Promises

Nobody Knows How Long

Ken1 Comment

Why Do We Not Study Prophecy, If It Is So Important? 

How Long? (4:34) is a song expressing what every child vocalizes to their parent about the future, but isn’t that the essence of Bible prophecy? 

Didn’t see it coming, and when the calamity of the invasion of Judah happened, no prophet was at hand giving words of understanding, comfort, and deliverance, at least, as far as this Psalmist could see. “We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme Thy name for ever?” (Psalm 74:9-10 KJV). Of course, we live in different times, but you can see how knowing what has happened, is happening, and is going to happen, practically benefits the people of God. It is intrinsic to human nature to ask, “How long?” Children want to know on a trip, “Are we their yet?” More than a dozen times in the Book of Psalms alone, the Psalmist raises the question, “How long?” In the wisdom of God, He has provided prophecy to answer this question; again, why are we not studying prophecy? 

But, you say, “Anybody can make a wild prediction about the Terminal Generation, when Jesus is supposed to rapture His Church and come back. What happens, when nothing happens? Doesn’t it do more harm than good for the cause of Christ? Shouldn’t we be more encouraging people how to live for Christ than giving them confusing instructions that might not take place? Wasn’t all prophecy practically fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, anyway? Besides, didn’t Jesus say no one knows when He will return? Shouldn’t we just emphasize there will one day be a New Heaven and New Earth and let it happen whenever it happens, no matter how long it takes?” 

[Scan ahead. This is a longer entry, but not too long.]

First, Predictive Prophecy (prophecies that predict a specific outcome) are found in 8,352 verses of the Bible (27% of Scripture), according to J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy. 256 verses (63%) of the Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John about 96 AD (long after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD), were predictions. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). 

Second, God is indisputably the source of all true prophecy. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10). Prophecy proves the veracity of God and His Scripture. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21).

Third, prophecy, like all the other Scripture, testifies of Christ. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). The purpose of prophecy is to bear testimony to Jesus, which then is the “revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1), so then the “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10).

Fourth, prophecy must have a purifying effect upon the Church of Christ, or it is being studied for the wrong reasons. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). 

Fifth, prophecy must be proven to each disciple by the Holy Spirit from personal examination of the Word of God. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1Thessalonians 5:21). Never take anyone’s word about Scripture without proving it to your own satisfaction. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). 

Sixth, if the Devil knows Jehovah’s predictions for the future, won’t he oppose God’s plans and work to keep us ignorant of what God is trying to accomplish in human history? Yes, our adversary does not want us to know God’s prophecies, because he doesn’t want us opposing his diabolical plans. If Satan knows the physical seed of Eve would produce Christ, then he will oppose the physical lineage that produced Jesus Christ, and will work to establish his own physical seed, potentially in the Antichrist. A prophecy concerning Christ and the Antichrist: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). The devil would not have crucified Jesus, if he understood God’s plan. “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1Corinthians 2:8). 

For example, how would the Wise Men of the Christmas Story even know of a Promised Messiah, if Daniel, the chief of “all the wise men of Babylon” had not told them (Daniel 2:48; 5:11)? And, how could Daniel know about the physical birth of a Messiah had not Micah earlier predicted it (Micah 5:2)? And, why would Micah be prophesying of the physical birth of a coming deliverer, if he did not think there was truth to Yahweh’s pronouncement of a future physical seed and lineage from Eve (Genesis 3:15; Psalm 132:11)? Why were Simeon and Anna even looking for the birth of a Hebrew male child unless they believed the Predictive Prophecy of Daniel (Luke 2:25-38)? And, if it took the understanding of Predictive Prophecy to appreciate, cooperate, and coordinate with the Messiah’s First Advent for the purpose of our salvation (“but not for Himself” Daniel 9:25-26), how can we not study prophecy to pray (Ezekiel 36:37), prepare, cooperate, and coordinate (Matthew 6:10) with Yahweh for the Second Advent of the Conquering Messiah to set up His earthly Millennial Kingdom (Daniel 7:14)?

Seventh, no one is allowed to set dates, when Christ is supposed to return, i.e., “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power” (Acts 1:7). Even if we think we know anything about the time of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot absolutely know it, for even the Son has divinely covenanted with the Father not to know. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32). 

Eighth, it is fruitless not to study prophecy because misunderstandings, contentions, false prophets, and the False Prophet will come anyway. “It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come” (Luke 17:1). 

Ninth, without a proper understanding of prophecy, the Church will not have a clear understanding of how to set the battle in array for the End Times. Who is on the LORD’s side, and who is the enemy? “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:30).

Tenth, without the ability to distinguish between ‘taking God at His word’ as opposed to ‘taking God literally, as opposed to figuratively,’ the Church will build prejudices and obstacles to understanding Prophetic Predictions. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).

Eleventh, but still, without the ability to appreciate figurative or poetic language, the Church will lose the ability to make Spirit-filled applications of God’s Prophecies, which results in legalism and loveless service of God. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). 

Twelfth, but doesn’t Jesus’ Olivet Discourse plainly indicate Christ’s prophecies were referring to the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans, i.e., “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies” (Luke 21:20), thus bringing to a practical conclusion all the prophecies? True, Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Mount may lend itself to that interpretation, but Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount gives us the additional understanding “when ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15), indicating a double fulfillment and future time, yet to come. 

Father, You are the God of all prophecy, and You know we want to know how long, so we can cooperate with the return of Your Son. May our prayer, Thy kingdom come, be accompanied by our heartfelt, Thy will be done, that there would be great gain for Your kingdom. Help us to block off all means of the enemy taking advantage of us and using us against You. We need Your Spirit’s intervention. Through You, we shall do valiantly! Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen. 

For a more developed discussion of Christ’s Olivet Discourse, the difference between the Preterist view that prophecy was fulfilled essentially by the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the Futurist view of a yet to be prophetic fulfillment of the Seventieth Week of Daniel, see our article, Two Olivet Discourses?

Finishing the Job

Ken

It’s not over until it’s over, but faith already believes for the victory. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1John 5:4 KJV). Does faith mean we can become complacent about obedience in the small things in the meantime? Certainly not. We must walk carefully but not fearfully. Israel had just completed a monumental victory over Jericho with clear, supernatural intervention from Jehovah in bringing down the walls with blasts from trumpets punctuated with a shout (Joshua 6), but they were clearly instructed not to take any spoils from the city for that was devoted to the LORD and “accursed” (Joshua 6:17) to them. God gave Joshua the victory, but it was spoiled by Achan stealing from the LORD’s devoted things. Likewise, stealing God’s glory in our triumphs is a curse. “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). 

God’s anger is kindled, when we are oblivious to whom the glory belongs. We say we understand the glory is His, but we need to be careful about our heart and actions. Otherwise, we will come against a seemingly small task afterwards only to be defeated. What is the remedy? Be as careful in the preparation, as you would have to be in rectifying the problem. So, Joshua called out Achan, solved that problem, then went on to complete the destruction of Ai (Joshua 6). Father, it takes patience of faith to see the job through to the end. Grant us that faith and patience to reap the harvest. Help us not to faint, if the victory does not come easy. Make us to see You as our Sustainer, especially when the battle is difficult. Produce in us a greater understanding and appreciation of who you are. Cause us to love and admire You for the results. Lord Jesus, return quickly and deliver Your people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Because You Believe

Ken

We cannot but speak what we believe. In other words, what we do not speak (where there is opportunity) — we do not believe. “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20 KJV).

First, faith is only saving faith, if it is accompanied by works, where there is opportunity. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14).  

Second, faith is dead, if not accompanied by works, where there is opportunity. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). 

Third, faith is always looking to express itself with works. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). 

Fourth, faith understands the vanity or emptiness of claiming, “I believe,” without accompanied works. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20). 

Fifth, faith is not destroyed but perfected by works. “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” (James 2:22). 

Sixth, faith is not the sole condition of justification, unless we can remove the necessity of: 

(a) Repentance and baptism, i.e., “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), 

(b) Forsaking all for Christ, i.e., “26 If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-27, 33), and 

(c) Confession from the heart and the mouth of Jesus as Lord, Master, and Boss, i.e., “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9 KJV). 

Accordingly, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).

Seventh, faith does not allow for a spiritless body, any more than we would allow the deadness of a demonic spirit to qualify in inhabiting the body. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). 

Father, grant us the courage and understanding to see the Foundation of Salvation and Justification as coming from Christ only, but not to be confused by the Terms and Conditions for Salvation, that we would engage in a fruitless and groundless attempt to establish salvation as only a claim of faith in Christ. Grant us fuller instruction, and preserve us from any form of self-trust as the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Give Your people understanding of the Salvation in Christ Jesus, as able to save them to the uttermost “that come unto God by Him [Christ]” (Hebrews 7:25). Lord Jesus, return quickly and deliver us. Amen.

Humbled By God

Ken

Giving you more than you asked? “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). What a wonderful problem! Whenever it happens, we need to confess our lack of faith for not asking for more. When Elisha told the widow to gather empty jars to gather a miraculous flow of valuable olive oil for food and fuel (2Kings 4:1-7), they were miraculously filled as “she poured out” (4:5) until she ran out of jars, then the “oil stayed” (4:6). Elisha told the king of Israel to take a handful of arrows and strike the ground before he shot the arrows out of the window, since the arrows represented the “LORD’s deliverance” (13:17) over Syria. The king struck the ground three times, then stopped (13:18). Elisha became angry. “And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice” (13:19). You suffer, “yet ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). And, when we ask, we do not ask confidently. LORD, increase our faith that we may realize the superiority of the Holy Spirit working in us and our circumstances far surpasses all of our small requests for things. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him” (Luke 11:13). Teach us the power of Your Spirit working in us. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.

Cleanse and Maintain a Pure Life by the Word of God (Psalm 119:9)

Ken

“BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man [Hebrew, na’ar, noun masculine] cleanse [Hebrew, zâkâh, to make clean, keep clean] his way? by taking heed [Hebrew, shâmar, keep, guard] thereto according to Thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV). Not just a young man, but any young person can cleanse and maintain a pure life by guarding that life according to the infallible instructions of an Infallible God. Where can such infallible guidance be found? Only from God’s revealed truth, which Israel has guarded for mankind until the Church has accepted the mantle. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2Timothy 3:16). NT writers, such as Peter, understood their NT writings were understood and to be received as Scripture, consistent with the OT Hebrew canon. “As also in all his [Paul’s] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2Peter 3:16). 

Returning to Psalm 119:9, cleansing and maintaining a pure and holy life can only be accomplished by guarding the heart according to God’s Word. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Cleansing from even “secret faults” (Psalm 19:12), the innumerable wrongs we have committed that we have inescapably forgotten — but would admit and abandon once remembered — we ask for God’s cleansing. “Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults” (Psalm 19:12). Then, maintaining a holy life must now be possible by paying attention to and guarding God’s Word in our heart. Under the Old Covenant, Israel had the fear of God to keep them from sinning. “Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20 NIV). 

Additionally, under the New Covenant, we have the Indwelling Holy Spirit to keep us from sinning. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). However, our improper understanding of so-called constitutional sin has so hobbled the Church, we cannot advance without constantly confessing and regressing over past events — to the delight of the enemy. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1John 3:4). If we can understand this — sin is only active rebellion and transgression of God’s law in our heart — then we would not pine away God’s time, and our opportunity to serve Him, with endless, quixotic attempts at humility and re-confessing all sins real or imagined. 

Father, teach us by Your blessed Holy Spirit how to cleanse and maintain a pure walk with You according to Your Word. Help us to elevate not only our thinking but our expectation from You to make possible a pure walk before You. Take away all pre-conceived notions of perfectionism and replace it with practical holiness. May walking with You be more natural than our daily exchanges with humanity. Continue to move the human experience until “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Lord Jesus, raise our expectation of You and return quickly. Amen and amen.

Issues of Life

Ken

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23 KJV). In other words, everything you do flows from your heart. Let God’s Spirit continually remind us to guard our heart, because absolutely everything starts in our heart. If I was the CEO of a failing company, I would cut expenses everywhere I could without simply killing the company. I would stop the slightest, unnecessary trickle of cash from flowing out of the company, if I wanted to survive. And, I would be looking for ways to keep cash flowing in. Christ is the secret of all spiritual life flowing into us. The Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us in all His names, capacities, and relationships, because He is our very life (John 14:6). Somehow, the doctrine and Scripture, where Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), has to mean just that, as life would mean to a drowning man, or we are merely “saying our prayers” and waiting for religion to apply to someone else, generally the next lost sinner to “get saved” and find religion. May the Spirit of God reveal Jesus to our heart. “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:10). Spirit of God, strip away everything until it is only myself clinging to Jesus for “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2Peter 1:3). Amen.

God’s Presence Secures Our Obedience (Psalm 119:8)

Ken

“I will keep Thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly” (Psalm 119:8 KJV). Spoken like someone who not only understood how important obedience was but how obedience worked, i.e., God’s presence secures our obedience. Even in the beginning, Adam and Eve walked with Yahweh, but did not possess the key gift only a Resurrected Jesus could give — the gift of an indwelling Holy Spirit. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). We NT disciples have misunderstood, neglected, and taken for granted a gift greater than Christ’s purchase of our salvation on the Cross, none other than Christ’s endowment of the indwelling presence of God’s Obedience Securing Spirit. Under the Old Covenant, God’s inward presence was not part of the revealed relationship of “obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people” (Jeremiah 7:23). Under the terms of our New Covenant, “I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Paul understood a “more excellent way” (1Corinthians 12:31) than “spiritual gifts” (12:1), which was the way of loving obedience (1Corinthians 13). Peter again added his voice, “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Spirit inspired obedience from those whom the Spirit inspires to obedience. Father, You have given us the gift of Your Son to save us. Your Son has given His Spirit to sanctify us in loving obedience. May we understand, respond, and continue until Jesus soon returns for us. Amen and amen.

Daily Loads Us With Benefits

Ken

Who wouldn’t praise someone who daily weighs us down with benefits? “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation” (Psalm 68:19 KJV). How can anyone be so generous? How can anyone be so capable? Who could do such a thing? “Even the God of our salvation” (68:19). Why doesn’t everyone sign up to be His people? You can see why God’s adversary the devil has a full time job of giving everyone, especially God’s people, the impression that the LORD is not as good as He really is. The adversary must take the little he has and entice us that he has more than the Unlimited Almighty God of our Salvation. “Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them” (68:18). Leading “captivity captive” (68:18) is overpowering and delivering from the enemy. Receiving “gifts for men”(68:18) is distributing to us things we have not earned or worked for, like presents for little children. “For the rebellious also” (68:18) means He is willing to use His goodness in giving gifts to attract even His enemies, who still can change sides. LORD, help us to get the word out that You are the greatest benefit in all of existence for humankind! There is none like You! May we overcome the overcomer of our faith, as we untie our tongues in Your praise. May the feebleness of our minds be unfeebled as we search for words to rightly give You the praise for which You are worthy! Lord Jesus, return quickly that we should ever be in Your presence! Amen and amen.

Too Hard for the LORD?

Ken

Your circumstances are unique, but not impossible for the LORD. “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son” (Genesis 18:14 KJV). Sarah was well past child bearing age, but the LORD promised Sarah would bear a son. Humanly speaking, who could blame her for shaking her head in disbelief and disagreeing? But, God had just made a promise! All of our circumstances require us to work out a solution of faith, where our comprehension of the LORD grows, as we deal with His Word’s application to us. Don’t just look for a solution to your problem, but look for a greater appreciation and understanding of the LORD. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2Peter 3:18). By the way, shortly after the LORD’s promise to 89-year-old Sarah, the LORD must have increased her outward beauty, as well as her physical vitality to bear a child, for King Abimelech desired and took Sarah to be his wife — but, God made him give her back to Abraham (Genesis 20). Father, cause us to respond to life, so that we grow closer in our relationship to You. Cause us to grow in awesome wonder of who You reveal Yourself to us to be. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.

Obedience Is Intimacy With Yahweh (Psalm 119:6)

Ken

“Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6 KJV). The Psalmist previously requested that his “ways [Hebrew, derek, manner, habit] were directed to keep Thy statutes” (119:5). This is the very anticipation of the NT ministry of the Holy Spirit, i.e., “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). How shameful under the New Covenant we should not always say with the Psalmist, “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). Obedience is not simply compliance to an arbitrary set of rules, but our most intimate interaction with our Divine Spouse. “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). May God’s Divine Spirit elevate our thinking about obeying His Words. In worship, we ascribe with our hearts and mouths recognition of who God is, and in obedience, we are given the opportunity to put into practice, what would only be in our heart. Just as angels lean in to see what happens in our earthly circumstances, we can do what they have not been appointed. We have been called to bring up a “godly seed” (Malachi 2:15). Father, may we have the grace to inherit the earth with a godly offspring that will praise Your name. May You be delighted in Your children. May You receive the reward of all Your works. Preserve us to Your glory and to the shame of the enemy. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we ask it.