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. 

  

The Discipline of the Lord.

How did God hate Esau (Romans 9:13)? I recently watched a short video where Paul Washer addresses this question. In his response Paul states that although God definitely blessed Esau, He did not discipline him. God allowed Esau to walk after the natural inclinations of his heart. He let him go.

It was different with Jacob however. Jacob was no saint either. He was a deceiver, and we all know how he ultimately stole Esau's birthright and blessing. However, God would not let him go. Jacob experienced the disciplining hand of the Lord for the next twenty years, and when he finally returned to the land of Canaan, he entered it limping. He was no longer Jacob the "supplanter", but now he was known as Israel, "a prince with God."

Hebrews 12:1-13 is a passage that draws out this theme. Our lives as Christians is likened to a race that must be run with endurance. We must cast of everything that slows us down, if we are to make it to the end.

I think we can all identify with the idea of besetting sins. There is a struggle within each one of us, and we often find ourselves on the failing end of things. But it is often the things that are not wrong in and of themselves that slow us down. 

Sometimes God has to get our attention, and that can be painful. Like a parent who desires to protect a child from harm, who desires to train them to walk in the right path, God also uses discipline so that we might share in His holiness. Again, this is often painful, and we might not like it. However, this pasage assures us that God loves us, and disciplines us as His children. In fact, if we do not experience the hand of His discipline we are not His children!

Ultimately, if we yield to God's discipline in our lives we will bear the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Jesus uses the illustration of a vinedresser pruning the branches so that they will bear more fruit. When the branches get to long, or there are useless ones, they need to be trimmed back or cut off. If they are left as they are, all the sap flowing through the vine is used up on these branches and there is little nutrition left for the formation of fruit. 

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. God desires us to produce much fruit so He prunes us (John 15:1-2). All of the things in our lives that hinder need to go. Maybe it's a besetting sin that needs to go. Perhaps God needs to get are attention and we are not hearing Him. 

No discipline seems fun when we go through it, but remember God desires something better for us, and brings it for our good.

Bitter or Better?

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be if good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 KJV).

We learn two things from this passage. First, we will experience trials and testings in this life as Christians. We are not promised our best lives now as some would have you believe. We face temptations, trials, persecution, ups and downs throughout our lives. 

Second, we can have peace because Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus has brought us the way to victory. We do not have to fall to temptation, we do not have to grow weary, discouraged, or bitter when life throws challenges our way. We have everything we need for life and godliness through our union with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:2-3).

The Bible tells us that our faith will be tested through trials.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing ( James 1:2-4 KJV).

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1Peter 1:6-7 KJV).

 None of us relish trials, and when they come we often pray that they would be removed. But we read in James that we must let the trial produce endurance. If we could avoid the trial we wouldn't grow in our faith, and when a difficult time comes we stand a good chance of falling. 

It is so easy to grow discouraged or bitter, but we need to submit to God's way, trusting Him to see us through, and ultimately bring our faith to maturity.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope (Romans 5:3-4 KJV)

As we allow trials to stretch our faith we gain endurance, which grows into a way of life. Again, it is so easy to chafe under trials. We would much rather find an easier way to grow in our faith. However it is during the hard times of life that our faith gets stretched and is enabled to grow stronger. 

This leaves us with a choice. We can either grow bitter in the hard times, or get better. Our faith can falter and fail, or it can be proven,  although by the fires of testing, and result in praise when we stand before Christ.

The Persecuted Church

      The second church addressed in Revelation chapter two is the one found in Smyrna. Like the others, this church was located in Asia Minor as well; what we now know as modern-day Turkey. This was a group of believers who were already facing hardship and were about to face increased persecution.

     And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things sayeth the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev 2:8-11 KJV).

     These words came from the one who lives, but was dead, the one who is alive forevermore and holds the keys of hell and death (Rev 1:18). Jesus tells us to fear not. He warns us that persecution will come to those who follow Him (John 15:18-21). In fact, He assures us that persecution is a blessing, and tells us to rejoice when it happens (Matt 5:10-12).

     And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt 10:28 KJV). As we read above, Jesus has conquered death and the grave, and as a result, eternal life awaits those who overcome. Therefore, we should not let fear keep us from following Jesus. This life is temporary, and the hardships we face are only a moment in eternity. Those who are ashamed of Jesus will find that He is ashamed of them as well (Mark 8:38). However, we read the opposite of those who overcome,

     And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev 12:11 KJV). 

     Multitudes of Christians have suffered persecution down through the ages, all around the world. Wherever the Church has suffered, it has also thrived in this way. This is the secret, to love not our lives unto death. We are told of a coming time of tribulation that will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. We must cast off fear, and rise in boldness, remembering the words of our Lord concerning persecution. He has warned us of it, and told us not to fear what man can do to us. We are to expect it, count ourselves blessed, and rejoice that we can suffer for His sake. 

     And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matt 10:22 KJV).

     He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7KJV).

     

He Who Overcomes

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will have 

 tribulation: but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)

     The bible is filled with admonitions to overcome. As followers of Christ, we face perils of all kinds. There is the world and all of its temptations, the lust of the eyes, of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). The Christian will face hatred and persecution for their faith in Jesus (John 15:18-21). Just as the world did to Jesus, they will do to His followers as well. We understand from the scriptures that perilous days will come (2 Tim 3:1-5). False teachers and deception has, and will continue to abound (Matt 24:4, 24; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1). Ultimately, Satan prowls around as a lion, seeking someone to devour (2 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:7-12).

     In the seven letters to the churches found in the book of Revelation we see a variety of pitfalls that have been prevalent for the last two thousand years of church history. We see the cold formal church, doing the right things, but lacking love (Rev 2:1-7).

     Then there is the church undergoing persecution, found in Revelation 2:8-11. Compromise with sin and doctrinal error have persisted as well, as we see in the letters to the church in Pergamos (Rev 2:12-17), and Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29). One thing that is worth noting here is the fact that several of these churches were doing right things, they had those who were faithful, yet the fact that error and compromise was allowed, was in effect destroying their spiritual life, and consequently their witness before the world. 

     We go on to read of a church that was busy, they had a reputation of being an alive, perhaps vibrant church, but the reality was, they were dead (Rev 3:1-6)! Then there was a faithful church, in spite of everything they faced, they persevered in standing true to Christ (Rev 3:7-13). 

     Perhaps the church everyone is the most familiar with is the "lukewarm church" of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22). This church thought they were in great shape, but they did not realize their spiritual poverty. they were self sufficient and proud, and did not realize that God was about to spit them out of His mouth.

     The common theme found in each of these letters is the call to overcome.  The lack of love, compromise with sin, doctrinal error, persecution, spiritual deadness, and lukewarmness, had to be overcome. The simple truth is that we are overcome by the things we do not overcome! We read in closing chapters of Revelation, who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7 NKJV).

     I would like to stress here that I am not advocating a works salvation where we earn God's favor. However, Jesus came to set us free from our sin, and how saved are we, if we willingly remain in it? Once again, we are overcome by what we do not overcome!

     Peter warns of those who once escaped the bondage of this world, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and then were once again entangled and overcome  (2 Peter 2:19-20). You are overcome by what bring you into bondage!

     Jesus has the answer for us. We read that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony, and our willingness to stand firm, even in the face of death (Rev 12:11). Thousands of Christians have faced persecution and death and remained faithful to the end. It has been said that the blood of the saints is the seed of the church, and I believe it. 

     John tells us, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5)? Just as Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33), we too can overcome the world. By faith in Christ, a faith that goes beyond believing right things about Jesus, to a faith that ruthlessly follows Him, trusting Him to guide, give courage, and empower. Real biblical faith adheres to Christ through all circumstances, shunning error and compromise, and boldly standing firm to the very end. If we truly believe who Jesus says He is, then will He not remain faithful to His word? In His word we find promises to bring us through all manners of temptations and trials. He has made it possible for us to become partakers of His divine nature, granting us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4). 

     As His followers it is time to draw a line in the sand, to make that irrevocable choice to stand firm to the end. Be an overcomer.