“In the interview with Nicodemus, Jesus unfolded the plan of salvation and His mission to the world. In none of His subsequent discourses did He explain so fully, step by step, the work necessary to be done in the hearts of all who would inherit the kingdom of heaven. At the very beginning of His ministry, He opened the truth to a member of the Sanhedrin, to the mind that was most receptive, and to an appointed teacher of the people. But the leaders of Israel did not welcome the light. Nicodemus hid the truth in his heart, and for three years, there was little apparent fruit.”Desire of Ages, p. 176
Godly Patience
Let not there be discouragement when a friend, family member, or acquaintance shows little fruit from constant prayer requests and/or the planting of God’s word. The growth from a seed to a plant takes time. Sunshine, food, and water nourish the little seedling to grow. Weeds may grow up to try to choke out the plant. Weeds should be carefully removed from near the plant, but God does not allow sinful man to do this work. The plant must grow at the rate and wisdom of God’s leading.
If tempted to judge others in your congregation based on their fruit and rate of growth, keep in mind two things:
1.) God is tending the garden He plants of receptive and willing people. Each person is at a different point in their Jesus Journey, so the plant of believers should only provide to others the things God has given us: Sunshine, food, and water to each person. Be careful not to hang heavy burdens on a small plant. When it is a strong mature plant, it will be ready for its intended purpose.
2.) The tares and wheat will grow together in the church until the harvest. It is not our place to weed the garden or to harvest. Weeding may have the intended results of damaging the wheat. It is not our place to generalize and pronounce judgments on a church as a whole because of tares. We should only water and ensure we do not block the Son for everyone because we do not know who is wheat and who are tares. God looks on the heart…we can’t see a person’s heart. It is a natural spiritual result that weeds will often dry up on their own if they reject the water and bread of life. But we should never stop offering both. People can change.
He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares, you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, Matthew 13: 28-30b
“…Jesus was acquainted with the soil into which He cast the seed. The words spoken at night to one listener in the lonely mountain were not lost. For a time, Nicodemus did not publicly acknowledge Christ, but he watched His life and pondered His teachings. In the Sanhedrin council, he repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him. When at last Jesus was lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the teaching upon Olivet:
And asMoseslifteduptheserpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be liftedup,
John 3:14
The light from that secret interview illumined the cross upon Calvary, and Nicodemus saw in Jesus the world’s Redeemer.” Desire of Ages, p. 176
“After the Lord’s ascension, when the disciples were scattered by persecution, Nicodemus came boldly to the front. He employed his wealth in sustaining the infant church that the Jews had expected to be blotted out at the death of Christ. In the time of peril, he, who had been so cautious and questioning, was firm as a rock, encouraging the faith of the disciples and furnishing means to carry forward the work of the gospel. He was scorned and persecuted by those who had paid him reverence in other days. He became poor in this world’s goods, yet he faltered not in the faith which had its beginning in that night conference with Jesus.” Desire of Ages, p. 177
After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, Nicodemus came forth boldly. He had received the Son, water, and bread of life. His faith in Jesus grew to be as firm as a rock. His rebirth occurred that night with Jesus when he realized his great need to change from dry religiosity to a productive follower of Jesus. The emphatic words of Jesus stayed with him:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”… “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3: 3,5
Fruit
Nicodemus’ support came in the form of the wealth that others lacked. When persecution came, he encouraged the disciples in their work. It is likely that the fruit bore by Nicodemus fed the little church of believers. The church became stronger and moved faster under the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that is the most powerful fruit that is given as a gift to that one who has been reborn. It was the power that led to the growth of the church of believers. These seedlings of God’s word would bear much fruit and spread this seed of life throughout the world. Fruit would come forth to feed those who would “take and eat.”
Unity always results when a church is filled with people who have been reborn and accept the mission of Jesus to…
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2: 1-2
Conclusion
The body of Christ, His church, can learn from that powerful conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. It starts with a startling fact from Jesus: If we have not been reborn, we will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. But, the power of the Holy Spirit to do this work is encouraged by the receptive heart moved and convicted by looking and learning of Jesus.
The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers, yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion, but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with a more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many, this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God—a patient, protracted process. Desire of Ages, p. 172
After conversion, the heart is changed to love like Jesus and compelled to tell the world of Him.
The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. Desire of Ages, p. 172
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not know these things? John 3:8-10
“The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite, he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour’s words.: Desire of Ages, p. 72
The metaphor of being born again brings up a picture of newness…a complete change. Again, the learned Nicodemus must have been familiar with Ezekiel’s and David’s picture of God’s work of creating a new heart and a new spirit in the life of those who were still a child of this world.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36:26
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Nicodemus was still perplexed, and Jesus used the wind to illustrate His meaning.
The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers, yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. Desire of Ages, p. 172
By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many, this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted process. Desire of Ages 172
The “wooing” of the Spirit of God is explained in the book of Jeremiah,
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3
God Draws-He Never Forces
God never forces. Instead, he uses “reason” and appeals to our hearts and minds about our sins and His solution (Isaiah 1:18) .
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18
He displays His “everlasting love” to draw people to Him. People come to Him out of a realization of the love and sacrifice of our Creator. Nicodemus was drawn to Jesus because of the love and patience demonstrated to him. Yes, theology and the explanation of God’s word play a large part in leading us to salvation; but they cannot save within themselves. Only Jesus can save. It is His work alone through the promised giving of the Holy Spirit that produces God’s desired results.
‘Through faith, we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God”. Desire of Ages, p. 175
Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31
Soon Jesus would demonstrate His great love through His sacrificial death on a Roman cross. Nicodemus would witness this pivotal act of salvation and draw him even closer to Jesus, especially after the resurrection. The resurrection would seal the deal for many, even the priests who doubted Jesus.
As Nicodemus considered the blowing of the wind, the Spirit, and being born again, Jesus turns Nicodemus’ mind back to the Tora. Jesus recalled the incident of Israel’s salvation from the deadly bite of snakes in the camp of Israel and what God instructed Moses to do. It was a metaphor and forecast of the crucifixion. Jesus is teaching Nicodemus to understand that salvation is not based on religious acts but on the love of God. This act of God’s love and sacrifice would “woo” or “draw” this religious leader to Jesus even more. Here he would find a salve for his soul in Jesus.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so, must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 14-15
Jesus emphasizes what initiated eternal life by repeating Himself with the most beloved words of Christendom:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Himshould not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
In Jesus’ final days before the crucifixion, Jesus prepared the hearts of The followers of his pending death as predicted in the the Tanakh. This act of love would be a universal platform for the “wooing” and “drawing” of everyone to Jesus.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
John 12: 32-33
Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look. They might have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol. They might have demanded a scientific explanation. But no explanation was given. They must accept the word of God to them through Moses. To refuse to look was to perish.
Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace…”
Nicodemus wanted to know how he could know if he was born again. The rich young ruler wanted to know what he could do to have eternal life. The questions are similar, the answer to both is found in Jesus, not in works, position, or tradition.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3: 3-6-Nicodemus
“Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16=Rich Young Ruler
We are born of flesh through our mothers. But, being born of the Spirit is the work of God alone. No earthly flesh can get you born again. It is the Spirit that will change us into a new life, free from the ancestral tendencies of sin.
Over the years, I have heard many reasons why someone will miss out on the kingdom of God. Most of them have to do with some cherished sin, dogma, or worldview. But, the number one reason for a person to perish without any hope of a future with God is to reject Christ and push away the work of the Holy Spirit. For the unbeliever, it comes down to simply not believing He is the Son of God. But also unbelief that He can give a person both forgiveness of sins and the power over their cherished sins.
Nicodemus was not an unbeliever. What would keep him out of the kingdom was that He had never been born again! Jesus made it very clear that…
“…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.“
John 3:5
This mystified the learned Pharisees. A hard question for each person who is a believer and points to their church-going upbringing, denomination, and tradition must ask this:
“Have I been born again? How do I know?”
Nicodemus went through this conversation with Jesus because he thought one way, and Jesus corrected him. It is not unusual for God to ask us to take an inventory of our lives.
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
2 Corinthians 13:5
I hope you caught the answer to the “test.” It is whether you know (or do not know) that Jesus Christ is in you. If you can’t answer affirmatively, maybe you have not been born again. Because if you have been born again, you will know” that Jesus Christ is in you.”
Are you a churchgoer, a church leader, or a pastor, but the experience of being born again mystifies you? If your thoughts are more on being good (fill in the denomination name), then maybe you are like the prideful Nicodemus and have never been born again.
Jesus continued:
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ”
John 3:6
Here Jesus mentions two entities: flesh and spirit.
Flesh-Our Nature
By nature, the heart is evil; No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. Job asks:
“who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4.
“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7
Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. Jeremiah 13:23
“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
Matthew 15:19
Paul struggled with this, but he knew the answer:
I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Romans 7: 21-24
The answer:
I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!Romans 7:25
The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” Desire of Ages, p172
Notice: The Christian life is a “transformation of nature...and the “effectual working of the Holy Spirit. ”
“There is, therefore, now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1
As each person is convicted of their sins, they will turn to Jesus alone. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin (John 16:8). This is part of your birth pains! But you have not been born again yet.
Conviction leads to repentance again, the work of the Holy Spirit. Repentance comes when you get a good view of God’s goodness toward you! It is the realization that you must turn from what you are or have been doing because it dishonors the goodness of God, and you have no power. You are still in birth pains.
“…do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Romans 2:4
Repentance will lead us to ask Jesus only for forgiveness (Confession). You will open the door to your heart to let Him come in and be a personal God to you (Rev. 3:20). If you make a firm decision to follow and obey Him, you will be bold. Your first act is a public declaration by following Jesus in baptism by immersion. This baptism shows that you have died to your old way of life and risen as a new person.
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4
There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.
Desire of Ages, p. 172
The Spirit-A New Nature
Walking in the newness of life means “living” in and according to God’s will. You will desire to grow in your experience with Christ. Your attention towards self with change to humble service and love of other people. This is how you will know you have been reborn and are a true disciple of Christ.
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35
Sadly, I have often seen someone convicted of sin commit to Christ. They are baptized and then immediately (if not later) return to their old way of life. What happened? They were baptized but did not rise out of the waters, a new creature in Christ. They were not reborn! They went into the grave of baptism and came up a wet unconverted sinner.
There are two ditches we can fall into if we are not careful. They are direct opposites of each other.
First is thinking you have to reach a point of perfection before you can enter the kingdom of God. The other is the dangerous teaching of the presumption that I am locked in once I have received Christ into my life and been baptized. I can’t fall from grace.
Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking you can reach a point in your experience where you stop sinning because you can’t!
Don’t misunderstand. God will give you either instant or a battled victory over sins that “so easily beset you,” such as drinking, drugs, temper, theft, lying, etc., but you are still a sinner saved by the grace of God through the faith. The big difference is that you are aware of your sinfulness and desire to really change things in your life to glorify Him!
Sinning is not limited to the legalistic view of obeying the ten commandments. As Jesus explained, it is a heart or spiritual experience of trust that leads to obedience to God’s will. For example, we can sin by not trusting God. or by knowing to do good and not doing it.
“for whatever is not from faith is sin..” Romans 14:23
“…to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
James 4:17
It is a sad, unproductive selfish person who thinks they must stop sinning entirely before entering the kingdom of heaven. They don’t understand justification (being made righteous by the blood of Christ). They do not understand a life of faith. They do not understand that the works of the law do not justify them.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Romans 3:28
Conversely, It is a presumptuous person who thinks once they are baptized, they are locked in and cannot fall from God’s grace. God continues to tell us to be on guard against the wiles of the devil and our own sinful nature. If we could not fall from grace, why would we need to put on the armor of God?
You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Romans 6:13
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12
These words of Paul were written to believers in Rome and Corinth. Not to unbelievers!
The presumption of being unable to fall is just as dangerous as the legalists who feel they must be good enough and constantly fearful of salvation in Christ. Sanctification (the work of a lifetime, where God shapes a person’s life) is not appreciated by these believers.
How Can I Know I Have Been Born Again?
Keep this in mind. It is for our encouragement and God’s will for us to know we have salvation and have been born again. It happens by faith (trust) in God and His word:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13
The first part of this verse is often quoted, but the last part is just as important. “that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” As we get to know the written word of God and have a personal experience with Jesus, He gives us assurance and the ability to continue to trust in God. Some people start the good fight of faith but fade away because there is no power from the saving knowledge in their experience with Jesus. They have left the side of Jesus and fallen into unbelief.
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;
Hebrews 3:12
Conclusion
We will know that we have been born again, and so will our friends and family because there will be a decided change in the person’s personality, lifestyle, and love for others. Why? Because Jesus has given us a new heart through the work of the Holy Spirit, not just one time, but continually. A Christ-like love will mark our lives for others and the God we serve.
“While the work of the Spirit is silent and imperceptible, its effects are manifest (made known). If the Spirit of God has renewed the heart, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.” Steps to Christ p. 57
The work of the Holy Spirit to change our sinful tendencies is as imperceptible and invisible as the paths of the wind. It is because it is the Spirit of God who works on our hearts and minds to change us. The Spirit cannot be seen. Won’t you allow Him to do that in your life today? He can’t do it unless you give Him permission.
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:8
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
My wife and I have become fans of the series on the life of Christ called “The Chosen.” As I watch this, like many people, it has encouraged me to study closer the Scripture (Old Testament) and the New Testament writings. I want to know Jesus better! Don’t you?
It seems that the series’ writers have taken a peak at the book, Desire of Ages, by EG White. So I started to reread this book (written over 100 years ago) along with the Bible…not so much for theology, but for a closer walk with Jesus.
One of my favorite scenes in The Chosen is the rooftop meeting with Jesus. But, in the book Desire of Ages, even more, insight stimulated my mind and imagination.
It is highly likely that “Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and by his pen, it was recorded for the instruction of millions.” (Desire of Ages, p. 177
This was brought out in The Chosen as well.
In this account in John 3: 1-17, Jesus reveals to Nicodemus and the reader, who prides themselves in their religion, the critical experience of being born again.
In their discussion, Jesus cuts right to the heart of Nicodemus’ spiritual needs. Jesus starts their discussion with the expression of intense truthfulness, “Verily, Verily” (KJV) or “Very truly.” (NIV), or ” “Most Assuredly” (NKJV). Whatever translation is used, Jesus’ wants us to know His words are true without exception.
“Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again… Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:3
John 3:3,5
Nicodemus is not that different from many religious people who have never been born again, including leaders and, dare I say it?… Pastors.
The critical topic of Jesus’s words about being “born again” will be the topic for the next few blogs. I will be more brief than usual because I don’t want the power of God’s word to go without serious contemplation by the reader. As a pastor and evangelist at heart, this is what drives the ministry God has thrust upon me…I mean this in a good way. God’s word and Spirit compel me to do so.
“In the interview with Nicodemus, Jesus unfolded the plan of salvation and His mission to the world. In none of His subsequent discourses did He explain so fully, step by step, the work necessary to be done in the hearts of all who would inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Desire of Ages, p.176
*A quick review of the New and Old Testament shows that the term “Born Again” is not used by any other disciple or prophet except for Peter (1 Peter 1: 23), although many references in the Bible describe a new heart and a new mind that God gives the “born again” believer. More on that next time.
Nicodemus Was Good At His Religion
“Nicodemus was highly respected and held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated and possessed talents of no ordinary character, and he was an honored member of the national council. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus.” Desire of Ages, p. 167
“Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus; It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not have your curiosity satisfied but have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission. ” Desire of Ages, p.171
Theology has its place, but it cannot provide salvation from sin and eternal death. Nicodemus was a great theologian, but spiritually He lacked something. He could feel it! He was drawn to the teachings and person of Jesus. Consequently, he came to Jesus alone at night.
Herein is a great truth. Coming to Jesus alone, whether at night or in the morning, without companions or the church, will produce a firmer and truer relationship with Jesus. It will enrich the worship service you attend. Your worship will be in spirit and in truth. It is your quiet time with Jesus, where the words of God will provide clarity and peace.
Each person who has been stirred by the words of God and drawn to Jesus will want to learn of Jesus. This is all-important, but the things of the Bible will not be of any lasting value if that person is not born-again.
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
John 3:2
“The opening words of Nicodemus were designed to express and to invite confidence, but they really expressed unbelief. He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah, but only a teacher sent from God.” Desire of Ages, p. 168
At this point, Nicodemus was influenced by his religion, tradition, and pride. He had not come to the point where He could acknowledge Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah as predicted by the Prophets. So it is with ourselves. Getting to know Jesus personally may be corrupted by our pride in being good at our religion or denomination. As Nicodemus, we may be lacking in a personal experience with Jesus.
“Instead of recognizing this salutation, Jesus bent His eyes upon the speaker as if reading his very soul. In His infinite wisdom, He saw before Him a seeker after truth. He knew the object of this visit, and with a desire to deepen the conviction already resting upon His listener’s mind, He came directly to the point, saying solemnly, yet kindly,
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
John 3:3
Desire of Ages, p. 168
How is it with you today, my friend? Will you see the kingdom of God? Do you sneak away from everyone and spend time talking and conversing with Jesus? Do you listen to His words to understand Him or to confirm your and your church’s views on theology? Or does your day start or end with a good movie and your blanket?
More importantly, have you been born again? How would you know? Do you look at your “good works?” Do you point to your position in the church? Next time, we will see how Jesus answers this question to help us understand what it means to be “born again.”
And this
is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3
In the last article, we looked at the idea that it is possible to know God. Keep in mind that this is different from a complete understanding. We will have an eternity to contemplate the love of God expressed in God the Father’s sacrificial love…Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, mediation, and His creation of a new earth,
God Wants Us to Know and Understand Him
God wants us to know and understand Him, but mastery of this knowledge is impossible because of who we are (His creation) and who He is (The Creator). But, it is the basic things about knowing God that is important anyway.
The most powerful and simple intercessory prayer recorded in the Bible came from the heart of Jesus before His death on the cross. As we read it in John 17, we will begin to know the basic things about God the Father and Jesus. These elementary things are powerful and dynamic. Let’s read the first five verses of Jesus’ prayer
Jesus spoke these words, lifted His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
John 17: 1-5
What can easily be seen in Jesus’ prayer is His acknowledgment and acceptance that His time had come. His pending painful death for our sins is only hours away. Jesus wants to avoid this death. He wants the cup of suffering to pass over Him.
Nevertheless, Jesus defers to the Father’s plan that the sorrowful cup of sacrifice is drunk to the last drop. Jesus, the innocent lamb of God who knew nothing but love, and compassion, would die the death we deserve so that we can enjoy the life He deserved. We won’t have scars on our palms or side forever. He will. The only imperfection in heaven will be those scars on the glorified body of Christ. These scars will remind us of our redemption from a sin-crazed world. That is why sin and rebellion will never raise their ugly heads again.
Jesus’ death on a splintery rugged cross would bring glory to both the Father and the Son: even though the enemy thought it would scare Jesus away. But love was stronger.
In Jesus’ prayer, we can see that authority over all of us is given from God the Father to Jesus. This is not a “bossy” authority but a protective authority. Jesus, in turn, Jesus provides eternal life for those given to Him. But this eternal life is not arbitrary, by chance, ancestry, or anything else; it is through a developed knowledge of God the Father and Jesus.
How does this life-saving knowledge come to the saved? It is by learning about God through at least three basic sources in this world. Today, we will describe the first 2:
God’s communication through His creation.
The face of a child.
The preserved word of those God inspired to write about God’s dealings with humanity from the very beginning. The story provides understanding.
The life of Christ
The faith of those who knew God.
Any of these are sufficient to create faith (trust) in a Creator God. This faith will lead to a changed heart.
His Creation
Anyone with eyes and ears can learn about God through His creation, or what we call nature. A simple walk or hike will lift the heart upward. As a young man with job responsibilities and a family, I would sometimes need to escape. This I did by hiking with a couple of Chrisitan friends for a few days in the Great Smokey Mountains or other such places near home. I can still remember the burden removed from my shoulders as I walked only a hundred yards on the path into the woods. Today, the daily habit of short walks in the country setting of my home re-connects me to the reality of a Creator God.
Paul tells the Romans in the first chapter that God’s creation is sufficient proof of God’s existence and that we have no excuse for believing otherwise.
For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Romans 1:20
Nature can help us understand the great mystery of His eternal power and even the Godhead! Wow! Think about that for a second or two. But many will reject this knowledge. Paul continues…
…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.
Romans 1:21-22
So even though the evidence is right there in their faces, they choose to be unthankful for the things that reveal God and sustain them. Their thoughts become futile and dark. They think they are wise, but they are fools—such a sad train of reasoning of the lost. But God searches for ways to appeal to their intellect. He draws them to Himself with kindness and the deep meaning of sacrificial love, as shown on the cross.
With everlasting kindness, I will have mercy on you,” Says the Lord, your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:8
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with lovingkindness, I have drawn you.
Jeremiah 31:3
Yes, even the modest of God’s creations tells of the character of God. Because of this, no man has an excuse to wonder about God.
“God is love” is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green — all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity.Steps to Christ, p. 10
The Face of A Child
Perhaps nothing can reach the heart of anyone like the face of a child. There in that little t face with those bright eyes is the unspoiled, innocent face of God looking back at you. The love that a Mother and Father have for a child is evidence of a loving, caring, protective Heavenly Father. The righteous feelings and pride of parents explain the necessity of the sacrifice of their own lives and the overwhelming desire to protect to the uttermost. To parents, the life of that child supersedes anything else in this world.
In the same way, God calls us adults, his children. How Jesus treated the little children of His day tells us how much He cares for us.
Once when some mothers were bringing their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother him.
But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very much displeased with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don’t send them away! I tell you as seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into his Kingdom.”
Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and he blessed them. Mark 10:13-16
“Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they”
Jesus
Some of the most direct and threatening words of Jesus relate to those who would abuse a “little one.” There is good evidence in Jesus’ words that the little ones are not just children but adults who are tempted by another person
Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves.
Luke 17: 2-3
If you want to know God, observe the innocence of a child and how Jesus relates to them. If you want to see Satan, look at how he and his followers treat a child for selfish sake.
Jesus is our protector and the apple of His eye. He, as our Heavenly Father, looks upon us as His children. This is what we can know about God through the face of a child.
“At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Everyone who is found written in the book.
Daniel 12:1
The Doctrine of Fear?
A well-meaning friend with concern about end-times said,
” I hope I am not alive when Jesus returns because I don’t think I could endure the time of trouble.”
A different statement from another friend:
“I don’t worry about the time of trouble because God will rapture the church before it all starts.”
Regardless of what one believes about tribulation, “pre-tribulation” or “post-tribulation,” there is a danger in both of the two responses above.
For the easy-way-out person, i.e., “I don’t have to worry about the time of trouble,” spiritual preparation to trust God to the uttermost becomes a low priority. The health and wealth “gospel” and mindset leave a person with the possibility of great disappointment and exposure should their thinking be incorrect.
The believer who worries that they want to escape trials and trouble through death is equally in danger. They don’t have faith in God to strengthen and protect them even when times are rough before the great time of trouble.
There is a third response. It is a response of faith that can conquer any situation.
“I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me,” Pilippians 4:14
Paul
Can this mindset be true even during a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation? Trust in God to the uttermost has been demonstrated throughout the Church’s history. Persecution of believers who have this level of faith reflects God’s power, truth, and grace even while being burned at the stake.
Endurance and Salvation
The endurance of believers is the theme of encouragement for us in the last days. They are found all through the Bible and the history of Jesus’ church. It is a biblical certainty prophesied by Jesus and recorded for us in Matthew, John, and Mark.
“…If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you… John 15:20
Jesus
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22
Jesus
When Jesus spoke about the last generation on planet earth, He said,
And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. but he who endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:12
Jesus
At the end of time, the strong in Christ endure the pressure of the beast’s power (political and religious entity). They are faithful and obedient to the commands of God. As a result, they are recognized specifically as those…
…who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, Revelation 15:2
John
There is no doubt that the believers, i.e., His Church, go through this terrible time of trouble to glorify God and reward those who endure to the end. They are singled out as victorious over anything the Beast Satan (dragon) can throw at them.
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17
John
God’s Purpose
What is the purpose of all persecution and suffering? Paul said it this way:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:1
Paul
Suffering has a purpose: God’s glory revealed in us!
Enduring times of trouble is an opportunity to demonstrate the level of faith and strength God gives you in mini-trials throughout your Jesus’ journey. The daily exercises in faith build the bone and muscle of the believer’s confidence!
The ancient prophet, Jeremiah, asks this relevant and revealing question:
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? Jeremiah 12:5
Jeremiah
In modern terms, If we can’t trust God in the small challenges of life, how will we have confidence in Him in the large things? Paul, that great man of God, encourages us to be conquerors and tells us nothing can separate us from God. Is this fact of Jesus true for you today? Do you believe He is with you through good times and bad times?
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 37-39
Paul
God’s continual presence, love, and victory is are demonstrated in the conquering power God gives us!
Protection During The Time of Trouble
When modern Bible fiction writers and their followers talk about the time of trouble, they emphasize the terrible conditions during the great tribulation predicted by Daniel and Jesus. They paint a dark, bleak picture of the beast’s actions in Revelation 13 and the Anti-Christ, followed by God’s judgments of the seven last plagues of Revelation 16. And, I might say, “rightly so.” These judgments are not warnings; they are actions of a Holy God, who has determined enough is enough!
These judgments fall on the people of the earth who have rejected God. At the same time, His people are protected from the effects of the judgments falling on planet earth. There is precise precedence for this type of situation.
A foreshadowing of God’s protection during the plagues is presented in the story of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Just as God protected His people in the days before they were delivered from the might of Egypt, God will protect His people in the last days of rescue from a fallen world.
As you read the story of Israel’s preparation for deliverance, notice the plagues fell on the Pharaoh and Egypt while God’s people were still in Egypt! When the last plague of the death angel who slew the firstborn. God asked the Israelites to put their protection in the blood of the lamb by putting the lamb’s blood on the doorposts. The angel of death “passed over” the home that had followed God’s commands. That event is celebrated to this day through the ceremony of The Passover. So it will be in the last days, God will pass over those who are hidden in Christ and depend upon His blood for their salvation! David must have been reflecting on the power of God’s protection when he wrote:
Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; Psalm 91: 9-10
David
There were ten plagues in Egypt; there will be seven in the time of trouble. Just as God protected His people in Egypt, God will protect His people in the final days of the planet in rebellion against God.
The view of faith to endure via God’s grace and strength is more Biblical than the easy way out. The person who fears such times may lack the faith that is available every day until the proclamation of God seals the fate of those who have faith in Christ and are alive just before He comes.
He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him [e]be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Revelation 22: 11-12
“…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8
Jesus
Jesus asked this rhetorical question directed at the disciples, with the Pharisees nearby, demonstrating the importance of faith before He returns.
Trust (faith) in Jesus propels the believer through the toughest of times, even the great tribulation.
As mentioned at the start, some pastors ignore the topic of the coming great tribulation, saying things like, “I won’t be here anyway.” The proverbial head in the sand would apply here. To give an easy way out of the turmoil upon the earth in the final days eliminates the story of victory, the rejoicing of overcoming, and the glorification of God through us! The demonstration to the universe of believers staying faithful to God even amid extreme difficulty is lost if their faith is not seen! It is a smooth doctrine of peace and safety for an escape.
“At That Time”
In the final chapter of Daniel, the angel describes a point where Michael “stands up.” This motion is a powerful allusion to strength, decision, and finality. In modern terminology, Jesus has had enough. The wicked and their leaders have crossed a line. Their continuous battles and wars have gone too far (See Daniel 11 for context).
In Daniel 12: 1, the “time” is described in this order:
1.) Jesus, who watches over His people, stands up.
2.) A time of trouble begins after Jesus stands up
3.) At that time (time of trouble), the people are delivered whose name is written in the book of life. This is not a deliverance FROM the time of trouble but THROUGH the time of trouble. This is not wordplay but the context of precedence. Think of all the characters in the Bible and Church History. They did not escape persecution; they endured it. Examples: the disciples, the early Christians, those in the dark ages against the powerful Roman church, and even those in modern-day Islamic-controlled countries.
After Jesus stands up, He returns to take up His people to where He is now (John 14: 1-3). Those who remain alive after the terrible catastrophes on the earth AND those who sleep in the dust! Those who never see death are few and far between, but they have endured through the power of their faithful God and Jesus Christ. These faithful few will witness the most spectacular event of all times…” never since there was a nation.” Here is a description from three inspired writers of the Bible:
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…” Daniel 12:2
Daniel
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Job 19:26
Job
The context of the above verses gives hope to believers that the dead will come to live again.
Christian brothers, we want you to know for sure about those who have died. You have no reason to have sorrow as those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and then came to life again. Because we believe this, we know that God will bring to life again all those who belong to Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14
Paul
Book of Life-And Believers at the End
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8 John
The context of Revelation 13:8 is the two beasts that enforce economic sanctions on earth’s people (verses 1 and 11-17). Those not in the book of life will worship him (the sea beast). Conversely, those written in the book of life don’t worship the beast and his image. This last group is the believers. They are on earth to glorify God and demonstrate His power.
Since the anti-Christ and the beast are part of the time of trouble, it confirms God’s people are still on earth and standing faithfully for the Lord by obeying His command to have no other gods before them, not to bow down and worship graven images. This same scenario is found in Daniel 3. The golden image and the command to bow down and worship it under the duress of the death decrees. But God’s people stand firm.
Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12
John
Notice that this small group has patience, and they are identified as loyal to God’s commandments and have faith like Jesus!
Is this deliverance before or during the time of trouble? Delivered from what? How is the deliverance accomplished? The next verse in Daniel 12 adds context to the deliverance.
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life… Daniel 12: 2
Daniel
At this time, those living in peace and safety in our society are a sensitive narcissistic generation who could care less about God. They are caught unaware when the Lord “stands up.”
They have become like the people of Noah,’ and Lot’s generations. They are described as going about their normal routines of life just before destruction. Jesus described it this way,
And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. Luke 17: 26-30
Jesus
These unbelievers wrapped up in everyday life apart from God are contrasted with those who stay faithful to God. Their eyes are looking upward. They are protected and saved. The others are looking to nature to save them:
Two Different Responses:
Those who have made God their refuge…their hiding place, stand in the open as Jesus returns and proclaims,
“Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9
Isaiah
Those who have failed at faith or ignored it, will say,
and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Revelation 6:16-17
The answer to the question in Revelation is this:.
Those who are able to stand are the believers who have put their complete trust in Jesus and His word daily. This choice has resulted in faith that is able to endure the most difficult time of planet earth.
My friend, Jesus wants to save you to the uttermost. Take time just now to examine yourself and commit your whole life and situations to total trust in Jesus every step of the way. You will develope strength for whatever is thrown your way. Would you do it just now?
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 13:5
““At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book..”
Daniel 12: 1
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
Matthew 24:21
There is no doubt, there is predicted a “time of trouble” by Daniel and Jesus in these two verses, but how long is it?
The length of the time of trouble in the verses above is not specific about the time. It is the same for other Bible writers. It is just a “time of trouble.” It can be said with absolute certainty; there is not one verse in the Bible that uses the phrase “7 years of tribulation” or “7 years of trouble.” The attempt to make it 7 years comes from a fanciful misinterpretation of Daniel 9: 24-27 prophecy.
The Daniel 9 prophecy is powerful when interpreted in its setting. History confirms the angel’s words sent to Daniel; words to help him understand a portion of a much longer time prophecy. A correct understanding validates the accuracy of Scripture and the God who inspired holy men to write them. Daniel’s vision of the 70-week prophecy has helped many believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. I am one of them.
In previous posts, we have explored What the Rapture is Not. Please read this before continuing. It will help in the understanding of what happens when Jesus returns and how the time of trouble fits in the timeline.
Let’s read the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 and compare it with actual history and dates supported by the Bible to see if there is a 7-year tribulation hidden somewhere in it. We will discover the power of this prophecy in Daniel, written almost 500 years before Jesus!
Please follow and study closely. When we are finished, I recommend you verify the dates at your local library or other resources. Beware of the confusion of the internet. Also, I have included a chart at the end in the “Appendix” to make these dates easier to see and follow.
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Ready? Here we go. Be sure to pay special attention to keywords and the context.
Daniel 9:24-27
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
And after threescore (60) and two weeks (2) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (1): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
Daniel 9: 24-27
If you count up the number in parenthesis, you will have the 70 weeks mentioned at the start of the prophecy. There is a reason why they are split up that way. I will not go into those historical reasons in this writing for the sake of staying on point.
The setting for these verses is important in understanding the prophecy. Daniel and his people (The Jews) had been taken captive by Babylon and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and lay desolate as prophesied by Jeremiah. It was predicted by Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years!
“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the *desolations of Jerusalem.”
(*notice how the word desolations is used here. Jerusalem was empty! A place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation. This will come in handy as you study the abomination of desolations later. Sadly, as I write this, Russia has made certain cities of the Ukraine-desolate)
Daniel 9:2
As the 70 years of captivity for God’s people drew near to the end, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of the people (Verses 4-20). Then Gabriel (an angel) came and informed Daniel that he had…
“come to give thee skill and understanding.”
Daniel 9:22
Then Gabriel gives the vision, as stated in Verses 24-27 above. This is the skill and understanding Daniel needed to understand the message. Daniel knew from Jeremiah’s writings the 70 years of captivity would soon end. But now 70 weeks is introduced. A quick summary of Daniel 9: 24-27 reveals six actions that were to be accomplished in an apparently short period of time:
Six Actions For God’s People:
Finish the transgression
Make an end of sins
Make reconciliation for iniquity
Bring in everlasting righteousness
Seal up the vision and prophecy
Anoint the most Holy
So God was giving the Jewish people (Daniel’s people in captivity) 70 weeks or 490 days to do all those things; ending with anointing the most Holy. We shall see that the anointing of the most Holy is not in regards to the apartment in the sanctuary necessarily, but the Holy One of God-Jesus
The 70 weeks given to the Jews are are calculated in the verses in sections:
“seven weeks” (7) and
“three score” (60) and
“two weeks” (2)
“one week” (1)
Simple arithmetic shows this is a total of 70 weeks. In days, this is 490 days (7 X 70).
A Day Equals a Year in Bible Prophecy
Often in Bible prophecy, the day = year principle is used to unlock the timelines for the coming events. The verses that support this principle can be found in the passages below:
“After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.”
Numbers 14:34
This was a prophecy given by God Himself. He used the 40 days they spied out the land to represent the number of years (40) the children of Israel would wander in the wilderness. A day=a year principal disclosed a literal time period. Here is another example:
“And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”
Ezekiel 4:6
God commands the prophet, Ezekiel, to represent the siege of Jerusalem for 40 years. The day=a year principal at work again.
So God was giving the Jewish people 490 years for their assignment. He sent prophets and others to inspire and help keep them close to him during this time. But as one reads their story, it is quickly seen that they often went after other gods and forsook the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Most of all the one and only true Creator God and their mission was minimized.
Eventually, the religion of Israel became stiff and legalistic, often relying on their heritage than on the God who delivered them many times in miraculous ways. The scripture became so twisted that they denied their Messiah, who would have made them the greatest nation on the earth. Their actions would not be without consequences.
But let’s not be too judgmental of their plight. Today’s Christians are a similar position as Abraham’s seed. It is no wonder Paul stated,
These things happened to them as a warning to us. All this was written in the Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days.
1 Corinthians 10:11 CEV
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The Start Date for the Prophecy
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”Daniel 9: 24
If we can determine where the 490 years begin (with certainty), we can understand the other events of the prophecy. The timelines start here:
“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”
Daniel 9: 25
This command to restore and build Jerusalem can be found in Ezra Chapter 7 when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC (See the *notes at the end).
So, now that we have a starting date let’s see where it takes us: The first stop is the coming of the Messiah, the Prince
The First Event of the Prophecy:
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince….Daniel 9: 25
The Messiah the Prince can refer only to Jesus himself. He is both the Messiah and a Prince
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
John 1:41
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
John 1:45
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
So we know that from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah the Prince (Jesus) would be a certain length of time. How long? The answer is 69 weeks, (483 days or 483 years)
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Using the day=a year principal…We start at 457BC and move forward through history 483 years. It brings us to 27 AD Jesus was baptized and anointed for the beginning of his ministry on this date just as the prophecy in Daniel predicted! Remarkable!
Here is an important verse that connects Daniel 9 with Jesus’ baptism:
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”
Matthew 3:16
A dove represents anointing. Another exciting passage that makes sense in the light of Jesus beginning his ministry precisely on time according to Daniel’s prophecy some 500 years before Jesus is this one:
“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…”
Galatians 4:4
The time was “full.” In other words, Jesus came to this earth and began his ministry right on time! It may be possible that this quote is about this particular prophecy in Daniel 9!
We know that God knows the future and will not do anything unless he reveals it by his prophets:
“Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:7
69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks or 490 years has been explained. Isn’t it comforting to know that God, through the prophet Daniel let the world know when Jesus would come on the scene?
The 7 Years Explained
Now let’s look at the last week or 7 years. This is where Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and others use the 7 years as a period of tribulation. They disconnect it from this timeline and attempt to run it down to the end of time after Jesus “raptures the church.”
But we are going to let the verses speak for themselves. We will keep the last week on the timeline as intended. If we do, we learn the most exciting and powerful part of this prophecy!
Daniel tells us after Jesus began his ministry that Jesus would be cut off:
“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:….” Daniel 9: 26
But before He is cutoff he would do the following:
“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, Daniel 9:27”
Jesus was to “confirm the covenant with many for 1 week or 7 days, which is 7 years in prophecy. But He is “cut off” in the middle of the week or 3 1/2 days or 3 1/2 years Jesus’ ministry was exactly that long (3 1/2 years) before He was “cut off” or crucified on a Roman cross in 31 AD! Again, this is remarkably accurate!
Jesus ministered from 27 AD to 31 AD. As Daniel 9:27 stated, the sacrifices and oblations also ended at the time of Jesus’ death. The law of ceremonies had served their purpose of teaching the Jewish nation about the price of sin, the sacrifice for it, and the plan of salvation. Those ceremonial laws were the School Master to bring people to Jesus and help them understand the lesson of sin, forgiveness, grace, and the sacrifice of Jesus! The School Master died forever the day Jesus died on the cross as the true Lamb of God.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:24, 25
All the festivals, drink, meat offerings, and special Sabbath days (Not the weekly Sabbath found in the 10 commandments) were shadows pointing to the body of Jesus. All those had served their purpose and were fulfilled in Christ:
“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
Colossians 2:17
On the other side of the cross, the people looked forward in faith to Jesus (the Messiah) and what He would do for them (Die for their sins). All of us on this side of the cross look back in faith at what Jesus has done for us (Die for our sins). Something extraordinary occurred at the crucifixion of Christ to demonstrate the truthfulness of the two verses above:
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;Matthew 27: 50, 51
Thus ended the rounds of ceremonies and the laws put in place by Moses to teach about Jesus. (Please note: These laws did not include the 10 commandments, as some would assert. A study for another time. )
Jesus told His disciples this:
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 15: 24
Jesus was “confirming the covenant” with the children of Israel during His ministry. With them, he spent most of His time. His plea about the coming Kingdom of God was a message primarily to the Jews. He also told His disciples to do the same:
“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 10: 5, 6
This the disciples did for 3 1/2 more years after Jesus was “cut off” or crucified in 31 AD. This takes us 3 1/2 years forward to the end of the 70 weeks or 490 years.
In the year 34 AD, specific and relevant events took place to mark the end of the 490 years “determined” or given unto the Jewish nation:
In this year Stephen was martyred and Paul was converted to be the teacher to the Gentiles
“I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
2 Timothy 1:11
Another important passage of scripture also marks the end of 70 weeks given to the Jews to do all those things of the covenant listed in Daniel 9. It is a point where the burden of carrying the gospel to the entire world is taken off the shoulders of the Jews and given to the Gentiles. It is the point where God reveals who is a real Jew or seed of Abraham.
Paul and Barnabas were preaching to a large group but were interrupted by the Jews because of the large following of the two disciples. Those religious leaders who were interrupting contradicted Paul and Barnabas and blasphemed God! But it is what Paul and Barnabas say that marks the transition and end of the 490 years given to the Daniel’s people (Israelites)
“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 13: 45, 46
The appointed people of God had rebelled continuously and failed to keep the covenant (agreement). At this transitional period in history God turned to the Gentiles and made them heir to the promises of God:
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Galatians 3:29
No longer was there a distinction between literal Jew and Gentile if one belongs to Christ. God’s chosen people are identified as belonging to Christ:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 2:28, 29
Thus the 70-week prophecy came to an end! There is no room or context in the prophecy for 7 years of tribulation or the Anti Christ. It is simply not there. To try to force it takes away from a beautiful and essential part of the ministry of Christ of keeping the covenant with them while He was on this earth.
While Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and others have everyone looking at Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple to mark the soon return of Jesus, the Anti Christ is at work elsewhere in the world. This we will see in future studies. The Hollywood-produced Bible fiction is so deceptive that almost the whole world is taken in. What a great diversion by the enemy of humanity! It teaches an incorrect story about Jesus’ return and gives false hope of a 2nd chance after Jesus returns.
In conclusion, the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 is mishandled to try and support 7 years of tribulation at the end of time and the work of the Anti Christ. If the prophecy is kept in its context, it becomes a prophecy to support Jesus as the Messiah, his crucifixion, the spread of the gospel, and God’s long-suffering with the lost sheep of the house of Israel!
Below is a summary chart of the dates we have discussed above:
Below is information about the start date of this Daniel 9 prophecy (if you want more detail). I hope this study helped you see how God is in control and provided proof of Jesus’ ministry hundreds of years before He came to pay the price for our sins.
*Notes about the dates described in this writing:
Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used. Nehemiah has a date also. But the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the key words of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.” The four decrees are :
The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12) The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26) The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)
Let’s eliminate some of the dates based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25 Ezra 1-gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city. We can eliminate this date. Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus. It only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date. Ezra 7 makes provision for complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentences upon violators of their national laws. This date fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7. Determination of the date of the decree: It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8) . Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date: The dates for Artaxerxes reign are well documented in the ancient sources:
Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt
From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C. and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.
Artaxerxes Reign
Fall to Fall
First year
464/463 B.C.
Second year
463/462 B.C.
Third year
462/461 B.C.
Fourth year
461/460 B.C.
Fifth year
460/459 B.C.
Sixth year
459/458 B.C.
Seventh year
458/457 B.C.
Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.
Note: the references in this prophecy to destruction of the city and temple and desolations:
“….the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”
Daniel 9:27
This is not a reference to a minor historical character called Antiochus or a future Anti-Christ but to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus himself when he told the disciples. There has never been a temple since then and never will be!
“Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
Matthew 24:2
“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not e in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
Matthew 24: 15-22
The total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman soldiers was horrible. Many who tried to escape were crucified outside the city. At one time, the number of crosses outside the city almost made it look like a forest of trees. Those who heeded the advice of Jesus escaped the city and remained alive.
This was a time of trouble unlike any seen before…But there will be another time of trouble just before the Lord comes. While the Christians will be here, the plagues will not touch them, just as it didn’t when the plagues fell on Egypt when they were in captivity. This is a topic we will discuss in the coming weeks.
Until then, may the Lord bless you and your family and keep you under His wings.
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
1 Corinthians 9:25
In 1963, Canton, Ohio, became the shrine’s location for pro-football players coaches, including franchise owners and front-office personnel. In the life of a football player, it is a high honor to be included in the annual class of inductees, which are typically four to eight people. In a way, these fine athletes are made “immortal” in the sports world of football. At the mention of the city, Canton, the faithful know it signifies fame forever. This shrine is called the Hall of Fame.
The class of 2022 inductees is made up of eight people: six players, a coach, and an official. The players include men whose job was to either protect the quarterback (offensive linemen), tackle the quarterback (defensive linemen), or receive a pass from the quarterback (wide receiver). . The position of every defensive player is to stop the quarterback, while the job of every offensive player is to support the quarterback’s leadership in moving forward.
This 2022 class brings the total to 362 Football professionals in the Hall of Fame. All have contributed to the game and reached the pinnacle of the sport. They will receive a yellow jacket and be remembered for many years to come. They are the few. Almost all of us have no chance of ever becoming a professional football player, much less reaching this level. It requires youth, strength, dedication, training, and genes you and I were not born with.
Did you know God has a Hall of Faith made up of many different people over hundreds, even thousands of years? They were ordinary people like you and me! This Hall of Fame, found in Hebrews chapter 11, has at least fifteen “immortalized” people who demonstrated exceptional faith; all were Old Testament characters! But some groups of people also showed great faith in difficult times. The children of Israel crossed over the Red Sea by faith and brought down the walls of Jericho. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” Hebrews 11: 35
This faith was not in a game but a person: the Lord Jesus. “The Author and Finisher of our faith.” Each person believed in the recorded promises of God, but each one in this Hall of Faith died without receiving the promise of God. “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.” Hebrews 11:39.
What was it they were promised? It was a homeland, a heavenly one.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say, such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And indeed, if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had the opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 12: 13-16
Just as the Football Hall of Famer inspires the football enthusiast, the Faith Hall of Famer inspires each person who has chosen to go all-in for Jesus. This person who says, they are a stranger and pilgrim on earth expresses faith in the promise of a better country. More than likely, each will die before receiving the promise. Nevertheless, a better country awaits those who live by faith. But this is not a spectator life of faith. It is active. It requires dedication, training, and the “measure of faith” that God gives every person who comes into the world. (Romans 12:7). If you are to be in God’s Hall of Faith, Paul gives us this final simple plea.
Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (the Hall of Faith), let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12: 1-2
Will you choose to enter the race today? How do you succeed? Only one way. You look to the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Lord Jesus!
For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
“So, I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest,’”
Hebrews 4:3
The story of Israel’s failure to enter into rest was preserved for future generations…for you and me. Modern man and especially God’s church has a lot yet to learn about the importance of the Lord’s rest.
Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11
In that great book of Hebrews, Chapter 4, Paul gives believers momentous warnings and asks us to compare ourselves with ancient Israel to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes and fall short. Is the church in these last days repeating the same mistakes as Israel of not resting because of unbelief and therefore falling short? Let us not spend a lot of time surmising that the experience of “belief” is to merely acknowledge doctrinal precepts about Jesus and going to church each week. We are told that the devils believe (James 2:19). Belief is more dynamic than we might think.
Failure to Believe
Paul outlines the deadly results of the Hebrews’ failure to enter into the rest God had provided. He then acknowledges to his readers that we “who have believed DO enter that rest.” So right away, we see a connection between belief and rest. But there is more.
The “belief” in Paul’s argument is not the kind of experience of the devils. On the contrary, it is all about trusting God even when things look their bleakest, and we feel our weakness; or when we feel strong and confident! It is trusting God against the influence of the world and traditions of people who appear as angels of light. It is sad that a person can be a believer but still live outside God’s will. Here is where Israel failed. They believed in God’s existence, but they didn’t trust God’s promises to protect them from their enemies, and they became disobedient to God.
The failure to trust God will always result in disobedience, excuses, and rationalization about sin, no matter how big or small the offense.
Author
We live in a world where obedience and compliance are signs of weakness. To the modern Christian obeying God’s law has been called legalism in some circles. Somehow, we have been duped into thinking the Grace of God and faith is a license to disobey. In our ignorance about God’s will and His requirement of obedience, we have gone so far as to say things like, “the law of God has been done away with.” We can’t connect the dots between faith, belief, and obedience.
God’s Wrath and His Deadly Oath
Verse 3 of Hebrews 4 is an eye-opening statement. Because of His wrath, God swears that the Israelites will not enter into His rest. What has angered God so much that He makes an oath, a covenant, of prohibiting His people from entering into His rest?
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them, but the word which they heard did not profit them.” Hebrews 4: 1,2
Did you catch that? The good news (gospel) preached to you and me in 2022 was also preached to them (God’s people in the Old Testament)! The Good News of Jesus! Image that! How many of us think that the Old Testament did not contain the gospel about Jesus! How wrong is that! The sermons they received were not from notes of a preacher behind a podium, but it was taught through the experiences of great patriarchs of old AND daily from a School Master of priestly services. This teacher was the ceremonial laws and services of types and ceremonies God instructed Moses to write down and then give to the people to follow. If followed, it would teach them about Christ, God’s plan of salvation, and the experience of faith. It was meant to change the heart and mind about the nature of God. It was designed to build trust.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24
The death of an innocent lamb in the sanctuary services was probably the most explicit message of the substitutionary death of the sinless Son of God for our sins. What great news of escape from the wages of sin and death for them and us at the expense of God the Father and Jesus Christ!
The daily services of the priest and sacrifices signified the earned work of Jesus on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary. It showed us his continual intermediation for all of us!
We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Hebrews 8:1
Many other services had the gospel of Jesus Christ. They all taught the good news of grace, forgiveness, atonement, and mercy. Those services were “shadows” pointing forward to the nature of Christ and His coming as the sacrificial lamb of God (Hebrews 10:1).
But sadly, the gospel “did not profit them.” It did them no good because they could not find in themselves the desire to trust and obey God. Yes, they were somewhat faithful to follow the forms and ceremonies, but their heart was somewhere other than on the God who rescued them.
They wanted to be like the other nations. So, they began to break God’s eternal law of ten commandments willfully. They had other Gods; they rationalized away others. They put heavy burdens on the one law meant to give rest (The Sabbath commandment). This angered God, and as a result, they failed to enter into His rest. What is this rest? Why is it so important? How does it apply to the modern believer?
Without Faith, God is Not Pleased
But without faith, it is impossible to please Him…Hebrews 11:6
Like the Hebrews of old, many people fail to enter into God’s rest because of unbelief or lack of faith (aka trust). The people of God believed in the existence of their God, but they did not have faith or trust in Him. Their actions proved they did not trust Him. God had made many promises, but they simply did not trust God to perform what He said He would do.
James understood the connection of works (actions) with faith. These “works” are undeniable proof that absolute trust is in the believer’s heart and not merely lip service.
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18
Often, we read this passage from James and think that “works” are good deeds. But, in the context of the book of James, works are equated with belief (trust) and obedience to God’s will as found in the ten commandments.
Abraham’s Faith and Obedience.
And the Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith only. James 2: 23, 24
How was Abraham’s belief signified? It was not lip-service, but it contained action or obedience. The writer of Hebrews tells us:
By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Hebrews 8:11
Here again, we see the connection between faith and obedience (works).
Now we can see the problem with Israel; They failed to grasp that faith and trust are the same things, and genuine faith will result in corresponding actions of obedience to God’s word. Although they had plenty of proof that God would keep His promises, they let other things of disbelief rule their life. This did not give them rest in their hearts nor from their enemies. Here is the nature of their problem. Their lack of faith led to disobedience, and they did not enter into the promised rest.
“…those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:6
Paul’s Argument for Rest
Paul begins to compare the works of God at creation. And He compares His rest on the seventh day as a model for us. Interestingly, the first 24 hours of Adam and Eve were spent in “rest.” This could not be rest as we think of it, i.e., taking a nap. Why would Adam and Eve be physically tired? God does not tire; He doesn’t sleep. This “rest” of God was the rest of the relationship. God set aside weekly time for his creation to have a date with Him. To this day, it gives you an invitation of time for complete attention to a relationship with your creator. “The Sabbath was made for man,” But the jews made it into something else…a religious requirement for God’s acceptance. To this day, many think about the Sabbath in legalistic terms like this, but the Sabbath is all amount relationship and faith if “remembered” correctly.
Although the work of creation didn’t make God tired, it didn’t allow dedicated time for a relationship with His creation. There may have been no need for the Sabbath had there been no humans made in His image.
“…although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” Hebrews 4: 3-5
Paul partially quotes the “certain place” mentioned here and references the creation story and the seventh day in Genesis. Probably because his audience knew these passages well. The entire wording is:
And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2,3
Then Paul quotes from another “place” or passage of Scripture. This time it is from David in the Psalms.
“So, I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’” Psalm 95:11
Paul compares the “rest” God desires for the benefit of His people of ceasing from their labors on the seventh-day Sabbath. Right away, we should notice three main points in Paul’s argument regarding rest.
1.) Jesus, our Creator (See John 1), rested from His work. He is our example of rest. We don’t see Jesus taking naps on the Sabbath; we see Him going about the work of salvation. If we follow his example, it is less about physical rest and more about focusing on a relationship with Him through service. For it to become a “do nothing” day is not the spirit of the Sabbath.
2.) God blessed the seventh day for a reason. The seventh day is blessed and sanctified (set aside) by God Himself as a witness to His creative powers and the concept of spiritual rest. Every Sabbath testifies that God made the heavens and earth. This should have an impact on evolutionary thinking. There is no reason for an astronomical-related seven-day week other than the fact that God made the cycle of six days of work and one day of rest. The process always begins, as with the example of the creation week, with the first day and ends with the seventh day. Therefore, the cycle of work and then rest is not a day of our choosing, reasoning, or convenience but the one God blessed and sanctified at the beginning for all mankind.
“…Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it…Genesis 2:3
3.) Those who fail to enter His rest are because of unbelief and disobedience. This Israel did when they disobeyed God and followed “strange gods.”
God desires to give His people rest that is physical, spiritual, and also a testimony. The gift of the Sabbath rest, planted in the heart of the Ten Commandments, demonstrates that they trust God. Keeping the Sabbath made no sense to the world because they didn’t acknowledge God as Creator. Since God is the Creator, He knows how crucial physical rest can be. Why do Christians fail to believe that God desires His people to prosper and be in health even as the soul prospers? 3 John 1:2
Jesus is the rest we need, both physically, spiritually, and as a testimony. Jesus used Sabbath language when he said,
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
He can give both physical and spiritual rest because He was the one who claimed to be the Lord of the Sabbath.
And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5
Israel’s Failure to Trust God
The literal and spiritual rest God wanted for Israel was to have their own land and to live peaceable lives. This rest was to testify to their loyalty to the true (and only) Creator God. If they obeyed God, it would demonstrate the power of obedience and faith in the living God to the world. By obedience to Him, they would be a stark contrast to the rest of the world. They would bring a knowledge of the only true God even to the Gentiles.
“Arise, shine, for your light, has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth.
And thick darkness over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you,
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light
and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60: 1-3
But Israel failed to enter into this rest! God brought them to the borders of the promised land and desired to end their wandering in the desert; God was ready to give the land promised them and rest from their enemies:
See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and their descendants after them.” Deuteronomy 1:8
At God’s direction, the people left Horeb and reached the hill country at Kadesh Barnea. Again, God tells them to take the land as He had promised and not be afraid or discouraged by what they see!
“See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21
But the people said, “hold on. What is the hurry?” Instead of believing God and moving forward as God directed, they wanted to spy out the land, so they came up with the idea to send spies to scope out the land.
“Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.” Deuteronomy 1:22
Like today, we think forming a committee to determine the “route we are to take” is very practical. But, instead of moving forward at the Lord’s command by faith and what He has already assured us, we look for human ways to move forward.
Moses sent spies into the land as they requested. All but two spies (Joshua and Caleb) gave stories that created fear and doubt in the people’s minds. This should be a clear message to leaders in the church today. Messages should be one of faith and trusting God. If God says to move forward, spies are not needed. Joshua’s message was the right one,
“…do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” Number 14:9
Here at Kadesh Barnea, the people rebelled against God because of a lack of trust in Him and His word. They went so far as to accuse God of hating them and seeking a way to destroy them!
But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, “The Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than us; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.’” Deuteronomy 1: 26-28
Because of this rebellion, God took away the promised rest because they failed to trust and obey Him.
When the Lord heard what you said, He was angry and solemnly swore: “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors,
Deuteronomy 1:34, 35
But here is where they made another mistake. When they heard that they were not going to “see the good land,” they decided to move forward as God had said originally. But it was too late. They moved without the blessing or command of God.
“We have sinned against the Lord. We will go up and fight, as the Lord our God commanded us.” So every one of you put on his weapons, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country. Deuteronomy 1:41
They assumed God would support their works, their fight, and be with them. The Lord told them not to go and gave them a promise of defeat. But they went anyway.
But the Lord said to me, “Tell them, ‘Do not go up and fight because I will not be with you. Your enemies will defeat you. You rebelled against the Lord’s command, and in your arrogance, you marched up into the hill country. The Amorites who lived in those hills came out against you; they chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down Deuteronomy 1: 42-44
Israel had failed to hear and obey God. They were fearful and afraid because they did not trust in the command and promises of God. They didn’t believe God. Some of God’s people kept their faith and trusted God. A list of these can be found in Hebrews 11. But even those of faith could see further than just land on this earth. They looked to the heavenly land. They have not received this promise to this date because the ultimate promise is heaven, not a piece of land on earth.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them , and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth…. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11: 13,16
Looking back at this story, meant for us, what can we learn? What is the rest we are to enter? Is there a land promised to us to free us from our enemies…to be safe…to have a relationship with Jesus after all the work has been completed? Yes! As mentioned above in Hebrews 11:13, it is a heavenly country
The promises of God were canceled by those who did not trust God…those with unbelief. They trusted in their own efforts and did not take God at His word. Paul brings us to a conclusion:
Israel and Us-Rest or Not?
Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a particular day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”
For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains, therefore, a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Hebrews 4: 6-9
The conclusion of the story of Israel, who failed to enter into rest, is very perplexing to the modern follower of God. These phrases confuse us because we don’t want to hear what we think we are hearing.
“Since therefore it remains that some must enter it.” (Some of us have not entered God’s rest). Like Israel, our unbelief or lack of faith keeps us from rest.
Some will not enter into God’s rest from their enemies “because of disobedience.”
We can talk about grace, mercy, faith, and eternal security all day long, but if some of us disobey God, we will not enter into the land promised by God.
He designates a particular day. Paul connects this phrase with what David said in Psalm 95:8
We are asked to “not harden our hearts.”We are to” hear His voice”!
For if Joshua (Jesus) had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.
Hebrews 4:8
Moses brought them to the borders of the promised land, but it took Joshua (Jesus) to lead a new generation into the promised land finally. Moses represents the law that can bring conviction of sin, but faith in Jesus completes the trip into the promised land.
We are confused because of our eerily similar failures. We stand on the border looking at the land promised to us (heavenly). We are much like Israel, which failed to move forward because of unbelief. We don’t trust God. We don’t have faith in His promises. We don’t have a testimony to the world.
We think the Sabbath commandment is legalistic and only for the Jews, while the other nine do not fall into that category. Why? It is because resting in God is not convenient and misunderstood. It cuts across the tradition of the church. It threatens the modern church. God says, “Remember.” The church says to forget. The commandment says the seventh day; the church says the first day.
Tradition, routine, and the works of our hands constrict our trust. We say we trust God, but our actions speak otherwise. When God tells us something in scripture that cuts across tradition and feelings, we balk. We form committees to discuss the “route we should take” instead of listening to the simple command to “hear His voice.” When God says go, and we wait, we miss the opportunity to be empowered by God’s Spirit and His promises of victory.
The story of God’s salvation, the gospel, and what Paul wants us to hear does not profit us if we fail to trust God and move forward at His command. Our testimony is of no effect if we are like the other nations around us.
But if we can find rest in Jesus both physically and spiritually, a testimony of our belief will shine. “Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God Hebrews 4:9 NIV
“At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.
Daniel 12:1
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
Matthew 24: 21-22
Couple #1-Every Fall, you can find her busy canning food from her garden to store away for the time of trouble. This annual exercise takes priority over everything else. She is working feverishly as if the stores are going to run out of food tomorrow. Her cellar is packed with food and other necessities to sustain the life of her and her husband for a long time. How long? She doesn’t know.
Her husband has a passion for stockpiling weapons for the time of trouble. He has enough weapons and ammunition for a small army. He reasons people will likely try to steal their food when the time comes. As a good American citizen, they have the right to defend their home and possessions. They have built a small home near the mountains, far from the crazy world of the big cities. Well water and solar panels provide everything they need to officially be off the grid and live a life of preparation for the day the world sinks into the black hole of despair, hunger, crime, and complete chaos. They have pulled all their money out of the bank and hid it in different places on their property. They are great students of the prophecies, particularly Revelation. They are Christians.
But they have missed something! There is one thing they don’t have. It is so important. If they don’t find it soon, they will never make it through the scenario they have built in their minds. The prophecy they have built in their mind comes from other survivalists, preachers in their small group, and the dark, wet news of the day. What they see in the world frightens them!
Couple #2 On the other side of the spectrum is another husband and wife. They make good money and enjoy their home and life. They believe the church will be raptured away before the time of trouble. So they make no preparation at all because they won’t be here. They believe their pastor, who proudly states,
“I don’t care about the Beast of Revelation 13 and the time of trouble. I won’t be here.”
So, the book of Revelation is not relevant to them. They hardly ever look at it. After all, it is all symbols, and no one can understand it.
This couple’s understanding of prophecies has come from isolated, out-of-context accounts of Biblical verses about end-time events preached to them through Hollywood productions, books, and passionate, well-dressed pastors. They spend little time in God’s word. They reason that the church hired a preacher to feed them. This husband and wife have missed something, too. If they don’t find it soon, they will be surprised when the time of trouble begins, and they are still here. They, too, are Christians.
Both Christian families are good people. They have heard things from false prophets that Jesus promised would come. Jesus said the deception would be of an immense scope. The whole world will be deceived! It is so tricky that even the very elect of God would be deceived if it was not for this one thing:
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24
What is the thing that the elect have that makes it impossible for them to be deceived? Is it knowledge of the Bible alone? Notice from Jesus’ words that it is signs and wonders used to deceive the people of our planet. What could this be? It is fire from heaven provided by the beast of Revelation 13. This earthly power provides the deception that will trick almost everyone on Earth:
He performs great signs so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
Revelation 13:13
Satan is Preparing for the Time of Trouble
It can be said biblically that Satan is preparing for the time of trouble, too. He is trying to keep the people of planet Earth from the one thing the two couples don’t have. Those already under his control are lost in their choice to live their version of happiness: in drink, drugs, work, and entertainment, Satan will use anything that will keep the work of God through the Holy Spirit to draw them to know Jesus.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
The next verse is not often quoted. It gives the reader the solution and the thing missing by the two couples.
Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
1 Peter 5:9 (NLT)
But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”
Revelation 12:12(NLT)
Satan’s preparation is not to survive but to take as many Christians as he can to eternal death because he knows he has a short time left. How does he know? Because he has had thousands of years to study God and His prophecies. He believes in the second advent but still does not love nor trust his Creator. He is a rebel from heaven!
Followers of Christ who have been baptized and perhaps have been doing good things for the church can be devoured. But not the elect because they have the one thing the two couples do not. Unconsciously, the two couples feel they deserve a place in heaven because of their church membership and good works.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7: 21-23
The couples will not survive the time of the trouble because they lack a personal knowledge of God and have not practiced trust in God. Jeremiah asked a question we should ask ourselves:
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? Jeremiah 12:5
What the Two Couples Lack
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3
If we don’t know God the Father and Jesus Christ nor trust Them in the little things of everyday life, then how can we trust Them in life-and-death situations of the time of trouble? Whether we are here on earth or not, trust in God the Father and Jesus Christ and the Truth personally is critical in being saved in the little times of trouble that come upon us or the big worldwide time of trouble that is sure to come either way. Daily trust in God is the preparation for larger times of trouble in your life.
Survival is dependent more on who you know than what you know. Although, this is not to diminish the importance of knowing God’s word. It is the truth sets a person free from fear.
“...this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3
A true knowledge of God results in following or obeying him. A person can’t follow Him if they are disobedient and say in their hearts,
“Tthe moral law of God has been done away with.”
He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 John 2:4
Conclusion
In summary, Couple #1 is prepared to save themselves by the works of their hands i.e., canning food,, stockpiling weapons, and protecting their bank account. While preparation is always a good thing, they are showing their unbelief in God’s ability to supply their needs in times of trouble. Because of lack of faith, they have fear, and they look for ways to help God provide for them during the big time of trouble. He promised Isaiah a promise we can keep for ourselves:
He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure. Isaiah 33:16
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
Psalm 91:10
Couple #2 lacks faith in God also. They have faith, but it is faith in the easy way out. But what if the popular way of thinking about end-time events is wrong, and they find themselves in the midst of it? Only trust in God will get them through, too. They need to prepare by trusting in God, which can be difficult when you enjoy all the earthly comforts. Those will one day be of little value.
Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin. Ezekiel 7:19
Satan works especially hard on those who take the name of Jesus. He causes doubt and a lack of trust. This is where he can devour a person. If we can’t trust in God and His word, he can lead them to trust in themselves or hide behind an incorrect knowledge of God. They can even believe the worst thing possible. An angry and unforgiving God who performs the most evil act possible. Eternal torture. This idea is probably the most disgusting slap in the face of a gracious, forgiving God who wants to draw people to him through love, forgiveness, and power over sins; not through threats of unending torture in flames of fire.
Ultimately, it is faith (trust) that pleases God. That must mean that lack of trust does not please him. Jesus asks this rhetorical question about faith and the end time.
When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:8
The answer to His question is obviously No! Our two couples would do well to know this truth about God and what He desires for them:
But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24
Do you know God personally? Do you trust Him even if your prayers are not answered the way you requested? Can you say to Him, “not my will, but yours be done?” Can you trust Him even if times of trouble fall upon you? Have you turned your back on God because of some great loss in your life? Begin today to rest in Him and find peace even though the sky falls. Trust in the small things. it will prepare you for the big things. Get to know Him daily. Make time to search for Him with all your heart. Then you can say,
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold….For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me…. In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 18:2, Psalm 44:6, Psalm 56:4
Jesus’ death on a splintery rugged cross would bring glory to both the Father and the Son: even though the enemy thought it would scare Jesus away. But love was stronger.
In Jesus’ prayer, we can see that authority over all of us is given from God the Father to Jesus. This is not a “bossy” authority but a protective authority. Jesus, in turn, Jesus provides eternal life for those given to Him. But this eternal life is not arbitrary, by chance, ancestry, or anything else; it is through a developed knowledge of God the Father and Jesus.
How does this life-saving knowledge come to the saved? It is by learning about God through at least three basic sources in this world. Today, we will describe the first 2:
Paul tells the Romans in the first chapter that God’s creation is sufficient proof of God’s existence and that we have no excuse for believing otherwise.
