Kept From the Hour of Testing

'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.'

Revelation 3:10

In my previous post I alluded to this verse and stated that this was not a pre-tribulational promise of rapture, but a promise to those who were faithful. I would like to take a deeper look at this, to further explain what I meant.

This verse is similar to a verse found in John's gospel. The context is the period of time right after the Passover meal, just before Jesus went to Gethsemane, where He was betrayed by Judas.

Jesus has washed the disciples feet, and given them some final words of consolation and encouragement. He was about to face the cross, and ultimately leave this earth, returning to His Father. He assures the disciples that they will not be alone, but He will send them the Holy Spirit. They are also warned that persecution is to be expected. Jesus did not want them to caught by surprise when it arrived, and He does not want us to be either.

John 17 records Jesus' prayer for His disciples, and for all who would come to believe in Him as well. There is one part of this prayer that can shed some light on the verse quoted above.

"I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one."

John 17:15

The word "keep" in this passage as well as the passage pertaining to the philadelphian Church is the same word meaning to guard or to watch over, to preserve. We often think of this word as to prevent something from happening. For example in this verse, to prevent believers from experiencing Satan's attacks. But we know this cannot be true, as Christians throughout the ages have experienced Satan's attacks in various forms. The Bible tells us that we will (1Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7). Jesus is praying that the Father would watch over and preserve us through the attacks of Satan, and many can attest to the faithfulness of God when trials and testing come.

Likewise, dispensationalism teaches that the Church will be raptured before the great tribulation. They see a promise of escape in the promise to keep faithful believers from the hour of testing to come upon the whole earth.  But as I previously stated, the word "keep" means to watch over, to guard, to preserve. To be consistent with the previous passage, we must conclude that Jesus will watch over and preserve us through tribulation, yes, even the great tribulation as well. 

It is interesting to note that in His prayer He did not ask that the disciples be removed from the earth. Why? Because they had a mission to reach the lost, to disciple all of the nations. If they would have been quickly "raptured" out when Jesus ascended how would any of us have heard and believed the good news of salvation? So why should we be raptured out early? Are we better than they were? No, we, just like them, have the same call and mission to bring the gospel to the lost. We must finish what they began. They were promised persecution and we share that same promise, and just like the first disciples, we too have the promise of God's faithfulness to watch over, guard, and preserve us, as we faithfully carry out the task He has given us.

We might face suffering, and even death because of who we serve, but He is faithful to bring us safely home.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20 NASB 

Perseverance of the Saints

7. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.

8. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

9. If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

10. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and faith of the saints. 

Revelation 13:7-10 NASB 

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

Revelation 12:11 NASB 

The context of these passages (Rev 12:1-13:18) describe the 42 month period known as the "great tribulation." Chapter 12 tells of Satan being cast down to earth, and in a great rage he pursues the Jews to destroy them. We are also informed that he makes war with those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus (Rev13:17). In other words Christians.

Chapter 13 describes how Satan seeks to  accomplish this. It is through a figure referred to as the beast, also known as the Antichrist. This individual is given authority by Satan for this purpose. Contrary to popular teaching, followers of Jesus will be on the earth, and will face this persecution. This is abundantly shown in scripture. Many are "secure" in the belief that we won't be here to experience this, but instead of resting in a false comfort, we need to reconcile with reality and prepare ourselves for what is to come. 

When these dark days come upon the earth Christians will need endurance. In the above verses we read of perseverance in the midst of persecution. The temptation to cave in, to renounce our faith will be overwhelming. Yet to give up for the sake of some momentary safety will cost us in the end.

11. "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

12. Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Revelation 14:11-12 NASB 

Again we see the necessity of perseverance or endurance, and faith. The faith mentioned here goes beyond mental assent to Biblical facts. This faith is better defined as loyalty. To take the mark is to give allegiance to the beast, and ultimately to the dragon or Satan who is the power behind the beast. To be faithful even unto death is the way to overcome Satan.

9. When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;

10. and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long O Lord, holy and true, will you refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?"

11. And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

Revelation 6:9-11 NASB 

Here we read of martyrs who were put to death because of their faithfulness to the word of God, and the testimony that they maintained, even under the most severe conditions. The word martyr means witness. To die for your faith in Christ is the ultimate testimony to the world. It is sealed in blood.

In the old covenant sacrificial system the blood of the sacrifice was poured out at the base of the altar (Leviticus 4:7). These martyrs placed their very lives upon the altar of sacrifice, and their souls were poured out in death. This is the picture we see described here.

In Revelation 7:9-17 John beheld a great multitude of people from every nationality standing before the throne and the Lamb. They also were wearing white robes and carrying palm branches. When asked who they were, and where the had come from, John had no answer. 

14. I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15. "For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and  night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 

16. "They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat.

17. "for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:14-17 NASB

Earlier we saw the souls of the martyrs under the altar. Now we see the full number of martyrs standing before Jesus, apparently now in their glorified bodies. They no longer cry out for God to avenge them. Now they cry out in worship, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Rev 7:10). Their conflict is over and they are safely in the presence of Jesus, their robes have been washed in His blood, they maintained their testimony, and they did not cling to their lives when faced with death. 

To be sure, there will be those who are alive and remain at Christ's second coming (1 Thess 4:17), but primarily, to come out of the great tribulation will be through death. 

This is how we overcome Satan with his wrath against those who follow Jesus. It will be essential that we resolve now to be steadfast in the face of persecution. The scriptures are filled with warnings against deception, lawlessness, and persecution in the last days. These things will cause many to fall away from the faith. A great apostasy from the faith is foretold as a warning to us. We must be strong, we must steadfast, we must persevere. 

2. And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. 

3. And they sang the song of Moses, the bond servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!

4. "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For you alone are holy; for ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED. "

Revelation 15:2-4 NASB

Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgement was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4

To be victorious demands endurance. I do not mean that we pick ourselves up by the boot straps and exert all of our self effort, because we really are insufficient in and of ourselves. We read of a Church with little power, but who kept the word of Jesus and did not deny Him. They were given an open door, and kept from the hour of testing that is to come. This is not a pre-tribulational promise of rapure, but God's promise to those who are faithful. We read Jesus' words that He will be with us always, even to the end of the age (see Rev 3:7-12, Matt 28:20 John 17:15). We are called to overcome numerous times throughout scripture. Endurance is vital if we are to come out of this world victorious over everything that Satan throws at us, especially in Earth's final days. 

  

Endurance Until the End

3. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows even greater;

4. therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.

5. This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.

6. For after all it is only just for God to repay with afflictions those who afflict you,

7. and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in Flaming fire,

8. dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

9. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 

10. when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.

11. To this end we also pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,

12. so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 NASB 

In Acts 17 we read that the apostle Paul went to Thessalonica where He planted a church. All this took place within the space of a couple of weeks as a mob formed as a result, creating such a disturbance that Paul was forced to leave.

Paul was concerned for these new Christians and sent Timothy to encourage them. On Timothy's return Paul found that these believers were not only remaining faithful, but we're thriving in the face of persecution.  We often speak of individuals as "baby Christians" and yes, a new convert is technically just that. But compare what you read of the Thesalonian Church with the fact that we so often consider others, or even ourselves "baby Christians" months, even years after a profession of faith. I have always been amazed reading through First Thessalonians as it describes these new disciples growing and prospering. They only had two weeks with Paul, then persecution came. And they became an example for others to follow (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

While Paul was with them he prepared them for persecution (1 Thessalonians 2:11-14). He also instructed them concerning the endtimes (2 Thessalonians 2:3-5). All this in two weeks!

This Church understood that persecution was a normal consequence once a life was committed to following Jesus. They expected it, and remained faithful in spite of it. Nowhere do we read that they were looking for an escape, a sudden mysterious rapture out of it. In fact the opposite is true. In the passage above they were told, and we as well, that relief finally comes at Christ's second coming.

This coming is visible, not secret, everyone will be aware, they will see, they will know. Jesus returning in flaming fire, with His angels, dealing out retribution is not a secret rapture. No, it is His return to gather His elect, and punish the wicked. This is when our relief comes according to scripture. 

Paul commended this Church for their faithfulness thru affliction. It is the same for us. Just like the Christians of old, we also need to faithfully endure hardship as well.

This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

I fear we, at least here in the west, have bought into an easy Christianity that promises escape at the expense of teaching endurance. Generations have been spoon fed "Left Behind" theology. What will happen to them when things turn out different than that which was expected?

Not Destined to Wrath

1. Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.

2. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

3. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 

4. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief;

5. for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;

6. so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

7. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 

8. But since we are of the day, let us be sober,  having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

9. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9

This passage is often used as a proof text by those promoting a pre-tribulational rapture of the Church. The emphasis is on the sudden, unexpected thief-like taking up of those who are "of the day" verses those who are "of the night" who are left behind to face the tribulation.  The passage then closes with the assurance that the Church is not appointed to wrath. This verse then, is taken to mean that the rapture must by necessity occur first, to remove believers from the earth before God pours out His wrath upon a sinful world.

It is possible to encounter a biblical text and read our preconceived ideas into it. That is the danger of searching for a "proof text." If however we come to scripture with an open mind, desiring to know and understand truth,  God will graciously give us understanding. 

The idea of a pre-trib rapture cannot be proven by concrete passages of scripture. The verses simply do not exist. Multiple verses, like those above, are often quoted as proof, but again, the belief has to be read into the verse. If taken at face value, these verses often state the opposite. 

Paul begins this section by reminding his readers that they do not need additional information concerning the times and seasons related to the endtimes events. They have a solid understanding. I once heard a Sunday School teacher tell the class that we shouldn't bother studying the end times as there are more important Biblical topics to study. He used these verses to make that claim. To the contrary, we find in the Bible numerous passages that foretell of these events, giving us a remarkable timeline with signs to watch for. God does not want us to be caught unaware as these events unfold.

The day of the Lord will indeed come like a thief, suddenly and unexpected. People will be caught unaware. There will be some form of a false peace that will lull many into complacency. Paul warns that destruction will come upon them suddenly. But a believer should not be caught by surprise. Paul goes on to differentiate between those who belong to Christ, and those who belong to this world. 

So since we are sons of light and not darkness we must be alert and sober minded. We must be in the word, and not only reading it, but obeying it, letting it transform our lives. And praying as we watch, so that we may escape what is coming upon the earth, and to  stand before Jesus at His return (Luke 31:36). We have all that we need in Jesus, and by His grace we need not slip back into darkness.

If we fail to watch, if we get bogged down with the cares and pursuits of this life, we will find ourselves in the same condition as those who will be caught by surprise by Christ's return.

34. "Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come upon you suddenly like a trap;

35. for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of the earth.

36. "But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luke 21:34-36 NASB

This is not speaking about escape in the sense of a pre-tribulational rapture, but of strength to endure to end (see Matt 24:13).

Paul exhorts us to put on a breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. This is a similar concept to the spiritual armour found in Ephesians 6:13-18. 

Jesus states thst the love of most will grow cold as the day of the Lord approaches (Matthew 24:12). He also asks a question thst we should take seriously. Will He find faith on the earth when He returns (Luke 18:8)? It should be noted that this question follows His teaching on persistent prayer.

As we walk in faith and love we must look  past any trial and hardship that comes our way and look to the day that our salvation is final. Peter tells us that we are protected by God's power through faith, for a salvation that will be revealed in the last time ( 1 Peter 1:3-15). 

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13

Back to what Paul wrote in his epistle to the Thessslonian Church. It all flows to the verse where he states that we are not destined or appointed to wrath, but to salvation. 

The pre-trib position maintains that God will not "beat up His bride",  therefore the Church must be removed so it will not go through His wrath. There are several errors in this position.

First, the persecution and hardship that will occur during the tribulation are not God's wrath being poured out. Persecution is a natural result of following Christ, and numerous passages of scripture affirm this fact. Nowhere do we read that this is God pouring out His wrath on those who are faithful to Him. In fact Jesus tells us to rejoice and be glad when we are persecuted because we are following in the steps of the great men of God who have gone before us (Matthew 5:11-12).

We read in Revelation 12:7-17 of a war in heaven, where Satan is cast down to the earth. This event triggers the final three and one half years known as the great tribulation. We will know that this has occurred when the Antichrist is revealed in the temple at what is referred to as "the abomination that causes desolation."

"For this reason, rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time"....So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 12:12, 17

The persecution that believers will face during the great tribulation can be attributed to Satan's wrath. God is not "beating up His bride."

The second point that I will make concerns the bowls of God's wrath that are poured out during this time period. Revelation 16:1-21 make it clear that the intended recipients of God's wrath are those who have taken the mark, and worshipped the image of the beast (Rev 16:2), those who have persecuted the saints (Rev 16:5-6), and ultimately those who are hardened in their sin (Rev 16:8-11). It is the kingdom of the beast that will face the wrath of God. 

This is a event reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt. At that time God made a distinction between the children of Israel and Egypt. It will be the same again. God does not pour out His wrath on His children. He is fully capable of preserving His own while judging those who have filled up the measure of their sinful acts.

And thirdly, the ultimate day of wrath occurs at Christ's return. Revelation 14:14-20 describes the final harvest of the earth, with verses 19-20 describing the wicked being thrown into the great wine press of God's wrath.  Compare this passage with Isaiah 63:1-6 where we read of the day of God's day of redemption as well as His year of redemption. At the return of Jesus we read that men, regardless of wealth, strength, and honor, will hide themselves in caves and among the rocks. Why? They are hiding from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:12-17). 

There is a distinction between light and darkness,  night and day, those who are alert and sober, and those who will be caught unaware. We, as those who follow Jesus, are not destined to experience God's wrath, but to receive salvation at Christ's return in glory. This is not about escaping tribulation, but patient endurance in the face of tribulation.

The Narrow Way

"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction,  and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it."

Matthew 7:13-14 NASB 

The gospels record several "hard" statements that Jesus makes concerning the cost of following Him. This is one of them. 

In this passage Jesus contrasts the way to spiritual destruction and the way leading to spiritual life. I fear that many professed Christians today do not grasp what Jesus is actually saying in these few verses.

Growing up I considered that those who "accepted" Jesus had passed through the narrow gate, and were on the narrow path. Everyone else was traveling the broad road to destruction.  This interpretation is probably pretty common, but it really misses the point that Jesus is trying to make.

When one looks into the original Greek that our New Testament was translated from we can get a good idea of what this passage really means.

The wide gate and broad road are exactly that. The gate is wide, easily accommodating everyone who wants to enter. The way is broad and spacious, allowing for easy travel. There is room for everybody, and Jesus states that many are traveling this way.

The narrow way however, is more narrow than we might think. It is a tight squeeze to enter, and the way is compressed and difficult to travel.

The Amplified version puts it like this.

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.

But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.

And in a similar passage we read of great conflict just to enter. 

"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."

Luke 13:24

The word "strive" speaks of strenuous effort to achieve victory in the athletic games. It is where we get our word "agonize." 

Jesus warns us that we must earnestly strive to enter, and that many who attempt will not be able. If we look at the immediate context of this verse we see that it is in response to a question that the disciples ask concerning how many people will actually be saved. According to the following verses we can gather that mere "familiarity" with Jesus is insufficient. It's not the many who succeed, but the few. This should cause us to pause and think.

Jesus is telling us that a mere profession, outward appearance, religious rituals and traditions are insufficient in and of themselves. True salvation demands an inner change of heart.  It involves repentance (Luke 13:3) and total surrender of our lives (Luke 24:27-33). The way to life is a way of holiness of life and conduct (Titus 2:11-14). Obedience is essential. I am not talking legalism here. Many individuals confuse a works based salvation with an obedience that flows from a cleansed heart. Jesus, again speaking of the many, states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom. Only those who obediently do the Father's will may enter (Matthew 7:21-23).

The way is constricted. It is often difficult, filled with trials and temptations. Persecution naturally arises when our faith is real and evident to a lost world. Jesus assures us of that (John 15:20).  He tells us that even family will betray us, and hatred on account of His name can be expected. The one who endures all of this to the end is the one who will be saved (Matthew 10:21-22). When persecution comes do we confess Jesus before men, or deny Him (Matthew 10:32-33)? 

Are we beginning to see the picture? Yes, salvation is a free gift, graciously offered to all, but at the same time it requires our response, and will cost us everything to make it to the end. If our road is too easy, what road are we on?

The Beatitudes

I think for many, the Sermon on the Mount is a set of high ideals that Jesus set forth as something nice to aim for, but not necessarily vital to our Christian life and walk. But I disagree with this thought. The teachings found in this passage of scripture are vital to us as Christians, in fact, Jesus warns us at the end of His discourse that failure to act upon these teachings, and to become the embodiment of these principles and graces, will bring catastrophic consequences in the end (Matthew 5:24-27). 

What I wish to focus on here is the first section, found in Matthew 5:1-12. These teachings, known as the "Beatitudes", are foundational to our walk with Christ. Without them there can be no fellowship as we will see.

This section begins as Jesus, seeing the crowds, goes up on a mountain, and begins to teach His disciples.  

3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

5. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

7. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

12. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:3-12 NASB

Brokenness and humility lie at the very heart of these teachings. I see a progression, but also a bit of overlap in several of the qualities presented here.

We start with the poor in spirit. These are the broken. They have come to the end of themselves.  The poor in spirit deeply feel their spiritual poverty. They have reached a level where all pride has been swept away. They are destitute, unable to attain to a life pleasing to God. They recognize like Isaiah, that they are undone (Isaiah 6:5). They can relate to the apostle Paul, who in his struggle with sin cried out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (See Romans 7:18-25)

The revelation of our inability to live a righteous life in our own strength will bring us to a place of mourning. We will grieve over our sin that holds us captive. We will mourn over our rebellion against a holy God whom we  have offended. It is one thing to look at those around us and compare ourselves with them. We will never see us for who we really are deep down inside. When we are confronted with God's absolute holiness however, we can do nothing but fall on our faces in deep sorrow. 

This is the opposite of the Laodicean Church who were wealthy, and self sufficient. They could not see the truth. In reality they were "wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked" (Revelation 3:17). This pride had to be demolished. We all must come to a place of humility, where we submit ourselves to God.

James tells us this,

6. But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

7. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

8. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. 

9. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.

10. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. 

James 4:6-10 NASB

Without humility we can have no relationship with God. He stands in opposition to pride. Throughout scripture we see pride condemned in no uncertain language. Grace is only given to the humble. It is the meek who will inherit the earth.  

Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. 

But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. 

Psalm 37:10-11 NASB

Instead of an insatiable hunger for pleasure and selfish desires, a soul made subject to God and His will hungers and thirsts after righteousness. It is a longing to be righteous in our conduct as well as in our standing before God. You cannot separate the two.  

Little children, make sure no one decieves you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 

1 John 3:7 NASB 

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious; anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 3:10 NASB

Ultimately to hunger and thirst after righteousness is to possess a deep longing to be like Jesus, the very embodiment of righteousness. That is the desire of every true child of God, as well as the purpose of God in the salvation of our souls. He intends to form us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2-3).

Jesus' life was marked by compassion. In several places we read where He was moved with compassion. He was moved with compassion when He reached out and touched the leper, healing him by this action (Mark 1:41). Scripture records other instances as well.

Matthew 9:36, when He saw the multitudes, lost without a shepherd. 

In Mark 6:34, again, the large crowds, lost with no shepherd. This is when He fed the five thousand. 

Matthew 14:14 records the same event, and adds that He healed the sick among the crowd as well.

Matthew 16:32, is the account of the feeding of the four thousand. The people had been with Jesus for three days with nothing eat. He did not want to send them away hungry.

Luke 7:13 Jesus felt compassion for a widow who had just lost her son. As a result He miraculously raised her son back to life.

Matthew 20:34 records that Jesus was moved with compassion and restored the sight of two blind men. 

Jesus' love for others led Him to reach out to the marginalized people of society.  He touched the untouchable, associated with the deplorable. On one occasion after eating with some who were considered outcasts, He was confronted by the religious leaders who were obviously upset by His choice of company. His answer to them was this,

"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

"But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 9:12-13 NASB

Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6 in His reply. All of the religious trappings that we can wrap ourselves in are nothing in the sight of God. What He considers is how we treat those around us.

Different versions of the Bible use various words to express the idea of mercy in these verses. Words like loving kindness, steadfast love, and compassion all convey the meaning behind the word translated from the original biblical text. When we read of Jesus being moved with compassion we are seeing something that goes far beyond mere sympathy. The original Greek behind this term portrays the idea of an overwhelming feeling from deep within oneself that leads to action. 

In Hebrews we read of Jesus our great High priest.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 NASB 

Looking at the Greek behind this text we discover that Jesus feels what we feel. He can relate to our struggles, He can "put Himself in our shoes." The term for this is empathy,  a word that is considered dirty in some Christian circles today. I would only ask, "Do you really want to be like Jesus?"

The merciful, like Jesus, share this compassion for others. They show loving kindness to others, even to the "least of these." Jesus gave us the example that no one is undeserving of love. He tells us that the merciful are blessed. The opposite is true as well,

So speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 

For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement. 

James 2:12-13 NASB 

Purity of heart is essential. We read that the pure in heart will see God. In the Psalms we find this passage, 

3. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?

4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully, 

6. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

7. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face—even Jacob. 

Psalm 24:3-7 NASB

A pure heart is a heart cleansed from sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). 

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB

Clean hands and pure hearts cannot be separated.  What fills our hearts comes out in our actions.

20. And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 

21. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

22. deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 

23. "All of these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."

Mark 7:20-23 NASB

In our unregenerate state, this is what fills our hearts. Our hearts are defiled, and therefore we are defiled. As stated above, we must be brought to the end of ourselves. We need to come to that place of brokeness where we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Quoting this passage again we read, 

7. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

8. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. 

9. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 

10. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. 

James 4:7-10 NASB 

We have the responsibility to give up, to turn from our sin, and allow God to remake us from the inside out. David, after his sin with Bathsheba, cried out, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10). He cried out to God not only to forgive his sin, but out of a deep awareness of his sinfulness, he knew he needed an inner change as well. 

Regeneration, the "new birth" is an act of God as we read in Titus 3:5. 

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. 

It is Jesus "Who gave Himself to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:14).

We must walk in this purity. We are admonished in proverbs, 

23. Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.

24. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you.

25. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

26. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. 

27. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27 NASB

Diligence implies serious effort. We must be careful to guard our hearts and to walk in obedience to the will of God.

9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 

10. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from your commandments. 

11. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Psalm 119:9-11 NASB 

Do you want to see God? Only those with clean hands and pure hearts will enjoy intimate fellowship with Him now, and literally see Him face to face in eternity. 

Hebrews 12:14 links purity of heart and life with being a peacemaker. 

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

James shows us that ultimately strife and disorder flow out of arrogance or pride, while the peacemaker, in gentleness or humility sows righteousness. 

13. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

14. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 

15. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

16. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

17. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 

18. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18 NASB

What is inside a person will come out in their actions. The works of the flesh include such things as enmity and strife, outbursts of anger and division,  while the fruit of the Spirit consists of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:19-23). When we are living fleshly, selfish lives, we can expect jealousy. strife, and disorder. It is the peacemaker who not only seeks to avoid such conflict, but even to bring healing to that which already exists.

Paul urges us to do whatever is in our power to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). This can be easier said than done, as it involves the humbling of ourselves at times if peace is to be maintained. Jesus' kingdom can be considered "upside down" in the  sense that it's principles run contrary to the world's methods. While the world runs on pride and power over others, the kingdom of God's way is that of meekness and selflessness. As one continues on in the Sermon on the Mount we find that seeking reconciliation, forgiving others, turning the other cheek, and going the extra mile are how God's children are to live in this world. 

Meekness has been described as power or strength under control. So much more can be accomplished for Christ when we are meek, when we are peacemakers.  James states that we must be quick to hear and slow to speak, because man's anger does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20). This involves submission, putting others first.

5. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 

6. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.

7. Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:5-7 NASB

When conflicts arise in your life let go and give them to God. Then, by His grace, be a peacemaker. 

As previously stated above, the way of Jesus is opposite of that of the world around us. We are sent into this world to shine as lights ( Matt 5:14-26), and this enrages a world who is convicted by what they observe in a true follower of Christ. Jesus warns us that just as He was persecuted, his disciples will be as well (John 15:20). If we live and look like Jesus in our daily conduct can we expect any less?

18. "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

19. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

20. "Remember the word that I have said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 

21. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake,  because they do not know the One who sent Me."

John 15:18-21 NASB

Jesus encourages us to rejoice and be glad when persecution arises on account of Him. It is proof of our allegiance to Him and His cause. Scripture shows us instances where this came to pass. After the disciples were arrested and beaten by the religious leaders in Jerusalem they went on their way rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer for Jesus (Acts 5:40-41). Likewise Paul and Silas after being beaten and cast into prison sang songs and praised God. This led to a miraculous intervention by God, and the salvation of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:22-34).

Unfortunately here in the west we see a different thing. Perceived persecution consists of imagined attacks on "christmas" or being forced to endure a lewd superbowl halftime show. So many professed Christians demand their rights and expect "respect" from the lost around them. They turn to the politicians to save them from persecution instead of just following Jesus. As He tells us, we are not greater than Him. If we are truly living for Him, with the eyes of the world on us, we will be persecuted. We live in this world for a purpose. Not to be of it, but to reach it.

23. And He was saying to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

24. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.

25. "For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?

26. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

Luke 9:23-26 NASB

Jesus sets a standard for us in His Sermon on the Mount. How do we measure up? These are not high ideals that are unattainable, but principles that He has set forth for those who would enter the kingdom. It's not only found in the Beatitudes, but in the entire sermon Jesus corrects the misunderstandings and wrong teaching of the religious leaders. He restores the law to its correct meaning. He condemns hypocrisy and proclaims the way of love. As He transitions from the Beatitudes into the rest of this sermon He states,

13. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men

14. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

15. nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

16. "Let your light shine before men in such away that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16 NASB 

We are called to be different. How can we challenge a evil world system based upon pride and power if that is what our lives look like as well. How can we shine a bright light so that a sin darkened world can see Jesus in us when we are as dark as the world we claim to have come out of?

 

Why the End Times (Prophecy and the Nativity part 10)

In Luke's gospel we find some interesting prophecies surrounding what is referred to as the Nativity or Birth of Christ. 

We begin with a couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. They were childless, as Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. Zacharias was a priest of the division of Abijah, and it was his turn to enter the temple and offer incense before the Lord.

While interceding, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that his wife would bear a son and he was to name him John. It would be this child who would grow up to go before the Lord in the Spirit and power of Elijah in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:1-27, see Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1-4, 4:5-6).

A casual reading of this passage might lead one to think that Zacharias was praying for a son, and that the angel came to him with the answer. I disagree with that however. The role of a priest was to be an intermediary between the people and God. When Zacharias was burning incense before the Lord he was interceding on behalf of the nation, with the people standing outside the temple in prayer as well. The turning of the nation back to God, and its final restoration was in view. The angel's answer supports this.

After this, the angel Gabriel appeared to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, whose name was Mary (Luke 1:26-38). He told her that she would concieve a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. She was to name this child Jesus. He, she was told,

"Will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."

Luke 1:32-33 NASB

One can only imagine how staggering this news would be. Mary had just been told that she was to bear the long awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. He would be the one who would ultimately defeat the serpent, and reverse the curse.

In what is often referred to as the "Magnificat" Mary rejoices over the blessedness of being chosen by God to be part of this monumental event, a fulfillment of prophecy uniting and bringing reconciliation to the Abrahamic, the Mosaic, and Davidic covenants, and ultimately the redemption of the nation (Luke 1:46-55). She states,

"He has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever."

Luke 1:54-55 NASB

Following the birth of John the Baptist, on the day he was to be circumcised, his father Zacharias prophecied under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant-as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old-salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, and FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; To show mercy to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all our days."

Luke 1:68-75 NASB

These quotes show us that God had not forgotten nor replaced Israel. He had made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a covenant that He would fulfill.

Zacharias goes on to prophesy that his son, John, would go on to be the one to prepare the way for the Lord. He would give the people "knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins." (Luke 1:76-79)

There was a messianic fervor in those days. People were longing for the one to come who would deliver them from Roman occupation. The nation had suffered under the control of Assyria, then Babylon. They were allowed to return after Babylon was conquered by the Medo-Persian empire, however many had chosen to remain. Those who returned to rebuild struggled. When Antiochus Epiphanes, a ruler who arose out of the fractured Greek empire, invaded Israel, he dominated them with extreme cruelty. In what is known as the Maccabean revolt they defeated him, breaking free from his oppression. This was recent history, a little over a century previous. It must have been fresh in their minds, as they now fell under the rule of Rome.

Zealots rose up, looking to overthrow the Roman government. When Jesus grew up and began His ministry many were hopeful that He would be the one to defeat the Roman government. The religious leaders of the day were afraid of this, as they feared Rome would crush them if they sensed a revolt was in the works. This, in a large measure set up the events that led to the arrest and crucifixion of Christ. 

But not everyone had this "take them by force" mentality. There were those who understood that sin was the issue. They knew that until sin was dealt with, until it was put away nationally, and the people as a whole returned to the Lord their God, they would still be subject to the discipline of God. They understood the covenants. Repentance was needed before deliverance could come.

Two such individuals are mentioned on the day Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord (Luke 2:21-24).

There was a man named Simeon who was righteous and devout. Scripture tells us that he was looking for the "consolation of Israel". This is a term referring to the day when Israel's trouble is over. In Isaiah 40:1-5 we read this,

"Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins."

A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

This prophecy was given over a century before the Babylonian captivity. It looks out into the future to the day when Israel has come out of its final trial never to be uprooted and conquered again. That is the day when the glory of the Lord will be revealed as their Messiah dwells among them.

While it looks towards the glorious return of Christ to reign in Jerusalem, it includes His first coming as well. This is a well known passage that also refers to John the Baptist, the one who went before Jesus, to prepare His way. 

The imagery of leveled mountains and raised valleys speak of the preparation of a path or road to make ones travel smooth and easy. It is quite interesting to consider that when Christ returns the second time the topography of the land will be literally changed like this due to cataclysmic events prior to His coming.

Simeon came into the temple, with the Holy Spirit upon him. He was told by the Spirit that he would live to see the Messiah (Luke 2:25-27). Holding the infant in his arms he said this,

"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of your people Israel."

Luke 2:29-32 NASB

The theme is consistent in these passages. With the birth of Jesus the Messiah Israel's redemption is coming. What hope this must have offered to those who heard these things. Simeon goes further to state that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles as well. This, as well as all of the prophecies that we have just read are not new revelations. They follow the theme of the ancient prophets. The scriptures foretold  these things long before.

"Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice, He will not be disheartened or crushed until He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law." 

Thus says God the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and it's offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and Spirit to those who walk in it, "I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison."

Isaiah 42:1-7 NASB

Listen to Me , O islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me. He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; and He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. He said to Me, "You are My servant Israel, in whom I will show My glory." But I said, "I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due Me is with the LORD, and My reward with My God " 

And now says the LORD who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him ( for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength), He says, "It is too small a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved ones if Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth." 

Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and it's Holy One, to the despised One, to the One abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers, "Kings will see and arise, princes will also bow down, because of the LORD who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen You." 

Thus says the LORD, "In a favorable time I have answered You, and in a day of salvation I have helped You; and I will keep you and give You for a covenant of the people, to restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages; saying to those who are bound, 'Go forth,' to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves,' along the roads they will feed, and their pasture will be on all bare heights. They will neither hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water. "I will make all My mountains a road, and My highways will be raised up. Behold these will come from afar, and lo, these will come from the North and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim." 

Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted.

Isaiah 49:1-13 NASB

These two prophecies fortell events that encompass the life and ministry of Jesus all the way up to the day He comes again to establish His kingdom upon the earth. 

We read of his gentleness and care for the lowly and marginalized. We also see that He was rejected by the very people He came to turn back to God. But God did not reject the nation. Jesus came as a "covenant" to the people. In Him all of God's promises are "Yes and Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Paul writes that Jesus became a servant to the circumcision (the Jews) to confirm the covenant promises that were made to the fathers. And not only that, but to bring salvation to the Gentiles as well (Romans 15:8-12). This is exactly what we have just read in the two passages above.

When Jesus was arrested and put to death many must have viewed his life and work as a failure. But this apparent failure was actually the greatest victory the world will ever know. Jesus' death in that cross was the event that led to the defeat of the serpent. Three days later He rose victorious over sin and death, and now waits for the time when He will come again and bring ultimate restoration to Israel, and not only Israel, but the nations (Acts 3:19-21).

The last individual I would like to mention was a prophetess name Anna. She was a widow who lost her husband after seven years of marriage. She was now eighty four years old. She never left the temple, but spent her time in fasting and prayer. Upon seeing the Christ child she gave thanks to God and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

In Isaiah 62:6-7 we read that God has appointed watchmen to pray day and night, giving the LORD no rest, until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Anna the prophetess was one of these watchmen. We are told in the Psalms to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-7). The Hebrew word translated as peace is "Shalom". This word is rich with meaning that goes far beyond a mere absence of conflict. It embodies the idea of wholeness, to be complete, to be in health, and to prosper. It carries the theme of harmony within the entire creation, right relationship between one another, and right relationship with God. The presence of God within the midst of His people is central to this idea of shalom with the ultimate return of the creation back to the garden of Eden. 

As we read of the millennial age, and the final transition into the eternal state we see this come to fruition. Numerous Old Testament passages speak of an age of peace where war ceases to be, and even animals lie down in peace (Isaiah 2:4, 11:6). 

The New Testament closes with this final return to the garden. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 describe a new heavens and new earth where God dwells among his people. We read of the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, the tree of life, the reversal of the curse, and seeing Jesus face to face. There will be no more pain, suffering and death. No sin or unrighteousness will exist in this city. This is what true shalom will look like. 

At Christmas time we often sing "O come, O come Emanuel", probably my favorite song this time of year. Listen to the first verse and chorus.

O come, O come, Emanuel, and ransome captive Israel.

Who sits in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice 

Rejoice

Emanuel, 

shall come to you O Israel.

Yes, when Jesus returns and makes all things new, those of us who are Gentile believers will be blessed beyond measure. However, God has bound Himself to a people He has chosen, making an irrevocable covenant with them. He will not forget them.