|
|
|
|
Meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the spiritual growing season prior to the second harvest of mankind into the family of God. This is the hundred year judgement period when all those in the second resurrection are living under the direct rule of God through Christ. Updated: 25 Jan 2010 Previous Article: Meaning of the Day of Atonement
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The function of the annual Holy Day Festivals is to remind us of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. For the purpose of being reminders, of the different stages in the plan of salvation, God has chosen the early and late wheat seasons of the Middle East in which to place these annual Holy Days. While the growing periods of the wheat season depict the times of testing, or opportunity to live God’s way of life, the reaping times (harvest seasons) depict the final saving event or ascension at the end of the growing seasons. For the vast majority of mankind the opportunity to live God's way will not be offered until after the resurrection at the end of the Millennium – this will be a resurrection to physical life. Only after this opportunity is offered will people be in a position to make a decision regarding which way of life they prefer – God's way or their way. For the people in the late wheat growing season this opportunity to experience God's way and choose to adopt that way is pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles. This time and opportunity is also known as the Great White Throne judgement.
Command and Purpose Of the Feast of Tabernacles
The principal commands for observance of the Feast of Tabernacles are found in Lev 23:34 and Lev 23:42: Lev 23:34 “…‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying: The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD’…” [NKJV] Lev 23:42 “…‘Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:…” [KJV]
The purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles is that it be a memorial of the time God caused Israel to dwell in booths: Lev 23:43 “…That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.’…” [KJV]
This was the time of wilderness wandering, for ancient Israel, with God as literal ruler over the nation. The timing depicted by the Feast of Tabernacles is AFTER Israel is freed from Egypt, but before entry into the Promised Land. Anciently, it was to remind the people that their time of wilderness wandering – of dwelling in booths – was a temporary existence prior to entering their permanent home of the Promised Land. For those who will later become part of spiritual Israel it is a reminder that physical existence is only a temporary time of testing and the real life to come is one of immortality as a spirit being in the family of God.
To understand the relevance of the symbolism provided here, it must be remembered that the Feast of Tabernacles represents the growing period for the late wheat season, which begins after the second resurrection at the end (after) the Millennium. This season is also known as the great white throne judgement day – and symbolizes the time when the vast majority of humanity will receive their first opportunity for salvation. It is the time when they will have the opportunity to decide (after having experienced a lifetime in a world ruled by Satan) whether or not they wish to live God’s way of life. The great joy of it will be that during this season of choosing, humanity will be living under the direct and benevolent government of God through a literal ruling Jesus.
Concurrent with mankind being given the opportunity to choose which way to live during this time, God will be testing this large portion of mankind just as He tested the ancient Israelites during their time of wandering and living in temporary dwellings. The Feast of Tabernacles is a seven day festival picturing life under the rule of God – which corresponds with a similar seven day festival, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, allotted to the Saints for the purpose of representing the early wheat season.
Thus, the time of testing/judgement for the Saints was depicted by the Feast of Unleavened Bread (a seven day festival commencing on the fifteenth day of the first month), while the time of judgement for the rest of humanity is depicted by the Feast of Tabernacles (a seven day festival commencing on the fifteenth day of the seventh month).
There are some who teach that the Feast of Tabernacles pictures the Millennium. However, the Millennium actually depicts our final rest as spirit beings in the family of God and this truth is spelt out in great detail in Heb 3:9-18 and Heb 4:1-11. Like the seventh-day (weekly) Sabbath and the promised Land (ancient land of Canaan), the seventh-millennium symbolizes the Kingdom of God itself – the final rest, NOT a stage towards that final rest and therefore is not a stage in the plan of salvation to be fulfilled using the symbolism of God’s annual Holy Days.
As a symbol of the ultimate reality of the Kingdom of God, the Millennium operates outside the annual Holy Days, which are simply symbolic “stepping-stones” towards that ultimate reality. Just as stepping-stones show the way to arrive at the other side of the river and therefore cannot be part of the other side, so too do the annual Holy Days show the way (the stages) to the Kingdom of God, but do NOT represent that Kingdom. The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes just one of the stepping-stones towards the Kingdom of God – it does not picture the Kingdom itself.
The journey is not the destination! AFTER all the symbolism in the annual Holy Days has been fulfilled (the journey), we then arrive at the destination of the Kingdom of God, which is pictured by the Millennium and the seventh-day Sabbath. The seventh-day Sabbath, depicting the Kingdom of God, is the first of the Sabbaths of God mentioned in Lev 23 and it is mentioned as a completely separate Sabbath from the others in that chapter. It is separate because it has a completely different meaning to the other Sabbaths – it pictures the destinations while the others picture stages in the journey towards that destination. Gen 1:1 - Lev 23:2-3 “…2 ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts. 3 Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.’…” [NKJV]
As stated previously, the meaning of the Sabbath is elaborated in some detail in Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4; and leaves no doubt that it pictures the Kingdom of God. The seventh-millennium is the seventh day of the millennial week and is a rest for humanity, both in terms of a physical rest from death, disease and social oppression; and in terms of a spiritual rest from Satan and all his evil influences. The Millennium is the perfect example of the seventh-day Sabbath and by extension perfectly symbolizes the Kingdom of God. Also, in direct reference to His plan of salvation, God gave us His day for a thousand year principle (2Pet 3:8) and therefore leaves us in no doubt that the entire Millennium is indeed a Sabbath: “…But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day…” [NKJV]
Furthermore, there are only two periods of judgement, one being 5,900 years (approx) for the Saints prior to the Millennium; and the other being 100 years for the rest of humanity AFTER the Millennium. The Millennium is a period excluded from the times of judgement when mankind has to work at qualifying for a position in the family of God. There is no spiritual work by humanity, no judgement/assessment by God during this time, because in picturing the Kingdom of God, it is a Sabbath – a time of rest. What created the first Sabbath was God ceasing from His work of creating and resting on the seventh day: Gen 2:3 "...And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made..." [KJV]. The Millennium is the seventh millennium, a Sabbath millennium – it is a time picturing God's Kingdom and God resting from His work of spiritual creation. God resting from His work of spiritual creation means no spiritual assessments/judging of man and therefore no ascensions into the family of God during that time.
The belief that the Feast of Tabernacles pictures the Millennium is an awkward notion, for which there is no Biblical support.
SYMBOLISM OF The LATE WHEAT SEASON
God’s plan of salvation is in two stages, depicted by the early and late wheat seasons in the Middle East. Each season for humanity consists of three major elements as follows: Ø The need for reconciliation to God by the death of an innocent Christ; Ø A time of testing/proving for humanity; and Ø Ascension to the final rest – the Kingdom of God.
For this second season, the previous article on the “Meaning of the Day of Atonement” covered the first of these three essential elements – the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The second element to be satisfied is that of “a time of testing/proving for humanity” and this is symbolized by the seven day Feast of Tabernacles – depicted by the time God caused Israel “to dwell in booths" (temporary dwellings). The time Israel dwelt in booths was the 40 year season of testing/proving used by God to, “…test you in order to know what was in your heart…” (Deut 8:2). For ancient Israel it proved to be a “life-time”, because all except two of the original adults from Egypt died during that time. This truly was the time of testing for ancient Israel and shall be the time of testing, in the great white throne judgement, for the entire world.
Just as the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolizes the time that judgement is on the House of God (1Pet 4:17), the Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the time that judgement shall be on the rest of humanity.
When will the testing (judging) take place?
This time of testing for humanity will take place at a time yet future when they will all be available for this activity. This time is the growing period of the late wheat season – it is a time of evaluation; of learning; of growing in understanding God’s way; of working with God so He can teach them His ways. In Rev 20:5 we are told that all of the portion of humanity to take part in the late wheat season will be available as a result of a physical resurrection of the dead after the Millennium: Rev 20:5 “…(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.)…” [NIV] In Rev 20:12 we are told that this will be their time of judgement: “…and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and scrolls were opened, and another scroll was opened, which is that of the life, and the dead were judged out of the things written in the scrolls – according to their works;…” [YLT]
Some theologians use this verse 12 to prove that there are no multi-resurrections and therefore no prior resurrection of the Saints, because the language indicates ALL of the dead are raised and judged at this time. However, such view is not supported by Scripture, because the dead in Christ (the Saints) rise to meet him at his coming (1Thes 4:16) and God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).
First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles – A Sabbath
In Lev 23:34-35 we are told that the first day of the Feast is a Sabbath: “…34 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. 35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein…” [KJV]
The first day of the Feast of Tabernacles is an annual Sabbath, a Holy day, which means it has special significance. Knowing that this is the late wheat season there should be some clear parallels with the early wheat season, which is symbolized by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. In that Feast the first day, also a Sabbath, pictured new life by baptism into the body of Christ. In Lev 23:42 God gives the command: “…Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths…” [NIV]
In ancient Israel, to be considered “native-born” one not only had to be of Israelite heritage, one also had to be circumcised – the latter of the two conditions being the most important as it was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Any male not circumcised was to be “cut off from his people” because he had broken God’s covenant. Since Pentecost 31AD physical circumcision was replaced with spiritual circumcision and this was by way of baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit. The Day of Atonement makes it clear that the Kingdom of God will comprise only spiritual Israelites (regarding humanity, Christ’s atoning sacrifice is only for spiritual Israel), therefore the symbolism in the Lev 23:42 command requires that one be baptized into the body of Christ in order to start keeping the Feast as a spiritual Israelite. Baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit is the sign of the new covenant between God and spiritual Israel.
A question that may proceed from the above paragraph is, “Can non-baptized people keep the Feast of Tabernacles?” The answer is most definitely, yes! However, as explained above, only “native born” Israelites who can fulfil the spiritual intent of the Feast will be able to take part in the spiritual benefits depicted by the occasion. This spiritual intent is pictured firstly by the physical building of booths from materials selected from “goodly trees” (the commitment to be under God’s government and live His way of life); and pictured secondly by being spiritually circumcised through baptism and receipt of the Holy Spirit. One must be a spiritual Israelite in order to be born into the family of God as a spirit being. So, yes, the Feast of Tabernacles can be observed as a physical festival and in fact in Zech 14:16 there is a command from God that everyone, Israelite and non-Israelite, are to keep the Feast of Tabernacles during the Millennium: “…And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles…” [KJV]
In the Zech 14:17-19 we are told of severe penalties for those who do not keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Since keeping the Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of trying to live God’s way of life, not keeping the Feast would be the same as a person telling God that they did not want any part of His way – it would be a wilful rejection of God Himself.
Even though the first days for both the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are Sabbaths, God requires a display of effort from His people. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread putting leavened bread (picturing sin) out of the home is required. On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles something similar is required in that the people are to gather material for and build booths (picturing a deliberate effort to take up life under the government of God): Lev 23:40 “…ON the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days…” [NIV]
The obvious difference between the two commands is that for the Feast of Unleavened Bread a putting away is required, while for the Feast of Tabernacles a gathering and building is required. The first day of Feast of Unleavened Bread and the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles are identical, except for emphasis. The emphasis, shown by the different requirements, is due to the different circumstances – whereas the Saints live in a world ruled by Satan and are required to “come out of the world” (spiritually) the people in the great white throne judgement will live in a world ruled by God and are required to become part of that world. Although the emphasis is different, the fundamental message is one of people committing to and living God’s way of life. This is a foundational pillar to further understanding: although the circumstances are different, as reflected in the symbolism, the requirement of committing to God’s way of life is the same for the first days of both Feasts. Thus, baptism (being a symbol of commitment to God's way) is indeed the starting point for both the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Tabernacles; and the repetition expected to be seen in the late wheat season is now emerging in this Feast as it did in the Day of Atonement.
The people of the late wheat season have now commenced their journey of conversion (judgement/assessment), but it will be under the benevolent rule of God in a world free from the tyranny of Satan; it will be in a world of peace, joy and health.
All Seven Days Of The Feast Of Tabernacles
The late wheat season is a time of assessment after the second (physical) resurrection and is known in Biblical terms as “day of judgement” or the great white throne judgement. This period of time is shown to us in Rev 20:11-12: “…11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…” [NIV]
This “day of judgement” (the second day of judgement in terms of God's plan of salvation for mankind) is a time of testing the vast majority of mankind who have never really known Jesus or the one true God. This season involves providing all these people with their first real opportunity to become aware of and to live god’s way of life. It is only after the opportunity is offered that they will be able to make a decision regarding which way of life they prefer. For the people in the late wheat season this opportunity is pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles and it is God who will be making the decision as to which way those people prefer: Deut 8:2 “…Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands…” [NIV]
What people do in this life does count and they must to learn to deal with their past lives in terms of what God requires as the right way to live. For this purpose they will have the benefit of both the Holy Spirit and the Holy Angels to guide them in all things.
LATE WHEAT season 100 years long
The late wheat season (the second day of judgement – the time of assessing all those who did not take part in the first day of judgement, i.e. none of the Saints) is a period of 100 years – this prophecy is given to us in Isa 65:20: “…There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed…” [KJV]
Most prophecy calls for some explanation in order to provide the required clarity for understanding; and this one is no different. In this case, the clarity comes from the verse’s context in the entire chapter, so a brief coverage of chapter 65 will now follow, together with some detailed explanation of the content of verse 20 itself.
Chapter 65 spans at least 4,000 years of history; there is some detail, but most is an overview of God’s response to His disappointment with Israel.
Isa 65:1-7 covers an unspecified time of repeated indiscretions by Israel; God stating that He has decided to work with peoples other than His own nation because of their sins and blasphemy; then culminates in declaring He will deal with Israel's abominations and blasphemy. God making His truth available to the gentiles is also alluded to in Rom 11:11: “…I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy…” [KJV]
Isa 65:8-12 covers portion of the end time destruction of Israel.
Isa 65:13-16 covers portion of the Millennium.
God then skips the day of judgement after the second resurrection and (in Isa 65:17-19) He starts to partly describe His Kingdom, where He advises of the creation of new heavens and new Earth. It is a situation of joy where there is no more crying – this can only be the Kingdom itself. In Isa 25:8 we are told of a similar situation existing in the Millennium, where the tears will be “wiped away”, which is symbolic of the people being comforted by God and a fore-type of the Kingdom. Isa 25:8: “…and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces;…” [KJV]. Whereas in the Kingdom there will be “no more tears” at all – thus the Millennial type will be fulfilled. Isa 65:19 “…And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and in my people; and the voice of weeping and crying shall not be heard there any more…” [The Living Bible]
God then starts working backwards through time, describing parts of the day of judgement in Isa 65:20. It is a time when no more children will be born and all those who rise in the second resurrection will live a further 100 years, making the youngest person (child) 100 years old at the end of this day of judgement. Thus the minimum age for any person will be 100 years – age in previous physical life + 100. There will be sinners at this time and with sin comes misery and with misery comes tears, so we know it is no longer describing the Kingdom and that God has started to work backwards in time. We also know that it is not the Millennium, because there will be many children and the sound of them playing in the streets at that time (Zech 8:5).
Accordingly, Isa 65:20 addresses the only substantial period of time unaccounted for by the rest of the overview presented in chapter 65 – the day of judgement!
In Isa 65:21-25, the last verses of the chapter, God continues to work backwards through time to a point near the beginning of the Millennium.
This is a complex chapter, but it clearly provides the duration of the day of judgement as being 100 years. This period is more than a life-time by present day standards!
Isaiah 65:20 will be treated in greater detail in the next article, which is entitled Meaning of the Last Great Day.
LATE WHEAT Season A Time Of Joy
What normal life will be like living under the benevolent rule of God is almost beyond comprehension, because thus far humanity has only known the harsh, oppressive, evil and unjust system of Satan. However, through the Feast of Tabernacles humanity is given a glimpse of the totally different world of God. Even though the Feast of Tabernacles pictures the period of judgement/assessment for humanity, the picture is always one of great joy and abundance. The atmosphere is very festive and completely free of all physical and social oppression. The people of the late wheat season will be able to truly experience Christ’s promise made in Matt 11:29-30: “…29 ‘Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.’…" [NKJV]
During this age (now) there are several commands to enjoy the Feast, but this enjoyment is only a shadow of the reality to be fulfilled in the great white throne judgement. Some of the places providing the command to rejoice are listed below: Lev 23:40 “…On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days…” [NIV] Deut 14:26 “…And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household…” [NKJV] Deut 16:13-14 "…13 You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. 14 And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant and the Levite, the stranger and the fatherless and the widow, who are within your gates…” [NKJV]
Whereas the Saints from the first resurrection (those in the first harvest) had to overcome self, an oppressive society and Satan to qualify for entry into the family of God as spirit beings, these people in the growing period of the late wheat season will only have to contend with their own human nature and past experiences. By comparison, the growing period of the late wheat season will seem like a weekend barbeque – this is the comparative picture that God has given us!
It will be a very enjoyable time for those wanting to qualify for entry into the family of God as spirit beings.
The judging takes place after the second resurrection (after the Millennium) and after Satan and the senior demons are disposed of forever. Those tested (judged) in the growing period of the late wheat season will involve the following groups of people: Ø Survivors of the Millennium Ø Those in the Second Resurrection – previously uncalled of humanity; and Ø Those in the Second Resurrection – previously called but not chosen for ascension in the first resurrection.
The identity and background of these groups are considered significant and therefore will be dealt with under separate headings in the next sections. Also, in dealing with them separately insight is gained into the mind of God.
For those physical humans who experience life in the Millennium there are several benefits, one of which is an extremely long life span. God tells us in Isa 65:22 that the life span shall be as the trees and the consensus of theological opinion is that ages of well over 1,000 years are implied: “…No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands…” [NIV]
In Isa 25:8 we are told that natural death will be no more: “…He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it…” [KJV]
The setting here is very definitely the Millennium and as the Millennium is a type of the Kingdom of God it should not be surprising that physical death is put away. Here, the long physical life is a type of the eternal life we are all to have as spirit beings in the family of God. In fact, we are told in 1Cor 15:54 of this ultimate fulfilment of the prophecy.
Some of these people will be those who survive into the Millennium and therefore will be over 1,000 years old, but others born during the Millennium obviously will be less than that age. Regardless of their respective ages all, except a small percentage, will have known only a life of peace, joy, harmony, total health and knowledge of God’s way of life. However, at the end of the Millennium God will allow these people to experience a way of life other than His by loosing Satan from his prison for a short while: Rev 20:3 “…He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time…” [NIV]
Also, in Rev 20:7-10: “…7 And when the thousand years may be finished, the Adversary shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 and he shall go forth to lead the nations astray, that are in the four corners of the earth — Gog and Magog — to gather them together to war, of whom the number [is] as the sand of the sea; 9 and they did go up over the breadth of the land, and did surround the camp of the saints, and the beloved city, and there came down fire from God out of the heaven, and devoured them; 10 and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where [are] the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night — to the ages of the ages…” [YLT]
We are told that he will lead astray all the nations of the world (v.8 – “the nations…that are in the four corners of the earth”), but this seems to be qualified by the expression “Gog and Magog”. The major commentaries are of the view that the reference to Gog and Magog does not just refer to two nations by that name, but is a metaphor for all those who would oppose God. While not disagreeing with the metaphor, further investigation reveals that the literal interpretation of the individual words means, “overwhelming mountain.” In this context a clearer picture is seen regarding the extent to which Satan is able to lead the world astray in only a very short time. Also, God set the boundaries of the nations – He intended them to be separate and He does not change (Mal 3:6, James 1:17). Accordingly, there can be confidence that God will restore national boundaries in the Millennium as part of the restitution of all things (Acts 3:21). With these national boundaries restored the old Biblical nations of Gog and Magog will not occupy the entire world (Rev 20:8 – “the nations…that are in the four corners of the earth”), therefore verse 8 does in fact refer to the entirety of humanity at that time – ALL nations of Earth.
As a result of Satan’s deception and leading the nations astray, general insurrection ensues. The people of the world, who enjoyed paradise under the government of God, are now under the sway of Satan and are in full rebellion against God. This rebellion is not to be confused with the war against the literal nations of Gog and Magog at the start of the Millennium, but God says that He will destroy these people in the same way He destroyed those rebels 1,000 years earlier (Ezek 38:11-22). So many are to die in this first war that it will take more than seven months for all of the nation of Israel to bury most of the dead. There appear to be many more involved in the war after the Millennium, so the number of the fallen dead and the sight of them is difficult to imagine. However, there will be no need to bury these dead, for the second resurrection (a resurrection to physical life) will take place very soon after this war. We are not told how soon the resurrection will take place, but it follows on as the very next event for mankind: Rev 20:11-12 “…11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…” [NIV]
How many will die and have to be resurrected is not known, but the indication is that the majority of people will be killed. Without death, disease, starvation and natural disasters for 1,000 years the number of the dead will be incredibly large. Nevertheless, God does say in Heb 9:27 that all men must die once (whether literally or by baptism): “…And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:…” [KJV]
Whether the people live or die as a result of this war is not important. There is purpose for allowing Satan to be loosed on them and the reasons are twofold: 1. Everyone must experience both God’s way and Satan’s way in order to judge which is the better. The experience of being subjected to Satan’s way will allow those who mature during the Millennium to have an understanding of a way other than what God has to offer, thereby enabling them to have clarity of choice between the different ways after the second resurrection; and 2. People will not be able to claim that had they experienced God’s way first, then they would not have succumbed to Satan and experienced all the pain and suffering under his rule. Also, no-one will be able to say that they could have done better than Adam and Eve. After 1,000 years of peace, health, joy and the knowledge of God, people will still decide unwisely and succumb to Satan’s deceptions.
The people of the Millennium will have experienced great peace and joy under the direct rule of Christ, but as God is no respecter of persons they, along with the rest of humanity, will have to make a final choice in the day of judgement after the second resurrection.
The Previously Uncalled of humanity
The second major group to participate in the late wheat season comprises all that portion of humanity that was never predestined to be called during the time of the Saints. Even many of the uncalled people of this time endured much hardship, pain, misery and oppression at the hands of evil people in positions of power. There have been various reactions from people to such oppression, but like the oppression itself, all reactions must also be brought to account and this we are told very clearly in Eccl 12:14: “…For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil….” [NKJV]
There will be a special period of time set aside for the judging to take place and this time is known as the “day of judgement”, as shown in Matt 12:36: “…But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment…” [NKJV]
This period of judgement (assessment) is symbolized by the Feast of Tabernacles and this symbolism has already been covered in detail (above). However, the detail of the judging has not been covered – Rev 20:12 gives an overview of the process: “…And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…” [NIV]
Some are of the view that the judging will be similar to what transpires in the present human courts of justice, which is to say there is an indictment, a judgement made and then the judgement is executed. From this view has grown the perception that there is a relatively rapid judgement from an unmoving God. The perception is incorrect! While it is true that the good and bad deeds of people are recorded, to be reserved until the day of judgement, the method of recording is uncertain. Nevertheless, God did not leave us without a strong indication of the mechanism involved - since God’s Spirit witnesses with our spirit (Rom 8:16), it appears that every human is their own book of record. Also, in Rom 2:15 (speaking of the uncalled – at that time the gentiles) God tells us that the conscience is used for bearing witness of our actions: Rom 2:15 “…They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them…” [NRSV]
This is why it was said earlier, that in the late wheat season people will have to contend with their own human nature and their past experiences. Their own spirit will be witnessing to them how much they had been deceived by Satan and the extent to which they had supported his evil ways. God will use the memories of the people themselves and their old life-style preferences (how people chose to deal with others) to see if they are really willing to give up their old ways and take up His way. This is how God will test them in order to know what is in their hearts (Deut 8:2).
How well they embrace God’s way, as opposed to preferring their old way, is the method of judging whether or not they really want to live His way of life. Any other method may allow people to make mere pretence at embracing God’s way, while always desiring their old way of life. Christ said it would be harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (Mark 10:25). This is because there are those of the rich and powerful who will still desire the former oppressive control they had over others, even during the late wheat growing season (day of judgement). People who become accustomed to and develop a liking for controlling and oppressing others during this life will find that way difficult to give up. On the other hand, those who were downtrodden in this life will have little difficulty by comparison. Christ gives us some comparable examples as follows: Matt 11:22 “…‘But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.’…” [RSV] Matt 11:24 “…‘But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.’…" [RSV] Matt 12:41 “…‘The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.’…” [NIV] Matt 12:42 “…‘The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.’…” [NIV]
Some of the religious class treated Jesus very poorly, even though they either knew or suspected that he was the Christ. Nicodemus appeared to be one of the few who was prepared to accept Jesus (John 3:1-9 and John 19:39-40). The others of the religious class would have completed similar studies of the Messiah as did Nicodemus, but the indications are that they were hostile towards Christ rather than receptive. In fact, it is they who conspired to murder him. In the day of judgement they will all be stripped of their power – be no better than any other mortal – and they will find this situation difficult to bear.
The answer to the question of how will people be judged is now plain – what people do in this life matters, because how well people address and overcome their old ways during the “day of judgement” is how they will be judged by God. This is, in fact, what the Saints have to do today – during our day of judgement (as pictured by the Feast of Unleavened Bread).
Previously Called, but not chosen for the first ascension
Without doubt, this is the most misunderstood and misjudged group of people who are to take part in the late wheat season and be in the second harvest. This is a small and very unusual group of people and is comprised of two sub-groups: 1. Those predestined to fail in their calling – those "never" approved for the first ascension; and 2. Those intended to succeed, but were found to be unworthy to be part of the bride of Christ – they failed to be approved for the first ascension.
In dealing with these people it is necessary that some essential definitions be covered and the "early wheat season" be revisited – only then may it become clear as to why the group exists at all. Accordingly, the majority of this section of the article will be addressing conditions in the early wheat season that sifted out this group (the “called” only) from those who were harvested (the called, chosen and faithful”) for the first resurrection.
There are some common misconceptions about prophecy which can cause it to be confused with simple possibility. However, if we are to understand God at any significant level at all (and by extension His parables), then it is vital that we understand the difference between PROPHECY and POSSIBILITY. The Oxford Dictionary provides a useful start by giving part definitions of these two key words: Prophecy – "Foretelling of future events"! ¨ No room to manoeuvre here; ¨ It is absolute; and ¨ Nothing else can happen. Possibility – "Thing that MAY exist or happen"! ¨ Here there is room to manoeuvre; ¨ The outcome of an event may be dependent upon some other action or event; and ¨ There are a range of possible outcomes!
In regard to Biblical prophecy (the declaration of future events), the dictionary definition is absolutely accurate and the contrast with possibility is made very clear. When used in this context, the foretelling of future events, there are two significant points to remember: 1. Prophecy has nothing to do with obedience or disobedience to God! 2. Prophecy is absolute, it cannot be changed, it will happen!
Concerning the plan of salvation (a perfect example of prophecy) God says in Isa 9:7: “…Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this…” [KJV]
There is nothing conditional about this declaration – it is a prophecy about God’s future Kingdom and it is absolute. In addition to this example, God provides an explicit definition of prophecy (God declaring and bringing about future events) in Isa 46:9-11 “…9 ‘Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.’…” [KJV]
Prophecy is completely unconditional and does not depend on obedience to God’s law – it is simply a declaration by God that something shall be done, such as the four great secular kingdoms of the world revealed in Dan 2:28-40. These kingdoms were to be established unconditionally – there is no mention of obedience to God; in fact we know that the last physical kingdom in particular will not only be disobedient to the laws of God, it will actually attempt to engage in combat with the returning Jesus Christ.
Concerning possibility, a perfect example is that of Jonah warning Ninevah of the threat of destruction from God, because of their evil ways. However, they repented and God did not destroy them. Thus, the threat of destruction was dependent upon them not repenting – clearly, this was a provisional threat, NOT prophecy. This is similar to how we treat our own children – promise reward for doing well and warn of punishment for doing wrong. Such conditional approach is NOT prophecy! The relevant Scripture regarding this incident is found in Jonah 3:2-10: “…2 ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’ 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city — a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: ‘Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.’ 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.’ 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened…” [NIV].
The previous statement that "there are those who were predestined to fail in their calling" may sound preposterous, but that is exactly what Jesus himself says many times in the NT through the parables. McClintock and Strong Encyclopaedia describes “parable” as, “a word derived from the Greek verb, paraba, which signifies to set side by side, and thus comes easily to have attached to it the idea of doing so for the purpose of comparison. A parable therefore is literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.” [1] Parables are therefore not just stories – they illustrate actual situations. Since these situations are events yet future, parables are none other than prophecy! With this understanding concerning parables it is now possible to add a whole new dimension of reality to the gospel message and with it, understand a great deal more of the plan of salvation.
Accordingly, as prophecies (God’s unconditional declarations of future events), each of the parables now take on very powerful meanings!
The Parables
It is in Matt 22:4-14 (parable of the marriage invitation) where God gives us an insight into the “called, chosen and faithful.” There were “many” invited to the marriage (all the called), but only a few chose to accept (the intended chosen) the invitation and those who did attend were all given appropriate wedding garments. Being given appropriate wedding garments is synonymous with the white robes of the Saints in Rev 3:18 and Rev 6:11, which is also called the “righteousness of Saints” (Rev 9:18). Accordingly, those at the wedding were both called and intended to be chosen, but only those with appropriate garments (righteousness) were considered “faithful” and therefore approved to be part of the marriage.
Those who are called, but find themselves to be not part of the first ascension miss out on the first harvest season (the reaping stage) and therefore miss the marriage, because they were found NOT to be called, chosen and faithful, as we are told are the qualities of those who will be with Christ at the first resurrection – Rev 17:14: “…These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen [elect], and faithful…” [KJV]
There are two parables in particular that address the called but not chosen: 1. The parable of the 10 virgins – Matt 25:2-12; and 2. The parable of the sower and the seed – Luk 8:5-15.
In the parable of the 10 virgins the significant details are as follows: · ALL had the Holy Spirit – all virgins had oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) in their lamps, but five were running low; · All wanted to be in the first resurrection – all were preparing for the wedding and awaiting the return of the bridegroom; · All wanted to live God’s way of life – the 5 foolish virgins heeded the advice of the wise ones and tried to secure more righteousness through the Holy Spirit, but their efforts were to no avail.
The above details are significant, because there are those who believe that if there are any who miss out on the first resurrection, then they are condemned to death – that is to say, they believe that this is the only day of salvation for all who are called prior to the return of Christ. This belief is held by some, even though the ones who miss out on the first resurrection have the Holy Spirit, want to live God’s way of life and want to be in His family. Believing that they are condemned to death is astonishing, because it portrays God as being incredibly cold-hearted!
The belief that God is so cold-hearted is contrary to Scripture and preaching this belief is both heresy and blasphemous! 2Pet 3:9 "...The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us–ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance..." [KJV].
It is true that the lack of proper effort by the five foolish virgins does not impress Christ (the bridegroom) and neither does their “eleventh hour” repentance. However, they are closed out of the wedding, NOT salvation. It is also true that in Matt 25:12 it is recorded the bridegroom remarks, “…‘I do not know you’…”. However, after examination of this verse, Barnes disagrees with the interpretation and advises of the intent of the words – an excerpt from his commentary is as follows: “Applied to professing Christians, having ONLY a profession of religion, but no real piety, it means, I do not know or ACKNOWLEDGE you as Christians. I do not approve of you, or delight in you, or admit that you are my friends. The word ‘know’ is often used in the sense of approving, loving, acknowledging as real friends and followers.” [2]
These people have God’s Holy Spirit, so there is no way that Christ could not “know” who they are in the literal sense. Accordingly, Barnes is correct and the verse should be rendered, by intent, as follows: Matt 25:12 "…‘But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I do not approve of you.'…”
The five foolish virgins were those who did not meet with the bridegroom’s approval to be part of the wedding (first ascension). They had not conducted themselves in a manner fitting to be the bride of Christ. He did not approve of them to qualify for the first resurrection, but this does not disqualify them from being part of the second resurrection.
Who are these people? In Matt 7:23 Christ uses similar wording to describe a very recognisable class of people: "...And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'..." [NKJV] This verse is correctly rendered as follows: "...And then I will declare to them, 'I never approved of you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'..." In Matt 7:22 we are told that these people preached (prophesied), cast out demons and healed the sick (performed wonders), all in the name of Christ.
"...Many will say to Me in
that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in
Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'..."
[NKJV] The ability to do these deeds results directly as a gift of the Holy spirit and in previous eras, particularly the first, these deeds were done by ordinary members of God's church – one did not and does not now have to be "ordained" by the organization in order to fit into this category. In this era, these men are not just posing as "ministers" in God's church, they actually believe themselves to be ministers, else they would not be objecting about Christ's lack of approval. Also, Christ refers to them as "many", indicating that these people comprise the "many" in the church, not the "few". Accordingly, from Matt 7:22-23 we can know that many (i.e. most) of the ministry and members in ALL eras of the church are included with those represented by the five foolish virgins of Matt 25:12. All of the five foolish virgins have the Holy Spirit (symbolized by oil in the lamps), therefore those who are not ministers are definitely members of the church of God. However, as previously stated, this lack of approval from Christ means that they will be closed out of the wedding, NOT salvation. Such people will be given their first real chance for salvation during the hundred year period known as the great white throne judgement (symbolized by the Feast of Tabernacles), which is after the second resurrection (a resurrection to physical life).
In the parable of the sower and the seed (Luk 8:5-15) we are given some reasons as to why many of the called were not approved for the first resurrection; and we see God’s predestination coming into play: 1. Some fell by the wayside – did not survive; 2. Some fell on rock – did not survive; 3. Some fell among thorns – did not survive; and 4. Some fell on good ground – survived and increased.
The first point understood from a reading of the parable is that the seed is not just the Word of God, it is in fact called out people who have been given the opportunity to understand the Word of God (Luk 8:12-14).
The second point immediately noticeable is the astounding failure rate. Considering that God is in the business of salvation, not failure, this point would be both sad and shocking, if the results were not intended. However, the simple truth is that God did not intend for any in the first three categories to survive as Christians and endure to the end (the end of their lives) – He prophesied it to happen, therefore it was always going to be that way. To say anything else would be to make a liar out of God and that cannot be – Titus 1:2. God does not lie and in John 10:29 Jesus (speaking of his people) tells us that it is impossible for us to be taken away from God by an outside source: “…‘My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and NONE is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.’…” [KJV]
The third point available from the parable is that if the seed is the Word of God planted in men, then the sower is God! The sower, being God, knew exactly to whom He was entrusting His Word – the seed was NOT scattered at random, it was deliberate. This view is consistent with what God says about all the called being predestined and being known before the foundation of the world: Rom 8:29-30 “…Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.…” [KJV]
Also of interest in this verse concerning predestination is the fact that all of those who are predestined are ultimately intended to be in God’s family ("glorified") and God intends for ALL who are part of the second harvest to succeed. God has always known where He intended to plant the seed and the result of that planting. Since God engineered the negative first harvest outcome for those in the first three categories of this parable, it is not difficult to see that God always intended that the "failures" be part of the late harvest season. God knew that the hearts of these people were not acceptable for the first resurrection – He will, however, in the late growing season (after the second resurrection), give them the understanding concerning their heart and of what is acceptable: Jer 17:10 “…‘I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.’…” [KJV] Rev 2:23 “…‘and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.’…” [NKJV]
Regarding the third category, which fell among thorns, Jesus gives the meaning of the thorns as the called ones being “choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life” (Luk 8:14). For the secrets of this verse to be revealed, one must think how God thinks. For example, He regards riches as His way of life – understanding Him, truth, mercy, love and justice. It follows that He would regard the “riches of the world” as the world’s way of life – the way of deceit, control, oppression and self-gratification. Money does not necessarily have great significance because it can be a tool for either good or evil. Accordingly, to varying degrees, these “riches of the world” may be found in ANY member of the church of God. Since God is talking about His people in this parable, we can be certain that he is not referring to anyone outside the church. It is therefore a mistake to compare ourselves with those in the world and look for these negative qualities only in those who have no calling to the early harvest season. These negative qualities are to be searched for among God’s people!
For one to be found approved for the first resurrection the requirements are clearly set out in Luk 8:15: “…‘But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.’…” [KJV]
This description is very similar to the required result as recorded in Book of Jude, where the matter is elaborated by God: Jude V3 “…Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints…” [KJV]
God wants to see how willing we are to cling to His way of life, “keeping the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.” God’s people must be willing to trust God and hold fast to those things they have proven to be true, otherwise they fail the second part of the test as shown in Jude verse 5: “…I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not…” [KJV]
In Jude verse 5, God is speaking of the present day church (right now)! Those who lack faith in God and do not believe His true Gospel message will be excluded from the first resurrection. God repeats this warning about a lack of faith within His people at the end time by asking the question recorded in Luke 18:8: “...‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’…" [NKJV]
Any trials the people of God must endure are for two principal reasons: 1. To see how willing we are to cling to God’s way of life, “keeping the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.” Are we willing to hold fast to those things we have proven and know to be true? 2. To see if we still believe God is in charge and acting in the best interest of His people.
God has only ever asked two questions of us:
These are the BASICS of God and for thousands of years he has asked the same two questions of all His people. Adam and Eve were asked the same two questions – they responded poorly. Abraham was asked the same two questions – he responded well and became known as the “father of the faithful”.
These days can be confusing for some, because so many churches of God are teaching the traditions of men (the policy of the organization) rather than the doctrines of God. So, it may not be clear what it is we need to cling to – exactly what are the commandments of God. For this purpose God says that His people need teachers (Acts 8:30-31) and indeed He does provide these teachers. However, just as in the parable of the tares, where the weeds cannot be distinguished from the wheat during the growing season, God reveals in 2Cor 11:15 that just as Satan is transformed into an angel of light his ministers are also transformed into ministers of righteousness. Accordingly, care needs to be taken when the listening is being done and God warns of this in 2 Peter 3:17: “…You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;…” [NKJV]
At all times it must be remembered that these “wicked” have been set up as teachers of the Word of God to deliver trials upon the people of God: Jude 4: “…For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ…” [KJV].
The word “condemnation” has been translated from the Geek word “krima”, which always has the meaning of trials in order to see if we will trust and obey God, or not (that is to say, judgement); [4] just as with the ancient Israelites, in their 40 years of wilderness wandering, God tested them “to know what was in their hearts” (Deut 8:2). Although God is aware of these people, overall the people of God are oblivious to their presence and their purpose. Also, these men have no idea that they were ordained to such purpose – they are merely following their base carnal natures. Such people were ordained of God for the task of testing the faith of His people and therefore, in this instance, the correct rendering of the word “krima” would be "judgement", remembering that this is our "day of judgement" – the day that judgement is on the house of God (1Pet 4:17). Indeed, Young has translated the word correctly as shown in the following excerpt: "...long ago having been written beforehand to this judgment..." [Jude 4, YLT].
These people had a physical type in the "mixed multitude" that came with Israel out of Egypt – these were a continual mischief to Israel, causing them to desire worldly things rather than the things of God: Num 11:4 "...Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: 'Who will give us meat to eat?'..." [NKJV]. The priesthood intermarried (Neh 6:18) with the enemies of Israel and polluted the temple by giving them a place of residence in the temple. This intermarriage is a type of spiritual harlotry symbolizing adopting the practices, doctrines and systems of pagan (not true Church of God). These foreigners (false doctrines) had to be separated from Israel when the temple was restored after the Babylonian captivity: Neh 13:3-4
"...3
So it was, when they had heard
the Law, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.
4
Now before this, Eliashib the priest, having authority over the storerooms of
the house of our God, was allied with Tobiah..."
[NKJV]. Specifically, in the NT, they are referred to weeds planted by the enemy, Satan, in God's field of wheat (parable of the tares, Matt 13:24-30).
Even so, God gave His people the solution to the problem:
Checking the Word of God for ourselves, to ensure what is taught is what God says, is most important because not everyone who preaches in God's name or in Christ's name are necessarily teaching what God says. It is the responsibility of each individual to check that the diet we are being fed is the healthy diet of God’s Word, not the traditions of men or the dogma of an organization.
Unfortunately, the many that are called are not checking to see what God says; they are satisfied with their situation and their teachers (not teachers of God). As a result, they are responding poorly to God’s two fundamental questions – they trust man rather than God and they obey man rather than God. If it were not for the predestination mentioned in Jude 4, then it would be this condition that makes many of the called of God candidates for the second harvest rather than the first harvest.
HOPE FOR The fallen angels (DEMONS)
In the past, some have taught that when angels chose to sin that their character was then set and could not be changed thereafter, but there is absolutely no Scriptural support for such a teaching! The truth is, there is just as much hope for the fallen angels as there is hope for humanity. Angels can repent, they can change and in the day of judgement (the same day of judgement as depicted by the growing period of the late wheat season), when all will be free from the deception of Satan, the fallen angels will also be given their first real chance to know the truth and repent.
Jesus is the firstborn of ALL creation and he died for ALL sentient beings, whether in heaven or on Earth. Col 1:15 “…He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation…” [NIV] Col 1:20 “…And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven…” [KJV] 1 Peter 3:18 “…For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit,…” [NRSV]
In these Scriptures God is plainly telling us that Jesus also died for the sins of the fallen angels and they too will have their chance to repent and take up the purpose for which they were created – to be ministering spirits to humanity, the heirs of salvation (Heb 1:14). This is an astounding truth, which is no longer hidden from this era of the church of God!
Following Lucifer’s rebellion, as recorded in Ezek 28, he was thrown out of heaven and cast down to Earth. Until this time Lucifer had full access to heaven and the throne of God. God was placing restraints on Lucifer’s activities and confining him to a limited location. Now known as Satan, he was cast into “tartaroo,” being both a place and condition of restraint. The result of the rebellion is recorded in 2Pet 2:4 “…For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell [tartaroo] and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;…” [NKJV]
When Satan and his rebel angels failed in their attempt to overthrow God, God cast them down to HELL. In Ezek 28:17 God reveals that the hell (tartaroo) to which Satan was thrown was none other than planet Earth: “…Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendour. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings…” [NIV]
Planet Earth is the “prison” for the fallen angels; and these angels are to remain in this prison (restricted to Earth) until the day of judgement. Jude 6 “…And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day…” [KJV]
There are only two judgement “days” – one being pictured by the growing period of the early wheat season, which is on the House of God and lasts 6,000 years, while the other is pictured by the growing period of the late wheat season (also symbolized by the Feast of Tabernacles) and lasts for 100 years after the Millennium. God tells us in 1Cor 6:3 that it is we, the Saints, who will be judging (assessing) these fallen angels as they seek to be successful ministering spirits to humanity: “…Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!...” [NIV]
The word “judge” has been translated from the Greek word “krino” and the sense given by this word indicates that the saints will be responsible for a calling to question of past activities, of fallen angels, by allocating them specific tasks for the purpose determining true or feigned repentance. Thus, the tasks would serve to demonstrate that, when removed from the influence of Satan, they too can make right choices and perform their duties faithfully.
Also, in 2Peter 2:4 we are told, “…For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;…” [NKJV] In this Scripture the word “judgement” has been translated from the Greek word “krisis” and indicates not only a separating of the sincerely repentant from the unrepentant, but a categorising or rating of performance for the purpose of reward. Thus, God will be using the same principles for angels as He uses for humans – reward in accordance with works, as indicated by the parable of the talents (Matt 25:15-30).
There are those who believe that demons cannot repent, but if that were so there would be no need to judge (assess) them under circumstances free from Satan. Since God can destroy spirit (Matt 10:28), He could have destroyed them long ago. However, the above Scriptures clearly indicate an altogether different and far more hopeful future for the once disobedient angels. In addition, we are told in 1Peter 3:18-20 that Jesus preached to the fallen angels: “…18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits [demons] in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient,…” [KJV]
In reference to “unclean spirits” (fallen angels) the Greek word “pneuma” (spirit) is used many times in the NT and the correct rendering in verse 19 should be "demons" (as added in brackets above) or "fallen angels". This amendment is important, because there are some who believe that after death people transform into spirit beings and it was these spirits to whom the Word (Jesus) preached. God teaches that death is a type of deep sleep, with NO ability to think or do anything (Eccl 9:5). This matter is fully detailed in the article entitled There is a Real Hell. During this time of “preaching” the fallen angels were already well aware of God’s plan of salvation for mankind, but not necessarily aware that they were part of the same plan and therefore had a need to have that good news proclaimed to them in the same way that the gospel of the Kingdom has been proclaimed to mankind. Later translations use the correct the word, "proclaimed" rather than "preached". These angels were not preached to as if trying to get them to repent, because that was not their time of judgment. Rather, the Word simply announced in detail the plan of salvation for them; what would be the result of their rebellion, when their judgement would be and who would be doing the judging (the Saints).
Not only will people in the late wheat season have rest from Satan, they will have the advantage of former disobedient angels trying to prove that they can fulfil their original purpose in life by being ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. Thus, the Feast of Tabernacles also pictures the time when there will be no more war between the angels and they will be working together in peace.
Salvation for mankind AND the angels – it is little wonder that this festival is such a joyous occasion!
Click here to go to Your Questions/Comments
& The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the growing period of the late wheat season, which symbolizes the character growing period for all those who are to participate in the second harvest of humanity. This time is also known as the Great White Throne judgement.
The command for observance of this annual festival is found in Lev 23:34 and Lev 23:42 and observance is for the purpose of being a reminder that God caused His people to live in temporary dwellings (“booths”) after He brought them out of Egypt (Lev 23:43). This time of dwelling in booths was the time Israel’s 40 years of wilderness wandering – a time of trial and testing for Israel, so God could know what was in their hearts.
& The timing for the Feast of Tabernacles is AFTER escape from Egypt (sin), but BEFORE entry into the Promised Land (the Kingdom of God) and therefore does NOT picture the Millennium. The Millennium is symbolic of our final rest as spirit beings in the family of God (Heb 3:9-18 and Heb 4:1-10) and therefore is not a stage in the plan of salvation to be fulfilled by the symbolism of God’s Holy Days.
& The time of testing/evaluation for this very large second group of humanity will take place after the second resurrection (physical) of the dead at the end of the Millennium (Rev 20:5 and Rev 20:12):
& Even though the first days for both the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are Sabbaths, God requires a display of effort from His people. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread a putting away is required (Ex 12:15), while On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles a gathering and building is required (Lev 23:40). Except for emphasis (due to circumstances), the first days of these Feasts are identical in purpose – the end requirement being that people commit to living God’s way.
& Just as the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolized the period of testing/judging for the Saints (1Pet 4:17), the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the period of testing (Deut 8:2) for the vast majority of mankind who have never really known Jesus or the one true God. The growing periods of the wheat season symbolize the day of judgement for each respective group of people.
& The growing period of the late wheat season is 100 years long (Isa 65:20) – more than a life-time by present day standards!
& The growing period of the late wheat season is a time of commanded joy (Lev 23:40, Deut 14:14 and Deut 14:26. Whereas the Saints from the first resurrection (those in the first harvest) had to overcome self, an oppressive society and Satan to qualify for entry into the family of God as spirit beings, the people in the late wheat season will only have to contend with their own human nature and past experiences. By comparison, the late wheat season will be a truly joyful experience.
& Who will be judged? Ø Survivors of the Millennium Ø Those in the Second Resurrection – previously uncalled of humanity; and Ø Those in the Second Resurrection – previously called but not chosen for ascension in the first resurrection.
& The difference between Prophecy and Possibility is that prophecy is an absolute declaration of a future event by God, whereas possibility is something that may happen as a result of conduct (i.e. a threat of destruction, or promise of reward). The parables are absolute declarations of future events concerning those called in the early wheat season and are therefore prophecy.
& To successfully withstand false teachings one must study as did the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and test the spirits (the false teachers) against the Word of God (1John 4:1).
& There is hope (salvation) for mankind and the fallen angels (demons). Jesus is the firstborn of ALL creation and he died for ALL sentient beings, whether in heaven or on Earth (Col 1:15-20 and 1Peter 3:18). The errant angels will be given a chance to prove they can fulfil the purpose for which they were originally created – to be ministering spirits to humanity, the heirs of salvation (Heb 1:14). However, the likelihood of their success is strongly linked to their behaviour in this age – just as is the case for humans. The more evil they take pleasure in now, the more difficult it will be for them to commit to God’s way in the day of judgement.
Earth is now the prison for these angels (2Pet 2:4 and Ezek 28:17) and like the great mass of humanity, await their day of judgement (2Pet 2:4 and Jude 6). Since there are only two “days of judgement” and the first one being reserved for the Saints, then it is the second day of judgement (the one after the Millennium) when the fallen angels will be judged. It is the Saints who will be judging these fallen angels as they seek to be successful ministering spirits to humanity (1Cor 6:3). Click here to go to Your Questions/Comments
God’s annual Holy Days, showing the plan of salvation.
Click here to go to Your Questions/Comments
Next Article: The Last Great Day pictures ascension into the God family of those from the great white throne judgement (after the Millennium) who prove they want to live God’s way of life. This concludes salvation for mankind.
[1] McClintock and Strong Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. [2] Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. [3] Strong’s <4103> pistos – faithful [4] Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
