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Volume 3 –
JANUARY 2001 (50 pages)
STATEMENT
OF PURPOSE: Nazarene
Saints Publishing© is a Bible research group for a better Scriptural
understanding. We are dedicated to the preservation and publishing of Christian
writings which aid Friends of the Nazarene© to “follow the Lamb no
matter where he goes.” (John 15:14; 3 John 14; Revelation 14:4) The Friends
of the Nazarene© are a spiritual community of Messianic Christians.
We are apologists dedicated to the defense of the truth that “God is One” and
not three. The Bible is our creed. We view this “God-breathed” Book as inspired
alone, while the thoughts of men about it are not. We wish to show respect for
our multitude of Christian brethren. (1 Peter 3:15)
Contributors:
Mark Heber Miller - - Senior Editor – Hemet, California
Ralph Slaney - - Senior Spanish editor - Almeria, Spain
Andy Weeks – - Webmaster – Chicago, Illinoise
Sergei Kremenitsky - - Russian translator - Kiev, Ukraine
James Noble - – Long Beach, California
Timo Koorns tra - – Dutch translation - Belgium
James McCarthy Sr. - – French translation - USA.
Luis Padilla - - Spanish Editor – Whittier, Calif
q ANNOUNCEMENTS
q FAITH PERSPECTIVES
q TESTIMONIES
q
“HOW WILL GOD JUDGE THE WORLD?” [Mark Miller – USA]
q IS THERE ‘ANYTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN’? [Ralph Slaney – Spain]
q THE FIFTH SEAL: THE CRY OF THE MARTYRS [Mark Miller – USA]
q GIVE THANKSGIVING TO GOD [Mark Miller – USA]
q COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS CHAPTER THREE [Mark Miller]
q COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS CHAPTER FOUR [Mark Miller]
q
2001!!! Who would have guessed we would reach this monumental date? Some
reminded of the book turned into the movie 2001 – A Space Odyssey will
hear a Straus waltz. It seems evident that humankind has not quite made the
progress in science that the book/film anticipated. There is no
hotel/space-station. There is no permanent residence on the moon. There is no
manned space-ship approaching Jupiter. Many see this New Year of 2001 as the
real beginning of the 21st Century and the Third Millennium since
the birth of Christ.
q
NAZARENE COMMENTARY 2000: Our brothers Timo in Belgium and JimmyMac in Maine, USA have
combined a marvelous Bible study and research tool. They have merged the Online
Bible with Nazarene Commentary 2000© [Matthew to Revelation] Those who
have begun to use it are thrilled with the results. If you wish to add this
feature to your computer get in touch with these brothers. Their email
addresses are above. It is hoped that this feature will soon be added to the
Friends of the Nazarene web site for easy download. We also anticipate that the
following will be added to the Friends web page.
q
COMMENTARY ON ROMANS: The new Commentary On Romans was finished last month and is
available by email attachment. In time it will be downloadable from the FON web
site. One article in this issue is based on Romans chapter two form this
material.
q
COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS: The work on Commentary On Ephesians moves along with
chapters 1-4 completed. Two articles in this issue are based on this material.
q
21st CENTURY VERSION OF THE CHRISTIAN SCRiPTURES: We are pleased to announce that the entire New Testament, or
Christian Bible, in the complete 21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures will be made
available in the future. It is a version of Matthew to Revelation in a two-column
page without footnote commentaries. It is hoped it will provide easy reading as
well as easier Copy and Paste purposes. To date Galatians to 2 Thessalonians
has been completed.
q
A REFRESHER: Just to make sure all are aware of some forms of FON spiritual
fellowship: On the Nazarene-Friends eGroup talk list there is a Daily Bible
Verse commentary handled by various brothers, a Daily Inspirational Thought as
contributed by different brothers and sisters. Each week on Sunday the weekly
Bible reading is announced along with an attachment of that chapter from Nazarene
Commentary 2000©. We are discovering that some churches and individuals are
following this same weekly program. There is a special mailing list for this
and if you wish to be added contact Mark Miller.
====
END ANNOUNCEMENTS ====
"If we want truth,
every person ought to be free to speak what they think
without fear." [Erasmus (1520 AD)]
[A forum for the free and open expression of beliefs without fear.
We welcome brief thoughts and articles on any appropriate subject
addressed in a kind and respectful manner.]
words of encouragement –
Dear friends:
Really enjoyed the five part series on Where are the Dead? Don’t know if
I agree with it, but I really got some food for thought out of it. I have been
tormenting myself lately on where the "soul" of a relative is. Now, I
believe I know where it is. Thanks to you. I really appreciated the work that
went into that subject and time spent. Thank you.
>>>>>
But thank God they finally put a link to
what I believe is the best anti-trinity site on the net. God bless you, Mark.
[JR]
>>>>>
Your site on the net is like none other that I have seen. It is so full of spiritual information. Also so full of God’s love and Spirit. I do feel Jehovah through His Son Christ Jesus is calling and His servants will hear his voice as it says.
I have been greatly encouraged by the
things I have been reading at the
"Friends Of The Nazarene" site. Also enjoying the posts to my e-mail
box. [JM - Oregon]
>>>>>
I'd be happy to receive the December
magazine if you would please. … May Jehovah continue to use you as an
instrument of his word and a blessing -
thanks again for all your hard work and that of the other brothers and sisters
also. [EB]
>>>>>
It's a pleasure working with you in this
Bible-educational and fellowship activity.
God is quite evidently blessing you. [JN – California]
>>>>>
Since finding (being directed to?) the Nazarene web site I have been more content than I have in many years. [RN]
>>>>>
Your web site is wonderful. [RW]
>>>>>
I just spoke of you in conversation today with my cousin, as one who has endured the difficulties of being a solider of the cross to the extent of loss of family and friends. But through all the difficult experiences you are being transformed into the image of Christ. Praise God. … I spoke of other Christians we met during these last few years that are wonderful examples of men being led by GOD, and that is when your name came up. … I read the November [Friends of the Nazarene magazine] wonderful. We especially enjoyed the penned autobiography. [Gene and Mary – California]
>>>>>
I do want to commend you on what a fine internet site you & others with you have developed, it is a great study & fellowship aid. … Please keep up the good work. I hope to see you at one of the future conventions. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers as well as the rest of the brethren & please keep me in yours. In our FATHER & HIS Son. [JS]
>>>>>
Regarding Truth
Our heavenly Father had recorded the
teachings of Jesus that He wanted us to know. Things that He felt it necessary
for us to know at this time. If it's not in the New Testament than I am to
assume we are not to have knowledge of it at this time. There is a time and
place for everything. Jesus only taught what he heard from the Father. There is
NOTHING NEW...... NO NEW REVELATIONS. We need to read, meditate and pray on the
scriptures we have. Pray to God for understanding and not lean on our own. I
believe as that to study means MORE THAN MERELY READING. WE MUST CONSIDER
CONTEXT, TO WHOM Jesus is speaking and other things. [GB – California]
====
END “FAITH PERSPECTIVES” ====
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Someone, who shall remain nameless (but whose initials are Mark Miller---oups!), sort of asked me to write a short biography about myself, or to give a testimonial. As many of you know me from the eGroup and how I can ramble, I suddenly find myself for lack of words. Ok...so there's a first time for everything.
Maybe I should give a little biographical background and work outwards from there. First of all, many of you know me as "jimmymac". My name is really "James Edgar McCarthy, Sr." But I've been going by "jimmymac" before the song came out. So to hear someone call me by my birth name...it just doesn't feel right. I'm 42 (I think?), have been married to my wonderful wife, Becky, for the past 21 years, and we have 3 children. Our son, James, is 21; our eldest daughter, Liz, is soon to be 20, and our youngest daughter, Gail, will be 17 soon. I am Irish, French, Native American; my wife is Arab, English, and Afro-American---which makes our children their own United Nations. I speak French and English, my wife English and Arabic, and our kids speak Confusion. And there's my family.
I was raised a Catholic, but it was really a thin veneer of Catholicism over Native American pagan beliefs. My first contact with Protestantism came from a Pentecostal movement that swept through our town. While I loved the worship there was always that feeling of "something's missing here." It was then where I came in contact with the Maronite Catholic Church (a Rite of the Roman Church) and Greek Orthodoxy. I think the mysticism of it all attracted me. I settled in becoming a Maronite and decided to enter the priesthood. This is when I met my wife. Well, we think of "Catholic" and we think immediately of "celibate". So I told the Maronite priest that I'd have to pass up going to the seminary. His reply was, "Oh---you can still be a Maronite priest---just not in America." So once again that feeling that "something's not quite right here." My wife and I became basically "nothing."
It was about this time that we moved to Portland, Maine. There was a knock on the door one day (and many of you know where this is leading to) and it was a "friend" from work. I immediately invited him into our home only to find that he was there to invite me to a Bible study. I accepted the books and went the whole Nine Yards in investigating this religion, the Jehovah's Witnesses. Of course, this wasn't my first contact with them as I'd had a friend in school who was one. But this was my first real serious examination of them. So I read the books, read the Bible, and still found that something wasn't quite right. I'd had friends and family who were Seventh-Day Adventists, and to make a long story short, I ended up becoming one mainly because of the Sabbath issue. This lasted for perhaps 4 years. But there still was something that wasn't quite "right." So I left and we moved back to our first city of residence, Waterville, Maine.
I worked in a radio station and I used to produce a show for a local talent and one day after her show we got to talking. We held many of the same ideals, Brotherhood of Mankind, world peace, etc. Come to find out this lady was a Baha'i. Now this is an Eastern religious movement who recognise a certain Baha'u'llah as Jesus returned in the flesh in 1844 or thereabouts. Sounded good and I bought the entire thing and felt comfortable in my new beliefs.
So on I lived as a happy Baha'i. We were encouraged to not only read the Baha'i Holy Writings, but the writings of all major religions. So I've read the Koran, the Upanishads (I think that's how it's spelt), the Tao, Buddhist writings, etc. Then one day I decided to pick up the Bible. I discovered several verses in there that didn't quite jive with my religious beliefs. One was John 14:6 where Jesus says he's the ONLY way to heaven. Another was Acts 4:12 where we're told that there is NO other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. I had a dilemma! How could Baha'u'llah be my saviour if Jesus is said to be the ONLY way? And then here we had in the first chapter of Acts the angels saying that this SAME Jesus would be coming back to us. But this Baha'u'llah was born of a woman and a father with nothing supernatural about his birth, unlike Jesus's conception. Plus the Master's coming seemed to be with great power so that we'd ALL know it was Him, unlike Baha'u'llah's quiet arrival.
So I had a lot of problems. Would I reject Jesus, the ONLY means of salvation and continue along with Baha'u'llah, or would I accept the Hope of the Whole World? The choice was actually easy---I chose Jesus! And when I did there was a certain "realization" that came over me that I'd never experienced before. I wasn't accepting the creeds of some man, I wasn't following someone else's interpretation of Him, but I was following Him alone. This realization was akin to a "rebirth", for lack of a better way to describe it. I have an experience with the Master, I have a life with the Master, a life that goes beyond all words. For once it feels "right". :o)
Now I'm basically home-bound due to an illness called systemic lupus. Being homebound and there being no like-minded believers in my city I was looking over the web one day when I happened upon the Friends of the Nazarene web site. I sat there for what seemed like hours, reading, downloading, reading more...and I was so excited because here were like-minded believers!
So I have more than any person could ever
ask for, who could ever dream of having: I have you Brothers and Sisters, I
have the computer so I can communicate with all of you, and most importantly of
all---I have Jesus, and knowing Him has revealed what Jehovah is truly like---a
God of supreme compassion and unlimited love for His children. To God be all
the Glory! [JimmyMac – Maine,
USA]
====
END ====
By Mark Heber Miller – California
Paul can hear the objections from the pseudo Jews, or former Jews who had become Christians. There is no basis for their sense of superiority resulting in their judgmental attitude. Paul now launches into a condemnation of the judgmental who hypocritically criticize others while doing the very things they condemn. They, like all the rest of humanity, will be exposed to God’s judgment in His Day of Wrath. In the process he deals with one of the Bible’s major themes: “How Will God Judge the World?” [Romans 3:6 KJV]
Romans 2:1, 2 -- The Judgmental
Defenseless
1 Therefore, O [Jew], you are
without a defense! For you judge yourself when you are judging everyone else as
guilty if you habitually practice the same things you are judging. 2
Because we know that God’s judgment -- upon those who habitually practice such
things -- is in harmony with truth. [NCMM]
The Greek is literally, “O, man (or, human),” but it is clear Paul addresses his Jewish protagonist. The singular “you” follows, indicating Paul is not criticizing all Jews but an individual type. The context makes it clear his audience is Jewish at this point. He tells his “Jew” that he is “without a defense.” The Greek word for “defense” is APOLOGIA (from which the English apology or apologetics comes). Paul says this Jew has “nothing to say in your own defense.” [TCN] Why?
Because “you, [the Jew], judge yourself when you are judging everyone [else].” The Jews were notorious for their judgmental attitude of all the non-Jews. This thought echoes the Nazarene when he teaches, “For you will be judged with that ‘judgment’ by which you are judging!” [Matthew 7:2 NCMM] [Compare notes on Romans 2:9, 9:20, and 14:10.] The word judgment is a major theme dominating the epistle to the Romans. It is the self-righteous, religious hypocrite who “habitually practices the same thing being condemned.” The very word “hypocrisy” comes from two words: under + judge. [See notes on Romans 2:21.]
Paul means by “such things” those he has already listed above in Romans 1:18-32]. These vices or sins have degrees of gravity, ranging from God-hater and murderer to whisperer. Some sins are grave when done only once while others become increasingly more serious the more habitual they become. So that given time the habitual whisperer has done as much damage as the murderer. Virtually everyone is guilty of at least one on this Pauline list, and some continue to fail in a number of them. On the practice of sin see notes on 1 John 3:4, 9.
When God makes a judgment – whether of a Jew or non-Jew – it is
always “in harmony with truth.” There is a factual reason or governing
principle behind all of God’s judgments or judicial decisions. The sinner may
not understand why a sin is so grave, but a study of each one makes it clear
there is a universal principle behind it. Isaiah 11:3 speaks of Judge Messiah, “(The
Messiah) will not judge on just what the eyes see; nor will he rebuke just
because of rumors.” In time God’s judgments will be revealed to every human
being who ever existed.
Romans 2:3-11 -- God’s Judgment
Revealed
Paul begins to introduce one of his major themes -- God’s judgment -- and he will go on to use several words related to judgment. Here he has taken on an unknown Jew who we can presume is a hypocritical, self-righteous critic of others while doing the very things he condemns. Nothing in Paul’s language would not apply to a Christian. Paul divides the worshippers of The God (ho theos) into two classes: those persisting in badness (which is generally that which harms others) and those enduring in goodness, that which seeks the highest good for others. The reward for both will be quite different and based on their conduct. Paul draws on Moses at Deuteronomy 10:17 is discussing God’s judgment:
3 But, is this your logic, O Jew: Do
you think you can escape the judgment of The God while you continue to do the
same things as those you judge who habitually practice such things? 4 Or,
do you despise the rich kindness [of The God] -- His restraint and tolerance?
Not realizing that the kindness of The God is [trying] to lead you to
repentance? 5 However, in harmony with your hard and unrepentant heart
you are storing up wrath for yourself in a day of wrath when the righteous
judgment of The God is revealed. 6 [The God] ‘will reward each one in
harmony with [their] works’ [Psalm 62:12]. 7 Indeed, to those who
endure in good works -- glory, honor, and incorruption to those searching for
ageless life. 8 But, to those who out of selfishness disobey the truth,
obeying rather unrighteousness --- wrath, anger, 9 oppression and
distress -- upon every human soul who persists in working harm to others --
first to the Jew, but also to the Greek. 10 But, glory, honor, and peace
to everyone who continues to work at good --- to the Jew first, but also to the
Greek. 11 ‘For there is no partiality or favoritism of persons with
The God.’ [Deuteronomy 10:17]
Paul continues to talk to his individual Jewish protagonist. (Romans 2:17) Paul asks this Jew: “Do you think you can escape the judgment of The God?” The hypocrite is without logic in that he is critical of those who practice the vices listed above, and at the same time continues in these vices himself. He convinces himself that he will escape the judgment of God while these others will not. [Compare Matthew 23:33; 1 Timothy 5:24.] It is interesting that some modern Christians reason the same way: because they have been “saved” no matter what they do will condemn them, while all others stand condemned for these same actions.
In the process of this self-deceptive thinking – this deep religious rationalization – Paul asks his Jewish friend: “Do you despise the rich kindness [of The God] -- His restraint and tolerance?” Or, “Are you, perhaps, misinterpreting God’s generosity and patient mercy.” [PME] [Read Psalm 86:5 and see notes on Ephesians 1:7.] By this hypocritical, self-righteous judgmental attitude, the self-appointed judge really shows scorn and disdain for the Judge Himself. While God is patiently restraining Himself this critic exercises no such mercy and compassion toward those he judges, mainly non-Jews.
This does not mean that this Jew is automatically lost even if he is “not realizing that the kindness of The God is [trying] to lead you to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9] But, despite God’s patient kindness this Jew remains “hard and unrepentant” in his heart. He is has a deep obstinacy and stubbornness when it comes to feeling regret for his own sins. As a result of this deeply ingrained attitude this Jew is “storing up wrath for [himself] in a day of wrath.” By the expression “day of wrath” Paul means that future judgment of God. [Compare James 5:5.] Each new criticism and self-righteous opinion goes on the record to be accounted for in that Day.
The Nazarene taught the same: “Out of the good person’s heart comes a treasure of goodness; and expelled out of the wicked person’s wicked treasure comes wickedness. But I tell you that every fruitless word human’s speak will be held to account on Judgment Day. For by your words you will be declared ‘Not Guilty,’ and by your words you will be accursed.” [Matthew 12:35-37 NCMM] Paul agrees with his Lord that this would be “when the righteous judgment of The God is revealed.” Or, “when God will reveal to the sight of men the righteousness of His judgment.” [CON] It will be then that every Jew and non-Jew will find that “God will reward each one in harmony with [their] works.” This is a strong allusion to Psalm 62:12, “O Yehowah, mercy and kindness are yours, for You will reward every person in harmony with each one’s work.” [NCMM] The judgment of God is based on conduct in this life.
This same verse in the Psalm 62:12 is alluded to three times in the Bible’s final mention of God’s judgment: “Then I saw the Dead, the great and the small, standing in sight of the (white) Throne [of Messia]. Little ‘books were opened’ [Daniel 7:10] and another Little Book was opened, the ‘Book of Life’. [Psalm 69:28] The Dead were judged out of the things written in the Little Books, ‘according to their works’. [Psalm 28:4] The Sea gave up its dead and The Death and the Hades gave up their dead. They were all ‘judged according to their works’. [Psalm 62:12] … Look! I am arriving suddenly. ‘My reward is with me to give back to each one according to his works’.” [Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 62:12] [Revelation 20:12, 13; 22:12 NCMM] Compare also Job 34:11, Ezekiel 18:30, and notes on Proverbs 24:12. [For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on the subject “God and Judgment”.] No where does Paul teach about some probationary period of judgment for humanity.
Paul now compares those who do good works and those who disobey the
truth out of selfishness. Nothing in Paul suggests “works” are of no value in
God’s judgment. Obviously, “good works” include the opposites of those vices
listed above in Romans 1:18-32 . (1 Timothy 2:10) These “good” persons will
attain to “glory, honor, and incorruption.” The Greek for “incorruption” is
APHTHARSIAN, literally non-decayable, or non-rotting. It is contrasted with
“immortality” in 1 Corinthians 15:50-53. This means an ageless or everlasting
life to those searching for such. It seems apparent that immortality and
endless life is not a natural attribute of the human soul but must be search
for if it is to be realized. (Ezekiel 18:20; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10)
On the other hand “those who out of selfishness disobey the truth and instead obey unrighteousness” will experience “wrath, anger, tribulation and distress.” When Paul mentions “unrighteousness” he has in mind that list of his in Romans 1:21-32 above. Note, the unrighteous and disobedient are not described as being punished by hell-fire torment. Paul never uses the word “hell” in his epistles. Many of these apostate Jews would live to experience the holocaust of the Roman war between 66-73 CE. However, at the very latest this would befall them during God’s Day of Judgment for all humanity.
None who “persists in working harm to others” will escape God’s
condemnation. This would include the Jew first, but also the Greek. [Note the phrase
elsewhere. (Romans 1:16; 2:9, 10) The word “Greek” is a surrogate for “non-Jew”
(Gentile).] Paul repeats his phrase when he mentions again “everyone who
continues to work at good.” Jesus had taught the same when he said both the
good and vile would be resurrected with two different outcomes: “Do not wonder about this, because the hour is coming in
which all ‘those in the memorial tombs’ [Isaiah 26:19 LXX] will hear [the Son’s] voice and those having done good
things will come out unto ‘a resurrection of
Life’. [Daniel 12:2 LXX] ‘Those who have habitually
done corrupt things unto a resurrection of condemnation’. [Daniel 12:2]”
[John 5:28, 29 NCMM]
Thus Paul emphasizes the need to lead a good life in order to attain
a righteous judgment from God. For “there is no partiality” with God. This is a
strong allusion to Deuteronomy 10:17. (2 Chronicles 19:7; Acts 10:34) “For God
pays no attention to this world’s distinctions.” [WEY] Both Jew and non-Jew
will face God’s judgment. But how will this occur?
Romans 2:12-16 -- Doers of Law
Pronounced Innocent
All humankind will be judged by God on judgment day. The two groups of humankind will be judged in two different ways: Jews will be judged by the Law of Moses, while the non-Jews will be judged by their implanted conscience. The function of the conscience and logical thought is something of a demonstration of how God places his laws within the hearts of the Saints in New Israel according to the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:31-35. The subject of judgment is a major part of Paul’s Gospel as he now explains:
12 For all those who sinned without
the Law will also be destroyed without the Law; and, all those who sinned under
the Law will be judged by that Law. 13 Because, the innocent before The
God are not those who just hear the Law. Rather it is those who keep the
Law who will be pronounced innocent. 14 For when non-Jews, though not
having the Law, naturally keep the Law, they are a law unto themselves. 15 They
demonstrate the Law’s work ‘written within their
hearts’ [Jeremiah 31:33] -- the combined testimony working
between their conscience and their logical thoughts either prosecuting or
defending them. 16 According to my good news through Christ Jesus [this
is how] it will be in the day The God judges the secret things of all
humankind.
Paul says that those non-Jews “who sinned without the Law” will not
be judged according to Jewish Law and so if they be sinners “will be destroyed
without the Law [of Moses].” Paul introduces his next major theme -- law.
Since he later says ‘that without law there is no sin’ it seems he must mean
here The Law of Moses. Paul will use the word “law” in half a dozen different
ways in the epistle to the Romans. It is not always easy to determine which
“law” he has in mind. Here he means the non-Jews who were not under the Law
Covenant given through Moses. Many translations will capitalize Law to indicate
that law given to Israel as Yehowah’s chosen people. [See the notes on
Ephesians 2:12.] Likely Paul may mean that in the judgment these non-Jews will
be judged without the Law of Moses. He goes on to explain the manner by which
they will be judged though not having the Law of Moses.
On the other hand all those Hebrews and Jews will be “those who sinned under the Law [of Moses] will be judged by that Law.” That is, the Jews themselves under their Mosaic Law will be judged before God on Judgment Day. [See the notes on Romans 3:19.] As Paul goes on to explain, in the coming day of judgment all the Jews raised on that Day will be judged by their own Law. [See notes on Romans 7:9.]
For it is not enough to “just hear the Law [of Moses].” That is those Jews who heard Moses read every Sabbath in the synagogue. (Acts 15:21; 2 Corinthians 3:15) Only those who “keep the Law [of Moses] will be pronounced innocent before The God.” The Greek here for “innocent” is DICAIOTHESONTAI [Strong's Exhaustive Concordance #1344] and is traditionally rendered justified or declared righteous. It is a legal word from the court-room which infers “not guilty.” This word will become one of Paul’s favorites and will occur many times in the epistle to the Romans. [Compare Acts 13:39; Galatians 3:11.] However, for two thousand years there has been much confusion over the delicate nuances of his meaning. It is doubtful Paul means in an absolute sense as he later argues that none can be declared innocent by keeping the Law. He seems to mean in a general since it is the law-abiding person is found “not-guilty” before the law, whether Jewish or non-Jew.
What about the non-Jews? Those who were not exposed to the law of Moses as God’s chosen people. Paul says these non-Jews did not have such a Law. [Compare notes on Ephesians 2:12; Psalm 147:20.] These multitude of international nations, peoples, tribes, tongues of non-Jewish peoples have, unknown to themselves ‘naturally kept a form the Law [of Moses] because they are a law unto themselves’. The non-Jewish nations, including tribes and all peoples, have had their laws, including taboos, whether oral tradition or written, which contain the essential principles of the moral Law of Moses -- theft, murder, adultery, false witness. No peoples have been purely anarchistic without some law to govern themselves. But, Paul has also another law or principle in mind – the conscience.
These non-Jewish peoples throughout the millennia have “demonstrated the Law at work as ‘written within their hearts’” or conscience. In their primitive way the non-Jews are a demonstration of what the prophet Jeremiah meant when he foretold a new covenant with Israel and a law written on hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33) Paul explains this mechanism as “the combined testimony working between their conscience and their logical thoughts.” Paul echoes the mechanism fore-viewed in Jeremiah 31:33: the conscience and the thought process combine to make inner judgments of the heart. The Greek word for “conscience” is SYNEIDESEOS, or literally “with + idea (or, knowledge)”. The English “conscience” also means “with + knowledge”. “Conscience” is a word Paul uses most often in 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10.
Thus, this was what the Nuremberg judges called “the universal human conscience.” This conscience “either prosecutes or defends them.” Like prosecuting and defending attorneys, the conscience and the logical process makes its judgments. Thus, no non-Jew can beg that he was “under orders” or that “everyone was doing it” when, in fact, their own conscience condemned wrong actions and thoughts.
The subject of salvation is not the only theme included in Paul’s gospel. Judgment and punishment are also part of his good news. We have been introduced to certain key words associated with his Gospel: judgment, law, punishment. These will all come to a conclusion “in the day The God judges the secret things of all humankind.”
We may infer from the above that in the judgment (Acts 17:31; Revelation 20:12-14) the non-Jews will be judged according to their implanted conscience and the Jews by their own Law. (Luke 8:17; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Peter 4:5) All humankind will rise in the judgment to receive their payment for what they have done in their lives. (See notes on Matthew 12:36, 37; Hebrews 9:27) This becomes a major theme in Paul’s Gospel and is discussed in further chapters. Judgment Day is among the Bible’s prime subjects. Paul lists judgment among the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ at Hebrews 6:2. Though some would place salvation as the theme of the Bible, judgment must come first before salvation can occur.
Given the above, what will be the outcome for a judgmental Jew?
Romans 2:17-24 -- Judgmental
Jews Guilty
Again Paul challenges his “Jew” with a series of questions, no doubt with a degree of sarcasm. Hypocrisy is the charge. Paul knows from his own experience that the self-righteous legalists were often the most guilty in their secret transgressions of the Law. Often the most critical are the biggest hypocrites. Paul quotes Isaiah 52:5 to show how all of this brings dishonor to God.
17 But, if you are a Jew in name and
rely upon the Law, boasting in God, 18 knowing His will, approving of
excellence, educated in the Law, 19 convinced you are ‘a guide to those blind’ [Isaiah 42:7], ‘a light to those in darkness’ [Isaiah 49:6],
20 an educator of the foolish, a teacher of babes, possessing the
framework of ‘The Knowledge’ and ‘The Truth’ within the Law -- 21 hence
the [Jew] teaching others, do you not teach yourself? The [Jew] preaching, “Do not steal,” [Exodus 20:15] do you
steal? 22 The [Jew] saying, “Do not
commit adultery,” [Deuteronomy 5:18] do you commit adultery? The
[Jew] abhorring idols, do you rob temples?
[Jeremiah 7:11] 23 You [Jew], are you boasting about the Law but by
transgressing the Law are you dishonoring The God? 24 Just as it has
been written, “For the Name of The God is being
blasphemed among the non-Jews because of you [Israelites].”
[Isaiah 52:5]
Paul becomes sarcastic, or righteously indignant, with that “Jew in name” who relies on the Law of Moses and continues to make his boast in God from this standpoint. Paul launches into one of his lists, possibly with a degree of bitterness in his voice.
This Jew had his own self-righteous judgments in “approving what is excellent.” Or, “a sense of what is vital in religion.” [MOF] Here self-righteousness flourishes as it does among other religions that pride themselves in their unique opinions. He also thinks himself “a guide to those blind.” This is a possible allusion to Isaiah 42:7. He also claims to be “a light to those in darkness.” A possible allusion to Isaiah 49:6.
This “Jew in name” preaches according to the Ten Commandments, “Do not steal,” and yet does steal. From the Ten Commandments at Exodus 20:15 indicating Paul’s use of the word “law” here includes these commandments and not just the ceremonial law. [Compare also notes on Romans 7:1.] This “Jew in name” preaches, “Do not commit adultery,” but violates this law also.
As much as the Jew wishes to adhere to the Law of Moses “by transgressing the Law are you dishonoring The God.” Any transgression of the Law dishonors God. And Paul confirms this by quoting from Isaiah 52:5. Paul here quotes the Jewish Greek Septuagint at Isaiah 52:5. The differences between the Greek and Hebrew Texts is an interesting study. One of the ways in which God’s Name is defamed is by transgression of Law. [Compare also Ezekiel 36:23 in the Hebrew Text.]
By this course of action “the Name of God is blasphemed” by the
non-Jews. Isaiah 52:4 shows that this “name” is YEHOWAH [Strong's
Exhaustive Concordance #3068]. Compare also Exodus 6:4 and Psalm 83:18. A study
on the word “name” will show much more is involved than just the actual name of
God. Clearly, to be honest and fair, there are two kinds of Jews. And, one kind
has resulted in blaspheming of God throughout the generations, just as
so-called “Christians” have done throughout the past two millennia.
Romans 2:25-29 -- The Inner Jew
Finally, Paul deals with circumcision and that feeling of superiority of being a unique and chosen people related to the Hebrew Abraham. Merely belonging to a “chosen (covenant) people” is not enough. What is important is obeying the Law. What appears to be a Jew on the outside may not be one at all. The real Jew is the spiritual one who has undergone circumcision of the heart. The praise of God ought to concern us, not human praise.
25 For, indeed, the Law benefits only
if you observe it. However, if you are a transgressor of the Law your
“circumcision” has become “uncircumcision.” 26 Therefore, if the
uncircumcised observe the judicial decrees of the Law his “uncircumcision” will
not be reckoned; for his uncircumcision will be accounted in the log as
circumcision. 27 And so those who are physically uncircumcised but are
fulfilling the Law will judge you as a transgressor who are circumcised and
have the Writings. 28 For the true Jew is not manifest in the fleshly
circumcision; 29 but, in the secret Jew (with a) spiritual
“circumcision” of the heart and not in writing. His praise is not from humans
but from The God.
If a Jew, observant of the Law of Moses, is actually hypocritical then his “circumcision” has become “uncircumcision.” [Compare Acts 7:51.] On the other hand, if a non-Jew – not bound to the Law of Moses – does by nature the things of the Law, such a person is truly circumcised. Paul undermines the pride of the Jew and the circumcision that separated them from the non-Jews in general. True circumcision is only of value if one observes the Law. If a Jew is a habitual transgressor of the Law then his circumcision is really useless. There is an important lesson here for Christians who may be in a sect or organization and so feel that this is enough. They feel they could transgress and still remain in favor with God. This example of the Jews shows this cannot be the case and such are misguided.
In contrast, the ‘uncircumcised [non-Jewish] observe the judicial decrees will judge [the Jew who have the Writings] as a transgressor [of the Law of Moses].’ Paul is shocking the Jew by stating that a non-Jew who is uncircumcised but keeps the Law by a natural course -- see Romans 2:15, 16 -- will be reckoned or judged as if circumcised. Paul argues that the non-Jew who naturally keeps such laws against theft, adultery or idolatry will judge the Jew who is the transgressor of the revealed Law of Moses. This echoes something of the Nazarene who teaches the non-Jews will be raised in the judgment and condemn a generation of Jews. (See notes on Matthew 12:41, 42.)
The “true Jew” -- that is, “the secret Jew” -- is the one who has experienced a spiritual circumcision of the heart without any written code. The Greek is literally “manifest Jew.” [Or, KJV: outwardly; RHM: in appearance.] Compare the notes on Romans 9:6. (Galatians 3:29; 6:16) “The secret Jew” is taken from the Greek CRYPTO [Strong's Exhaustive Concordance #2927]. [Or, IB: private Jew; TCN: real Jew; PME: true Jew.] Note a similar use of CRYPTOS regarding the godly woman at 1 Peter 3:4.
There is a “spiritual circumcision of the heart” that does not rely
on some written code with hundreds of commandments. It is a “true circumcision
achieved in the heart.” [KNX] Such a circumcision involves a faith operating
out love. [Galatians 5:6] It is the result of a “new creation.” [Philippians
3:3] It involves the very thing Jesus taught – worshipping god in spirit and
truth. [John 4:22-24; Colossians 2:11] [Compare Leviticus 26:41; Deuteronomy
10:16.]
We rejoice in learning “how God will judge the world”! Are we not glad we have come to understand His mercy, justice, and wisdom?
REVIEW QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER TWO
1. Define “hypocrisy.”
2. God’s judgments are always in harmony with what?
3. What questions does Paul ask this unknown Jew?
4. How is God’s judgment described?
5. What two groups are highlighted?
6. What is the hope of those who endure in goodness?
7. Regarding law and judgment what two groups does Paul define?
8. How are Jews and non-Jew to be judged?
9. How do the non-Jews demonstrate a principle regarding Jeremiah 31:33?
10. 4.What does Paul include in his Gospel?
11. How did the Jews view themselves?
12. How was their hypocrisy revealed?
13. What Scriptures does Paul quote or allude to?
14. How may one dishonor the Name of God?
15. How does Paul compare the circumcised transgressor with the uncircumcised law-keeper?
16. What is the real “circumcision”?
17. Whose praise should we really seek?
====
END ====
“Behold, I
make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5 Revised Standard Version)
(by Ralph Slaney – Almeria, Spain --
)
The Bible
tells us that God made the Earth and the Heaven. It then says that God made all
the things upon the surface of the ground, including Man. The account is rather general but in logical
order and useful, as without it humanity would have no understanding of its own
origin. The events are split into six
‘days’ with God resting on the seventh.
The word ‘day’ is taken from the Hebrew word yohm which actually means a period of time. This becomes evident from the use of that
same word in Genesis 2:4 where the whole period of creation is spoken of as
occurring in a ‘day’ -- yohm
. So it would seem that rather than
considering each ‘creative day’ as a literal twenty-four hours, they can be
seen as periods of time, not necessarily equal in length. A brief review is as follows:
Before the first day — Heaven and
Earth created.
First day — Light appears on the
watery surface.
Second day — A biosphere was formed
between the watery surface and the watery sub-sphere somewhere within the
atmosphere.
Third day — Land rises though the
watery deep, upon which vegetation grows.
Fourth day — Sun, Moon and stars
appear within the biosphere.
Fifth day — Sea creatures and birds
emerge.
Sixth day — Land animals and reptiles
are formed. Then Man is created.
As can be
seen from this listing only the barest of facts are given. This has lent itself to lifetime studies by
zoologists, biologists and entomologists etc.
So much is this the case that the Scriptures declare, man will never
find out all the works of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) It takes little imagination to realize the complexity of just one
field of science. For example, to
become truly proficient one would in all probability need to take a university
course, possibly studying for a degree.
This could take several years, and then, to become a master another year
or two. But that is for one subject
alone, so how many subjects, should one be blessed with the time and resources,
would it be possible to achieve in a lifetime?
Yet even so Solomon the writer of
Ecclesiastes made a most amazing statement, he said: “The thing that
hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which
shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said,
See this is new? It hath been already
of old time, which was before us.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 King James Version)
Now, what
about that allegation that ‘there is nothing new under the sun?’ It is possible in more recent years to point
to the industrial revolution and a vast number of new inventions are often
furnished as evidence of a new creation.
Let us consider some of them: One of the most resourceful of inventions
has to be the steam engine. There were
many inventors starting as early as Giambattista della Porta (1538-1615)
through Denis Papin (1647-1712) and onward to Thomas Savery (c1650-1715) who
theorized on the workings of steam engines.
But it was Thomas Savery who actually constructed a practical water
pumping steam engine. From his workshop
in London he built an engine using a spherical boiler heated by an underneath
fire the steam from which was fed into a metal receiver it was then condensed
and by pressure differential water could be drawn up. It was however, Thomas Newcome (1663-1729) using a totally different
approach who was able to produce a machine, using reciprocating action and
generating much power, that basically brought the steam engine into the field
of commercial viability. Then persons
like James Watt (1736-1819) developed and improved their designs to help the
industrial revolution on at a fast pace.
There followed the steam locomotive with all the benefits of
movement. The invention of steam
engines led to the mechanization of the textile industry, steam ships and all
manner of agricultural equipment. The
world had indeed seen a new invention.
During this
period and onward other things were being discovered, or made, such as:
electricity, radio, television, steel, plastics and, of course, the telephone
to mention a few.
Also other
sciences were discovering things. Take
for example the domain of chemistry where new elements were coming to the
fore. Up to the mid-nineteenth century
only 63 of the 92 naturally occurring elements were known. Then more discoveries were made: Gallium
1875, Scandium 1879, Germanium 1886 etc.
It was later though, that science went beyond discovery of existing
natural elements to the creation of those beyond the heaviest, Uranium (atomic
number 92). Using specialist scientific
apparatus, including such things as particle accelerators, these ‘new’ elements
being synthetically produced are within the actinide series (atomic numbers
above 89 which are all radioactive).
When all is
considered about the tremendous achievements of man with his inventions,
discoveries and ‘creations’ it has to be said that they are all with the help
of things already existing. So in that
sense Solomon’s words still hold true “that there is nothing new.”
Notwithstanding
all the foregoing, it was Jesus that first indicated there was to be a new
creation. This hint is contained in his
conversation, with a Jewish member of the Sanhedrin called Nicodemus, in these
words: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is
born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Naturally Nicodemus wished for an
explanation of such an apparently strange statement. Just as surely as flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of
God (1 Corinthians 15:50), one that is not born both of water and of spirit
will not enter the Heavenly Kingdom of God.
As that is the ‘one hope’ of true Christians a different arrangement is
a necessity. The Christian is a person
who has come to know both God and Christ and wishes to have a fine and holy
association with them. Despite a
Christian’s heavenly hope he is not to be an angel or cherub or a seraph. And certainly will no longer be a creature
of flesh and blood, although his taking this on may still be possible. He is
then most assuredly, a new creation!
Why a new
creation? Because he is to be with his
Lord, the glorified Jesus Christ. Jesus
said, “I want those you have given me to be with
me where I am.” (John17:24 New International Version) This is the reason he is called a Christian,
a follower of Christ. Although living
in this world the Christian is distinguished by the new personality that conforms
to the Lord and becomes baptized into Jesus for new life (Romans 6:4, Ephesians
4:20-24) This awareness comes as God
calls him into a new life. (See Romans chapter 8.) Of course, the full and glorious realization is not presently
grasped while still in blood and flesh (if it were it would not be called a
hope. Romans 8:24) Yet it is to come by means of a resurrection, as the apostle
Paul says in his first letter, chapter fifteen, to the Corinthians. Should the Lord return first it will then be
by rapture. (1 Thessalonians 4:17) So,
yes, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, the Christian is a new creation.
With such an
all encompassing expectation set before a consecrated disciple of Christ what
possibly can be of more importance to the Christian than being part of his holy
Church, reigning with him from his heavenly throne. Actually, nothing matters more than being a new creature of God’s
making. (See Galatians 6:15.) Already
in this life, he is given a superior heavenly position (by Christ’s
substitution) as shown in the hallowed word of God. (See Ephesians 2:6.) All of this can only come about by the will
of God. The Christian is a product, a
creation, of God: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto
good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10 King James Version)
[See the following notes on Ephesians 2:6 found
in the Nazarene Commentary 2000©: “—He raised us up together:
When Christ ascended he carried with him the value of his sacrificial blood
which had the purchasing power to buy the Church and restore mankind to Eden.
(Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 John 2:2) Additionally those willing to be baptized into
his death are now raised in Christ to a new life. (Romans 6:3-5) —He seated us together: Or, WEY:
enthroned us with Him in the heavenly realm; GDSP: made us sit down with him in
heaven. Vicariously, the Church sits enthroned with Christ in heaven where
their thrones and crowns wait in reservation.
—The heavenlies: The “uranic” or “celestialum.” Or, WEY: heavenly
realms; NWT: heavenly places.]”
The Christian
is already a new creation due to his God-given elevated position, and upon his
resurrection he will be given a place in Heaven along side his master
Christ. He will not be an angel or a
seraph or a cherub or even a human, but a new creation, something that did not
previously exist. So while Solomon in
all his kingly glory could say in his day there was nothing new, since the time
of Jesus things have changed. And the
message of Christ is still being proclaimed. The offer is still being advanced.
All those who wish to grasp hold of the hope will become one of Jesus’
disciples with the hope of being a new creation. This will mean reigning with
Christ in his Heavenly Kingdom where the Saints will rule over and judge the
people of the Earth in righteousness.
==== END ====
THE FIFTH SEAL:
THE CRY OF THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS
RV 6:9 And when the Lamb opened the
Fifth Seal I saw underneath the Altar souls slaughtered because of the Word of The God and their
testimony. RV
6:10 They
cried out with a great voice, saying: “Holy and True Master, until when are you
not judging
and not avenging our blood upon
those inhabiting the earth.” RV 6:11
And each one of them was given a white robe. They were told to rest for a
little while until the completion
of their fellow slaves and
brothers, those
about to be killed just as they were. [NCMM]
Not only have the masses of mankind suffered – as the horsemen in the first four Seals predict -- but history bulges with the accounts of the untold numbers of Christian martyrs which exceed all those deaths in the Holocaust. These Christian martyrs, many of them Jewish, sealed their confessions of Christ with death by imprisonment, torture, or execution. Fox’s Book of Martyrs recounts many of these. This ongoing persecution of Nazarene Saints has continued unabated down to our own time. Even in these enlightened years just before the year 2,000, Christians are still martyred for their faith in one place after another around the globe. The greatest Christian Holocaust lies ahead in the future Great Oppression.
With this Fifth Seal the Lamb’s Small (Apocalyptic) Bible covers those many centuries since the enthronement of Christ down to our own day. From here on in the Small (Apocalyptic) Bible or the Apocalypse, the main subject under consideration in the various visions will be those Christians alive in those critical years before the Return of Christ. There is yet a Great Oppression which will be the single greatest example of a Christian Holocaust without parallel since the days of Nero!
The Fifth Seal (Revelation 6:9-11) has the blood of the martyrs crying out for vengeance much as Abel’s blood called out to God. Genesis 4:10 records this: “Listen! Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground.” [NWT] And Paul alludes to the same verse at Hebrews 12:24, “Jesus, to a mediator of a New Covenant – and to the blood of sprinkling which speaks in a better way than Abel.” [NCMM]
Some feel the martyrs are here resurrected to their place in heaven. However, the word “rest” generally means an unconscious sleep in death waiting the resurrection. (Daniel 12:13; John 11:11-14; 1 Corinthians 15:6, 18, 20, 51) In Revelation 6:11 these martyrs are told to “rest” until the final tally of all others who would seal their faith with death, ‘Rest a little time until the number is fulfilled of your fellow slaves and brothers about to be killed as you.’ There is to be many more martyrs, and judging from Revelation 13:5-10 many of these Saints will perish in the Great Oppression. [From Nazarene Apocalypse 2000©]
It is clear that this cry of the Christian martyrs throughout the Gospel Age occurs before the Sixth Seal. The Sixth Seal includes the celestial darkness and the approach of the Day of Wrath of both Yehowah and the Lamb. What is to happen before this celestial phenomenon? The receiver of the Revelation, Jesus the Nazarene, is consistent with himself, for he taught that after the Great Oppression the Son of Man would Return visibly to gather all the Saints through the Church Age. Matthew 24:29-31 [and related verses] records the truth of Christ’s prediction:
Matthew
24:29 But immediately after the oppression of those
days ‘there will be signs in sun and
moon and stars: the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light
and the stars will fall from the heaven and the heavenly dynamics will be shaken. Luke
21:25And upon the earth anguish of nations in
perplexity (noise of an agitated sea) men
fainting from fear and expectation of the
things coming upon the inhabited earth. Matthew 24:30 ‘And then there will appear in the sky the sign of the Son of Man. Then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in
lamentation. They will see the Son of
Man coming on the clouds of the sky
with power and much glory.’ Luke
21:28 But as these things start to occur
rise and look upward ‘because your deliverance is drawing near.’
Matthew 24:31 And the Son of Man will send off his
angels ‘with a great trumpet and they will gather his Chosen Ones from the four winds Mark 13:27(from the extremity of earth to heaven’s extremity) from one
extreme of the sky to another extreme.’ Mark 13:28 But learn from the fig tree, and all the trees, this parable: when the branch becomes
tender and the tender leaves begin to sprout you know that summer is already
near. Mark 13:29 So,
also, when you see these things you will know that he is near at the doors.
Luke 21:31Know the Kingdom of God is near!” [NCMM]
The 5th Seal describes the cry of the Christian martyrs throughout the Gospel Age. They scream for vengeance against those who persecuted them. This 5th Seal occurs before the 6th Seal. The 6th Seal will describe the final moments of the end-time as far as the Saints are concerned. The celestial phenomenon occurs as a “sign” that the King is about to return. The entire globe is aware and frightened of this approach of the Day of Wrath of God and the Lamb. However, what might break forth immediately is suspended for a moment when the four angels are constrained. There must be a period to “seal” the remnant of the twelve tribes of Israel – the 144,000. They are described as a Large Crowd of survivors of the Great Oppression and this is outlined in Revelation 6:12-7:17. Chapters 11-14:5 will go on to describe this worst holocaust of all time and the final triumph of the end-time Saints who experience these times of horror.
==== END ====
[Revelation
14:6-20]
By
Mark Heber Miller
Based on Nazarene Apocalypse 2000©
#352. Now, in chapter fourteen, a series of angels make their appearance, each with a different assignment. The first angel announces “the hour of judgment has come, so fear The God the Creator.” This injunction to fear God at this moment may indicate that there is opportunity to survive the coming Day of Wrath with all of its plagues.
RV14:6 And I saw another angel flying in the atmosphere having everlasting good news to declare as glad news to those sitting upon the earth and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people RV14:7 saying in a great voice: “Fear The God and give to Him glory because the hour of the judgment has arrived and so worship The One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and fountains of waters.” [NCMM]
#353. The second angel announces the collapse of Babylon the Great. This subject is greatly expanded in chapters 17 and 18 where the details are given.
RV14:8 And another angel, a second,
followed, saying: “She fell, she fell, Babylon the Great! She made all nations
to drink out of the angry wine of her fornication.” [NCMM]
#354. A third angel announces the outcome to those who would worship the wild Sea Beast and its Image, by accepting the engraving on their forehead or hand. These all suffer “torment” before the celestial angels and the Lamb. Those who receive this economic mark will end up in what is later called the Second Death. Would it be fair to give this warning, if, in fact, all had already done so? Does it seem fair to say that these announcements are made at the critical moment when mankind is about to be forced into this kind of worship. Here they are warned and given an opportunity to refuse and “fear God and give him glory.”
ANGEL 3 –
THOSE WHO WOULD BECOME
BEAST WORSHIPPERS WARNED
RV14:9 And another angel, a third,
followed the first two, saying in a great voice:
“If anyone worships the wild Sea
Beast and its Image and accepts an engraving
upon his forehead or hand RV14:10 he also will drink out of the cup of the undiluted wine of God’s anger, the cup of His wrath. Such ones will be tormented in fire and sulfur in sight of holy angels and in sight of the Lamb. RV14:11 And the smoke of their torment is ascending into Age after Age. Those who worship the wild Sea Beast and its Image have no rest day and night, anyone who accepts the engraving of the Name of the wild Sea Beast. RV14:12 Here is the endurance of the Saints those who observe the commandments of The God and keep the Faith of Jesus. [NCMM]
#355. Verse 12 again cautions the 144,000-Saints regarding their endurance in observing God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus. This may be a parenthetical warning much like Revelation 16:15; or, the whole angelic warnings and announcements may be contemporary with that moment just before the Rapture. This is indicated by verse 13 which is still in the context of this third angel. Some of the Saints will be executed during the period of the Great Oppression (Revelation 6:11; 13:10) and here is assurance for those who endure (verse 12) to the death. (Revelation 2:10) They will rest in death until that moment of the resurrection foretold at 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
RV14:13 And I heard a voice out of the
heaven, saying: “Write: Happy those who
die in the Lord, those dying from right now. Yes, the (prophetic) spirit is
saying that they will rest from their labors, for their works follow them.” [NCMM]
#356. The Nazarene draws on Daniel 12:1, 2 twice in his teachings about the resurrection. (John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 26) We may summarize the teachings of Jesus as: a) the resurrection is future during what he calls “the last day” (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24; Daniel 12:13); b) there will be two groups: 1] dead believers who will rise; and, 2] living believers who will not die; 3) the dead will be judged upon their resurrection with two outcomes: a] everlasting life for the good; and, b] judgment and thus reproach to the vile. [John 5:29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28]
#357. It is Paul who draws from these teachings at 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 and outlines the same scenario: a group of dead Saints who are raised at the Arrival of the Lord; and, a living group who are snatched from the earth in what can be called a Rapture. He makes it clear both of these, the resurrection and the Rapture, all occur “at the same time.” Writing some time after his epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul includes thoughts from a special revelation in a “mystery” in which he again discusses these two groups: the living Saints and the dead Saints. (1 Corinthians 15:23, 50-53) Here he describes a “change” and teaches “all will be changed . . . in an (atomic) moment, or blink of the eye.” [For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 Corinthians 15.]
#358. So, as explained by Paul above, the Christian dead can hope to rise only when the Lord returns. “In his Presence,” Paul puts it, even as does John. (1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 John 2:28) That is, “at his Arrival.” None of the Christian dead are raised, resurrected or wakened from their sleep before this Parousia, or the Second Coming. Verse 13 above is one of the Seven Apocalyptic Beatitudes which encourage the faithful Saints forward in their endurance as they face the Great Oppression. That this encouragement is given before Christ returns (verse 14) is shown in the context.
#359. Still part of the third angel’s announcements, there is a vision of Daniel 7:13 in reverse. That is, having once ascended to heaven in clouds in the year 33 AD, the Son of man now returns in that “same manner” as the Apostles had seen him vanish into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11) Consider:
RV14:14 And I saw and look! a white cloud
and upon the cloud sat someone like a Son of Humankind having a golden crown
upon his head and in his hand a sharp sickle. [NCMM]
#360. The first harvest is of the Christian “wheat” and the second the grape harvest thrown into the angry winepress of God Almighty. (Matthew 13:39; 24:31) The “firstfruits” of the harvest are the sealed and confirmed 144,000-Saints who come out of the Great Oppression having faithfully endured the program of the wild Sea Beast and Image worship. Before they are raptured, however, the Christian dead rise first, as Paul wrote. They then must undergo their judgment before the Judge, Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31) After this the “righteous” inherit the Kingdom and stand ready to receive that special group called the “firstfruits,” the 144,000-Saints, as they rise in the Rapture to a general assembly with their celestial Lord, Jesus Christ the Nazarene. This “harvest” continues:
RV14:15 And another angel went forth out of the Divine Habitat crying out in a great voice to the One sitting upon the cloud: “Send your sickle and harvest for the hour to harvest has arrived for the harvest of the earth has dried up.” RV14:16 And the One sitting upon the cloud threw his sickle upon the earth and the earth was harvested. [NCMM]
#361. The final “harvest” is one unto death! It is likened to gathering grapes for the winepress, only this one is that of “the anger of the wrath of God Almighty.” Consider:
RV14:17 And another angel went forth out
of the Divine Habitat this heavenly one also had a sharp sickle. [NCMM]
RV14:18 And another angel went forth out of the Altar (this one with authority over the fire) and he cried with a great voice to the One having the sharp sickle, saying: “Send your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the earth’s vine because the grapes are ripe. RV14:19 And the angel threw his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth and threw the vine into the Press of the Great Anger of The God. RV14:20 And the Winepress was trampled outside of the City and the blood came out of the Winepress up to the horses’ bridles for 1,600 stadia. [NCMM]
#362. This trampling of the winepress is described as “outside the (Holy) City” of New Jerusalem. This idea of “outside” the New Jerusalem also occurs at Revelation 22:15. When exactly this City descends to the earth will be discussed later, but it is possible that the City has already descended with its
