seen in the four banners of the twelve tribes of Israel. Note that Bullinger also states, "They are not Divine, for they are never worshiped." Furthermore, "They mark the purpose of God from the moment the curse was pronounced, and are the pledge that it will one day be removed" and, "The fact, therefore, of the living creatures being four (and no other number) marks them as connected with Creation, and as a symbolical representation that its hope of deliverance from the curse is bound up with the blood-shedding of the coming Redeemer." Friend, what is the "curse" to which Bullinger refers? It is the "curse" of the law which was first delivered to Israel at Mount Sinai (Gal. 3:10, 13).

Know that the cherubim are neither human or divine, but rather both, "for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels." For each of the banners, we have three tribes of Israel signified, our number for resurrection. For this reason we find "twelve angels" at the "twelve gates" of the New Jerusalem and "names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" (Rev. 21:12; KJV). That being said, consider the following.

Revelation 7:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And after these things I saw **four angels** standing on the **four corners of the earth** , holding the **four winds of the earth** , that the **wind** should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, **to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea** , 3 Saying, **Hurt not** the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Following John's vision of the opening of the first six seals, we enter Chapter 7, where John saw "four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth." When compared to our illustration of the tabernacle in the wilderness, we gain an understanding. Within our rectangle defining "The Earth" or Israel, we see the four cherubim or "angels" if you will, signifying the twelve tribes, their banners denoting the four faces of the cherubim as the lion, ox, man, and eagle, and east, west, south, and north respectively. Wouldn't this describe the "four corners of the earth" as well as the "four winds"? The "four winds" of God are seen as the "whirlwind" in Ezekiel 1:4 of which the four living creatures are an integral part. Would our "four winds" denote "the spirit of the living creatures" which was "in the wheels"? I believe it would (Heb. 1:7; NIV).

What would be the "spirit of the living creatures"? No doubt, it would be the "Spirit of truth" (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; I John 4:6) which works the spiritual essence of the law into our being.

As we continue to read in Revelation, Chapter 7, we find the sealing of the 144,000 "servants of our God" (Rev. 7:3), 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Again, the emphasis is Israel, for God's purpose is being fully reckoned through them, God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew, neither has the Old Covenant or law been superseded by the New Covenant or grace (Heb. 8:13). As mentioned many times, the New Covenant is the spiritual fulfillment of the Old.

Our number 144,000 can be seen as 12 x 12 x 1000, twelve marking "a COMPLETENESS of a GROWTH or ADMINISTRATION," the "SIGNATURE of Israel" (Vallowe). We have two twelves, suggesting the "witness" of God in His Two Covenants through both natural (12 tribes) and spiritual (12 apostles) Israel. Finally, we have the number "1000" which represents "DIVINE COMPLETENESS AND THE GLORY OF GOD" (Vallowe). Peter describes for us the essence of our number one thousand.

2 Peter 3:8 (KJV)  
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that **one day** _is_ with the Lord as **a thousand years** , and **a thousand years** as **one day**.

Genesis 1:5 (KJV)  
5 _And God called the light_ **Day**...

What is "day"? Light, and light signifies the "life" that is seen in Christ Jesus (John 1:4). So in our "thousand years as one day" is the understanding of the light of God's righteousness in the earth. Isn't fire also light? Yes. So in the "light" or "day" of God is also found the "fire" of His righteous Word and nature seen in His servants, Israel (12), and His apostles (12), His "ministers" who are "flames of fire."

Now, how many hours did Jesus say were "in the day"? Twelve (John 11:9). So we have in Israel and the 144,000, those in whom the light and life of God is apparent, the true "servants of our God." Not surprisingly, we find these 144,000 further in Revelation, Chapter 14, standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb, Christ, and John states very clearly that "These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (they went wherever the spirit wanted to go; Ezek. 1:12). These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb" (Rev. 14:4). In Revelation 14:3, John states that they are "redeemed from the earth." From where? The earth, i.e. separated from out of Israel as the "firstfruits," the first ripe fruit, no doubt the "remnant" of which Paul speaks in Romans, Chapter 11, verses 1 through 7.

Following the "sealing" of His servants in Revelation, Chapter 7, we then move through the opening of the seventh seal and see the sounding of the trumpets. Now, let me back up a moment and explain something. As I mentioned earlier in this study, there are six important sevens to be considered in Revelation. They are:

1. Seven stars or angels (Rev. 1:20)

2. Seven lampstands or churches (Rev. 1:20)

3. Seven prophecies to the churches (Rev., Chapters 2 and 3)

4. Seven-sealed scroll or book (Rev., Chapters 5 through 8)

5. Seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2)

6. Seven vials or bowls (Rev., Chapters 15 through 16)

As you can see, I've made three groups of two which emphasizes resurrection and witness. As we have learned, the prominent characteristic of our number two shows that each of our "twos" are, in essence, really one. When viewed in this fashion, the book of Revelation becomes more understandable.

First we have our seven angels and seven churches, seen together in the seven prophecies to the churches which are spoken from the mouth of Christ Himself. Second, the seven prophecies denote the seven "seals" of the scroll which represent the "mystery of God" contained in these prophecies which are being finished by Christ and was, of old, "declared to His servants the prophets" (Rev. 10:7). Third, we have our seven trumpets and bowls which I believe illustrate the actual unfolding of the prophecies to the churches which are given in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3.

So first the messages or prophecies spoken by Christ to the churches. Second, the "mystery" of these prophecies are then opened or unsealed for our understanding. Third, the prophecies spoken and revealed are brought to pass as the trumpets are sounded and the bowls poured out. That being said, when we move through the sounding of the trumpets to arrive at the sixth trumpet, here is what we read.

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the **sixth angel** sounded, and I heard a voice from the **four horns** of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the **sixth angel** which had the trumpet, **Loose the four angels** which are bound in **the great river Euphrates**. 15 **And the four angels were loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, **for to slay the third part of men**.

Who are these "four angels"? Are they the same four angels seen in Revelation, Chapter 7, verse 1, holding the "four winds of the earth"? Yes they are, confirmed by the fact that they are told, "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees" until the servants of God have been sealed "in their foreheads" (Rev. 7:3; KJV). Once we arrive at Revelation 9, these same four angels are "loosed."

Note the reference to "the great river Euphrates," which is found in our Genesis parable in Genesis 1:14, called "the fourth river," agreeing with our "four angels," four corners of the earth," and "four winds." Consider Vincent's treatment of "Euphrates" (bolding mine).

In the great river (ἐπί)

Rev., more correctly, _at_.

Euphrates

_The Euphrates was known as the great River_ , _the River_ , _the Flood_. It rises in the mountains of Armenia, breaks through the Taurus range and runs south and southeast until it joins the Tigris in lower Babylonia. Its total length is from 1,600 to 1,800 miles, and it is navigable for small craft twelve hundred miles from its mouth. It was the boundary-line of Israel on the northeast (Genesis 15:18; Deuteronomy 1:7; Joshua 1:4. Compare 2 Samuel 8:3-8; 1 Kings 4:21). It thus formed the natural defense of the chosen people against the armies of Assyria. The melting of the mountain snows causes an annual flood, beginning in March and increasing until May. These floods became an emblem of the judgments inflicted by God upon Israel by means of Babylon and Assyria. The brook of Shiloah which flowed past Zion and Moriah was a type of the temple and of its mighty and gracious Lord; and the refusal of allegiance to God by the chosen people is represented as their rejection of the waters of Shiloah which flows softly, and their punishment therefor by the bringing in of the waters of the mighty and great river (Isaiah 8:5-8; compare Jeremiah 17:13). To the prophets the Euphrates was the symbol of all that was disastrous in the divine judgments.

Note that in Revelation 7:1, we have _three_ "fours" which adds up to _twelve_ , our number of _divine government_. When we add the "fourth river" Euphrates to the mix, we have _sixteen_ , the number which represents "love" (Vallowe; I John 4:16).

Our word "Euphrates" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "To _break_ forth; _rushing_ ," so the idea of a "Flood" immediately brings to mind the "days of Noah" which Jesus spoke of (Matt. 24:37-44) and Revelation 12:15, where we read, "So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a _flood_ after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the _flood_."

At first glance, our passages in Revelation 9 seem ominous. Ah, but that is simply due to a lack of understanding. What does John write? "And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men." An "hour" and "day" is in regard to "times" while a "month" and "year" is in regard to "seasons" (which corresponds to the three great Feasts of Israel), so Paul wrote, "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief" (I Thess. 5:1-5). Would the "labor pains" and "pregnant woman" point to Revelation 12, verses 1, 2, 4, and 5? Also compare our passages from I Thessalonians, Chapter 5, with the Lord's discourse concerning the "days of Noah" and you will find that they agree with the idea of the Lord's coming as "a thief in the night" (see also Luke 17:34).

Are there not twelve hours to a "day" and twelve months to a "year"? So in the loosing of the four angels, we see the spiritual work and testimony (2) of the divine government of the kingdom of God (12) in the earth or Israel. Added to our fourth river, Euphrates, we see God's love exemplified in all of this.

Matthew 24:35-36 (NKJV)  
35 **Heaven and earth will pass away** , but My words will by no means pass away. 36 "But of that **day** and **hour** (times) no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

Matthew 25:13 (KJV)  
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the **day** nor the **hour** (times) wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mark 13:31-32 (NKJV)  
31 **Heaven and earth will pass away** , but My words will by no means pass away. 32 "But of that **day** and **hour** (times) no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

We've all heard it haven't we? The "day and hour" of the coming of the Son of man? And tradition has told us that it is the physical return of the Lord and a rapture of the saints. But I disagree. Please consider.

Luke 21:29-36 (NKJV)  
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: " **Look at the fig tree** , and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, **know that the kingdom of God is near**. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 **Heaven and earth will pass away** , but My words will by no means pass away. 34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, **and that Day** come on you unexpectedly. 35 **For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth**. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Do our passages in Luke 21 refer to the same "day and hour" of which Matthew and Mark speak? They do, confirmed by the fact that "it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth," agreeing with I Thessalonians 5, verses 1 through 4. And what does Jesus say? "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees." Look at the fig tree? Yes! Consider the "fig tree" first, then consider "all the trees" next in light of the fig tree. Would "all the trees" include our two olive trees? I believe it would. Reconsider the following.

Matthew 5:17-18 (NKJV)  
17 " **Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill**. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, **till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled**.

What did Jesus say in Matthew, Mark, and Luke? " _Heaven and earth will pass away_." But what did He say in Matthew 5? " _Till heaven and earth pass away_ , one jot or one tittle (smallest detail) _will by no means pass from the law_ (fig tree) _till all is fulfilled_." Oh my friend, do we not see in this that the law of God is living and dynamic and that the patterns which God gave Moses reveal to you and me a prophetic and ongoing purpose in it? And until "all is fulfilled," the present "heaven and earth" will remain. Ah but when "all is fulfilled," then "the _first heaven_ and the _first earth"_ will pass away.

Revelation 21:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Now **I saw a new heaven and a new earth** , for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, **coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband**. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, " **Behold, the tabernacle of God** _is_ **with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them** _and be_ **their God**. 4 **And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away**." 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, " **Behold, I make all things new**." And He said to me, "Write, for **these words are true and faithful**."

"A new heaven and a new earth"? Is this literal? Not by any means! Friend, we are the "earth", the Israel of God (Gal. 6:14-16), and like natural Israel, the Word of His Covenants has been _sown_ into our hearts and we have been grafted into the "cultivated olive tree" of natural Israel in order that the purpose of God by means of His law might be fully accomplished through the life-giving Spirit of Christ that is presently working in our midst! First the _natural_ , afterward the _spiritual_!

Understand that the "first heaven and the first earth" denote the _first Adam_ (Israel; first earth) and the _natural body of the law_ (first heaven) which works in our members to "bear fruit to death" (Rom. 7:5). But it hasn't and doesn't end there, for through the divine working of God's kingdom as signified by the cherubim and the wheel within a wheel, we are being brought to Christ who is the " _end of the law for righteousness_ to everyone who believes" (Rom. 10:4). You see my friend, the "new heaven" and "new earth" speaks of a "new creature" (II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15) whose spirit (heaven) and mind (earth) has been transformed by His Word to walk in the righteous nature of His Maker. No wonder Jesus said, "But _seek ye first_ the kingdom of God, _and His righteousness_ " (Matt. 6:33).

# Chapter Seventeen

# THREE WOES

Revelation 5:1-5 (KJV)  
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne **a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals**. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to **loose** the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to **open** the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to **open** and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to **open** the book, and to **loose** the seven seals thereof.

These passages show "a book (scroll) written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." Remember, the "seals" represent the "mystery of God" contained within the scroll (Rev. 10:7). This mystery is summed up in the seven prophecies to the churches.

Our word "backside" means, "Regard" or "from the rear," taken from the Greek word optanomai which reads, "To _gaze_ (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable)." I believe the "backside" agrees with our passages from Matthew 5 and speaks of the law and the prophets behind us, those things we are now considering, for there can be no doubt that the purpose of God is first revealed and foreshadowed in the Old Testament writings.

The fact that our scroll is "sealed with seven seals" denotes the "fullness" (7) of God's purpose as defined by the scroll, which has been continually unfolding since the days of Christ and the apostles.

First we see that "no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth (sea), was able to open the book, neither to look thereon," and John weeps because of it, but then one of the elders tells him, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." First, "open" or reveal the prophecy, then "loose" or bring the prophecy to pass! And what do we read in Revelation 9:14 and 15? "Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed." This is the same Greek word used in Revelation 5. Now, look at what follows our passages in Revelation 5. Once Christ takes the scroll from the right hand of the Father, He then opens or reveals each seal.

Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12; 7:1 (ESV)  
1 Now I watched when the Lamb **opened** one of the seven seals, and I heard **one** of the **four living creatures** say with **a voice like thunder** , "Come!"... 3 When he **opened** the second seal, I heard the **second living creature** say, "Come!"... 5 When he **opened** the third seal, I heard the **third living creature** say, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand... 7 When he **opened** the fourth seal, I heard the voice of **the fourth living creature** say, "Come!"... 9 When he **opened** the fifth seal... 12 When he **opened** the sixth seal... 1 When the Lamb **opened** the seventh seal...

When the first four seals are opened by the Lamb, it is accompanied by one of the _four living creatures_ saying "Come!" When we compare the first four seals with the last three, we find that _they are unique from the last three_ , encompassing what we have heard of as the "four horsemen of the apocalypse." What do these "horsemen" signify? The _power_ (horse) and _authority_ (rider) of the living Word which makes war against our natural and carnal nature. Proof? Consider the horse and rider of the first seal.

Revelation 6:2 (KJV)  
2 And I saw, and behold **a white horse** : and **he that sat on him** had a bow; and a **crown** was given unto him: and **he went forth conquering, and to conquer**.

Now, compare this with the following.

Revelation 19:11-13 (KJV)  
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold **a white horse** ; and **he that sat upon him** _was_ **called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war**. 12 His eyes _were_ as a flame of fire, and on his head _were_ many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he _was_ clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: **and his name is called The Word of God**.

Is the "white horse" of Revelation 6 the "white horse" of Revelation 19? I believe it is, for the first horse and rider goes "forth conquering, and to conquer," aligning with the fact that "in righteousness _he doth judge and make war_." Who is this rider? The "life-giving Spirit" of Christ Himself (I Cor. 15:45)! "And His name is called The Word of God." No wonder John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word... _and the Word was God_ " (John 1:1). And what did Jesus say? "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— _the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day_ " (John 12:48). Friend, despite those who would doubt the Bible and the prophecies of both the Old and New Testaments, rest assured that His Word is "God" over all and His will omnipotent! Man in his pride will not prevent that which our Maker has determined through His Son!

Remember, the opening of the seals represents the _revelation_ of the prophecies to the churches. This being true, the first _four_ prophecies to the first _four_ churches coincide with the first _four_ seals and the _four_ horsemen, so too the first _four_ trumpets and bowls. And what is present during these first four? _Our four living creatures_ , the cherubim, our "four angels," signifying the prophetic power and authority of _the law of God_ through Israel and the spiritual fulfillment of this same law through Christ. Who is camped around the tabernacle in the wilderness? Our twelve tribes in _four_ groups of _three_ with their respective banners. And isn't the tabernacle an integral part of the law? It is. And where did the Spirit and presence of God descend? Into the Most Holy Place of this tabernacle when Israel executed the regulations of the law in accordance with God's will.

So allow me to emphasize. First, we have the seven prophecies, given by Christ to the seven churches, the living Word of God set forth with all certainty. Then we have the _revelation_ of those prophecies revealed in the _opening_ of the seven seals. What follows then is the _unfolding_ or _manifestation_ of these prophecies in the _sounding_ of the trumpets and the _pouring out_ of the vials or bowls. Consider what we read after the sounding of the first four trumpets.

Revelation 8:12-13 (KJV)  
12 And **the fourth angel** sounded... 13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, **Woe** , **woe** , **woe** , to **the inhabiters of the earth** by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

To emphasize, the first four seals, trumpets and vials, _are unique from the last three_ , so after the _sounding_ of the fourth angel John beholds "an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, _Woe_ , _woe_ , _woe_ , to _the inhabiters of the earth_ by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" Here we have _three_ "woes," indicative of _resurrection_ , and they are exclusive to "the inhabiters of the earth," i.e. the Israel of God. Let's look at our illustration of the tabernacle once again with some changes that reflect what we are considering.

What do the first _four_ trumpets reveal? Our _four living creatures_ , i.e. the Israel of God, represented by the _cherubim_ (lion, ox, man, eagle). What do the last _three_ trumpets signify? The Outer Court, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place, and our three "woes." What are the three woes? _Death_ , _burial_ , and _resurrection_ (3). Please consider.

Matthew 16:24-28 (KJV)  
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, **If any** _man_ **will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me**. 25 For **whosoever will save his life** (soul) **shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life** (soul) **for my sake shall find it**. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, **and lose his own soul**? or what shall a man give in exchange **for his soul**? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Here is why the last _three_ prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls are seen as "woes." "If any man will come after me, _let him deny himself_ , and _take up his cross_ , and follow me. For _whosoever will save his life_ (soul) _shall lose it_ : and _whosoever will lose his life_ (soul) _for my sake shall find it_." If we seek to "save" our life or soul, we will "lose it." But if we are willing to "lose" our life or soul for His sake, we "shall find it." Either way, _our life is lost_ , for God has determined to bring every person to Himself through Christ. Ah, but to those who understand that _the loss of our soul leads to the life of His Spirit_ and that _our life comes out of our death in Him_ , then the principle of _resurrection_ becomes a reality that destroys the "fear of death" within (Heb. 2:15). Do we see in this a clear indication of the reconciliation of all things? I believe we do (II Cor. 5:19).

Know that these "woes" (an exclamation of grief) apply to our "natural man," with whom the Word of God makes "war," the reality seen each and every day in our life as His living Word challenges our "thoughts and intents" (Heb. 4:12), moving us from _a life of self-serving_ to _a life of serving Him and each other_.

Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 **If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God**. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 **For you died** , and **your life is hidden with Christ in God**. 4 When Christ _who is_ our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Do you see it? Christ died and rose again and is seated "at the right hand of God," bringing to pass God's immutable Word in His people. We, as well as everyone, "died" when He died and "rose" when He rose! Ah, but our " _life is hidden_ with Christ in God," so it behooves us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and press toward the resurrection life which abides at His throne!

As our illustration shows, Nod, Eden, the garden of Eden, and our two trees in the garden represent the nations (sea), Israel (earth; cherubim), Jerusalem (garden), and the temple of God (two trees; cross) respectively, the entire world shown in the purpose of God's kingdom. With our pattern so well-defined, it then opens up our understanding of the book of Revelation, revealing to us the _eternal and spiritual nature_ of God's law which He first delivered to Israel.

Friend, what began with our types in the garden follows through to the end. The book of Revelation is simply numbers and symbols typifying the spiritual realities of Christ fulfilling every "jot and tittle" of the dynamic Word of God as presented through His law. No wonder the Psalmist wrote, " _The law of the Lord is perfect_ , converting the soul: _the testimony of the Lord is sure_ , making wise the simple" (Psalms 19:7; KJV), and again, "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, _who walk in the law of the Lord_ " (Psalms 119:1; KJV). Friend, if "the law of the Lord is perfect," and it converts our soul, then there is no need for another law. There can be no doubt that what happened at Mount Sinai set the precedent for God's purpose in His people. It is truly an amazing thing that we are considering!

Following is our list from the previous chapter placed under headings to define our understanding. You'll also find that I have added something else that we will discuss in the next chapter.

The Seven Churches Under the Sevenfold Spirit of God

[Abraham to David; Fourteen Generations]

1. Seven stars or angels (Rev. 1:20)

2. Seven lampstands or churches (Rev. 1:20)

The Prophecies and the Understanding of the Prophecies

[David until the Captivity in Babylon]

3. Seven prophecies to the churches (Rev., Chapters 2 and 3)

4. Seven-sealed scroll or book (Rev., Chapters 5 through 8)

The Prophecies Fulfilled (Coming to Pass)

[The Captivity in Babylon until the Christ]

5. Seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2-11:19)

6. Seven vials or bowls (Rev., 15:1-16:21)

# Chapter Eighteen

# FOURTEEN GENERATIONS

Here again is our list from the previous chapter.

The Seven Churches Under the Sevenfold Spirit of God

[Abraham to David; Fourteen Generations]

1. Seven stars or angels (Rev. 1:20)

2. Seven lampstands or churches (Rev. 1:20)

The Prophecies and the Understanding of the Prophecies

[David until the Captivity in Babylon]

3. Seven prophecies to the churches (Rev., Chapters 2 and 3)

4. Seven-sealed scroll or book (Rev., Chapters 5 through 8)

The Prophecies Fulfilled (Coming to Pass)

[The Captivity in Babylon until the Christ]

5. Seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2-11:19)

6. Seven vials or bowls (Rev., 15:1-16:21)

Where did I get the captions for our list? The first caption for each segment aligns with our understanding of the seven stars or angels and the seven lampstands or churches, followed by the seven prophecies or "seals" to the seven angels and churches, and finally, the fulfillment of said prophecies. Three groups of two sevens each, or three groups of fourteen. Our second caption under each segment is derived from the following.

Matthew 1:1, 17 (NKJV)  
1 **The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ** , the Son of David, the Son of Abraham... 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen generations** , from David until the captivity in Babylon _are_ **fourteen generations** , and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ _are_ **fourteen generations**.

Remember our passages from Matthew? We have three groups of fourteen given in Matthew 1:17, do we not? And in these three groups, signifying the resurrection or gospel of Christ, we have "Abraham to David," then "from David until the captivity in Babylon," and finally "from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ." In other words, the purpose of God from "Abraham" to "Christ" is clearly defined (and Babylon falls in the middle). Here again is what Vallowe wrote concerning the spiritual meaning of fourteen.

FOURTEEN is the number that represents DELIVERANCE or SALVATION. It is used some 26 times in the Bible. It was the FOURTEENTH day of the first month of the year when the children of Israel were DELIVERED from Egyptian bondage, and from the stroke of judgment which fell upon the firstborn of the Egyptians. (Exodus 12:6-7; Exodus 12:12-13; Leviticus 23:4-5)

The number FOURTEEN is found three times over connected with Christ's coming into the world, and He came to SAVE, or DELIVER His people from their sins (Matthew 1:17).

Vallowe also wrote, "FOURTEEN is for DELIVERANCE and THREE is for the RESURRECTION."

Now, what is three fourteens? Forty-two. Please consider.

Revelation 11:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles (nations). And **they will tread the holy city underfoot** _for_ **forty-two** months.

Revelation 13:4-5 (NKJV)  
4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who _is_ like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" 5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for **forty-two** months.

In Revelation 11, we have a period of "forty-two months," a time when the "holy city" is tread underfoot by the "Gentiles" or nations. This is synonymous with the "beast" of Revelation 13 who speaks "great things and blasphemies" and continues for "forty-two months." When contrasted with our three fourteens on the list, we find that despite its negative overtone, it leads to salvation (14) as well as the resurrection (3) from the dead.

Keep in mind that our list contains the six important sevens of Revelation, and six times seven equals forty-two (6 x 7 = 42). "Times" (x) always denotes an increase.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)  
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: **and the government shall be upon his shoulder** : and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 **Of the** increase **of** _his_ **government and peace** _there shall be_ no end, **upon the throne of David** , and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Do you see it? "Of the increase (times) of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David," agreeing with our "Abraham to David" and "from David till the captivity in Babylon." And who was David? He was anointed King over all Israel (II Sam. 5:1-5; I Chron. 11:1-3), called a man after God's own heart (I Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). In David we see both a king and a priest (I Sam. 16:13) and in the king and priest we see the Lord (Rev. 17:14; Heb. 8:1). Please consider.

Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV)  
5... and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the **ruler** (king) over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 **and has made us** kings **and** priests **to His God and Father** , to Him _be_ glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In the first four prophecies to the churches, we have the "foundation of the world," the spiritual working of His law which embodies the concept of salvation or resurrection from the dead (remember the Parable of the Sower). So, within the first four prophecies are found the promises to "eat from the tree of life," (Rev. 2:7), to receive "the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10), the "hidden manna" and "white stone" (Rev. 2:17), "power over the nations" (Rev. 2:26), and "the morning star" (Rev. 2:28).

In the last three prophecies, the one who overcomes is promised to "be clothed in white garments" (Rev. 3:5; 19:8), i.e. to walk in the righteousness of His kingdom and to be kept "from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Rev. 3:10). Though the "hour of trial" affects the "whole world" or "seas," it is for the sole purpose of testing "those who dwell on the earth," i.e. those in whom His Word has been sown. Understand that the implementation of the last three trumpets, our three woes, flows from out of the first four, representing the spiritual execution of His divine law in our being. And should there be any doubt, Jesus promises the following to those who overcome in the seventh and final message.

Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)  
21 To him who overcomes **I will grant to sit with Me on My throne** , as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Brother and sister, know that to rule and reign with Christ is not to rule and reign in the same sense as those who do so over their earthly kingdoms. Rather, it is a place of true dominion within, where the heart has been completely transformed and delivered from the strong desires of the flesh and the eyes and the wicked pride of life that permeates the world systems (I John 2:14-17). It is a place where the peace of God rules within and is manifested outwardly through the love of God in Christ. It is a place of humble acquiescence before God.

The Seven Churches Under the Sevenfold Spirit of God

[Abraham to David; Fourteen Generations]

1. Seven stars or angels (Rev. 1:20)

2. Seven lampstands or churches (Rev. 1:20)

The Prophecies and the Understanding of the Prophecies

[David until the Captivity in Babylon]

3. Seven prophecies to the churches (Rev., Chapters 2 and 3)

4. Seven-sealed scroll or book (Rev., Chapters 5 through 8)

The Prophecies Fulfilled (Coming to Pass)

[The Captivity in Babylon until the Christ]

5. Seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2-11:19)

6. Seven vials or bowls (Rev., 15:1-16:21)

What is contained within our "forty-two months"? Abraham, David, Babylon, then Christ. It begins with Abraham, indicative of our Two Covenants, and within the scope of the covenants are found the promises to those who overcome (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). This leads to the possibility of ruling and reigning with Christ, hence David, both king and priest, is emphasized. Ah, but before we can experience the fullness of God's salvation in our lives as indicated by "Christ" or the "anointing," we must first experience "captivity in Babylon."

# Chapter Nineteen

# CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON

Matthew 1:1, 17 (NKJV)  
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham... 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen generations** , from David until the captivity in Babylon _are_ **fourteen generations** , and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ _are_ **fourteen generations**.

There are many believers today who see Babylon as anyone but themselves. Many years ago a book was written that suggested that Babylon was the Catholic Church. This idea took a strong hold among the Protestant ranks, allowing for them to soundly condemn the Catholic Church and its members. Ah, but this book was anything but "sound," for our lack of understanding and love has succeeded in greatly dividing the body of Christ among both Catholics and Protestants alike. Let's face it! What denomination or non-denomination takes precedence over all the others, especially in the mind of the Lord? My answer? None.

What do our three _fourteens_ or "forty-two" incorporate? "The book of the _generation of Jesus Christ_." And where is the "captivity in Babylon" found? Within this same "spiritual" generation or "forty-two." You see my friend, just as the Jews were taken captive by Babylon so long ago, and this due to their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God, so too the Babylon of Revelation signifies _all_ of God's people everywhere under the prophetic working of His law in the _earth_ , i.e. the Israel of God. In order to arrive at the spiritual nature of the law, we must first encounter it within our being as signified by Adam.

Remember Sarah and Hagar, the wives of Abraham which are a figure of our Two Covenants? So it is that when we enter into the book of Revelation, we find two women as well, the first "in heaven," "clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars" (Rev. 12:1). Would this describe "Jerusalem _above_ ," His New Covenant people, crowned with the glory of the light of the twelve apostles (twelve stars)? It would. Ah, but notice what happens to her a few verses later.

Revelation 12:6, 14 (NKJV)  
6 Then the woman (clothed with the sun) **fled into the wilderness** , where she has a place prepared by God, **that they should feed her** there **one thousand two hundred and sixty days**... 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly **into the wilderness** to her place, where she is **nourished** for **a time and times and half a time** , from **the presence of the serpent**.

Where did our woman flee? Not once but twice we are told that she "fled _into the wilderness_ ," to "a place prepared by God," where she is fed or "nourished" for "one thousand two hundred and sixty days" or "time and times and half a time." Do these periods agree with our "forty-two months" (three and a half years)? They do, for 1,260 divided by 30 is 42 (the Jewish month is approximately 30 days and never more than 30) and "time" is 1, "times" is 2, and then "half a time," or 3 and ½. Keep in mind that none of these time periods are literal but represent the "times and seasons" of the prophecies to the churches (trumpets and bowls) coming to pass.

Revelation 17:1-3, 5 (NKJV)  
1 Then **one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls** came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you **the judgment of the great harlot** who sits on many waters, 2 with whom **the kings of the earth committed fornication** , and **the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk** with the wine of her fornication." 3 So he carried me away in the Spirit **into the wilderness**. And I saw a **woman** sitting on a scarlet beast _which was_ full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns... 5 And on her forehead a name _was_ written: MYSTERY, **BABYLON THE GREAT** , THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Where did the Spirit take John? "Into the wilderness." Where did our woman clothed with the sun flee to? "Into the wilderness" (Rev. 12:6). Who prepared this "place" for the woman? God Himself! Who represents the woman clothed with the sun? Sarah. Who then would represent Babylon? Hagar! Understand that what Paul presented in Galatians, Chapter 4, as signifying our Two Covenants, i.e. Sarah and Hagar, doesn't change in Revelation. They are synonymous. Two women, Two Covenants, Old and New, which as we now understand, are essentially one. To say it plainly, Babylon represents the woman clothed with the sun "in the wilderness," for it is necessary for us to first come under the "wrath" or judgment of the law in order to be brought to Christ (Gal. 3:24-25; 4:1-9; Heb. 9:27). Please consider.

Revelation 17:18 (NKJV)  
18 And the **woman** whom you saw is that **great city** which reigns over the kings of the earth.

Here we have Babylon described as that "great city." Our phrase "great city" is used ten times in Revelation, nine in regard to Babylon and the tenth or final time in the following.

Revelation 21:10 (NKJV)  
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the **great city** , _the holy Jerusalem_ , **descending out of heaven from God**...

Is it just coincidence that nine is our number of "judgment" and ten means "the whole cycle is complete" (Bullinger), and following the judgment of Babylon we then see "the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God"? I don't think so. Is there more than one "great city" in Revelation? I don't believe there is. Now consider the following.

Revelation 18:14-18 (NKJV)  
14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and **all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you** , and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, **who became rich by her** , will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, **'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!** 17 **For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.** ' Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, **'What** _is_ **like this great city?** '

Note how John states, "Alas, alas, that great city." Our word "alas"? It's the same Greek word translated as "woe." Remember our three "woes"? You guessed it! Revelation 18:16 verifies that they come upon His people for the purpose of bringing some to resurrection (which is verified by the _third woe_ following the _fifth_ and _sixth_ trumpets, the _first_ and _second woes_ respectively).

Also notice that we read, "That _great city_ that _was clothed_ ," past tense, "in _fine linen_ , _purple_ , and _scarlet_ , and adorned with _gold_ and _precious stones_ and _pearls_!" When compared with Revelation, Chapter 21, verses 11 through 21, we find that our "gold and precious stones and pearls" define our "Jerusalem above," "the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God" (Rev. 21:11), so too our "fine linen" (Rev. 19:8). "Purple" denotes royalty and wealth (Matt. 15:17; Luke 16:19) while "scarlet" denotes "sin" and the "blood" of Christ which takes it away (Isa. 1:18). Not surprisingly, all of these things were found in the construction of the tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness with the exception of "pearls" (Job 28:18; Rev. 21:21). All of this shows that Babylon _is_ the woman clothed with the sun while "in the wilderness."

Remember what Hebrews 9:27 states? "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." And what did Peter write? "For the time has come for _judgment to begin at the house of God_ ; and if _it begins_ _with us first_ , what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (I Peter 4:18) Beloved, understand that God's people must always be judged first, for we are the " _light_ of the world. A _city_ that is set on a hill" that "cannot be hidden" (Matt. 5:14). And if the light in us "is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matt. 6:23)

As for our phrase "they should feed her there"? Who is the "they" of this passage? Consider.

Deuteronomy 6:10-15 (NKJV)  
10 "So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, **to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build** , 11 **houses full of all good things, which you did not fill** , **hewn-out wells which you did not dig** , **vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant** \-- **when you have eaten and are full** \-- 12 _then_ beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 13 You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who _are_ all around you 15 (for the Lord your God _is_ a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth.

Isaiah 60:1-5 (ESV)  
1 **Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you**. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; **but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you**. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, **because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you**.

Where is the "harlot" seated? "On many waters" (Rev. 17:1), which is also the "scarlet beast" who is "full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 17:3), no doubt our beast which rises out of the sea. Confirmation is found in Revelation 17:15 where we read, "Then he said to me, 'The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues." In other words, the "waters" or "seas" is synonymous with the "wicked" (Isa. 57:20), also symbolized as the "scarlet beast" with "seven heads and ten horns" (indicated by our "land of Nod"). "They" who feed the woman is the world at large upon whom she sits, who live under the sway of the wicked one (presence of the serpent) and the law of God as defined by sowing and reaping, but whose "abundance" or "wealth" has certainly been enjoyed by the people of God, just as was true of Israel once they possessed the land of Canaan. Ah, but Moses warned Israel to "beware" lest they forgot that it was the Lord who blessed them and they turned to "the gods of the peoples" who were around them. Look once more at our passages.

Revelation 12:6, 14 (NKJV)  
6 Then the woman (clothed with the sun) **fled into the wilderness** , where she has a place prepared by God, **that they should feed her** there **one thousand two hundred and sixty days**... 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly **into the wilderness** to her place, where she is **nourished** for **a time and times and half a time** , from **the presence of the serpent**.

Friend, here's the spiritual reality. The world is the "wilderness" (Isa. 14:17; Job 12:24; Psalms 74:14; Psalms 107:04 with Heb. 11:9-10) through which we pass, yet, it is there that we are "nourished." This word means, "To stiffen, i.e. fatten (by implication to cherish [with food, etc.], pamper, rear." Consider.

Isaiah 1:1-4, 21 (NKJV)  
1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning **Judah** and **Jerusalem** in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, _and_ Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: " **I have nourished** and brought up children, **and they have rebelled against Me** ; 3 The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master's crib; _but_ **Israel does not know, My people do not consider**." 4 **Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, they have turned away backward**... 21 **How the faithful city** has become a harlot! It was full of justice; Righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers.

The definition of our word "harlot" reads, "A primitive root [highly _fed_ and therefore _wanton_ ]; to _commit adultery_ (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figurative to _commit idolatry_ (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah)." No wonder Jesus warned, "Take heed and _beware of covetousness_ , for one's life _does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses_ " (Luke 12:15), and again, "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with _carousing_ , _drunkenness_ , and _cares of this life_ , and that Day come on you unexpectedly" (Luke 21:34). Wouldn't the "cares of this life" agree with our Parable of the Sower? (Matt. 13:22)

Do you see in Isaiah how that God, by means of the world around us, has "nourished" us and blessed us beyond all expectations? Yet, we have rebelled against him, our hearts taken by the abundance that we have experienced. Instead of drawing closer to our Lord, we have "forsaken" Him and "turned away backward," placing our faith in money, jobs, corporations, government, and our religious "icons," standing against each other over our carnal attitudes and doctrinal differences. Like Israel of old, we have become the "harlot," an _unfaithful city_ , filled with all manner of iniquity (lawlessness) and corruption (Isa. 1:21).

Revelation 18:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, " **Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen** , and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! 3 For **all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication** , **the kings of the earth** have committed fornication with her, **and the merchants of the earth** have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."

Is Babylon the New Testament church, the people of God? Absolutely! After all, how can one be a "harlot" unless there is someone to be "unfaithful" to? Paul wrote, "For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (II Cor. 11:2). Note too that we read, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen," our phrase "is fallen" recorded twice and aligning with our two woes. And how would Babylon be "fallen" if there was not something from which she fell from (Rev. 2:5)?

So again, where is Babylon seated? On the "waters" or "seas," the "scarlet beast" with "seven heads and ten horns." What does this tell us? As previously mentioned, it shows that the law of God resides over all nations, that no one is exempt from the divine principles as set forth by His covenants. Proof? Consider that Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, no doubt idolatrous men, were both judged by the Lord for the sake of His people. Would it be any different today? I don't think so.

Look at our passages from Revelation 18. Who commits "fornication" with Babylon? "The kings of the earth" and "the merchants of the earth." Our word "earth" clarifies that we are speaking of the Israel of God, albeit in our carnal or "earthy" state (I Cor. 15:47-49).

Revelation 17:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then **one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls** came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you **the judgment of the great harlot** who sits on many waters, 2 with whom **the kings of the earth committed fornication** , and **the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk** with the wine of her fornication."

Look closely at these passages. Notice first that it is "one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls" who talked with John. The "seven bowls" are first seen in Chapter 15 of Revelation, where we read, "Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete" (Rev. 15:1). We also read, "And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed" (Rev. 15:6-8). No doubt, we have several things to consider.

First we see "seven bowls," denoting the fullness and manifestation of God's purpose. And what do the "seven bowls" or "plagues" signify? "The wrath of God."

Romans 4:15 (NIV)  
15... because **law brings wrath**.

What brings "wrath"? The law. No wonder we see "one of the four living creatures" or cherubim, indicative of Israel and the law, giving the seven bowls to the seven angels.

Now, look at our word "plagues." The transliteration is plēgē and means, "A stroke; by implication a wound; figurative a calamity." This same word is used in the following.

Luke 12:42-48 (NKJV)  
42 And the Lord said, " **Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom** _his_ **master will make ruler over his household, to give** _them their_ **portion of food in due season**? 43 Blessed _is_ that **servant** whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that **servant** says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, **and to eat and drink and be drunk** , 46 the master of that **servant** will come on a **day** when he is not looking for _him,_ and at an **hour** when he is not aware, **and will cut him in two and appoint** _him_ **his portion with the unbelievers** ( _disbelieving_ ; _faithless_ ; _unfaithful_ ). 47 And that **servant** who knew his master's will, and did not prepare _himself_ or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many _stripes._ 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Of whom is Christ speaking? _His servants_ , both _faithful_ and _unfaithful_. Note the reference, "Eat and _drink with the drunken_ ," which correlates with "the inhabitants of the earth," i.e. the Israel of God, who " _were made drunk with the wine of her fornication_."

What happens to those who are unfaithful? They shall be "beaten with many _stripes_ ," our word "stripes" the same word as "plagues" in Revelation (see Revelation 9:18, 20; 11:6; 15:1, 6, 8; 16:9, 21; 18:4, 8; 21:9; 22:18). Furthermore, He will "cut" the unfaithful servant "in two and _appoint him his portion with the unbelievers_." Our word "cut" simply means to _separate_ the unfaithful servant to "the unbelievers," to "gather _out_ of His kingdom... them which do iniquity (lawlessness)" (Matt. 13:41). (Author's note: This idea of "cut" also explains what is meant by "the _dividing_ of _time_ " in the book of Daniel and Revelation; see Gen. 1:4).

Finally, note the reference to "a day" and "an hour" and the fact that the unfaithful servant will not be "aware" of this when it happens. Here's our passages from Luke once again.

Luke 21:29-36 (NKJV)  
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: " **Look at the fig tree, and all the trees**. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 34 " **But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life,** and that Day come on you unexpectedly **.** 35 **For** it will come as a snare **on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.** 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Remember our passages concerning the "fig tree"? And what does Jesus say? "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with _carousing_ , _drunkenness_ , and _cares of this life_ , and that DAY _come on you unexpectedly_. For _it will come as a snare_ on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth." Would this agree with the unfaithful servant being _unaware_ of His coming? It would. And just like the Pharisees of Jesus' time, will we fail to recognize His coming to you and me? Isn't He already "coming" in light of the fact that He has been fulfilling the trumpets and bowls since shortly after the days of the New Testament Church? Yes He is.

Finally, we read that, "The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, _and no one was able to enter the temple_ till the _seven_ plagues (stripes) of the _seven_ angels were completed" (Rev. 15:8). Does this not show that God's purpose through His law must be completely fulfilled _before_ there is resurrection? It does.

# Chapter Twenty

# THE THIRD PART

Allow me to remind you of the order of Revelation. First, the seven churches and seven angels as symbolized by the seven lampstands and stars. Then the seven prophecies to the seven churches and angels which are symbolized by the "seals" of the scroll which are _opened_ or _revealed_ by Christ. Finally, after the _opening_ or _revelation_ of the seals we have the seven trumpets and bowls, the _loosing_ or "coming to pass" of that which was spoken by the Lord in the seven prophecies. Remember too that the first four prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls are unique from the last three which are the three "woes," leading to the _fullness_ (4 + 3 = 7) of the gospel of Christ which is _death_ (1st woe), _burial_ (2nd woe), and _resurrection_ (3rd woe).

When we go to the passages in Revelation, Chapter 8, we find the first four trumpets sounded. In the King James Version of scripture, we find the phrase "the third part," and it is this "third part" which is greatly affected by each of the four trumpets (Rev. 8:7-12). Please consider.

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

Note the phrase, "And the _great city_ was _divided into three parts_." We have learned that the "great city" speaks of "Jerusalem above," the New Covenant people of God while in their "wilderness" testing as signified by Babylon (Deut. 8:1-3). We have also learned that the "seas" refer to the world at large while the "earth" speaks of our need to pass through the fulfillment of the law in order to purge us of our carnality.

Now, if you divide something into three equal parts, what is each part? Would it not be a "third part"? Of course. So when we step through the book of Revelation, we find three prominent phrases which define each of our third parts. They are:

1. The Kings of the Earth (Matt. 17:25; Acts 4:26; Rev. 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24)

2. The Merchants of the Earth (Rev. 18:3, 11, 15, 23)

3. The Inhabitants of the Earth (Rev. 8:13; 12:12; 17:2)

What do each of our third parts have in common? "Earth," agreeing with everyone incorporated within "Eden." Now, let's go to the book of Ezekiel for understanding.

Ezekiel 5:1-10 (NKJV)  
1 "And you, son of man, take a sharp sword, take it as a barber's razor, and pass _it_ over your head and your beard; then take scales to weigh and divide the hair. 2 **You shall burn with fire** one-third (a third part) **in the midst of the city** , when the days of the siege are finished; then you shall take one-third (a third part) and **strike around** _it_ **with the sword** , and one-third (a third part) you shall **scatter in the wind** : I will draw out a sword after them. 3 **You shall also take a** small number **of them and bind them in the edge of your** _garment_ _._ 4 **Then take some of them again and throw them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire.** From there a fire will go out into all the house of Israel. 5 "Thus says the Lord God: 'This _is_ Jerusalem; **I have set her in the midst of the nations and the countries all around her**. 6 **She has rebelled against My judgments by doing wickedness more than the nations, and against My statutes more than the countries that** _are_ **all around her; for they have refused My judgments, and they have not walked in My statutes**.' 7 Therefore thus says the Lord God: **'Because you have multiplied** _disobedience_ **more than the nations that** _are_ **all around you, have not walked in My statutes nor kept My judgments, nor even done according to the judgments of the nations that** _are_ **all around you'--** 8 **therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Indeed I, even I,** _am_ **against you and will** execute judgments **in your midst in the sight of the nations**. 9 And I will do among you what I have never done, and the like of which I will never do again, because of all your abominations. 10 Therefore fathers shall eat _their_ sons in your midst, and sons shall eat their fathers; and **I will** execute judgments **among you, and all of you who remain I will scatter to all the winds**.

In these passages we find the Lord telling Ezekiel the prophet to "take a sharp sword" "as a barber's razor" and shave off the hair of his head and beard and then " _weigh_ and _divide_ the hair" into _three equal parts_. For each part there is a significant symbolism, representing some form of "judgment," emphasized in verses 8 through 10. Would these three parts correlate with our passage from Revelation 16:19 and the "third part" seen in Revelation, Chapter 8? I believe they would. And what does the Lord tell Ezekiel? "This is _Jerusalem_ ; I have set her in the midst of the nations and the countries all around her." Would this not be the "great city" which is "divided into three parts"?

Now, note the reference to "a small number of them" which Ezekiel is told to "bind" "in the edge of his garment and where he is then told to "take some of them again and throw them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire. _From there a fire will go out into all the house of Israel_." When contrasted with the fifth seal, along with the 144,000 in Revelation, Chapters 7 and 14, this "small number" appears to represent the "remnant" of Romans, Chapter 11, also called the "elect" (Rom. 11:1-7). And what is this "fire"? Would it not be the execution of His divine Word which proceeds from His righteous nature, indicative of the "judgment" and "vengeance" of the souls "under the altar"? (Rev. 6:9-11) That being said, consider the phrase, "And _I will execute judgments among you_ , and _all of you who remain_ I will scatter to _all the winds_." Our phrase "all of you who remain" is rendered as "the whole _remnant_ " in the King James Version. Please consider.

Matthew 24:31 (KJV)  
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and **they shall gather together his elect from the four winds** , from one end of heaven to the other.

Mark 13:27 (KJV)  
27 And then shall he send his angels, **and shall gather together his elect from the four winds** , from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

Do you see it? Pertaining to the "Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory" (Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26), we are told that He will "send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and _they shall gather together His elect_." And from where? "The four winds." Would this be the "four winds of the earth" seen in Revelation 7:1 which are released to blow in Revelation, Chapter 9 (see also Ezekiel, Chapter 14)? I believe it would be, confirming that judgment is brought upon His people _first_ before there is resurrection.

So, if each of our third parts are a third, then what would the "small number" or "elect" be? Would they be called a "fourth part"? Consider.

Revelation 6:7-8 (KJV)  
7 And when he had opened **the fourth seal** , I heard the voice of the **fourth beast** say, Come and see. 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 (1), and with hunger (2), and with death (3), and with the beasts of the earth (4).

What does John see when the "fourth seal" is "opened" or revealed? "A pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell (Hades) followed with him." Ah, another ominous portent, but one which can be rightly understood in the light of other scripture and easily explained when we are willing to challenge the traditional view.

2 Corinthians 3:5-11 (NKJV)  
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as _being_ from ourselves, but our sufficiency _is_ from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as **ministers of the new covenant** , not of the **letter** but of the **Spirit** ; for **the letter kills** , but **the Spirit gives life**. 7 But if the ministry of death, written _and_ engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, **which** _glory_ **was passing away** , 8 how will **the ministry of the Spirit** not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation _had_ glory, **the ministry of righteousness** exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For **if what is passing away** _was_ **glorious** , what remains _is_ much more glorious.

What did Paul call the Old Covenant or law? The ministry of "death" and "condemnation," and our word "condemnation" means, " _Sentencing adversely_ (the act)," taken from the word which means, "To _judge against_ , i.e. _sentence_." Vine's dictionary states that our word "condemnation" is "a strengthened form" of the definition which means, "The process of investigation, _the act of distinguishing and separating_." Doesn't this agree with our passages in Ezekiel, Chapter 5 (see also the Parable of the Tares and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats)?

Now, didn't we learn that the "white horse" of the first seal signifies Christ, the living Word of God, who goes out "conquering and to conquer"? (Rev. 19:11-13) This being true, we find the _fourth_ seal representing "death," clarifying the "ministry of death" which is clearly the law, "written and engraved on stones." What is the purpose of our Lord fulfilling every "jot" and "tittle" of the law? To " _kill_ with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." Who is killed? The " _fourth part_ of the earth" (Rev. 6:8; KJV), i.e. the _elect_ of God, as signified by our "small number" (Matt. 20:16; 22:14). Is this a bad thing? Not at all, because it speaks of "death" to the soul or self, to the eradication of the natural and carnal mind which stands against our Maker. Furthermore, this aligns with our souls in the fifth seal in Revelation 6:11, where we read, "Then a white robe (righteousness) was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little longer, until both the _number_ of their fellow servants and their brethren, _who would be killed as they were_ , was completed." This also corresponds to Revelation 7, verse 4, where John stated, "And _I heard the number_ of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed." You see my friend, the judgment exacted through the fulfilling of His law has a distinct purpose, one which is overlooked by the traditional view, and that is to bring some to a true witness of the gospel of Christ (resurrection).

What's quite interesting too is the fact that our phrase "fourth part" is found _fourteen_ times in the King James Old Testament, _aligning with our fourteen generations_. Seven times it is in regard to the "meal" and "drink" offering in the tabernacle, consisting of "oil" and "wine." When we compare this with the third seal, we are given an understanding of the phrase, "And see thou hurt not the _oil_ and the _wine_ " (Rev. 6:6; KJV). This, along with the words "wheat" and "barley" in Revelation 6:6, signify the "fourth part" of Israel, being the remnant.

Numbers 23:10 (KJV)  
10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and **the number of the fourth** _part_ **of Israel**? Let me die the death of the **righteous** , and let my last end be like his!

In this passage we find Balaam, a carnal "prophet" if you will, speaking of "Jacob" or Israel and "the _number_ of the _fourth part_ of Israel." The implication is clear; they are the "righteous" (We find the "doctrine of Balaam" mentioned by the Lord to the church in Pergamos (Rev. 2:14). Peter describes Balaam as one "who loved the wages of unrighteousness" (II Peter 2:15)).

First, the "third part," consisting of three parts which make up the whole of Israel. Then the "fourth part," consisting of a "small number of them," signifying the small number of the elect who rise up out of Israel, so again we have:

1. The Kings of the Earth (Matt. 17:25; Acts 4:26; Rev. 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24)

2. The Merchants of the Earth (Rev. 18:3, 11, 15, 23)

3. The Inhabitants of the Earth (Rev. 8:13; 12:12; 17:2)

4. The Fourth Part of the Earth (Elect or Remnant; Rev. 6:8)

So who are the "elect"? If my understanding is correct, they are those who overcome in each of the seven churches, whom Paul describes in Romans, Chapter 11, verses 1 through 8 (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Let me share an illustration with you that depicts what Paul described.

Here are the passages which go with our illustration.

Romans 11:1-8 (ESV)  
1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." 4 But what is God's reply to him? " **I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal**." 5 **So too at the present time there is a** remnant **, chosen by grace**. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. **The** elect **obtained it, but the rest were hardened** , 8 as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day."

How many did God keep for Himself? "Seven thousand," _seven_ denoting "spiritual perfection" or "completeness" (Bullinger) and _one thousand_ signifying the "day" or "light" of His righteous wisdom. How many "days" do we have illustrated by each branch on the lampstand? Seven, and a thousand for each "day," hence _seven thousand_. Clearly, God has always had a people whom He reserves that are a true witness of the gospel of Christ.

So let's talk reality. At this present time, there are churches all across this nation and the world, hundreds of denominations which differ in doctrine and thus stand opposed to each other. Though we may not physically war against each other as in times past, we are still divided, still lacking unity due to the fact that we don't agree. So where does that leave us? Most certainly confused (Babel; Babylon), so our testimony to the world is questionable at best, is it not? So what is the answer in the midst of all this confusion? It's found in Revelation 18:4.

Revelation 18:4 (NKJV)  
4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, " **Come out of her, my people** , lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

Should you doubt what Babylon represents, note the fact that a "voice from heaven" declares, "Come out of her, MY PEOPLE." And what exactly does this mean? For me, it means to leave behind the religious posturing of the so-called spiritual men and women who have made the gospel of Christ a gospel of self-righteousness, of great popularity and wealth, and the fear and dread of not belonging to the right "collective."

Today, many teach the doctrine of "eternal torment." In light of Romans 3, verses 10 through 18, this idea falls flat. Furthermore, if our God is one who takes pleasure in torturing souls for eternity, I wish to have no part of it.

Many also teach the "rapture," a removal of the saints from the earth where billions are "left behind" to imagine unbearable torment. This doctrine reeks with self-righteousness, and as this study has shown, it is not a rapture which is imminent, but a _resurrection_. Though it may seem similar, there are distinct differences, the most prominent being the fact that God is not removing His people from this earth but instilling in them the love of God that makes them able to lay down their lives for those who are in the darkness of their natural and carnal being.

Finally, many teach salvation as "going to heaven" after we die, which of course is reserved for only those whom we approve in our particular "collective." Again, this reeks with self-righteousness and does not agree with what the Lord Jesus and His apostles preached.

Think about this brother and sister. When Christ came to the Jews, they were spiritually destitute, so much so that they crucified the very One which their prophecies pointed to. Did Jesus wipe out the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees before or after His ascension? No He did not, but He did refuse to be a part of their collective authority and this despite the fact that _He said_ they sat in "Moses' seat" (Matt. 23:2; KJV). You see my friend, Jesus knew they were the "blind leaders of the blind" (Matt. 15:14). And what did Jesus tell His disciples concerning them? "Let them alone."

For a very long time now, I have not belonged to any religious denomination or organization for many reasons, some of which are stated above. Am I saying that this is what everyone should do? Of course not, for the Lord deals differently with each of us and it is up to Him alone to reveal His will to us. But I will say this—until we truly let go of the strongholds in our mind which causes us to embrace our doctrines so fervently (and much of this without solid proof), we cannot go on to know the Lord. Friend, it is not the Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, or any other denomination or organization that ensures our entrance into His kingdom, it is His Word and Spirit of truth alone that is able to set us free from the madness that saturates our present society, religious or otherwise!

# Chapter Twenty-One

# KINGS, MERCHANTS, INHABITANTS

Here's our list again which defines the "third part" and "fourth part" from our previous chapter.

1. The Kings of the Earth (Matt. 17:25; Acts 4:26; Rev. 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24)

2. The Merchants of the Earth (Rev. 18:3, 11, 15, 23)

3. The Inhabitants of the Earth (Rev. 8:13; 12:12; 17:2)

4. The Fourth Part of the Earth (Elect or Remnant; Rev. 6:8)

What do the "kings," "merchants," "inhabitants" and "fourth part" all have in common? "The earth." What does the "earth" signify? The "first man Adam," the _natural_ and _carnal_ man, who is "of the _earth_ , _earthy_ " (I Cor. 15:45-49). And remember, the "natural man _does not receive the things of the Spirit of God_ , for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Cor. 2:14). To be specific, the "earth" speaks of all who live "according to the flesh," setting their "minds on the things of the flesh," conducting their lives solely by those things which are _temporary_ (II Cor. 4:18).

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21), i.e. _it is a spiritual kingdom_ consisting of _spiritual components_ , not a natural kingdom consisting of physical elements. This being the case, it follows that our kings, merchants, and inhabitants of the earth are not so much about something outward or physical, but something that relates to the inward and invisible (remember our meaning of parable). Are these things manifested in the world of form? Most definitely, but again, the Word of God does not address the physical, but the spiritual, not the outward, but our _inner being_.

The _kings_ of the earth are described for us in the book of Daniel, Chapter 2, in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, who was the _king_ of Babylon, called a "king _of_ kings" by Daniel (Dan. 2:37), the _natural_ typifying the _spiritual_. In his dream, _four_ kingdoms are seen as the "image of a man." As we have learned, _four_ is the number of _material creation_ and a _foundation_. So we could easily say that the four kingdoms which Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about represent "the foundation of the world" which we know to be the divine law of God in the earth.

All who are familiar with scripture agree that the four kingdoms signified by Nebuchadnezzar's dream included Nebuchadnezzar's own kingdom of Babylon, then the Medes/Persians, Greece, and last of all, Italy or as history more often notes, the Roman Empire. These four kingdoms were symbolized by the combination of _four_ metals and their corresponding body parts, being the _head_ of _fine gold_ , _breast_ and _arms_ of _silver_ , _belly_ and _thighs_ of _brass_ , and _legs_ and _feet_ of _iron_ (and clay, _which is not a metal_ ; Dan. 2:32-33). When we include the "ten toes" of the image (Dan. 2:42), this corresponds with the beast which rises out of the sea with seven heads (head, breast, arms, belly, thighs, legs, feet [7]) and ten horns (10 toes) in Revelation, Chapter 13. So it comes as no surprise that the _four_ metals (and body parts) align with the following _four_ features of the beast of the sea (the order of these beasts is found in Daniel, Chapter 7, verses 3 through 7).

1. Lion (Gold)

2. Bear (Silver)

3. Leopard (Brass)

4. Dragon (Iron)

Understand that nowhere else in scripture are we given four specific kingdoms like this, emphasizing the importance of both their natural and spiritual applications.

Our four "kings" are also signified by the _four_ horsemen of the first _four_ seals and represent the _initiation_ , _purpose_ , _execution_ , and _consummation_ of the law (ending with _death_ , the fourth horse and rider; see my study, "Studies in Revelation – The Second Death," available for free through Smashwords). Ending _with_ death, this speaks of _the ministry of death and condemnation_ which is the law of God (II Cor. 3:7-9), again the _foundation of the earth_ ; of the governments of this world as evidenced by our own laws which have been formed and implemented throughout history (most every country has similar laws in regard to murder, theft, adultery, etc.).

There is but one law of God, therefore, the authority of the kingdom of God is certainly by means of this same law, however, once we are called of God, then the intent of the law changes for us when we realize that it is for the purpose of converting our soul (Psalms 19:7) as illustrated by the four faces (and banners) of the cherubim. So we have:

1. Lion

2. Ox

3. Man

4. Eagle

Brought together with our kings of the earth, we have another "two" which is essentially _one_ :

The Foundation of the World

The World **>** Called Out

1. Lion > Lion

2. Bear > Ox

3. Leopard > Man

4. Dragon > Eagle

Just as the Word of God is one sword with two edges, representing the tree of knowledge and tree of life which are derived from the one "seed" of His Word (law), we have _one foundation of this law with two distinct perspectives and results_. What makes the difference? Again, it would be the _call of God_ upon our lives. After all, when we are in the world don't we simply disregard His law for the most part?

The four kingdoms seen in Nebuchadnezzar's image of a "man" (Adam) as symbolized by the gold through the iron, show the firm foundation of God's law in the earth by which God judges everyone according to their works or deeds (Nebuchadnezzar denoting a natural and carnal man who was changed through his judgment; see Daniel, Chapter 4).

Revelation 17:9-10 (ESV)  
9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the **seven heads** are **seven mountains** on which the woman is seated; 10 **they are also seven kings** , five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while.

In regard to our beast of the sea the angel tells John, "The seven heads are seven mountains" and "they are also _seven kings_." "Mountains" speak of _governmental power_ , whereas "kings" denote _those who possess it_. This agrees with Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Paul's description of the "man of sin" in II Thessalonians, Chapter 2.

The spiritual reality of our seven heads (and body parts) is found in Proverbs.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)  
16 These **six** _things_ the Lord hates, Yes, **seven** _are_ an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look (1), A lying tongue (2), Hands that shed innocent blood (3), 18 A heart that devises wicked plans (4), Feet that are swift in running to evil ( **5** ), 19 A false witness _who_ speaks lies ( **6** ), And one who sows discord among brethren ( **7** ).

Nowhere in scripture do we find _six_ things enumerated as that which "the Lord hates" except in these passages (keep in mind the spiritual meaning of _six_ ). Note carefully our description. It begins with the " _head_ ," being "a proud look," and ends with " _feet_ that are swift in running to evil." The "feet" are the _fifth_ description, indicative of _sin_ and _grace_. When compared with Daniel 2, verse 32, we have, "This image's head was of fine gold (1), its chest and arms of silver (2), its belly and thighs of bronze (brass) (3), its legs of iron (4), its feet partly of iron and partly of clay (5)." As we can see, our "fives" agree (but we still have seven when we count the "arms" and "thighs").

As we continue in Proverbs, the _sixth_ states, "A false witness who speaks lies." In other words, the _sixth_ is made up of the _first five_ and describes _who we are_ when we follow after the carnal nature and stand in _enmity_ with God (Bullinger). Therefore the _seventh_ , stated as "one," collectively speaking, "who _sows discord_ among brethren," defines _what we do_. Being the _seventh_ , we have the "fullness" or "manifestation" of a "false witness" who sows "discord."

Revelation 13:1 (ESV)  
1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and **blasphemous names on its heads**.

In agreement with our consideration, we find "blasphemous names" on the heads of the beast of the sea. What does a "name" signify? The corresponding _nature_ of the beast, in this case, _seven_ heads with _seven_ characteristics, agreeing with Proverbs 6 and denoting the _fullness_ and _manifestation_ of carnality. So the spiritual reality of our seven heads does not speak of literal kings but of the _inner spiritual forces_ of the mind of the flesh as the law of sin and death works in our members (Rom. 8:23).

When we add our _seven_ body parts and _four_ metals together, we have _eleven_ , the number which speaks of " _disorder_ (confusion), _disorganization_ , _imperfection_ , and _disintegration_ " (Bullinger). This clearly points to Babylon, which is derived from the word which means "confusion." This _confusion_ is illustrated by the serpent in the garden when he said to Eve, "Has God indeed said"? Disorder or confusion arises when we add to or take from the Word which God has spoken.

Matthew 24:14-15 (NKJV)  
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the **end** will come. 15 " **Therefore** when you see the _'_ _abomination_ _of desolation,'_ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, **standing** in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand)...

Following the Lord's reference to the "end," we see the word "Therefore." This is a _sentence connector_ , joining what the Lord is about to say with what He has already said. So it is that He tells His disciples, "Therefore when you see the ' _abomination_ of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, _standing_ in the _holy place_." Standing where? In the "holy place," _representative of the place of ministry_. And what did the Lord call it? The " _abomination_ of desolation," agreeing with the _seventh_ or _manifestation_ of "one who sows discord among brethren" (seven are an _abomination_ to Him).

Did the apostles experience this "abomination"? No doubt, for John wrote, "Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that Antichrist is coming, _even now_ many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour" (I John 2:18). And who is antichrist if not an "abomination"? John also makes it clear that antichrist speaks of "false prophets," of those who conduct themselves by a "spirit of error" (I John 4:1-6). What do we read concerning Babylon? She is the "mother of harlots and _abominations_ of the earth" (Rev. 17:5). Please consider.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for _that Day will not come_ **unless the falling away comes first** , and the **man of sin** is revealed, **the son of perdition** , 4 _who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped_ , so that **he** sits **as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God**.

First, Paul speaks of "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him" (Matt. 24:31). He then tells us that "the day of Christ" (day of the Lord) "will not come unless the _falling away_ comes first." This agrees with our current perspective, does it not? And how do we identify this "falling away"? When the "man of sin" is revealed and found _seated_ "in the temple of God," the place of ministry. So first Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation" _standing_ in the Holy Place, but here Paul speaks of the "man of sin" _sitting_ "in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." First false apostles arise and enter the flock of God, but as time goes on they become _firmly established_ (seated) among His people. This is confirmed by the first four prophecies to the churches where we find false "apostles," the "synagogue of Satan," "Satan's throne" and the "depths of Satan" (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 24).

Now, let's return to our list concerning the "Foundation of the World."

The Foundation of the World (The Law of God)

The World **>** Called Out

1. Lion > Lion

2. Bear > Ox

3. Leopard > Man

4. Dragon > Eagle

When we live in the darkness of this world and are "by nature children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3; KJV), we exhibit the characteristics defined by the four features of the _lion_ , _bear_ , _leopard_ , and _dragon_. Note that it is the _dragon_ which gives the beast its power and authority (Author's Note: Wherever the _dragon, devil, Satan,_ and _serpent_ is seen _, the law is present_ as it was in the beginning in the form of _the tree of knowledge_ ; this illustrates the _spirit of error_ which causes us to stand against His divine law; remember our "deep sleep").

The governments of this world hold sway over us by their laws, do they not? Ah, but once we are called to His kingdom, then a transition begins, where the lion, bear, leopard, and dragon characteristics within are eventually changed to a lion, ox, man, and eagle, into the image of God where His law has been put into our minds and written within our hearts (the four faces of the cherubim coincide with the four gospels). This is the fulfillment of the New Covenant within which is also the _spiritual fulfillment_ of His law (Heb. 8:10). In other words, _His law becomes spiritual_ as we pass through His divine process where we are tempted by the devil (spirit of error) until such time that Christ gives us the victory by means of His Spirit and living Word.

Our first description is "Lion > Lion." Both are lions, so what is the difference? The "lion" feature of the beast of the sea defines man's _arrogance_ and _boldness_ to blaspheme God whereas the "lion" as symbolized by Christ, the "lion" of the tribe of Judah defines the _confidence_ and _boldness_ of true faith in the living Word of God. There is a marked difference between arrogance and confidence. Satan "as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8), the spirit of error in us and others testing our faith in Christ. Ah, but Christ exemplifies the certainty and thus boldness of the living Word, which when fully understood and embraced, gives us power over this spirit.

Our second description is "Bear > Ox." A bear naturally travels a large amount of territory and is a fierce animal with very large paws. This signifies man's desire to take from others what is not rightfully theirs. As an example, consider at this present time that there are wars in the Middle East with Russia and America involved, a fight for "territory" and "rights," which for most of us in America, are obscure at best. Do we really know why we are fighting in the Middle East? No, we do not. Our government will never divulge the true reasons why. In contrast, the "ox" speaks of a beast of burden and our desire to _serve_ , not _take_ , which is the true mark of a Son of God.

Our third description is "Leopard > Man." Can a leopard change his spots? (Jer. 13:23) No, and neither can we change without the divine working of His process. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). The leopard is an illusive "beast," one who moves stealthily to takes its prey. This speaks of our deceptive nature as signified by the fact that our seven-headed and ten-horned entity _is_ a beast and whose overall appearance is "like a leopard" (Rev. 13:2), i.e. _surreptitious_ and _dangerous_. Through His divine process, we must be delivered from this "beastly" nature to become a "man" that we might come into the "image of God" (Let us make "man," _not a beast_ , in our image; Gen. 1:26).

Our fourth and final description is "Dragon > Eagle." I'll say it again. Where the dragon is, the law is present, the _spirit of error_ which brings confusion and resistance to it (Gen. 3:1). This spirit of error is the spirit of pride. So it is that we must be humbled through our testing until such time as the law becomes spiritual or "lifted up" (as Moses _lifted_ _up the serpent in the wilderness_ so must the law become spiritual or _"lifted up"_ within; John 3:14). Just as an eagle flies high above the earth, so too must our hearts and minds be brought up from the "miry clay" of our carnal-mindedness (Psalms 40:2). Not surprisingly, John's gospel and letters reflect that which brings this into our reality which is the love of God.

With the _seven_ heads we have the _manifestation_ (7) of carnality, and in the ten horns a _complete cycle_ (10) of the same as evidenced by our collectives. When this beast is added to the beast of the earth which follows after the beast of the sea, we have seven heads, ten horns, and an " _eighth_ " beast who "is _of the seven_ ," making _eighteen_ or "666," denoting the mark of the beast or _law_ ; the number of _bondage_ (law of sin and death).

Now, just as Eve was "one flesh" with Adam (Gen. 2:24) and God "called _their_ name Adam" (Gen. 5:2), so we find our four elements of gold, silver, brass, and iron as an integral part of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the "image of a man." This reveals a _twofold_ understanding of both the _male_ and _female_ aspects of our makeup, the four metals signifying the _female_ aspect of the Old Covenant law of sin and death, represented by Hagar, which works within the recesses of our carnal being (Rom. 7:7-25) to bring us into the mind of the Spirit (Rom. 8:1).

If we add the "two horns" of the beast of the earth to the "ten horns" of the beast of the sea, this gives us _twelve_ horns, revealing that the _government of God_ is reckoned even through the worldly governments of man just as surely as it is with His people (in the same way that God dealt with Nebuchadnezzar who was the "head of fine gold" in his dream). Understand that God holds the whole world accountable by means of His law which is exemplified by the process of sowing and reaping (what we reap is in accordance with God's justice as evidenced by _His_ law). Remember our illustration of the tree of knowledge and tree of life as representing the cross, which speaks of the _sacrificial nature_ of a true servant of God which stands in complete opposition to the "self-serving" spirit of the world.

Now that we have defined our "kings of the earth," let's look at the "merchants of the earth." What's interesting to know is that our Greek word for "merchants" is only used five times in the New Testament, four of which are found in Revelation, Chapter 18.

Revelation 18:3 (NKJV)  
3... and **the merchants of the earth have become rich** through the abundance of her luxury."

Revelation 18:15-16 (NKJV)  
15 The **merchants** of these things, **who became rich by her** , will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

Revelation 18:23 (NKJV)  
23 The **light of a lamp** shall not shine in you anymore, and **the voice of bridegroom and bride** shall not be heard in you anymore. For **your merchants were the great men of the earth** , for by your sorcery **all the nations were deceived**.

Here we find our explanation of the "merchants" in Babylon. They're called "the great men of the earth." Our phrase "great men" is defined as, " _Grandees_ " which Google defines as "a person of high rank or eminence." It is the plural form of the word which means, " _Greatest_ or _very great_." It is obvious by our passages that these "great men" are made "rich" through Babylon as "the nations" are "deceived" by her.

I cannot help but think of all the wealthy and famous ministers today and their popularity with the masses, most who possess titles of so-called "high rank or eminence" and viewed as "spiritual experts" in matters pertaining to the kingdom of God, yet "in their greed" exploit us "with false words" (II Peter 2:3; ESV).

Nahum 3:16 (NKJV)  
16 You have multiplied your **merchants** more than the stars of heaven. The **locust** plunders and flies away.

If I'm viewing this passage correctly, the "merchants" are likened to the "locust." Please consider.

Revelation 9:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and **smoke** arose out of the pit **like the smoke of a great furnace**. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then **out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power**.

Are the "locusts" of our fifth trumpet indicative of the "merchants of the earth"? I believe so, for as Nahum makes clear, our "merchants" are "more than the stars of heaven," like a great swarm of locusts who plunder and then fly away. In keeping with this thought, Peter wrote concerning false prophets among us that "by _covetousness_ they will exploit you with deceptive words" (II Peter 2:3). Doesn't the word "merchant" imply "covetousness"?

Revelation 17:12-14 (NKJV)  
12 The **ten horns** which you saw are **ten kings** who have received no kingdom as yet, but **they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast**. 13 **These are of one mind** , and **they will give their power and authority to the beast**. 14 **These will make war with the Lamb** , and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those _who are_ with Him _are_ called, chosen, and faithful."

The merchants of the earth speak of the "great men (Grandees) of the earth," who propagate the will of the carnal and religious systems of the governments of this earth (hence part of their "armies" and why the ten horns or "armies" give their power and authority to the beast for "one hour;" our " _hour_ of temptation" and "trial"). No wonder Jesus said, "My kingdom (government) is not of _this_ world" and no man knows the "day or the hour." This "day" and "hour" is different for each one of us, for God alone knows where we are in His process and whether we are "asleep" or "awake."

As we have learned, the opening of the bottomless pit is synonymous with the beast rising out of the sea, confirmed by Revelation 11:7 where we read, "When they (the two witnesses) finish their testimony, the beast that _ascends_ (or rises) _out of the bottomless pit_ (the sea) will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them."

In Revelation 9, note the phrase, "Like the smoke of a great furnace" and consider this in light of the Parable of the Tares. In Matthew 13:24, when Jesus begins this parable, He tells us, "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field." And what is the "field"? "The world" (Matt. 13:38). He then states, "But _while men slept_ , _his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat_ and went his way." Would this suggest that the nations or world entered His sanctuary (Isa. 1:10)? Yes it would. And why does this happen? Because we "slept" (deep sleep). No wonder Paul wrote, "You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night or darkness. _Therefore let us not sleep_ , as others do, but let us watch and be sober" (I Thess. 5:5).

We then read, "But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together _until the harvest_ , and _at the time of harvest_ I will say to the reapers, ' _First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them_ , but gather the wheat into my barn.'" Here's the Lord's explanation of the parable.

Matthew 13:37-43 (NKJV)  
37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 **The field is the world** , the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked _one._ 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, **the harvest is the end of the age** , and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore **as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age**. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and **they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness** , 42 and **will cast them into the furnace of fire**. _There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth_ (woe). 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

What does the Lord tell us? "Let both grow together until the harvest" which He defines as "the end of the age." Then "the Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather _out_ ," not in, "of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the _furnace of fire_." When compared to our "bottomless pit" which has "the smoke of a _great furnace_ ," we have a correlation, the fifth trumpet symbolizing "the furnace of fire" of which Jesus speaks. As a matter of study, know that our word "furnace" means, "To _set on fire_ , i.e. _kindle_ or (by implication) _consume_." Keep in mind that the "fire" of God always speaks of His righteous nature as evidenced by His divine law which _burns against_ the enmity of our carnal and disobedient nature.

The fifth trumpet is the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the fifth church, Sardis, where Jesus stated, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, _but you are dead._ " This correlates with Revelation 11:7 where we read, "When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and _kill them_." This aligns with Paul's remark to Timothy concerning a "form of godliness" which denies its power (II Tim. 3:1-5). It has been suggested that the name "Sardis" means, "Escaping." This would be appropriate in light of our study, for the Lord goes on to say, "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and _repent_. Therefore _if you will not watch_ , I will come upon you _as a thief_ , and you will not know what _hour_ I will come upon you" (Rev. 3:3; see also Revelation 18:4). And who is the "thief" if not the "merchants of the earth" who exploit the people of God? And what is it that we must escape if not His coming as a thief?

1 Peter 4:17 (KJV)  
17 For **the time** _is come_ **that judgment must begin at the house of God** : and **if** _it_ **first** _begin_ **at us** , what shall the end _be_ of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Ah, judgment. None of us like to consider it, but it is part and parcel of the Word of truth. And according to Peter, it begins with His people _first_ and it began long ago when many of His apostles were still alive. This agrees with our understanding of the trumpets and bowls which have been coming to pass since that time.

Psalms 9:7-8 (NKJV)  
7 But the Lord shall endure forever; **He has prepared His throne for judgment**. 8 **He shall judge the world in righteousness** , and **He shall administer judgment** for the peoples in uprightness.

Psalms 9:16 (NKJV)  
16 **The Lord is known** _by_ **the judgment He executes** ; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah

Psalms 25:9 (KJV)  
9 **The meek will he guide in judgment** : and **the meek will He teach his way**.

Psalms 33:5 (KJV)  
5 **He loveth righteousness and judgment** : the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Isaiah 26:9 (NKJV)  
9 With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; for **when Your judgments** _are_ **in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness**.

To speak of judgment is to speak of God's "goodness." After all, imagine a world where no one was held accountable for their actions. To the righteous, judgment is praised and embraced and for those who are "meek," He will "guide in judgment" and "teach His way." No wonder we see the souls under the altar saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You _judge_ and _avenge_ our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (Rev. 6:10) This is not a cry out of vindictiveness but a plea for righteousness in the earth!

Know my friend that the judgment of Babylon is the judgment of the "house of God," for we, like the Pharisees of old " _have forsaken the right way_ and _gone astray_ , following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, _who loved the wages of unrighteousness_ " (Matt. 6:24; II Peter 2:15). No doubt, many of our "great men" (and women) are those who suppose that "godliness is a means of gain" and of which Paul makes clear, "From such withdraw yourself" (I Tim. 6:5).

Now, what does "smoke" do? It obscures our ability to see (John 3:3). What do "locusts" do? Destroy the fruitfulness of crops. So it's no wonder that both would cause His people to fail to see the truth of the kingdom of God and to bear the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22-23).

As we continue with the description of the locusts of the bottomless pit, we read, "And they were not given authority to kill them, but to _torment_ them for _five months_ " (Rev. 9:5). We also read, "Their power was to _hurt_ men _five months_ " (Rev. 9:10). Five being our number of _sin_ and _grace_ , our "five months" is the amount of time between the Feast of Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles proper.

Revelation 9:14-18 (KJV)  
14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose the four angels** which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for **to slay the third part of men**. 16 And **the number of the army of the horsemen** _were_ two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. 17 And thus **I saw the horses in the vision** , and **them that sat on them** , having breastplates of **fire** , and of **jacinth** , and **brimstone** : and the heads of the horses _were_ as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued **fire** and **smoke** and **brimstone**. 18 **By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths**.

We now come to our _sixth_ trumpet and _second_ woe. Remember our word "alas" or "woe" is found twice in Revelation 18:10. In Revelation 18:9, 11, 15, and 19, we see the "kings of the earth" who committed fornication with Babylon, the fallen church, and the "merchants of the earth" crying and in _grief_ (woe) when they "see the _smoke_ of her _burning_." This signifies those who walk after the mind of the flesh and do not understand the need for God's judgment.

Now look at our passages above where we read, "By these three ( _plagues_ or _stripes_ ) was the _third part_ of men killed, by the _fire_ (1), and by the _smoke_ (2), and by the _brimstone_ (3), which issued out of their mouths." In the fifth trumpet, we have the "furnace of fire," corresponding with Sardis, but in the sixth trumpet, we find "fire," "smoke," _and_ "brimstone," our word "brimstone" denoting the _second death_ (Rev. 21:8) and our phrase "by these _three_ was the third part of men _killed_ " confirming the implementation of this second death, the message of death, burial, and resurrection (3). Furthermore, the sixth trumpet aligns with the sixth church of Philadelphia which the Lord has nothing against. Philadelphia means "fond of brethren" and speaks of those who pass from _death to life_ because they "love the brethren" (I John 3:14).

Also note that when the four angels are loosed John states, "And the number of _the army of the horsemen_ were two hundred thousand thousand." The "army of the horsemen"? Yes. In other words, the "armies" or "collectives" which _belong to_ and are _joined with_ the horsemen. This incorporates both our "merchants" and "the inhabitants of the earth." Remember, our four horsemen are revealed in the first four seals, trumpets, and bowls.

Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)  
12 **Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them**! **Woe** to **the inhabitants of the earth** and the sea! For **the devil has come down to you** , having **great wrath** , because he knows that he has a **short time**."

Do you see the contrast between those who "dwell" in the "heavens" as opposed to those who "dwell" or are "inhabitants of the earth" (and the sea; Col. 3:2)? Would our phrase "great wrath" correspond to the "bowls" of the wrath of God in Revelation, Chapters 15 and 16? I believe they would. And again, what "works" wrath? The _fulfillment_ or _execution_ of His law.

Also consider the phrase "short time" in Revelation 12:12 with Revelation 17:10, where we read, "And when he comes, he must continue a 'short time.'" Do these refer to the same thing? I believe they do, and this "short time" speaks of the _seventh_ and _final_ head of the beast of the sea, denoting the "fullness" which I believe we are even now approaching.

Revelation 18:11 (NKJV)  
11 And the **merchants of the earth** will weep and mourn over her (Babylon), for **no one buys their merchandise anymore**...

Remember that our Greek word for "merchants" is only used five times in the New Testament, four of which are found in Revelation, Chapter 18. We considered the first three but this is the fourth time it is mentioned where we see the "merchants of the earth" mourning over Babylon, "for no one _buys_ their merchandise anymore." Our word "buys" aligns with our second beast of Revelation, Chapter 13.

# Chapter Twenty-Two

# THE BEAST OF THE EARTH

Revelation 18:11 (NKJV)  
11 And the **merchants of the earth** will weep and mourn over her (Babylon), for **no one buys their merchandise anymore**...

We have found that the "merchants of the earth" are the "great men of the earth" (Rev. 18:23), obviously men (and women) of great reputation and power, _found in Babylon_ and guilty of becoming " _rich_ through the _abundance of her luxury_ " (Rev. 18:3; 3:17). Clearly the first evidence of false prophets is seen in their great wealth, for the Lord made it clear that "no one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon" ( _wealth_ , personified).

But judgment is prophesied for Babylon/Jerusalem, the "house of God" which has clearly fallen from the glory and power that was first delivered to the apostles, led astray by the "great signs and wonders" of the "false christs and false prophets" (Matt. 24:24). Paul wrote, "Now, brethren, _concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him_ , we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come _unless the falling away comes first..._ " (II Thess. 2:1-3). "Babylon is _fallen_ , is _fallen_ , that _great city_ ," the holy Jerusalem (Rev. 14:8). Like her natural counterpart Israel, the church of God in our time has failed in "the wilderness" (Heb. 4:11; Rev. 12:6, 14). As a result she has passed her _confusion_ (the root meaning of Babylon) on to the world, so much so that few understand the truth of scripture and the purpose of God's covenants in humankind. And even fewer still see our division as an indication of our falling away.

Babylon's harlotry and corresponding judgment is described in Revelation, Chapters 17 and 18 where we see our verse above and "the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, _for no one buys their merchandise anymore_." Our word "buys" brings us to the following.

Revelation 13:16-18 (ESV)  
16 Also **it** causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, **to be marked on the right hand or the forehead** , 17 so that no one can buy **or** sell unless he has the **mark** , that is, the **name of the beast** or **the number of its name**. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the **number** of the beast, for it is the **number of a man** , and his number is **666**.

The "it" in this passage speaks of the beast which John saw "coming up out of the earth" which "had two horns like a lamb" but "spoke like a dragon" (Rev. 13:11). The fact that it comes up "out of the earth" speaks of ascending through the pride of the natural and carnal man and the power of its collectives. Our "two horns like a lamb" suggests the knowledge of good and evil, i.e. the law, however, it "spoke like a dragon," due to the fact that this knowledge of good and evil is not spiritual or "life" (as in the tree of life) and contains the deceptive element of adding to and taking from the Word which God has proclaimed (Gen. 3:1-5).

Like the beast of the sea, the beast of the earth is a collective force and "it _exercises all the authority of the first beast_ (of the sea or world) in its presence (I John 4:5), and makes _the earth and its inhabitants_ (all who are carnal-minded) worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It _performs great signs_ , even _making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people_ (Luke 9:51-56), and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who _dwell on the earth_ (carnal-minded), telling them to make an _image for the beast_ that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give _breath_ (spirit; life) to _the image of the beast_ , so that _the image of the beast_ might even speak and might cause those who would not worship _the image of the beast_ to be slain (Rev. 13:12-15; ESV). We then arrive at our passages above.

Who is this beast which comes up out of the earth? Revelation 19:20 tells us, so too Revelation 16:13 and 20:10.

Revelation 19:20 (ESV)  
20 And the **beast** (of the sea) was captured, and with it the false prophet **who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image**. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

What does our beast of the earth do? It "performs _great signs_ (in the presence of the beast [of the sea])" and " _deceives_ those who _dwell on the earth_." This agrees with Matthew 24:24, where we read, "For false christs and false prophets will rise and _show great signs and wonders_ to _deceive_ , if possible, even the elect."

Note the fact that the false prophet demands "worship" of the "image of the beast." This word is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "To _kiss_ , like a dog _licking_ his master's hand; to _fawn_ or _crouch to_ , i.e. (literal or figurative) _prostrate_ oneself in homage ( _do reverence_ to, _adore_ )." Brother and sister, we worship what we love and the evidence is seen in our fervent embrace of our collectives and their leaders, religious or otherwise. Of a truth, there is but one who is worthy of our adoration and it is Christ, the Son of God.

"It was allowed to give _breath_ ," i.e. spirit, "to the _image of the beast_ , so that _the image of the beast_ might even speak and _might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain_." Compare this with the following.

Luke 13:34-35 (NKJV)  
34 "O **Jerusalem** , **Jerusalem** , the **one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her**! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen _gathers_ her brood under _her_ wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! **Your house is left to you desolate**...

Revelation 17:6 (NKJV)  
6 I saw the woman, **drunk with the blood of the saints** and **with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus**. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

In her blindness, it was "Jerusalem" who killed the prophets and stoned those who were sent to her, and it's again "Jerusalem" in bondage (Babylon) who is "drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." Like Jerusalem of old, we have lost our ability to judge righteously (drunk) out of a true spiritual nature (blood of the martyrs of Jesus; I Cor. 2:15). Would Babylon be the "image" promoted by the false prophet? I believe so.

Our word "drunk" means, "To _drink_ to _intoxication_ , i.e. _get drunk_ ," hence _confusion_ (Babel). This suggests a total lack of discernment, unable to perceive the reason for our judgment. As a result, we speak of His judgment and justice as something bad in our lives; we fail to understand our need to embrace it and know that it issues out of God's love for us. It is for our correction.

As mentioned, the beast which rises out of the sea is a "collective" entity, so too the beast of the earth. Remember in Chapter 9 that we discussed the "antichrist." Let's take a moment to look at this again.

1 John 4:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Beloved, **do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits** , whether they are of God; because **many false prophets** have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And **this is the** _spirit_ **of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world**.

What does John tell us? "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits." Know that there is a marked difference between the "Spirit of God" and the "spirit of the Antichrist." The "spirit of the Antichrist" is the "spirit of error" (I John 4:6). Both "bear fruit" but one is good while the other is bad (Matt. 7:15-20), one is true while the other is false. Ah, but in keeping with our Genesis parable, both use the Word or commandment of God in their presentation (Gen. 3:1-5), hence the reason that Babylon essentially means "confusion."

What does the "false prophet" do? It "makes the earth and its inhabitants (carnal-minded) worship the first beast (the carnal world systems), whose mortal wound was healed," so John writes just a couple of verses later, "They," the false prophet collectively speaking, "are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them" (I John 4:5). When the world embraces us, know that we have truly fallen (Luke 6:26; I John 3:13).

Revelation 13:16-18 (ESV)  
16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that **no one can buy or sell** unless he has the **mark** , that is, **the name of the beast** or **the number of its name**. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding **calculate the number** of the beast, for **it is the number of a man** , and his number is **666**.

Revelation 18:11 (NKJV)  
11 And the **merchants of the earth** will weep and mourn over her (Babylon), for **no one buys their merchandise anymore**...

No doubt, much has been said about the beast of the earth, the false prophet or antichrist, and like Babylon, we usually point in any direction other than our own, seeing this antichrist entity as "them over there." Ah, but isn't that the point of deception? When we're deceived, do we know that we are?

Look at our passages from Revelation 13 where we read, " _It causes all_ , both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be _marked_ on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can _buy_ or _sell_." What part does "all" not cover? Would this not indicate that every single of one of us have received this mark? It would. In agreement we see the "merchants of the earth" who sell "their merchandise."

Buying and selling is linked with the merchants of the earth, our word "merchants" suggesting just that, _buying_ and _selling_. This is not only literal, but spiritual, for these "merchants" seek to get us to "buy" into their way of thinking, into their spirit of error and deception and "sell" it as well. No wonder we read, " _Buy_ the truth, and _sell_ it not" (Prov. 23:23; KJV). For this reason, Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out those who _bought_ and _sold_ in the temple, illustrating a divine principle to you and me. The kingdom of God is one of _giving and receiving_ , not buying and selling. It is not our place to convince anyone of His Word. That is left to God alone who must draw them by His Spirit. Otherwise, we make "twofold" children of hell; converts who are religious but not spiritual. Reconsider the following.

Mark 11:12-20 (NKJV)  
12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a **fig tree** having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard _it._ 15 So they came to **Jerusalem**. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who **bought and sold in the temple** , and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17 Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, _'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'?_ **But you have made it a** _'den of thieves.'_ _"_ 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening had come, He went out of the city. 20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, **they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots**.

Remember our story of the "fig tree," indicative of the law and "the chief priests and the teachers of the law" (Mark 11:18; NIV)? Immediately following Jesus cursing the fig tree, we see that He comes to "Jerusalem" and enters into the "temple" and drives out "those who _bought_ and _sold_ in the temple." In regard to this same story recorded in the book of John, we read, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house _a house of merchandise_!" (John 2:16) Peter, while speaking of "false prophets," declares, "And through _covetousness_ shall they with feigned words _make merchandise of you_ " (II Peter 2:3; KJV). Following our passage from Revelation 18:11, we are given a long list of the "merchandise" of the "merchants of the earth" and Babylon which includes the "souls of men" (Rev. 18:13).

Does all of this correlate with the "mark" of the beast? Definitely! As we are told, "No one can _buy or sell_ unless he has the _mark_ , that is, the _name_ of the beast or the _number_ of its name." We then read, "This calls for wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the _number_ of the beast, for it is the _number of a man_ , and his number is 666." The "number of a man"? Yes. What man? Again, let's go to II Thessalonians for the answer.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come **unless the falling away comes first**...

Remember these passages from earlier in the chapter? The rest of it reads, "... and the _man of sin_ is revealed, the _son of perdition_ , who _opposes_ and _exalts himself above all that is called God_ or _that is worshiped_ , so that _he sits as God in the temple of God_ , showing himself that he is God" (II Thess. 2:4). The "man of sin"? Yes. Not an individual, but the "natural man" of I Corinthians 2:14 in all of us (who are the true _temple of God_ ; I Cor. 3:16-17), the "old man" of Romans 6:6, the "body of sin," who "was crucified with him" (Christ Jesus), the "old man _which grows corrupt_ according to the deceitful lusts" (Eph. 4:22), and the "outward man" who is "perishing" (II Cor. 4:16).

The number of the beast is the "number of a _man_ ," our " _man_ of sin" and "his number is 666," _three sixes_ , which when totaled together equals _eighteen_ , the number which stands for "bondage" (Vallowe; John 8:34-35; Gal. 6:7) and correlates with Hagar/Babylon. Remember too that _six_ speaks of man's "enmity" against God while _three_ denotes "resurrection," the "standing up" of the seed which is sown, which in this case is the "resurrection of the... _unjust_ " (Acts 24:15). Consider.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)  
19 Now **the works of the flesh** are evident, which are: adultery (1), fornication (2), uncleanness (3), lewdness (4), 20 idolatry (5), sorcery (6), hatred (7), contentions (8), jealousies (9), outbursts of wrath (10), selfish ambitions (11), dissensions (12), heresies (13), 21 envy (14), murders (15), drunkenness (16), revelries ( **17** ), and the like ( **18** ); of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told _you_ in time past, that **those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God**.

Is it just coincidence that in reference to "the works of the flesh" that Paul enumerates _eighteen_ things? Consider too how Paul defines seventeen things first, then follows with "and the like." Would our seventeen point to the seven heads and ten horns of the beast of the sea?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 But know this, **that in the last days perilous times will come** : 2 For men will be **lovers of themselves** (1), lovers of money (2), boasters (3), proud (4), blasphemers (5), disobedient to parents (6), unthankful (7), unholy (8), 3 unloving (9), unforgiving (10), slanderers (11), without self-control (12), brutal (13), despisers of good (14), 4 traitors (15), headstrong (16), haughty (17), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God ( **18** ), 5 **having a form of godliness but denying its power**. And from such people turn away!

Could Paul make it any clearer? Here we read "having a _form of godliness_ " yet guilty of "18" things which clearly define the "man of sin" in the "temple" of God, opposing and exalting our "self" over Him. No wonder Paul starts with "lovers of _themselves_." Now, allow me to give you a contrast of the above things in II Timothy with these passages from Romans.

Romans 1:16-23 (NKJV)  
16 **For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ** , for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, _"The just shall live by faith."_ 18 **For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness** , 19 **because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown** _it_ **to them**. 20 **For since the creation of the world His invisible** _attributes_ **are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,** _even_ **His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse** , 21 because, **although they knew God, they did not glorify** _Him_ **as God, nor were thankful** , but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 **Professing to be wise, they became fools** , 23 and **changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man** \--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Here we find the "wrath of God," which is worked by His law which long ago at Mount Sinai was " _revealed from heaven_ against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who _suppress the truth in unrighteousness_." Note that Paul makes it clear that "what may be known of God is manifest in them, _for God has shown it to them_." And how did the Lord do this? "By the things that are made" which testify of "His eternal power and Godhead (divine nature)" so that we are "without excuse" (the most obvious example being our principle of sowing and reaping). So Paul goes on to say, " _Although they knew God_ , they did not glorify Him as God, _nor were thankful_." "Professing themselves to be wise, _they became fools_ , and changed the glory of the incorruptible God _into an image made like corruptible man_ " (Babylon). Here again is the "image" which the beast of the earth makes, an "image" which demands worship of itself and which is clearly defined for us in our passages in II Timothy, Chapter 3. It is the " _image_ of the _earthy_ ," of the "first man" (Adam _and_ Eve; Gen. 5:2) who "is of the _earth_ , _earthy_ ," (I Cor. 15:47-49), of the "man of sin" who, despite his religious efforts, can only produce a " _son_ of perdition" (Cain; _ruin_ or _loss_ ; corruption) of which Ishmael was a type (Gal. 4:23, 29). No wonder we read that Babylon is "the _mother_ of _harlots_ [daughters; Acts 2:17] and of the _abominations_ [sons; Acts 2:17] of the earth" (Rev. 17:5). The "false prophet" in league with his bride, Babylon, can only produce "twofold" children of hell as Jesus said, converts whose confusion is apparent.

Friend, understand that the "mark" of the beast is just that, a "mark" placed on us due to our wild and dangerous nature (Ecc. 3:18). Just as God marked Cain who was "of the wicked one" (I John 3:12), so too He marks us in our carnal-mindedness and confusion, allowing us to remain under a "strong delusion" until such time that we are humbled (II Thess. 2:11).

Our word "beast" is defined as the diminutive (extremely or unusually small) of the word thēra which means, "A wild animal," so its definition reads, "A dangerous animal." This word is used every single time in Revelation in reference to both the beast of the sea and the beast of the earth. And the implication should be clear; it refers to us in our "fallen" state, conducting ourselves solely by the natural and carnal mind which is clearly in enmity with our Maker (Rom. 8:7) and which undoubtedly leads to death (Rom. 8:4-8). That being said, look at our remaining passages from Romans, Chapter 1.

Romans 1:24-32 (NKJV)  
24 **Therefore** God also **gave them up to uncleanness** , **in the lusts of their hearts** , **to dishonor their bodies among themselves** , 25 **who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator** , who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 **For this reason God gave them up to vile passions**. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, **burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due**. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in _their_ knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness (1), sexual immorality (2), wickedness (3), covetousness (4), maliciousness (5); full of envy (6), murder (7), strife (8), deceit (9), evil-mindedness (10); _they are_ whisperers (11), 30 backbiters (12), haters of God (13), violent (14), proud (15), boasters (16), inventors of evil things (17), disobedient to parents (18), 31 undiscerning (19), untrustworthy (20), unloving (21), unforgiving (22), unmerciful ( **23** ); 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, **that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them**.

Note the word "therefore," our sentence connector, linking what Paul continues to say with what he has already said. So in regard to those who "suppress the truth in unrighteousness," who are unthankful and become "futile in their thoughts," whose "foolish hearts" are darkened," who profess to be wise but become "fools," who exchange "the truth of God for the lie," and worship and serve 'the creature' (flesh) rather than the Creator," "for this reason" God gives "them up to vile passions."

Now, as far as society is concerned, we step into forbidden territory, into something that has become an extreme matter of "political correctness," which not only the world embraces but so too many of the so-called "Christian" organizations of our time—women with women and "men with men" who burn "in their lust for one another" and commit "what is shameful." And what does God do? He gives them "over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting," listing "23" things. And what is the spiritual meaning of the number twenty-three? Death. Here's Vallowe's description from Biblical Mathematics.

TWENTY-THREE is the number that represents DEATH. This is found by reading Romans 1:28-32. There are TWENTY-THREE things listed that God said, "that they which commit such things are worthy of DEATH, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them."

This is in harmony with all that has been learned about the numbers previous to this one. TEN represents the LAW, and THIRTEEN the DEPRAVED, REBELLIOUS heart of man. SIN through the LAW brings DEATH, and TEN plus THIRTEEN equals TWENTY-THREE. Paul said,

"I was alive without the law (10) once; but when the commandment (or law) came, sin (13) revived, and I died (23)". (Romans 7:9)

Paul said in I Corinthians 15:56,

"The sting of DEATH (23) is sin, and the strength of sin (13) is the law (10)."

It takes THIRTEEN plus TEN to equal TWENTY-THREE. So it takes SIN plus the LAW to bring DEATH.

This proves that DEPRAVITY alone does not bring spiritual death. Babies come into the world depraved. We are "by nature children of wrath." (Ephesians 2:3) So was Paul when he was a child. But THIRTEEN (sin) alone does not equal TWENTY-THREE (death). TEN more must be added. When the LAW (10) was added that made TWENTY-THREE (DEATH) and Paul died. This takes care of the charge brought against those who teach inherent DEPRAVITY. They are accused of teaching infant damnation. But this charge falls to the ground in the face of Bible numbers and the statement of Paul in Romans 7:9-11.

Our understanding should now be clear. The collective beast of the earth has caused all of us to receive a "mark," clarified as the "number of his name (nature)," 666 or eighteen, the number of bondage. This correlates with "Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children" (Gal. 4:25). Wouldn't this be His people under the tutorage of the law (Gal. 3:24)? It would. Beloved, know that when we fall away due to a lack of faith, we fall back under the law, for the Lord will never leave us to our own devices. "For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives," and "if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons" (Heb. 12:6, 8). Friend, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16), therefore all of us are partakers of His chastening; no one is exempt. This is assured by His divine principle of sowing and reaping and further confirmed by the following.

Revelation 7:2-3 (KJV)  
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given **to hurt the earth** _and the sea_ , 3 Saying, **Hurt not the earth,** _neither the sea_ , nor the trees (two olive trees), till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

As our passages show, the "hurt" of the four angels (cherubim) is reserved for both the "earth (Israel) and the sea (world)." The "earth" first, in accordance with I Peter 4:17, then the "sea." Again, no one is exempt. And what is this "hurt"?

Revelation 2:11 (NKJV)  
11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. **He who overcomes shall not be** hurt **by the second death**." '

The "hurt" spoken of in Revelation 7 is the "hurt" of the "second death" in Revelation 2:11, the message of the cross (I Cor. 1:18). Please consider.

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the **sixth angel** sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose the four angels** which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , which were **prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men**.

Our word "slay" in this passage is defined as, "To kill outright; figurative to destroy." It is translated fifty-five times as "kill," fourteen as "slay," and six times as "put to death." Does this not indicate a "death," more specifically a second one, our first being in Adam? Also compare this with the fifth seal and the souls "under the altar" (Rev. 6:9) who are told by the Lord to "rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:11; KJV). Can you see in this statement that the death of these "fellowservants" and "brethren" is a good thing, that it speaks of those who are "faithful unto (up to) death" (to self) and receive "a crown of life"? (Rev. 2:10; KJV)

Also remember that "an hour and a day" refers to "times" while "a month and a year" refers to "seasons," which brings us back to the following.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 But concerning **the times and the seasons** , brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night**. 3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" **then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman**. And they shall not escape. 4 **But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief**.

The hour, day, month, and year, or "times and the seasons" correspond to "the day of the Lord" and signifies the release of the "second death," the message of the cross, upon the "earth" and the "sea," more specifically "the third part of men" (the Israel of God). And what does this "second death" bring? For those who say "peace and safety," it brings "sudden destruction" like "labor pains upon a pregnant woman" (Rev. 12:2). For this reason, and in regard to tribulation, we find the Lord saying in Matthew 24:8, "All these are the beginning of 'birth pains.'" Ah, but for those who are watching for His appearing (II Tim. 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13) it speaks of the death to self which Jesus so clearly defined as the path to life.

And what is the "second death"? As previously mentioned, it is "the message of the cross" which "is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Cor. 1:18), our three woes of death, burial, and resurrection. Isn't it true that our first death was "in Adam" but our second death was in Christ? (I Cor. 15:22; Rom. 6:3) As Paul said, "Even so in Christ all shall be made alive." How do we attain this in our present existence? When we are truly willing to take up our cross and follow Him, when we "lose our soul" for His sake (Matt. 10:39; 16:25).

# Chapter Twenty-Three

# THE BOWLS

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard **a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God** , 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose** the four angels **which are bound in the great river Euphrates**. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

Look once more at our passages from Revelation 9. Note the reference to " _loose_ the four angels which are _bound_ in the _great river Euphrates_." Up until this time, the four angels have been _bound_ , but with the advent of the sixth angel and trumpet, we now see them _loosed_. The loosing of the four angels is in accordance with what Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:19—"Whatever you _loose_ on earth will be _loosed_ in heaven" (NIV) (see Matt. 19:28).

Notice that the sixth angel sounds, and then John hears "a _voice_ from _the four horns of the golden altar_ which is before God, _saying_ to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, _Loose_ the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." Vincent's explains that "a voice" literally means "one voice." His treatment of the "golden altar" tells us to see Revelation 8:3.

Revelation 8:3-6 (NKJV)  
3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood **at the altar**. He was given much incense, that **he should offer** _it_ **with the prayers of all the saints** upon the **golden altar** which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. 5 **Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw** _it_ **to the earth**. And there were noises (voices; KJV), thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 **So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound**.

Here's Vincent's explanation of Revelation 8:3 above (bolding mine).

**At the altar** (ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον)

The best texts read θυσιαστηρίου, which justifies the Rev., " _over_ the altar." For _altar_ , see on 6:9. Interpreters differ as to whether the altar meant is the _brazen_ altar, as in 6:9, or the altar _of incense_ , as in 9:13. **There seems to be no reason for changing the reference from the brazen altar** (see on 6:9), **especially as both altars are mentioned in this verse**. **The officiating priest in the tabernacle or temple took the fire for his censer from the brazen altar, and then offered the incense upon the golden altar**.

Censer

See on 5:8.

Incense

See on 5:8.

**Offer it with the prayers** (δώσῃ ταῖς προσευχαῖς)

Lit., _should give it unto the prayers_. Rev., _add it unto the prayers_. So that the prayers and the incense might ascend together. Προσευχή is always used of prayer to God.

Golden altar

The altar of incense. Exodus 30:1-6; 39:38.

As Vincent explains, our passages show both altars, the _brazen altar_ which stood outside of the temple in the Outer Court, and the _altar of incense_ , which was placed in line with the Ark of the Covenant in front of the veil which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. As noted, the "fire" for the altar of incense came from the brazen altar and the incense was then placed on this fire. It is obvious by Vincent's explanation that our word picture shows "that the prayers and the incense might ascend together" before God. What was the result? "Then the angel took the censer, _filled it with fire_ from the altar, _and threw it to the earth_. And there were noises (voices; KJV), thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. _So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound_." We should immediately see that the _sounding_ of the trumpets or _fulfilling_ of the seven prophecies, come as a result of the prayers of the saints. Now, consider Revelation 5:8.

Revelation 5:8 (NKJV)  
8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the **four living creatures** and **the twenty-four elders** fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, **and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.**

Here, John likens the "golden bowls full of incense" as the "prayers of the saints"; they are synonymous. Bowls? Yes. As in those which show the wrath of God in Revelation, Chapter 16? Again, yes. The same Greek word is used. This shows that the "wrath" or spiritual fulfillment of the law of God is instigated by the prayers of His people, both past and present. Please consider.

Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV)  
9 And when he had opened the **fifth seal** , I saw **under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held** : 10 And they cried with a **loud voice** , saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not **judge** and **avenge** our blood on **them that dwell on the earth**? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for **a little season** , until their fellowservants also and their brethren, **that should be killed as they** _were_ , should be fulfilled.

Five being our number of _sin_ and _grace_ , we see "under the _altar_ the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held." Vincent writes, " _The altar of sacrifice_ (brazen altar), as is indicated by _slain_ ; not _the altar of incense_. The imagery is from the tabernacle. Exodus 39:39; 40:29." Does this imply martyrdom for the gospel of Christ? It does, for these souls represent those _who willingly laid down their lives_ for the gospel of Christ, portrayed for us in Hebrews, Chapter 11. It is the collective and unified "voice" of these souls which is the " _voice_ from the four horns of the golden altar" who cry, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not _judge_ and _avenge_ our _blood_ on _them that dwell on the earth_ " (again pointing to the Israel (house) of God who must be judged first).

Revelation 17:1, 6 (KJV)  
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials (bowls), and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee **the** judgment **of the great whore** that sitteth upon many waters... 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration...

The NIV properly interprets verse 6, stating, "I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus." In other words, the "blood of the saints" _is_ the "blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus."

And what do the souls under the altar cry? _Judge_ and _avenge_ our "blood." Our word "judge" points to the trumpets and "avenge" points to the "bowls." This shows that they run parallel and explains I Thessalonians 5, verses 1 through 4, which separates those who say "Peace and safety" (and "sudden destruction comes upon them") from those who are "not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake" them "as a thief." Confirmation is found in Revelation 16:15 where the Lord makes only one statement in the midst of the bowls—"Behold, _I come like a thief!_ Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go _naked_ and be _shamefully exposed_ " (NIV; see also Revelation 3:17). "Naked" and "shamefully exposed" points back to Adam and Eve in the garden after they had eaten from the tree of knowledge.

Revelation 18:4-10 (KJV)  
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, **Come out of her, my people** , that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that **ye receive not of her plagues** (stripes; bowls). 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6 **Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double**. 7 _How much she hath glorified herself_ , and lived deliciously, **so much torment and sorrow give her** : for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 **Therefore shall her plagues** (stripes; bowls) come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and **she shall be utterly burned with fire** : for strong _is_ the Lord God who judgeth her. 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, **Alas** (Woe), **alas** (Woe), that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Judgment and vengeance, and our preceding passages make it clear. Babylon is afflicted with "plagues" or "bowls" (Revelation, Chapters 15 and 16), indicative of "stripes" or _discipline_ (judgment). Her plagues come in "one day," issuing from the "light" of God's Word, her judgment in "one hour" (Rev. 3:3, 10; 9:15), and she is "utterly burned with fire." This "fire" correlates with our "fire from the altar," the "fire" of the righteous nature and Word of our Creator.

Our "fire" is evident in the first four trumpets where we see "hail and _fire_ mingled with blood" and "the third part of trees was _burnt up_ , and all green grass was _burnt up_ ," followed by "a great mountain _burning with fire_ " and "a great star" which "fell" "from heaven," " _burning_ as it were a lamp," and finally "the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars" (Rev. 8:7, 8, 10, 12; KJV). Again, each "third part" makes up the whole of the house of God, His church, the Israel of God, who in her Babylonish condition must certainly be judged.

Following our four trumpets, we arrive at the fifth where we see the opening of the bottomless pit "and there arose a _smoke_ out of the pit, as the _smoke_ of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the _smoke_ of the pit. And _there came out of the smoke_ locusts upon the earth" (Rev. 9:2-3). Again, this is the "furnace of fire" which Jesus spoke about in the Parable of the Tares.

We then come to our sixth trumpet where we read, "Loose the four angels (four horsemen) which are bound in the great river Euphrates (the Flood; as it was in the days of Noah; Luke 17:26). And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day (times), and a month, and a year (season), for to slay the third part of men (the Israel of God). And the number of the army of the (four) horsemen was two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of _fire_ and of _jacinth,_ and _brimstone_ " (Rev. 9:17; KJV) and "by these _three_ was the third part of men killed, by the _fire_ , and by the _smoke_ , and by the _brimstone_ , which issued out of their mouths" (Rev. 9:18; KJV). The loosing of the four angels appear to correspond with the "days of Noah" which Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24, verses 37 through 42 and Luke 17, verses 26 and 27, confirmed by "the great river Euphrates" (the Flood). Up to this point, the four angels have been restrained, but now no longer. Because we are approaching the end of "all things which are written" being fulfilled, _lawlessness increases proportionately_ (Matt. 24:12; Rom. 7:5, 8, 13). It will not be otherwise.

Now, remember that we saw our four angels of the sixth trumpet in the sixth seal in Revelation, Chapter 7, "standing on the four corners of the earth, _holding_ the four winds of the earth" until after the servants of God are "sealed in their foreheads" (Rev. 7:1-3). Following this, we find a "great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands" (Rev. 7:9). John is told, "These are the ones who come out of the _great tribulation_ " (Rev. 7:14). Being the _sixth_ seal, indicative of the _sixth_ trumpet, it shows that the fulfillment of this trumpet represents this "great tribulation," _six_ representing man's "enmity" and "labor" (Bullinger). It assures that our "works" are fully dealt with by the divine process of the Word of His kingdom. What do we read in the sixth seal? "For _the great day of His wrath has come_ , and who is able to stand?" (Rev. 6:17). The "great day of His wrath" is therefore, the four angels and their "hurt," the instigation of the "second death," the true gospel of Christ. Again, this confirms that the "wrath" of God, worked by the law, is fulfilled in the _sounding_ of the trumpets and the _pouring out_ of the bowls.

How is the "third part of men killed?" "By these _three_ ," "by the _fire_ , and by the _smoke_ , and by the _brimstone_ , which issued out of their mouths." When brought together this signifies _all six trumpets_ of which the fifth and sixth are the first two woes.

Now, the _seventh_ or _last_ trumpet signifies the "end" of the Lord's "work" in His people which is accomplished through the sixth trumpet. Seventh is "rest," for "God _ended_ His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day _from all His work which He had done_ " (Gen. 2:2). For this reason we see the _resurrection from the dead_ illustrated in the following passages.

Revelation 11:11-15 (KJV)  
11 And after **three days** and **an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and** they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And **the same hour was there a great earthquake** , and **the tenth part of the city fell** , and **in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand** : and **the remnant were affrighted** , and **gave glory to the God of heaven**. 14 The **second woe** is past; _and_ , behold, the **third woe** cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, **The kingdoms of this world are become** _the kingdoms_ **of our Lord, and of his Christ** ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Note how it states " _after three days_ and an _half_." Our "three days" speaks of the Day of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles proper, while our "half" speaks of the "dividing of time," a _separation_ of the tares from the wheat, the goats from the sheep, of darkness from light which is accomplished during this time (Gen. 1:4; Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43; 25:31-46). Once Tabernacles is reached (the third day He will raise up His temple (John 2:19)), there is a separation of those who are the "firstfruits," the overcomers in the churches and the first to experience the "second death" of the true gospel of Christ and precede the rest of His body, the church.

"After three days and an half," or after the separation of the sheep from the goats and we reach the "third day" of Tabernacles, "the Spirit of life from God (Rom. 8:2) entered into them, and _they stood upon their feet_." "They" refers to our "two witnesses," described for us in Revelation 11, verses 1 and 2 as "the temple of God" and "the court which is outside the temple." This signifies the ministry (temple of God; I Cor. 3:16-17) followed by the rest of Israel (outer court; see our illustration), also clarified by Smyrna and Philadelphia, the two churches which Jesus had nothing against.

No doubt God's purpose has been reckoned through all of this, and following the fulfillment of the fifth and sixth trumpets and the finish thereof signified by the seventh trumpet which is about to sound (and the mystery of God "finished"; Rev. 10:7), we see "the Spirit of life from God" entering into the witnesses and they _stand_ "upon their feet" once more. Resurrection? Yes, because the definition means, "A _standing_ up again." Once the "Spirit of life" enters, they hear "a great voice from heaven," _the collective voice of the souls under the altar_ , which says, "Come up hither," beckoning them to the throne of God and "they ascended up to heaven in a cloud" of "witnesses" (Heb. 12:1-2). This my friend is the "first resurrection" _from_ the dead, not to be confused with the resurrection _of_ the dead (Rev. 20:4-6). Consider Vincent's treatment of Philippians 3:11 where Paul wrote, "If by any means I might attain unto the _resurrection of the dead_ " (KJV) (bolding mine).

The resurrection of the dead (τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν).

Rev., more correctly, _from_ the dead. Lit., _the resurrection_ , _that_ , _namely_ , _from the dead_. Compare Acts 4:2. This compound noun for _resurrection_ is found only here, and expresses the rising _from_ or _from among_ (ἐξ), which is further emphasized by the repetition of the preposition ἐκ ( _from_ ). The kindred compound verb occurs Mark 12:19; Luke 20:28; Acts 15:5, but in neither passage of raising the dead. The word here does not differ in meaning from ἀνάστασις, commonly used, except that the idea is more vividly conceived as a rising _from_ the earth. See Matthew 22:31; Luke 20:35. The phrase _resurrection of_ or _from the dead_ does not often occur in the Gospels, and _resurrection_ ἐκ _from_ the dead only twice in the New Testament, Acts 4:2; 1 Peter 1:3. For the phrase, see on Luke 16:31. _Resurrection of the dead_ is a generic phrase, denoting the general resurrection of the dead, bad and good. _Resurrection from the dead_ , in the only two passages where it occurs, signifies resurrection unto life. In 1 Peter 1:3, it is applied to Christ.

# Chapter Twenty-Four

# THE WILDERNESS

Revelation 12:6, 14 (NKJV)  
6 Then **the woman fled into the wilderness** , where she has **a place prepared by God** , that they should feed her there **one thousand two hundred and sixty days**... 14 But the **woman** was given two wings of a great eagle, **that she might fly into the wilderness to her place** , where **she is nourished for a time and times and half a time** , from the presence of the serpent.

Whenever we consider the house of God in this day, we must remember that two thousand years have passed since the days of Christ and the apostles. We must also consider that the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord all took place in the midst of the Jews of Israel and that the Gentiles or other nations were basically excluded until after the Day of Pentecost and the ministry of Peter and Paul.

We've learned that our "woman" in Revelation 12:14 speaks of the "woman clothed with the sun" (Rev. 12:1) which John saw "in heaven," representing " _Jerusalem above_ " (Gal. 4:26), the New Covenant people of God which essentially began in earnest on the Day of Pentecost. This being the case, we must also realize that the prophetic visions of John in the book of the Revelation incorporate, not just our present day, but all of the time which has passed since Christ and the apostles. In other words, much of what John saw and wrote in Revelation has long since come to pass as we move ever closer to the sign of His coming and the "end of the age" (Matt. 24:3). This is the essence of the seven prophecies to the seven churches (Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3).

Note the references to "a place prepared by God" and "her place" in our passages above. This immediately shows that it was the will of God for the woman to go into the wilderness, that the Lord prepared a place for her according to His own divine purpose.

Preceding our woman clothed with the sun fleeing into the wilderness, we find the following passages.

Revelation 12:1-2 (KJV)  
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; **a woman clothed with the sun** , and **the moon under her feet** , and **upon her head a crown of twelve stars** : 2 And **she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered**.

The light of the sun is "fire," and "our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). So it is that God's people are enveloped by _His righteous nature_ and _divine purpose_ as signified by the law, which is symbolized by the "moon under her feet." This is confirmed as early as the book of Genesis where we see the creation of the "two great lights" (Gen. 1:16), the sun and the moon, symbolic of His Two Covenants, Old and New, for the "lesser light" of the "moon" is merely a reflection of the "greater light" of the sun, which typifies that the law (moon) must become spiritual (sun). Isn't the natural light of the sun "life" to everything on this planet? So too His covenants.

The "crown of _twelve_ stars" signifies the _government of God_ which was delivered first to Israel in the wilderness at Mount Sinai in the form of the law, which later became spiritual in Christ and in the _twelve_ apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:14).

The "child" with whom she is in travail, speaks of Christ, the "seed" "to whom the promise was made" (Gal. 3:19), the firstborn of all the "children of promise" as represented by Isaac, Abraham's son (Gal. 4:28).

When it came time for Jesus to "fulfill all righteousness" in accordance with His Father's will, He came to John the Baptist to be baptized. Immediately after His baptism we are told that "the heavens were opened to Him" and a voice came from heaven declaring, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:13-17). Immediately following His baptism we read, "Then _Jesus was led up_ by the Spirit _into the wilderness_ to be tempted by the devil" (Matt. 4:1). The gospels of Mark and Luke confirm this same thing (Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1). So like our woman clothed with the sun, we find the Lord taken _into the wilderness_ by the Spirit of God to be tempted by the devil for "forty days" (Luke 4:2).

Now, allow me to share a seeming contradiction from the book of John, Chapter 1, verses 15 through 51. There we find a brief account of John the Baptist before he baptized the Lord.

John 1:19-28 (NKJV)  
19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said: "I _am_ _'The voice of one crying in the wilderness:_ _"Make straight the way of the Lord," '_ as the prophet Isaiah said." 24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 **It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose**." 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

As we see, the Pharisees came to John the Baptist to question his divine authority. John makes it clear to them that he is not the Christ, quoting Isaiah, Chapter 40, verse 3. Now look at what follows.

John 1:29-34 (NKJV)  
29 **The next day** John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 **This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me**.' 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water." 32 And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but **He who sent me to baptize with water said to me** , 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."

The day following the visit from the Pharisees, John sees the Lord "coming toward him" and declares, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" He then confirms what he told the Pharisees the day before, that Jesus was the Man of whom he had spoken who was "preferred before me." He then describes his experience of baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River of which the record in Matthew, Mark, and Luke all agree.

John 1:35-43 (NKJV)  
35 **Again, the next day** , John stood with two of his disciples. 36 **And looking at Jesus as He walked** , he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John _speak,_ and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone). 43 **The following day** Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."

If my understanding is correct, all of our passages show the day Christ was baptized followed by "the next day" and "the following day." That being the case, consider that Matthew records the Lord's baptism where afterward he writes, "Then _Jesus was led up_ by the Spirit _into the wilderness_ to be tempted by the devil." Mark records, "Immediately the Spirit drove Him _into the wilderness_. And He was there _in the wilderness_ forty days, _tempted by Satan_ , and was with the _wild beasts_ ; and the angels ministered to Him" (Mark 1:12-13). Luke records, "Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan _and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness_ , being _tempted for forty days by the devil_ " (Luke 4:1-2).

Here's my point. Up to this time, I have always believed that Jesus went into a literal wilderness after His baptism, but not anymore. The book of John shows that Jesus didn't do this at all, being seen by John the Baptist the "next day" and recording that "the following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee." If all of this is true, then what was meant by Matthew, Mark, and Luke when it states that He was " _led up_ by the Spirit _into the wilderness_ "? The answer is quite simple and found in Matthew, Chapter 3, verse 1, where we read concerning John the Baptist that he "came preaching _in the wilderness of Judea_."

Our first inclination is to go with the idea that John was also in a literal wilderness, however, I don't believe this is the case. It is also our first inclination to think that Jesus went into a literal wilderness following His baptism, but this too is clearly not the case. Rather, both were definitely in the "wilderness of Judea," however, this speaks of the _present_ , _spiritual condition_ of the Jews, one of _desolation_ and _emptiness_ , a product of hundreds of years of spiritual lack which became even worse by the many traditions which the Pharisees and Sadducees had integrated into the law of Moses (Matt. 15:1-9).

Our word "wilderness"? It is the same word used in Revelation concerning our woman clothed with the sun and Babylon (Rev. 12:6, 14; 17:3). As for the term "wild beasts" in Mark, Chapter 1? It is the same word used to describe the "beast" of the sea and earth through the entire book of Revelation. It is our word _thērion_ which means, "A _dangerous animal_ " and refers to man in his carnal and rebellious condition. Literal? I don't think so. Further confirmation is in the book of Revelation itself in regard to John where we read, "So he carried me away _in the Spirit into the wilderness_ " (Rev. 17:3). Finally, consider the following passage from Isaiah.

Isaiah 14:12-17 (KJV)  
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! _How_ **art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations**! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 **Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit**. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, _and_ consider thee, _saying,_ _Is_ **this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms** ; 17 _That_ made the world as a wilderness **, and destroyed the cities thereof;** _that_ **opened not the house of his prisoners**?

Tradition has long taught that these passages refer to "Lucifer," an angel who fell and became the devil, but I am quick to disagree for several reasons which I have addressed in my other studies. If we look further into Isaiah, we find that these passages speak of the "king of Babylon" (Isa.14:4). That being said, consider the following.

Revelation 18:7 (NKJV)  
7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ' **I sit** _as_ **queen, and am no widow** , and will not see sorrow.'

Here we have our woman Babylon, who "says in her heart, 'I sit as _queen_ , and am no _widow_ , and will not see sorrow.'" She sits as "queen"? If this is true, then who is the "king"? Would it not be our "king of Babylon," described for us in our passages in Isaiah 14? Note too what this "king" says. " _I will ascend_ into heaven, _I will exalt_ my throne above the stars of God: _I will sit_ also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: _I will ascend_ above the heights of the clouds; _I will be_ like the most High." When I compare this with our passages from II Thessalonians, Chapter 2, concerning the "man of sin" who " _opposes_ and _exalts himself_ above all that is called God or that is worshiped," I see an obvious parallel which leads me to believe that this "man of sin" is the _spiritual counterpart_ of the literal king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, in the book of Daniel. For further study, I recommend my book, "Studies in Revelation – The Second Death," available for free at Smashwords. We also have a spiritual parallel in our Genesis parable where the serpent said to Eve, " _You will be like God_ , knowing good and evil" (Gen. 3:5).

Our word "widow" is defined as, "From the base of G5490 (chasma) through the idea of _deficiency_ ; a _widow_ (as _lacking_ a husband), literal or figurative." In regard to the base word, G5490, see Luke 16:26. Now, consider the following.

Romans 7:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that **the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives**? 2 For **the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to** _her_ **husband as long as he lives**. But **if the husband dies, she is released from the law of** _her_ **husband**.

The meaning here is clear. In regard to the law, Paul uses the understanding that a "woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But _if the husband dies_ , she is released from the law of her husband." Here is what Paul follows with.

Romans 7:3-4 (NKJV)  
3 So then **if, while** _her_ **husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress** ; but if her husband dies, **she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress** , **though she has married another man**. 4 Therefore, my brethren, **you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was raised from the dead** , that we should bear fruit to God.

Perhaps I'm wrong in my perspective, but consider this. Paul said that "the law has dominion over a man _as long as he lives_ ," right? So what is the gospel of Christ? Is it not the message of the cross, the process of _death_ , _burial_ , and _resurrection_ concerning you and me as reflected in the Lord's own death on the tree? Yes it is. And what did Jesus tell His disciples? "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him _deny himself_ , and _take up his cross_ , and _follow me_ " (Matt. 16:24). Deny ourselves? Take up our cross? Follow Him? Doesn't this suggest to us that there is a process involved, a time period if you will that relates to each of us as individuals where, as we follow Him, we are continually challenged to deny ourselves, bear our "cross," and follow Him to death (Rev. 2:10)? And why must we die? Because "the law has dominion over a man (person) _as long as he lives_." You see my friend, this is how the world, as well as most every "Christian" remains "under the law." The church, as a collective whole, is married to "another man," the "natural man," the "man of sin" who is still very much alive in all of us. Though our true "husband" is Christ Himself, we have become an "adulteress," Babylon, due to our _unfaithfulness_. Like Israel of old we have failed to enter and possess the "promised land" of His "rest," having the gospel preached to us, but the word has not profited because it has not been mixed with faith (Heb. 4:1-2). Due to the spirit of antichrist in our midst, we have fallen away from our "first love," Christ Himself, and joined (married) another besides Him (see Revelation, Chapter 2, and the first four prophecies where "Satan's throne" exists).

Now, if this is true, then is our process defined for us? It is, and not surprisingly, it is reflected in both Israel and Christ. Where did Christ go after His baptism by John? _Into the wilderness_ ; not a literal wilderness, but a place of spiritual desolation, indicative of His own people and the Roman Empire who were steeped in darkness (John 1:11).

What happened with Moses and Israel before they left Egypt? The Passover Lamb, indicative of Christ, was sacrificed _first_ , signifying that our process begins with Christ, but immediately takes us _into the wilderness_. In fact, it would be more appropriate to say it like this—the moment that God draws us to His Son, an inward change takes place, and the "world" which we so fervently embraced up until then now becomes different for us, a "wilderness" of sin and despair that becomes more obvious as we continue to follow Him. Where once we were comfortable with our "lives" in darkness, we are no longer. Where once we had no contrast, we now have one in His Son and in His Word which divides us asunder and sets in motion an inward "war" if you will between the natural and the spiritual, the human and divine. For this reason, we see the "woman clothed with the sun" _and_ "a great, fiery red dragon" in "heaven" (Rev. 12:1-3), i.e. within the spiritual recesses of our own heart (first earth) and mind (first heaven). The result? War breaks out in heaven (Rev. 12:7), within the depths of our being as His Spirit drives us "into the wilderness" where we, like Christ, must be tempted by the "devil" of our old carnal and sinful nature until such time as our faith in Christ and the grace of God brings us to the end of ourselves, to the _second death_ of _the message of the cross_.

John 16:33 (ESV)  
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. **In the world you will have tribulation**. But take heart; **I have overcome the world**."

# Chapter Twenty-Five

# TIME AND TIMES AND HALF A TIME

Revelation 12:6, 14 (NKJV)  
6 Then **the woman fled into the wilderness** , where she has **a place prepared by God** , that they should feed her there **one thousand two hundred and sixty days**... 14 But the **woman** was given two wings of a great eagle, **that she might fly into the wilderness to her place** , where **she is nourished for a time and times and half a time** , from the presence of the serpent.

When we look at verse 6, we read "one thousand two hundred and sixty days," but in verse 14 it reads "a time and times and half a time." This shows that the two are synonymous, referring to the same period which I believe incorporates all that is determined in the seven prophecies. Remember, we have _six_ important _sevens_ in Revelation, which when multiplied together is 42 (7 x 6).

We have learned that the "wilderness" is not literal, but speaks of the desolate spiritual condition of the world at large which becomes more obvious to us once we are drawn by the Father to Christ. That being said, our period of time in the wilderness is defined by the "one thousand two hundred sixty days" or "time and times and half a time." This immediately shows that our time periods are not literal by any means, but signify the scope of the divine process of God in His people.

Our first period is given as "one thousand two hundred and sixty days." As we know, _one thousand_ defines a "day" of the Lord of which there are _three_ (Matt. 12:40; II Peter 3:8; Acts 2:17-21). As we have also learned, _two hundred_ speaks of "the insufficiency of external things in the worship of God, and the impossibility of worshipping God with the senses. True worship, which alone God will accept, 'MUST' (John 4:24) be spiritual" (Bullinger). As for sixty, this number stands for the pride of man (Vallowe), six being man in enmity with God and ten being the number which means "a complete cycle" (Bullinger).

Revelation 11:2 (NKJV)  
2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. **And they will tread the holy city underfoot** _for_ **forty-two months**.

Our "forty-two months" is also synonymous with our other two periods and agrees with their spiritual meaning. _Forty_ is the number which signifies "a period of _probation_ , _trial_ , and _chastisement_... It is the product of 5 and 8, and points to the action of _grace_ (5) leading to and ending in _revival_ and _renewal_ (8)" (Bullinger). How many days was Jesus "in the wilderness" and tempted by the devil? Forty (Mark 1:13). How many years was Israel "in the wilderness" during their " _day_ of temptation"? Forty (Heb. 3:8-9).

Our number _two_ defines both "division" and "witness" (Bullinger). First _division_ , created by the fact that our carnal man experiences "war" with His living Word, followed by _witness_ when we have been thoroughly and completely humbled before our God.

It is obvious by our passage above that during this time, the "Gentiles" or world "will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months." This represents the "war" which I just mentioned, not literal but spiritual and within our own being. After all, we are told that His Word will divide (2) our soul from our spirit, our joints from our marrow, and our thoughts from our intents (Heb. 4:12). Doesn't this clearly suggest a deeply personal experience with His Word of truth?

As we know, our "time and times and half a time" correlate with our other two periods. Please consider.

Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV)  
4 But when the **fullness** of the **time** had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

It is my opinion that the "time" noted in Galatians 4:4 is the "time" of our " _time_ and times and half a time." Note the reference to "fullness."

Luke 21:22-24 (NKJV)  
22 For these are the **days of vengeance** , that **all things which are written may be fulfilled**. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and **wrath** upon this people. 24 And **they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations**. And **Jerusalem** will be **trampled by Gentiles** until the **times of the Gentiles** are **fulfilled**.

Following the "fullness of the time" which incorporates the Lord's coming and ministry to the Jews, we find Him speaking of the desolation of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20), linking it to intense persecution against His disciples (Luke 21:12-19). When we carefully consider what Jesus meant, we find that this persecution _initiates_ the _beginning_ of the "times of the Gentiles." This makes perfect sense when we realize that the gospel was yet to be presented to the Gentiles or rest of the world until after the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 10:45).

And what would follow the persecution and death of His disciples? "Great distress in the land and _wrath_ upon this people," confirmed by our souls in the fifth seal. And what works _wrath_? The law of God. Furthermore, His people would " _fall_ by the edge (mouth) of the _sword_ , and be led away _captive_ into _all nations_." Doesn't this agree with Babylon who is "fallen," representing all of us under the law (left edge of the _sword_ ) until "all things which are written may be fulfilled"? (Matt. 5:17-18) Doesn't this also agree with the fact that "the holy city," i.e. Jerusalem, would be "tread" underfoot for "forty-two months" by the Gentiles? Wouldn't "led away captive into all nations" signify that God's people would be scattered everywhere and be affected by this spiritual fulfillment, that none are exempt? Doesn't this prove the "times" which would follow shortly after the Lord's commission to His disciples (Matt. 28:19-20)?

1 John 2:18 (NKJV)  
18 Little children, it is the **last hour** ; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, **by which we know that it is the last hour**.

Friend, think about what John wrote. When he spoke of the "last hour," I believe he was referring to the final hour of "time," which would then be followed by the beginning of "times." How was the end of this "time" recognized? By the advent of "Antichrist," not one but "many," which would soon introduce the beginning of "times."

All of what we are considering can easily be likened to a seed, for Paul spoke of the " _fullness_ (7) of the time" and Jesus spoke of "all things which are written" being " _fulfilled_ " (7). What is the "seed"? The Word of God (Luke 8:11). What is done with a seed? First it is _sown_ or _prophesied_ , then it _grows_ until it reaches "fullness" or _maturity_ , which means that it _comes to pass_ (fulfilled), the evidence of the seed being likened to the fruit of a tree. So it is that the coming of Christ to the Jews was at the " _fullness_ of the time," indicating that the Old Testament types and shadows, along with the prophecies concerning Him, were now made evident before them. And it goes without saying that God's timing is always perfect, never too soon or too late.

Our "time and times and half a time" links to the "three days and three nights" of Matthew 12:40, when the Lord would be in "the heart of the earth." Consider the following illustration.

Remember that earlier in this study, I defined our "time and times and half a time" as:

1. Time = 1

2. Times = 2

3. Half a Time = Dividing of Time (Dan. 7:25)

In our illustration, the "last hour" of "time" is the _end_ of the _fulfillment_ of the "day" (and night) of Pentecost. This "day" began in Acts, Chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit was poured out on His disciples in accordance with the promise which Jesus had made to them (Acts 1:4-5, 7-8; 2:1-4). This was also the fulfillment of the Lord's discourse in John, Chapter 14, where Jesus told them, " _At that day_ you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and _I in you_ " (John 14:20). "I in you"? Yes! In the "heart" of their "earth"!

As our illustration shows, the end of the "Day" of Pentecost initiated the beginning of "times," defined by the "Day" of Trumpets and the "Day" of Atonement. This agrees with our passage in I John and the "last hour." This epistle or letter was thought to be written in Ephesus around 95 to 110 A.D., less than one hundred years after the ministry of Christ.

Our "half a time" is then defined by the "Feast of Tabernacles" proper, for as indicated, there is only "half" a day shown. I have another illustration which shows this same principle.

Do you see our "days" in this illustration as signified by the branches on the lampstand? Do you also see how the last branch is not followed by a space, but ends our process? Do you also realize that the last branch is the _seventh_ branch, denoting the "fullness" which we are considering?

There is but one "time" which defines the "fullness of the time" during which Jesus came and during which the apostles also ministered. Ah, but there are _two_ of these following which Paul called "the fullness of the Gentiles" (Rom. 11:25) and Jesus called "the times of the Gentiles," a period of time when "Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). Wouldn't this align with Revelation 11:2, where we read, "But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. _And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months_ "? (Rev. 11:2) I believe it would. Would this also agree with our understanding of Babylon where we read, " _Alas_ (woe; time), _alas_ (woe; time), that great city (Jerusalem) Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come" (Rev. 18:10; KJV)? I believe so, hence the reason we see our 5th and 6th branches representing the Day of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement, respectively. Also consider the following.

Matthew 10:34-39 (KJV)  
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, **but a sword**. 35 For **I am come to set a man at variance** against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes _shall be_ they of his own household. 37 **He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me**. 38 And **he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me**. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Here we go my friend. Jesus did not come "to send peace, but a _sword_." Would this not be the "sword" mentioned in Luke 21:24, no doubt referring to the "sword" of His living Word (Heb. 4:12)? And what did our Lord say? We would " _fall_ by the _edge_ (mouth; see Rev. 19:15) of the _sword_." And to whom was He referring? "Jerusalem" and "Judea," indicative of the people of God (Luke 21:20-21). Don't these passages align with our concept, where Jesus makes it quite clear that we must take up our cross or we are not worthy of Him?

Luke 21:24 (NKJV)  
24 And **they will fall by the edge of the sword** , and **be led away captive** into all nations. And **Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles** until **the times of the Gentiles** are fulfilled.

Not only did the Lord state we would "fall by the edge of the sword," but we would also be "led away _captive_ into all nations" and John declared that we would be "trampled by Gentiles until the _times_ of the Gentiles are fulfilled." As we've seen, our _captivity_ correlates with Babylon (Hagar), whereas being "trampled" corresponds to Revelation 11:2.

What does "fullness" indicate? The _fulfillment_ of the Word which Jesus and the Apostles declared.

Romans 11:25 (NKJV)  
25 For I do not desire, brethren, **that you should be ignorant of this mystery** , lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that **blindness in part has happened to Israel** until **the fullness of the Gentiles has come in**.

Here beloved is a "mystery," Paul said, one that he wished that we would not be ignorant about, and there are two things to consider. First, "blindness in part" and "the fullness of the Gentiles." And yes, they are definitely related.

When Paul speaks of "Israel," of whom is he speaking? Is it natural or spiritual Israel? I believe it is both, for Paul had just finished writing about the fact that we, the Gentiles (nations), had been "cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature" and "grafted contrary to nature" into the "cultivated olive tree" or natural Israel (Rom. 11:24). Isn't Christ making "one new man" from the two? Yes He is. So if this is true, then the "blindness" of which Paul speaks also refers to us at this present time.

As for the "fullness of the Gentiles" or nations, I believe Paul is referring to the _fruition_ and _manifestation_ of the intense lawlessness that we are beginning to see at this present time, that which Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:12. Due to our technology and abundance, the evidence of reaching this "fullness" is becoming more pronounced as societies all over the world plunge deeper and deeper into the "death" of the mind of the flesh (Rom. 8:6).

As I conclude this chapter, let's consider the "half a time" of our illustration in light of the book of Daniel.

Daniel 7:23-25 (KJV)  
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom _are_ ten kings _that_ shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak _great_ words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until **a time and times and the dividing of time**.

It should be obvious that our "time and times and the _dividing_ of time" in Daniel is synonymous with Revelation 12:14 and our phrase "time and times and _half_ a time." In our illustration, this "half a time" represents the _seventh_ and _final_ branch of the lampstand, indicative of the _third_ segment of the Feast of Tabernacles. The "half" is apparent in the illustration as our third "Day" which is Tabernacles proper. As previously mentioned, this "day" is a "half," illustrated by the fact that there is no space or "night" which follows it.

Revelation 21:23-25 (NKJV)  
23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. **The Lamb** _is_ **its light**. 24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day ( **there shall be no night there** ).

Revelation 22:5 (NKJV)  
5 **There shall be no night there** : They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for **the Lord God gives them light**. And they shall reign forever and ever.

When John describes the "holy city, New Jerusalem," he tells us twice that "there shall be no night there," indicating a clear separation of light _from_ darkness (Gen. 1:3-5; 16-18). This agrees with the Lord's teaching in the Parable of the Tares in Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 24 through 30 and 36 through 43. Again, this follows after the judgment of His people and aligns with what Paul wrote in Ephesians regarding the _sanctification_ and _cleansing_ of the church by "the _washing of water by the word_ , that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, _not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing_ , but that she should be _holy_ and _without blemish_ " (Eph. 5:26-27).

Revelation 22:3-4 (NKJV)  
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and **His servants shall serve Him**. 4 They shall see His face, and **His name** _shall be_ **on their foreheads**.

Revelation 14:1 (NKJV)  
1 Then I looked, and behold, **a Lamb standing on Mount Zion** , and with Him **one hundred** _and_ **forty-four thousand** , **having His Father's name written on their foreheads**.

As John continues his description of the "holy city," we read that "His _servants_ shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and _His name shall be on their foreheads_." When compared with Revelation 14:1, we see our "servants" defined as the "one hundred and forty-four thousand, having _His Father's name written on their foreheads_." This speaks of the _remnant_ of Romans, Chapter 11, of the _overcomers_ in each of our seven prophecies, of those who have persevered to the end to enter into the spiritual _nature_ of the law, the _mind_ of Christ (Father's name; Matt. 24:13).

Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV)  
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for **he who loves another has fulfilled the law**. 9 For the commandments, _"You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet,"_ and if _there is_ any other commandment, are _all_ summed up in this saying, namely, _"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."_ 10 **Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love** _is_ **the fulfillment of the law**.

# Chapter Twenty-Six

# THE SECOND DEATH

Revelation 7:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And after these things I saw **four angels** standing on the **four corners** of the earth, holding the **four winds** of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to **hurt** the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, **Hurt** not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose the four angels** which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for **to slay the third part of men**.

Revelation 21:10-13 (NKJV)  
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me **the great city, the holy Jerusalem** , descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light _was_ like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with **twelve gates** , and **twelve angels** at the gates, and **names written on them** , **which are** _the names_ **of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel** : 13 three gates on the **east** , three gates on the **north** , three gates on the **south** , and three gates on the **west**.

In our illustration of the Tabernacle of Witness, we have _three_ tribes of Israel camped on each side of the tabernacle. Since we have _four_ sides, this comes up to all _twelve_ tribes. When viewed in this fashion, and in light of our passages from Revelation 21, we would have " _four angels_ standing on the _four corners_ of the earth," i.e. east, north, south, and west, respectively. We also learned that this aligns with the four "living creatures" or cherubim described for us in the book of Ezekiel.

Our passages from Revelation, Chapter 7, make it clear that these "four angels" or the Israel of God, are "holding the four winds of the earth." Once these winds blow, then the "earth and the sea" are "hurt" by them. We touched on this earlier in the study. Please consider.

Revelation 2:11 (NKJV)  
11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be **hurt** by the **second death**." '

Our word "hurt" in this passage is the same word used in Revelation 7, verses 2 and 3, and it is evident that it is implemented by the "second death." Based on our word "hurt" in Revelation 7, verses 2 and 3, we could say that our "four winds" also represent this second death. And remember, in Revelation 7, these four angels and winds are first revealed by the Lamb in the _sixth seal_ (Rev. 7:1-3), but in Revelation 9, we see the _sixth trumpet_ or loosing of these four angels and winds, i.e. the coming to pass of that which Jesus revealed in the sixth seal. If we back up to Revelation, Chapter 6, where the sixth seal has been opened, here is what we find.

Revelation 6:17 (KJV)  
17 For **the great day of his wrath** is come; and who shall be able to stand?

What works wrath? The law. This shows us that the four angels and four winds, also seen as the second death, speaks of _the fulfilling of the law_ as we have mentioned throughout this study. When we understand that the first four prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls are unique from the last three, we should realize that our three woes of Revelation 8:13 are actually the _result_ of these first four prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls. In other words, the fulfillment of the law by Christ is the implementation of the second death which is _the message of the cross_ (I Cor. 1:18). Consider the following illustration.

In our illustration, we see our "three" of _resurrection_ found in the "seventh" or _fullness_ of the Word of prophecy to the church. When we add 7 and 3, we have 10, the "number of _testimony_ " (Vallowe) which points to the Ten Commandments or law of God. This does of course, agree with the fulfilling of the law which we are considering.

Hebrews 1:7 tells us that the Lord "makes his angels winds" (NIV), meaning _spirit_ (John 3:5-8), so along with our "sevens" above, we should also consider the "seven Spirits of God which are before His throne" (Rev. 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6; KJV) described for us in Isaiah, Chapter 11, verses 1 through 4. By His wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might, the Lord produces His knowledge, fear, and righteousness within us.

As we know, _seven_ represents "fullness," "manifestation," "fruition," and "spiritual perfection" or "completeness." Remember that the seventh trumpet is the _end_ of the sixth and the _beginning_ of the seventh, signifying "rest" (Heb. 4:1-10).

In the book of the Revelation we find seven "stars" or angels (spirits), but in light of Isaiah, Chapter 11, there is but ONE Spirit of the Lord.

There are seven "lampstands" or churches, but there is only ONE church or "body of Christ" (Rom. 12:5).

There are seven prophecies but just ONE Word or "voice" of the Lord (John 1:1; 1:10).

There are seven seals but just ONE "mystery of God" (Rev. 10:7).

There are seven trumpets, but just ONE trumpet which sounds long and loud (Exod. 19:16-19).

There are seven bowls but just ONE "wrath of God" as signified by the law.

We should understand that once a prophecy comes to pass, it remains. When the next prophecy begins to unfold, it adds to and builds from the previous one. That being said, we could add each of our components above as follows:

First Four: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = **10** ; a complete cycle; the Ten Commandments; the Testimony or Witness of God's Law.

All Seven: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = **28** or 7 x 4 (prophecy, seal, trumpet, bowl).

Our number 28 definitely carries a spiritual meaning. Bullinger has little to say about it and Vallowe treats it in light of the numbers 23 + 5, saying that it means "eternal life," however, Dr. Stephen E. Jones of God's Kingdom Ministries explains that it denotes the "leading of the Spirit." I am inclined to agree, for without a doubt, it is by the leading of God's Spirit in the lives of His people, His church, that all that is seen in Revelation is fulfilled. Remember our cherubim? "Wherever the spirit wanted to go, _they went_ , because _there the spirit went_ ; and the wheels were lifted together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When those went, _these_ _went_ ; when those stood, _these_ _stood_ ; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels" (Ezek. 1:20-21). Note carefully our phrases, "These went," "these stood," and "when those were lifted up from the earth." Doesn't this suggest resurrection? I believe so.

Where does our number 28 point to? Consider.

Matthew 1:17 (NKJV)  
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen** generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon _are_ **fourteen** generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ _are_ fourteen generations.

Do you see it? "Abraham" to our "captivity in Babylon" would be 28 generations, would it not? And what does Abraham signify? Our Two Covenants. What does "captivity in Babylon" signify? You and me "in the wilderness" while we pass through _the fulfilling of the law through Christ_ , the work of His Two Covenants in the earth. Didn't the Spirit lead Adam, Israel, and Christ into this same "wilderness"? Yes it did, and this in accordance with God's Word and purpose.

Finally, let's consider the last three trumpets or three woes added together:

Last Three: 5 + 6 + 7 = **18** ; Bondage; 666; Mark of the Beast.

As our illustration shows, the last three prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls denote the second death of the message of the cross. Added together, we have 18, the number which stands for "bondage," also seen as the mark of the beast or "666." And what is this mark? We have already stated that it represents the law, for sin is the transgression of the law and the definition of sin is taken from the root word which means, "To _miss_ the _mark_."

So to sum it up, in light of our numbers 10, 18 and 28, all that we have considered confirms our understanding of Christ Jesus fulfilling every "jot" and "tittle" of the law until "all is fulfilled" (Matt. 5:18).

Friend, know that the "wrath of God" seen in Revelation is not a wrath like that of man. Rather, it contains the divine purpose of love and correction in order that we might be set free from our "bondage to corruption" to walk in "the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21). His "wrath" is remedial, confirmed by the fact that the "plagues" which are poured out in Revelation, Chapter 16, are "stripes" of discipline to turn us from our unrighteousness so we may experience the righteousness of His kingdom.

Revelation 20:14-15 (KJV)  
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. **This is the second death**. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Despite the menacing portent of this passage, the "lake of fire" speaks of the _righteous revelation_ and _nature_ of God's living Word as evidenced by the "light" (fire) of this same Word as seen in Christ Jesus. It is a _purifying_ fire, removing every vestige of self-seeking as we journey through our "wilderness" to find our "rest" in Him.

Finally, consider these passages from Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, in light of the spiritual meaning of 28.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)  
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born (1), and a time to die (2); a time to plant (3), and a time to pluck up what is planted (4); 3 a time to kill (5), and a time to heal (6); a time to break down (7), and a time to build up (8); 4 a time to weep (9), and a time to laugh (10); a time to mourn (11), and a time to dance (12); 5 a time to cast away stones (13), and a time to gather stones together (14); a time to embrace (15), and a time to refrain from embracing (16); 6 a time to seek (17), and a time to lose (18); a time to keep (19), and a time to cast away (20); 7 a time to tear (21), and a time to sew (22); a time to keep silence (23), and a time to speak (24); 8 a time to love (25), and a time to hate (26); a time for war (27), and **a time for peace** (28).

Beloved, "For everything there is a _season_ , and a _time_ for every matter under heaven." Despite how things may appear on the surface, the Lord's work has been moving forward for almost two thousand years, and for those who endure to the end, they shall see "a time for peace."

Micah 4:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Now it shall come to pass **in the latter days** _that_ the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. 2 Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." **For out of Zion the law shall go forth** , and **the word of the Lord from Jerusalem**. 3 He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; **nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore**.

# Chapter Twenty-Seven

# THE END OF THE AGE

Matthew 24:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Then **Jesus went out and departed from the temple** , and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, **not** _one_ **stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down**." 3 Now as He sat on the **Mount of Olives** , the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And **what** _will be_ **the sign of Your coming** , and of **the end of the age**?"

Matthew, Chapter 23, is by far one of the most scathing rebukes concerning the scribes or "teachers of the law" (NIV) and the Pharisees, those whom Jesus said clearly, "Sit in Moses' seat" (Matt. 23:2). Much can be learned about our present day religious systems by reading through this chapter. When we arrive at the end of it, here is what we find.

Matthew 23:37-39 (NKJV)  
37 "O **Jerusalem** , **Jerusalem** , the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under _her_ wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! **Your house is left to you desolate** ; 39 for I say to you, **you shall see Me no more** till you say, _'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' "_

We have learned that the most important "city" on this earth is the "city" of "Jerusalem," indicative of His covenant people, represented by Hagar and Sarah. But what did Jesus say? She is "the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her." You see my friend, Jesus was not addressing the world _but His own people_ , and as a result of their stubbornness and hypocrisy, Jesus made it clear, " _Your house is left to you desolate_ ; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" When we step into Matthew, Chapter 24, no wonder we read, "Then _Jesus went out and departed from the temple_." Friend, know that this was the _last time_ that Jesus was found there, for following this we find His betrayal and crucifixion. But what did His disciples do when Jesus left the temple? They came up to Him "to show Him the buildings of the temple." What did Jesus say? "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, _not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down_."

No doubt, this provoked His disciples to ask Him, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be _the sign of Your coming_ , and of _the end of the age_?" These were very specific questions which the Lord answered quite readily, and these answers begin with Matthew 24, verse 3, and end with Matthew 25, verse 46. So within just two chapters is recorded all that Jesus had to say about the sign of His coming and the end of the age.

The passages of Matthew, Chapter 24, may well be the most significant and misunderstood passages in the New Testament. Over the past two thousand years, there have been countless interpretations and speculations about what Jesus meant when He spoke these things. This has led to a great number of foolish teachings which are a result of our religious positions of arrogance in the various denominations and religious organizations since that time. The horrible doctrines of eternal torment and the rapture are just two such teachings which quickly overshadow the words of our Lord, and when brought to our passages in Matthew 24, only produce confusion.

It is my opinion that if we lay aside the traditional views which have been pushed on us, and step carefully through the passages of Matthew 24, we can understand the sequence of events that lead to the end of this age.

One of the first things that we must keep in mind is that Jesus was talking with His disciples, therefore His answers related directly to them first. This was in essence, the starting point, for the Lord already knew that He would be sending them to the upper room to receive the promise of the Father, His precious Spirit, which would empower them to be witnesses of His resurrection.

As the Lord begins to answer them, He mentions an influx of deceivers, along with wars and rumors of wars. But He's quite quick to say, "See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, _but the end is not yet_ " (Matt. 24:6). He then follows with, "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places" (Matt. 24:7). What does He say next? "All these are the _beginning_ of sorrows" (Matt. 24:8). As we have previously learned, our word "sorrows" is "birth pains." This is significant, for it defines for us the purpose of God in Christ and our passages in Matthew, Chapter 24. This is why Paul wrote in I Thessalonians, Chapter 5:3, "For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, _as labor pains upon a pregnant woman_. And they shall not escape," and again in Galatians 4:19, "My little children, for whom _I labor in birth again_ until _Christ is formed in you_." Clearly, the purpose of tribulation is the formation of Christ in His people.

The Lord then follows with, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake" (Matt. 24:9), "you" meaning His disciples. Both scripture and history show this very thing, for all but one of the disciples died for the sake of the gospel.

Following this, Jesus states that "many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 24:11-12). Here Jesus mentions the "end," but immediately follows with, "And _this gospel of the kingdom_ will be preached in all the world _as a witness_ to all the nations, and _then the end will come_." The end? Yes, but not the end of the world or the destruction of all humankind, but rather the "end of the age." At this point, He is finished with an overall view of what I call the Age of Grace that started with His death, burial, and resurrection, and the "Day" or glorious "light" of Pentecost (Acts, Chapter 2). As we now know, this "Day" is followed by the "Day" of Trumpets and the "Day" of Atonement to culminate in the "Day" or finish of the Feast of Tabernacles.

The next verse is verse 15, and Jesus begins this with "Therefore." As we know, this is a _sentence connector_ which joins what He is about to say with what He has already said. In other words, He is now giving more detail to what He has already summed up. This continues through verse 31, where the _end of the age_ is marked by, "And then shall appear _the sign of the Son of man in heaven_ : and then shall all the tribes of the earth _mourn_ , and _they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory_. And _He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet_ , and _they shall gather together His elect from the four winds_ , from one end of heaven to the other" (Matt. 24:31; KJV).

Now, have we not discovered in this study that the trumpets of Revelation are by no means literal but indicative of the collective "voice" of the Lord and His saints, of the Word of the Lord spoken as the prophecies to the seven churches? And isn't the _unfolding_ and _fulfillment_ of these prophecies the _fulfilling_ of every "jot" and "tittle" of the prophetic components of the law? And don't the seven prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls, by nature of the spiritual meaning of _seven_ , indicate the "end" or "spiritual completeness" (Bullinger) of that which the Lord has determined for His people (see Hebrews 4:1-11)? Please consider.

Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)  
20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, **the kingdom of God is within you**."

Friend, this message should be clear. "The kingdom of God does not come with _observation_... For indeed, _the kingdom of God is within you_." Consider Vincent's treatment.

With observation (μετὰ παρατηρήσεως)

Only here in New Testament. The progress of the kingdom cannot be defined by visible marks like that of an earthly kingdom. Its growth in the world is a process of pervasion, like the working of the leaven through the lump.

Google defines "pervasion" as, "To be present throughout; permeate." When we understand that Christ is presently a "life-giving Spirit" (I Cor. 15:45), then this makes perfect sense. Did He not say He would be "three days and three nights" in the "heart of the earth," in the hearts of His people, confirmed by the fact that He is seen and remains in the "midst" of the seven churches through all seven prophecies (Rev. 1:13)? And wouldn't this agree with the idea of "to be present throughout"? Yes it would! You see my friend, the Lord came to do the will of the Father and to " _finish_ His work" (John 4:34), and what began in His flesh continued after when He became the "life-giving Spirit" which He has been for almost two thousand years. That being said, His "coming" is not just future _but present_ , for He has been present throughout all that has transpired since His ascension to the Father. Not only is this true, but also consider that Jesus told His disciples, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28). For this reason we find reference to "the spirits of just men made perfect" in Hebrews 12:23.

So what is the "sign of the Son of man in heaven"? Would it not be the law (Son of man) made spiritual (heaven), seen in and through His people?

Who are the "tribes of the earth"? By all indications, it refers to the twelve tribes of the children of Israel as shown in Revelation, Chapter 7, out of which the 144,000 are sealed. Wouldn't this suggest the "house of God," both natural and spiritual?

And why do these tribes "mourn"? Does this align with our third and final "woe," being the seventh trumpet? I believe it would, our reason for "woe" again relating to the "natural man" of our being, the "self" who must be denied.

Finally, we read, "And they," i.e. _the tribes of the earth_ or _house of God_ , "shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Are these literal "clouds"? In light of Luke 17:21, I don't believe they are (see Hebrews 12:1).

Now, wouldn't the "power and great glory" define for us the meaning of, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world _as a witness_ to all the nations, and then the end will come"? Please consider.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 **And my speech and my preaching** _were_ **not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,** 5 **that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God**.

Here we have it, Paul telling us that his "speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but _in demonstration of the Spirit and of power_." Furthermore, our faith "should not be in the wisdom of men but in the _power_ of God." Would this not be the true "witness" of the "gospel of the kingdom"? I am inclined to think so. And remember what Paul wrote in II Timothy, Chapter 2, that "perilous times" would come where we would hold to a "form of godliness" that denies its "power" (II Thess. 2:1-5). Would this describe where we are today where thousands of churches, denominations, and organizations stand up in their "human wisdom" proclaiming the so-called "true" gospel of Christ and yet are powerless in their witness? Ah, but understand that this is in fulfillment of all that Jesus spoke to the seven churches, for He knew fully well that it was necessary for His people to enter the "wilderness" of this world in order to be fully humbled before Him.

Matthew 24:31 (NKJV)  
31 And **He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet** , and **they will gather together His elect from the four winds** , from one end of heaven to the other.

So what is "loosed" in the sixth trumpet? The "four angels" who were holding the "four winds" of the earth. Further understanding of these "four winds" is found in Ezekiel, Chapter 14, where they are called the " _four severe judgments_ on _Jerusalem_ " (Ezek. 14:21), agreeing with our understanding of Babylon and her judgment. So in agreement with the gathering together of His elect from these four winds we read the following.

Ezekiel 14:21-23 (NKJV)  
21 For thus says the Lord God: "How much more it shall be when I send My four severe judgments on Jerusalem--the sword and famine and wild beasts and pestilence--to cut off man and beast from it? 22 Yet behold, **there shall be left in it a remnant who will be brought out** , _both_ sons and daughters; **surely they will come out to you, and you will see their ways and their doings**. **Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it**. 23 **And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it," says the Lord God**.

Oh my friend, what a glorious prophecy and promise! There is a "remnant," destined to be "brought out, both sons and daughters," whose "ways" and "doings" will exemplify the true kingdom of God on this earth, a kingdom of power and glory beyond anything we have seen up to this time and the true gospel of the kingdom will be preached as a "witness to all nations" and then the end of this age will come!

# Chapter Twenty-Eight

# REALITY CHECK

I have given you a lot to consider in this study, and to be honest (and despite the length of this study), I had a hard time ending it. I hope that what I have presented to you is clear, but I wanted to finish by bringing this into a contemporary view that better describes where I see all of this going.

Let's not forget that God has declared the " _end_ from the _beginning_ , and from _ancient times_ (eastward) _things that are not yet done_ " (Isa. 46:10). As this study has shown, it has always been His purpose which is being advanced in His creation, beginning to end. It is not, as so many suppose, for the purpose of destroying humankind and bringing just a few souls into His kingdom where everyone rejoices in His presence while knowing that billions are being tormented forever for failing to be "good enough." The truth is, none of us are, hence the reason it is all a work of His never ending grace and love.

While driving to work a few days ago, I thought about the content of this study, about the symbols, numbers, and patterns which I've shared with you throughout, and I couldn't help but ask myself the question, "What is all of this really about"? Immediately my mind went back to Genesis, to the sixth day of creation where we read, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion'" (Gen. 1:26; ESV). I then thought of the passage in regard to Christ that reads, "Who being the brightness of His glory _and the express image of His person_ , and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb. 1:3). No doubt, Jesus was the first to be in the true "image" of God, but others followed, and even more will follow at the end of this age.

Because He truly is omnipotent and omniscient, and He "gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" (Rom. 4:17; NIV), He determined at the beginning to have a creation in His image. Friend, His Word became God when He said it so His "counsel shall stand" and He will do all His pleasure (Isa. 46:10), and it is His good pleasure to give us His kingdom (Luke 12:32). At the end of the age, it will begin with a "little flock," a "remnant," consisting of a few, for many are called but few chosen (Matt. 20:16). Ah, but once endued with power from on high we will see their "ways" and their "doings" and be turned from our darkness into His marvelous light, just as was true in the days of the apostles. What He did as recorded in the book of Acts was glorious indeed, but remember, the "glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former" (Hag. 2:9).

I can only give you my perspective, so here it is in light of all that's been discussed. It may seem like a stretch of the imagination to picture anyone walking in the light of truth as Jesus walked. By why is this? What's so hard about believing in a state of unconditional love; a love so profound and spiritual that the one in whom it abides can walk solely in the perfect will of God as Christ did? After all, it isn't our love or efforts which assure this. Rather, it is His love and efforts which will most certainly bring it to pass.

Perhaps it is difficult to believe such a word as this, but again why? Can we not imagine a change in this earth due to a change in our hearts? Can we not believe that the One who made us can most certainly fill us with a love that exceeds all the boundaries which we have constructed in our minds, boundaries that exist not because we are all so different, but only because we think we are?

As I finish, let me leave you with the following passages which we looked at earlier in this study. I would encourage you to read them more than once and consider them in light of all that this study has presented. This is my prayer for all of us.

Romans 13:8-14 (ESV)  
8 **Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law**. 9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 **Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law**. 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 **The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light**. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 **But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires**.

Thank you for reading my book. It is my sincere hope that it encouraged and enlightened you in your walk with Christ. If so, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thank you!

Jack Marshall

**About the Author** :

Jack Marshall was born in California in 1957, but raised in Oklahoma, where his experience with Christianity began at the age of 19. After several years of attending various denominational and non-denominational churches, his love for the Bible and desire to understand the scriptures became a vital part of his life. Ordained in his twenties, he spent several years ministering in homes, jails, and churches. Through in-depth study for the past 40 years, Jack has discovered that the message of scripture is truly one of hope, love, and encouragement for the entire world.

Connect With Me:

**Friend me on Facebook** : <https://www.facebook.com/GrainOfWheatPublishing>

**Grain of Wheat Publishing Website** : http://www.grainofwheatpublishing.org

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Other books by Jack Marshall

The Dream – Through the Eyes of Sowing and Reaping

Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord

Hell, No! An Alternative View of Hell

The Rapture – Yes or No?

Studies in Revelation – The Beasts of Revelation

The Parable of the Sower

Studies in Revelation – The Second Death

The Unpardonable Sin

Studies in Revelation – The Beast of the Earth

**Bibliography**

Reference:

E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913), Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Public Domain, 1921

Biblical Mathematics, Keys to Scripture Numerics, Evangelist Ed F. Vallowe, 1998

Dr. James Strong (1822-1894), Strong's Concordance, First Published 1890

Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922), Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, First Published 1887

W.E. Vine (1873-1949), Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, First Published 1940

Reference (Online):

Jewish Encyclopedia, www.jewishencyclopedia.com, Joseph Jacobs, M. Seligsohn, and Wilhelm Bacher; published 1906

Judaism 101, www.jewfaq.org

A Biblical History of Jerusalem, http://www.shamar.org/articles/

a-biblical-history-of-jerusalem.php#.WSAlPmgrKUk

Jerusalem.com, Jerusalem in the Old Testament, www.jerusalem.com/articles/judaism/

jerusalem_in_the_old_testament-a6265

Hebrew for Christians, www.hebrew4christians.com

The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Dr. Stephen E. Jones, God's Kingdom Ministries, www.gods-kingdom-ministries.net

Google, www.google.com

Kingdom Bible Studies, J. Preston Eby, www.kingdombiblestudies.org

Bible Translations Used:

KJV, King James Version, Public Domain, 1611

NKJV, New King James Version, Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Complete Bible 1982

NIV, New International Version, Biblica, Zondervan and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) (licensed commercial rights), 1973 (NT), 1978 (OT)

ESV, English Standard Version, 2001: Crossway Bibles, a ministry of the Good News Publishers of Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.; Apocrypha 2009 by Oxford University Press

AMP, Amplified Bible, Published by The Zondervan Corporation and The Lockman Foundation, First Edition 1965

Quotes:

Al Bartlett, Professor of Physics, University of Colorado, (March 21, 1923-September 7, 2013)

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, French Jesuit Priest, Mystic Philosopher, Paleontologist (1881-1955)
