Vol 11. Issue No. 2. November 1997

GATHERING THE NATIONS!LIBERAL PHILOSOPHIES TODAY RESEMBLE THE SPIRIT OFTHE ANCIENT BARBARIAN FRANKS. THIS INFLUENCE IS...

“And I saw three uncleanspirits like frogs... go forth

unto the kings of the earth andto the whole world, to gather

them to the battle of that greatday of God Almighty.” —

Revelation 16:13,14.

November 1997 Vol. 11. Issue No.2.

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Page 2 THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

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“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”— John 17:17.

How This World is to be ChangedJohn Thomas wrote of the great changes to be seen on earth shortly, andhow they form a central aspect of the Gospel involving all nations. Page 3.

Spirits Like Frogs Gatherthe Nations...Paul Billington comments upon Revelation 16:14, followinga recent visit to Rheims in France where he found a new andmost remarkable depiction of frogs associated with theBarbarian king, Clovis. Page 4.

Arabia, Jordan and Israel.Graham Pearce wrote many helpful pieces of exposition in the Milestonesseries. This extract is relevant to developments in the Middle East today. Page 9.

Page 10.

RESURRECTION and JUDGEMENTThe fundamental Bible teaching concerning resurrection andjudgement are discussed in this article by Ron Kidd. Heexplains the whole logical process which leads to an immortalnature for those who are approved by Christ at his coming.

The InheritanceBy teaching others we can leave an inheritance far more preciousthan material wealth, wrote Ron Abel. Page 13.

MMIILLEESSTTOONNEESS UUPPDDAATTEEDon Pearce comments on events in Russia and Israel. Page 14.

The Making of A SaintArt Bull looks at the Roman Catholic doctrine concerningsaints, and at the process involved in making saints. He alsoleads us to scripture where we find a direct reference to thisfeature of the Roman religion.

Page 9.

Editorial: An Exciting and Inspiring Vision.Abraham and the Apostles rejoiced to see the Day of Christ. We canfind reason to do so too! Page 18.

A ROYAL PARDON through Jesus Christ. Page 19.

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WRITTEN OVER 100 YEARS AGO

John Thomas. 1805-1871

he purpose of God in fitting up the earth as described byMoses, and in bringing the world to its present politicalconstitution by checking and restraining the full

manifestation of the evil that exists, is that he may found akingdom and empire, literally “universal” (Dan. 2:44; 7:14), underthe government of which all nations may be blessed (Gen. 7:3;Psa. 72:11).

The Hebrew nation established in the Holy Land will be thekingdom (Ex. 19:5, 6; Mic. 4:6-8; 5:2; Ezek 37:21-28), and allother nations the empire attached to that kingdom. The Jewish andother nations will constitute a family of nations of which Israelwill be the firstborn; Abraham the federal patriarch; and Christ hisseed, the King. This divine family ofnations will be so highly civilized that thepresent state of society will be regardedas intensely dark and barbarous; for then“the knowledge of the glory of the Lordshall cover the earth, as the waters coverthe sea.”

The blessedness of this divinecivilization is detailed in the gospel whichis therefore styled “the glad tidings” or“gospel of the kingdom of God” (Matt.4:23), while the divine civilization itselfis “The economy of the fulness of theappointed times,” (Eph. 1:10, 21) or“world to come;” styled also “the Age to Come.” The Bible isfull of the glorious things pertaining to this, the real “golden age”of the world. The government of the nations in that period whichwill continue a thousand years without change, will be such astheir necessities demand—just laws and institutions, civil andecclesiastical; and perfect and righteous men to administer them.

To fulfil these requirements the government of mankind willbe committed to Christ and to those whom he may account worthyof association with him. The Bible expressly declares that therulers of the world shall then be immortal kings and priests (Rev.1:5,6; 5:9, 10; 2:26, 27; 22:5), and however sectarian or religiousinfidelity may cry out against the idea of mortal and immortal menliving contemporaneously upon the earth, no truth is more plainlyand abundantly revealed in the Bible.

This family of “many nations,” of which God has constitutedAbraham the father (Gen. 17:5; Rom. 4:13,) will continue underone and the same constitution a thousand years, at the expirationof which there will be a change (Rev. 20:6, 7; 1 Cor. 15:24-26).SIN, and by consequence religion, priesthood, and death, will beuniversally abolished; and the earth will be inhabited by immortalsonly; for it is written “THE WICKED SHALL NOT INHABIT THE EARTH;”but on the contrary “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Hence, thefinal state of things upon our planet will be a divine monarchy of

everlasting continuance under which there will be but one nation(Jer. 46:28), and that nation holy, immortal, and comprehensive ofall redeemed from among the descendants of the First Human Pair.When this consummation obtains, the purpose of God in terrestrialcreation will be accomplished, even the peopling of the earth withan immortal race which shall have attained to immortality on theprinciple of believing what God hath promised and doing what hehath commanded.

In the gospel there is an invitation to all who believe what Godhas promised to share with Christ in his kingdom, glory, and joy,on certain conditions well defined (1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Cor. 6:9-11;Matt. 25:21). These are, faith in the things covenanted to

Abraham and David, and in those taughtconcerning Jesus in the Old and NewTestaments; immersion into the name of theFather, Son, and Holy Spirit; andthenceforth a life of “holiness to the Lord”without which none will be approved andpromoted to the honor and glory of thekingdom (Col. 1:21-23).

Now it is evident that the establishmentof this divine civilization among the nationsnecessitates the abolition of the presentcivil, ecclesiastical, and social constitutionof the world. The nations and the earth to itsutmost bounds are “deeded” to Christ; they

are an inheritance and possession made his by a deed registered inthe Bible (Psa. 2:8), but for the time being in the hands of regal,imperial, republican, and ecclesiastical thieves and robbers. Thispatent fact and Bible truth makes a contest between Christ and“the Powers that be,” variously symbolized in the Scriptures byBeasts, Horns, Frogs, Dragon, Rivers, etc., the heraldry of theBible—an unavoidable necessity. The divine oracle is, “Theseshall make war upon the Lamb, and THE LAMB ( Jesus, ‘the Lambof God’) SHALL OVERCOME THEM; in other words, “He shalldestroy them that destroy the earth” (Rev. 17:12-14; 19:11-16, 19,21; 11:15, 18).

This is the doom of the world’s tyrants—destruction, not bypopular fury which is merely an embarrassment, but by themilitary power of Jehovah’s Servant, even of Jesus the future Lordof armies, whom he has prepared and whom he will send into theworld again for this very purpose. He will take possession of thekingdoms, empires, and republics of the nations “under the wholeheaven” and blend them into one universal empire which willconstitute the secondary dominion, “the first dominion” consistingof the “kingdom restored again to Israel,” in the Holy Land (Mic.4:8; Acts 1:6).

Herald of The Kingdom, 1854.

T

“This divine familyof nations will be sohighly civilized thatthe present state of

society will beregarded as intenselydark and barbarous”

HOW THIS WORLDIS TO BE CHANGED

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

world.The world today is in the grip of an insaneand corrupt influence which isdisintegrating and destroying the fabric ofsociety. This spirit of liberalism constitutesa challenge to the honour and supremacy ofGod Almighty and to the great truths of HisWord—and it is preparing the world for thatgreat confrontation which is “called in theHebrew tongue Armageddon” (Rev. 16:16).The counsel of the Lord to us all is to“watch”—and we can only do this if weunderstand the matters that are beingreferred to. Let us then consider what theBible tells us about these “spirits likefrogs”.

Out of Pharaoh’s Mouth!The key to the understanding of the

book of Revelation is to be found in the restof the Bible—for the Scriptures are theirown interpreter. So it is then, that inconsidering the “spirits like frogs” inRevelation, we must turn to that otheroccasion where frogs are mentioned—theplague upon Egypt recorded in Exoduschapter 8.

Associated with the plague of frogsupon Egypt we note two main effects. Thefirst effect is seen from what comes out ofPharaoh’s mouth when he says “I will let thepeople go...” Here was a promise offreedom and liberty—although it wasbroken when a respite was gained. Thesecond effect is seen from the words ofverse 14, “...and the land stank”. This wasdue to corruption—and doubtless the literalstench and corruption also reflected thespiritual and moral state of the land ofEgypt. These two ideas then, the promise ofliberty and the stench of corruption, are thetwo features which accompany the plagueof frogs.

Psalm 105:30 says “Their land brought

uring a recent visit to the city ofRheims in France we wereconfronted by a notable signthat is to be current in the

world at the time of Christ’s coming. Thesign is given in Revelation 16:13,14. It isdescribed as “spirits like frogs.”

In 1996 the 1500th anniversary of theconversion to Catholicism by Clovis, king ofthe ancient barbarian Franks, had beencelebrated in Rheims. What particularlyimpressed us was the recognition afforded tothe fact that the Frankish kings originallyused the emblem of the frog (often threefrogs) as part of their heraldry. This wasclearly visible on a tapestry that had beenspecially commissioned for the 1996 festivalin Rheims, as well as upon several ancient

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By Paul Billington tapestries that were on display at the Palaisdu Tau annexed to the Cathedral. There arestrong reasons for linking this frog emblemto the prophecy of Revelation 16, as we shallexplain in this article.

The remarkable focus upon the originsof France acted as a significant reminder tous of the roots of modern liberal philosophy.It did so for two reasons. First, becauseresearch demonstrates that the roots of thisideology can be traced to the character of theancient barbarian Franks. Secondly, becauseit was in fact their ethos that sprang from theFrench philosophers and which foundpolitical expression in the FrenchRevolution of 1789 (and in its Napoleonicaftermath throughout Europe)—and again inthe European revolutions of 1848. This“spirit” of liberalism permeates the thinkingand ideological character of the modern

Detail on a tapestry shows tadpoles

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

assumed, they maintained the honourableepithet of Franks or Freemen” (Chapter 10).The name of the Franks is from the Latinfrancus, meaning free. Gibbon describes theway in which these Franks framed theirlaws, appointing four venerable chieftains tocompose them and then submitting thesedraft laws for approval by “three successive

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forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers oftheir kings.” These kings or rulers, togetherwith Pharaoh, were like certain falseteachers mentioned in the New Testament,of whom it is said: “While they promisethem liberty, they themselves are theservants of corruption...” (2 Peter 2:19). Aswe shall see, this is the character of the signreferred to in Revelation 16:13, 14.

Barbarian “Freemen”It is quite remarkable that the barbarian

tribes that invaded the Roman Empire andbrought about its destruction were alsochampions of so-called liberty. GeraldSimons in the book Barbarian Europe(Time-Life Books) says:

“...they stubbornly clung to their tribalattitudes toward law and the rights of theindividual—and thereby preserved apriceless tradition until the time fordemocracy was ripe...(they) led allothers in personal freedom...The veryconcept of progress—the belief in theinevitable and continuous betterment ofman—can be traced to ideas born in thebarbarian epoch.” (page 13).

Edward Gibbon in his Decline and Fallof the Roman Empire tells us that “the loveof liberty was the ruling passion” of theFrankish barbarians who originated inWestphalia, Germany. “They deserved, they

assemblies of the people” (Chapter 38).It was those “free and warlike

barbarians” as Gibbon describes them, whooverran Gaul and established the nation thatwe now know as France. They overcame themighty Roman empire, but not the sagaciousand wily priests of Catholic Rome. As theconversion of Clovis to Catholicismillustrates, those who sought liberty andfreedom actually became the servants ofcorruption—that is, they became servants ofa spiritually corrupt Roman Church.

Frogs to LiliesThe tapestries that can be seen in Rheims

today demonstrate the connection betweenthe barbarian Franks and the emblem offrogs. We had been aware for many yearsthat a tapestry there depicted a banner ofClovis bearing three frogs—but what wefound was several of these tapestries, so thatit was not just an isolated case. Clearly,those who designed these tapestries hadgood reason to believe that the ancientFranks did use frogs (and sometimestadpoles) in their heraldry. Can it just becoincidence that the features of Exodus 8—frogs and freedom—are seen associatedwith these barbaric Franks?

Further evidence of the frog emblembeing used by the pagan Franks can be seenfrom the bronze figure at Innsbruck in

Poster issued to commemorate the baptism of Clovis

Frogs on a Detail From a Tapestry at Rheims, France.

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

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Austria representing Clovis(pictured on page 8). Hisshield shows three frogs onone side and three fleur de lison the other. Also, according

to Encyclopaedia Britannica (11th edition),the tomb of Childeric (father of Clovis) wasdiscovered at Tournai (in Belgium) in 1653.In his tomb were found several objects, oneof which was a medal bearing the emblem ofthe frog. This confirmed even earlierstatements which made the same connection.

It seems that when Clovis converted toCatholicism he began to introduce theemblem of three fleur de lis (as seen on hisshield at Innsbruck). In ancient Egypt thefleur de lis was supposed to be an attribute ofthe god Horus (a member of the Osiriantrinity), and it is significant that Charles V ofFrance dedicated this emblem to the honourof the Catholic trinity in 1376 (EncyclopediaBritannica, 11th edit.). It is quite reasonabletherefore to see the barbarian spirit of theFranks represented by the frog heraldry, andCatholic France represented by the fleur delis.

“The Spirits of Devils...”The “three unclean spirits like frogs”,

says the text of Revelation 16:13,14, “are thespirits of devils”—or, as the word should berendered, demons.

Demons are not some kind of evil geniewith magical powers, as some imagine themto be. Scripture says that they are in fact thefalse gods and idols of pagan mythology—see Deut. 32:16, 17 and Psalm 106:36-38.The apostle Paul, writing in 1 Corinthians8:4-6 says that such mythical creatures are“nothing...and that there is none other Godbut one. For though there be that are calledgods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as therebe gods many, and lords many,) but to usthere is but one God, the Father, of whom areall things...” The truth about these pagangods is clearly stated in Psalm 115:4-7 andagain in Psalm 135:15-17. They areconspicuously man-made.

The Bible uses the terminology commonto the environment in which it was written,without necessarily endorsing the popularsuperstition attached to it. Notice forexample, Acts 16:16 together with the K.J.V.marginal note about the god Python. Thepassage does not teach the existence of a godby that name (that would conflict with otherScriptures, such as those referred to in theabove paragraph). The terminology of theday was merely being used to describe amental condition—just as we today may usethe word pandemonium, without endorsingthe existence of a demon called pan!

So it is then, that in the New Testamentwe frequently find that mental disorders aredescribed in this way. A person who is

mentally sick is said to be under the controland influence of an unclean spirit, or demon.

“Spirits of devils” or demons, then,suggest madness. It indicates a confusedstate of the mind. James 3:15,16 describeshuman wisdom as being like this—he says:

“This wisdom descendeth not fromabove, but is earthly, sensual,demoniacal. For where envying andstrife is, there is confusion and every evilwork.”

The word that is translated “confusion”in this passage is from the Greekakatastasia. Vine’s Expository Dictionarysays that the word means “instability...denotes a state of disorder, disturbance,confusion, tumult... revolution or anarchy.”So then, as the individual demoniac was aperson suffering from mental sickness,confusion or derangement —so also a group,a community or society at large could befound in a state of disorder or upheaval.

This is interesting. According toEncyclopedia Britannica (15th Edition), oneof the gods of ancient Egypt “sometimeswith the head of a frog” was Nu (or Nun).According to Larousse Encyclopedia ofMythology this god represented chaos!

Further, we may note the fact that it wasthe wild and untamed spirit of barbarianismthat wrought havoc and disorder upon thecivilisation of Rome, eventually destroyingthe empire. Such is the character of “spiritsof demons”, and therefore of the spirits likefrogs.

A Teaching or PhilosophyThat which comes out of the mouth is

normally in the form ofwords. So here in Revelation16, the “unclean spirits likefrogs” are said to come out ofthe mouth of certain rulingpowers. What are these “spirits”?

In 1 John chapter 4 we are warned:“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but trythe spirits whether they are of God, becausemany false prophets are gone out into theworld” (verse 1). From this it is clear thatJohn’s use of the word “spirits” hasreference to teachings. John says that wemust learn to discern between “the spirit oftruth, and the spirit of error” (verse 6). Aspirit then, in this sense and usage, refers toa teaching or doctrine.

Now in Zechariah 13:2,3 God says: “Iwill cause the prophets and the uncleanspirit to pass out of the land.” The contextshows us clearly what is meant by thisunclean spirit—it is associated withprophets who uttered “lies in the name ofthe Lord.” So here, an unclean spirit is afalse teaching—a deceptive vision orphilosophy. In Revelation 16 unclean spiritsare said to come out of three mouths, one ofwhich is that of a false prophet. The parallelis most striking, leaving us with a clearunderstanding of what is meant by uncleanspirits coming out of the mouth. It is ateaching, philosophy or policy of some kindthat will gather and unite the nations againstGod Almighty.

A Reign of Falsehood and RepressionUnder the rulership of the fleur de lis,

France was intensely Catholic with itspeople being kept in virtual servitude. Someof the most appalling episodes ofpersecution against Protestants took placewith thousands of people losing their livesduring this period. Religious liberty wasoften non-existent. The conditions underwhich ordinary people lived and workedwere terrible, whilst the ruling classes inChurch and State lived in splendour, wealthand decadence. An idea of this opulencewas seen on our recent visit to Rheims—theClovis tapestries are on display in theformer palace of the Archbishops; a massivepenthouse attached to the Cathedral. In itsday it would have been lavish—whilst thepeasantry lived in poverty and squalor.

It was in this environment that men likeJean-Jacques Rousseau and Francois MarieArouet (known as Voltaire) developed theFrench philosophies. Their social doctrinewas to become familiar to the world underthe slogan of ‘Liberty, Equality,Fraternity’—it was in fact a re-birth of thespirit of the ancient barbarian Franks, or“Freemen”. It was also demoniacal.

A Plague of FrogsThe Times newspaper for October 12th,

The words Liberte, Egalite, Fraterniteappear above a door opposite the

Cathedral at Rheims.

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1789 commented.“At this moment, the fate of Europedepends on the actions —of A

BARBAROUS and UNRESTRAINED MOB!—a mob, which has shown itself solicentious, that the country which claimsit, blushes at its cruelties.”

The French Revolution had begun toconvulse that nation in what was to be themost significant social upheaval in thehistory of Europe. “What then is this Thing,called La Revolution?” asks ThomasCarlyle (1795-1881) in his literary work onThe French Revolution. He answers: “It isthe Madness that dwells in the hearts ofmen. In all men... Each man, enveloped inhis ambient-atmosphere of revolutionaryfanatic Madness, rushes on, impelled andimpelling, and has become a blind bruteForce; no rest for him but in the grave!”(Book VI, chapter 1). Certainly this was ademoniacal spirit producing strife,confusion (or tumult) and every evilwork— James 3:16. No description couldbe more fitting.

Carlyle echoes the cry of theRevolutionaries in Paris: “Ye must bestiryourselves, O Friends; ye dull Frogs of theMarsh... even you now must croak or die!”This “croaking” rose to a terrible crescendoin the slogan: “Unity, Liberty, Equality,Fraternity or death!” The Reign of Terror —rather than liberty— resulted from thefrenzied zeal of these people. The onlyfreedom was to be found, as Carlyleintimated, in the grave (compare the wordsof Job 3:17-19).

The plague of frogs that came uponEgypt brought corruption: “...and the landstank.” A comment in Psalm 78:45emphasised this. The KJV reads “frogs,

which destroyed them.” As we know, thefrog plague was only the second of tenplagues, it did not actually destroy them.The word translated “destroyed” is betterrendered corrupt (from the Hebrewshachath—to cause decay, ruin). Now ascorruption was a by-product of the plagueupon Egypt, so with the philosophy thatgave rise to the French Revolution; in thename of liberty it brought corruption.Referring to the situation in France TheTimes of March 14, 1791 commented:“Insults and the most gross licentiousnessare now considered as proofs of theexistence of the Liberty of the Press.Nothing is sacred—nothing escapescalumny.” A delusion of liberty broughtcorruption into the very vitals of thatsociety.

This was “the unclean spirit” that was topermeate Europe, entering the chambers oftheir kings. It was first spread by NapoleonBonaparte. Like Pharaoh, Napoleon usedthe deceptive cry of liberty to enhance theglory of France— and himself. VincentCronin in his book Napoleon writes:“Napoleon’s guiding purpose in the Empirewas to export liberty, equality, justice andsovereignty of the people, and since thesewere French ideas, indirectly to contributeto the glory of France” (Page 269). It was aliberty that brought godlessness,corruption... and terror.

Dismantling the Old OrderThe French Revolution was a watershed

in European history— and it truly was thefrog-spirit of liberty that overthrew theCatholic fleur de lis, and then entered intothe chambers of the kings of Europe (whichis spiritually called Egypt). It marked thebeginning of the end of what the Frenchcalled “The ancien regime”. LarousseModern History says:

“In a political sense it is still proper todate the age in which we live from theFrench Revolution. The shock carriedby that Revolution and the spread of its

principles has produced repercussionsever since.”

It is the going forth of those principlesduring the past two hundred years which hasbrought about such vast changes in theworld. These principles have performed“miracles” in the fields of politics,economics, education, inventions, industry,the arts, science, ethics and religion. As menhave sought “liberty” every avenue of socialand political life has been transformed. Weonly have to compare life today with what itwas a century or more ago— the standard ofliving, mode of transport and power,lighting, health care, social benefits,education, communications... it is adifferent world— a world in which“miracles” are common-place. Yet, in spiteof these ‘miracles’ men still have not foundtrue liberty. The truth alone can make ustruly free. What this ‘liberal’ philosophy hasproduced however, is a putrid and evilcorruption in society— a corruption thatmust inevitably lead to the collapse ofcivilisation as we know it. This process isfulfilling the word of God, for He has saidthat He will consume and destroy it unto theend— Daniel 7:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

The unclean spirits of Revelation 16 are“like” frogs. They are not Frankish orFrench, but resemble that model. They comein various ideological and political shapes.Their one common feature is that they (likePharaoh of old) falsely promise —or speakin the name of— liberty of the people.

These “spirits” are part of the sixth vial(Rev. 16:12-16). The vials are “the vials of

Another Banner of Clovis displaysthree frogs (Rheims tapestry)

Another representation of three frogsfrom Rheims

A recent news magazine in WesternCanada depicts French-speaking Quebec as

a frog, and other provinces as beavers.THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

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the wrath of God” (Rev. 16:1) and are Hisjudgements (verse 7) upon the wickedness ofmen —and upon the worshippers of theBeast, and of his image, in particular. Thus,in the first phase of their operation, theyhave wrought chaos among the governmentsof Europe, consuming and destroying the oldsystems in both East and West. We mayhighlight some of their most outstandingachievements upon the political scene duringa period of 100 years, as being illustrative oftheir destructive and judgmental work:

• 1848 The “Year of Revolutions”throughout Europe initiated a period ofturmoil and disintegration.

• 1870 Fall of the temporal power of thepapacy.

• 1914-18 Fall of the Kaiser’s Germany,the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Czarist

regime together with the Orthodox Churchwere consequences of the First World War.• 1939-45 In attempting to turn the tide

against liberalism, Nazi Germany finallydestroyed hopes of ever reviving the oldorder in Europe.

Gathering NationsSince the Second World War the unclean

frog-like spirits of liberty have been goingforth in the second phase of their work,which is to gather the nations. IT IS DURING

THIS PHASE OF THE WORK THAT THE LORD

JESUS CHRIST RETURNS, therefore he urges:“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is hethat watcheth, and keepeth his garments,lest he walk naked, and they see hisshame.”—Rev. 16:15.

The process of “gathering” the nations inorder to form a united Europe is a clearlydiscernable pattern in events since the end ofthe 1939-45 war. Rev.16:14 is quite specific:the demoniacal spirits are to gather, or bringtogether—unite, assemble—these nations.There is both a political and religious aspectto this because the Dragon and the Beast

(political powers) as well as the false prophet(a religious power) are actively involved.That this is precisely the pattern of thingsthat has been seen upon the European sceneover the years.

• 1949 saw the formation of The Council of Europe

• 1957 saw the Treaty of Rome signed

(EEC).• 1963 saw Vatican Council 2 promote

ecumenism.• 1989 Gorbachev’s call for a “Common

European Home”.• 1990 Unification of Germany• 1992 Maastricht Treaty signed

This pattern continues as EasternEuropean countries are prepared formembership of the European Union and asRussia is accepted as a member of theCouncil of Europe —and in a papal

encyclical entitled UT UNUM SINT (May1995) calling for religious unity in thewhole of Europe—including Russia. This isexactly what the frog-like spirits are toachieve— and if we examine the underlyingpolitical and religious philosophy that isguiding these developments, it will be seento be that familiar spirit of liberty.

While this pattern continues, Christ willcome to his followers and will then revealhimself to Israel. He will gather the nationsto “Armageddon” and demand theobedience of the whole of the world. Theworld however will not want such arestriction placed upon its precious “liberty”and so the frog-like spirit will come out ofthe mouth of rulers saying, “Let us breaktheir bands asunder, and cast away theircords from us” (Psalm 2:3). But the King ofHeaven will declare the Decree, His king

will reign upon the holy hill of Zion—thenation and kingdom that will not serve himshall utterly perish.

A Spurious Liberty!Never before, in all the ages of history,

has the world been in the grip of such an evilspirit as it is today. In the name of libertyevery vice and moral perversion imaginablehas become not only permissible, but“politically correct”. The character ofsociety is polluted with ‘Women’s Lib’movements, laws that actually forbidrestraining children, the so-called ‘Gay’(Sodomite) movement and their “rights”—the whole social organism that makes upcivilisation is hurtling out of control as itstaggers towards the abyss. This so-calledliberty—which is far too wide in its scope tofully describe here—is no liberty at all. It isa ruse, vocalised for the purpose of keepingthe people in bondage to the system offalsehood and hypocrisy that governs themfor its own profit and pleasure. Thankfullyits days are numbered and the mask willsoon be ripped off the grotesque and hideousfaces of the political and ecclesiasticalwearers. Their artfully woven deceptionswill be discovered by all, for the king ofIsrael will destroy “the face of the coveringcast over all people, and the vail that isspread over all nations” (Isa.25:7).

In the name of liberty men speak of“Freedom of Religion”— by which theyoften mean freedom from religion. Theconcept is a challenge before God, declaringthat men have the right to believe whateverthey like— or nothing at all. Well, it is truethat God has permitted men to choose theirown way— but they reject the Truth of Godand embrace falsehood at the cost of theirown lives. As it is written: “...he thatbelieveth not (the true gospel) shall bedamned”—Mark 16:16. When a man rejectsthe record that God has given concerningHis Son (and that record is Scripture), heconstitutes himself a false accuser, makingout that God is a liar (1 John 5:10). Menhave no right to such a freedom, it is aninsult to the King of Heaven and blasphemesHis Holy Name. The Almighty will not turna blind eye to such for ever—He will avengeHis good Name and destroy His enemies.Nowhere does the Bible grant freedom forfalse worship— and the exercise of suchworship is not freedom, it is a bondage ofthe worst kind. True freedom, or liberty, canonly be found through the knowledge of theTruth of Jesus Christ—John 8:31-36. This isthe liberty that we should diligently seek,and avoid like the plague, the frog-likespirits that are uniting the world against GodAlmighty.

“It is during thisphase of the work

that the Lord JesusChrist returns”

SPIRITS LIKE FROGS GATHER THE NATIONS...

Shield of Clovis at Innsbruck

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

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ARABIA, JORDAN & ISRAEL

oday the name ‘Arabs’ is usedloosely of nations that haveadopted the Moslem religion. But

it is the descendants from Abraham’s twowives, Hagar and Keturah, those whoinhabit Arab-ia, who are true Arabs. Thetwelve princes of Ishmael and the six sons ofAbraham by Keturah are listed in Genesischapter 25. They were sent away into “theeast country” by Abraham before he died.Some of the better known names areMidian, Sheba, Dedan, Kedar, Nebaioth,Duma, Tema. These people occupied Arabiaand came under the influence of Mahometin the 7th century A.D.

The ‘Bible’ for the Arabs is the Koranwhich Mahomet produced. This is derivedfrom the Bible, and both Jew and Arab lookto Abraham as their father. They both acceptthe Old Testament and the promises inGenesis. There are two fundamental articlesof faith in the Koran. First, it holds the sameposition as the Jews that God is One andsupreme; Arabs both hate and scorn thetrinitarian God of Christendom. The secondarticle of faith is best expressed by aquotation:

“The second article of this creed impliesa doctrine of God’s relation to Hiscreation, according to which God,having first instructed Adam in divinetruth and explained to him his duties, insucceeding ages, as the knowledge ofthis truth became obscured and menlapsed into unbelief, sent a succession ofprophets—Noah, Abraham, Moses,etc.—to proclaim anew the primitiverevelation. This series of prophetscomprises many familiar names of theOld Testament, and leads through St.John the Baptist and Jesus toMuhammed, ‘the seal of the prophets’after whom no further inspired teacher isheld to be needed. According to thistheory of God’s revelation to menthrough prophets, Muhammad was notthe founder of any new religion, and heconstantly emphasised the fact that hewas an apostle of no new doctrine, anddescribed his own teaching as being thereligion of Abraham” (ModernKnowledge Library, vol. XVII “TheIslamic Faith”, Benn).

One realises from this brief descriptionof the original Muslim faith, that Moslemsand Jews are closer together than Christiansand Jews.

Ishmael, the prime progenitor of theArab people was blessed by God because hewas a son of Abraham—Gen. 17:20. Incontrast, Esau (Edom) had no blessing ofGod, and disappeared as a nation. The areaoccupied by Edom is now part of Jordan.

In the future we anticipate thedescendants of Ishmael will be subject toIsrael. If the boundaries of Israel thenextend to the Persian Gulf, all these peopleof Arabia—Midian, Kedar, Duma, etc.—will be subject to Israel. They will fulfil thewords concerning Ishmael, “He shall dwellin the presence of all his brethren” (Gen.16:12). Isaiah indicates that these peoplewill be among the first to submit to Christ.In chapter 42 the redemptive work of Christin his first coming is clearly set out: “I

Yahweh have called thee in righteousness,and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee,and give thee for a covenant of the people,for a light to the Gentiles”. His work was to“Open the blind eyes, to bring out theprisoners from the prison, and them that sitin darkness out of the prison house.” Thelast phrase is expressive of resurrection—tobring out of the prison house of death. Seealso Zechariah 9:11.

With Christ’s return and theresurrection, the time has come for the nextverse: “I am Yahweh: that is my name: andmy glory will I not give to another, neithermy praise to graven images.” This will beChrist’s challenge to the world. Now wecome to the part that interests us at themoment. God declares He is speaking ofnew things before they come to pass. Andthe first items mentioned are verses 10 and11:

“Sing unto the LORD a new song, and hispraise from the end of the earth, ye that godown to the sea, and all that is therein; theisles, and the inhabitants thereof.

“Let the wilderness and the cities thereoflift up the voice, the villages that Kedar dothinhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock(Arabia Petra) sing, let them shout from thetop of the mountains”.

The reference in verse 10 is probably tothe conversion of Britain at an early stage;and next, verse 11, the inhabitants of Arabiaare brought into subjection to Christ andsing his praises also at an early stage. ArabiaPetra is the mountainous region of the Sinaipeninsula, and the region lying between theGulf of Elath and the Dead Sea. After this,verse 13:

“The LORD shall go forth as a mightyman, he shall stir up jealousy like a man ofwar”.

This will be Christ manifesting hispower at Armageddon in the land of Israel.

Psalm 72 confirms what we read inIsaiah. Verse 8 reads:

“He shall have dominion also from seato sea, and from the river unto the ends ofthe earth”.

Then notice the detailed progressionverses 9 to 11:

“They that dwell in the wilderness shallbow before him and his enemies shall lickthe dust. The kings of Tarshish and of theisles shall bring presents: the kings of Shebaand Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shallfall down before him: all nations shall servehim”.

So the first mentioned are those thatdwell in the wilderness. Jordan todayoccupies the area of ancient Moab and theregion of Arabia Petra. Isaiah chapter 16refers to “the land from Sela (margin Petra)to the wilderness” and to Moab and calls onthem to respond to the needs of Israel in theirtime of distress, just before the extortioner isat an end. So, from these scriptures it isfairly clear that those in the Arabianpeninsula will accept Christ, even beforethose in Israel are delivered.

This sketch of matters relevant to theArabs, past and future, may help us not toconsider it too surprising if some truce isagreed between Israel, Saudi Arabia andJordan.

From Milestones 1981.

By Graham Pearce

T

ISRAEL

JORDAN

ARABIA

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

Page 10

was immediate, “...all the days of myappointed time will I wait, till my changecome.” (verse 14). Job showed noconfidence in the idea of departed souls orimmaterial beings, continuing some form ofexistence in the heavens. Job’s hope wasclear, “I know that my redeemer liveth, andthat he shall stand at the latter day upon theearth: And though after my skin wormsdestroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I seeGod”— Job 19:25-26. Job believed in abodily resurrection from the dead.

This belief is not an isolated view, everywhere we look in the Bible, people linktheir future hope with the resurrection:

The Psalmist commented, “Thou, whichhast shewed me great and sore troubles,shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring meup again from the depths of the earth”(Psalm 71:20).

Isaiah confidently affirmed, “Thy deadmen shall live, together with my dead bodyshall they arise. Awake and sing, ye thatdwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew ofherbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead”(Isaiah 26:19).

The prophet Daniel, when discussingthe time of the end said, “And many ofthem that sleep in the dust of the earth shallawake, some to everlasting life, and some toshame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel12:2,3).

The Lord Jesus Christ taught, “Marvelnot at this: for the hour is coming, in thewhich all that are in the graves shall hear hisvoice, And shall come forth; they that havedone good, unto the resurrection of life; andthey that have done evil, unto theresurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29).

hether we appreciate it or notchristianity is faced with aserious contradiction. If, asis generally alleged, peoplepass on to a better life in

heaven at death, why does the Bible place somuch emphasis on the resurrection of thedead? If, as is suggested at funeral services,the deceased is now in the presence of God,is there any need for a resurrection at all, theindividual is already enjoying the blessingsof eternity?

These are reasonable questions. No onerelishes the prospect of death and very fewlike to talk about it or take the trouble to findout what really happens at death — or ifthere is a hope beyond the grave.

Job was a man who had more than hisshare of trouble. His life was turned upsidedown in an instant and his conclusions aboutlife are recorded in chapter 14: “Man that isborn of a woman is of few days, and full oftrouble. He cometh forth like a flower, andis cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, andcontinueth not...For there is hope of a tree, ifit be cut down, that it will sprout again, andthat the tender branch thereof will notcease... But man dieth, and wasteth away:yea, man giveth up the spirit, and where ishe?” (ch. 14:1,2,7,10).

As far as Job was concerned this presentlife offered very little lasting happiness; anindividual can reach the pinnacle ofachievement only to be cut off in a moment.The world is not unfamiliar with suchtragedies. Because of this Job posed aquestion which must cross everybody’smind at some time in life— he asked, “If aman die shall he live again?” His response

The apostle Paul described his hope inthe following terms, “And have hopetowards God... that there shall be aresurrection of the dead, both of the just andthe unjust” (Acts 24:15).

If a man die Shall he live Again?

By Ron Kidd

W

STATES OUTLINE

RESURRRESURRA Hope Beyon

“And many of them that sleep insome to everlasting life, and some to

Daniel

• A Mortal lifespan of approximate

• A Period described as a “sleep” in the ground Psa 13:3; John 11:11-14.

• A Change of nature (for those who are approved)

1 Cor 15:50-54; Philippians 3:21.

• An “awakening” or revivIsa 26:19; D

• A Judgement at which truRom 14:10; 2 Cor 5

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

Page 11

The Importance of the SubjectBefore we proceed any further it is

important that we examine why the Bibleplaces so much emphasis upon theresurrection. The answer becomes quiteevident when we realize what the Bible hasto say about death.

The Bible describes death as being finaland irreversible:

“For the grave cannot praise thee, deathcan not celebrate thee: they that go downinto the pit cannot hope for thytruth”(Isaiah 38:18). “Man that is in honour, andunderstandeth not, is like the beasts thatperish.” (Ps 49:20).“For in death there is no remembrance ofthee: in the grave who shall give theethanks” (Psalm 6:5).“Put not your trust in princes, nor in theson of man, in whom there is no help.His breath goeth forth, he returneth to hisearth; in that very day his thoughtsperish” (Psalm 146:3,4).

Nothing could be clearer; at death thebody starts to decay and return to theground, the thoughts of an individual perishand all opportunity for life ends.

Nowhere in scripture is there any

suggestion of death being a transition to abetter life in heaven. In fact immortality isalways described as a promise, not apossession, as the following testimonies willillustrate:

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostleof Jesus Christ, according to the faith ofGod’s elect, and the acknowledging ofthe truth which is after godliness; Inhope of eternal life, which God, thatcannot lie, promised before the worldbegan” Titus 1:1-2“And this is the promise that he hathpromised us, even eternal life” I Jn 2:25“Who will render to every manaccording to his deeds: To them who bypatient continuance in well doing seekfor glory and honour and immortality,eternal life” Rom 2:6-7.

Eternal life is a future blessing to begiven at the resurrection of the dead. Theapostle Paul was willing to risk everythingin order to be a participant at theresurrection: “I count all things but loss forthe excellency of the knowledge of ChristJesus my Lord... That I may know him, andthe power of his resurrection, and thefellowship of his sufferings... If by anymeans I might attain unto the resurrection ofthe dead. Not as though I had alreadyattained, either were already perfect” —Phil3:8-12. Paul recognized that this life offerednothing and that death, without the hope ofthe resurrection, meant eternal oblivion:“...they also which are fallen asleep in Christare perished. If in this life only we have hopein Christ, we are of all men most miserable”1 Cor 15:18-19.

The Teaching of Jesus ChristWe have already noted that the gospel

message taught by Jesus included theresurrection of the dead (John 5:25-29).Further investigation into the Lord’steaching will reveal some interestingconclusions.

Towards the end of his ministry Jesuslost a very close friend named Lazarus.Upon hearing of the tragedy Jesus visitedMartha and Mary, Lazarus’ two sisters. Bothsaid to Jesus, “Lord, if thou hadst been here,my brother had not died” (John 11:21, 32),to which Jesus replied, “Thy brother shallrise again”, (verse 23). Neither Martha norMary were startled by this statement, theyboth believed in the resurrection of the dead— “Martha saith unto him, I know that heshall rise again in the resurrection at the lastday”, (verse 24). Not once during the courseof the conversation did Jesus attempt toconsole Martha and Mary with thesuggestion that Lazarus was now free fromthe sorrows associated with mortality andwith God in heaven, rather the tone of theconversation centred on the fact that thesame Lazarus that had been alive was nowcorrupting in the grave. Consider theterminology, “Where have ye laid him?”(verse 34); “Lord, by this time he stinketh:for he hath been dead four days” (verse 39);“And he that was dead came forth, boundhand and foot with grave clothes” (verse 44).They were discussing Lazarus, theindividual, not some part of him that hadbeen discarded at death.

Jesus’ comments were in completeharmony with Bible teaching: Where was

The traditional tomb of Lazarus (above) is unlikely to be the genuine location where hewas buried, but it would have been a similar tomb to this.

ED IN THE BIBLE

RECTIONRECTIONnd The Graven the dust of the earth shall awake,o shame and everlasting contempt”12:2,3.

ly 70 years — Psa 90:10; Isa 40:6.

• An Eternal unconsciousness Isa 26:14; Psa 49:19,20;

Eccl 9:5.

• A Return to the death state (for the condemned)

Rev 2:11.

val from the sleep of deathDan 12:13.

ue characters are revealed 5:10; John 5:28-30.

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

Page 12

Lazarus?—he was in the grave; what washappening to him?—he was corrupting orreturning to the dust; where did he comefrom when Jesus spoke?—from inside thetomb; what was his hope?—he would beraised in the last day.

Will all be Raised ?One final thought emerges from Jesus’

remarks, we read: “Jesus said unto her, I amthe resurrection, and the life: he thatbelieveth in me, though he were dead, yetshall he live: And whosoever liveth andbelieveth in me shall never die. Believestthou this?” John 11:25-26. The promise ofeternal life is conditional, the apostle Paulsays, “By grace ye are saved through faith;and that not of yourselves: it is the gift ofGod” (Ephesians 2:8). However this doesnot suggest that God’s grace is extended toall, regardless of the life they might lead,grace is extended on the basis of faith; it is“he that believeth...” according to JesusChrist.

Closer examination of Bible teachingreveals that two classes of people aredescribed; those who are ignorant of God’sways, and those who have been enlightenedby God’s word. Jesus refers to both groupswhen he said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate:for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,that leadeth to destruction, and many therebe which go in thereat: Because strait is thegate, and narrow is the way, which leadethunto life, and few there be that find it”(Matt 7:13-14). According to Jesus, thevast majority are traveling down the broadway. What happens to this group at death?The writer of the Proverbs supplies theanswer: “The man that wandereth out of theway of understanding shall remain in thecongregation of the dead” (ch. 21:16). Thesame message is given by the psalmist, “He(the man out of the way of life) shall go tothe generation of his fathers; they shallnever see the light. Man that is in honour,and understandeth not, is like the beasts thatperish” (Psalm 49:19, 20).

Faith in the word of God is essential forlife. The scriptures teach that those who areignorant of God’s way are “alienated fromthe life of God through the ignorance that isin them” (Ephesians 4:18). Again Jesusstresses the importance of faith: “And this isthe will of him that sent me, that every onewhich seeth the Son, and believeth on him,may have everlasting life: and I will raisehim up at the last day” John 6:40.

The Judgment Seat of ChristThe resurrection is the first step to

receiving the gift of immortality and it isreserved for the enlightened only. Many of

the scriptures already quoted have describedtwo groups of people present at theresurrection— the just and the unjust (Acts24:15). The resurrection will be a time ofaccountability for those who have claimedto have committed their life to God; Jesussaid “Not every one that saith unto me,Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom ofheaven; but he that doeth the will of myFather which is in heaven. Many will say tome in that day, Lord, Lord, have we notprophesied in thy name? and in thy namehave cast out devils? and in thy name donemany wonderful works? And then will Iprofess unto them, I never knew you: departfrom me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:21-23).

These are sobering words and not to betaken lightly. The purpose of the judgmentis to bring to light the hidden things ofdarkness (1 Corinthians 4:5), to expose our

real motives. Again the Bible is quite clearon this account:

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? orwhy dost thou set at nought thy brother?for we shall all stand before thejudgment seat of Christ... so then everyone of us shall give an account ofhimself before God” Rom 14:10-12.“For we must all appear (Greek, bemade manifest) before the judgment seatof Christ; that every one may receive thethings done in his body, according to thathe hath done, whether it be good or bad.Knowing therefore the terror of theLord, we persuade men” (2 Cor 5:10-11).

A Change of BodyImmortality is described in the Bible as

“partaking of the divine nature”— that isGod’s nature (2 Peter 1:4), as receiving a“body of redemption” (Roman 8:23), ashaving our vile body changed (Philippians3:21). The Psalmist could rejoice in theprospect of “awaking with God’s likeness”(Psalm 17:15, and Paul said “this

corruptible must put on incorruption andthis mortal must put on immortality” (1Corinthians 15:53).

In order to obtain immortality the bodymust undergo a change. The Bible states inclear terms that “flesh and blood cannotinherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians15:50), but this does not mean, as populartheology suggests, that the body is but aclothing of the soul, to be discarded atdeath. When Jesus rose from the dead hewas given an immortal body, his disciplestouched his hands and feet and he said, “aspirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see mehave” (Luke 24:39). And so it will be withthose given immortality at the judgmentseat of Christ, “we shall be changed” (1Corinthians 15:51).

The apostle Paul described our mortalityas a “bondage of corruption” (Romans8:21), he cried out in desperation to bedelivered “from the body of this death”(Romans 7:23), but Paul wasn’t speaking ofdiscarding his body at death, rather helooked forward to the resurrection when hisbody would be changed, note his commentin 2 Corinthians 5:4 “For we that are in thistabernacle do groan, being burdened: notfor that we would be unclothed, but clothedupon, that mortality might be swallowed upof life”.

Resurrection—When?Martha’s response to Jesus made

reference to the resurrection taking place in“the last day”, (John 11:24). The vastmajority of people live for today, withoutany concern for tomorrow, to them the “lastday” is some remote time period in the fardistant future. People hear these words atfunerals but no one takes them seriously.This is very sad because according to theBible the events leading up to this event areidentical to the times in which we are living.The prophet Daniel was given a vision ofthe last days, in which he described thenation of Israel occupying her ancienthomeland at a time when unprecedentedtrouble was rampant in the earth (Daniel11:40 - 12:1). Daniel warns us that whenthese circumstances are manifest then theresurrection will take place (Daniel 12:2,3).

The apostle Paul describes the sametime period—“This know also, that in thelast days perilous times shall come. Formen shall be lovers of their own selves,covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Without natural affection, trucebreakers,false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisersof those that are good, traitors, heady,highminded, lovers of pleasures more thanlovers of God; Having a form of godliness,

The resurrection willbe a time of

accountability forthose who haveclaimed to have

committed their lifeto God... ’

‘

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

RESURRECTION AND JUDGEMENT

but denying the power thereof: from suchturn away” (2 Tim 3:1-5).

What a colourful description of today’sworld. Paul continues in chapter 4:1 todescribe the event which will change theseconditions for ever—“I charge theetherefore before God, and the Lord JesusChrist, who shall judge the quick and thedead at his appearing and his kingdom.” The“appearing” or return of Jesus Christ willprecipitate the resurrection and thejudgment will follow. Because Paulbelieved in the certainty of the resurrectionhe could say with equal certainty:

“For I am now ready to be offered, andthe time of my departure is at hand. Ihave fought a good fight, I have finishedmy course, I have kept the faith:Henceforth there is laid up for me acrown of righteousness, which the Lord,the righteous judge, shall give me at thatday: and not to me only, but unto allthem also that love his appearing” (2Tim 4:6-8).

Paul did not expect to receive his rewardat death, he knew he would receive it by thehand of the righteous Judge “at that day”when Jesus will once again appear in theearth. More important is the fact that Paul’shope can be shared by every one “that lovehis (Jesus’) appearing.”

Immortality is the gift of God, it is byHis grace that men and women will occupya place in God’s kingdom. However thedecision at the judgment seat will beinfluenced by the kind of preparation thatwe as individuals make now. It is foolish toleave the reading of God’s word to othersand trust that they will guide us in the rightway, life is too important to allow that. TheBible directs its message to every individualby saying “seek ye the Lord while he may befound, call upon him while he is near”(Isaiah 55:6).

Page 13

“Behold, this was the guilt of your sisterSodom: she and her daughters had pride,surfeit of food, and prosperous ease...”(Ezek. 16:49, R.S.V.). this was also thefailure of Jeshurun: “But Jeshurun waxedfat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou artgrown thick thou art covered with fatness;then he forsook God which made him, andlightly esteemed the rock of his salvation”(Deut. 32:15).

Faith enables a believer to translate afuture promise into a present reality. This isthe significance to the apostle Paul’s requestthat “the eyes of your understanding beingenlightened; that ye may know what is thehope of his calling...” (Eph. 1:18). Inessence, this is the dynamic power of faith.

A great building is now being puttogether as the dwelling place of God;

“In whom (Christ) the whole structure isjoined together and grows into a holytemple in the Lord; in whom you also arebuilt into it for a dwelling place of Godin the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22, R.S.V.).

Our contribution to this building is, tobegin with, an act of grace on God’s part(Eph. 1:5, 6). It will inevitably require“quenching all the flaming arrows of thewicked” in preaching, for which the clothingwith the armour of light will prove morethan sufficient if a labour of love and workof faith is accompanied by a steadfastness ofhope.

The call of the Ephesian epistle is tohave “the eyes of your heart enlightened”(Eph. 1:18, R.S.V.) to know the hope of hiscalling, and then “to lead a life worthy of thecalling to which you have been called...”(Eph. 4:1, R.S.V.).Aliens and Sojourners

Jesus left no inheritance to others excepthis glorious instruction imparted to people.Paul left no inheritance except hisinstruction to others. In this, there is alesson. We are aliens, strangers, sojournersin this life. Our citizenship is in heaven fromwhere we look for the Saviour. Ourattention, too, must be directed to teachingand instructing others:

“As poor, yet making many rich; ashaving nothing, and yet possessing allthings” (2 Cor. 6:10).

The Lord’s PortionWhat do you expect to leave as your

inheritance? To this question most peoplewould probably answer, “possessions”,“things”. There may, in fact, be somepersonal effects which will survive our lifeof mortality, but the inheritance whichshould arrest our attention is the inheritanceof Christ which has nothing to do withthings, but everything to do with people.

Paul wrote:“That the God of our Lord JesusChrist.... may give unto you the spirit ofwisdom and revelation in theknowledge of him: The eyes of yourunderstanding being enlightened; thatye may know what is the hope of hiscalling, and what the riches of theglory of his inheritance in the saints”(Eph. 1:17, 18).

This passage is rooted in the words ofMoses in the Old Testament:

“Yet they are thy people and thineinheritance, which thou broughtest outby thy mighty power and by thystretched out arm” (Deut. 9:29).

“For the LORD’S portion is his people:Jacob is the lot of his inheritance...hekept him as the apple of his eye” (Deut.32:9, 10).

The call of discipleship is the call topreach.

In another epistle, the apostle Pauldeveloped a similar thought when he spokeof bearing the Thessalonian believers as acoronal wreath into the Kingdom:

“For what is our hope of joy or crownof boasting before our Lord Jesus at hiscoming? Is it not you? For you are ourglory and joy” (1 Thess. 2:19, 20,R.S.V.).

What contribution are you making toChrist’s inheritance? The original ownersof houses and possessions are forgottenafter several generations of time. However,when names are inscribed in the Lord’sbook of life, these are retained in thememory of the Almighty.

Pride, Surfeit of Food and Prosperous Ease?

How your time is spent now, how yourmoney is spent now may reflect the visionyou have for the future. Are your pursuitslargely materialistic—barely discerniblefrom the unenlightened? Jesus said thatthe time of his return would be like Sodom:

By Ron Abel

“Believe in the LORD yourGod, so shall ye be

established; believe hisprophets, so shall ye

prosper.” — 2 Chron 20:20.

The Inheritance

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

“ It is foolish to leave thereading of God’s word toothers and trust that theywill guide us in the right way, life is too important

to allow that.”

Page 14

MMIILLEESSTTOONNEESS UUPPDDAATTEEBy Don Pearce

secular leaders, most of them formeratheists from the heart of the oldCommunist Party, to attend Easter andChristmas services. In turn, most ofthem quietly—sometimes not so

ur survey of the Signs of theTimes looks at events inRussia and Israel.

Russia In the last issue we mentioned the

Russian Law on Freedom of Conscience andReligious Associations which threatened toput a clamp on religious minorities. Theoriginal bill was passed by both houses ofthe Russian Parliament, but Boris Yeltsinrefused to sign it to enable it to become law.Instead the bill was sent back to be modifiedand made a little more lenient. The so-calledCompromise Bill finally received thePresidential signature at the end ofSeptember. The headline in the CatholicHerald was Russia tolerates Catholicism—but only just. (3/10/97). Always, where theCatholic Church is in the minority, shecampaigns for religious freedom, but whenin a majority, she shows little tolerationherself. It bodes ill for religious minorities,especially those who would witness againstthe state church.

The Orthodox Church holds great powerin Russia. Although there is no longer aformal relationship between church andstate, both sides see the need to support eachother.

“It is now de rigeur for Russia’s

quietly—support the church in itsstruggle against Western evangelisers.Many local governments have enactedlaws that bluntly discriminate against,even virtually outlaw, non-Orthodoxmissionaries.” The Economist 5th April97 This was of course written before the

Law was passed. The article was illustratedwith this amusing cartoon (opposite page).

An interesting example of the power ofthe Orthodox Church was illustratedrecently in an incident which took place inHebron. The Russian Orthodox Patriarch,Alexis II visited the West Bank in June. Hewas, however, barred from visiting Hebron’sonly Christian church. This was originally aRussian Orthodox church, but had been runsince the 1920’s by a breakaway group,which did not recognise his authority.Three weeks later Yasser Arafat sent in hispolice to forcibly evict the current occupantsand then handed it back to the OrthodoxChurch! (Sourozh — The Journal of theRussian Orthodox Church)

‘THE RUSSIAN TIGER IS READY TO ROAR’

That was the interesting headline to anarticle in the London Times recently. The

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Yeltsin, a former Communist, attending anOrthodox Easter service.

How free are other Churches?

OO

During Two World Wars the English-speaking peoplesfound themselves locked in battle against a ferociousenemy centred in Europe. On both occasions, theMiddle-East and the fortunes of the Jewish people havebeen involved. This new book by Paul Billington looksat those events from the perspective of Bible prophecy,and shows that it is to happen yet again — with criticaland earth-shaking results, vitally affecting the future ofMankind. Wise men can prepare today!

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

NOW PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION

Page 15

writer, William Rees-Mogg, was showingthe remarkable recovery already apparent inthe Russian economy. It takes many years,he argued, for a country to recover after adisaster. It took Germany 10 years torecover from the Second World War, beforethe “economic miracle” began in 1955. Heanticipates that soon Russia will be growingstrongly. Inflation is under control—it isnow down to about 15%, the budget deficitis reasonable, tax reforms are under wayand state ownership is greatly reducing.This will lead to a vast market on theborders of Western Europe, wanting goodsat a time when the West is still suffering aneconomic downturn. The subheading to thearticle was:

‘Economic reform and growingstability offer the opportunity of a

wider European homeland.’“The map of Europe will be turned to

the east, with a new economy,numbering more than 200 millionpeople, growing three or four times asfast as the EU itself, and maintainingthat rate of growth for perhaps ageneration”.“If the European Union could use its

power to create a free-trade area of thewhole European homeland, that wouldconstitute a single market of 800million people. It is a more attractiveobjective than sealing the borders ofEurope in order to protect the Renaultcar workers from competition.” Times9/6/97Another indication of how Europe, east

and west, can work together to fulfill theBible prophecy of a united Europe comingas a great power against the land of Israel atthe time of the end.

IsraelFor Bible Students the information that

Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians haveexpressed interest in membership of theCommonwealth, makes interesting reading.It seems that in the event of a more stablesituation being established, membership is areal possibility. The Palestinians must firstbecome a sovereign state in order to qualify.The Commonwealth is now open to anynation —there are currently 53 members. Itis described as a desirable club to be amember of, and embraces a market 25 timesas large as the European Union. They meetevery two years, the last meeting was inNew Zealand. It is traditional for the Queento make the end of conference speech.English is used as the common language.

It is interesting to learn of the newLabour government’s attitude to theCommonwealth. Before the Britishelections in May, the Trade ministers for theConservatives and Labour set out their

respective overseas policies in the ExportTimes. The Conservative minister made nomention of the Commonwealth, whereas theLabour minister stressed the importance ofit.

“The keynote is internationalism. ‘Wewant to make better use of the UK’soverseas assets. The Commonwealth,the British Council and the BBC WorldService could all strengthen our effortsabroad, but they are currently under-utilised.’“A Labour government would look forcloser contacts with Commonwealthpartners on economic matters, usingthe Commonwealth conference intrade and investment to be held inLondon this autumn as a startingpoint.” Export Times March 97The first Labour ministerial visit to

Israel took place in September. Gavin Strangthe Transport Minister led a 14 strongdelegation of British businessmen to studyjoint venture possibilities and prospects forincreased participation in Israeli projects.

Two proposed railway schemes are beinglooked at. A $200 million line to connect theport of Haifa to northern Jordan, and a $500million line from the Israeli and JordanianDead Sea chemical works and the port ofEilat.

After a difficult economic year last year,Israel’s economy is booming again,reporting a staggering 11.9% increase inindustrial exports for January to August,compared with last year. Britain’s bilateraltrade (ie import and export volumes addedtogether) with Israel has also grown rapidlyin recent years. From a base of virtuallynothing in 1960 it has now risen to $3.5billion a year, and expected to reach $4billion by the end of the year. Israel is nowBritain’s 23rd largest trading partner, andsecond only to Saudi Arabia as her biggestregional trading partner. What a contrast to

the situation just 50 years ago when Britainwas washing her hands of herresponsibilities towards the Jews! Yet Biblestudents, long before, were able to seeIsrael’s remarkable trading partnership withBritain and also with India—readers arereferred to the editorial in the March issue.

The Pope sent a personal letter to bothMr Netanyahu and Mr Arafat at the end ofJune, asking them to resume the peace talks.He wants to visit the Holy Land in the year2000 and hopes for peace! The peace talkshave indeed just recommenced (earlyOctober). They were suspended sevenmonths ago when Israel started the HarHoma construction in Jerusalem. TheAmerican Middle East Coordinator, DennisRoss opened the talks in Jerusalem withIsraeli and Palestinian representatives. Then,Benjamin Netanyahu and Yasser Arafat metfor 90 minutes in private before being joinedby representatives from both parties. It isproposed that nine joint committees willdiscuss proposals covering such matters as:enhanced security, the construction of aPalestinian airport and seaport in Gaza, safepassageways through Israel linkingPalestinian areas, and the promotion of jointprojects.

Meanwhile the Israeli President is inAmerica to discuss the setting up of talks toproceed to the final step of the OsloAgreement—the status of Jerusalem.President Weizman is proposing negotiationsin a format similar to the Camp David talkswhich led to Israel’s peace accord withEgypt. So, in spite of the suicide bombings,Israel is ready to negotiate. Yasser Arafat, onhis part, has at last begun to take actionagainst the terror infrastructure. Both sideshave seen that nothing has been gained bythis 7 month stalemate. The Palestinianeconomy has been badly undermined by theclosure of Israel to Palestinian workers,following the bombings. Like it or not, thePalestinians are dependent upon Israel tokeep their fragile economy going. Mr Arafatis reported to be a sick man, and speculationon who is to succeed him is already takingplace! However we have learnt from MrYeltsin that we can’t write anyone off toosoon!

Those on the Internet, wishing to receivedaily reports on Israel, can have a three pagenewssheet posted into their E mail mailboxfive times a week.

Simply send a message to:listserv@pankow.inter.net.il

With one, and only one, line reading,subscribe israeline first_name last_nameie subscribe israeline Don Pearce. You mayneed to put a blank space in the subject boxin order for the message to go to your outbasket.

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

Page 16

or the past several years my wifehas given me a handy pocket sizeddiary, which up to now has beenmade in England. But this last timeher usual source could only

provide one made in Italy. As might beexpected, there is a lot of Italian used init, but also English, French and German—the principal languages of theEuropean Community. But along with theusual worthwhile features, the publisher,Cangini Filippi, has added the saints andholy days of the Italian religious calendar.The top of the year, January 1st, is given toMadre di Dio (the Mother of God);February 14th to S.Valentino (St.Valentine), March 17th to St. Patrick, andSt. Nicholas has his day as well. In fact,every one of the 365 days is dedicated tosome saint or festival. Many of the namesare obscure, but some are well known evenamong our youngest children at school.Doubtless the Italian publisher would feelthat my old diaries were missing somethingimportant.

Saint WorshipWho are these “saints” and what role do

they play in the Roman Catholic religion? Amember of their clergy, H.Thurston, says:“The Roman Church... considers thedoctrine of the veneration of saints to be anintegral part of Catholic tradition.” One oftheir catechisms says that these “saints” are

“standing on the highest steps of approach toGod”, and that they intercede to “purify,strengthen and offer before God the prayersof the faithful living upon earth”. TheCouncil of Trent, which was convened by theRoman Church during the ProtestantReformation, confirmed the Catholictradition of saint-worship: “...the saintsreigning with God are to be venerated andinvoked....their relics are to be venerated”.“The holy bodies of holy martyrs... are to bevenerated by the faithful, through whichbodies many benefits are bestowed by Godon men... the images of Christ, of the virginMother of God, and of the other saints, are tobe had and retained particularly in churches,and that due honour and veneration are givento them...”

Christianizing PaganismThurston goes on in his article to admit

that “The reproach has constantly been madeagainst the veneration of saints... that itdiffered little... from the pagan worship of

gods and heroes.” His defence is perhapsmore revealing than he might haveintended. Speaking of the conversion toCatholicism of European Pagans, he says:

“The almost ineradicable tendency amongthe rude and uneducated to cling to their

primitive customs led beyond doubt toa certain amount of compromise in

matters which were not judged to bedistinctively pagan. It was the

advice of (Augustine and others) thatan attempt should be made toChristianize their popular

observances if not absolutely evil inthemselves, rather than to extirpate them. Ifa particular day had been kept as a holiday,let it be transformed into a Christianfestival....”

On this subject there is an interestingsection in Eureka, by John Thomas (vol.2pp 490-499) of which the remainder of thisparagraph is a brief summary. The ancientPagans worshipped the souls of deadheroes, which they called demons. Plato haddefined demons as an intermediate order ofbeings between God and mortals. Althoughsome demons were regarded as evil,bringing illness, accidents and othermisfortune, they believed that the good oneswere able to protect their persons, families,property and country—therefore they arereferred to as “tutelary deities”, whichmeans divine guardians. Lucian, a GreekPagan, wrote concerning these:

For thrice ten thousand wait upon ourearth; Jove’s everlasting guards for

The Makingof A SaintThe Makingof A Saint

By Art Bull

FF

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

Page 17

mortal men, Who roam the world in robesof air conceal’d.

“Demons”Socrates taught that the Deity mingles not

directly with the human race, but through thedemons who mediate between them.Apotheosis was the deification of paganheroes and other great men. Canonization ofChristian martyrs and others is theChristianized form of the same process.When the Pagans became Catholics they didnot give up their demons, but gave themChristian names. The name and prominenceof Jupiter was given to St. Peter. That ofJuno, Jupiter’s wife (queen of the universe)was given to St. Mary , and so on. In hishistory of Rome, Edward Gibbon observed,“....The sublime and simple theology of theprimitive Christians was gradually corrupted;and the monarchy of heaven, already cloudedby metaphysical subtleties, was degraded bythe introduction of a popular mythology,which tended to restore the reign ofpolytheism”.

The heading of this section in Eureka, AnExposition of the Apocalypse, is from Rev9:20;

“But the rest of mankind, who were notkilled by these plagues, did not repent ofthe works of their hands, that they shouldnot worship demons, and idols of gold,silver, brass, stone, and wood, which canneither see nor hear nor walk...”

With reference to idols and images, the2nd of the Ten Commandments is, “Thoushalt not make unto thee any graven image,or any likeness of anything that is in heavenabove, or that is in the earth beneath... thoushalt not bow down thyself to them; for theLORD thy God is a jealous God.” But in theordinary catechisms (church instructionmanuals) used by the Roman church, the 2ndcommandment is removed from the list ofthe Ten Commandments, and the 10th is splitinto two, to preserve the total number of ten.

Development ForeseenThe apostle Paul foresaw the develop-

ment of “saint” worship in 1 Timothy 4:1;“Now the Spirit expressly says that in lattertimes some will depart from the faith, givingheed to deceiving spirits and doctrines ofdemons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, havingtheir own conscience seared with a hot iron,forbidding to marry, and commanding toabstain from foods which God created to bereceived with thanksgiving by those whobelieve and know the truth.”

But Paul was not the first to be shown thisby the Spirit. He says “the Spirit expresslysays,” implying that this fact had alreadybeen revealed before his time. And so itwas—by Daniel:

“And the king shall do according to hiswill; and he shall exalt himself, and

magnify himself above every god, andshall speak marvellous things against theGod of gods, and shall prosper till theindignation be accomplished: for that isdetermined shall be done. Neither shallhe regard the God of his fathers, nor thedesire of women, nor regard any god: forhe shall magnify himself above all. Butin his estate shall he honour the God offorces: and a god whom his fathers knewnot shall he honour with gold, and silver,and with precious stones, and pleasantthings. Thus shall he do in the moststrong holds with a strange god, whom heshall acknowledge and increase withglory: and he shall cause them to ruleover many, and shall divide the land forgain.”— Daniel 11:36-39.

Introduced by EmperorsThis “king” was Roman. Sir Isaac

Newton, in his Observations upon theProphecies of Daniel, writes:

“As soon as the empire becameChristian, the Roman emperors began tocall general Councils out of all theprovinces of the Empire, and byprescribing to them what points theyshould consider, and influencing them bytheir interest and power, they set up whatparty they pleased. Hereby the GreekEmpire, upon the division of the RomanEmpire into Greek and Latin Empires,became the King who, in matters ofreligion, did according to his will; and in

legislature, exalted and magnifiedhimself above every God: and at length,by the seventh general Council,established the worship of the imagesand souls of dead men, here calledMahuzzims.”

It is a remarkable fact, Newton alsonotices, that the emperors saw to it that bycalling the general church Counsels, theCatholic doctrine and practice, includingsaint worship, was imposed upon the wholeof Christendom.

“The most strong holds” of Daniel 11:39is from two words in the original: the first ismaoz, meaning fortress, a strong placeaffording defence and protection; andmibsar meaning fortification. While thekey concepts in the expression are safetyand fortification, Parkhurst saw wordsderived from mibsar in the Persian Bazaar(a kind of covered market-place amongeastern nations), and the Byrsa at Carthage,equivalent to the French Bourse (stockexchange, literally, coin pouch). But thecontext of the passage in Daniel 11 alsoconnects the The “most strong holds”(verses 39) with the riches of “gold andsilver, and with precious stones” (verse 38).The “most strong holds” of Daniel’sprophecy can be seen in the churches,chapels and cathedrals which are dedicatedto the “saints” or guardians.

To be continued

Fast TrackTo Glory?

Fast TrackTo Glory?

Two women who were on the fast trackto glory — at least in the eyes of a publicfocussed by the media — are now dead.Both women were of tremendous valueto the Roman Catholic Church, thoughonly one of them is in the running forsainthood.

Princess Diana, always politicallycorrect and charming, did untold damageto the Protestant throne of England bydragging the Royal Family through themire. She died before converting toCatholicism and thus denied Rome ofyet another anti-protestant icon.

The old nun from Yugoslavia who wasfirst promoted to glory by the lateMalcolm Muggeridge (after he con-verted to Catholicism) was, according toa recent book, more concerned aboutadvancing Catholic doctrine than shewas about helping the poor. Her“image” was totally orchestrated by themedia. Her qualifications for sainthoodare ideal — but we shall see! —Ed.

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

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esus of Nazareth has drawn ourattention to the fact that Abraham“rejoiced” to see the day of Christ(John 8:56). Not only so but the

patriarch had such a vision of that gloriousday (Jesus says that he “saw” it) that it madehim “glad”—that is, cheerful. The excitingand inspiring vision that Abraham saw wasundoubtedly formed in his mind by the greatpromises of which we read in Genesis.Abraham’s vision

In order to catch some of the delight thatAbraham must have felt, perhaps we can tryto put ourselves in his shoes. Just readGenesis 12:1-3 and think of it from Abram’sperspective. A land and a nation, a greatname, blessing upon himself and friends,enemies put to shame—and the wholehuman race blessed because of him. What afuture!

In Genesis 13 and 15 the promisedterritory turns out to be better thanimagined—virtually the whole of theMiddle East! The family of Abraham wouldbe like the innumerable stars of heaven—and in chapter 17 we see that the wholepackage includes a permanent relationshipwith God Himself—an everlasting covenantand everlasting possession! That assuresAbraham of a never-ending life. No wonderhe rejoiced and felt cheerful about itsfulfillment—who wouldn’t?

This vision must have occupiedAbraham’s mind—he could peer into thefuture and “see” a day when all theseblessings would be his. We are told: “...helooked for a city which hath foundations,whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews11:10). A city that is, not of bricks andmortar, but of people—a society of God’smaking which elsewhere in Scripture istermed “a city of Truth” (Zech. 8:3).

Abraham, and also Isaac and Jacob(named Israel) did not receive the promises.They saw them afar off and embraced them(Heb. 11:13). They looked forward withjoyful anticipation to the things promised—because they had each been given anassurance of their personal involvement. It

is this personal connection or relation to theprecious promises of God that makes themsuch a thrilling prospect.

Future RulersThe immediate followers of Jesus had

the same incentive. The Lord told them: “Iappoint unto you a kingdom, as my Fatherhath appointed unto me, that ye may eat anddrink at my table in my kingdom, and sit onthrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel”(Luke 22:29, 30). This was quite an

appointment to look forward to! It is nowonder that we find these disciples, after theresurrection of Jesus, having the questionburning within them: “Lord, wilt thou at thistime restore again the kingdom to Israel?”(Acts 1:6) Their personal interests wereinvolved—and no doubt they rejoiced at thevision of their hopes being realized.

The apostle Paul, who was not one of theoriginal twelve, shared the same expectationand hope, saying: “...we shall also reign withhim” (2 Tim. 2:12). Again he said: “...thereis laid up for me a crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous judge, shallgive me at that day: and not to me only, butunto all them also that love hisappearing”—2 Tim. 4:8.

Peter told believers: “ye are...a royalpriesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9); a fact confirmed by

the words of Revelation 5:10 where it isstated that they will be “kings and priests”reigning on earth.

As if such a vision of future glory werenot enough, the Spirit addresses all truebelievers in Revelation 21:7 saying: “Hethat overcometh shall inherit all things; andI will be his God, and he shall be my son.”These “all things,” together with therelationship described, places all genuinebelievers in the same position as Abrahamwho rejoiced to see Christ’s day. They allhave as much reason to be “glad,” for theyare to inherit the same things—Galatians3:29.

The Coming KingdomThe purpose of God is to bring into

being a kingdom on earth which will radiatetruth and righteousness to the honour of itsCreator. This kingdom is to be the restoredand reformed ancient kingdom of David andSolomon—it will be revived as the kingdomof Israel under Jesus Christ (who waspromised the throne of David—Luke 1:31-33). This kingdom is to shortly make itsimpact upon the modern world and willtrigger the greatest upheaval ever known inthe affairs of men and nations. Theadministrators of it, working under thedirection of King Jehoshua (or Jesus) will beAbraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David... theapostles of Jesus who left their testimonybefore the world in the New Testament... aswell as believers of their word from variousperiods of history. All will be revived andraised from the sleep of death to inherit whatwas promised to them—and the time willcome for the saints to possess the kingdom(Daniel 7:22 and 27). This is the “day” thatAbraham rejoiced to “see” and which manyprophets and righteous men have likewisedesired with longing hearts.

Scripture provides us with many picturesof the coming kingdom. Read for examplePsalm 72 and note the dominant principlesin operation—righteousness, justice, peace,deliverance. What a contrast to the world aswe know it today! Read Isaiah 65:17-25 andnote the conditions of the society

An Exciting and Inspiring Vision

EDITORIAL

“As if such a vision offuture glory were not

enough, the Spiritaddresses all true

believers inRevelation 21:7saying: “He thatovercometh shall

inherit all things...”

J

An Exciting and Inspiring Vision

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

the Promised Land. We have seen thedevelopment of the revived nation—but asyet, no returned king or princes of Israel: yetthe scene is set according to the requirementsof Scripture, for their appearance. All thingsare ready for the most startling andcomprehensive world event of all time.

Behind the scenes—backstage as itwere—preparations will soon be under-wayin the organisation of a new regime whoseimmediate task it will be to take over thegovernment and administration of the HolyLand. Many of those who sleep in the dust ofthe earth shall awake, and the faithful onesamong them will be made fit for the greatwork ahead—Dan.12:2; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17;Psa. 50:4, 5; Psa. 31:20; Psa. 83: 2, 3; Isa.40:3.

At the command given by the LORD ofhosts, “the saints of the Most High shall takethe kingdom” (Dan. 7:18). “The Lord Jesusshall be revealed from heaven with hismighty messengers, in flaming fire takingvengeance” upon the corrupt andunbelieving modern world—2 Thess. 1:7-10.The Lord Jesus Christ shall “be glorified inhis saints,” whose honour it will be toexecute the Lord’s vengeance upon thenations, bringing their rulers to account fortheir irresponsible and outrageous behaviour(Psa. 149:6-9). It will be a time of terrible,yet just, judgement—Rev. 18:20; 19:2.

The question then remains. “How long OLord...?” We live in hope and anticipation—we are excited in view of our times, yetpatient. Our prayer is: “Give the king thyjudgements, O God, and thy righteousnessunto the king’s son...” (Psalm 72).

Page 19

described—rejoicing, joy, tears eliminated,longevity of life and the satisfaction of beingable to appreciate the fruits of one’s labours.It will be a time when God’s kindness,goodness and infinite love will be apparenteverywhere. As David expresses it in Psalm72, “...let the whole earth be filled with hisglory; Amen, and Amen.”

Indeed, God has promised that it will beso—Num. 14:21; Habakkuk 2:14. Views ofthe kingdom with more detail are provided inthe panoramic visions of symbolicprophecies. Such visions are heartening andstrengthening to contemplate. The prospectof this coming kingdom is exciting: it issomething that sets the heart on fire, causingmen and women to proclaim the joyful newsof it from the housetops.

Who Qualifies?Scripture teaches us that we must

understand and believe the promises thatGod has given—we must then make themrelevant to ourselves. The first step tobecoming personally involved in thesethings is taken in the act of baptism. TheLord has required this of us as a token of ourwilling and obedient disposition. It is also anoutward sign that we acknowledge theimpossibility of achieving the requiredstandard of godliness by our own efforts—itis only “in Christ” that we can serve Godacceptably. This act of baptism is significantof many things, but our point here is, first,that it is indispensable and that secondly it isthe only way revealed of becoming Christ’s(Gal. 3:27-29).

Our interest in, and attraction to God’spurpose is pleasing to Him. He is especially

honoured when men and women place theirabsolute trust in Him —when they arewilling to commit their lives totally to hisway— in full confidence that what God haspromised, He is able also to perform (c/pRom. 4:20-24).

Our interest is attracted by the invitationto become personally involved in this greatpurpose of the ages. Sometimes it may seemto be a very lofty ambition for common menand women to aspire to— especially when(as is often the case) we carry the shame anddisgrace of sins and wrong-doing. Yet Godhas invited us to share in this gloriousplan— and furthermore He has mercifullyprovided a means whereby we can do so,provided there is a willingness to submit toHis requirements (baptism and theremembrance of His Son as appointed).Believers can receive a Royal Pardon fortheir sins. They can be accounted righteousas Abraham was and so qualify for theblessings in Jesus Christ.

Let no one despair, or lose confidence inChrist because of their past sins. He hasovercome that great enemy; but we musttrust him, for he is able to reform us andtransform us by the power of his word, ifonly we will co-operate—See for example,Romans 14:4; Philippians 4:13; Acts 20:32;Hebrews 7:25 and 10:14-19; 1 John 1:9 and5:4; Philippians 1:6.

So it is that the apostle informs faithfulbelievers: “all things are yours” (1 Cor.3:21).

The Coming Take-OverFor most of this century we have seen

Jews returning to their ancient homeland—

Some years ago when countries such as Great Britainadministered the death penalty for certain crimes, a convictedcriminal could appeal for clemency to the Crown. The law mayhave sentenced the offender to be hung by the neck until dead—but there was an authority that was above the law, and thatauthority resided in the sovereign (king or queen as the case mayhave been). According to the royal pleasure then, the fate of thecondemned person would be decided. This illustrates the positionthat Scripture places before us as to the forgiveness of our sins.By the law we all stand condemned, because we have offendedagainst the law—yet God has made His mercy available to usthrough His son, King Jesus (or, Yehoshua, as his name really is).This King of Israel is the only living person through whom apardon may be either requested or granted—consequently a beliefin him is absolutely essential in order to receive the divine mercy.

Now the terms upon which we, the condemned, may becomeeligible for the Royal Pardon are explained by the King himselfsaying that repentance and remission of sins were to be taught inhis name among all nations (Luke 29:47). He told his disciples:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them inthe Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Ihave commanded you...” (Matt.28:19, 20).

Having thus commissioned the disciples to this work ofpreaching the gospel, Jesus said that “He that believeth and isbaptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall becondemned” (Mark 16:15, 16).

Here then are two basic conditions which the King has decreedas essential: belief and then baptism. The baptized believer inJesus Christ sees in his Lord and his teaching a way of life, andhe strives to follow that way in faith. In this frame of mind thebeliever is assured of the King’s Pleasure and can say with theApostle Paul: “There is therefore now no condemnation to themwhich are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but afterthe spirit. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath mademe free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2).

From the book WARNINGS FROM THE DUST

A Royal Pardon

THE BIBLE MAGAZINE VOL. 11. ISSUE No.2.

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The twentieth century has seen momentous events —events which are clear evidence of God’s hand at work asHe brings together the strands of history to conform tothose things spoken through the prophets in ancient times.These events are thrilling and encouraging, confirmingfaith — and at the same time providing grounds forconviction in those who may yet come to share in Israel’sHope. This march of events is leading to the comingMillennial reign of Christ and the saints on earth, and it istherefore appropriate that, at this time, we draw attention tothe drama that is unfolding before the world.

This series of video tapes has been produced in order tofocus attention upon the developing scene—to make thevision plain, that he may run that readeth it! The eventsthemselves, spread out as they are over a century, can oftenbe lost sight of—so we must bring them together showingthe hand of God at work as He uses nations and leaders tobring about His purpose. An outstanding feature of thecentury has been the restoration of the nation of Israel—and also the way in which English-speaking nations havebeen employed to establish this national home and thenprotect its existence in a hostile environment. The tapesshow how this has all been done in accordance with theprophetic word.

In Europe also, events—sometimes dreadful events—have fulfilled God’s infallible Word. Today, events areprogressing on that continent which will lead to thebuilding-up of a great confederacy which is to oppose Israelin the latter days. Video can bring us in touch directly withsome of the amazing activities that are currently going on,and which are fulfilling the word of God.

We are living at a crucial time in history—a time whenour warning is urgent . The words of Jesus ring out to us:“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, andkeepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see hisshame.” (Rev. 16:15).

“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem,which shall never hold their peace day nor night: yethat make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he

make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” — Isa 62: 6,7.

VIDEO #1.

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A SERIES OFTHREE VIDEOTAPES FILMED

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A SERIES OFTHREE VIDEOTAPES FILMED

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& ISRAEL...Tapes approx 1hr. $25 (£12.50) each

EDITEDON NEWEQUIPMENT

Paul Billington and Frank Abel in Jerusalem

TO BE RELEASEDSHORTLY

TO BE RELEASEDSHORTLY