The Message of Jesus Christ

[TRWord]

Where I live, if it’s Wednesday then it’s the Jehovah witnesses, on another day it could be the Seventh day adventist or some other denomination. They come with their tracts and other paraphernalia. Each with their understanding of the message while most persons retreat indoors to avoid them.
In a world of as much suffering as ours, Christians should be a shining example of victory to the non-believing world. The world should be running to us instead of away from us.

Jesus said:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16

But if we as Christians do not appear to be victorious, how can we convince others that there is victory in the message, especially when we don’t believe it ourselves.

Jesus also said:

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matt. 5:13

Christians approach non-believers with tracts and other written materials, but it’s our lives that is our testimony. We’ll have to demonstrate victory in our lives to be able to convince others that there is victory in the message.

The apostle John said that whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and he explained that our victory is in overcoming the world through faith in Christ.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5

The scripture define those that have overcome the world as: them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Rev. 15:2-3

We Christians are making a mess of things because we are stubbornly trying to serve two masters. We believe that we can continue being of the world and at the same time we can serve God. But that is not so.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matt. 6:24

Jesus said: In the world we are going to have tribulation but be of good cheer, in Him we can overcome the world, but we have to choose.

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

 

[TRWord]

The apostle John said love has been the message from the beginning.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:11

John is saying here that the Lord demonstrated His love, by laying down His life for us, and our love should be no less, we should be willing to lay down our lives for each other. He is also questioning where is the love of those with much material possessions who can see others in need and have no compassion.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John 3:16-17

This brings to mind a popular song of a few decades ago, called; “Love’s in need of love today.” In this song, the writer is saying that even our understanding of love is inadequate, and it is in need of love. Quite profound but also astonishing that this is coming from a popular songwriter and not from our preachers or teachers.

The scripture says: If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

While we are in the world, before we gain victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, we cannot know love.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15-16

It’s important for us to understand, if we have not received the message of Christ and our names are not written in the book of life, we worship the beast.

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. Rev. 13:8-9

The beast represents our selfish desires, his image is selfishness and his mark is avarice. Clearly if we are serving the beast we cannot know love.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

 

[TRWord]

As Christians we are faced with many questions that we don’t quite have an answer for. One such plaguing question is the difference between the God of the old testament and the God of the new testament.

Now there is nothing more exciting than when we receive a spiritual breakthrough. When we are given an answer to one of these questions. The revelation of the third commandment was especially exciting to me.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Ex. 20:7

In the old testament we have a Lord that’s cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, and who is ready to lay the land desolate to destroy all sinners.

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Is. 13:9

In the new testament we are told that God is love.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

It’s written that the Son has been the same from the foundation of the world.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. Heb. 13:8

And since the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are one, this would mean that the Father has also been the same from the foundation of the world.

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: Mark 12:29

If our Father has been the same from the foundation of the world, why then is He different in the two testaments?

God is different in the two testaments because His name is different.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; when revealed, tells us that the name or nature we ascribe to our Father has consequences, it affects both our relationship with Him and our relationship with each other.

The name of God in the old testament was wrath and vengeance, therefore our relationship with God and with each other was based on wrath and vengeance.

The name of God in the new testament is love, as revealed by our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore our relationship with God and with each other is based on love.

The mystery that Paul is talking about here which was not made known to the sons men in other ages is the true name or nature of God.

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Eph. 3:3-5

Here Jesus is telling us to replace the old relationship that was based on wrath and vengeance with a new one based on love.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matt. 5:43-44

Christ came to reveal to all men this mystery.

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Eph. 3:9

 

[TRWord]

Money and position; the evidence of success in the world should have little appeal to the true believer. As Christians we have been instructed not to love the world or the things of the world.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15-16

Our desires; what John called “the lust of the eyes,” and what Jesus called “the eye” control us entirely, both by our thoughts and actions, so Jesus said we must be careful of our desires.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! Matt. 6:22-23

If we desire the knowledge of the Father, our thoughts are of Him and our actions are in harmony with His will. On the other hand if we desire the things of the world our thoughts are of the things of the world and our actions follow "the way of the world."

Here Jesus is giving us the two choices; “our life” or “the life.”

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matt. 6:25

If we choose “our life,” our focus are the things in the world that we believe would make “our life” complete. We then become slaves to these desires, and we serve them instead of serving God. To attain them we must also engage in competition and selfishness and we’ll have to disobey the Father’s will that we love each other because this is “the way of the world.”

If we choose “the life,” we obey the will of the Father and the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ:

We do not seek the things of this world.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matt. 6:19-21

And we do unto others as we’ll have them do unto us.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matt. 7:12

 

[TRWord]

Most Christians stubbornly interpret the scripture by the letter; the most literal understanding of what the words in each verse is saying.

All except this verse:

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

Jesus is saying here that without Him we can do nothing. This includes interpreting the scripture properly.

Very early in the Bible Genesis 11:1-9 the Lord used the parable of the Tower of Babel to teach us that we cannot get to heaven by material means, or by our own efforts.

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. Gen. 11:4

Without the spirit we can do nothing, and this parable is telling us that when we attempt to do anything without Him the result is confusion.

And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. Gen. 11:6-7

Most of us continue to interpret without Him thus our confusion, we believe that the great tribulation will come by the hands of God in retribution for sin.

Jesus said: In the world ye shall have tribulation: In other words “the way of the world” brings tribulation to the earth.

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

Jesus also spoke of when there will be great tribulation in the world, when things will get so bad, that if “the way of the world” is not put to an end, no flesh would be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Matt. 24:21-22

The great tribulation is where “the way of the world” utimately leads us, but most of us believe that it’s God’s doing in retribution for sin, and we continue to misunderstand God’s judgement because of this belief.

At that point God shall make things right again. It’s written that God’s judgement is the return to righteousness.

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. Ps. 94:14-15

Clearly God is not acting in retribution here, but in love to save the meek of the earth.

Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. Ps.
76:8-9

God is love and anything that is not of love is not of God. Retribution is not of love and therefore is not of God.

 

[TRWord]

After interpreting the entire Bible to mean exactly what the words in each verse is saying now we come to Revelation. Here we find the Four Horse Men, the harlot of Babylon, the Beast, the False Prophet and the Dragon, figures that we just cannot understand literally.

Jesus said without Him we can do nothing, so what do we do now, should we turn to Him as we should have from the very beginning? Many of us have chosen to continue along the path of literalism.

A perfect example is the mark of the beast.

We understand it to be a mark in our right hand or our forehead, and that no man will be able to buy or sell unless he has this mark.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17

Notice we are totally missing the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

It’s written: And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. Rev. 13:7-9

There is a very subtle deception that takes place here, and many are deceived; They unknowingly worship the beast because they don’t know his name.

Most Christians think the beast is the devil, they in fact do not know who he is.

Notice what is also written here: All that dwell upon the earth whose names are not written in the book of life, worship the beast.

Jesus gave us a choice between “our life” and “the life.” We haven’t understood the importance of that choice. Many of us even our preachers and teachers are multimillionaires, and are well positioned in the world based on our choices.

But let’s get this clear; those of us who have chosen “our life” instead of “the life” already serve the beast and already have his mark. On the other hand those that have chosen “the life” are they that have gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.

Notice those that have gotten victory over the beast have gotten victory over the number of his name which means, they know who he is.

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Rev. 15:2-3

 

[TRWord]

Most of us would never knowingly worship the devil but we have not realized that we are worshiping the devil if we have not overcome the world.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

From the very beginning we find Adam at a cross road having to choose between “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” and “the tree of life.” We today are at a similar cross road having to choose between “the way of the world” and “the way that leads to life.”

Jesus is sounding the alarm here; telling us that few of us are going to find “the way that leads to life.”

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7:13-14

But we are not alarmed. Why? because the understanding that we need to choose between “our life” and “the life” has been concealed from most of us.

Jesus said: He that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25

As Paul is explaining here, that the god of this world has blinded the minds of men to Christ’s message. How? by concealing the understanding that we need to make a choice between “the way of the world” and “the way that leads to life.”

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor 4:3-4

Unfortunately most of us do not know who or what is the god of this world, and therefore we are unaware that we are worshiping him and the devil through him.

We worship the god of this world if our focus is “our life in this world,” and if we worship the god of this world we worship the devil.

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? Rev. 13:3-4

The fact that our salvation requires that we abandon “our life in this world” has been extracted from our Christian understanding.

It’s written that salvation and the kingdom of God comes to those who overcame the devil; And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev. 12:10-11

 

[bleeker]

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

- 2Corinthians 11:13-15, NIV

 

[TRWord]

Here Paul is dividing us, we who use the scriptures into two groups. He’s describing those that are unskilful in the word of righteousness as babes that use milk, and those who have exercised their senses to discern the scriptures as being of full age who use strong meat.

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb. 5:13-14

The prophet Isaiah is saying the same thing here that only those who have been weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts can received the message.

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Is. 28:9-10

The prophet goes on here instructing us how to interpret the scriptures. From these instructions it’s clear that we cannot gain our understanding from the literal interpretation of one verse. One part of the scripture explains the other, as he said, it must be line upon line, here a little, and there a little.

While most Christians have made the connection between the number 666 and the antichrist, we have not made the connection between the beast and the antichrist.

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Rev. 13:17-18

Again, due to a literal interpretation of for it is the number of a man; we believe that the antichrist is a single individual even though it’s written that there are many antichrists.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 1 John 2:18

The antichrist represents the god of this world; He who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God.

Who opposeth and exalteth himself 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 Thess. 2:4

Paul is explaining here that the antichrist is not a man; (flesh and blood,) but it’s principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:12

He’s saying that even though Pontius Pilate, Herod the King and the chief priest stood oppose to Jesus Christ and His message and therefore were anti-christ, the struggle is not against these men but the power structures here in the earth that these men represent.

 

[Alithis]

 

[New_Wineskin]

Here we are over two thousand years later, and the vast majority of us still believe like the ancient Hebrews, that we need to present ourselves as sinless before God.
Even those who have made the distinction between “the teaching of Jesus Christ” and Christian doctrine, demonstrate that they too are still under the law and have not received the message of Jesus Christ.

The problem is our understanding of the term righteousness. Because we are still under the law we have the same understanding as the scribes and the Pharisee. The belief that we can be sinless or good in the sight of God.

As Jesus said: Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: Matt. 19:17

That is the understanding of the old testament, but Jesus said that our understanding of this term must exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisee if we are to enter the kingdom of God.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:20

Our separation from God is the problem: It’s the cause of our sinful nature.

As a consequence of Adam’s transgression, man became more and more separated from God.

_He went from hiding himself from the presence of God.

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. Gen. 3:8

_ To where he was afraid of the presence of God altogether and he even needed an intermediary to petition God on his behalf.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. Ex. 19:21

The law is man’s relationship with God through Moses. It’s a distant relationship. Man perceives God as far off in a distant realm of heaven. It’s a period when man is being taught obedience. His relationship with God is one of hard and fast rules which he must obey or be punished.

The purpose of the law was to teach us obedience; but it also taught us about sin.

What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Rom. 7:7

And it also gave us the misconception that we can present ourselves as sinless before God.

But as Paul said: It’s evident that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God.

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Gal. 3:11

We were also suppose to realize that we cannot win the battle against sin, and that we have to seek another way.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Gal. 3:24&25

Those who have received the message of Jesus Christ are no longer under the law. Of course this does not mean that they are free to sin.

We sin because we are separated from God and therefore the only solution to sin is that we be reconciled with Him.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:18&19

Yes . The worship of the Scriptures continues to keep the Law in control . A relationship with the Lord frees one from the control of the Law and while being repulsed at what can lead us away from that relationship .

 

[TRWord]

Yes . The worship of the Scriptures continues to keep the Law in control . A relationship with the Lord frees one from the control of the Law and while being repulsed at what can lead us away from that relationship .

The message of Jesus Christ is a thing of great joy but most of us have not received it yet because we are still trying to serve God through the law.
When we do, using a parable to illustrate the joy of it, Jesus said it like a treasure hidden in a field and when a man found that treasure he sold everything he own and bought the field. In other words He’s saying when we received the message nothing else would matter.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matt. 13:44

 

[TRWord]

Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom, the power, and the glory belongs to the Father forever, but the god of this world maintains a constant struggle for the kingdom and the power here in the earth.

All in the world, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, have the same desire for a higher position and for greater affluence. One common desire based on dominance and greed.

The antichrist; the god of this world, symbolized by Six hundred threescore and six or 666 represents the power structures that govern the world and which stand oppose to Jesus Christ and His message of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

In the Lord’s day, Pontius Pilate, Herod the King and the chief priest each represented one of these power structures. It’s important that we understand what these structures represent and how they influence all that are in the world.

Pontius Pilate represents (the struggle for the power.) It influences they that are in the world through the idea that one human being should dominate the other. It fuels the desire to rule the earth by force and is responsible for the struggle for military might and the idea of the Empire which dictates the affairs of men.

Herod the King represents (the struggle for the kingdom.) It influences they that are in the world through the idea that one human being is superior to the other. It’s responsible for the creation of the human hierarchy; the idea of the noble and the common, and the ideas of class, race, ethnicity etc.

And Pilate and Herod were made friends together: What the scripture is saying here is these two power structures came together as one; This is the beast, which influences those in the world with the desire to rule one over the other, and with the love for material things rather than for one another.

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. Luke 23:12

The chief priest represents (the false prophet.) This is the most insidious of the three unholy influences because while presenting itself as being of God it is a power structure of itself, which have mislead many by replacing the message with doctrines that Jesus called “the commandments of men.”

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? Matt. 27:17

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. Matt. 27:20

The beast and the false prophet together comprise the god of this world.

This is made clear at the victory of the Lamb when all the forces in the earth that stand oppose to the message are vanquished. The scripture says here that the beast was taken and the false prophet with him and both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev. 19:19-20

 

[TRWord]

Ultimately “the way of the world” will lead us to a time of such great tribulation that the scripture says that if these days are not shortened all will perish.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Matt. 24:21-22

But because most of us have misunderstood the great tribulation as God’s wrath in retribution for sin, we have also misunderstood the four horsemen as God unleashing His wrath on the earth, and we believe that all these things are yet to come.

The four horse men represents the selfish desires that are in the world and the tribulation that these desires have caused.

The first horseman clearly represents the desire of one man to dominate the other.

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Rev. 6:2

The second horseman represents the tribulation that has been cause by this desire. It has taken peace from the earth and it has caused us to kill one another.

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Rev. 6:4

The third horseman represents our overwhelming love and desire for material things. Our concern is for the oil and the wine and not for each other, and commerce or buying and selling, has become our most important activity. A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny.

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Rev. 6:5-6

This desire has caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And the mark in our right hand, or in our foreheads represents the desire’s complete control over us by both thought and deed.

The fourth horseman represents the tribulation caused by the combined effects of these two desires; dominance and greed. They have brought death and hellish conditions to the earth. Death by the sword, by hunger and by the beast of the earth; the earth itself now has become hostile towards us.

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Rev. 6:8

 

[Breezee]

The message of Jesus Christ is a thing of great joy but most of us have not received it yet because we are still trying to serve God through the law.
When we do, using a parable to illustrate the joy of it, Jesus said it like a treasure hidden in a field and when a man found that treasure he sold everything he own and bought the field. In other words He’s saying when we received the message nothing else would matter.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matt. 13:44

Great post TR. That's always the way I have understood it too. While I agree with Wineskin that we need to live in the New Dispensation and not under the Law, I don't see people selling their material possessions when they accept Christ and I often wonder why. Is that because we have not entered into his grace? Or is it that we have not fully accepted Christ? It could be either or both.

 

[Breezee]

But because most of us have misunderstood the great tribulation as God’s wrath in retribution for sin, we have also misunderstood the four horsemen as God unleashing His wrath on the earth, and we believe that all these things are yet to come.

The four horse men represents the selfish desires that are in the world and the tribulation that these desires have caused.

I agree with your interpretation, but I do not think that it is the only interpretation. As with many prophecies, there are several layers of meaning. I can see the truth that these desires hurt people, both the perpetrator and the victim are harmed and that is why the World is in such a sorry state, because humanity has ignored God and followed their desires instead. Now we reap the fruits of those actions.

However, I think the application to the present situation does not negate an application to the future. There may still be a literal time of Great Tribulation, "such as has not been since the beginning of the world" Matt 24:21.

The third horseman represents our overwhelming love and desire for material things. Our concern is for the oil and the wine and not for each other, and commerce or buying and selling, has become our most important activity. A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny.

This desire has caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And the mark in our right hand, or in our foreheads represents the desire’s complete control over us by both thought and deed.

That theory sounds great until you look at the next verse:

Rev 13:16. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Don't get me wrong, the idea that the Mark of the Beast represents people's thoughts and actions being controlled by greed is a fine interpretation, but how does that fit in with not being able to buy and sell without the Mark of the Beast?

I would argue that it is precisely BECAUSE people's thoughts and actions are controlled by greed they will willingly accept the Mark of the Beast.
The whole human race is chasing after money already, all the Devil has to do now is change the currency.

 

[TRWord]

I agree with your interpretation, but I do not think that it is the only interpretation. As with many prophecies, there are several layers of meaning. I can see the truth that these desires hurt people, both the perpetrator and the victim are harmed and that is why the World is in such a sorry state, because humanity has ignored God and followed their desires instead. Now we reap the fruits of those actions.

However, I think the application to the present situation does not negate an application to the future. There may still be a literal time of Great Tribulation, "such as has not been since the beginning of the world" Matt 24:21.

The Great Tribulation is in the future; it’s the point when tribulation in the world shall become so great that the scripture says: “except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved.”
However, we have to get rid of the idea that the Great Tribulation is God unleashing His wrath on the earth. The Great Tribulation is the culmination of our misdeeds in the earth.

Don't get me wrong, the idea that the Mark of the Beast represents people's thoughts and actions being controlled by greed is a fine interpretation, but how does that fit in with not being able to buy and sell without the Mark of the Beast?

If we interpret it as a mark in our right hand or our forehead that we have to have to be able to buy and sell then we are interpreting it to mean exactly what the words are saying, but then we are unable to interpret the rest of the verse.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17

Not being able to buy and sell without the the name of the beast, or the number of his name is usually ignored because it does not fit a literal understanding.

The scripture is saying here that those with the desire for wealth serve the beast, and all with this desire has it’s mark, or it’s nature, or are a part of the power structure that is the beast.

A mark in our heads and our hands represents being control by thought and deed, and buying and selling represents the dealings that those with the desire for wealth engage in.

Interpreted literally the understanding is that those without the mark are being prevented from buying and selling, but the scripture is saying that only those with the mark buy or sell.

 

[TRWord]

The scribes and the Pharisees were Hebrew but this didn’t in anyway cause them to receive the message. So why many of us seem to think that we need to learn Aramaic, Hebrew or Greek to understand the scriptures.

Why do we continue to believe that the answer is in what the words meant in the original Hebrew or Greek? Why are we so committed to a literal understanding of the scripture.

The fundamental problem is most of us do not believe in revelation.

Jesus has made it clear that no spiritual knowledge can be received through the human intellect. It has to be revealed by the Spirit.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matt. 11:27

So here we are at the Revelation of Jesus Christ, where a literal interpretation should be obviously out of the question, but many of us know no other way.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Rev. 1:1

The most common understanding of Revelation 13:16-17 has stood out as a perfect example of the confusion caused by the literal interpretation of the scriptures.

Here the scripture is speaking only of those that have the mark of the beast, it has nothing at all to do with those that do not have the mark. It’s saying that only those with the mark buy or sell.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17

However, interpreted literally, the meaning is completely turned around, now it has everything to do with those who do not have the mark. Now it means that they who do not have the mark would not be able to buy or sell.

“Buy or sell” has been interpreted as literally buying or selling and not understood as the deeds of those that have received the mark, and the mark itself is understood as literally having something in our forehead and righthand, and not as being control by our thought and deeds.

 

[TRWord]

The sign of the coming of the Lord has been a burning question even back when Jesus walked the earth. Even then his disciples were seeking a definitive sign that would mean “any day now.”

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Matt. 24:3

Peter attempted to dispel this idea of a sign that would mean “any day now” by reminding us: be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Pet. 3:7-8

Jesus told His disciples that no man knew the day and the hour not even the angels in heaven. The Father alone knows.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matt. 24:36

However, Jesus did give us a very important sign, He said: When we see the desolation or destruction of that which has been an abomination in the earth, stand in the holy place.

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand: ) Matt. 24:15

The scripture has defined the city of Babylon as an abomination in the earth.

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Rev. 17:4-5

Described as the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters: It’s very important that we unveil this figure, because when she is destroyed we’ll know that the time is near.

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Rev. 17:1-2

The scripture explains that the many waters are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues, which is telling us that her influence is over the whole world, all it’s people, regardless of language or nationality.

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (Revelations 17:15KJV)

She is also described as that great city that reign over the kings of the earth. In other words she rule over even “the most prominent men ” in the earth.

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. Rev. 17:18

Through her the rulers of the earth have lived lavishly and those that buy and sell have been made rich.

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Rev. 18:3

However, after she has been destroyed buying and selling stops.

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: (Revelation 18:11KJV)

Clearly the scripture is saying here that the world system which was dedicated to the amassing of wealth has collapsed.

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. (Revelation 18:17-19KJV)

 

[Breezee]

The fundamental problem is most of us do not believe in revelation.

Jesus has made it clear that no spiritual knowledge can be received through the human intellect. It has to be revealed by the Spirit.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matt. 11:27

The problem is that there are SO many people out there claiming to have "special revelations". It's not that I don't believe in revelation, per se, it's just that I don't think it should take precedence over scripture.

And TR, I don't see how Matt 11:27 proves your point at all.
Where exactly does it say that "Jesus has made it clear that no spiritual knowledge can be received through the human intellect. It has to be revealed by the Spirit." That sounds suspiciously like your own revelation.

So here we are at the Revelation of Jesus Christ, where a literal interpretation should be obviously out of the question, but many of us know no other way.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Rev. 1:1

The most common understanding of Revelation 13:16-17 has stood out as a perfect example of the confusion caused by the literal interpretation of the scriptures.

Here the scripture is speaking only of those that have the mark of the beast, it has nothing at all to do with those that do not have the mark. It’s saying that only those with the mark buy or sell.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17

However, interpreted literally, the meaning is completely turned around, now it has everything to do with those who do not have the mark. Now it means that they who do not have the mark would not be able to buy or sell.

“Buy or sell” has been interpreted as literally buying or selling and not understood as the deeds of those that have received the mark, and the mark itself is understood as literally having something in our forehead and righthand, and not as being control by our thought and deeds.

Of course it means that the True Believers will not buy or sell, because the True Believers will not have the Mark. It's very clear. Why add to the scripture by putting in "it means being controlled by your thoughts and deeds". That is not what it is saying. It's a bit like saying "it's OK to bow down and worship the Devil as long as you don't believe it in your heart". Imagine if Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo had thought like that!