The Gift and the Prize

THE GIFT AND THE PRIZE
by J. Leland Earls, Word of Life Fellowship, Shelton, WA
www.wordoflifefellowship.com

posted with permission by Joel Jones, bible-based-studies.blogspot.com

One time I asked a Bible study group in the church where I ministered if they knew the difference between a "gift" and a "prize." The majority were immediately certain that they knew. I had them turn in their Bibles to Romans 6:23 where it speaks of the "gift" of God which is eternal life, and then Philippians 3:14 where we read of the "prize" of the high calling. Then I asked if they thought the two passages were referring to the same thing. They looked a little puzzled. Evidently such a thought had never occurred to most of them. Why should it? Most Christians have read the Bible so long through rose-colored glasses of traditional theology, that it is difficult for them to take the simple meaning of words and apply them correctly.

In Timothy 2:15, Paul admonishes us to "study [endeavor] to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." But how does one "rightly divide" the Word of Truth? The Greek word orthotomeo means 'to cut straight' (divide), and as Paul is speaking of a good workman, he must be thinking of some work in which the workman's skill consists in cutting straight; perhaps his own trade, in which it was all important to cut the pieces straight that were afterwards to be joined together to make a tent. To "rightly divide the word of Truth" means, at least in part, to properly "cut straight," divide or distinguish between the various portions of Divine Truth that they might be fit together into one harmonious whole.

Does it make sense to call salvation, or eternal life, both a gift and a prize? Does it not make better sense to "rightly divide" the two, and by diligent study, show by many Scriptures that there is a "prize" to be won as well as a "gift" to be received? And thus instead of making God's Word contradict itself, fit each portion of truth into its proper place in the Divine scheme of things and produce one harmonious whole.

If we are to "rightly divide" the word of Truth, we must distinguish between salvation, as such, which is the gift of God, and the "high calling" which is something to be attained to. This is brought out by Paul in I Corinthians 9:24, where he uses the same Greek word translated "prize" as we find in Philippians 3:14. He shows it to be like the prize won in the games or athletic contests of the time. "Know ye not that they which run a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." In the same chapter, Paul indicates his own apprehension of failure to obtain this prize:

"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one beating the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
I Corinthians 9:26-27

How different are these words than those of the Apostle which we read in II Timothy 1:12:
"For I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."

In one instance we have apprehension and in the other certitude. Should we not "rightly divide" these Scriptures and realize that in the latter words Paul was speaking of his certainty of salvation (eternal life), whereas in the former he realizes there is something else which he had not yet attained, and which would require all the energies and devotion of his life. Hear his words:

"...if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection “
Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:11-14

The prize which Paul is so eager to attain is referred to in the above passage as the "high calling." The Greek word translated "high" may also be translated "above" or "upwards." Thus the "high calling" is a summons or invitation to come up higher. This is in harmony with the statement in Hebrews 3:1: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling." It is a call or summons to attain to the glories of heaven itself. All of us who have been saved are partakers of (associates in) this heavenly calling. But - we must "give diligence to make our calling and election sure" (II Pet. 1:10). Certainly this is not the same as the GIFT of eternal life which is now the present possession of every born again Christian. The distinction is made clear in II Timothy 1:9 where Paul speaks of God Who "saved us, and called us with a holy calling." The two ideas would not be separated by the conjunction "and" if they were one and the same. Paul, in Romans 11:29, speaks of the gifts and the callings of God, indicating that they are not the same.

NOW the picture comes into focus. Obviously, if "heaven" is a PRIZE to be won, then the GIFT of eternal life must pro­vide only for restored life on the same plane on which it was lost - the EARTHLY! Adam was on earth, not in heaven, when he forfeited deathless life. The PRIZE involves being "joint heirs" with Christ and His own (heavenly) realm, to rule and reign with Him over the earth (Rom. 8:17; Rev. 5:10, 20:6). Those who fail to make this "calling" must come back to earth in the coming Kingdom age to live in deathless physi­cal bodies. The fact that many saved ones are now in that realm called "paradise" in no way indicates that they will be a part of that coming "Heavenly Kingdom" as "co-heirs and co-rulers" with Christ. Paradise is an intermediate state of bliss for departed souls who have been saved, but it is in no way synonymous with the glories of the coming Kingdom of Christ where those who have overcome will rule and reign with Him. Resurrected life back to this earth is to be the lot of many saved ones until they have fully entered into all that has been ordained for them. Then at some future date they shall be translated into the Heavenly realms, and they will operate no longer in a physical but in a glorified body.

We have seen from three different Scriptures that the PRIZE is a high calling, a holy calling and a heavenly calling. Let us examine these thoughts a little further. We know that the word "high" indicates that which is lofty or elevated. Thus, in type, the high calling would be symbolized by the top or summit of a mountain which rises above the ground level. Moses, on the top of Mount Sinai, would typify the high call­ing. The word "high" also means 'difficult to comprehend', 'of a great price', or 'greater price than usual'. Thus the "high calling" is not for easy going, indulgent Christians. A price must be paid! Paul knew well the price: a total renunciation of the things of the world. Hear his words:

"Howbeit, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea verify, and I count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for Whom I suffered the loss of all things and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ. . .that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, becoming conformed unto His death; if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from (out from
among) the dead."
Philippians 3:7-11

Paul is referring to the "first resurrection" of those who will "reign with Him" (Rev. 20:6). The word "high" also means 'elevated in rank, condition or office'. Those who attain unto the high calling are to re­ceive positions of authority and rank far above those who enter the earthly kingdom. As a matter of fact they are to rule over the earthly kingdom.

"Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of christ, and shall REIGN with Him a thousand years."
Revelation 20:6


Of the Apostles, Jesus said, "Ye shall sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28). According to Revelation 5:10, those to be made priests and kings shall reign on (over) the earth. Paul says in I Corinthians 6:2-3, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" Thus those of the "high calling" are el­evated even above angels!

The calling is not only high, it is also holy (II Tim. 1:9). "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). Holiness means separation in spirit from the things of the world. The Israelites, delivered from Egypt and on their way to Canaan, typify the Christians of this age who have been delivered from the pollutions of this world and are on their way to the Heavenly Kingdom. Numerous and detailed laws did God give the Israelites to teach them holiness (separation) from that which defiles and makes "unclean." Most of these laws are found in Leviticus, where repeatedly did God say, "Ye shall be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:44, and etc.). "I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people" (Lev. 20:24). All these things happened unto them for examples (types); and they are writ­ten for our admonition (I Cor. 10:11). "Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I WILL RECEIVE YOU" (II Cor. 6:17). "But as He which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy" (I Pet. 1:15). The church, which is to become the bride of Christ is to be presented to Him a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; "but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27). Certainly most Christians have not yet attained to this kind of holiness!

The calling is also a "heavenly" calling. "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling" (Heb. 3:1). The PRIZE of the high calling is Heaven itself; or we might say the "Heavenly Kingdom" or realm which is being prepared for those who lave Him with all of their hearts and souls, and who are being perfected into His likeness. Since "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (I Cor. 15:20), it becomes evident that those who enter therein are to be clothed with bodies commensurate with the Heavenly realm. Paul says,

"For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the
body of His Glory."
Philippians 3:20-21

We read in I Corinthians 15:40 that there are celestial (heavenly) bodies, and bodies terrestrial (earthly), and that the two differ in glory. Paul also uses the terms "natural" bodies and "spiritual" bodies (I Cor. 15:44-48). "Natural" bodies are for the earth, and "spiritual" bodies are for the heavens. The New Testament repeatedly speaks of this entrance into the Heavenly realm as being "glorified," or entering into "glory." "If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be glorified with Him" (Rom. 8:17). This, of course, indicates an adornment and beautification far surpassing that of the earthly glory. It is that "glory" with which Christ Himself was adorned after the resurrection and transformation of His earthly body. "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" (Lk. 24:26). Those who are to be glorified with Him are to become like Him.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it is not yet manifest what we shall be. We know that, when He shall be manifested, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." I John 3:2
Surely, it staggers our imagination to realize just how high, holy and heavenly this calling is!

Though this prize is something to be attained to, we must not harbor the idea that it is something achieved through our own effort or merit alone. It is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). It is the power of His Spirit dwelling within that enables one to overcome the world, even as He overcame the world and entered into glory. HE now lives to make intercession for us (Rom. 8:26-27). Only those who have allowed the Lord, by His Spirit, to do a perfect (complete) work in them (Phil. 1:6) can hope to be "joint heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17) in His own (heavenly) realm. How many have been lulled into the lethargy and slumber of the "foolish virgins" because the Word was not "rightly divided" to them; and they thought all there was to do was to believe, be baptized, and live a fairly respectable life, and a mansion in Heaven was awaiting them.

"For many are called but few are chosen" (Matt. 22:14). I used to think that this meant only a few would be saved and the rest eternally lost. I now realize that many saved ones are called to "His kingdom and glory," (I Thess. 2:12) but few give diligence to "….make their calling and election sure. .."(II Pet. 1:10). Shall we not "rightly divide" the Word of truth? We need to live in the joy and assurance of our salvation, but we also need to press on toward the "prize of the high calling." "Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Eph. 5:14).

Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3)

LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES
PART 1…THE LETTER TO EPHESUS.

Written by J. Leland Earls, Word of Life Fellowship (of Shelton, Washington) in about 1977.


The Lord has spoken to us by means of the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 2-3). Seven is the number of the church, and the seven letters portray a prophetic picture of the course of the church throughout the dispensation which is now drawing to a close. This is the day that all things pertaining to the church are coming to a consummation, and before long the final trumpet shall sound the call to battle. During the days of the voice of the seventh angel the mystery of God will be finished, and only those prepared shall be able to stand victoriously and help bind the power of Satan's fury (Rev. 10:7).

EPHESUS

The Lord's first message was to the church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1). Of the seven churches mentioned, only to the church of the Ephesians did the Apostle Paul also write an epistle. This is significant for it shows that the letter which the Lord sent to Ephesus portrays the condition in the early church during the days of the Apostle Paul and those associated with him. Even though it was conveyed through John to that church a number of years after Paul's ministry was sealed by death, it portrays by symbolic representation, the church of the Apostolic period. This is why the Lord is represented as the one "that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" (Rev. 2:1). In those days the Lord was still in control of the ministries of the church, and He was still walking in power in the midst of His people. He is still walking in the midst of His people, but He is not manifesting the living Word and power through them as His heart desires, because they are as yet unwilling to give Him all the glory, and He will share His glory with no man. He is still holding in His right hand certain special ministries of His choosing, and they are being prepared in this hour for a mighty work; but so many of those ministries are as yet unwilling to let Him hold them completely, having so many desires and ambitions of their own. So, by His Spirit He broods over His people and ministries, longingly waiting for the time that He can once again assume full control and Headship over all that is His. This He will do, and very shortly, for none shall be able to thwart His purpose, and those who have been prepared shall rise up in power as ONE MAN, fitly joined together as His Body, ready to fulfill their destined calling in this end-time.

Now the glory of the Apostolic church is seen in the words of commendation which the Lord spoke unto it.

"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My Name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. " Revelation 2:2-3

The early church was vigilant against evil which corrupts and against false apostles sowing seeds of error. But they were lax in guarding against the intrusion of interests which began to capture their attention and affection to the extent that their love for the Lord was no longer the primary, all-consuming focus of their lives. Therefore the Lord said, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Rev. 2:4). Here is the key to maintaining freshness and vigor in your Christian life as well as power and vitality in the church. Ever make the Lord the object of your love and adoration. Let no person or thing become more important in your life than Him. Let not your primary concern be the doing of things for Him, but let it be the outpouring of your love to Him as you spend much time in the secret place of meditation on His Word and the uplifting of praises unto Him. When you become primarily occupied with the doing of things FOR Him, in works and labors, you are focusing your attention on that which is secondary, and like those in the early church you are in danger of leaving your first love. Live in His love; let it consume your very being; then your labors will indeed be great. But they will be a demonstration of LOVE WROUGHT OUT, and not merely the attempt to gain something: whether that be in the sight of men, for praise and recognition, or in the Lord's sight, to gain His favor and reward. The Lord does not care for your works, as such, but He prizes highly that which represents love poured out, in obedience and faithfulness.

His admonition to the church at Ephesus, as representative of the Apostolic period, was to "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent" (Rev. 2:5). The "first works" which the Lord wanted them to return to were the works of obedience, demonstrating love. For those who love Him keep His commandments. He is not interested in His people doing works for works sake. He is interested in His people loving Him and obeying Him. When the early church began to get its eyes on labors and works, no matter how well intentioned, forgetting to look unto Him in obedient love, to do His will, then were they commanded to repent. But having failed to heed that warning, their lamp was removed, and the glory and power of the Apostolic period began to wane until it was as a lamp which had ceased to shine.

But there were those who rose above the wayward tendencies of their brethren. They were sensitive to the Spirit’s wooing and leading. To them did the Lord speak:

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Revelation 2:7

The "overcomers" were given special promises because of their fidelity to the Lord and obedience to His Word, overcoming the tendency to laxness in seeking Him and His will first. They were privileged to eat of the "tree of life." This tree is none other than the Lord's own life and righteousness imparted to those who receive Him by faith. But the eating of the fruit thereof speaks of the joys and blessedness of those who have so yielded unto Him in love and obedience, that the fruits of righteousness, the fruits of the Spirit's working in their inner being, have been brought forth in profusion. This is the tree of life bearing its fruit in the midst of the paradise of God. That paradise, in one application, represents the 'garden' of the human body, in the midst of which divine life is at work, watered by the Word and the Spirit, and quickened by the warmth of reciprocating love.

The Lord commended the church of Ephesus for one other attribute. "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate" (Rev. 2:6). The Nicolaitans were those who slyly sought to elevate certain leaders above the people in such a way that they gradually assumed sacerdotal importance, even as the priests of the pagan religions. But such deeds were clearly evident in those who were followers and promoters of false apostles, and the true saints refused to be misled by those who sought to substitute spiritual authority for authority appointed and enforced by men. If God's people in this day are to enter into His purposes, and receive the glory awaiting, they must have the spiritual perception to discern between the false and the true, and "hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans" even as the early Christians did. The Lord's true ministries do not need the carnal ways of man to fulfill their calling, and He will hold His people exalt and promote the flesh of men as a substitute for true spiritual authority and power. That which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in God's sight (Lk. 16:15).



Letters to the Seven Churches,
Part 2,
SMYRNA
Written by Leland Earls in about 1977. Word of Life Fellowship. Shelton, WA.
www.wordoflifefellowship.com

The Lord's second message was unto the church of Smyrna. Since this letter followed the one to Ephesus, it portrays, by symbolic representation, the period in the history of the church following the Apostolic age. It was the period of the great persecutions under the Roman emperors. That is why the Lord's salutation at the beginning has to do with life forevermore; for many saints were martyred during this period of history. So it is written: "These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive" (Rev. 2:8). It was the Lord's assurance that as He was the first to die by the hands of the persecutors, so would He be with all who had to lay down their lives for His Name's sake, even unto the last one. And even as He was made alive after death, so would He quicken to life all who laid down their lives in death: first in the eternal realms of the soul, and finally in the resurrection of the physical body.

During the time of these intense persecutions by the Roman beast, it was a common practice to confiscate the property and belongings of the Christians who would not deny their faith. Therefore did the Lord speak unto them:

"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." Revelation 2:9

Many found themselves in great poverty as far as material things were concerned, but they were rich in faith and in spiritual verities. Although the persecutions were carried out by the Roman powers, in many instances, behind the scenes, the instigators were the Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire. These Jews, though claiming to be descendants of Abraham according to the flesh, were not 'true Jews', or Israelites indeed, according to the spirit of faith (Rom. 2:28-29). Having rejected the Messiah, and having sinned against great light, they became blinded captives of the enemy, even Satan, and thus the very manifest enemies of all Christians. Their 'blasphemy' consisted of their laying claim to the Name of the Almighty as His chosen, but not in truth and righ¬teousness. Yet they have been preserved according to the flesh, for a purpose yet to be fulfilled at the close of the age.

So great was the persecution of these saints that untold thousands were imprisoned. Therefore the Lord spoke,

"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." Revelation 2:10

For many, the imprisonment was unto death; oft times by means of savage torture at the hands of men or by the mouths of lions. The ten days mentioned is symbolic of the ten great persecutions which rose and receded during a period of over two centuries. The ten also portrays the completion of a soul cycle, whereby that life which had been received into the souls of those persecuted was tested and proven through the 'fires' of opposition, engendering completion unto 'life crowned'. This 'crown of life' promised to those who would be faithful unto death is life on a higher plane of being. It will be received when the Lord returns to gather His full overcoming saints unto Himself. This life will be manifested in a glorified physical body, like unto the Lord's own glorious body (Phil. 3:21). It goes beyond eternal life in the soul realm, or resurrected physical life on the earth plane. It is the ultimate of that which the Lord has planned for those who love Him and keep His commandments.

A promise of assurance is given in this letter unto those who overcome, even in a measure. The Lord states that, "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (Rev. 2:11). There are degrees of overcoming, as seen in the fact that in all there are seven special promises to the overcomers in the seven letters. The assurance given here is for those who go beyond the initial believing in the Lord's vicarious atonement for their sins. The escaping of the second death is possible only through being 'born anew' of the incorruptible seed (Jn. 3:3-5, I Pet. 1:23). When His very own LIFE is imparted to the soul, it is forever free from death, and the eventual restoration of the physical body is also assured, if that body has been laid aside in death. The second death has to do with a future judgment day, and those who have "passed from death to life" (Jn. 5:24) need have no fear, for they remain secure, and when the “lake of fire:” is activated, netting the second death for both body and soul (Matt. 10:28), they shall have no part therein (see Rev. 20:9-15). "He that has an ear, lei him hear what the Spirit is saying unto the churches."
Written by J. Leland Earls, Word of Life Fellowship (of Shelton, Washington) in about 1977. www.wordoflifefellowship.com. They hold the copyright.

Letters to the Seven Churches,
Part 4, Thyatira

THYATIRA

The fourth church to which the Lord delivered a message was Thyatira. During this era, the apostasy culminated with the complete centralization of power in the bishop of Rome who was given the title of Pope' (or papa) of bishops, The Eastern section of the organized church resisted this centralization of power in the West, and gradually a schism developed to such proportions that an open split resulted After commending the faithful of the church of Thyatira for their works and charity and service and faith and patience, the Lord expressed His displeasure at the increased apostasy:

"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." Revelation 2:20

That which was the "doctrine of Balaam" during the Pergamos era, became, in the Thyatira period of the church, the seducing tactics of "that woman Jezebel." Jezebel was the wife of the wicked king Ahab during the days that Israel had almost completely abandoned the faith of their fathers. She was the daughter of a foreign king who brought her alien religion into Israel, and because of the weakness of Ahab, she dominated the religious life of the nation, destroying the true Prophets of God and establishing the prophets of Baal and Asherah (see 1 Kings 16:30-32; 18:4,13,19). This is the typical picture the Lord chooses in order to portray the religious condition of the Thyatira period, commonly referred to as the Middle Ages: the inception of which was in the years of growing Papal power.

The Lord declares that Jezebel seduced His servants to commit fornication. Symbolically, this Jezebel is one and the same as the great whore described in Revelation 17,

"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
Revelation 17:2

This "fornication" has to do with the illicit relationship of church and state, primarily; however, it relates also to the unholy union of church and manmade organizations which purport to speak for the Lord. It is the church turning to the "arm of flesh" for its sustenance and propagating power (Jer. 17:5). This "mother of harlots" is symbolic of false religion -that which is alien to the true spirit of Christ. She has filled the earth with her abominations, and the inhabitants of the earth are drunk with the wine of her fornication.

This woman has plied her trade for many centuries, even before the Christian era began. She is pictured as sitting upon many waters, or peoples, and also upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 17:1-3). From the over-all historical perspective, the seven heads are seven major nations or empires which have been, or will be, influenced by this woman. They are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome (both pagan and Christian, including those nations which have apostatized into Communism, taking upon their heads the name of blasphemy - (Rev. 13:1), and the coming world government of the False Prophet which must continue for a short time (Rev. 13:11-18, 17:10, 19:20). The woman, or false religion, will continue to hold sway in the coming era of the seventh head, for the corrupt religious systems, both Catholic and Protestant, will enter into league with it. The sixth head, which ruled in the Apostle John's day (Rev. 17:10), has continued until this day, as its hereditary power has continued through Christendom, even though apostate and blasphemous.

Historically, the woman, which is the priestcraft of false religion, has affected the affairs of the nations directly through the close relationship of government and an officially sup ported priesthood. The priesthood has helped the ruling forces to maintain their power and control by keeping the masses of people in subjection through fear and supposed paternalistic favor. Thus the woman is supported or carried by the Beast through an official working relationship between religion and state. In those former Christian nations which have taken upon their heads the name of blasphemy, however, there is a different relationship between the woman and the Beast. The woman is responsible for the coming into being of such Marxist dictatorships by fostering conditions leading to severe reaction against the corrupt system which prevailed through her fornication. Thus false religion actually is responsible for spawning the likes of Communism; it is her offspring. And because she has spawned it, she shall be judged by it.

This is portrayed in the prophetic picture by the following:

"And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.” Revelation 17:16

The ten horns are ten nations which will be completely taken over by Beastial elements and become an integral part of the "sea beast" (Rev. 13:1). They shall then turn against the religious systems and decimate them, both Catholic and Protestant. This will include the very stronghold of the Roman church system in Italy - the Vatican. Think not that only the Catholic branches of apostate Christianity will feel the wrath of the Beast. The harlot daughters of the Protestant fold will also be greatly affected.

In the letter to Thyatira, the Lord gave this warning concerning Jezebel:

"Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds." Revelation 2:22

It will be during the Great Tribulation that the great whore will be decimated by the Beastial powers, which correspond to the dogs that ate Jezebel after she was cast down and trodden under foot (II Ki. 9:30-37). The Lord has given her much opportunity to repent of her fornication but she has refused, therefore He will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that it is He which searches the reins and hearts: and He will give unto everyone according to their works (Rev. 2:21, 23). The time is drawing near when all of these things will take place. Therefore consider, for even now we are being tried; and the Lord is searching our hearts,

"As many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come." Revelation 2:24

As in the other letters, there is a promise given to the overcomers in the message to Thyatira.

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star.” Revelation 2:26-28

In the letter to Thyatira, the first mention is made of the Great Tribulation which comes at the close of the church age. This is because the apostate religious system which became entrenched during the Thyatira period continues until the Tribulation and will be judged at that time. The initial fulfillment of the promise to the overcomers will come at the beginning of the Tribulation period. The Lord will translate and take unto Himself 144,000 of the choicest of saints, and they will be given power over the nations during the Tribulation. They will be functioning in their glorified bodies and will have the power to appear and disappear on the earth. This ability will constitute the "rod of iron" which will be used as the means to speak God's word and enforce His judgments. Jesus received of His Father authority, and He will give to His servants authority to implement His will among the nations, and those nations which do not that which they make known will be broken in pieces as a potter's vessel. These Firstfruits saints are also given the pledge of the "morning star," which is the Lord's betrothal to them as the Bridegroom. They are the wise virgins, received into the marriage at the midnight hour (Matt. 25:10). They make up "the queen in gold of Ophir” to be "brought unto the king in raiment of needlework" (Ps. 45:9-14). "The virgins her companions that follow her" will be brought unto Him at the close of the Tribulation (Ps. 45:14 15). They are the foolish virgins who are not completely read) at the beginning of the Tribulation, when He comes as a thief in the night (Matt. 25:11-13). He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.


Part 5, Sardis

SARDIS

Following the Thyatira era was the period of church history represented by the church in Sardis. To this church the Lord spoke saying,

"These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."
Revelation 3:1

After many centuries of entrenched apostasy, the Sardis era dawned with the raising up of the great Reformers who protested the abuses and falsehoods of the Roman system. The Scriptures began to be opened to them and they began to speak the truth with power. The discovery of printing and the invention of the printing press also enabled them to print and distribute portions of the Scriptures to multitudes of people. In time a mighty movement was sweeping across the formerly Catholic dominated countries of Europe, and that which was later known as Protestantism was born. That is why He spoke as the One Who "has the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars." For the first time in hundreds of years there was a large scale spiritual awakening: a coming forth from slumber and darkness. The "seven stars" indicate the coming forth during that time of a true spiritual ministry, and the "seven spirits" portray the working of the spirit of revelation and power. Thus it was fulfilled that the church of the Reformation had a name that lived; but, immediately following, the Lord said: "and art dead" (Rev. 3:1). Why? Although the Reformers broke away from the dead forms of the Roman church, they very soon began to establish church systems patterned after their Catholic mother. Although avoiding the complete centralization of power, they began to erect hierarchies of authority by means of man-made denominational councils and clerical bodies of various kinds. There was also a further turning to the 'arm of flesh' by entering into the church-state relationship in various countries A further deadening influence came from the creedal battles which ensued for many years. Thus that which had sprung forth as a living movement gradually became crystallized into well-established and organized denominations with rigid lines of demarcation, and fixed creeds and forms. Therefore did God speak:

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and holdfast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Revelation 3:2-3

The fact that He spoke of His coming "as a thief indicates that the Protestant denominations, along with their Catholic mother, will not be expecting His return, but will be taken completely by surprise. There are a few, however, who will be ready. Of them did He speak:

"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy." Revelation 3:4

Their garments, which they have kept undefiled, are their inner soul garments. Originally washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 1:5, 7:14), they have been kept continually white and pure through obedience to the Truth, and the washing of the water of the Word (I Pet. 1:22, Eph. 5:26-27). They will "walk with Him in white" by being received of Him when He comes as a thief at the beginning of the Tribulation period, and by being clothed with their glorified bodies.
As in the other letters, a further promise was given to the overcomers.

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." Revelation 3:5

The white raiment mentioned here symbolizes the glori¬fied bodies with which the translated saints will be clothed. On its own plane of existence such a body glows with the soft white light of the glory of God. When manifesting on the earth plane and appearing to those yet in the flesh, the glori¬fied body vibrates to the pitch of flesh and bone (Lk. 24:39) and is as tangible as any flesh and blood body; but its sustaining principle is no longer the life in the blood, which links the body with the earth and its elements, for the very life-substance of God sustains it and relates it to the plane of divine life and light. It is because the overcomer is so clothed that the Lord is able to confess his name before His Father and before His angels. None except those so clothed will ever be ushered into the Presence of the Most High God. And to them is the added assurance given that under no circumstances will their name ever be removed from the "Book of Life." They will be sons of glory, manifesting the life and light of God on their own plane of existence, but also ministering to and watching over those who are yet on the earth plane. They shall be joined by a great host at the close of the Tribulation as many more overcomers put on their garments of light and glory, to be united with Him in joint-heirship and joint-rulership of all that is His (Rev. 7:9-17).
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Labels: Revelation Prophecy Sardis Tribulation Overcomer


LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES, PART 6, CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA

The sixth message was given to the Philadelphia Church. This church represents that era out of which arose the great evangelical and missionary witness which has caused the Gospel to be sent to many lands. It had its inception during the time that the Protestant churches had become virtually dead and ineffectual in their witness. Especially in the English speaking countries there was a turning to the Lord by individuals and small groups of Christians seeking revival because of the desperately wicked conditions prevalent. The Lord heard their cry, even as His words indicate:

"These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My Name." Revelation 3:7-8

He is presented as the One Who is holy and true, because the emphasis was placed on holiness of life, and the present¬ing of the Gospel of truth to the ends of the earth. Flaming evangelists arose calling sinners to repentance. Missionary societies of various kinds began to mushroom, and over a period of a number of years, thousands of missionaries went to heathen lands. Many movements arose placing the emphasis on the simple life of the New Testament in faith and order. Other movements arose placing the emphasis on holiness, sanctification and separateness from the world.

Hand in hand with this spiritual resurgence, primarily in the English speaking world, went the advent of Britain and the United States to positions of world leadership. Thus tru¬ly an open door was set before the church of the 19th century to present the Gospel witness throughout the world. The two greatest Christian nations had both the opportunity and the means presented to them; for as the sovereign King, having the key of David, the Lord pledged that no man would shut that door.

During the era of the sixth church the Lord gave the Christian peoples an unprecedented opportunity, an open door, to come into the fullness of that number, for on the sixth day He created man, and said "let him have dominion” (Gen. 1:26). If God's people had been willing to pay the price, spiritual dominion could have arisen throughout the earth and the way prepared for a 20th century of righteousness and peace. But instead, the 20th century has seen two World Wars, many smaller ones, and a third World War is now on the horizon. It saw the beast of Communism arise and enslave multitudes of people. It saw the rapid decline of Britain in world leadership. It is now seeing the power of entrenched evil fasten itself upon the nations as never before; and the breakdown of law and order is a growing menace. It is seeing the rapid loss of individual liberties and the increasing control by expanding governments. It is seeing unprecedented moral breakdown on all levels of society, and the increasing deterioration of the organized churches into the practical infidelity of liberalism and modernism. All of this BECAUSE the Lord's people failed to avail themselves of the open door which He set before them to vigorously carry forth the commission to evangelize the nations.

Because of the faithfulness of a small remnant which has kept the Lord's Word, and has not denied His Name, He will continue to keep this door open even unto the end of the age, and the Gospel of the Kingdom will yet be preached in all nations for a witness before the end comes (Matt. 24:14). But because of the failure to carry forth the Word during the years when the way would have been relatively easy, the battle will now be hard fought, with much opposition. Only at a great cost will the message now be carried to the ends of the earth, for the martyrs will be many, as Satanic power in full fury arises to encompass the earth. And those who truly love Him will have to give up most of their earthly wealth and possessions in order to remain true to the Lord and keep from receiving the mark of the Beast in their foreheads and in their hands (Rev. 13:16).

How can we fulfill the Lord's Word? Our strength is small (Rev. 3:8). It will be because of the Lord's secret strategy! Spiritual power unprecedented will be available when He suddenly translates the 144,000 Firstfruits and commissions them to uphold and guide His end-time Body on the earth, and when He pours out His Spirit in profusion in fulfillment of the end-time Pentecost. And through the supernatural guidance of His glorified ones, and the anointed ministry of His chosen saints on earth, His Word shall go forth in power, accompanied by signs, wonders and miracles. So will the true spirit of the Philadelphia church continue until the end, that a mighty harvest might be brought forth unto the Lord.

Even as the apostate Roman church of the Thyatira period continues to the end to be cast into a bed of Tribulation (Rev. 2:22-23), and the dying Protestant churches, which had their inception in the Sardis era, continue to be taken by surprise when He comes as a thief (Rev. 3:3), so will the faithful remnant represented by the Philadelphia church continue as a witness of the Lord's faithfulness until through them He has accomplished the fulfillment of the open door that no man can shut. Those nations which seem to be shut to a vital Gospel witness shall yet be penetrated with mighty revival.

After the Lord has poured out His Spirit on the prepared and waiting remnant, and a mighty revival begins to sweep across the earth, then will the words be fulfilled:
"Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." Revelation 3:9

One of the great phenomena of the end-time revival will be the turning of many Jews to the Lord as their Messiah. This will be brought about by the unusual witness of those who have been especially prepared and commissioned for a Spirit-powered ministry that will convince and convict. Many who have been the Satan-impelled enemies of the Cross and the Christian Gospel will suddenly make an about face and become outspoken witnesses for the Truth. They will come in humility and repentance, and in great contrition, and sit at the feet of those who are gathered together in the spirit of the Philadelphia church, where the love of God is manifested in reality and power. Then they will be 'true Jews' indeed, in the spirit of the New Covenant of faith, and the circumcision of the heart (Rom. 2:28-29). And they shall worship the Lord in oneness of heart with those they had formerly despised.

The Lord spoke a further word to the Philadelphia church,
"Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Revelation 3:10-11

This has a two-fold application. First, the 144,000 wise virgin Firstfruits will be taken and translated into the Heavenly realm just before the great hour of trial begins. They shall be redeemed from the earth to stand before the Son of man, that they might be commissioned for duty among the saints yet on earth during the Tribulation (Lk. 21:36, Rev. 14:4).

Secondly, all those who faithfully keep the Lord's Word and put their complete trust in Him, will receive His protection and guidance, that they be not confused, confounded or harmed by the trying events and circumstances of the Tribulation period. There will be those who will die for His Name's sake that they might receive the martyr's reward, but only because they have willingly agreed to make such a sacrifice. But until their time comes, they will be kept from all harm. The "crown" mentioned is that which He has spoken of elsewhere. It corresponds to the prize of the high calling: those who will be received into the Heavenly Kingdom to rule and reign with Him. Give diligence, therefore, to make your calling and election sure (II Pet. 1:10).

Finally, in the Philadelphia letter, there is the sixth promise to the overcomers.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out
of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new Name." Revelation 3:12The temple which the Lord is building is a spiritual one made of living stones (I Pet. 2:5, Eph. 2:20-22). The stones are now being hewn and prepared, as each overcomer yields to the working of the Lord's Spirit in his or her life. He is the chief corner stone of this temple which is to be filled with the fullness of the glory of God. This temple will be fitly joined together, first on earth, and then in the heavenlies. He is now moving by His Spirit to bring about the fulfillment of that which we read about in the Scriptures.

The type of that which the Lord is doing is portrayed in the events which led up to the construction of the physical Temple under Solomon. You will notice that David prepared in abundance for the temple before his death, and he set masons to work to hew wrought stones for the building thereof (see I Chron. 22:1-5). David's reign is a type of the Christian dispensation, even as the preceding reign of Saul is a type of the era of the Law. Solomon's reign is a type of the Kingdom era which is now at hand. The Temple was not actually joined together until Solomon began his reign, but the preparation was made in the reign of David by the gathering of the material and the hewing of the stones. The stones were prepared in the quarries before they were brought together at the building site. So perfect was the preparation that each stone fit in its proper place so that "there was neither hammer nor axe not any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building" (I Kings. 6:7).

This is why the Lord must do a perfecting work in our lives now, for as living stones in His Temple you must be prepared to take your place in that which He has chosen for you. For before long He will begin to move mightily to join together the living stones as a mighty witness to His power and glory. Even as Solomon was anointed king before David'; death, so does this portray the fact that there is an overlap ping of dispensations. The Day of the Lord, or Solomon's reign, has its inception before the Christian dispensation, or David's reign, is completely over. The overlapping period is signaled by the beginning of the blowing of the seven trumpets recorded in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 8:2). Historically this period had its inception during the years that the secret of the atom was being unlocked and, more specifically, when the first atomic bomb was exploded. But the actual joining together in power of the Lord's glorious Temple does not take place until the blowing of the seventh trumpet when His secret strategy takes place and He pours out His Spirit in a second Pentecost.

What He joins together on earth as a witness to His Glory, and to bring forth a mighty harvest as one age is closing and another is beginning, He will also join together in the heavenlies. For immediately following the Great Tribulation, a great host of overcomers will be joined to Him in the Heavenly Kingdom, being united with one another and with the Firstfruits who preceded them (Rev. 14:2-4). This glorified body of saints will then be the means whereby the Lord will dwell in the midst of the people who are on the earth within the confines of the earthly kingdom. For those in the earthly kingdom will receive constant teaching, guidance and counsel from the glorified saints.

Because of the destiny of the overcoming saints, and their coming inheritance as joint heirs in the Heavenly Kingdom, being associated with all the Heavenly retinue, He will write upon them the name of His God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and His new Name (Rev. 3:12). The writing of these names has nothing to do with an outward inscription of any kind. They are expressive of Spirit impartations, making the recipients equal to that which is required for participation in and fulfillment of their assigned positions. The "name of My God" must be written upon the foreheads of all overcomers while yet in the flesh. It is their 'sealing' for the Spirit-powered ministry that is to come forth in His spiritual temple, or Body in this end time (Rev. 7:3, 14:1). After the overcoming saints have been glorified they shall receive the name, or power- potential, necessary for them to dwell within the New Jerusalem, which will come down out of the upper heavens and be stationed in the stratosphere above the earth. This will then be the home and headquarters for the glorified saints, who will descend and ascend to and from the earth to carry out their duties. They will also receive the power-potential of the Lord's new Name, in order that they may be fully equipped for the task of ruling and reigning with Him. He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Posted by Joel Jones at 4:38 AM 0 comments Links to this post



THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES, Part 7
LAODICEA
Written by J. Leland Earls, Word of Life Fellowship (of Shelton, Washington) in about 1977. See www.wordoflifefellowship.com


The final message in the Book of Revelation that was given to John was to the church of the Laodiceans. To this church is written:

"These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth." Revelation 3:14-15

The church of the Laodiceans portrays the final era of the Christian dispensation. It represents the prevailing conditions extant in the organized church world as this age draws to a close. Insipid lukewarmness is the chief characteristic. Because of this He has spewed the entire organized church out of His mouth, both Catholic and Protestant. This does not mean He has repudiated those individuals who truly believe in Him and are yet in the organized systems. But before the end comes, they must hear His call:

"come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Rev. 18:4)

The Lord is presented in this letter as the "faithful and true witness" in contrast to the unfaithfulness and distorted witness of the Laodicean church. He is also presented as "the beginning of the creation of God" because of the inception of the new thing that He will do as the Laodicean era comes to a close. He will raise up a mighty witness in the remnant that is being called out of the Babylonish church systems, and they shall manifest the power and glory of that new creation which is coming forth through His resurrection life. Since the Lord is the firstborn among many brethren, there will be many who will come to that measure of maturity which will enable Him to unveil them as the sons of God, giving them immortality for their physical bodies (Rom. 8:19, 29). Some will put on the glory of the celestial as their bodies are changed into the likeness of His glorious body (Phil. 3:21); and others will manifest sonship on the terrestrial plane, having their bodies changed from corruptible to incorruptible (I Cor. 15:40-41, 53-54).

Now notice a further characteristic of the Laodicean period.

"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
Revelation 3:17-19

A contributing factor to the spiritual lukewarmness of the present day church-world is the prosperity which abounds in most Western nations. A feeling of smug complacency has blinded the churches to their spiritual poverty and their desperate need. Clothed with their own self-righteousness, they know not their nakedness in His sight. Therefore He has raised up messengers to expose and rebuke the carnality, apostasy and ineptness of the spiritually destitute churches. This calls for repentance! The Lord is moving in His providence to bring chastening through adverse conditions in civil life and international affairs. Conditions will become so severe that the people of the predominantly Christian nations will either repent or perish. It is because of His great love for those who know not their folly and the consequences thereof that He rebukes and chastens. The Lord must awaken those who are asleep and destined for destruction. Otherwise there would be no hope.
There is a great need now for the three things which the Lord offers. The first is gold tried in the fire. Gold is a symbol of true spiritual character, brought about by the working of His Spirit and forged in the crucible of testing experiences. He must have a people who are completely receptive to His workings in their inner being and thoroughly purged from the dross of their own ways. The second is white raiment. This is symbolic of that righteousness and purity which only He can impart. Only those who are fully clothed with this raiment can enter into the end-time ministry of that spiritual Body which He is raising up. The third is eye-salve to anoint the eyes. Only the revelation of the Lord's Spirit can cause us to see the mighty truths which He wants us to know in this hour. Since He counsels to "buy" of Him, there is a price which must be paid. The price is simply the willingness to let Him have your life to do with it as He pleases. Only as there is complete yielding and obedience, can He be the means of bringing forth in your life pure gold, impart unto you white raiment, and anoint your eyes to see His truth.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20

He longs to have that intimate communion with us which is described in these words. But so few want to invite Him in to take complete control of their lives. This is the day that He is offering to make Himself real unto a people as never before in history. Open your heart and let Him have His way in you. He is then ready to show Himself strong on your behalf. No other generation has had as great an opportunity as He is offering unto you in this hour. He stands at the door and knocks; the choice is yours.

Now, look at the final promise to the overcomers in these seven letters.

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." Revelation 3:21
Even though He was the very Son of the Highest, functioning on the plane of Deity, He emptied Himself and took on the form of man, that He might overcome as a man. Then was He highly exalted and given a place of rulership on the Throne of His Father. This is the pattern for those who love Him and let Him bring them into an overcoming experience, rising above the spiritual level of most Christians. To "overcome" means to 'rise above', to 'come up over to a higher spiritual plane'. It comes only through greater yielding and submission to the Lord's will. The time is coming soon when He will sit upon the Throne of His glory in the Heavenly) Kingdom which will be set up in the realms surrounding the earth. Then shall the overcomers of all the church eras be exalted to sit on that throne with Him. They will then be kings and priests to rule with Him over the earth (Rev. 1:6, 5:10, 20:4). Truly this is the PRIZE of the high calling; it is both joint heirship on the plane of glorified life, and joint rulership with Him in His Kingdom. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Again notice that in each of the seven letters to the seven churches of Asia, it is unto the angel of the church that He addresses His words. What does this mean? In the vision which John saw, the Lord was standing in the midst of the seven lamps and in His right hand He held seven stars (Rev. 1:13, 16). Then He spoke concerning this mystery:

"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." Revelation 1:20

We have already viewed the mystery of the seven churches; as portraying the seven epochs, or eras, of time from the Apostolic church unto the end of the age.
Now let us look at the mystery of the seven angels. In its first application, the seven angels are seven heavenly beings who have been given charge over the church during this age one over each of the seven epochs. In its second application the seven angels or messengers are seven men who have been raised up: one within each of the seven church periods with a special commission and message for that time. Each of these men has fulfilled his commission; the seventh and last has finished his work. This means that a new day is breaking and a new era is at hand. And the Lord is now raising up messengers to bring His people into the truths and powers of that new day. Do not look back to the past; neither to any of the messengers of the past. But receive that which the Lord is making known through messengers of the new day. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

posted by Joel Jones at bible-based-studies.blogspot.com , copyright Word of Life Fellowship, Shelton, Washington USA .... www.wordoflifefellowship.com

Elijah Comes First - by J. Leland Earls

INTRODUCTION

It was prophesied of John the Baptist before his birth that he would go before the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). Yet, when John began his ministry of preaching, he was asked point-blank by priests, "Art thou Elijah?" John answered just as pointedly, "I am NOT" (see John 1:21). The fact that John refused to claim that he was some great one out of the past, a prophet who had lived before, should be an example and warning to us. Any individual person who claims he is ELIJAH, or someone else out of the past, is surely FALSE! Those who are truly called of God do not make presumptuous claims. However, we will see in this study that John the Baptist did fulfill the "Elijah" prophecies for his day, and that there is to be a fulfillment of those same "Elijah" prophecies for our day, not by some man who claims he is Elijah come back, but by a preparatory move of the Spirit of God.

John the Baptist was to PREPARE THE WAY of the Lord as follows: "And many of the children of Israel shall he TURN to the Lord their God… to TURN the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the WISDOM of the just; to MAKE READY a PEOPLE prepared for the Lord' (Luke 1:16-16), To prepare THE WAY is to prepare a PEOPLE who will TURN from their ways to GOD'S WAY. This calls for a REPENTANCE (a TURNing) and a RESTORATION (of the WAY). This people (a "firstfruits remnant") who will turn wholeheartedly to be established in HIS WAY, shall then become THE WAY unto multitudes during the time of great harvest that is coming.
In order to understand more aspects of these truths not covered in this study, check back here at this blog for when we will have posted, "The Voice of the Bridegroom" by the same author . A study of that booklet will be helpful in getting the completed picture of an Elijah-John the Baptist ministry preparing the way of the Lord in these days and in the days that are ahead. John's ministry as the "friend of the Bridegroom" to prepare the Bride is presented in detail.


ELIJAH IS HERE

God's prophet. "Behold, Elijah is here!" These are the starting words that were to be conveyed to Ahab the King of Israel by Obadiah, the governor of his house (1 Kings 18:7-8). Elijah had been hiding away at the command of God during the time of drought which had come as a judgment on the nation, because of the wickedness of the king and his foreign wife, Jezebel. But the time had come for the drought to end, and God was once again going to send rain upon the land. Elijah therefore had to emerge to get the people ready for what was coming.

A living drama. What takes place in the story of Elijah as recorded in the 17th 18th chapters of 1 Kings is extremely significant for the day in which we are living. God has wrought a "living drama" for us that we might learn by the things that are written aforehand for our admonition (1 Cor. 10:11). This story takes on special significance in light of that which is spoken by Malachi the prophet: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (4:5-6). Signs indicate that the great "day" of the Lord's judgments upon this earth and His return in power and great glory (Mt. 24:30) are near at hand. Therefore the prophecy of Malachi must be fulfilled before He comes.

Preliminary fulfillment. Many prophecies in the Bible have both a preliminary and a final fulfillment. Sometimes there is even more than one preliminary fulfillment before the prophecy finds its final and complete fulfillment, God's Word is rich and many-sided, having many facets of application, like the many sides of a beautiful jewel, each reflecting the light in its own way, and adding to the symmetry of the whole. Paul speaks of the "manifold (many-sided) wisdom of God" (Eph. 3:10), and certainly this is incorporated into His Word, as history (His story) unfolds in harmony with the predictive words of the prophets, pulsating in rhythmic fulfillments, both preliminary and final but conforming to the basic pattern of each prophetic declaration.

John the Baptist. The disciples asked Jesus a question. "Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" Jesus replied "Elijah does come and will get everything restored and ready, but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know or recognize him, but did to him as they Iiked. Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist" (Mt. 17:10-13), Amplified Trans. The scribes knew the law, and were familiar with the prophecy of Malachi that Elijah was to be sent before the day of the Lord's appearing, but because they were blinded by their own traditions, these religious leaders did not recognize the fulfillment of the prophecy before their very eyes. But Jesus said John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy for His day.

Warning. The above should be a warning to us. Unless we have "eyes to see and ears to hear" (Mt. 13:16), it is possible for important prophetic events to be taking place around us and not even be aware of it. Jesus said "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation (with outward show and display so that everyone is aware of it): neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (or, in your midst)" (Luke 17:20-21). God's kingdom workings and progressive fulfillment can be taking place right in the midst of even religious people, and yet they may not be aware of it, or its spiritual significance in relation to God's unfolding purposes. Concerning John the Baptist, Jesus spoke on another occasion, "All the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah who was to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Mt. 11:14-15). Ah, dear friend, pray for spiritual perception and attunement to the divine Word and its fulfillment even in this day, that ye may have grace to receive what shall be unfolded herein.

Preliminary and partial. To show how a prophetic scripture may be fulfilled in part but not fully in a particular historical setting, let us take a look at Isa. 40:3-5: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, " This passage is quoted in Mt. 3:3 & Luke 3:4-6 as being fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist, as he prepared the way for the coming of Jesus and pointed the people to Him. At though many did see the "glory" of the Lord in the person of Jesus (John 1: 14), it can hardly be said that "ALL FLESH shall see it together" has been fulfilled. Also, the scriptures are clear that the full GLORY of the Lord is not to manifest until He appears a second time (Luke. 21:27).

Patterns by the prophets. Before we look further at the Elijah ministry for our day, let us examine the story of Elijah in the 17th & 18th chapters of I Kings and behold the prophetic drama. God makes clear His manner of speaking through the prophets in Hos. 12:10: "I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and have used similitudes (patterns) by the ministry of the prophets." The last statement means that God had the prophets act out "symbolic dramas" by things which He required them to DO. And through such "living parables" God SPEAKS to His people. Let's use this KEY then in unlocking the meaning of that which God told Elijah to do.

By the brook. Elijah suddenly bursts on the scene in the days of Ahab the king and says, "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." Immediately following God told him to "turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan" (1 Kings 17:1-3). Why was Elijah to hide himself? We might surmise just from a practical standpoint that it was to escape the wrath of Jezebel who was destroying the true prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:4). But if this is all we see, we are "limiting the Holy One of Israel" (Ps. 78:41), and deliberately ignoring His word of truth that He SPEAKS to us in PATTERNS by the ministry of the prophets. To understand the prophetic drama we must understand the meaning of the names involved. "Elijah" means the might or strength of Jehovah. "Cherith" means a gorge or trench. It was during the time of no rain and consequent drought, that Elijah (the strength or might of Jehovah) was hid from the people in the gorge.

Seeing the picture. Natural Israel is a type of spiritual Israel or the church„ What happened in the history of natural Israel has been repeated in the history of the church (as far as the basic pattern of fulfillment is concerned). God promised Israel that if they obeyed Him, He would always give them rain at the proper season so that they would never know drought (Deut. 11:14, Lev. 26:4), In God's symbolic language, rain is a type of the refreshing or outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-29), Spiritual "rain", or the effusion of God's Spirit is absolutely necessary for the church to fulfill its divine commission and for fruit acceptable to God to be brought forth (Luke. 24:49, Acts I: 8, Eph. 3:16, Gal. 5:22-25, James 5:7). If the church had been faithful and obedient to the Lord, there would have been no lack of the power of God's Spirit, and God's perpetual blessing from on high would have continued upon it. But because the church "fell away" from its first love (Rev. 2:4) and from obedience to the truth (II Thess. 2:3), God withheld the "rain" of spiritual enduement, and the result was spiritual drought and barrenness of fruit. Except for occasional "seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19), bringing revival, renewal to the church, such "drought" conditions have more or less prevailed throughout church history.

The gorge. As Elijah was to hide himself in the gorge during the time of drought, so has this symbolic picture been fulfilled in the church, as the might and strength of the Lord through the Holy Spirit's power has been "hid away" from the people of God because of the unbelief and apostasy of the church's clergy and priesthood. Such apostasy is portrayed by Ahab, king of Israel, taking into his bosom through marriage the daughter of a foreign king by the name of Jezebel (I Kings 16:31). This was contrary to God's law, for the people of God were not to intermarry with the heathen nations, lest they be drawn into their idolatry (Deut. 7:3-4). Since Ahab was king, he symbolizes the "ruling" spirit which has largely dominated the church down through this age; the spirit of compromise with that which is "foreign" to the Spirit of Christ. Because of this, "Elijah" (the might of God's power through the Holy Spirit) has been hid away in the "gorge" of ceremonialism, life-less and powerless forms, sectarianism, lust for power, political expediency, unbelief and modernistic denial of scriptural truth, fundamentalist self righteousness, and many stupefying "fleshly" vanities; so that much of the church world has been guilty of "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (II Tim. 3:5). This is the negative side of the picture, of course, and shortly we shall take a look at the positive side, as we see Elijah's ministry to the widow woman; a type of the spiritual remnant.

Eastward. In order to hide himself in the brook Cherith, Elijah went eastward (I Kings 17:3). In God's symbolic language, east portrays going away from God into the false light of man's reasoning and ways. Much scriptural evidence could be given to illustrate this truth, but we will mention only the following: Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden toward the east (Gen. 3:24). After Cain had sinned, he was sent out from the presence of the Lord toward the east (Gen. 4:16). When Jacob fled from his brother Esau, and left the promised land behind, he went to the "land of the people of the east" (Gen. 29:1), there to be dealt with by the Lord through many trials. When Jacob returned to the promised land in response to the revealed will of the Lord, and found a new place of submission and obedience to Him, he turned his back on the east and traveled west. Later, when the children of Jacob-Israel crossed the Jordan and entered the promised land, it was from the east in the land of Moab towards the west. Entrance into the sacred tabernacle which God commanded the Israelites to build was through the eastern gate with progression towards the west where the Lord dwelt in the Holy of Holies. Thus, west speaks of going toward God.

Cherith and Jordan. We have already seen that Elijah hid himself in the gorge of the brook Cherith, but the record says that this was "before Jordan" (I Kings 17:3). The brook flowed into the Jordan river. Jordan means "descender", and symbolizes death. Thus Elijah's place of hiding also pictures the spiritual deadness which comes upon the people of God when they turn from the light and truth of God's ways unto the ways of man. And how often in the history of the church has Paul's admonition been needed: "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Eph. 5:14). Elijah was also fed in the gorge by ravens (I Kings 17:4). The raven was an unclean bird according to God's law, therefore it speaks of the uncleanness that has come into sacred things as a result of the church's apostasy. Ravens are black, and they pick out the eyes of their victims, speaking further of the darkness; or the lack of spiritual understanding (blindness) which has pervaded the church through much of its history.

The widow woman. After hiding in the brook Cherith, God ordained that Elijah should continue to portray by the living drama of his ministry a further aspect of God's plan. God told him to "Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and there dwell: behold, I have commanded a widow woman to sustain thee.” (I Kings 17:9). This widow woman was a gentile, and the part she played in God's prophetic drama was so important that Jesus made personal reference to her in Luke 4:24-26, in His first message in His home town of Nazareth. It was in connection with His divinely revealed awareness that His own people and nation would reject Him, with the resultant casting off of natural Israel and the opening of the door to the Gentiles to become a part of God's covenant people (Rom. 11: 7-11, 25, I Pet. 2:9-10). This widow woman, then, is a type of the Gentile church of this age; that is, the spiritual and faithful remnant which has always existed in the midst of nominal "churchianity" down through this age. As the widow woman sustained and kept alive Elijah, so has this faithful remnant "kept alive" the true, vital, living evidence and witness of Christ, and the might and power of His Spirit, in the lands of Christendom. God has moved many times through such faithful remnants to bring revival and restoration, with mighty movings of His Spirit, both within and outside of organized churches.

Why a widow? In the scriptures, the church is pictured as be¬ing united to Christ in a marriage covenant relationship (Eph. 5:25-32). But since the Bridegroom (Christ) has been taken a-way (Mt. 9:15) and the church, which is the Bride, is not now personally living with her Husband, the church is symbolically pictured as a "widow", waiting for her Bridegroom to return and take her to dwell with Him in His own house or Kingdom (John 14:1-3). In the meantime, the Bride (covenant wife) is making herself ready (Rev. 19:7-8), that she might be presented unto Him as a "chaste" and faithful "virgin" (II Cor. 11:1-3, Rev. 17: 14). What a glorious destiny is hers!

Jezebel. In contrast to the widow woman who was sustaining Elijah, another woman, Jezebel, was on the throne, seeking to destroy Elijah (I Kings 16:31, 18:4, 19:1-2). Jezebel symbolically represents the seducing, compromising, "flesh spirit" that comes into the church and always "wars" against the Spirit (Elijah). The unfaithful "Jezebel spirit" began to grow in the history of the church after the church had "lost its first love" (Rev. 2:4). By the time the historical period was reached which is represented by Thyatira (the 4th of the 7 churches of Asia—600 A.D. and after), the spirit was so strong that Christ commanded the church to repent, saying, "I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce my servants to commit fornication (unfaithfulness to Christ—see Rev. 17:1-2), and to eat things sacrificed unto idols (partake of that which is unholy—see I Cor. 10:20-21, II Cor. 6:14-18). Since the church failed to repent (Rev. 2:21), the Jezebel spirit continued to grow until there came into being the mother harlot and her daughters of compromising, unfaithful "churchianity" (Rev. 17:5). In contrast to the "widow" of the faithful remnant, the Jezebel harlot spirit boasts, "I sit a queen, and am no widow” (Rev. 18: 7), because she is "kept" by many worldly "lovers" (Rev. 17:2).

Meal and oil. Not only did the widow sustain Elijah, but Elijah ministered to the widow and provided the means for her to continue to live. But only because she PUT HIM FIRST. This is a type of how the Spirit of Christ has ministered to and kept alive the witness of His faithful ones down through this age, and especially how He is ministering to those who are diligently seeking to do His will in this end time. Because the widow was willing to obey Elijah's command to "make me thereof a little cake first", Elijah promised her that "the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth" (l Kings 17:13-14). The meal speaks to us of the WORD of God, and the oil of His SPIRIT, Truly the Lord is being faithful in this day to visit His hungry saints with "living bread" (see Ruth 1:6), and the oil of His Spirit is flowing freely to those whose hearts are set upon Him. This is in anticipation of and preparation for the "latter rain" which the Lord is going to send upon the earth.

After many days. I Kings 17:15 tells us that the widow was sustained "many days" by the meal and oil. Then in I Kings 18:1, we read that "after many days, the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth." In the account following, we see pictured in symbolic drama another phase of God's plan to prepare for the coming of the "latter rain". Elijah was not only used to minister to and sustain the widow woman, but he also came out of hiding and began to be used of God to manifest His might and power unto the people. In the midst of the religious apostacy of his day, he gave a demonstration of the reality of his God. Surely this is also a pattern for our day, as an Elijah ministry comes forth in the power of the Spirit to make known the coming of the Lord and prepare a people with a manifestation of that which is vital, real and mighty through God.

On mount Carmel. Elijah called for all the people to gather on mount Carmel, along with the false prophets of Baal and of Asherah who ate at Jezebel's table. There he challenged them with these words: "How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." But though I'm sure Elijah put all of the sincerity of his heart, and the "unction" of the Spirit which was upon him, into this message, the record says that "the people answered him not a word" (I Kings 18:19-21). How characteristic this is of people; and how prophetic of the day in which we live. The masses of people have heard so many sermons, and have been preached to so much, and yet by and large they remain unmoved to action. It was only after God sent fire from heaven in answer to the prayer of Elijah, that the people fell on their faces and said, "The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God" (I Kings 18: 38-39). FIRE is a type of the Holy Spirit moving with supernatural-power to baptize, deliver, and empower the people of God for a witness to the reality of a living Christ. Beloved, it is going to take more than just preaching in this day to a "gospel hardened" generation; it is going to take the FIRE of God's Holy Spirit moving with "signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will"(Heb. 2:4), in order to move vast numbers out of indifference into the "valley of decision" (Joel 3:14).

The altar. Before the fire fell, Elijah had to do a preparatory work. We read in I Kings 18:30 that "he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.” An altar was not only God's appointed place for blood to be shed as an atonement for sins, but the altar also symbolized the consecration and dedication of the one offering the sacrifice. As Christians, our bodies are a "living sacrifice" which we offer to God on His "altar" (Rom. 12:1). The fact that the altar was broken down in Elijah's day speaks symbolically of the lack of the heart-consecration of God's people to do His will. Where there is no altar, there is no power of God's Spirit (fire). Fire can only fall upon that which is on the altar; where nothing is on the altar, there will be no fire. What a lesson this is for us today. Before God can move in a greater way in our midst, the "altar" of consecration must be repaired (restored) among the saints. For this very reason an "Elijah" ministry is going forth in this day to "stir up" the hearts of those who are willing to make the necessary sacrifice for God to fulfill that which is pictured in the story of Elijah for our day, for IT MUST COME TO PASS!

For all Israel. In repairing the altar, we read in I Kings 18:31, that Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob. This has to be very significant, when we realize that at the time of Elijah's ministry, Israel was divided into two factions or nations, and there was much strife and warfare between them. Elijah was ministering in the northern kingdom, which consisted of the ten tribes which had revolted and broken off from the ruling house of David in Jerusalem, under the leadership of Jereboam (see I Kings 11:26-37, 12: 19-20). But Elijah was not willing to "write off" the southern kingdom and the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi. In other words, he was not "sectarian" in his thinking. His altar and sacrifice was for ALL the house of Israel. Is there not a lesson in this for us? Are not Christians divided as the people of Israel were? What is our vision, and what is the purpose of our sacrifice and consecration? Is it just for "our group", "our denomination", "our church", or is it FOR THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST. In our tendency to judge and condemn, we may think of certain Christians as being so blind or "unworthy" that we are sure they will never come into what the Lord is doing. But instead of thinking "we are it", and proudly "writing off" all the rest of God's children, we need to pray and consecrate ourselves to the end that many will yet awaken and arise to the challenge of this hour, and let the "fire" of God's Spirit fall upon them, that they might also help "prepare THE WAY of the Lord."

Water. After Elijah had put the sacrifice on the altar, he saturated it with water, so that the water ran down around the al¬tar and into the trench he had dug about it (I Kings 18:32-35). There were four barrels filled and poured on three times. Three is the number of the WORD of God, and four is the number of FRUITFULNESS. In the natural, water cleanses as we use it for washing, and it refreshes as we drink it (also cleansing the inner body as it flushes out wastes). It is the WORD of God that cleanses (John 15:3, Eph. 5:26). It is the SPIRIT that refreshes the "inner man" of the heart as we "drink in" of God's provision (John 7:34-38, I Cor. 12:13), so that there is not only a deeper cleansing and purging within, but there is also an importation and empowering, that through such "watering", FRUIT might be brought forth unto the praise of God (Eph. 3:16-20, Gal. 5:22-23). Thus Elijah set the pattern for us, as this type is fulfilled in our day. As an "acceptable sacrifice" unto the Lord, we must be thoroughly saturated by the Word and the Spirit.

Evening Sacrifice. When Elijah finished preparing His burnt offering, it was the time of the evening sacrifice (I Kings 18:36). When God gave His law to Israel, He required that the priests offer two burnt sacrifices every day, one in the morning and one in the evening on behalf of all the people (Ex. 29:38-39). Must not this type also be fulfilled in this "day" (or age) of grace? The 120 who gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost constituted the "morning sacrifice" of this "day". They placed themselves on God's "altar" of consecration, wholly and completely, and the FIRE of God's Spirit came upon them (Acts 2: 1-4). As we approach the close of this age, It is now time for a people of God to offer themselves to God as the "evening sacrifice” that the FIRE of God's Spirit might come upon us in a greater way than we have ever known. This MUST be, or the pattern God has given us is not true. Beloved in Christ, are YOU willing to be a part of this "evening sacrifice", that the world may know that God is real, alive and powerful? Even now, God is "answering by fire" as more and more hungry and dedicated ones place themselves on the altar and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But this is only the preparatory stages of a greater operation and manifestation of the "fire" of God's Spirit in and through those He is making ready through an "Elijah" ministry.

Abundance of rain. After God had answered Elijah by fire, the prophet went to the top of mount Carmel, where the great sea to the west could be seen in the distance. There he cast himself to the earth and began to pray. He told his servant to go up higher and look toward the sea. This he did in response to the command of the prophet of God for six times; each time returning with the report that he saw nothing. But the seventh time he went and looked, he brought back the message, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand" (I Kings 18:42-44), In God's symbolic language, waters in the sea portray "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" (Rev. 17:15). Clouds can symbolize people (Heb. 12:1). A little cloud such as Elijah's servant saw would symbolize a small remnant ARISING UNTO GOD out of the nations in the present preparatory move of the Spirit. This is another way of portraying those who have placed themselves on God's altar as the "evening sacrifice". God is drawing them unto Himself, even as clouds represent waters drawn from the sea; and He is preparing them for a mighty visitation. Elijah sent a message to Ahab and said, "There is a sound of abundance of rain" (I Kings 18:41). What a "remnant" of God's people are now experiencing, as God moves by His Spirit, is only a foretaste and first-fruit of that which is coming, when the Lord shall "pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh" (Joel 2:28), and there shall be an abundance of rain.

Restoration first. In the passage from Joel just quoted, when read in the context in which it was given, the inspired prophet said, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh." After what? Read the verses preceding in the 2nd chapter of Joel and you will discover that God promised a restoration. In Joel's day the people of Israel, because of their unfaithfulness to the Lord, were suffering from drought, famine and a locust plague. The land was languishing, and being stripped (see Joel, chapter 1). But Joel was to lift up his voice like a trumpet and call the people to return unto the Lord with fasting and prayer (Joel 2:1, 12-18). Then the Lord promised to RESTORE what had been lost (Joel 2:25), by sending rain and blessing them again with "grain and wine and oil", as well as driving off the "locust army" (see Joel 2:19-30). In God's symbolic language, "grain" stands for the WORD (the living Bread), wine pictures JOY and BLESSINGS, and oil represents the SPIRIT. The natural nation of Israel lost natural resources through natural disasters. This is a type of how spiritual Israel has lost spiritual resources through spiritual disasters. But as God restored to natural Israel what was lost, so will He restore to the church what has been lost. Let us look further. . .

Locusts. The locust plague which had devastated the land of Israel is a type of the demonic hosts of Satan coming against the church. Through the "wiles" of Satan (Eph. 6:11), the church was gradually deceived and "seduced” into leaving her first love and falling away from the truth (Rev. 2:4, II Thess.2:3). Then followed in time conditions of drought (lack of the "rain "of the Spirit), and famine (lack of hearing the Word of God — see Amos 8:11). In the land of Palestine, locusts always come in times of drought, stripping the land of its remaining vegetation. True to this type, when the church began to experience spiritual drought and famine, the Satanic inspired doctrines of Balaam (compromise with the pagan world — Rev. 2:14), the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes (political power of the clergy and subjection of the people in ignorance and superstition — Rev. 2:16), and the seducing tactics of Jezebel (mixing pagan religious ideas and practices with Christianity — Rev. 2-20), began to STRIP THE CHURCH of its remaining spiritual life and power. Giving in to "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" became common; two of which Paul mentions as "forbidding (the clergy) to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats (on certain days, etc.)”—I Tim. 4:1-3).

Opening of the pit. Rev. 9:1-4 definitely shows that locusts are a type of Satanic spirits. The symbolic picture shows the pit being opened and the demonic spirits of Satan in the form of locusts, going forth to "torment" mankind. In 9:2, we read that the sun was darkened by their activity. The sun is a type of Christianity and the church, which has been "darkened" (robbed of its light and power in relation to the people) because of the corrupting tactics of Satanic spirits. But though the "sun" of traditional "churchianity" is being darkened, there is another side of the picture, and it fits the pattern of God's promise to deliver Israel from the locusts and their devastation, and restore what had been lost, when they would heed His call to "return ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning (repentance)"—Joel 2:12.

Sevenfold brighter. Isaiah speaks of a day when "the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people and healeth the stroke of their wound" (Isa. 30:26). The number seven symbolizes the church and also speaks of the completed cycle or consummation of this age. Therefore as we reach the climax of God's plan for this age, a segment of God's people are going to shine forth in the glory and power of Christ SEVEN TIMES BRIGHTER than ever before. This will take place when the Lord "binds up the breach" (restores UNITY) among His people, and "heals the stroke of their wound (restores SPIRITUAL HEALTH)" and VITALITY through the cleansing and refreshing of His Word and Spirit. The beginning of this work is already evident in what the Lord is now doing among many spirit-filled Christians of all backgrounds, Surely we are beginning to see Hosea's prophecy fulfilled in our day: "Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days (2,000 years--ll Pet. 3:8) will he revive us: in the third day (the "day of the Lord"—now dawning) he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord; his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hos. 6:1-3).

Recovery. "Restoration" means the recovery of that which has been lost; to bring back, or put back into the former or original state. God moves by His Spirit, not just so that we might be blessed, but that His Church (His spiritual "house" or "temple") might once again be BUILT UP and RESTORED out of the "ruin" into which it has fallen. The recovery of the spiritual truths and practices of the New Testament church results in spiritual renewal and power. God's order as given in Acts 3:17-21 is REVELATION, REPENTANCE, REFRESHING, RESTITUTION (restoration), and RETURN of Christ. Christ must remain in the heavens until the "times of restitution of all things "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21). This does not mean that Christ remains in heaven until all things spoken by the prophets are restored, for the great millennium coming is itself a time of restoration when many things, including paradise conditions on this earth, will be restored. But restoration begins with the church, the house of God, through the judgments of God (I Pet. 4:17). We are now in the beginnings of the times of restitution or restoration, and since the church is God's instrument during this age of grace, then the church must be restored to its pristine glory and power before this age ends.

Prophet of restoration. The spirit and ministry of Elijah is especially associated with restoration, in his prayer in I Kings 18:37, he uses an expression meaning restoration: "turned their heart back again". John the Baptist was to go forth in the "spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). When the disciples asked Jesus concerning Elijah, He said, "Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you, that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist" (Mt. 17:10-13). But we have already seen that John the Baptist's ministry was only a partial and preliminary fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy. OUR DAY must see the final and complete fulfillment of the restoration ministry of Elijah. John the Baptist was "filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb" (Luke 1:15). John brought a preliminary and preparatory move of the Spirit before Jesus came to His people. Even so in this end time; God is moving now by His Spirit, in what we might call the "restoration rain", which shall culminate in the "double portion" rain spoken by Joel the prophet: "Be glad then, ye children of Zion (we are children of the heavenly Zion)— Gal. 4:26, Heb. 12:22-23), and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately (this is the restoration of the "early" or Pentecostal rain which came on the church in its beginning), and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month (the 'double portion')." Joel 2:23.

Prophet of revelation. Restoration can come only through revelation of the truth. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Free from the corruptions of Satan which bring bondage. When John came upon the scene, he found a nation that was in bondage because the Divine Revelation God had given them was "encrusted" and overlaid by the "traditions of the elders" (Mark 7:3-11), and as a result the Word of God was made of "none effect "(without life and power). Thus "THE WAY" of truth and righteousness which God had given Israel, was no longer a straight, level "path" for the nation to travel on toward its appointed destiny. John's task was to renew and restore the Divine path by turning the people back to the truth of God's ways. His message, as foretold by Isaiah was: "Prepare ye THE WAY of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain" (Isa. 40:3-4). He could only straighten out the "crooked" ways they were walking in by calling them from their ways back to God's ways.

Prophet of repentance. In calling the people back to God's ways, he commanded them to REPENT; and the people went to be baptized of him, "confessing their sins" (Mt. 3:6). Repentance means a change of mind and heart, leading to a change of action. John spoke to the people thus: "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham for our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire "(Luke 3:8-9). This message is applicable to our day, for the church has followed in the "way" of Israel: substituting man's ways for God's ways, "encrusting" the Word of God by religious traditions, and failing to enter the "covenant land" of spiritual blessing and power through unbelief. The "axe" of divine truth and judgment is now laid at the root of all man-made ways and religious systems. All are going to be "hewn down" and cast into the "fiery" tribulation which is coming on the earth (see Rev. 2:22, 3:16). The "fire" (of tribulation) is going to TRY every man's WORK of what sort it is (see I Cor. 3:12-15). The question is not so much with whom we are working in our affiliation (in or out of a denomination), but rather HOW FREE are we to BUILD with the "gold, silver, and precious stones" of God's truth and ways, rather than the "wood, hay, and stubble" of man's traditions and ways.

God's call. God's call to those who have ears to hear is REPENT and COME OUT of her (religious Babylon—the confusion and bondage of man's ways) MY PEOPLE, "that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev. 18:4). Boast not in either your physical OR religious pedigree. Say not within yourselves, "We have Abraham (or some religious group or denomination) as our father (putting your TRUST in such a relationship): for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” And THAT is just what He is doing! He is "raising up" and "shaping" LIVING STONES (I Pet. 2:5) which are "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord" (Eph. 2:20-21). And in doing so, He is breaking through all religious barriers that man has erected, and Christians of all backgrounds are begin¬ning to "flow together" as never before, regardless of what their "affiliation" might be as far as fellowship and worship.

No one man. Elijah and John the Baptist were both called to minister to a small nation within a very small geographical location on the earth. For how long a period John the Baptist's ministry continued, we do not know. But that one lone man could cover the land through itinerant preaching and prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. However, when Christ comes again, He will return to the whole world, not to just one small nation, so that it will take a world-wide preparatory ministry through many chosen vessels. Thus the "Elijah" for our day is not one man, but rather a movement involving many servants of the Lord. No person or group can say "I" or "we" are "it". "It" is a move of the Spirit encompassing many. When John the Baptist was asked who he was, he replied, "I am the VOICE of one crying in the wilderness" (John 1:23). He indicated by such an answer that who he was (personally) was unimportant. He had not the slightest desire to exalt himself as an individual, or to build something around himself. He felt no jealousy or rivalry toward anyone. His answer to those who came to him with information that Jesus was baptizing and all men were coming to Him was this: "A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven. . . He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease." The same spirit of self-effacement must be manifest today among those who are CRYING out this last day message of preparation. Individual personalities are of little importance, but the VOICE (of prophetic authority) must be heard in the land. Any ministry that we may have has been given to us from heaven and there is no occasion for boasting or self-exaltation. We must not call attention to ourselves, but MAGNIFY CHRIST.

Unity. John the Baptist set the PATTERN of oneness or UNITY when he said, "I am the voice of ONE crying." Not many voices, but ONE. If we are to "Make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17), we must realize that this people are ONE BODY IN THE LORD, and that we must be "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, (For) there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6), There should be no rivalries, no jealousies or sectarian spirit among those who are seeking to move out in this last day message and ministry; but ONE BODY beginning to function in God's divine order with each ministry and each member of the Body functioning as the Spirit equips and directs, and in subjection to one another in love (Eph. 5:21, I Pet, 5:5).

Let Christ Increase. Our personal ambitions must be replaced by the desire to see the Lord INCREASE in the "church which is His Body (Eph. 2:22-23), as EACH MEMBER develops in his or her ministry. The five gift-ministries of Eph. 4:11 are "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service (ministry), to the building up of the body of Christ" (New American Standard). Each ministry must fulfill his function, and yet be willing to decrease that the Lord might increase IN THE WHOLE BODY. "But speaking truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of-every part, maketh the increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:15-16).

Turning the hearts. Let's look again at the Elijah prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." God places great importance on His divine order, whether in the home or in the church. We cannot ignore the importance of the headship and responsibility of fathers, and proper submission to authority in the divine arrangement of the family and the church. It is the BREAKDOWN of the home (and the consequent effect in all society) that is causing the "curse" of divine judgment to fall on the earth. "Lawlessness" is rampant in every segment of society, even as Jesus said it would be (Mt. 24:12). It is not just the increase of crime and violence that reflects this spirit of lawlessness, but the "militancy" that is evident in the "demanding spirit" of "I am going to get what is coming to me OR ELSE", with strikes, marches, demonstrations, disruptions, destruction of the rights and property of others, defying and disobeying the law in various non-violent or semi-violent ways; and much of this even aided and abetted by some Churches and Ministers. Then there is the moral breakdown, also aided and abetted by many Churches and Ministers who reject the divine authority of the Word of God, teach the "new morality", "situation ethics", etc., all fulfilling Jesus' prophetic words in Mt. 7:21, concerning those who would SAY "Lord, Lord", but would not do the will of His heavenly Father. Such, said He, are those who “work iniquity" (the Gr. word means "lawlessness"). It is the "fathers", who have the authority and responsibility under God, whose hearts need to be TURNED BACK to their children, to TEACH, LEAD, and SET the right EXAMPLE, In order to stem the tide of lawlessness.

Spiritual fathers. The "fathers" spoken of in the prophetic utterance, whose hearts are to be "turned back" by an Elijah ministry, can be both natural fathers, and the spiritual fathers (pastors) of the church. The hearts of the pastors must be turned back to their spiritual children (their flock). God is very severe in His Word in His denunciation of the pastors or shepherds who have not properly taken care of their flocks (read Ezek. 34 and Jer. 23). This is too large a subject to go into here; but there are far too many "hirelings" in the pulpits of the churches (John 10:12-13). They don't feed the people with the "meat" of the Word of God, and they do not have a heart unto the people as they should, but unto their own career, success, popularity in the eyes of people, etc. Isaiah states it in this way: "they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter" (Isa. 56:11). But God made a promise, and I believe He is fulfilling it in this day: "And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord" (Jer. 23:3-4).We can praise God that He is turning the hearts of the fathers (pastors) back to their flocks. And this is bringing to pass the other half of the promise, "and the heart of the children to their fathers (pastors)", as hungry hearts seek out those true shepherds who will feed and care for them, and then render unto these shepherds the true submission and support which God desires.

Another phase of truth. The "turning of the hearts of the children to their fathers" has another phase of truth. We sometimes refer to those men whom Christ chose and appointed as apostles as "church fathers". Paul indicates that he was a spiritual father to the Corinthian church (I Cor. 4:15). The early Christians "continued steadfastly" in the APOSTLES' doctrine (Acts 2: 42). In other words, their hearts were unto their spiritual fathers in the Lord. In this day, I believe an "Elijah ministry" is turning the hearts of God's people back to the NEW TESTAMENT and the TEACHING of the APOSTLES. The desire is to see apostolic truth, order and power return to the church, and this requires by-passing all the accumulated traditions and man-made ways of the last 1900 years and returning to the "fountain" of truth which Christ committed to His apostles.

The home. We can see yet another phase of the truth that the hearts of the fathers would be turned back to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Among those who are seeking to move in what the Lord is doing today, there is a fresh emphasis on the place of the home in God's plan, and a renewed desire to see God's divine order for husbands, wives and children implemented in the home. We cannot enlarge on the subject here, as it is beyond our scope for this booklet. But we are beginning to see as never before that the church will only be as strong as the individual family units which make up the church. Many have had the strange notion that they can be "spiritual" and yet not fulfill their proper "role" in the home as a husband and father, or wife and mother. We MUST get back to the basic truth that if a person is married, their FIRST and most IMPORTANT ministry under God is to their family. HOW WE TREAT THOSE NEAREST TO US IN OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY CIRCLE determines to a great extent how "spiritual" we are in the sight of God. There are too many, both men and women, who are out trying to minister to others when they have failed to fulfill their responsibilities and ministry to their own mates and children in their own family. God help us to get our priorities right and put first things first. This is part of the ministry of "restoration" taking place in our day.

Elijah on the mount. There is another evidence that an "Elijah ministry" must come forth and "prepare the way" of the Lord in these last days. It is presented to us by symbolic drama. The story is given in all three synoptic gospels, so we know it is of great importance. I refer to Jesus taking three of His disciples up into a high mountain and being transfigured before them. In Mt. 17:3, we read, "And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him." Moses was refused entry into the promised land by the Lord because of his smiting of the rock in anger (Num. 20:11-12), but there on the Mt. of Transfiguration we see him IN the promised land, talking with Jesus This speaks of the end-time of this age, when God is going to lead His people into the FULNESS of their spiritual inheritance Though the church has failed many times through "striking the rock" (Jesus) in its unbelief, waywardness and apostacy, we are yet to see the church in the "spiritual mount" of the promised blessing and power and victory. Since Elijah was there with Moses and Jesus, he pictures the end-time ministry and move of the Spirit of God which is PREPARING the church for her destined hour of full glory. The three disciples (only one fourth of the chosen twelve) who went up into the mount with Jesus, portray the fact that only a PORTION of the church will be willing to "ascend" into that higher spiritual realm which the Lord has prepared for His people in this end time.

Time element. I want to present two evidences from the Mount of Transfiguration story to show that it portrays events which are to take place in this very end time in which we are living. First, in Mt. 17:1, we read that it was "after six days" that Jesus took Peter, James and John up into the high mountain. Six days after what? Reading the 16th chapter of Matthew, we see that the event from which the transfiguration is dated, is the Lord's first mention of His sufferings. In other words, six days after He tells them that He is going to be killed at Jerusalem, He takes them up into the mount. In II Pet. 3:8, we read that according to God's reckoning of time, one day is a thousand years; thus the six days represent six thousand years. However, we are not to reckon the six thousand years from the time that Jesus was historically crucified, but from the time that He was crucified in the foreordained plan and purpose of God, for that was when God reckoned it to be done. We need, then, to ask the question, WHEN was Jesus thus crucified? According to Rev. 13:8, Jesus was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." The Greek word translated "foundation" here Is katabole, which means "casting down". It is NOT the word usually used to denote the foundation of a house or building: that word is themelios, as used in Luke 6:48-49, 14:29, I Cor. 3:10-11, etc. I point this out because I believe katabole (used in Rev. 13:8) should not be translated "foundation", but rather "casting down" or "fall". WHEN was the sacrifice for sin NEEDED? When Adam FELL, and was "cast down" from his pristine perfection and unity with God, and all creation fell with him. Thus Rev. 13:8 should read that Jesus was the "lamb of God slain FROM the CASTING DOWN or FALL of the world. Katabole (and the verb form kataballo) is incorrectly translated "foundation" in a number of New Testament passages, such as Mt. 13:35, Luke 11: 50, Eph. 1:4, etc., but in II Cor. 4:9, and Rev. 12:10, we have the correct rendering, "cast down".

Foreordained before. In I Pet. 1:20, we read that Jesus was "foreordained BEFORE the foundation of the world.” The word "foundation" here is again from the Greek word katabole (casting down). In the foreordained plan and purpose of God, Jesus was chosen to become the sacrificial lamb slain for sin BEFORE Adam and Eve fell and the "casting down "of the world because of sin occurred; but He was actually "slain" in the purpose of God FROM the time of that fall, for that was when the sacrifice was needed. God Himself symbolically dramatized this truth by killing some animals and clothing Adam and Eve with the skins (Gen. 3:21). These animals slain at the time of the fall were the first to shed their blood for man's atonement, beginning the long succession of animal sacrifices to typify the eventual sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself as the "lamb of God.”

Passover pattern. The pattern for the slaying of the Lamb of God was set in the rites that were given to Moses when the Passover was first instituted in the land of Egypt. God told the people to "take" a lamb for each family on the 10th day of the first month, and then "keep" it until the 14th day of the month, when it was to be killed in the evening. Thus the Lamb was "marked out" for death ("slain" in the purpose of God) on the 10th day, but not actually killed until the 14thday, being kept for 4 days. As a day is with the Lord as a thousand years, we see how this portrays the fact that Jesus (although "slain" in the purpose of God from the time of Adam's fall), was kept in the heavenlies for 4,000 years before coming to the earth to actually die.

Knowing the time. Based on the above pattern, we know that the time previous to the cross of Christ was 4,000 years, and that leaves just 2,000 years on this side of the cross in order to "fill out" man's "work week" of 6 days (6,000 years) before the "day of the Lord", the 7th day begins. Time can be figured by either lunar (354+ days per year), or prophetic (360 days per year) or solar (365+ days per year): 2,000 years of lunar time ran out in the year 1941; 2,000 years of prophetic time ran out in 1972; and 2,000 years of solar time runs out at the end of this century. Since the days are to be "cut short" (Mt, 24:22), we will not likely reach the end of the solar time reckoning, Which makes us realize that NOW we are in the closing yean of the 6th 1,000 year "day", and in the DAWNing of the 7th; which will be the "Sabbath" of God's REST: the one thousand year millennium.

Another evidence. The above shows that now is the time for that which is portrayed by the Mount of Transfiguration drama to take place. But we want to take a look at a second evidence. The 6 days of Mt. 17:1 equate to exactly 144 hours. Does not that number speak to us? Multiply 144 by 1000 (the number of Christ in His High Priestly ministry: being the number of the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle--10 x 10 x 10 = 1000) and we get 144,000—-the number of the Firstfruits of Rev, 14:1, These "firstfruits" are seen standing WITH the Lord on mount Zion, BEFORE the main harvest of Rev. 14:15. Thus after 6 days, or 6,000 years from Adam's fall, shall 144,000 be READY to be taken by Jesus into the "high mountain" of His Kingdom, and enter into the powers of the "glorified life". Whether 144,000 is to be taken as an exact number, or merely symbolic of a larger firstfruits company, makes little difference. The truth is the same: that a "remnant" of God's people are now being prepared to "come up HIGHER" - as did Moses (Ex. 24:18), while the people stayed at the foot of the mountain. Ascending the mount with Jesus, as did Peter, James and John, symbolizes both that "higher" spiritual place or realm which the Lord is NOW leading us into: to walk in His ways and be conformed to His image, and also the coming literal entering into His heavenly Kingdom through the translation of the physical body into a glorified body like unto His (Phil. 3:21). Halleluiah" Elijah is here!—"talking with Jesus" in the spiritual mount, and cal¬ling a people to ascend into their spiritual inheritance.

A voice in the wilderness. We will now take a final look at the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist, who went forth in "the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). When asked by the priests and Levites, who came out to where he was baptizing, "Who art thou?” John said, "I am the voice of one crying in THE WILDERNESS, make straight THE WAY of the Lord, as said the prophet Esais (Isaiah)." (John 1:21, 23). We have already seen that God speaks in "similitudes" (patterns) by the ministry of the prophets, John was preaching in the wilderness of Judea (Mt. 3:1-3), in order to portray the truth that in his day, the Jews were in a spiritual "wilderness" OUTSIDE the "promised land " of Kingdom blessing and fullness. Following John's ministry, Jesus came preaching "The TIME IS FULFILLED, and the Kingdom of God is AT HAND: repent ye and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Thus He gave them a chance to ENTER IN and see the promises to Abraham fulfilled and the kingdom fully established. But they refused to accept Him: "He came unto His own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11), Paul says in Rom. 11:7, "Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded." "Even so then at this present time also there is a 'remnant' according to the election of grace" (Rom. 11:5). This remnant obtained the promise on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was outpoured to establish them in a position of spiritual blessing and power. Later the Gentiles were added to this elect company when the house of Cornelius received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48).

Not maintained. History shows, however, that the early church failed to maintain the spiritual estate in which they were established; neither did they press in to "fully possess" the ground given to them "in Christ.” On the contrary, even before the death of the apostles, a general declension had set in which eventually led the church into a "wilderness" of spiritual impoverishment. As we have already seen, though there have been times of "spiritual refreshing" and revival, the church has been, and still is to a great degree, in a spiritual "wilderness" OUTSIDE the FULNESS of spiritual blessing and power manifest at the beginning. But God is now moving by His Spirit, and giving His people an opportunity to once again ENTER IN and fully POSSESS their spiritual inheritance. As John the Baptist raised his voice in the "wilderness" of his day, so NOW there are those that God has raised up to be a VOICE in the "wilderness" of religious confusion, sectarianism, and apostacy. WHY? Because "the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” The "crossing over" of God's saints into the promised land, first in spiritual power, and then in translation glory, IS NIGH.

Back to God rule. We have seen that John the Baptist preached a message of repentance unto restoration. The Greek word translated "restore" in Mt. 17:11 is apokatastasis. The first three letters are a prefix. The Greek apo means "from" or "away from". The rest of the word is defined as follows: "setting, appointing, institution and introduction; a state or condition; to bring ambassadors before the assembly." The prefix and the word together thus indicate a GOING AWAY (apo) from MAN APPOINTED conditions of government. The "restoration" of John was that of GOD-RULE. He was a preacher of RIGHTEOUSNESS. He preached RULE BY GOD within the human heart and in all the affairs of life and the nation, He was a spiritual REVOLUTIONIST. Most of the people of his day were IN the world, OF the world and FOR the world. While he was OUT of this world, IN the Spirit of God and FOR the God of his fathers. All the deliberations of man were but an abomination to him. He corrected the heart of countless multitudes, and IN their hearts he "straightened the way" of his Lord, that a PATH in human hearts might be prepared for Jesus Christ. Thus must be our message: RESTORE RIGHTEOUSNESS within the human heart and GOD RULE in all things. We must be so on FIRE in the zeal of HIS SPIRIT that all the traditions and practices of man get booted, that CHRIST ALONE shall REIGN supreme in the heart of the individual, and in the affairs of His church.

Preparing the Way. "Go through, go through the gates: prepare ye THE WAY of the people: cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The HOLY PEOPLE, The redeemed of the Lord; and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken," (Isa, 62:10-12), The picture in this passage is that of the exiles RETURNING to the promised land from captivity. The speaker exhorts the people to pass forth from Babylon, and speed on their homewards. They are clearing away obstacles, bringing materials to construct a HIGHWAY along which a stream of emigrants may march, removing stones that might cause stumbling, and lifting up a STANDARD to direct the march. Even so, would the Lord have us prepare a WAY in the desert (of spiritual desolation), that others might follow after and enter into the "promised land" of blessing and power which God has for His church. Not many like to be pioneers, preparing the way for others, but some must hear His voice and obey, saying to the "daughter of Zion", "Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him." If we will be FAITHFUL to seek Him and obey Him in all that He has shown us, then HE WILL DO THE WORK, and the time will come when God's people will be called "The Holy People, The redeemed of the Lord. . „ SOUGHT OUT, A city (people) not forsaken."

Are you willing? Dear reader, are you willing to let the Lord PREPARE A HIGHWAY in your heart? Are you willing to let him "straighten" all your ways and gather out the stones of stumbling? Are you willing to LIFT UP A STANDARD unto others, that a WAY might be prepared and a PEOPLE readied for His coming? In Isa. 40:4 we read: "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain!!" The poor and lowly in spirit are to be raised up; the proud and self-righteous depressed; the "crooked" ways of religious vanity and deceit are to be changed to those of simplicity and integrity; the "rough" (rude) places caused by the "hindering tactics" (Luke 11:52) of self-seeking leaders are to be smoothed out, THEN shall the GLORY of the Lord be revealed. Praise His Name! So may He hasten the day!

Postscript. Finally, in presenting the evidence of an "Elijah" ministry for this end time, we must include John's vision of the two witnesses of Rev. 11:1-12. In verse 6, we read that these witnesses have power to "shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." The miracles mentioned here were performed by Elijah and Moses in the Old Testament, and this has led many to believe that Elijah and Moses will literally return to this earth to be the two witnesses in this end time. I faiI to see that this is necessary. We have already seen that Elijah and Moses were TYPES of that which God would do through other special messengers and through His church by the power of His Spirit. My personal conviction is that the "two witnesses" represent the "faithful remnant" which has witnessed unto the truth of God down through this age during the two-church system. The two-church system was represented first by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches, and then re-fulfilled by the split between the Roman Catholic and Protestant groups. God has always had a spiritual remnant as faithful witnesses within and in the midst of the organized church systems, and this witness will be intensified in the end time as God anoints those whose hearts are wholly unto Him to "prepare the way" for His coming. Out of their mouths will go forth the "fire" of His Word (see Jer. 5: 14, 20:9) to "devour their enemies" as we read in Rev. 11:5. I believe also that the two-witness prophecy will find special ful¬fillment in this end time in the two-fold ministry of the apostles and prophets that God is restoring to the church (Eph. 2:20, Rev 18:20, Luke 11:49).

Two men. But because of the special witness needed (particularly to the Jews) the two witnesses will also most surely be two individual men, prophets of God, brought forth at the strategic time, to do the works of Rev. 11:6, and to be martyred in the streets of Jerusalem (Rev. 11:7-8). If God is going to bring back two men, rather than Moses and Elijah, it would be prophets of the New Testament era. Jesus said unto His disciples, "Ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8). This was true then and has been true of all His disciples down through this age even unto the end. But there is a special way in which the two witnesses of Rev. 11 could be witnesses unto Jesus, They could be men who actually saw Jesus, heard Him teach and perform miracles, and also witnessed His death and resurrection. It would be impossible for Moses and Elijah to be witnesses unto Him in this sense. Since the New Covenant is a better covenant with better promises (Heb.7:22, 8:6), why should the Lord have to bring back two men who lived under an inferior covenant to be His witnesses? The Greek word "better" in these passages actually means "stronger" or "more powerful". These specially chosen witnesses, who shall minister under the New and more powerful covenant than the old, will certainly have no trouble doing similar or even more powerful works than did Moses and Elijah, when the Lord gets ready to use them. Jesus spoke to John, just before the vision of the two witnesses, and said, "Thou must prophesy AGAIN before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings," Will John, then, be one of the two witnesses? Only time will tell, Maranatha! Even so, come Lord Jesus! (see Rev. 10:11, 22:20).