Faith and Dark Faith

 The word believe occurs hundreds of times in the bible. In the Gospel of John it occurs about 94 times. I'm particularly fond of John 6:29. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he hath sent. What does it mean to believe? Believe means to be firm, endure, be faithful, be true, stand fast, trust, have belief. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary Pg. 15. The Amplified bible portrays belief this way. That you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in.

Belief is synonymous with faith. Faith is synonymous with repentance. In other words, Belief, faith, and repentance all work hand in hand. Faith is dependent upon belief. Belief doesn't work without faith. If you have faith in Jesus and His finished work at the cross then you have turned away from dark faith. Faith in anything other than Jesus' finished work at the cross is what I call dark faith. This turning away from dark faith is called repentance.

The Royal Chair

The temptation to invest in dark faith can take on a dynamic and powerful nature. The world is totally invested in dark faith. Christianity is partially invested in dark faith. Let me explain. We are all designed to have faith in something because we are designed with an empty place within us that needs to be filled. We will automatically fill it with what we worship, delight in, and enjoy. This empty place becomes a throne. A royal chair occupied by what ever thought, experience, or idea that we embrace. It is the high and lifted up place in our heart, mind and soul. The world has placed all kinds of ideas and thoughts on this chair/throne. The believer has placed Jesus and His word on this chair/throne.

The reason the church is partially invested in dark faith is because people often decide to "share the chair". Jesus + something else = a complete or full gospel experience. A full salvation is something in addition to Jesus' work at the cross. Jesus plus church activity, signing a pledge, baptism of the Holy Spirit, glossolalia, holy underwear. The list is endless.

Church Activity

There is nothing wrong with participating in church activity. But why do you participate? What is the motive? Do you participate because if you don't participate then you will not be accepted in the church and thereby not saved nor enabled to enjoy a full gospel experience? Wrong motive! Dark faith! Don't share the chair/throne! The throne in your heart mind and soul belongs to Jesus only. Not Jesus + church activity.

The correct motive for participating in church activity is that you love Jesus and are thankful for what He has accomplished for you at the cross! You love people and want to encourage them in the faith. You love the lost and want to encourage them towards the faith. These are correct motives for participating in church activity.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Jesus provides everything that we need for a full gospel experience through His life, death, and resurrection. There is nothing that we can add. He provides the Spirit to regenerate us. We are baptized into union with Christ and with all other believers in Christ which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is a positional work. He seals us as God's own. We are offered the privilege of continual infilling as we allow the indwelling Spirit to control us. This is an experiential work. Infilling can be hindered by some obstacle/sin that may need to be dealt with via repentance. If we are not filled with the Spirit then we feel like we are lacking.

The giving of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles at Caesarea Acts 10:45, the Jews at Pentecost Acts 2:38, and the Samaritans Acts 8:17-20 is not something in addition to salvation but salvation itself! To view the events at Cornelius' house as being in addition to salvation is incorrect. To say that we need baptism of the Holy Spirit in addition to our salvation to complete us and make us effective denies the free gift and attaches conditions and creates confusion. Jesus + something else = a rich and effective full gospel experience. It nullifies the Gospel of grace. It contradicts the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross.

The Church age

The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and has inaugurated the church age. Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when we repent and trust in Jesus. It's not something that we need to look for in addition to salvation. It's part of salvation. It places us positionally in Christ and in the Church when we turn and trust in Jesus. He told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. It fell upon mankind during Pentecost and takes up residence within us when we repent and trust in Jesus and His finished work at the cross. The church age is here. We no longer have to wait for the Holy Spirit as at Pentecost. Holy Spirit is automatically imparted to us when we repent and trust in Jesus. Hindering of the infilling of the Holy Spirit via some sort of obstacle or sin is possible. This can make us feel unsaved.

Gifts of the Spirit

There are nine gifts of the Spirit that we are privileged to experience after salvation. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues which include glossolalia and xenoglossia, interpretation of tongues. These gifts evidence Jesus', Holy Spirit's, God's working through us. There are nine fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. These fruits evidence Jesus', Holy Spirit's, God's working in us.

These gifts and fruits are all available to us at the moment of salvation. Repenting and trusting in Jesus and His finished work at the cross. To say that we must pursue, to seek glossolalia as evidence that we are baptized in the Spirit is to partially invest in dark faith. Jesus + something else = a rich and effective full gospel experience. We already have everything that we need for a full and effective salvation and ministry because of His completed work at the cross!

In conclusion, to enjoy and utilize the gifts of the Spirit and to experience the fruits of the Spirit are wonderful privileges that we receive when we repent and trust in Jesus. We do not need to seek an additional work of baptism of the Spirit. Baptism of the Spirit is a positional work provided by Christ's work at the cross. We do need to seek infilling of the Spirit though. Sometimes it involves repentance. Often it's simply holding out the cup to receive as much as we need. Glossolalia can help facilitate infilling. Praying with understanding will also enable infilling. Sometimes we need physical healing. We need to make the connection though. Connection on a daily basis. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Gal. 5:16.

The Day of the Lord and Rapture

 1 Thess. 5;1-3 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

The Day of the Lord will be completely unexpected. It will come suddenly, deceptively, destructively. No one will escape. It will come during a time of confidence and security in the world. The Day of the Lord refers to a time when God will step into world affairs. He will bring judgement on the world. Matthew 24:21. There will be great distress. It will be unequaled from the beginning of the world until now. And it will never be equaled again.

A world full of darkness

Why would the Lord bring judgement on a world experiencing peace and security? A world living in peace with one another? 2 Thess. 2:12 because they refused to believe in the Truth. The peace and security is actually darkness! Spiritual darkness and demonic deception will over shadow all people before rapture. The darkness will be emphatically realized during the tribulation period.

2 Thess. 2:7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work. The one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie. All the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

The one who restrains the darkness

The one who holds back the darkness is the Holy Spirit. When He is taken out of the way, the lawless one will be revealed. (Anti Christ). The Holy Spirit resides in the hearts of each and every believer (the church). When the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way, the church goes with him. (Rapture). Rapture completes the church age. A new age will begin titled "The Day of the Lord". The first part of the Day of the Lord is a seven year tribulation period. It will prepare the earth and it's inhabitants for the second part of the Day of the Lord. The thousand year millennial period where Jesus will rule and reign on the earth.

The good news is that believers will miss the first part of the Day of the Lord. When the Holy Spirt is taken out of the way, they will go with him. 1 Thess. 4:16-18. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. How doe we become believers? Repent and trust in Jesus!

Five Foolish Virgins

 Who are the five foolish virgins? Unger states that they are the children of Israel. They are removed from the earth and will suffer death with the godless gentiles during the great tribulation period. The five wise virgins will remain and enter into the promised land, the millennial kingdom. Isaiah 27:12. Unger's commentary on the Old Testament. Pg. 1215.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. The words kingdom of heaven are found thirty-two times in the gospel of Matthew and always refer to God's reign over His created and redeemed world and the believers who occupy that world. Jewish exclusivity is not the theme here. Jew and Gentile alike make up the kingdom of heaven. Whereas Isaiah 27:12 is referring to Israel exclusively.

The Bridegroom

Who is the Bridegroom? Jesus is the Bridegroom and He will be returning for those who are watching and waiting for Him. The foolish virgins are not concerned about the coming of the Lord. The wise virgins are waiting anxiously for Him. The group of virgins consist of Jew and Gentile alike.

The exhortation at the end of this parable is to watch for you know neither the day or the hour wherin the Son of man will come. If the parable of the ten virgins is referring to the Lord's gathering one by one and one to another of the children of Israel in Isaiah 27:12 which occurs during the tribulation period, it becomes nonsensical. During the tribulation period, people will know exactly when the Lord will return. It will be seven years after rapture of the church. Jesus' secret coming is a big mystery though and corresponds to the Lord's exhortation at the end of the parable of the ten virgins. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

In conclusion, the parable of the ten virgins is referring to the church. Jew and Gentile alike. It also speaks of the rapture of the church which will occur when Jesus secretly returns and calls His bride, the church, to come and be with him before the seven year tribulation period begins. Many folks in the church are not anxiously watching and waiting for the coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. They will say to Him when he comes Lord, Lord, let us in. But Jesus will say to them, "I know you not". Matt. 25:12.

One Will Be Taken

 Matt. 24:40 says one will be taken and one will be left. What exactly does that mean? There are different interpretations as to the meaning of this text. J. Vernon McGee says these verses do not speak of the rapture of the church. They speak of the taking out of those who are not going to enter the millennial kingdom. "As the days of Noah were." Who was taken away in the days of Noah? "They knew not until the flood came, and took them all away." So those who are taken away picture the removing from the earth by judgment those who are not going to enter the millennial kingdom. TTB pg. 132. This happens during the Day of the Lord, the seven year tribulation period that is coming upon the earth. Unger holds the same view of these scriptures and says that the lesson is to keep watch because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Unger's Commentary On The Gospels pg. 171.

Days will be "normal"

This interpretation is nonsensical when examining the text. Matt. 24:36-39. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark. In other words, things will be as usual before the Day of the Lord, the seven year tribulation period. Then Noah was taken out of the way and the earth was destroyed. So to the rapture will remove the Church from the earth which will then be destroyed and reformed to prepare for the coming millennial kingdom rule and reign of Christ.

Days will not be "normal"

Those alive on the earth during the seven year tribulation period will not experience life as normal. Life will not be the same as before the tribulation period. Life before Noah entered the ark was normal. People eating and drinking. People getting married. After Noah entered the ark everything changed. After rapture everything will change. People will want to die but won't be able to. Rev. 9:6. So to say that everything is normal during the tribulation period and to keep watch for the Son of Man because He will come at an hour when you do not expect him doesn't align with exegesis. "Conclusions which follow the text." We don't know when the rapture will happen. That's a big secret. We're to keep watch and be ready for it. During the tribulation period people will know exactly when Jesus will return. It will be at the end of the tribulation period exactly seven years after the rapture of the church. You can count on it.

In conclusion, Matt. 24:40 is probably referring to rapture or removing the church from the earth before the tribulation period begins as opposed to removing the ungodly during the tribulation period. The ungodly will be removed during this period but Matt. 24:40 probably isn't referring to these people.

Tyre is Laid Waste

 Isaiah 23:1 Tyre is laid waste, so that there is no house, no harbor. Isaiah 23:6 Pass over to Tarshish [to seek safety as exiles]! Wail, you inhabitants of the Tyre coast! Tyre is an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast. It is in modern-day Lebanon. It was a major Phoenician port known for its historical significance, particularly its connection to the Tyrian purple dye industry and its influential role in ancient trade and culture.

Tyre is a picture of the world financial/economic system. The prophecy reaches out to include the world financial/economic system that will exist during the 7 year tribulation period. Revelation chapter 18 describes the destruction of this system. Verse 2 Babylon the Great has fallen.

Some commentators believe that Babylon will be rebuilt. Others say that Babylon refers to the existing financial/economic system during the final 7 year tribulation period. Either concept could play out.

Isaiah verse 17 After the end of seventy years, the Lord will remember Tyre; Looking to the future, The Lord will remember the world financial/economic system at the end of the seven year tribulation period and restore it. Isaiah verse 18 says that this new system will be dedicated to the Lord. Goods will not be hoarded or stored in lust for gain. It will be used for those who dwell in the presence of the Lord. That they may eat sufficiently and have durable and stately clothing [suitable for those who minister at God's altar].

A Three Way Blessing

 Isaiah 19:24, 25 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria. A blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance."

These verses look forward to the Millennial Kingdom on earth albeit severe chastisement via the seven year tribulation period will proceed this glorious day of repentance and trusting in the Savior. Verse 20, He will send them a savior, a mighty one and will deliver them. This looks forward to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and his millennial rule and reign.

Assyria corresponds to most parts of modern-day Iraq as well as parts of Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey. This modern day hot spot of conflict, war, death, destruction and chaos will be transformed into a blessing upon the earth. Verse 23. In that day there will be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria. The Egyptians will worship [the Lord] with the Assyrians.

These are prophetic verses. Isaiah's vision reveals a new government where Messiah's salvation for the whole world is enacted.

How do we escape the tribulation as has been noted that will precede the establishment of the Millennial kingdom? This time period called the Day of the Lord, Jacob’s trouble, tribulation period that will last for 7 years? How do we escape? Repent and trust in Jesus!

Israel's Time of Trouble

 Isaiah chapter 17 points to the day of Jacob or Israel's time of great trouble. Israel had joined with Damascus against Judah which refused to align with Damascus to help protect against Assyria. Ancient Assyria included parts of Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran. The core region was northern Iraq. The part with the Tigris River flowing through it. The Assyrian threat pictures a future time when Israel and Jerusalem will be invaded at Armageddon. This will be the time of final destruction of Israel's foes. Revelation 16:16.

Ten tribes of Israel had joined forces with the Arameans (Syria) to defend against Assyria. The two tribes of Judah would not participate in the unholy alliance. The Lord wanted Israel to trust in Him for their well being and not a gentile nation. Not only did the aggressor nations suffer but Israel also suffered because of faithlessness. Isiah 17:4-6 predicts this ruin and a surviving Israeli remnant.

Damascus reduced to rubble

Damascus was reduced to rubble when Tiglath-pileser (Assyria) took the city in 732 B.C. Sennacherib was grandson to Tiglath-pileser III. He waged war against many cities along the Mediterranean coast. Judah and Jerusalem were the most famous of his campaigns in 701 B.C. He did not succeed though and withdrew after receiving tribute from King Hezekiah. 

While Sennacherib conducted successful campaigns, his reign was marked by rebellions, political schemes, and ultimately, his assassination. What happened to Sennacherib is a picture of what will happen to all of Israel's foes during the time of great trouble (Day of the Lord). This time of tribulation will also bring forth a converted Israeli remnant destined for Kingdom blessing.

How do we escape this terrible time of tribulation that will come upon all the earth? This time period called the Day of the Lord, Jacob’s trouble, tribulation period that will last for 7 years? How do we escape? Repent and trust in Jesus!

The Millennial Kingdom

 Isaiah chapter 12 looks forward to the millennial kingdom on earth. The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles also depicts this time. God's anger and wrath is visited upon all the earth Jew and Gentile alike during the tribulation period. Thereafter the restored people will be thankful each and every one. After suffering the tribulation furnace, His anger will have passed. He will comfort His restored people during the millennial kingdom reign.

Verse 4 comes from Psalms 105:1. Give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

The Lord is to be praised in song during this time. The message will be published throughout the entire millennial earth. The people will cry out joyfully during this time and shout! For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Garment Rolled in Blood

 Isaiah 9:5 says "Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning. It will be fuel for the fire." This is a reference to the great battle of Armageddon Rev. 16:14-16. All the rulers of the world will be gathered together for war on the great day of God Almighty.

Accordingly Jesus will defeat these enemies and establish His government in Israel and upon the earth. Isaiah 9:6-7. Revelation 14:20 states the blood will be up to the horses' bridles. That's a lot of blood. It will certainly be enough for every garment to be rolled in blood. The garments are destined for burning!

We read in Matt. 24:21 that there will be great distress on the earth. It has never been before and will never be again. This dark time on earth will have no equal. There has not been such a time in the past. Another key point is that there will never be such a time in the future.

Some people believe that the church will have to experience this terrible apocalyptical event. But Jesus says pray to the father that you would be counted worthy and be able to escape. Luke 21:36. The great day or time of God's wrath will come. Rev. 6:16-17. No one will be able to stand. But the church is not appointed to wrath! 1 Thess. 5:9. "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ".

This time period is called the Day of the Lord, Jacob's trouble, tribulation period. It will last for 7 years. How do we escape this terrible time coming upon the earth? Repent and trust in Jesus!

The People Who Sat In Darkness

 Matt. 4:16. Isaiah 9:1-2. "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." The Savior first appeared in this territory. This was the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. The land of Galilee. Western Galilee is part of the Gaza strip today.

These ancient peoples were the first to fall and stumble into darkness. They would be the first to receive the wonderful light of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus' ministry was first established in Galilee. The first words of His public ministry were to repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins). The kingdom of God is at hand. Matt. 4:17. These words are a crucial imperative for today!

Jesus says in Luke 13:3 that if we will not repent then we will perish and be lost for of all of eternity. We will continue to exist but be eternally separated from Him. He also said not to fear those who kill the body and then have nothing more that they can do. Fear and respect Him Who after killing has power to hurl into hell! Luke 12:4-5.

The Day of the Lord is fast approaching. A time of pouring out of God’s wrath upon transgressors and sinners. A Day of reckoning. The good news is that believers won’t have to experience this terrible time on earth. Believers are not appointed to experience God’s wrath. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. How do we escape the day of the Lord (7 year tribulation period)? Repent and trust in Jesus!