ISRAEL MADE A COVENANT WITH DEATH
Apostle Paul preached that “the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (1-Thessalonians 5:2-8). Israel made a covenant with death in complete desperation by keeping their backs to the walls of Jerusalem Temple. Paul wrote two letters to the church of Thessalonians during his second missionary journey to that place. At that time the Gospel message was taken from Asia Minor to Europe. Paul was wonderfully successful in his missionary work in that port city of Thessalonica. He preached for the Jews in synagogues and other people like non-Jews.
But in a short time there was some opposition for his preaching which forced him to leave that place immediately. Then he moved toward South to continue his meetings in the city of “Berea.” There also he was persecuted and after that he went to ‘Athens’ where ever he went the conditions were not in his favor. So he kept Timothy in Thessalonica to take care of the young church who came from Athens. Paul wrote two letters to Thessalonians in a very short time one after another to fill the gap in their theological understanding and to correct their mistakes which were already crept into their minds about some church members. Both the letters were written by Paul in 51 AD; probably the earliest of the New Testament writings. Some commentators were of the opinion that “Galations” was written even earlier than 49AD whatever may be the exact date, Paul happened to write those letters from the city of Corinth.
The main topic of both the letters is the second coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, there is no other book in the New Testament than the book of Revelation that gave enough information for the discussion regarding the second coming of Christ and other events connected to that. For our proper understanding let us look into the chapters of the 1 Thessalonians. and to wait for His son from heaven-whom God raised from the dead-even Jesus which delivered (literally who delivered) us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). In such circumstances what is our hope, joy or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
To the end he may stabilize our hearts inflammable in holiness before God. As written the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an arch-angel and with the Trump of God the dead in Christ shall
The Everlasting Kingdom of God raise first then we are all alive and the remaining shall be caught up together in the air to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall be with the Lord forever.
Apostle Paul continued his writing about Christ’s second coming even in the second letter to the Thessalonians. “And to you who are troubled because of severe persecution” rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If any man does not obey (heed) our Lord by this epistle in contrast to Paul’s word concerning the second coming, He may be astonished. Yet covenant him not as an enemy but admonish him as brother.
As far as we have understood in all the chapters of the two books of Thessalonians, we find that Paul concentrated only on preaching about the second coming of Jesus.
1)The first and second Thessalonians are considered to be the evident of Paul’s
wanderings.
2)They are written mainly for young and immature churches.
3)They are filled with practical exhortations for churches contemporary Christian
living based on the second coming.
Paul thought about the second coming as a very important doctrine. It is necessary for the present day Christians as a reminder and practical in nature. According to Paul “Faith and Love” are like breast plate to a true believer and the hope of Christ’s return is a “Helmet” Which is the most valuable to man. In the words of Paul, we may have to travel as believers a long distance with some obstacles in desert and the darkest nights with some danger ahead. Still we are equipped with a helmet and that Helmet is the blessed hope of Christ’s return and nothing either in heaven or on earth can prevent the coming of Christ. After His coming the believers would be raised from death, and those who are still living shall be raptured. Then the believers shall be glorified and stay in heaven with God forever. It should not be a surprise to the believers that Christ’s return is the Helmet.
The second coming of Jesus is no doubt a crucial and urgent doctrine. It is very tragic and controversial. So most of the Bible teachers hesitate to preach the truth of His second coming. Paul felt that a famine would come to the land, which is not of food, but hearing of the word of God. He taught about the second
The Everlasting Kingdom of God coming in power and glory. But he had to cut short his preaching because he was forced to flee the city, at the earliest. The people of the church were living with full confidence regarding the coming of Jesus and also they felt unhappy at home about some who were not going to be saved as they died before the coming of Jesus.
Paul informed such people that they were ignorant of what would happen to those believers who died earlier. The persons who died in Christ would not miss the blessing hope of God and added that blessed hope would take away the sting of death and Paul clearly pointed out this secret. The Lord Himself would descend from heaven with a shout at the day of the Lord, with the voice of an arch-angel and with the trumpet of God as said in the Old Testament. The trumpet was blown in connection with..
1)Calling God’s people into His presence and it would be appropriate in
connection with the rapture to call the believers to the presence of God.
2)When the Israel would go to war under divine direction.
“
So, it us quite appropriate to blow theshofar”at the timeofout pouring of God’s wrath and when He goes to war during “the day of the Lord,” and the dead shall raise from the grave. Then those who are still alive shall be put together and taken on the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and they shall remain with the Lord forever.
This is considered to be the most important rapture text in the Bible. The primary question here is what would happen to the people who have died in Christ before His return? So, the return of Jesus, and the rapture became prominent for discussion. Apostle Paul was of the opinion that we are ignorant of those who had died in Christ. Then let us try to understand the inner meaning of the saying “the day of the Lord so cometh as the thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). It is said eight Old Testament writers and three New Testament writers talked about this subject of the day of the Lord. This day of the Lord as a matter of fact is a very short period of time at the end of the age. At that time God will interfere in the affairs of man. The Day of the Lord is wonderfully depicted in the trumpet and bowl judgment described in the book of Revelation 8:9-11; 11:16.
The young believers were under the impression that the false teachers misleading them. We can find some difference in the expression of “the Day of
The Everlasting Kingdom of God the Lord had come.” This we find in the New King James version; or has already come. This we find in the New International Version the Greek tense of the verb in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 is translated to mean “the Day of the Lord is at hand.” Then in the King James Version Bible the translation is the Day of the Lord shall be an hanging over the event that has to commence. Apostle Paul addressed the issue in the following way. “Now I beseech you brothern by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by our gathering together unto Him” (by rapture)
The Day of the Lord is at hand has become a major issue, Paul declared clearly that they had not entered the Day of the Lord. He said there would be a “falling away” and an evil personage one called “that man of sin” is to be clearly revealed. Paul said those two incidents must precede the Day of the Lord. Let us see the main purpose of Paul’s using the two words “falling away.” The Greek word for this is “apostasea” And this is translated as falling away. By using the definite article it is called the “the falling away” or total abandonment of something or someone.
This is described and considered by some as the most powerful usage. The traditional as well as the technical point as looked at that the apostasy or the falling away was referred to those Christians who renowned Jesus Christ at the end of the age. This dictum (saying) is applicable to those that are mentioned in (1 Timothy 4:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:1-9). If this statement is said to be correct, and if the believers certainly apostatizing then the doctrine of eternal security for the believers would be a false doctrine. But the matter cited above does not use the word of apostasy nor any body would speak what Paul has in his mind.
Moses said the gentiles need not circumcise their children nor follow the customs. Here one of the two times the word apostasy is used in the Bible. And it is used in the context of Apostle Paul asking Jews to abandon, the Jewish culture faith and customs. There might be some truth in Paul’s asking them to abandon everything that is abandoning of Judaism.
In what context Paul used the word apostasy in the same spirit. Dr. Luke used the word in Acts. He was speaking about some Jews who wanted to abandon the God of their fathers during the seventieth week of Daniel and the Messianic hope on the pretext of false religion (humanism) and false messiah (Antichrist). The future ascending of antichrist is anticipated in the Bible by the
The Everlasting Kingdom of God post emergence of Grecian/Syrian leader Antiochus Apiphanes the scripture has illustrated the clear cut idea about the Antichrist in the three passages.
The (apocryphal) book of 1 Maccabees was not the part of the Bible, but is recognized by the Biblical scholars that it has possessed some significant historical background and importance regarding this man and his career. And also the first century historian Josephs was a main source of this infamous man, but it is the nature of Antichrist to defeat the surrounding nations with military power and annex those nations into his kingdom by introducing Hellenistic (Greek) culture into those defeated countries as Alexander the great did.
This Antichrist (or heathen ruler) would be under the impression that he is able to control all nations and make them speak Greek language, wear Greek patron of dress, and adopt Greek philosophy of life and above all worship regularly and in addition to all the people must mix with the population of his empire. That is the ultimate hope and ambition of Antichrist.
As history recorded Antiochus Apiphanes was confident of changing the Jews to embrace Greek culture and civilization and worship their gods. According to his confidence a large member of Jews entered into a covenant with Antiochus and willingly surrendered themselves to his demands. All these wonderful changes among the Jews were recorded in the first book of ‘Maccabees’. As mentioned in that book, in the days of Antiochus some lawless men came from Israel and misled many people by saying, “Let us go and make a covenant with gentiles round about us for since we have separated from them; many evils have come upon us.” This proposal was liked by everyone and some of them went to the king to tell him their opinion. Then he advised them to observe the ordinances of gentiles. As a result they constructed a gymnasium in Jerusalem for the purpose of Greek education.
While they were following gentile customs, they had to renovate the marks of circumcision and abandon the holy covenant of Moses. They finally joined with the gentiles and sold themselves to the evil (1 Maccabees 1:11-15) in the sight of Almighty God. This miserable “falling away” or total abandonment of the God of Israel by many Jews was specifically called the apostasy. The first Maccabees was continued in this way. In course of time some officers of the king Antiochus, who were enforcing apostasy came to the city of “Modien” to insist on them to make sacrifices. They were asked to sacrifice pigs to the heathen deity ‘Zeus Olympus’ And this act became an abomination to the devoted Jews to a great magnitude and also this pigs sacrifice was strictly prohibited in the
The Everlasting Kingdom of God Mosaic Law. This heinous act made some Jews rebel against the authorities. One of the ancient historians also wrote the remarkable story of the king Antiochus about the Jews in his time about his life and how he ill treatedthe Jews.
The king then gave a proclamation that all people must become one by forgetting their customs. And this proposal was accepted by both Israelis and gentiles whole heartedly and idol worship started. With that the Israelites sacrificed to the idols and polluted the Sabbath day. The king sent letters through messengers to Jerusalem and other cities in Judah asking them to follow his customs which might appear strange in the beginning. He also asked them to stop burnt offerings, sacrifices, drink offerings in the sanctuary to defame Sabbath day and feasts to defile the sanctuary (temple).
The priests were commanded to build altars and shrines to sacrifice swins and other dirty animals to the idols and keep their sons unclean, uncircumcised. The priests were also asked to remain unclean in everything and never to observe, the Law of Moses. This is the authentic description of apostasy and total abandonment of the Jehovah the God of Israel. The covenant Jews had with Antiochus at that time will be the same covenant. These Israelites are going to live with Antichrist in near future.
So, the prophet Daniel spoke about the covenant in the following way “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” (Daniel 9:27) The peculiar circumstances which surrounded the king Antiochus were defilement of God’s temple, by forbidding everything, and the apostasy of many Jewish people were most conspicuous in the history of Jewish people. This is the reason why the same term apostasy is appropriately used for the same people (Jews) at the event to occur at the same place. (The temple at Jerusalem) The future day is described in this context, how many Jews were going to abandon the God of their forefathers and the Messianic hope in the same way.
The Jews did all that in the days of Antiochus Apiphanes in order to embrace the heathen religion and false Messiah. The events that were fulfilled according to history under the king Antiochus happened to be already recorded as prophetic events that are going to be fulfilled under Anti-Christ. In the “Olivet Discourse” the Lord Himself assured that His hearers were quite familiar with the events surrounding Antiochus and Israelites great apostasy. Let us see some more parallels in this connection between Antiochus and Anti-Christ.
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
1.Antiochus and Anti-Christ both entered into a covenant to protect Israelites.
Regarding Antiochus it was written “In those days some lawless men came
from Israel and misled many people by saying. “Let us go and make a
covenant with the gentiles round about us for since we were separated
from them many evils have come upon us.” Then the king ordered Israel to
observe ordinances of the gentiles (1 Maccabees 1:11-13) and regarding Anti-
Christ it is written and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one
week (Daniel 9:27).
2.Though both of them made their covenants with Israel none of them have
unanimous support. This truth is carefully stressed or pointed out in both I
Maccabeus and the Bible as the historians wrote in those days lawless
Israelites came and misled many, many from Israel adopted the heathen
religion and many joined. They did evil in the land. It is written about Anti-
Christ. He shall confirm his covenant with many. This is the only occasion
in the Bible where the covenant is made with many but this is not unanimous
abandonment by the Jews. It is those Jews according to the Lord will flee
into the wilderness at the outset of great tribulation (Matthew 24:15-22).
3.The Jews made the covenant with the king Antiochus and he sent his officials
to ‘Modien’ city to force the people for the offering of sacrifice. Paul wrote
about the Anti-Christ and future day of the Lord. “Let no man deceive you
by any means” for that day shall not come except there come a falling
away (apostasy) first and that man of sin (Anti-Christ) be revealed the son
of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
4.At this stage Antiochus and Anti-Christ break their covenants. Antiochus,
after conquering Egypt and Syria went to Israel and to Jerusalem with
strong force. He proudly entered the Temple and snatched away the golden
attar and lamp-stand (probably Menorah) and all the precious utensils (1
Maccabees 1:20-21). The Bible also gives the same information that Antiochus
with his mighty hand polluted the Temple and warmed the Jews not to
observe their customs. About Anti-Christ it is recorded in the midst of the
week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease. Both of them
break the covenant at the same place- the Temple.
5.Both of them break their covenants by introducing false god into the Holy
Temple. Antiochus entered the city sanctuary with strong force. As per the
history he set up an image of his chief deity. ‘Zeus Olympus’ was made in
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
the likeness of a man (humanism) and Paul wrote about Anti-Christ who
opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called god as if he sitteth in
the Temple of God. (The deitification of man). The Lord Himself taught
when He therefore shall see the abomination of deflation spoken of by
prophet Daniel standing at the holy place.
6.In both the cases some Jews oppose the false religion and the result of that
is many perish. Still many Israelites stood firm and decided not to eat unclean
food. They prefer to die rather than to be defiled by the food and defame
the holy covenant and they did so (1 Maccabees 1:62-63) while speaking
about the future day the Antichrist seeks to get Jews to low down before
his image but many will refuse. The Lord said “then shall they deliver you
up to be afflicted and shall kill you and ye shall be hated of all nations for
my name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9).
7.This time the righteous Jews would escape themselves. Then Mathathias,
the righteous priest, would cry out in the city with a loud voice saying. “Let
everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out
with me.” The priest and his sons fled to the hills leaving all their belongings
in the city. The other Jews who were seeking for righteousness and proper
justice went down to the wilderness to dwell there. In the context of
tribulation as mentioned in the New Testament it is recorded of a remnant.
Then let them which be in Judah flee in to the mountains.
8.Now in the case of Antiochus and Anti-Christ many of the righteous Jews
will die because they are unable to violate the principles of Sabbath. The
historical facts during the day of Antiochus graphically portray what will
occur in that future day. Those who were seeking righteousness and justice
went to the wilderness to dwell there. (They were fleeing forced apostasy).
At the end spirits worked upon their children, their wives, their cattle etc.
then it was reported to the king by the officers that those rejected the king
went to the hiding places in the wilderness. It was reported to the troops in
Jerusalem also. As a result a battle took place between the royal Jews and
the kings’ troops. When the Jews were questioned they replied, they were
ready even to die, but they would not forsake the Sabbath day. They
confessed in one voice, let us all die in our innocence (they refused to
break the Sabbath) heaven and earth testify for us that you are killing us
unjustly (1 Maccabees 2:29-37)
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
9.In this stage during the time of king Antiochus and Anti-Christ, many women
and children would die. In order to stamp out Jerusalem and the worship
of Jehovah the king commissioned that circumcision (an evidence of
covenantal relationship) be abolished. This is also an historical proof.
According to kings decree, women whose sons were circumcised would be
put to death. So, those Jewish women who could not renounce the God of
their fathers and keep the male children who were circumcised both mother
and child would be killed.
Therefore in the ensuing future day the apostatizing Jews who believe that the covenant they are making will bring them protection from the surrounding nations. This we see today clearly what the Jews thought when they made covenant with Antiochus. In reality, what the Bible calls it, a covenant with death. “The Lord said and except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved.” Prophet Isaiah in his condemnation and sarcasm wrote about the covenant, his people Israel will make in this way and your covenant with death shall be disannulled and your agreement with hell shall not stand when the overflowing scourge shall pass through then ye shall be trodden down by it(Isaiah 28:18).
The covenant of apostasy into which Israel would enter is spoken of in the imagery of spiritual infidelity and unfaithfulness. The reason for such thinking was that in their final day of unfaithfulness if they rejected their true Messiah they would naturally become intimated with false Messiah. Then the covenant to be made of Israelites with Anti-Christ is also referred to as a covenant with death. This apostasy would continue with many Israelites who involve within the nation and sign the covenant with Anti-Christ. But the Israelites do not know they sign on the covenant of death at the beginning of seventeenth week. By doing such a foolish thing they embrace counterfeit religion or humanism or deitification of man or counterfeit Messiah (the Anti-Christ) who offers counterfeit peace and solution to the Middle East deliverance.
As recorded the middle of that seventeenth week of Jewish apostasy, the Anti-Christ will break the covenant with Israel. Then the Anti-Christ will enter Israel with the pretext of protecting it. He deputes the forces to North and South of Israel. And then he will plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas (the Mediterranean and Dead sea) and in the glorious holy mountain (Mount Zion). Then only in the middle of seventieth week with the setting up
The Everlasting Kingdom of God on his image in the Temple, the Jews will realize the true character of their identity that they have made a covenant with death.
In that future day, apostatizing the Jews will believe that the covenant they are making may bring them protection from the surrounding nations. Apostle Paul described the revealing wicked in this way. “Who opposeth and exaltethhimself above all that is called god or that is worshipped so that he as god sitteth in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). When this Anti-Christ is recognized by Jews, Paul was speaking of the time, and the recognition would be confirmed, the moment the image of Antichrist installed in the Temple in the middle of seventieth week. Then only Israelites can understand they have made a covenant with death.
The result is their shock becomes indescribable. Then it will become the most horrible story in the Bible. No wonder it is called “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) or the time of Jacob’s troubles. The apostasy begins during the first three and one and half years of Daniel’s seventieth week, and then in the middle of the week, the Anti-Christ, the son of perdition, the seed of Satan will be revealed to Jewish people. The apostasy and the revealing of the man of sin will occur inside the seventieth week, but not before it begins, the teaching of Paul is that Israel nation made its covenant will not be in a position to recognize the Anti-Christ, until the abomination of desolation occurs in the middle of the week.
Israelites would not have made the covenant with Anti-Christ if they have seen him and recognized him in the beginning. According to Paul the Day of the Lord’s judgment must take place after the apostasy and revealing of the man of sin. Therefore, the second coming of the Lord, and the outpouring of His wrath, during the day of the Lord cannot start at the beginning of the seventieth week and that occurs at the very out set of the Day of the Lord.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit which is quite conspicuous should not be diminished to the limitations of His work in the Old Testament as claimed sometimes regarding the diminishing of the Holy Spirit ministry nowhere it is said in the scripture during the seventieth week. Such agreements are focused upon the Biblical texts. The present fullness of the Holy Spirit of ministry according to (Acts 2:32-33) rests on the resurrection, assumption and exaltation of Jesus Christ. They are historical facts. They are the assurance of the abandonment of
The Everlasting Kingdom of God the eternal gift of the spirits. The restrainer is neither the Holy Spirit nor human government. There is restrained evidence to identify the restrainer.
As per the identification the restrainer is the arch-angel Michael who restrains until “he be taken out of the way.” To substantiate the fact let us look into the incident mentioned below.
1)The arch-angel Michael has been recognized as restrainer since a very long
time by both Jews and Christians and even by some noted scholars. He is
a special guardian in relationship with Israelites. According to the
relationship he has with the Israelites he is called ‘Michael’ which means
“your prince” (Daniel 10:21) of whom it is said he “holdeth” The Hebrew
word is “Chazag” means “to bind” to restrain, so that Michael has a
restraining power (hindering) on behalf and in protection of Israel.
2)In revelation chapter 12 it is mentioned about the war that will take place
in heaven. It is briefly pointed out the war can occur in the middle of the
seventieth week of Daniel and it is described in the following manner.
“And there was war in heaven Michael and his angels foughtagainst the
dragon and the dragon foughtand his angels. And prevailed not neither
was their place found any more in heaven (Revelation 12:7-8). And when
the dragon saw that he was East into the earth, he persecuted the woman
(Israel) which brought the male child.
3)While thinking about the person who can hinder the Anti-Christ, Paul said,
only who now letteth (hindereth), continue to hinder until he be taken
out of the way. The word hindereth means “to hold down” and the phrase
taken out of the way means “to step aside” or get out of the way. Therefore,
who has the power of hindering the Anti-Christ will step aside. It means he
will no longer restrain in the Anti-Christ and those the Anti-Christ is
persecuting.
4)This Michael angel is depicted in the Bible as a person who will step aside,
and the prophet Daniel explained the event in this way. And at that time,
shall Michael stand up the great prince which (standeth for the children of
thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since
there a nation even to that same time (Daniel 12:1). It is to be recollected
again. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace, between the seas in
the glorious holy mountain. This is the reference to Anti-Christ who will
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
establish his headquarter between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean
Sea on the glorious mountain in Jerusalem and this will happen in the
middle of the seventieth week at the time of desecration of the Temple
and the errection of the statue (image) of himself. Prophet Daniel has said
about the arch-angel Michael more than enough that he would stand up
during “the time of trouble.” This unexpected time of trouble is referred to
the “great tribulation” Daniel was informed that this great trouble was
related to his people who were no other than Jews. This might be also
called the time of Jacobs troubles (Jeremiah 30:7). It is during that time
the arch-angel Michael would stand up.
And what must be the meaning of the statement “And at that time shall Michael will stand up” for stand up the Hebrew word is “amad” it literally means “stand still.” Michael the guardian of Israel had fought for saving his people, but now he would stand still or stand aside. That means he would not help, he would not restrain and he would not hold down. There are some more words used in the Bible in the place of “amad” with the meaning “to be still” or desist or “they stood still and answered no more (Job 32:16). I would like to give another example in this connection. When EZRA opened the book in the sight of all people (because EZRA was above all people) and when he opened it all people “stood up” (Nehemiah 8:5).
Rashe was called one of the greatest of Israel’s teachers. His Hebrew scholarship was unparalleled and he gave his wonderful commentary upon the above said words by saying that the people kept quiet (stood still) while EZRA was reading Torah. And Rashe wrote about (Daniel 12:1). The Holy one blessed. He said to Michael “you are silent” “you are defending my children.” The arch- angel Michael who was completely involved himself with standing for Israel will in the middle of seventieth week stand still, stand aside, cease to stand for her (Israel).
When the people of Israel totally rejected their true and living God, and refused the truth of God, Michael would stand on them strong delusion, so that they believe in the lie (that the false Christ as the true God) and accept the Anti- Christ. So, God wanted to punish Israelites because they believed only unrighteous god the Anti-Christ. It is His purifying judgment on Israel. That is why, Michael will no longer hinder or hold down the wicked one Leonwood a writer, in his book, “A commentary on Daniel” commented on the expression the breaking up of power of the Holy Spirit (Daniel 12:7). He wrote “The angel thus revealed
The Everlasting Kingdom of God the reason for God’s permitting the antichrist break the power of Jews. As the parallel passages indicate this power and resulting self-sufficiency of the Jews need to be broken so that the Jews can willingly accept Jesus as their own rightful king.
A close study provides proper reason for Michael stand still, he will abstain and will not fight for Israel Michael will be ceased to defend Israel at the time of the commencement of Jacob’s troubles; and the parallel between the action of Michael is prophesied in the Old Testament. Then what is said by Apostle Paul in his statement concerning the restrainer in the New Testament is unmistakable. There is enough reason to believe that Israel’s great apostasy and the consequent manifestation of man of sin cannot be far away. The events will signal the approach of the end of time and coming of the king of kings very soon. The blessed hope of the believers is the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Immediately after His coming prior to the commencement of the day of the Lord, He will resurrect the dead and rapture the living believers. Then in righteousness He will start the judgment of the wicked during the day of the Lord. One thing we have to remember that the days preceding his coming will be a period of great difficulty for believers. Even the church will not be spared from the persecution of Antichrist. In such circumstances we are in no way better than those who suffered martyrdom for their spotless faith.
As true believers we must be conscious of the difficult days ahead. He will soon and very soon descend upon the church. And we as staunch believers must be ready and anxiously await the coming of messiah.
The Everlasting Kingdom of God CHAPTER -16
WHEN DID CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE BEGIN
According to Biblical history Christian doctrinal beliefs and teachings had their origin in the Old Testament and continued in the entire New Testament. Actually there are some revelations of God in the scriptures through the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21). Today theologians are of the opinion that if we pray to God for some enlightenment on the doctrinal subject that means we are not praying for new revelation, which God had already revealed the prophets to the Apostles and to the original writers of the scriptures. But people have been praying for the understanding of what was already given. Then as Christians pastors elders of the church and deacons, we must give these Biblical teachings and facts for the proper application to our lives.
With the above said information, it is clear that some Christians might disagree with the teachings of scriptures. And today there are many denominations that testify the same. There are many reasons for that and some denominations are not at all wrong in their expressions because
1)Most of the church members are interested to talk on the same subject,
while they are entering the church or leaving the church campus.
2)Those who wish to join the worship must know in advance regarding the
beliefs of one another.
3)All teachings mentioned in the scriptures are not fundamental teachings. At
the same time, the Word of God is not specifically given a clear picture of
some items like – length of women’s hair, what type of communion to be
used, what type of dress should be used by the church goers, what kind of
music to be played at the time of service and the details of church
government.
4)Some denominations came into existence due to historic or ethnic reasons.
For instance the Swedish Christian population in Minnesota began a church
only in late 1880’s.
Anybody can appreciate if we are loyal to our church, or to our denomination but we should not cause split or separation because God Almighty commanded us, “That ye love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) and this is the main reason why we must love our fellow believers. Basing on this motto, we can love some believers, even though we have some differences
The Everlasting Kingdom of God and disagreement about the doctrine. Some Christians realize the doctrinal part of differences with other believers but the concerned points have not been yet revealed to the congregation “I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (John 16:12)
God has clearly chosen not to make every detail of the church official are legal but gave His people a bit liberty to adjust with things depending upon the situation and time. One man establiseth one day above another, another establiseth every day alike. Let every man be persecuted fully in his own mind (Romans 14:5). Added to this, there are some more factors – there are some false prophets, some teachers who try to bring unbelievable rumours even by denying the Lord, that brought them up and finally bring upon themselves immediate destruction.
The apostles and elders used to join together at times to consider the issues. On one occasion when such agreement was going on Apostle Peter got up and addressed them brethren and said, God made choice sometime ago, that the gentiles should hear the word of God from the gospels through him and believe in true God. And God who knew their hearts, would like to give them the Holy Spirit also as He gave to the disciples, and purify their hearts by faith. In such conditions it is not necessary to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which is difficult to bear, either by their parents or by themselves (the disciples) Peter further said they believed in the grace of Jesus that they would be saved even as they (Acts 15:6-11). Some of the leaders of the first century gathered together when great doctrinal and other issues forced them for discussion. Today we look back and refer to them as they were made by the Ecumenical council.
God had a question that is whether the gentile converts should be under the law of Moses in connection with the settlement of church disputes and this pattern was called the first Christian council as we find in (Acts 15:1-31). That council was the gathering of all Apostles elders, and church leaders. They settled their church matters with prayers and discussion, but not with winning motive of a particular group. They settled their issues with spiritual consensus and the perfect mind of God. The apostles never said anything individually like, “I know more than anybody else” or “I only know what is good for the church.” They always looked for the mind of God through the Holy Spirit. They read the scripture, then prayed and then started discussion.
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
So, the church leaders followed the spiritual pattern, whenever they got any problem regarding the church in the first centuries. It is said, whenever the church leaders get any doubt to-day they look back and refer to those meetings called “Ecumenical council” and in Greek it is called “Oikoumune” which means the inhabited word. By the grace of God the persecution of Jews by the imperial Roman authorities was stopped by Constantine the first Christian roman emperor in December 312 AD. Then in 313 he proclaimed a decree of “Tolerance” and made Christianity a lawful religion throughout the empire.
At that time Constantine was the emperor to the eastern part of Roman empire, and his capital was shifted to Byzantin (tium) and later the name of that city was changed in to Constantine city and in Greek it was called “Constantine-polis” and finally it was called in later years Constantinopolis. This name again changed into Istanbul and today it is called “Turkey” with Muslim population many wonderful changes took place only during the reign of Constantine. All Christians after 250 years of persecution were freed. This persecution was actually started by emperor “Nero” in 64 AD came to an end forever.
Now Christians got freedom. They were allowed to preach their faith openly. They could read and copy their scriptures. Finally to reclaim their sacred sites in their Holy land Jerusalem to build their own churches and settle their doctrinal issues. The church of East mainly Greek speaking and most of them were gentiles. It was because of God’s sovereign authority the Holy Spirit gave Apostle Paul a vision of Macedonian who called him for help to know about God. So Apostle Paul started his 2nd and 3rd missionary journey and took with him “the gospel” which means the good news of Christ to the west, to the Greek lands into Europe. Many gentiles received the Word of God and accepted Jesus as their personal saviour. As a result of Paul’s meetings churches were established and spread into many parts of Roman Empire. Then the gospel went into South, North Africa, India and many other places.
Emperor Constantine had Greek background and with some purpose he moved the capital to Byzantium and as he was living in that city. It’s name was changed as Constantine city and finally Constantinople. This capital city became important Christian Center and so the Greek Bishops, and elders considered to be a body to solve different contemporary doctrinal disputes with the shifting of capital from Rome to Constintenoples. The faith of the king was increased and Christianity became acceptable religion to one and all. The emperor also
The Everlasting Kingdom of God moment Christianity was made legal faith spread among people like wild fire and the reputed scholars read the Holy Bible and began to write books on the Bible and discussions also continued.
During 160-225 AD, Tertullian of Carthage in North Africa was called the father of Latin Christianity. But the more suitable name to be called was “the father of Latin Theology.” It was also said that it was Tertullian who coined the terms like the Old Testament, New Testament and Trinity (Tri-Unity). In addition to this he provided basic understanding for the discussion of post apostolic Christian doctrine. Different questions were asked and all of them properly answered now a day’s but in the olden days, the believers could not have satisfactory answers to their doubts. Those people did not understand the nature and correct meaning of Trinity and also they could not have clear idea whether Jesus was God or man or both.
Some of the doubts they got were genuine and some false. The church of Christ which is like other churches, always looked for the correct doctrine without the suggestion of anybody a true believer who had faith in Jesus Christ as his personal saviour can undoubtedly understand the nature of Trinity and its hidden meaning. Since the believers hate trust in Jesus Christ their sins will be automatically forgiven. As a result of that they would become the regular members of God’s huge family. The moment they became spiritual children of God, the Christian doctrine had to be taught to them in the correct manner basing on the current situation.
According to the historical information for the experienced people of God understanding of doctrine will be like the correction of strange teaching that has come to light all of a sudden. In such circumstances the wise men among us will try to alert the believers and make them understand that some thing appears to be wrong and unspiritual in this new teaching sometimes the fault is quite conspicuous even to the naked eye and other times the believers must have to study sincerely then pray and finally consider the ins and outs of the teaching in the light of the scripture.
If the teaching defers from the original scripture or add unnecessary ideas and not properly taught or not properly summised from the Biblical text, such matter must be thoroughly checked. If the teachings are found fault and if they are wrongly considered they must be bluntly opposed as false teachings only Gnosticism challenged Christianity during the first three centuries. The word Gnosticism came from the Greek verb “gmosko” (ge-know-sko) which means “I
The Everlasting Kingdom of God know.” Actually it was not a single doctrinals mistake, but it was a spreading set of those who know the hidden or philosophical secrets in addition to Biblical teachings. We could also say Christians were common people whereas Gnostics were an enlightened people. This difference was found in pagan Greek and Persian beliefs along with other philosophies. This had nourished Hellenized Christianity and pushed further into Greek philosophic and pagan methods.
The above said people did not accept Gods creation of the world (cosmos) but concluded some deity must have done that. They were under the impression that the creator of this material world must be a supernatural being who was just a subordinate to the Supreme Being. The Gnostics saw Jesus in different ways but disagreed one point that is He had come as Messiah in the flesh. In this connection apostle John wrote in (I John 4:3). “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is the spirit of the Antichrist where of ye have heard that it should come and even now already is it in the world.”
The readers may be surprised how even false teaching could create positive impression and spread into many places. The main reason for the public popularity was purely the persecution of Jews by the Roman rulers between 64-312 AD a memorable era in the history of Roman regime and also some gnostic believers and then some part of New Testament were responsible to their bad luck. There were no readers or copies of the Bible or there were no Christian books to enlighten themselves the truth behind. As per the historical information it was the time only for oral teaching (teaching through mouth to mouth) was in existence. But some manuscripts were available to learned people, from the collection in the so called libraries. Regarding common people they could know the truth only through preaching’s in the church, when they gathered for worshipping God.
Then fortunately in about 300 AD the wide spread teaching and preaching of the New Testament overshadowed the Gnostic propaganda and also silenced Sabellius to some extent. This Sabellius from Rome taught the error of Modalism in the early third century that the Trinity was only God’s three models of appearance three costumes which the same God person wore at different times. According to Sabellius God wore three masks on His face and thereby came three types of dresses. We may hear different types of opinions about God, but the teachings of scriptures show of one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) but not three.
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
The suitable answer at this juncture is that in the Old Testament world, the errors of idolatry and polytheism were everywhere. On the other hand the scriptures emphasized the oneness of God head, but in the New Testament polytheism was a warning and new additional eternal truths were revealed, especially about Jesus Christ, who was an eternal son and the Holy Ghost. So, whoever reject the Trinity and say that there is only one God then we must be in a position to say we are after all human beings and so we cannot judge God and make rules. We know what He revealed in the scriptures, what He was and the purpose of His coming.
They might not be surprised of Godhead that is the Trinity which has become a complicated issue at that time. In such conditions, the Bishop of Rome ‘Callirteus’ came to lime light in 220 AD and excommunicated Sabellius for his illegal teachings about the Trinity. There was one more teaching of Sabellius that one God with three different costumes that the Father suffered on the cross which is known as Patripassionism. This statement was quite contrary to the words spoken by Jesus on the cross. This is one of the seven words that Jesus spoke when He was crucified. He said “My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me.” (Matthew 27:46).
During 250-334 AD, Arius an elder in a church in Alexandria, Egypt in his teachings explained that Jesus was not a deity. He was just created in heaven or born on earth and so he was not eternal and divine. In this context we can look into the gospel of John first verse for the suitable answer to that issue two hundred years before Arius teachings. As John wrote “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God, and the word was God” the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him not anything made, that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of man (John 1:1-4).
As John wrote, “In the beginning” and the Greek translation from Hebrew is “Inarche” and no other words would replace the opening verses of Genesis. In Hebrew language also, these two words are in two words like “Be-resheth” which means ‘in the beginning.’ So Apostle John’s gospel began with these two Greek words “En Arche.” If we look into history, the translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew into Greek was started during the time of Alexander the great, with a team of 70 rabbis in Alexandria and Egypt in 270 AD and it was called “Septuagin.” Following these words were John’s affirmation of all that Jesus was the creator of all and in Him was the life. Every life on earth has
The Everlasting Kingdom of God the eternal existence of Jesus as deity. Actually life is in Him. He not only speaks of life but also speaks about eternal life. He imparts everything as redeemer. John clearly pointed out that the word (Jesus the living the out word, visible comprehensive manifestation of the unseen Godhead) is God.
Generally, the young people show curiolity to know about great emperors, kings, presidents like Constantine, Justinian, Catherine the great of Russia, Queen Elizabeth of England, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln of USA, Mahatma Gandhi of India etc. Sometimes those young people think, they would become like one of them and achieve something in their life time when they come to age. They begin to meditate on how these leaders must have struggled for their survival. Sometimes by indulging in wars for the safety of their countries and how they have taken wise steps to rule their countries in a peaceful manner. And such people many times would have survived only by the providence of God but not with their own power and might. In the same manner Constantine after defeating Marentius in the battle of the “Milvian Bridge” in 312 AD became the sole emperor of the vast Roman Empire. Then he legalized Christianity inspite of struggles and rebellions everywhere in that huge empire.
Constantine had constant threat from the Northern Teutonic and Slavonic barbarian tribes invading the (frontiers) of his kingdom. In addition to that the king had internal problems with the legalized and rapidly growing Christianity. It was so threatening and he thought it might lead the division among Christians. It was primarily concerned to doctrinal struggle. His new rule had already forced a factionalism of (1) Latin West and Greek East. (2) There were some people who still wanted to be loyal to old pagan Roman gods, and on the other hand the rapid spreading of the new faith on Christ by majority of people. (3) The orthodox Romans of Rome, and now Constantinople, the release of new immigrants to the barbarians these things seemed to have caused the king to fear more that the Christendom would be divided, though he was the most powerful king of his time.
He did not care about the out side invaders, but worried more of his own people. The teachings of Arius became a problem as he was teaching that Jesus was not at all a deity and this was vehemently opposed by all Bishops of both East and West, who adhered to “Athanasius” who strongly affirmed in a thundering voice that Jesus was indeed deity. Having faced all these problems Constantine finally called for an emergency meeting of “Ecumenical Council”
The Everlasting Kingdom of God invited all the Bishops, elders, the theologians, learned men, and pious men to assemble prayerfully and solve the complicated issue and look for the will of God. He summoned all this hierarchy to come in 325 AD to the village of “Nicea.” It was about 50 miles away from Constantinople. The main purpose of the selection of that place was that they wanted peace and tranquillity and far away from all kinds of distractions of the city.
They were also called for another settlement of correcting the date of Easter festival. This became an unsolvable issue for many years for early Christian churches. So, Constantine wanted the settlement of this point too; so, that the division might not take place in the congregation. Then the council of “Nicea” set the date of Easter as a movable feast, because it would not occur once fixed
th. calendar date each year like Christmas that occurs only on December 25 They tried to set it some how close to Hebrew Passover which is based on “Lunar Calendar” (called Jewish calendar). Finally Easter festival was decided to be celebrated on first Sunday after the first full moon. After the “vernal equinox” (21 March). According to Jews calendar ‘Nisan’ is the first month, which comes in our calendar in (March and April) and the Passover festival comes to them on 14th of Nisan.
Next the greatest issue troubling the council at that time was teaching of Arius who openly denied the deity of Jesus Christ. Athanasius was the staunch and dedicated spokesman of the deity of Christ. At last the agreements confirmed as the scriptures taught that the Father was a person, the Father was a divine person, the Son was a separate person, the Son was an eternal divine person. In 381 AD, afterwards at the first council of Constantinople it was planned to make it clear that scripture also taught about the Holy Spirit as a deity in a Tri- Unity (Trinity). It was confirmed the Holy Spirit as a separate person and a divine person.
If we see the verses of (Matthew 28:19) the “Triune” Baptismal formula and in John 15:26 it was clearly mentioned that the father, the son and the Holy Spirit show the distinction of the divine persons. Following are the affirmation of “I am” including Christ
John 8:23-I am from above
John 8:58-Before Abraham was I am
John 9:5-I am the light of the world
John 11:25-I am the resurrection and the life
The Everlasting Kingdom of God
John 14:6-I am the way, the truth and the life
Revelation 1:8-I am the Alfa ad Omega
Revelation 1:17-I am the first and the last
If we brood over these statements they would certainly elevate Him as far superior to status of a prophet or even perfect human Messiah. Then in 325 AD, a new creed called “Nicene creed” came into existence. It was as follows : We believe in one God, the father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the father (the only begotten that is of the essence of the father God of God), Light of light, very God of very God begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made (both in heaven and on earth); who for us men an for our salvation came down and was incarnate and was made man. He suffered and the third day He rose again and ascended into heaven. From thence, He shall come to judge the quick and the dead and in the Holy Ghost.
And to this decree, the following matter was also added in 381 AD by the council of Constantinople just for the purpose of affirming the deity of the Holy Spirit. It was not at all an issue in 325 AD, and the creed continued (the Lord and giver of life, who proceedeth from the father, who with father and the son, together is worshipped and glorified who spoke by the prophets. In one holy catholic (universal) and apostolic church we acknowledge one Baptism, for the remission of sins. We look for the revelation of the dead and the life of the world to come Amen). The concerned authorities tried to add something more to this in 6th century AD but it was completely rejected and ignored by the eastern Greek Church, which was quite against additional alternations of the creed. The position of church councils during the later years was. Synod of Hippo: North Africa in 293 AD approved the Old Testament Canon, and the New Testament canon with 27 books as we have already at present plus 14 later apocryphal books. Synod of Carthage - 397 AD: It had declared the Old testament books plus only our present 27 books of the New Testament books that were canonized. Council of Ephesus - 432 AD: This council openly condemned Nestorianism that Jesus was two separate persons (Man and God). It also opposed Relagianism that man is essentially good, and can be eligible for salvation.
The Everlasting Kingdom of God Council of Chalcedon — 351 AD: This council had affirmed christs two natures as unmixed undivided and inseparable Christ was truly God and truly man, one person with two natures.
The twenty seven books were written by apostles, who spent all their time with the Lord. The important disciples were Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and above all was Apostle Paul. Luke happened to spend some time with Paul in Ephesus when John and Miriam (Mary) were living there. Paul was called Apostle by our God Himself and his writings were apostolic and authoritative. Some scholars commented that without the works of apostle Paul there is no New Testament at all. Another appropriate name for the New Testament books is “Apostolicity”. The true meaning is that every New Testament book was written by either an apostle, who know the Lord personally or by some who were commissioned by God, or any other who must have travelled with the apostle like the book of Hebrews. It is said the Holy Bible was written with the help of the Holy spirit by 40 writers in 1600 years.
In the present days, if any believer is interested to know wonderful testimony, of the earliest Christians, about the genuineness and authority of our New Testament books he must try to read the Ecclesiastical history of ‘Eusebius’
tact Pamphilus “Baker Book House” 1966. The original Greek was written in 350 AD, by Eusebius who was a great Christian scholar at that time. He happened to follow, Queen Helena mother of the Emperor Constantine to Israel in exactly 325 AD. Her main purpose of visiting Israel was to locate the sacred sites of Christ’s life and some of the Old Testament writings quoted by Eusebius probably about the second century Christian writings.
It is said some people had strange opinion about Constantine. They thought that the king had destroyed some gospels which did not enter the list of canon and which he thought unfit for reading. But they were wrong. The fact is that the writers at that time took great pains to rewrite all the books on the parchment and they did not want to recopy such books which had only fiction value. It seemed there were many stories of fiction, especially about the early life of Jesus which was not taken for canon. For the purpose of information, the books written by Thomas and Mary Magdalene were not included into the canon. It we look into historical background, the early Christians contributed much for the modern Christians and even during the days of unscrupulous persecution. They suffered wholeheartedly and happily any kind of punishment for their faith on Christ. They suffered for Christ, but left for us a rich heritage of
The Everlasting Kingdom of God devotion and true love towards one another which are the most requisite qualifications for a real Christian believer. They also contributed to us the sacred scriptures of the Word of God with great and orthodox theological understanding. Some references
1)Canon-Official test of books.
2)Tertullian-was called father of Latin Christianity and also called father of
Latin theology.
3)Arius-a church member in Alexandria, who taught in public that Jesus was
not a deity.
4)Septuagen-Hebrew translation of the Bible in to Greek in 270 AD by 70
rabbis.
5)Athanasius-He strongly supported Jesus as a deity.
6)Nicene-In 325 AD itself a new creed had come into existence called “Nicene
Creed” which must be like our present “Apostle creed.”
7)Another name for New Testament is “Apostolicity.”
8)It was also the same Tertullian who coined the words of Old Testament,
New Testament and Trinity (Tri-Unity). The Everlasting Kingdom of GodCHAPTER -17