OBJECTIVE
(Heb. 9:23 keyword: patterns: defined: Strongs w #5262: an exhibit for imitation or warning, example, adumbration: the internet definition of adumbration is report or represent in outline: and the internet synonyms of adumbration are: presage, portend, foretell, prophesy, predict, foreshadow, herald). With this information in mind please read (Heb. 8:1 thru 9:28) and you will see how patterns/adumbration/prophesy will open a door of greater understanding.
NOTE: Sometimes people object when some of these hidden prophesies are called prophecy. So be it. If you wish to call them other names such as (Gal. 3:6-9 esp. V.8) foreseeing, (1Cor. 10:1-12 esp. V.6 & 11) examples, non-Biblical words such as foreshadowing & types and etc. please do. Whatever you wish to call them is up to you but with prayer and study you will understand the significance in certain OT representations of (a word in the definition of prophecy above) NT situations. (Rev. 1:19 keywords: hast seen, which are, shall be) All seven types are used in the past, present and future of the Revelation to John. END OF NOTE.
#1) spoken/written: (Isa. 7:14 keywords: a virgin shall conceive, Immanuel) This spoken/written prophecy says that a virgin would conceive a son named, in Hebrew, Immanuel (with us is God) (Matt. 1:20-23) and named Emmanuel (God with us), in Greek when the angel visited Joseph. (Luke 1:26-35 esp. V.31) Gabriel told Mary the virgin to name her son Jesus before the baby was conceived in her womb (1Tim. 3:16) and he was “God manifest in the flesh”.
#2) a person: “A” (Josh. 2:1-24 esp. V.1 keyword: Rahab- a Gentile harlot and V.18 keywords: scarlet thread– representing Jesus’ blood that saved Rahab and her family (representing the Gentile church) (1Thess 4:13-18) when Jesus takes away the church to be with Him forever just like Joshua saved Rahab when the Hebrew army came against Jericho. “B” (Ruth 1:1 thru 4:22) Ruth the Moabitess is a living prophecy (representation) of the gentile church, who became the bride of Boaz the Jew (a type of Jesus) (1Pet. 1:19) who redeemed her (a type of the church) (Rev. 19:5-9) and married her.
(Matt. 1:5-6) “and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king;” Rahab is the Greek name for the Hebrew name Rachab AND Booz is the Greek name for the Hebrew name Boaz. (Matt. 1:5-6) Both women were in the lineage of a physical king which are physical prophesies (Luke 1:26-35) a woman would be in the lineage of Jesus (Matt. 2:2, John 19:19 & Rev. 19:16) the spiritual King of the Jews and the King of kings. (Matt. 1:3-6) AND: Both gentile women and also Bathsheba the Hebrew were in the physical bloodline that produced Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather.
(Gen. 3:15) Both women are living prophesies Jesus would have (Luke 1:26-35 esp. V.31 keyword: womb & Gen. 3:15 keywords: her seed) a woman’s human blood. Both women were redeemed by and married to Jews (Matt. 9:15 & John 3:24-36 esp. V.29) which are living prophesies Jesus, the Jewish Son of God, will redeem the Gentile church (Rev. 21:9) “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” (Rev. 19:7-9) and spiritually marry her.
(2Sam. 11:3) Bathsheba, married to a Gentile, Uriah the Hittite (a heathen, representing Israel’s sin with and like the Canaanite tribes), was the daughter of Eliam, (2Sam. 23:8 keyword: mighty then 23:34) one of King David’s mighty men, and was later married to King David after Uriah’s death. (Rom. 11:15-25 esp. V.24 keyword: graffed: defined: ingraft, to prick in: think; spear, nails) She is a prophesy of the time Israel, cast out because of sin, would come back to God through Jesus and be part of His bride the church.
(Read this> Matt. 25:31-46 esp. V.31-33 key: judgment of nations, (V.37 keyword: righteous, and V.40 keywords: my brethren- physical people– the Jews) The definition of righteous is innocent, holy, meet– which is defined as; deserving, suitable, due reward. (James 2:25-26 & Josh. 2:1-21) Rachab/Rahab the harlot is a living prophecy that the righteous people (Christians) at the judgment of nations will be especially rewarded for helping the Jews through their holocausts, persecutions, displacements, and troubles.
Rahab/Rachab the harlot is a living prophecy of what Jesus would tell the Jewish priests and elders. (Matt. 21:23-31) As was their custom throughout scripture the proud, arrogant, jealous chief priests and elders (leaders of the Jewish religion) (V.23) came against Jesus by questioning His authority instead of accepting that Jesus’ works, teaching and miracles were from God and Jesus said; (Matt. 21:31) “the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.”
#3) an object: “A” (Num. 21:5-9 esp. V.9 & John 3:14-15) The brass serpent on the pole which healed the serpent bitten Jews from the serpent’s poison if they would believe and look upon it is a two-part prophecy. (Luke 1:26-35 esp. V.31-35) The prophecy is brass which is an alloy; part copper and part zinc known as a substitutional alloy, is that Jesus would be a Holy Ghost seed planted in a human woman’s egg (a living alloy of two). AND:
The serpent is a prophecy that (John 3:14-15 & 2Cor. 5:21) Jesus would be made (Gen. 3:1-15 esp. V.1, 13, 14 keyword: serpent, Rev. 12:9 keywords: serpent/Satan & 2Cor. 4:4 keyword: blinded) the embodiment of sin for us on the cross (pole), (1John 2:1 keyword: propitiation: defined: the atoning victim) the atoning Victim (substitutional) for our sins and all who would look upon Him and believe would have the effects of the serpents’ poison (sin) removed (Rev. Rev. 21:1-6) and they would be given a new life.
“B” (Judges 14:5-9) Samson the Jew on his way into his destruction slew a Judaean lion (2Ki. 17:1-24 & Matt. 24:2) a prophecy representing the destruction of the split nation of Israel by the Assyrians and the Romans) just like the Jews (Acts 3:12-15) killed Jesus (Rev. 5:5) the Lion of the tribe of Judah. as they were going into their destruction as a nation.
(Isa. 7:14-22 esp. V.15 & 22 keyword: honey then Eph. 5:2 keywords: sweetsmelling savour) The honey in the body of the lion Samson killed is the prophecy (John 15:11-17, Rom. 14:17, Gal. 5:22 & 1Pet. 1:8 keyword in all: joy) of the sweetness of the joy of the salvation brought by Jesus (Rev.5:4-14 esp. V. 5) “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”.
“C” (Dan. 2:31-45 esp. V.34 & 45 keyword: stone) The stone in Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is a prophecy (Rev. 19:11-21 esp. V.20 keywords: beast and false prophet) Jesus would destroy the antichrist (beast), the false prophet, the kings of the earth and their armies.
#4) an earthly nation: (Ezek. 26:2-4) The kingdom of Tyrus (Ezek. 28:2-17 esp. V.13-17) and their leader Satan is a prophecy (2Cor. 4:4) representing the “god of this world”, (2Cor. 11:14) Satan, who deceives and leads the nations and religions (Zech. 3:1 thru 4:14) against the Jews/Israel, (Matt. 5:10-12, John 15:18-21 & Gal. 4:27-31) against Christians (Rev. 20:7-8) and eventually against Jesus Himself. BECAUSE:
(Isa. 14:12-15) (V.12) Lucifer (V.13-14) thinks (in thine heart) his five “I will” steps in his rebellion against God (Ezek. 28:13-17) (V.13) because he had been in Eden and he was a beautiful cherub (Gen. 3:24 & Ex. 37:6-9 a guardian angel that defends and protects) with unimaginable musical ability created by God (V.14) who was anointed by God to covereth (defend and protect) (V.15) and was perfect until iniquity (wickedness, evil) was found in him (V.17) because he was proud of his beauty (harmony of form and color, excellence of craftsmanship) and his brightness (splendor). (Gen. 3:1-24) Satan was proud because of his beauty, talent and position which caused him to hate the special relationship Adam and Eve had with God (V.1-5) and he perverted God’s word (V.19) and caused them to kill themselves.
What have we learned? Lucifer was created by God, he has emotions, he can reason, he has the power of choice, he was anointed to defend and protect. The only thing in Eden to defend and protect was the man and woman from the forbidden fruit. Lucifer is extremely proud of himself. Pride leads to jealousy then to hatred. (Gen. 2:17 & 3:22 then John 8:44) Hatred kills!
Obviously, Lucifer was jealous of the man and woman because God had made them in God’s own image. (Isa. 14:13 keywords: said in thine heart) God knew what Lucifer was thinking and Lucifer betrayed God, perverted God’s word, called God a liar, lied to the woman and caused the woman and man to lose their eternal life in Eden. Don’t let him do that to you!
(Isa. 14:13-14) Lucifer’s ambition is to replace God. Lucifer has become Satan (adversary) to God and all of God’s chosen people. He plans to eventually defeat Jesus and take over heaven. (Rev. 12:7-9) Lucifer (that old serpent) is “the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil (accuser, slanderer, makes charges that brings down, destroyer) and Satan which deceiveth the whole world:” Satan will lead religions and nations to try to destroy Jews and Christians!
(Matt. 4:3-11) The devil is a tempter (to try, to test, to put to proof) who tried to pervert the scripture to Jesus. (John 8:44 keywords: murderer, liar & 1Pet. 5:8 keyword: devour) The devil will lie and pervert God’s word and spiritually murder Christians.
#5 a religion/race (1Cor. 10:1-12 esp. V.11 keyword: ensamples- defined: examples) The Israelites’ (Judaism) sins were a prophecy of the things that would make Christians fall. (V.12) “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (to fire, burn).”
#6) a geographical area/a place: A) (Dan. 8:2-25, 9:24-27 & 11:35 thru 12:2 esp. V. 11: 35, 38 & 45) These are prophesies of the rise of antichrist and the ending of his kingdom. Which is (Rev. 16:1-16 esp. V. 16 keywords: and he gathered them together into a geographical area) “Armageddon”!
(2Chron. 7:1-11) God moved into the temple (house- a place) Solomon built which is a physical prophecy of the spiritual fact (1Cor. 3:16-17) God considers each Christian the spiritual temple of God (Rom. 8:9) through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30 & John 14:21-26 esp. V.23 keywords: we will make our abode- defined: residence: with him) who is God Himself.
The can backslide sect gets fired up about now and start a long dialogue of scripture by starting with this scripture to prove their point; (2Chron. 7:12-22 esp. 19-22) God also prophesied what he would do to the people of Israel if they went far enough into sin.
The people of Israel sinned again and again (Ezek. 8:6 thru 11:23) and the glory of God finally departed the temple thus removing His presence from the temple of the people of Israel at that time which is a living prophecy God will remove His Holy Spirit from Christians when, just like Israel, they go far enough into sin. The can not backslide sect says; “Yes but Israel the nation is back!” The can backslide sect says; “Yes but those individual Jews aren’t back!” AND THE SHOW ROLLS ON.
Then the can backslide sect proves their belief that a Christian can go far enough into sin they cannot come back with the below scriptures.
(Heb. 6:4-6) (V.4) “For it is impossible (unable, could not do) for those who were once enlightened (make manifest, made to see), and have tasted (to experience, eat- to consume) of the heavenly gift (Eph. 2:7-9 “by grace are ye saved through faith—-it is the gift of God”) and *were made partakers (sharer, participant) of the Holy Ghost* (Holy Spirit), (V.5) And have tasted (to experience, eat) the good word (utterance) of God, and the powers (force, abundance, strength, work) of the world to come,
(V.6) If they shall fall (to apostatize) away, to renew (to restore) them again unto repentance (to transform); seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh (recrucify), and put him to an open (make a public example) shame (expose to infamy: defined: disgrace, dishonor, scandal).”
The cannot backslide sect already knows what is coming, they’ve been through it many times with the can backslide sect and they wait quietly, smiling as if to say; “We also have the answer to that.”
(1Ki. 11:43 thru 12:33 esp. V.21 keyword: Benjamin) Israel the twelve-tribe nation divided itself into the northern kingdom of ten tribes calling itself Israel and the southern kingdom of two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, calling itself Judah/Judaea. (Ezek. 8:1 thru 11:25 esp. 9:3,10:18 & 11:23) God’s departure from the temple of the people of Israel was God’s way of saying; “I’m done with you”.
And they eventually disappeared as a nation (both kingdoms). (2Ki. 17:7-24 esp. V.18 keywords: there was none left in Israel (Matt. 24:1-2) and carnal history Rome destroyed the southern kingdom of Judah in 73AD) is a prophecy God will remove His Holy Presence (Holy Spirit) from Christians when they go far enough into sin, the Holy Spirit will not return and they have chosen (Rev. 20:15) the lake of fire.
(1Cor. 10:1-12 esp. V.11 keyword: ensamples- defined- examples) For effect the people of Israel/Judah destroyed themselves by their sins and individual Christian people can also destroy themselves by their sins. Below is an example of how some of the members of the Church at Rome went so far into sin the Holy Spirit left them.
The you can backslide sect goes on: (Rom. 1:1-32) “It is perfectly obvious this Book (Letter) of Romans is written to the Church in Rome.” (V.6) “Among whom (the rest of the Church- Christian people- in other locations) are ye also the called (appointed, a saint) of Jesus Christ:” (V.7) “To all that be in Rome (Paul identifies the all as), beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you (the people in the church) and peace (to join, rest) from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”.
(V.18) “For the wrath (abhorrence, indignation, anger, punishment, vengeance,) of God is revealed (to disclose) from heaven against all ungodliness (wickedness) and unrighteousness (wrongfulness of character, life or act) of men who hold (possess) the truth in unrighteousness; (V.19) Because that which may be known (well known, acquaintance, notable) of God is manifest render apparent, manifestly declare) in them; for God hath shewed (render apparent, manifestly declare) it unto them.”
(V.20 keywords: “so that they are without excuse”: defined: indefensible, inexcusable) (V.21) “Because that, when they knew (to know absolutely) God, they glorified (to esteem, honor, magnify) him not as God, neither were thankful (to express gratitude); but became vain (to become foolish, idolatrous) in their imaginations (discussion, internal consideration, external debate), and their foolish (unintelligent) heart (Strong’s 2588: the thoughts, feelings, mind= soul: the soul uses the brain to think, store information and etc.) was darkened (to obscure).” (Eph. 1:13-14 & 1John 5:10-13) The only way to know God absolutely is to be a Christian through the Holy Spirit.
(V.22) “Professing (affirm, say) themselves (plural) to be wise (to render wise in a sinister acceptation), they became fools (to make as a simpleton, to become insipid: defined: bland, weak, watered down),” Obviously these people meditated privately, got together in various discussion groups at various times, skipped around through the scriptures, picked out selected verses and convinced themselves wrong was right.
Think not? You can take one verse out of context (Gal. 2:21 keywords: “righteousness cometh by the law) “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” and argue that “Christ died in vain.” And then you can prove your belief by taking out of context what Jesus said; (Matt. 5:18) “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.“
Of course, I know that’s wrong! But the point is made that people can twist the scriptures or cherry pick selected scriptures and prove whatever they desire to believe (V.21 keywords: imaginations: defined: discussion, internal consideration, external debate, AND foolish: defined: unintelligent heart: defined: soul) just like some of the Christians in the Church at Rome did. That is the example of what is happening in many modern churches.
Today’s example of the same thing: They preach and teach modern Gentiles who were never under the Mosaic law to not go back under the OT law of Moses. “We are not under the law; we are under grace and that’s free. You can’t do works and get to heaven, ITS THE CROSS! ITS THE CROSS!” All that teaching does is make the church to become insipid: bland, weak, watered down, (Matt. 13:18-23, Rev. 2:5, 9, 13, 19, 3:2, 8 & 15 keyword: WORKS) they feel very little or no obligation to be productive Christians (perform works) (Rev. 3:15) and they become lukewarm instead of passionate.
(2 Cor. 4:4 keyword: blinded & 11:14-15 keyword: transformed) That teaching is cleverly disguised, “Once in Grace Always in Grace” regardless of works. Sometimes this teaching is coupled with; “We’re under grace and Jesus won’t break His covenant!“ Or sometimes; “Jesus won’t take your name out of the book of life!”
The cannot backslide sect yawns an elaborate yawn but their cheeks are getting pink with their rising irritation and more than one of them thinks; “Will these idiots never hush?”
The can backslide sect goes back to Romans: (V.23) These Christians went into idolatry. (V.24 keywords: uncleanness: defined: impurity & dishonor: defined: to render infamous, shame) They graduated into some type of illicit, forbidden sexual behavior. (V.25 keywords: served the creature more than the Creator) They obviously served their own carnal (pertaining to the flesh, unregenerate, human nature with its frailties and passions, carnal minded) appetites more than serving God.
(Gal. 5:17) “For the flesh lusteth (desire, to long for) against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (carnality): and these are contrary (opposite) the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would (wish for).”
The cannot backslide sect shakes their heads wearily and thinks; “Man they’ve worn out that definition of carnal.” “(2Cor. 5:17-21 esp. V.17 keywords: new creature in Christ: defined: creation) Are they too ignorant to realize a carnal Christian never got saved?” The can backslide sect rattles on;
(V.26-27) Then these Christians went into homosexuality. (V.24 keywords: “God also gave them up to uncleanness”) The word also means God had already given them up (V.23) to their idolatry. (V.26 keywords: God gave them up unto vile affections). Do you see God’s reluctance to let them go as He sadly (Gal. 5:17) lost his Holy Spirit war for their souls while He struggled to turn them back while they violated His word and went deeper and deeper into more grievous sin?
Sadly? (Eph. 4:30) “And grieve (to distress, cause grief, to be sad, be in heaviness, sorrow, make sorry) not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption (ransom in full, deliverance)”. (Psa. 86:15 keyword: longsuffering) “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering (patient, slow to anger, suffer long), and plenteous in mercy and truth.” God’s compassion and gracious longsuffering are why you and I are still Christians (1John 1:7 thru 2:1 keywords: we– 8 times, our– 1 time, us– 2 times) because all Christians, even John, sin even though it makes God sad! SO:
Back to Romans again: They went too far just like Jesus had prophesied (John 15:1-6 esp. V.6 keyword: burned) the branches (a limb, part of) that would not abide (stay in a given place, state, relation, endure, remain) in Him would be cast into the fire and burned (set on fire, kindle, consume). Just like Simon Peter wrote; (2Pet. 1:9) “But he that lacketh these things is blind (opaque, to inflate with self-conceit, high minded, be lifted up with pride), and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten (to fail to hold in mind) that he was purged (cleansing, purification) from his old (in time past) sins.”
They went too far (V.27) “and receiving in themselves that recompense (return correspondence) of their error (straying from orthodoxy or piety, deceit, delusion) which was meet (necessary as binding).” (V.28) “And even as they did not like to retain (possession, relation, condition) God in their knowledge (recognition, discernment, acknowledgement), God gave (give into the hands of another) them (themselves) over (to give into the hands of another) to a reprobate (unapproved, rejected, castaway) mind (self, the feeling, the personality, the me, the soul) to do those things which are not convenient (becoming).”
(Ezek. 8:6 thru 11:23) Just like in the ancient Israel prophecy when the presence of God left the temple and just like (Heb. 6:4-6 esp. V.4 keywords: were made partakers of the Holy Ghost- Spirit) (V.4 & 6) “For it is impossible if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance.” The Holy Spirit left when God turned the rejected, castaway, sinful Christians in the Church at Rome over to a reprobate mind. (V.28) Why would the presence of our Holy God, the Holy Spirit, live within Christians He had turned over to a reprobate (unapproved, rejected, castaway) mind?
(Rom. 6:12) “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” The fallen Christians at Rome had let sin become their king (reign) instead of (Rev. 19:16) King Jesus. (V.29-32 esp. V.31 keyword: covenantbreakers) These verses name their multitude of sins and the only way these Christians at Rome could be classified as covenantbreakers was (Heb. 9:14-16 esp. V.15 keywords new testament: defined: a covenant) to have been in covenant with God through Jesus’ blood.
Read the Gay Manifesto at www.freepublic.com: Read Gay Affirming Christian Churches; Homosexuality & the Bible at https://www.gaychurch.org: click on and read FIND A CHURCH then read DENOMINATIONS at the top. It includes the names of some of the mainline denominations and their churches that have split (divided into two separate church entities, denominations) regarding the red-hot issue of accepting LGTBQ people into church membership. As an example, the Methodist church has been struggling with this issue for a few years and it will soon come to a head and they will divide if one side refuses to accept what the other side believes.
Whichever way you believe it all falls back to the process of (1Cor. 1:10-13 & 3:1-5) envying, strife, divisions, contentions, carnality, ignorance, pride, and spiritual failure (not heeding the Holy Spirit) (2Cor. 4:4 & 11:14-15) with Satan the devil blinding and deceiving all he can (1Tim. 4:1) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly (Strong’s 4490: out-spokenly, distinctly), that in the latter (later, after this) times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed (pay attention to, have regard for) to seducing (imposter, misleader, deceiver) spirits and doctrines (teaching, instruction) of devils.” in every way he can. Which is just like the process of once in grace always in grace regardless of sin, works, or whatever.
You can also read about the First Church of Cannabis at https://en.wikipedia: and ask the internet about The Church of Satan then ask for information about the PCMW church. They did not split from anyone they created their own churches. Back to Romans chapter one.
The no backsliding sect says of the church at Rome; “It’s about Israel not the church. The OT Jews had the Holy Spirit too.”
The can backslide sect triumphantly says; “Read (John 14:23 & Eph. 1:12-14 then Rom. 8:6-9) the OT ordinary Jews (Hebrews) of the Law of Moses were not individually, permanently sealed (inhabited) by God’s presence. (Lev. 14:33, 1Ki. 19:9 & 1Sam. 16:13) Only selected leaders, priests, prophets and kings were at times led by God’s presence and they led the OT Jews. Read (Luke 16:19-31) the obedient Jews could only go to Abraham’s bosom because the way into God’s presence (Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself) hadn’t been made yet!”
THEN: The no backsliding sect says; “What about Enoch and Elijah? Read (Rom. 1:13-16), Some of them were never saved in the first place or they wouldn’t need the gospel unto salvation preached to them!” “And don’t forget (Heb. 13:5) “He (Jesus) hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” And they smirk!
The can backslide sect look stunned, then the beginnings of anger shows in their faces but finally someone says; “(Luke 8:4-18, John 15:1-6 & Rom.1:28 & 31) But Jesus didn’t say we couldn’t forsake Him.” The two sects stare balefully at each other for a painfully long few seconds then each sect goes their own way and here and there in both groups you can hear someone mumble (Eph. 5:11) “Have no fellowship with the works of darkness!” AND THE CHRISTIAN SIDESHOW ROLLS ON!
Back to the last one of the seven types of prophecy:
#7) An existing Church can be a type of prophecy of a future church. Throughout the Bible a foretelling of future events is considered prophecy. (Acts 20:16-31) (V.17) “And from Miletus (a city in Asia) he (Paul) sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church.” (V.18-25) When the elders came Paul discussed his relationship with them and where he was going. Then he said a terribly frightening thing to them that pinpoints a church leader’s responsibility.
(V.26) “Wherefore I take you to record (witness, testify) this day, that I am pure (clean, clear) from the blood of all men. (V.27) For I have not shunned (to withhold, cower or shrink, to conceal, draw back) to declare unto you all the counsel (advice, purpose, will) of God.”
(V.28) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost (Spirit) hath made you overseers (superintendent, officer in general charge of a, or the, church), to feed (to tend as a shepherd, pastor) the church of God, which he (V.21 the Lord Jesus Christ) has purchased (to make around oneself, acquire, buy) with his own blood.
Then Paul made his prophecy concerning the Church at Ephesus (Ephesians). (V.29-30) “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous (burdensome, grave, weighter) wolves (people with wolf characteristics, predators who kill) enter in among you, not sparing (to treat leniently) the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse (distort, misinterpret) things, to draw away disciples (learner, pupil) after them.” Paul had prophesied two types of men would be trying to destroy the Church at Ephesus.
And Paul prophesied to two more churches: (Col. 2:1-8 esp. V.4 keywords: beguile, enticing) Paul prophesies a warning to the (V.1) Colossians (YOU- the Letter to the Colossians) and for them at Laodicea – a chief city of Phrygia in Asia, “And this I say, lest any man should beguile (delude, deceive) you with enticing (persuasive language) words.”
Paul’s prophecy to the Colossians and the Church at Laodicea continues: (Col. 2:8) “Beware (take heed) lest any man spoil (lead away as booty, seduce) you through philosophy (elevating human wisdom over the wisdom of God, loving one’s own thoughts at the expense of God’s word) and vain (to no purpose) deceit (deceptions), after the traditions (close beside) of men, after the rudiments (orderly in arrangement, principal) of the world, and not after Christ.”
Paul then advised the two churches what they needed to do. (Col. 3:5-8) (V.5) “Mortify (to deaden, subdue) therefore your members (a limb or part of the body) which are upon the earth; fornication —(Strong’s # 4202/4203 the Greek word porneia is translated into the English word fornication which is defined as: harlotry, adultery, incest, practice idolatry, indulge in unlawful lust of either sex, and the English word pornography is derived from the Greek word porneia),— (V.5) is continued below:
uncleanness (physical or moral impurity, lewd, or demonic), inordinate (evil desire) affection (passion, lust), evil concupiscence (longing for what is forbidden), and covetousness (avarice, eager for gain, a defrauder) which is idolatry. (V.6) For which things’ sake the wrath (violent passion, anger, indignation, vengeance) of God cometh on the children (kinship) of disobedience (disbelief, rebellious, ***unpersuadable***): This definition, unpersuadable, was used in the paragraph above the sub-title SEVEN TYPES OF PROPHECY and will be used again.
In the NT you will see that, exactly like the prophesies of the old Testament prophets, there are the prophetic warnings and a call to make amends with God and stop their evil practices; (1Cor. 6:8-10, Gal. 5:13-21 & Col. 3:2-9) are examples.
The cannot backslide sect snaps; “Read these scriptures (1Cor. 6:11, Gal. 5:22-25 & Col. 3:7-8) they don’t say anything about backsliding and people who really get saved won’t want to do those things anymore.” After their great presentation the can backslide sect is crestfallen and the cannot backslide sect smugly strolls away.
MORE ABOUT PROPHECY
Repetition of and adding to prophecy is a pattern in scripture to further warn and reveal in more detail. Example: (Gen. 3:15) God prophesied to the serpent: The woman’s seed will bruise the serpent’s head (to shake: think: shake the head because you realized something too late- see 1Cor. 2:7-8 Satan didn’t know Jesus’ purpose) and the serpent shall bruise the seed’s heel (protuberant part: think: nail in the heel- see John 20:25 & Col. 2:14).
Before Jesus was conceived; (Isa. 7:14 keyword: Immanuel– Hebrew defined: with us is God) Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ name of recognition, Matt 1:23 keyword: Emmanuel– Greek defined: God with us) the angel prophesied to Joseph Jesus’ name of recognition, Gabriel prophesied to Mary (Luke 1:26-35 esp. V.31 keywords: shalt conceive in thy womb—and shall call his name Jesus and V.35 keywords: shall be called the Son of God) that her baby would be named Jesus. Isaiah also prophesied (Isa. 52:14 thru 53:12) Jesus’ suffering, death and purpose AND:
David prophesied (Psa. 22:1-18) (V.1) “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The exact words Jesus would say on the cross, (V.2-17) Jesus physical sensation of suffering, surroundings and feeling of abandonment. Nearly one thousand years later Jesus said from the cross; (Matt. 27:46) “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” exactly as David had prophesied. (V.18 keywords: They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture) (Mark 15:24) “And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.” exactly as David had prophesied.
(Dan. 2:38-44) Daniel prophesied concerning the Babylonians (Nebuchadnezzar) and the future world kingdoms, (Dan. 7:1-28) Daniel repeated it again in more detail (Dan. 8:1-25 esp. V.20-21) and in his third even more detailed prophecy repetition two of the kingdoms are even named. This pattern of repetition and embellishing to emphasize can be found throughout the writings of the prophets.
(Gen. 2:16-17 keywords: in the day that thou eatest thereof- making desolate- thou shalt surely die) Prophecy (foretelling showing foreknowledge) with warning has been in effect from the very beginning of man (Rev. 22:18 keywords: the prophecy of this book) to the final destiny of man. God is sovereign and His prophesies are one of the proofs of His sovereignty. IF GOD SAYS IT, IT WILL HAPPEN!
(Luke 11:50, Eph. 1:4-5, Heb. 4:3 & 1Pet. 1:19-20) God knew all things before He even started the creation process, (Psa. 139:1-16) God knew all about David even before he was born. (Rev. 13:8) God knew Jesus would be slain before the foundation of the world was laid, (Eph. 1:5-14) God knew there would be a Church and He knew who would be part of it. (Matt. 12:30) But we don’t. I did not know I would eventually be part of God’s church when I started attending church when I was thirty-one years old. I found out for sure when I was thirty-three. Did you know concerning you before it happened? Of course not; none of us did!
(John 6:44 & 12:32) God guarantees He will draw all men to Him. If you think He doesn’t please read the commentary Is God Fair on this website. (Isa. 55:1-6 esp. V.1 keywords: everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters & Rev. 22:17 keywords: whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely and (John 4:14) Jesus said; “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” God always gives all men a choice. WHY?
God could use His endless power to twist your arms until the pain forced you say; “I love you” with your mouth but you would hate God in your heart for hurting you and forcing you to say it! God could offer to give you a large truck filled with gold and diamonds if you would say; “I love You” but you would say it because your greed loved the fabulous wealth instead of God! God could have created you to love Him without choice but you would have been robotic; just another pop-up toaster or microwave oven. Just push a button and it obeys, no personality.
(1John 4:8 & 16 keywords in both: God is love) God (Love) wants to be loved, (Mark 12:30) without restriction, (limiting condition) for who He is (the personality, God the person, the essence of Him, God’s thought process, God the Soul) and what (perfect, Creator, Ruler of the universe, Supreme Being) He is. It is a love relationship. (Eph. 2:8-9) You cannot do enough good works to deserve salvation. (Rom. 8:9) You are far too puny to just take your salvation away from God. (Mark 8:36-37) If you owned the whole world you still cannot pay God back for saving you. (Eph. 2:2:7-9) The faith to get saved is a personal gift from God.
(1John 4:8 & 16 keywords: God is love and Mark 12:30 keywords: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength) The only love that will ever satisfy the Giver of love is the love for the Giver returned by one (Gen. 1:26 keywords: let us make man in our image) like the Giver with the ability to reason and the free will to make choices. (1Pet. 1:15-16 keywords: Be ye holy; for I am holy) And it must be a holy (sacred, set apart, different from the world) love. You do whatever God tells you to do because you love Him and want your Christian life to make Him happy and bring glory and honor to His name.
(Matt. 11:28-29) Jesus said; “Come unto me all ye that labour (fatigue, toil, be wearied) and are heavy (to load, figuratively means spiritual anxiety) laden (the load) and I will give you rest (intermission, to refresh). Take my yoke (a coupling, servitude, obligation) upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek (gentle, humble,) and lowly (humiliation) in heart (thoughts, feeling, mind): and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (2Tim. 2:15) “Study (to use speed, make effort, be prompt, earnest) to show (to show oneself useful) thyself approved (acceptable) unto God.”
The can backslide sect chimes in and reads; (Phil. 2:12-13) “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but how much more in my absence, work (work fully, accomplish, finish, fashion) out your own salvation (rescue, safety) with fear (fright, alarm- emotional) and trembling (quaking- physical). For it is God which worketh (active, efficient) in you both to will (desire) and to do of his good (what originates from God and is empowered in the believer’s life) pleasure (satisfaction, delight, purpose). AND:
(Heb. 10:13-28 esp. V.19, 25 & 27) is written to the Church. (Heb. 10:29-31) (V.29) “Of how much sorer (aggravated, worse) punishment (vindication, penalty), suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy (deem entitled), who hath trodden (to trample down, reject) under foot the Son of God, and hath counted (lead, command, deem, consider) the blood of the covenant (disposition, contract testament), wherewith he was sanctified (purify, consecrate, venerate), an unholy (common, profane) thing, and hath done despite (to insult) unto the Spirit of grace (graciousness, the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life, favor, gift).
(V.30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance (vindication, retribution) belongeth unto me, I will recompense (requite- defined: make appropriate return), saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people, (V.31) It is a fearful (frightful, terrible) thing to fall (entrapped, be overwhelmed with) into the hands of the living God.” Love half-heartedly returned or love rejected hurts (grieve) and eventually causes anger (vengeance)!
The cannot backslide sect says; “Read (Rev. 13:8) “Our names were written in the Lamb’s book of life from the foundation of the world!” AND (John 10:28-29), Jesus said no man could pluck us out of His hand.”
The can backslide sect says; “We’ve read (Rev. 13:4-8 esp. V.4 keyword: the beast) too and it really says; “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the beast), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (1Pet. 1:19-20) Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world to be slain. Its about Jesus not people.” Their faces are all red by now and they say;
“Read (Heb. 6:4-6) But Jesus didn’t say Christians couldn’t leave His hand if they want to leave it. And all those scriptures you folks and your preachers love to pick out to prove there’s no backsliding are actually used to encourage Christians to keep trying because Christians are a work in progress BUT (Matt. 10:37-39 then 13:18-23, 2Pet. 1:1-10 esp. V.9 keywords: hath forgotten he was purged from his old sins and V.10 keywords: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. & Rev. 3:1-6) some Christians simply don’t think a relationship with Jesus is worth the trouble.”
AND THE CHRISTIAN SIDESHOW ROLLS ON WHILE LOST PEOPLE STARE IN AMAZEMENT AND PUZZLEMENT AND SOMETIMES WHISPER IN THEIR HEART; “There is only one Bible isn’t there?”
The backsliding dispute will be settled to a scriptural conclusion in PART 2. SO, let us pursue that dispute further and let God’s word be the judge IF you (both sides) are not too afraid or too stubborn or too ***unpersuadable*** to go there.
Just remember; (Col. 2:8) “Beware (take heed) lest any man spoil (lead away as booty, seduce) you through philosophy (elevating human wisdom over the wisdom of God, loving one’s own thoughts at the expense of God’s word) AND (2Tim. 3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (bring together) for doctrine (what is taught), for reproof (test, persuasion), for correction (reformation, setting straight again), for instruction (teaching) in righteousness (justness, justice).
Also remember; (Matt. 4:4, 2Tim. 2:15, Heb. 4:12 1John 1:1 & Rev. 1:9 keyword in all: word: defined: thoughts, reasoning, motive, utterance, Divine Expression of God i. e. Jesus) the definition of God’s word (John 1:1-4 & 1John 1:1-4 esp. V.1 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;” THEN V.2-3) and the fact that (John 14:6 keywords: I am the life) God’s Word is life, that Word (Jesus) lived among men (John 5:21-27 esp. V.22 “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:”) and that living Word of God will judge each of us.
Like written in the third paragraph above IF you (both sides) are not too afraid or too stubborn or too ***unpersuadable*** to go there!