Above is my tribute to my wonderful Mom. How could anyone be blessed to have had a more loving mother? And for God to have allowed her to grace my life by dying on my B'day is truly unfathomable. Forever entwined because of God's mercy. :)
Watch the following passionate reading of Hebrews' chapters 9 and 10 (video below). As Ryan Ferguson's inspiring soliloquy of the inspired Word captivates you, please consider the original audience that received these words of comfort, hope and exhortation. Although the letter to the Hebrews is as relevant and profitable today as it was 2,000 years ago, this timely message delivered to the heavily persecuted first century Christians, must be understood in context. Though "All Scripture is inspired by God...that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2Tim 3:16-17), the fact remains that these poignant words were delivered to the "Hebrews" in the AD 60s.
So, in order to determine the way in which this God-breathed text should impact us today, we must first determine the author's original intent. "Reader relevance" (considering context) is oftentimes overlooked or discarded by our quest for personal application.
The Old Covenant was passing away, growing old and ready to vanish but it had not yet disappeared. (Heb 8:13) This 40 year transition period from 30-70 AD (Pentecost to Holocaust) is the Exodus anti-type. The Israelites had been freed from captivity (Exodus 13:33-51), but an arduous 40 year journey (filled with signs and wonders) stood between them and the Promised Land.
The New Covenant, established at the cross and inaugurated at Pentecost, was steadily transitioning into fullness. That's why we see this "already but not yet" type language spread throughout the New Testament e.g. "Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed". (Rom 13:11) Was Paul not already saved? Why was salvation merely nearer? Yes, Paul was clearly saved, but it wasn't until the 2nd coming that salvation would be sealed.
Hebrews 9:28 (ESV) so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
There is an eager anticipation pervading the NT writings. As Paul notes in his letter to the Corinthians, "the time is short" and "the form of this world is passing away". (1Cor 7:29-31) They were nearing the end of Judaism's Old Covenant "last days", Peter making emphatic reference when he wrote, "The end is near". (1Pet 4:7).Paul, again assured the Corinthians "so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ...upon whom the ends of the ages had come."
(1 Cor 7:1; 10:11)
The present evil age was coming to a close and the new age was dawning. Eternal life would be found in the age that was about to come.
Mark 10:30 (NASB)
but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.
As you listen to Ryan so eloquently recite this amazing portion of Scripture, I caution you not to make the same mistake I made for far too long i.e. placing these inspired words in our future. So when you read Heb 10:24-25 and Heb 10:36-37, it might be helpful to remember that these exhortations and expectations were delivered 2,000 years ago! The Hebrews could SEE the DAY approaching because in a very little while He who is (was) coming will (did) come and will NOT DELAY.
Hebrews 10:36-37 (NASB) For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
37
FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.
Yes, I realize this greatly disturbs your paradigm as it did mine, however, my prayer is that you will allow the Bible to reform your mind and allow it to lead you in all truth. Overriding long held presuppositions can be a very disturbing process. Press on toward the call, my friend!
There are all kinds of wild accusations running rampant on the internet but the reality is that being both The Antichrist of the World and President of these United States may prove to be an unwarranted strain on Barack's energies--not withstanding the need for just compensation. Not that I have done it before, but ruling the world sounds a whole lot more taxing than playing charades with Cheney. :) Later, I will attempt to take a serious look at the crazy internet claims, but first let's first consider our pressing political conundrum. What are we going to do on Tuesday, November 4, 2008?
Please take the time to read the recent Alan Keyes World Net Daily (WND) article, "2-Party System - No Choice but Evil". Keyes exhorts us not to be ruled by fear but be of sound mind and moral conviction as the election approaches. Easier said than done! Alan makes some rather challenging but apropos comments regarding the current presidential climate and our responsibility therein.
Who should we vote for? Barack Obama, John McCain, Alan Keyes, Ron Paul, Pat Paulson, Pete Townsend or ________? Should conscience play a significant role, and if so, from a practical standpoint what does that mean? It seems as though we are perpetually left with less than enthusiastically-driven choices. Are we to be succumb to the bullying of conservatives like Gary Bauer, who argues the "lesser of the two evils" approach is both prudent and pragmatic? In lieu of the Obama extremes (he may out-left Brian Moore the Socialist Party candidate), it is rather tempting to cave in to the horrific ramifications of Obamarama and punch the golden McCain ticket. (A little veiled Willa Wonka reference!)
Even Dr. James Dobson seems to be hedging just a mite from his rather emphatic statement uttered this past January, "Speaking as a private individual, I would not vote for John McCain under any circumstances". I don't for a minute question Dr. Dobson's integrity or his motivations (since he has long proved to be a principled leader), but I do wonder about our collective resolve to stand against evil--since it is clearly not a respecter of political parties. My guess is that Dobson will reluctantly cast his support in favor of McCain.
Should we do the same? Alan Keyes, whom I respect a great deal, says that we shouldn't. Alan writes:
No one can or should deny another the right to change his or her mind in light of new information or a better understanding of the facts. Dr. Dobson may be correct when he cites a "constantly changing political context." However, he presented his opposition to McCain as a matter of conscience, not political calculation. As Dr. Dobson wrote in an essay defending his position of conscience, "Polls don't measure right and wrong; voting according to the possibility of winning or losing can lead directly to the compromise of one's principles. In the present political climate, it could result in the abandonment of cherished beliefs that conservative Christians have promoted and defended for decades. Winning the presidential election is vitally important, but not at the expense of what we hold most dear." ("The Values Test," the New York Times, Oct. 4, 2007) From this perspective, the question is not whether the political facts have changed, but whether there has been a change in the moral truth that should govern conscientious choice. In this respect, the moral facts about both Obama and McCain were clear when Dr. Dobson first declared his position of conscience. Nothing has changed.
We need to prayerfully consider our role in the upcoming election. Many issues are on the table. Do we "change" simply for change sake? Do we know where that change will lead?
As you think through these things please also mull over your reaction and ensuing responsibility to the presumption that Barack Obama is THE Antichrist. Preposterous you say? Not so fast. I'm certain that I'm not alone in the receipt of such emails detailing the composition of this beastly character (the antichrist). Should we continue to propagate this kind of thing? Should we consider it a viable possibility. Since the election's stretch run is going to be so emotional charged, I think it is necessary for us to seriously consider what we do and don't pass along to our e-buddies.
Is it not our responsibility to confront this whole notion head on with Scripture? Gary DeMar of American Vision has done just that in recent blog article, "Hal Lindsey, Obama and the Antichrist". One thing we simply can't afford to do, is foster an ever greater distrust for the Word of God based upon wild and crazy conjectures. There are lasting consequences when God's Word is perverted. I don't think it's intentional but the damage has nonetheless been done when these emails proliferate unchallenged. It isn't simply harmless fun when we don't put an end to that which can be proved false.
Undoubtedly you've received more than one "serious" email suggesting (some "proving") that Barack Obama is the antichrist. This following short blurb subtitles the blog, “Barack Obama the Antichrist?”: (Barack Obama may be the Antichrist, he has risen up out of no where, he mesmerizes crowds, people are gathering in huge numbers, he is likely becoming the next President of the United States. Do not look only to what I say, but look to your Bibles, to passages in John, Daniel, and Revelations.)Matter of fact, a pole on this blog posits some rather chilling results with over 73% of the 8,756 respondents believing that he is or might bethe antichrist. (BTW, the book of Revelation doesn't end with an "s")
Excuse my English, but this sort of nonsense (I know that's harsh but we have to call it like it is) totally ignores the Scriptural references regarding antichrist. Although truth based upon sound interpretation has never short-circuited people from making similarly outrageous claims (further damaging the credibility of the inerrant Word), for the sake of the Gospel I don't believe we should allow these kinds of claims to continue into perpetuity. At least not without serious and unintended side-effects. We must handle the Word of God precisely and without preconceived prejudice.
Check out the list of “antichrist” candidates from past failed predictions. They include:Yassar Arafat, the ‘Beast” super computer of EU, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Mikhail Gorbachev, John F. Kennedy, Henry Kissenger, Martin Luther, Benito Mussolini, Nero, Pope John Paul II, David Rockefeller, Anwar Sadat, Saddam Hussein, Willy Brandt, Boris Yeltsin, and many others. (thanks to Larry Seigle for this infamous list)
Let’s dispel this irresponsible “Obama’s the antichrist claim” not because the man doesn’t fit the Biblical definition, but by applying consistent Biblical hermeneutics (science of study). We know that Obama cannot be theantichrist. How? By resorting to God's Word. But before we determine the "how" let's create a Scriptural definition. Antichrist is only found in 4 verses, all from John’s epistles—and none from the Revelation. The Greek word Antichristos is anyone who is Christ’s adversary. Anyone who is antiChrist. Let’s consider the Scriptural usages thereby creating a definition based upon the Word not from some fictional book series.
“It is the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ” (1John 2:22) (there’s a whole lot in this power-packed phrased “Jesus is the Christ”, not the least of which includes the fact that Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life and without faith in Him (John 14:6) everlasting life with God is not possible)
“…every spirit that does not confess Jesus—is not from God.” (1John 4:3) (again, there’s a whole lot more to confessing Jesus than believing in His existence--"behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world")
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh” (these were the first century "last days" mockers)
Now let’s put this in context and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that although Barack Obama may be the worst and most dangerous presidential candidate to be a hanging chad away from the highest office in the land, he is not “THE ANTICHRIST”. How can we be so certain? Audience relevance. Scriptural context.
We must recognize that although the Scriptures were written FOR us (2Tim 3:16) they were not written directly TO us. If we are to proclaim the miraculous nature of God’s Word we cannot continue ripping passages from their context in an effort to meet our expectations. Considering the only 4 passages containing the word “antichrist” we learn the following:
“…and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared”
“He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son”
“…and this is the spirit of the Antichrist”
The antichrists referred to by John lived 2,000 years ago—their appearance marked the culmination of the “end times”/“last days” signified by John’s usage of “it is the last hour”.
“even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour”
“this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world”
In conclusion, I hope we will dispel irresponsible statements regarding Obama or anyone else as being THE antichrist. I'm sorry if I may be perceived as offensive here, but the Word of God must not be prostituted to satisfy errant eschatologies. John tells us that the "Spirit of the antichrist" was prevalent in the first century. That does not preclude people today from being anti-Christs, since anyone opposing the Gospel of Christ is anti-Christ, but no one this side of the first century destruction of Jerusalem is a Biblical fulfillment of John's statements.
I also hope that we can gain God's mind on how we can best fulfill our stewardship of being ambassadors to the Kingdom of Christ. Should opposition to Obama drive us to McCain? If the Christian community ever became united in purpose and commitment to Christ there's no telling where our world would be.
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.Philippians 2:2 (NASB)
I watched the Energy Non-Crisis video (below) and it was no less disheartening the second time around. Lindsey Williams (the speaker), a man who spent his working life in the oil business, is definitely not the bearer of good news. The economic outlook is extremely pessimistic due in large part to the oil squeeze. The financial markets are highly unstable. The DOW takes 1 step forward and 5 back. Our gross national debt has risen from $1,000,000,000,000 in 1981 to currently more than $9,500,000,000,000 (debt counter), while the dollar is falling rapidly against most major currencies. How are we, who have an everlasting hope, to respond to the constant negativity around us?
Is this a new phenomenon? Are these times signaling a new era of doom? Are we marching ever closer to what many perceive as the end? Is the combination of a potential economic meltdown, along with our ever-increasing slide into morally bankruptcy, flagging the demise of planet earth? Is the message of the Gospel too weak to overcome the cesspool of sin that is bearing down on the Church? Most answer these questions with an emphatic "Yes", due in part to what I believe is confusion concerning the Apostle Paul's intended target audience in his second letter to Timothy.
Few would argue that Paul is writing directly to Timothy (not 21st century believers) but yet many seem to disregard the near-term first century applicability of Paul's prophetic words. Even though people concede the letter was written to Timothy, in their view the brunt of the expected fulfillment was still thousands of years future. Therefore the term "last days" loses context when we insert it anywhere we think the sinful attitudes spoken of by Paul fit the times--as if there's ever been a generation since time began where sinful passions were the exception. How can it be that the "last days" is considered to span a longer period (2,000 years) than the entire Mosaic economy (1,600 years)? Does this make sense to you? It didn't to me but for most of my Christian life I went with it because I had no better interpretation.
How do we attempt to deal with this issue regarding prophetic fulfillment of the NT? Many admit that Paul was speaking directly to Timothy but I believe we wrongly assume that there's some sort of an expected "double-fulfillment" (partially fulfilled "then" but really fulfilled in the distant future). What precedent do we use to treat NT prophecy in this manner? I can't find any because it seems as though it's controlled solely by presupposition.
This 2X (double fulfillment) interpretational approach is not based upon sound hermeneutics (science of interpretation) but more on a willingness to make the Bible fit the expectations of our beliefs. You may say, "Wait just a minute! How can you make such an emphatic statement?" Old Testament texts foreshadowed that which was to come in the person and work of Christ. On the other hand, the New Testament was given to reveal the mysteries of the OT. That which was clandestine and shadowy, was fulfilled by Christ and His Kingdom. Old Covenant types were fulfilled in the anti-types of the New Covenant. The NT is not foreshadowing anything future since Jesus Christ was (is) the fulfillment. (Col 1:26-27; Col 2:2; Rom 16:25; 1Cor 2:5-8; Eph 6:19; Heb 8:5; Heb 10:1; 2Cor3)
The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. This, in my opinion, is an extremely crucial concept to comprehend and friend, Brian Martin's Behind the Veil of Moses, brings clarity to this issue.
As an aside, if you aren't familiar with my writing, you may not know of my unwavering commitment to the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture and its relevance for daily living. Where else are we to turn for the words of truth? However, it's vitally important to note, although the Bible was written for our benefit, It was not written directly to us. This must be taken into consideration, especially when reading prophetic texts like the one to follow. If we don't concern ourselves with the intent of the author and the relevance to the direct recipients, we do ourselves a grave disservice. So please consider the time period of the writings. Paul's second epistle to Timothy was written in the mid to late 60's AD and both Peter and the writer of Hebrews made it clear they were living in the "last days". (Acts 2:16-21; Heb 1:1-2)
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy...13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2Tim 3:1-2, 13
Ripped from it's first century context, this passage seems to mirror that which is taking place in twenty first century America. Was Paul speaking to us or to them (early Church)? What you believe about the time-frame of the "last days" will dictate whether you believe there's a solution for today's moral woes. If we presume Paul was speaking directly to Timothy (I believe he was) about things that are about to befall their generation (at the end of the Jewish age), then the 2008 church is not chained to a "bad to worse" expectation. Do you see the point? Do you understand why this is such a crucial issue. What you believe concerning the timing of the "last days" is of vital importance.
The majority of pastors today place 2Timothy 3 within present day confines. They ignore audience relevance (the Word was relevant to the audience at hand) and the historical context. If we don't choose to develop sound conclusions based upon careful study, the matter will be decided for us. Matter of fact it already has been hoist upon us unless and until we take action. The wheels of doom and gloom are already in motion and we will continue to pay dearly for it. And sadly, it's considered heretical to even question the sacrosanct things we're talking about. How dare anyone suggest that the "last days" was a first generation time period culminating in the abolition of the Jewish age (Old covenant temple sacrifices and adherence to the entire body of 613 laws etc). But it's never too late to reverse the train of expected defeat, toward a Gospel of hope, reconciliation and redemption. It will take tremendous effort but it can and ultimately will be done. I just hope it's our generation that changes the course.
Videos like the one below speak of our near-term annihilation and the rapture's escape route. (As if God has ever employed this "get out of life free" card--see the lives of the apostles and prophets) Ask yourself if these ideas accurately reflect the Scripture or are they merely a worn out "Groundhog's Day" refrain? Are we so naive to believe that we live in perilous times never to be repeated. The Black Plague pandemic of the 14th century took the lives of 75,000,000! It's estimated that the Plague reduced the European population between 25-60%. They undoubtedly thought the end had come upon them and in many ways it did.
For a sobering perspective of the lives lost in wars and related oppression, click this LINK. You will be disgusted but it will provide a much needed frame of reference. Estimated deaths due to armed conflicts since the 8th century equaled 350,000,000. The non-combatant fatalities due to severe oppression were approx. 288,000,000. Genocidal mortality was approx. 59,000,000. Lastly, the death toll for man-made famines and human sacrifices were 61,000,000. Combined there were more than three quarters of a billion deaths! And we have the audacity to bring Jesus' reference to "wars and rumors of wars" into modern focus. I don't mean to be harsh, but it seems to me that we have an incredibly limited scope of understanding. Until I began to study I certainly did.
We've become so myopic that we can hardly see the forest's Kingdom through the trees of despair. I'm not implying that most of us are suicidal but I do think there's an underlying anticipation of moral decay that we've come to expect. Why? Because we believe we're living in the last days. We cannot escape our eschatological conclusions. However, God's sovereign plan of victory will not be thwarted by uncooperative believers. His purposes will prevail. We serve a mighty King and we will not be defeated because we are citizens of His Kingdom and God will not fail. For the Kingdom is not of flesh and blood but by the power of God!
Just as Christ said, "The poor will always be with you", it appears that this "Left Behind" message (which only rose to prominence in the mid 1800s) espoused in the below video, will also forever be with us until it's countered by diligent Bible study and sound teaching. What difference does eschatology make? Why do I stay the course on this issue?
One look at the below video should answer those questions. I believe this eschatology of hopelessness has sold us into the slavery of pessimism, unwittingly denying the essence and hope of the Gospel. Since times are worsening (they always are in someone's view) and we only have a short time left (or so we are constantly told), what's the use in being faithful ambassadors? How can we be effective salt spreaders and light givers if it will all be for naught. Is our job to make disciples or merely throw a few fish into the boat before the elements melt with fervent heat? Are we not supposed to make a difference in all areas of life? Should the Gospel of the Kingdom not pervade all things including the environment? Stewardship has to do with caring for that which God has graciously given to us. (This 3 minute video may take 20-30 secs to load)
When I first entered the financial services industry in 1980, interest rates were skyrocketing, topping out at more than 20% in ‘81, the economy was in a tail spin and national confidence was extremely low. The Middle East situation was tenuous at best and the anticipatory return of Christ was reaching feverish levels.
Gary North and crew, along with gold guru Howard Ruff and all the gloom and doomers, were predicting gold prices of $3,000/oz from the less than $300 it stood at the time. (Incidentally, Ruff's now back at it again after a 23 year hiatus—I presume his long disappearance from public view was due to his plethora of failed predictions) Due to the "massive debt" (not by today's standards!) and by inflation run amuck, gold did soar to nearly $800/oz. But by the end of '81 gold had retreated to $275. Today, economically things seem bleaker than ever with gold up to $976/oz today and gas prices affecting almost everything. Yet, we worship a sovereign God who's working all thing according to the counsel of His will. His unseen Kingdom, that can only be tapped by faith, has initiated billions since Christ walked the earth. And it's not about to stop now no matter the economic conditions we face.
However, in spite of being cognizant of God's management of this world, it should be noted that His sovereign plan has never been void of human suffering. We oft pay the consequences for not only our sins but also the wayward acts of others including our elected leaders. Just consider the past 150 years of U.S. history. We've endured civil wars, world wars and economic hardship beyond anything this generation has experienced or can even imagine. Everything negative is always "a sign of the times". We're always "nearing the end". When will we wake up? Jesus' prophetic Olivet Discourse (Mt 24; Lk 21; Mk 13) pertained to the "this generation" of the first century. Not us!
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake."Matthew 24:9 (ESV)
Is this prophetic Word still future? When I consider the fact that John the Baptizer and 10 out of the 12 apostles were ruthlessly murdered (in accordance with the prophecy), it's quite obvious that neither the first century Christ followers nor today's Christians two millennia removed, were/are shielded from the pain and suffering that result from living in a fallen world. Matter of fact, trying to wrap the idea that it was God's plan for Peter to glorify His Father in the manner of his death, is almost unfathomable for the westernized twenty first century Christian. But aren't health, wealth and prosperity the marks of a believer? Not my idea of the John 10:10 abundant life preached by the likes of Osteen and Schuler. (Their attitudes are infectiously positive—if they only saturated their positive mindset with the truth of the Gospel…How can you be saved from your depravity if you are unaware of your sin problem?…but that’s for another time)
Is earth supposed to one day be void of human suffering? Is this truly Biblical? One need look no further than the last chapter of the Bible for the answer. This is a picture of our world today. Inside the unseen New Jerusalem that is from above, there is peace, security, redemption and relationship with Jesus. Outside are those that do not yet know Jesus as savior. God has enrolled us in the task of inviting the lost sheep to King's dining table. How blessed are we that are entrusted with such a sobering mission.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes [believers], so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.Revelation 22:14-17 (ESV)
What a marvelous invitation for those who do not know Christ. Come, all who are thirsty to drink of the eternal water of life. For Jesus said:
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"John 11:25-26 (ESV)
The comfort and solace I draw is in knowing that whatever God's plan is, there is one. And I can say with confidence that the message of the Gospel is not one of defeat. Those that taste life shall never die! If this were not so, Christianity would not have survived the first century. People will not give their lives for something unless they are convinced it's truth.
Faith to me is trusting God in spite of the sometimes menacingly uncertain outlook, confident that His redemptive plan will not be thwarted.Our massive national debt, $8/gal gas or a Middle East chaos brought on in part by the Christian Zionists will not disrupt God’s redemptive plan. These are not the signs of the end. How can I be so certain? Because we have the historical record that many Christians are unaware. There's proof that every Jesus predicted, everything, happened in the exact time frame predicted. (I challenge you to listen to the 10 sermons by Pastor David Curtis. Go to www.charlescoty.com/audio2.html and scroll down to Olivet Discourse 2007. Each sermon is complete with a transcript. You will not be disappointed. Challenged, yes, disappointed, no)
As the tribulation began in the spring of AD 66, it didn't look too promising for the home team. The new spiritual Kingdom, which began as a mere trickle of water through the ministry of the incarnate Christ and a handful of young, often confused recruits, was continually losing its most devout leaders to prison and/or death. How did Christianity survive the first century? How could this subversive movement thrive when their leadership was continually eliminated? Were those days, when the Gospel was spreading like wildfire, less taxing that what we face today?We get exercised over dropped mobile phones call when the first century faithful were joyfully accepting the plundering of their goods for the sake of the Gospel. (Heb 10:33-34)
Why was the early church so successful?God’s sovereign plan is the short answer. But more specifically, I think it was the hope of the Gospel that not only secured their heavenly future, but also gave them a clear vision through their call as ambassadors—to effect change within the context of their earthly responsibilities. They were not so heavenly minded that they were of no earthly good. Actually quite to the contrary. They were so heavenly minded they were of immense earthly value. I think herein lies the difference between first century and twenty first century believers.They forsook life and limb for the propagation of the Gospel.For the Apostle Paul, living or dying was a win-win proposition.
Philippians 1:21-26 (ESV)"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."
It absolutely boggles my mind when I hear people say that since the days of Noah we’re living in history's worst times. Making this kind of statement seems to uncover a poor comprehension of the historical record or a need to conform Scriptural interpretation to our paradigm. Weren’t all believers who lived in the transition period (AD 30—AD 70) in danger of losing their lives? Being baptized came at great cost. Identifying with the "way" at best came at a cost of social alienation and worse was a death sentence. Is this the prevailing condition of the 21st century?
Consider how far the Kingdom has come! How wonderful is the matchless grace of Jesus! From a mere trickle of water emanating from Temple to rivers of water too deep to traverse—the Gospel has had a massive worldwide impact.
Ezekiel 47 sums it all up. Instead of this "woe is me" attitude of defeat and the short term mentality created by an ill-fated eschatology, we need to rise above the negative chatter and proclaim the victory of our Savior through the Gospel. Yes, things may appear hopelessly headed down the path toward a cataclysmic end. But if we take a step back from our myopic “can’t see the forest from the trees” view, we recognize that nothing could be further from the truth! No one should be pleased with the condition of today's Church and our pathetic influence on society, (or should I say society's influence on the Church) but in the panoramic view of history we can easily observe the Gospel's revolutionary affect on every culture with which it has permeated.
Hopefully in the near term, armed with a victorious Gospel proven by an eschatology of spiritual conquest, we will begin to make inroads into the psyche of the Church. Pessimillennialism strikes at the heart of our goal to bring the waters of the Spirit to every nook and cranny of planet earth.
Time and again, either through conversations or reading the musings of bloggers, I see passages from Titus and 2Timothy (referenced earlier) offered as proof that we are living in the hopelessness of the last days. As I have noted in prior articles, It Depends What the Meaning of ‘Is’ Is; Hermeneutical Principles—Reading the Bible with First Century Glasses; Audience Relevance in the Olivet, this kind of interpretation ignores such hermeneutical principles as audience relevance, the analogy of faith (interpreting Scripture in light of Scripture) and a Biblical understanding of time.I believe the anemic Gospel (where the earthly Church loses to satan) espoused by many, should be boldly countered with Scripture and replaced with the hope of a Church sold out and submitted to the Lordship of Christ and the power of the Gospel. According to the Apostle John we truly are overcomers.Many of us just don’t know it yet. Just think what could be if we actually believed what we read in Scripture…
1 John 4:4 (ESV) Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV) And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
I'm writing this as much as a wake-up call to myself than for the rest of you. It's easy to become entangled in pessimism when a fill-up is more than $60 and job security is so fragile. It's more evident to me than ever that I have to continually renew my mind with truth, being cognizant of the vital hope in our New Covenant promises?
As gas prices continue to float skyward and as the ensuing economic misery sets in, may we not lose heart, knowing that our God does indeed reign. We must lead the way.We’ve got to be the forward-thinkers. We must be the glass-half-full Christians because the Gospel should produce nothing less. I believe we must become positive difference-makers like self-help guru Joel Osteen, but instead of preaching self actualization and a vacant syrupy Gospel, we, armed with the sword of the Spirit, should boldly proclaim the power of the cross and an eschatology of victory. Let me leave this with you from the prophet Ezekiel.Read the whole chapter if you have a chance.This is a picture of God’s growing unseen Kingdom.
Ezekiel 47:5-9 (ESV)"Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. 6 And he said to me, "Son of man, have you seen this?" Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 And he said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. 9 And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes."
As I listened to the sermon Sunday morn, I was immediately struck by the impact and foreshadowing of the following verse:
And it had been revealed to him [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Luke 2:26 (NKJV)
Just as the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not taste death before witnessing the advent of Christ, Jesus, near His ministry's end, through the revelation of the self-same Spirit, made a similar prognostication regarding the certainty that some of His devout followers would not die until they witnessed His return.
For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." Matthew 16:27-28 (NKJV)
Although Jesus made it clear that He was unaware of the exact day or hour of His return, (Mt 24:36; Acts 1:7) He made certain to warn His followers of the season. He employed timereferents(Mt 24:34) as well as the analogy of childbirth (Mt 24:8; 1Thes 5:3), thus readying them (not us) for the last day’s events (Acts 2:16-21; Heb 1:1-2; James 5:3; 2Pet 3:3) that would befall that sinful and adulterous first century generation (Mt 23:34-36).
The Gospel of Mark recorded it this way:
For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power."Mark 8:38-9:1 (NKJV)
I’ve read the commentaries and I’ve perused my Reformation Study Bible's footnotes. I’ve listened to the explanations that Jesus is supposedly referencing His transfiguration, His ascension, the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost or all three. Saying they wouldn’t die for the next 6 days (transfiguration) to two months (Ascension and then Pentecost) seems that this profound proclamation could hardly be worthy of Jesus’ “Assuredly I say to you” emphasis. Not much of a stretch to make such an emphatic statement that only some of them would still be alive for another 60 days! The reality is that all but Judas were still very much alive many years after the inauguration of the Church at Pentecost. (At this point it may be noteworthy to consider the fact that Christ's entourage consisted of about 100 and was rarely confined to the twelve)
I never cease to be amazed how strong paradigms can be. It seems that only hardened presuppositions can force such weak interpretive conclusions. But I don’t cast stones here. I was in the same boat for 33 years before I allowed these passages to penetrate my defense mechanisms. The Word is clearly active and alive and pierces to the core of our very being—and if we allow it, it will reform our minds—even possibly causing us to come to some unpopular conclusions. (Jn 15:18; Heb 4:12; Rom 12:2) Truth will indeed set us free but it may also set us apart from the majority whose mission seems to be conformation to the status quo and to the "private interpretations" of man. It should be a mark of the spiritually mature that a passionate pursuit of truth can coexist within the context of peace and unity. But I digress.
Comparing Matthew 16:27-28 with the Olivet Discourse
The above two texts state that Jesus was to come in glory, with His angels, with rewards (judgment) and with power in His Kingdom. Compare this to the Olivet Discourse passages of Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. You may be amazed to find out that all the constituent elements of the Olivet are contained in these "some standing here will not taste death" passages. Therefore, as long as reason triumphs over presupposition, it is logical to assume that Matthew 16:27-28 refers to Jesus' return. Coming to this realization may put us in a very uncomfortable situation, where we recognize that our paradigm may be in conflict with Scripture.
So now what are we to do? This changes the equation a great deal and Scriptural reorientation takes time. But don't lose heart. Truth will not only bring us closer to Jesus, but it will yield the peace of God in due time. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus seems to be more concerned with our reaction and acquiescence to the truth when it is presented than the fact that for a season we may have languished in error.
We are emboldened by the faith of Simeon and yet those (yours truly) that by the same faith in the Spirit’s revelation, who believe that Jesus was faithful to do exactly as He promised, are considered outside the mainstream. How have we traveled so far? Why don’t we take Jesus at face value, and why are those that do, considered to be in error or worse, heretical? Could it possibly be because we misunderstand the New Covenant promises in much the same way as the first century Jews, who mistakenly developed expectations of the Messiah becoming their physical earthly deliverer? The Kingdom was not and is not flesh and blood but much of the verbiage identifying the New Covenant promises seems to be erroneously translated into the physical realm i.e. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (Rev 21:4)
Jesus did not offer clandestine words about his parousia and the consummation of that which was inaugurated at His death/resurrection. He told His followers that He would come within a generation (Mt 24:34) before His disciples had finished going through all the cities of Israel (Mt 10:23) and before they all died (Mt 16:28). As the generation wore on after Jesus’ ascension, and as the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 became ever so imminent, we see the language intensify with time phrases like “at hand” (1Pet 4:7), “soon” (Rev 1:1,3), “in a very little while” (Heb 10:37-38) and “it is the last hour” (1John 2:18). Why would these time texts grow in this sense of near term inevitability if they were not pointing to an impending event but one that was yet thousands of years future?
In the Bible’s last chapter of the last book we see this sense of imminence ever so clearly in the following phrases: “things which must soon take place” (Rev 22:6); “I am coming soon” (Rev 22:7); “for the time is near” (Rev 22:10); “Behold I am coming soon” (Rev 22:12); “surely I am coming soon” (Rev 22:20). Peter, in dealing with the last days scoffers who apparently were causing the faithful to lose heart (2 Pet 3:3-4), felt the dissension caused by those that insisted that Jesus’ “delay” (37 years from Jesus’ “This Generation” proclamation) was entirely too long. What did he tell them? How were they comforted in their distrees? “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness…” In other words, Jesus was right on schedule.Matter of fact, 2Pet 3:9 implies exactly the opposite of what has been traditionally reasoned—as though by one stroke of the pen, Peter renders his own and all other time references, irrelevant.
My Dream for the Next Quarter Century
My hope is that within the next 20-25 years, we will begin to appropriate the New Covenant promises that were still future to the NT authors and recognize the timely faithfulness of our Savior. Today it’s in vogue to believe the promises given to the first century faithful are finally imminent.But why now, if Jesus’ return was supposed to be within a generation of His crucifixion? After nearly 2,000 years how can shortly all of a sudden mean shortly? Is it possible for something to be "at hand" in every generation since the promise was given? Please excuse my facetiousness but are some of Jesus' disciples still living today?
Believe it or not, the Mormon church combines two passages from Scripture, Matthew 16:28, "there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom", and Jesus' statement in John 21:23 "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?", with two from their documents, one in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 28:4-6, 28-31) and the other from Doctrine and Covenants (Section 7:1-3), into the belief that the Apostle John is still alive today.
Bill McKeever from the Mormonism Research Ministry, dedicated to the task of challenging the claims of Mormonism since 1979, made the following observations:
Joseph Smith claimed the Apostle John (as well as Peter and James) appeared to him and Oliver Cowdery and bestowed upon them the Melchizedek priesthood. Just when this took place is not exactly known although LDS historians insist that it had to have taken place after Smith claimed to have seen John the Baptist on May 15, 1829. Mormon historian B.H. Roberts estimates that it took place sometime between May 15, 1829 and April of 1830. Not only is the time in which John made his appearance a matter of debate, but the manner in which John appeared also seems to be one of confusion among LDS leaders.
Tenth LDS Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith states that Peter and James appeared as resurrected beings, but John is not so described. He wrote, "There is a statement in the Gospel of John, written of his gospel account, which intimates that the Lord gave him power to remain until the second coming. There is a revelation in the Doctrines and Covenants, Section 7, which confirms this thought" (Answers to Gospel Questions 3:93).
McKeever continued:
How these mere men could maintain this longevity is explained in verses 37 and 38. Here, the writer inquires of the Lord how these three are able to live so long. Verses 38-40 state:
"Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow save it were the sins of the world. Now this change was not equal to that which shall take place in the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them...And in this state they were to remain until the judgment day of Christ."
Although I find this belief so bizarrely consistent with other facets of Mormonism, I do however, commend them to the degree that they at least attempt to synthesize the Biblical text. John 21:23 cannot be used as a proof text that he (John) survived until the parousia, but I do find the exchange between Peter and Jesus rather interesting since it must have at least been plausible that the disciple whom Jesus loved might live to witness Jesus' cloud coming return.
Instead of today's typical belief in a 2,000 year gap, separating the date of Jesus' prophesies from His anticipated return, this text seems to be consistent with the expectation that some of Jesus' hearers would live to "see" His coming. "Behold, He is comingwith the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen." (Rev 1:7)And lest we lose sight of this verse's context, it should not go without notice that verse one and three of Revelation's first chapter set the tone for all that was "soon" to take place, for the time was "near":
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John,Revelation 1:1 (NASB)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3 (NASB)
I trust that we will eventually approximate the faith of Simeon. How can we begin to gain this kind of confidence in the Lord? I think faith is incremental and cumulative. First, by believing that Jesus was faithful to the direct recipients of the “this generation” promises. Realizing that the "timing" of His coming dictated the "nature" of His coming, is a giant step forward. Allow the full weight of the imminent language to begin to crush and rebuild your paradigm. Is it possible that we, like the first century Jews, have mistaken the nature of the parousia (return with a consequential presence) because we choose to ignore or trivialize His timing?
Based upon my experience, I realize that presuppositional reconstruction can be unnerving and disorienting but I can say with assurance that it will ultimately lead to peace and provide greater confidence in the inspired Word of God. For we can be certain that the One who was faithful to "them" will be forever be faithful to us.
If we are to encourage one another to know God’s will, we must know His Word and be dedicated to the truth of it regardless where it leads or how uncomfortable it makes us feel. As the body of Christ continues to go through the maturing process, I hope that we will, to a greater degree, commit to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2Tim 2:15)Sadly, theology is oftentimes viewed with disdain as though diligent study's only byproduct is division. True, it surely can separate because truth is by its very nature divisive, but without it we will never truly know God and therefore be the kinds of ambassadors we are called to be.
I trust you will continue to hide these things in your heart as I humbly submit these thoughts.
