ZION MINISTRY - BIBLE PROPHECY

THE TWO ENDTIME PROPHETS

 

By Neville V. Stevens

PART ONE

Chapter two

New International Version used throughout unless otherwise specified.

THE REWARD OF THE 144,000

Much has been written about this 144,000 people who are sealed by the angel of God. Let's look at the relevant scriptures. Rev 14:1 "Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on MOUNT ZION, and with Him 144,000 who had HIS NAME and HIS FATHER'S NAME written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No-one could learn the song EXCEPT the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as FIRSTFRUITS to GOD and the LAMB. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."

Particularly notice the words 'like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder.' This is the pointer to another reference.

Can the second or third fruits, or even the latter fruits, be the FIRSTFRUITS? NO! There will only ever be one crop of FIRSTFRUITS! You will notice that these 144,000 have the name of the BRIDEGROOM and His FATHER on their foreheads - and they alone! They are with Christ, and only they can learn the new song. They are the firstfruits that are offered to God and the Lamb. All this applies ONLY to the 144,000!

But what of the wedding of the Lamb? This is described in Rev 19:6 "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder [note the marker], shouting: Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the WEDDING of the Lamb has come and His BRIDE has MADE HERSELF READY. Fine linen, bright and clean WAS GIVEN HER TO WEAR. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints)." The 144,000 have been purified and are pure! God is not going to allow His Son to marry a harlot!

The Apostle Paul had something to say about this when he established the theme of the 'great mystery' of Eph 5:32. This is found in 1Cor 6:15 "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ Himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!" Neither will God the Father unite His Son with a prostitute! Therefore Christ's BRIDE is to be pure - that is, spiritually pure! They will not be defiled by the great harlot, nor any of her offspring!

We see that 'His BRIDE has MADE HERSELF READY,' - but what of the guests? Christ explained in a parable that He was to invite many guests to the wedding banquet. Matt 22:1-3 "Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, "The Kingdom of heaven is like a KING who prepared a WEDDING BANQUET for his SON. He sent his servants to those who had been INVITED TO THE BANQUET to tell them to come, but they refused to come." These guests were invited to the WEDDING BANQUET of the KING'S SON. The BRIDE had obviously already been chosen, otherwise there would be no point in sending out invitations to the banquet. Rev 19:7 tells us that ‘His BRIDE had MADE HERSELF READY.’ It was the guests who refused to come! So the servants were sent out into the streets and by-ways to invite anyone who would come.

This parable deals with the WEDDING of the LAMB. The Bride has been presented as pure and undefiled, that is as a virgin befitting the Son of a Great King. The guests were eventually brought in and filled the great hall. These guests are referred to as being from every nation, tribe, people and language: Rev 7:9 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every NATION, TRIBE, PEOPLE AND LANGUAGE, standing before the throne and in front of the LAMB. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." These wedding guests are suitably attired (See Christ's parable - Matt 22:1-14).

Now we come to the great distinction between the 144,000 and the innumerable multitude. In Rev 7:1-4 it speaks of an angel who is sent with the Seal of the Living God. Four other angels are preparing to destroy the land, sea and trees. He says to them: V3 "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God. Then I heard the number of those who are sealed: 144,000 from ALL THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL." This angel was sent from the very throne of God the Father with His Seal. Then we find an interesting conversation; one of the elders said to John: V13 "These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?" I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION; they have WASHED THEIR ROBES and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." The elder that spoke to John didn't know in advance who these people were, but ONLY that they had come OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION!

The 144,000 on the other hand, were known and were sealed beforehand, and WERE KNOWN previously. Those who successfully emerge from the Great Tribulation are not known in advance. Those who succumb to the mark of the beast will go to the lake of fire (Rev 14:9-12, 20:15). God doesn't know in advance who these will be. Rather, He has given them the choice of life or death - but He has counseled them to choose life. The choice is theirs!

There is yet another difference! The 144,000 are GIVEN white robes; the innumerable multitude that emerge from the Great Tribulation must WASH THEIR OWN CLOTHES and make them WHITE in the blood of the Lamb.

Why then the 144,000 from the descendants of Abraham? Because God has promised nothing to any other nation! Only the descendants of Abraham! And the promises that God made to Abraham are embodied in this special redemption of his offspring. The innumerable multitude is made up of every tribe, nation, language and people. They don't factor into the promises that God made to Abraham. The promises that God made to Abraham were unconditional. The outpourings of blessings to the innumerable multitude are conditional. These people have great rewards ahead of them, but can never be the BRIDE of Christ!

THE REWARD OF THE MULTITUDE

What then is the reward of the innumerable multitude? The Bible tells us: Rev 7:15-17 "Therefore, they are BEFORE the THRONE OF GOD and SERVE HIM night and day in the TEMPLE; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

They will serve God the Father, Himself! In the TEMPLE! There is no temple in the New Jerusalem - Rev 21:22. The Temple will be beside the New Jerusalem and the River of Life that flows from the throne of God will flow down the main street of Jerusalem and under the threshold of the Temple (Eze 47:1-12, Rev 21:1).

THE TWO LAMPSTANDS

What of the two endtime prophets? What further role do they play in the unfolding of prophecy? We find this description of them in Rev 11:4 "These are the TWO OLIVE TREES and the TWO LAMPSTANDS that stand before the Lord of the earth." Here we find a reference to 'TWO OLIVE TREES' who are also called 'TWO LAMPSTANDS.' These stand before the Lord of the earth. No longer are they referred to as 'BRANCHES' but the whole TREE! No longer are they described as standing beside the LAMPSTAND, now they ARE the LAMPSTANDS! Many of the former prophets foretold of the appearance of these two special prophets, and many of the former prophets were fore-types of them. There are literally hundreds of references concerning them. Some are a little obscure, while others very definitive.

As a point of interest, concerning the Levite prophet, the Bible has this to say: Deut 33:8 "About Levi he said: "Your Thummin and Urim belong to the man you favoured. You tested him at Massah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, 'I have no regard for them.' He DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIS BROTHERS or ACKNOWLEDGE HIS OWN CHILDREN, but he watched over YOUR WORD and GUARDED your COVENANT. He teaches PRECEPTS to Jacob and YOUR LAW to Israel. He offers INCENSE before You and whole BURNT OFFERINGS on YOUR ALTAR. Bless all his skills, O LORD, and be pleased with the work of his hands. SMITE THE LOINS OF THOSE WHO RISE UP AGAINST HIM; STRIKE HIS FOES TILL THEY RISE NO MORE."

The prophet David also spoke of this Levite prophet: Ps 69:6 "May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel. For I endure scorn for Your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a STRANGER TO MY BROTHERS, an ALIEN TO MY MOTHER'S SONS; for ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE consumes me, and the insults of those WHO INSULT YOU fall on me. When I weep and fast, I MUST ENDURE SCORN; when I put on SACKCLOTH (Rev 11:3) people make sport of me." Notice the link between these two scriptures. In the first, Moses speaks of Levi forsaking his own BROTHERS because of his zeal for the WORD OF GOD. In the second, the same zeal is exhibited: 'the insults of those who INSULT YOU fall on me.' Some might object and say that this chapter is speaking about Christ - and not without some justification! It is certain that He fulfilled V21 "They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.' But Christ did not fulfill the next few verses! They are a malediction against His enemies; instead Christ said, 'Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." Similarly with V34 "Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in them, for GOD WILL SAVE ZION and REBUILD THE CITIES OF JUDAH. Then people will settle there and possess it; the children of His servants will inherit it, and those who LOVE HIS NAME will dwell there." This was NOT fulfilled at Christ's first appearance - it will be fulfilled at Christ's RETURN!

What about Moses' final benediction to the Israelites, which we just quoted (Deut 33:9). To which period does this refer? The Bible explains. We find the pointer in V2: Deut 33:2 "The LORD came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir [TEMAN], He shone forth from MOUNT PARAN. He came with myriads of holy ones from the south, from His mountain slopes. Surely it is You who love the people; all the holy ones [saints] are in Your hand. At Your FEET they all bow down, and from YOU THEY RECEIVE INSTRUCTION, the LAW THAT MOSES GAVE US, the possession of the assembly of Jacob. He was King over Jeshurun [the upright One - that is, ISRAEL] when the leaders of the people assembled, along with THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL."

What does all this mean? To which period does it refer? The prophet Habakkuk explains: Hab 3:3 "God came from TEMAN, the Holy One from MOUNT PARAN. His glory covered the heavens and His praise filled the earth. His SPLENDOR was like the SUNRISE; rays flashed from His hand, where His POWER was hidden. PLAGUE went before Him; PESTILENCE followed His steps. He stood, and shook the earth; He looked and made the nations TREMBLE. The ANCIENT MOUNTAINS CRUMBLED and the AGE-OLD HILLS COLLAPSED. His ways are ETERNAL." Notice the obvious marker for Deut 33:2. There are many other pointers in this scripture. Now see what else Habakkuk says: Hab 3:9 "You uncovered Your bow, you called for many arrows. You SPLIT THE EARTH WITH RIVERS, the MOUNTAINS saw You and WRITHED. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. SUN AND MOON STOOD STILL IN THE HEAVENS at the glint of YOUR FLYING ARROWS, at THE LIGHTNING OF YOUR FLASHING SPEAR. In WRATH YOU STRODE through the earth, and IN ANGER YOU THRESHED THE NATIONS. You came to DELIVER YOUR PEOPLE, to save Your ANOINTED ONE." These verses are both history and prophecy. For more information read the article on 'Geology', and watch for a future article, ‘The Third Creation.'

The prophet David also spoke of these events. The whole meaning of these scriptures will be revealed in PART TWO of this article. Most readers will be shocked senseless when they understand the whole truth! It deals with the whole purpose of our existence on earth. These are the parallel verses that David wrote in connection with the words of Habakkuk: Ps 18:7 "The EARTH TREMBLED AND QUAKED, and THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE MOUNTAINS SHOOK; they trembled because He was angry. Smoke rose from His nostrils; consuming fire came from His mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under His feet. HE MOUNTED THE CHERUBIM AND FLEW; He soared on the WINGS OF THE WIND. He made darkness his covering, His canopy around Him - the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of His presence clouds advanced, WITH HAILSTONES AND BOLTS OF LIGHTNING. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the MOST HIGH resounded. He SHOT HIS ARROWS and SCATTERED THE ENEMIES, GREAT BOLTS OF LIGHTNING ROUTED THEM. The VALLEYS OF THE SEA WERE EXPOSED and the FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH LAID BARE at Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from Your nostrils." These words describe events in the distant past, but they are also a simulation of future events. The future events will be a RESTORATION [some versions: 'restitution'] of all things. This will be the time when God repairs the damage done in pre-Adamic times.

Zechariah recorded details of this endtime event: Zech 9:14 "Then the LORD will APPEAR over them; HIS ARROW WILL FLASH LIKE LIGHTNING. The Sovereign LORD will sound the TRUMPET; He will march in the STORMS OF THE SOUTH, and the LORD Almighty will SHIELD THEM. They (ZION - V13) will destroy and overcome with slingstones." V16 "The LORD their God will save them on that day AS THE FLOCK OF HIS PEOPLE. They will sparkle in His hand like JEWELS in a CROWN. How attractive and beautiful they will be!"

ELIJAH THE PROPHET

The Bible records that Elijah was a foretype of one of the PROPHETS. Christ also confirmed this, and said that John the Baptist was Elijah, followed by His customary 'He that has ears to hear, let him hear.' This meant that Christ was speaking in parables. Usually relating to a later time. The Book of Malachi alerts the reader to watch for this ENDTIME ELIJAH. The first Elijah was imbued with considerable power to perform miracles. John the Baptist did no miracles (John 10:41). John did partially fulfill the role of the Elijah to come, just as Christ only partially fulfilled the role of the Christ to come - the latter fulfillment of the many references to Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. One of the many examples of this is found in Luke 4:18-19. In these verses Christ quoted from Isa 61:1-2 while reading in the synagogue. But He stopped in the middle of the sentence and sat down. This is what He said: Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour ...." What Christ didn't quote were these words Isa 61:2 "...and the DAY OF VENGEANCE of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who GRIEVE in ZION - to bestow on them a CROWN of beauty instead of ashes, the OIL of gladness instead of mourning, and a GARMENT of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called [TREES] of righteousness, a PLANTING of the LORD for the DISPLAY OF HIS SPLENDOUR." In doing this, Christ was drawing a clear line between two episodes of prophetic fulfillment, and setting Biblical protocol for Bible understanding. Christ's first appearance on earth didn't establish the Kingdom of God. His second coming will fulfill ALL prophecies, and ESTABLISH A KINGDOM THAT WILL NEVER BE DESTROYED (Dan 2:44, 7:18).

The Book of Malachi has this to say: Mal 4:4-6 "Remember the LAW of My servant MOSES, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for ALL ISRAEL. See, I will send you the PROPHET ELIJAH BEFORE the GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD COMES. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the [EARTH] with [UTTER DESTRUCTION]." (This is the true meaning of the original Hebrew). Christ said of ELIJAH that he WILL come and restore all [knowledge] (Mark 9:12). Elijah comes before the GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD. Malachi spoke of MOSES and ELIJAH in this verse. The Levite prophet of the endtime will do what both these men did. Both men were LEVITES, just as John the Baptist was (Luke 1:5). Just as God gave the LAW OF MOSES for ALL ISRAEL, so He will again! And they will REMEMBER it! Because they will live by it - or else! If they fail to heed INSTRUCTION from LEVI, God will utterly curse the land. John the Baptist foreshadowed the activities of the endtime ELIJAH: Luke 1:16 "Many of the PEOPLE OF ISRAEL will he BRING BACK to the Lord their God. And he will go on BEFORE the Lord, in the SPIRIT and POWER of ELIJAH, to TURN the HEARTS of the FATHERS to [the] children and the DISOBEDIENT to the WISDOM OF THE RIGHTEOUS - to MAKE READY a people PREPARED FOR THE LORD."

The CHURCHES OF GOD believe they have already ‘MADE READY’ and are ‘PREPARED FOR THE LORD’. What a laugh! About half of THEM REFUSE TO OBEY GOD, and even worse, THEY REJECT THE SCRIPTURE THAT CHRIST USED – THE OLD TESTAMENT. This was the ONLY SCRIPTURE that CHRIST AND ALL THE APOSTLES TAUGHT FROM!

The Book of Malachi gives much more detail about this ELIJAH and identifies exactly when he will appear! Just BEFORE the great Day of the LORD! Mal 3:1 "See, I will send MY MESSENGER (ELIJAH), who will PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE ME. Then suddenly the LORD you are seeking will come to His TEMPLE; the MESSENGER (CHRIST) of the COVENANT, whom you desire, will come," declares the LORD Almighty. But who can ENDURE the DAY OF HIS COMING? Who can STAND when He appears? For He will be like a REFINER'S FIRE or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a REFINER and PURIFIER of silver; He will PURIFY the LEVITES and REFINE them LIKE GOLD AND SILVER. THEN the LORD will have MEN who will BRING OFFERINGS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, and the OFFERINGS of JUDAH and JERUSALEM will be acceptable to the LORD, as in DAYS GONE BY, AS IN FORMER YEARS." Now hear the word of the LORD, you imposters from the tribe of Dan and elsewhere who say the Temple won't be built because the Arabs would never allow it. God will destroy you for your lies! You snakes and vipers! How truly God prophesied of you (Gen 49:17)!

But you, of the Churches of God, who live in Ephraim (U.S), the home of the ten tribes and the seven Churches - you must listen now to the MESSENGER of God and seek instruction! The Book of Malachi confirms this advice: Mal 2:4 "You will know that I have sent you this admonition so that My COVENANT with LEVI (Jer 33:18) may continue," says the LORD Almighty. "My COVENANT was with HIM, a COVENANT of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he REVERED ME and stood in AWE OF MY NAME. TRUE INSTRUCTION was found in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and TURNED MANY FROM SIN. For the lips of a priest ought to PRESERVE KNOWLEDGE, and from HIS MOUTH MEN SHOULD SEEK INSTRUCTION - because HE IS THE MESSENGER OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY. But you have turned from the WAY and by your teaching have CAUSED MANY TO STUMBLE; you have VIOLATED the COVENANT WITH LEVI," says the LORD Almighty. So I have caused you to be DESPISED AND HUMILIATED BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE, because you have NOT FOLLOWED MY WAYS but have shown PARTIALITY in matters of LAW." Perhaps now you can see why about half of those in the Churches of God reject the Scripture that Christ and the Apostles used!

ELIJAH will cause ALL ISRAEL to REMEMBER the LAW OF MOSES before the GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD (Mal 4:4-5). This ELIJAH is the MESSENGER OF GOD (Mal 3:1). ELIJAH will be the LEVITE who is also described as the MESSENGER OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY (Mal 2:7).

The first ELIJAH, who lived in the time of Ahab king of Israel and his wife Jezebel, also turned back the hearts of the children to obedience to God: 1Kings 18:36 "At the time of the sacrifice, the prophet ELIJAH stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND ISRAEL, let it be known today that you are God in ISRAEL and THAT I AM YOUR SERVANT AND HAVE DONE THESE THINGS AT YOUR COMMAND. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are GOD, and that YOU ARE TURNING THEIR HEARTS BACK AGAIN." By a mighty miracle, Elijah proved that God is God! And all the people believed and TURNED THEIR HEARTS AGAIN to Almighty God. They then seized the 400 prophets of Baal and slaughtered them. This was no small undertaking. These people knew, and had experienced, the vicious influence of Jezebel; and here in the presence of her husband the king, the people killed all her prophets. This was quite a change of heart! Prior to this, they had reverenced these pagan priests; suddenly they turned against them and slaughtered them.

This won't happen again! The House of Israel is too far-gone to return to God like these ancients did. Anciently, the House of Israel had sought answers from God's prophet Elijah because of a drought and famine that had persisted for several years. Elijah, together with his fellow prophet, will again bring plagues and famine upon them: Rev 11:6 "These men have POWER to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have POWER to turn waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as OFTEN AS THEY WANT." Just like MOSES in Egypt!

The two prophets are also depicted by JOSHUA son of Jehozadak, the high priest of the tribe of LEVI, and ZERUBBABEL the royal prince of the tribe of JUDAH.

When Satan's agent, the Beast, emerges on the scene at Jerusalem, those who know their God will firmly resist him: Dan 11:32-34 "With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who KNOW THEIR GOD will FIRMLY RESIST HIM. Those who are WISE will INSTRUCT MANY, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are NOT SINCERE will join them." Did you notice the last verse? '...and MANY WHO ARE NOT SINCERE will JOIN them.' Yes, there will be 'tares' even among these people of God. All those who really want to obey God need to test their SINCERITY now! Now is NOT the time to be lukewarm in your treatment of God's word! For years now, God's people have been listening to insincere frauds! People who don't have the knowledge to give proper instruction!

A WORD OF CLARIFICATION

God does NOT require the BODY OF CHRIST to offer animal sacrifices! He does, however, require it of EVERYONE ELSE on earth, including the WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL!

1. Christ is the High Priest for all those whom He has CHOSEN: Eph 1:11 "In Him we were also CHOSEN, having been PREDESTINED according to the PLAN of Him who WORKS OUT EVERYTHING in CONFORMITY with THE PURPOSE OF HIS WILL, in order that we, who were the FIRST to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the WORD OF TRUTH, the Gospel of your salvation. Having BELIEVED, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance UNTIL the redemption of THOSE WHO ARE GOD'S POSSESSION - to the praise of His glory."

2. Christ serves in a SANCTUARY in heaven of which the earthly Tabernacle was an exact COPY: Heb 8:1 "...We do have such a High Priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the SANCTUARY, the TRUE TABERNACLE set up by the Lord, not by man." V4 "If He were on earth, HE WOULD NOT BE A PRIEST, for there are ALREADY men who OFFER the gifts PRESCRIBED BY LAW. They serve at a SANCTUARY that is a COPY and SHADOW of what is in heaven. This is why MOSES was warned when he was about to build the TABERNACLE: 'See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

3. With those who are truly His, Christ has established a NEW COVENANT based upon the testimony of His death. Heb 9:15 "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a NEW COVENANT that THOSE who are CALLED may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that He has DIED as a ransom to set them free FROM THE SINS COMMITTED UNDER THE FIRST COVENANT." Notice what YOU - WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED - have been FREED OF! The SINS COMMITTED UNDER THE FIRST COVENANT! YOU WERE UNDER THE OLD COVENANT BEFORE CONVERSION! And so is the rest of the world who have not been called and chosen at this time!

4. He has established the priesthood of Melchizedek - a completely separate priesthood to the Levitical priesthood: Heb 7:13 "He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no-one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from JUDAH, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests." V17 "For it is declared: "You are a priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.""

5. He has also introduced a change in the LAW: Heb 7:12 "For when there is a CHANGE of the priesthood, there must ALSO BE A CHANGE OF THE LAW." There has certainly been a change in the LAW! Under the NEW PRIESTHOOD of MELCHIZEDEK there needed to be many changes! For instance, if the Temple existed today, what priest would dare to enter the Holy of holies - the Most Holy Place, except the lot fell to him! The penalty would be death! (Lev 16:2). But the Body of Christ has this privilege: Heb 10:19 "Therefore, brothers, SINCE WE HAVE CONFIDENCE TO ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have A GREAT PRIEST over the HOUSE OF GOD, let us draw near to God with a SINCERE heart...."

Christ is then, the High Priest for those He has called and chosen! He serves the Father in the heavenly SANCTUARY. He serves for those whom He has CALLED AND CHOSEN! Speaking to TRUE Christians, the Apostle Paul said this: Heb 4:14 "Therefore, since WE have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let US hold firmly to the FAITH WE PROFESS. For WE do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with OUR weaknesses, but WE have one who has been tempted in every way, just as WE are - yet without sin. Let US then approach the Throne of Grace with confidence, so that WE may receive mercy and find grace to help US in OUR time of need."

The BODY OF CHRIST must now understand these important principles. In the new Millennium, three times in the year, seasonally, all males will be required to appear in Jerusalem to keep the feasts (Zech 14:16-19). And animal sacrifices will be made (Zech 14:20-21). What the House of Israel did improperly in former times, they will now do with SINCERITY - and the whole world will follow their example. They knew what God required of them, but they couldn't understand the reason for it all. Their approach to the Law of Moses (Mal 4:4) was purely mechanical; that it, without any spiritual intent. They were quite happy to mechanically follow God and obey Him as long as the blessings to them, personally, continued to flow. This was their sole purpose for obedience. The slightest reduction in God's blessings brought an immediate response from them. They were motivated by their own self-interest. While they continued the outward show of obedience, they continued to carry the shrine of Molech for the whole 40 years in the wilderness (Acts 7:43, Amos 5:25-26).

Only Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the prophets had God's Holy Spirit (Luke 13:28). Only those who had God's Holy Spirit could understand the intent of God's Laws. Moses was utterly steadfast and totally committed to obedience. He had humbled himself before God to do whatever He required without question. God recorded these words: Num 12:3 "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." Moses refused to be careless with God's instructions, even concerning the smallest detail. On one occasion, he perceived that Aaron had failed to properly observe God's instructions: Lev 10:16 "When Moses enquired about the goat of the sin offering and found that it had been burned up, he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's remaining sons, and asked, "Why didn't you eat the sin offering in the Sanctuary area? It is MOST HOLY; it was given to you to TAKE AWAY THE GUILT OF THE COMMUNITY by making ATONEMENT for them before the LORD. Since its blood was not taken into the Holy Place, you should have eaten the goat in the Sanctuary area, as I commanded." Aaron replied to Moses, "Today they sacrificed their sin offering and their burnt offerings before the LORD, but such things as this have happened to me. Would the LORD have been PLEASED if I had eaten the sin offering today?" When Moses heard this he was satisfied."

This was the Day of Atonement. Further evidence of this is found in Leviticus 16. You will note that Aaron’s two sons are mentioned again here as they were in Lev 10. Up to this point, the Law required the goat to be slaughtered and its blood sprinkled on the altar. The body was then eaten by those holy to the LORD - that is the Levitical priesthood. When God destroyed Aaron's two sons for their careless application of procedures, Aaron took that guilt upon himself and decided to fast. He sought to draw closer to God. To Aaron it was perfectly logical to take that opportunity to seek God's forgiveness by fasting. Moses realized that this was Godly behaviour and was satisfied. God honoured this act by Aaron! After this, the Day of Atonement became a day of fasting (Lev 16:29). On a few occasions Aaron did make mistakes, but it is evident that he was devoted to God.

Concerning the death of Aaron's two sons, the Bible says this: Lev 10:1 "Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when He said: 'Among those who approach Me, I will show Myself holy; in the sight of all people I will be honoured.' Aaron remained silent." It was a testing time for Aaron, but he didn't complain or object; instead he 'remained silent.'

This happened at the time of the Day of Atonement. Now notice Lev 16:1 "The LORD spoke to Moses AFTER THE DEATH OF THE TWO SONS OF AARON who died when they approached the LORD. The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the CURTIN in front of the ATONEMENT cover on the ARK, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the ATONEMENT cover." What follows is a complete description of the procedures for the DAY OF ATONEMENT. This is the tenth day of the seventh month: V29 "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must [fast] and not do any work - whether native-born or an alien living among you - because on this DAY ATONEMENT will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a SABBATH of rest, and you must [fast]."

To Aaron it was unseemly to feast on the roasted goat on a day when the House of Israel was being cleansed of their sins by the Almighty God. Particularly, since Aaron's sons were killed for careless disobedience. Aaron felt a sense of responsibility for it all; this is evident from his comment: 'such things as this have HAPPENED TO ME'. Aaron felt a personal sense of conviction for all that had befallen himself and the House of Israel - to him it was not the time for feasting on the sin offering but on drawing close to God. So he completely burnt up the sin offering and fasted. When he explained this to Moses, Moses 'was satisfied.' So was God! God is not pleased with sacrifices UNLESS they are made with a right attitude. This is what David wrote concerning this: Ps 51:16 "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In your good pleasure make ZION prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to DELIGHT You; then bulls will be offered on your altar."

It's one thing to offer sacrifice - but another thing entirely to offer it in complete righteousness! David recognized this, and so did Moses and Aaron! But more importantly, God was pleased with Aaron because he looked beyond the sacrifice to the real heart of the matter. God then instituted this procedure forever with a new way of keeping the DAY OF ATONEMENT. From then on, two goats were chosen; one goat was sent away with the sins of all Israel on its head, while the other was sacrificed even though totally blameless of any guilt. This sacrificial goat paid the penalty for the goat that was sent into the wilderness - the guilty animal, and the whole HOUSE OF ISRAEL! Aaron's sense of responsibility for the sins that had been committed against God by his sons and the rest of Israel made him feel unworthy of the righteous sacrifice. He was still in mourning for HIS sin! Moses agreed! Aaron sought to offer a contrite heart and deep repentance - and this was acceptable and honourable before God. This was the virtue that God was looking for. This was one of the great deciding factors that persuaded God to use the Levitical priesthood of Aaron forever! Aaron had sought God with his heart rather than sacrifice.

Sacrifices in themselves are nothing unless a ‘broken spirit’ and a ‘broken and contrite heart’ accompany them. Too many people today believe that since Christ paid the ultimate penalty for THEM they are no longer guilty of anything! To them, contrition is not necessary! They believe they no longer need to obey; that they can break all of God's laws and claim immunity from the penalty! ARE THESE PEOPLE STARK RAVING MAD?

We have already seen that the new Priesthood required a change of the law (Heb 7:12). Did it do away with the LAW of COMMANDMENTS? NO, IT DIDN'T! It made it even more binding! For instance, just the act of looking on a woman with lust, makes a CHRISTIAN guilty of adultery (Matt 5:27). There are former members of the Body of Christ who believe that God has done away with the LAW! They now believe that they are EQUAL to all of those WHO REFUSE to OBEY God; who choose to FORCE God to accept them just as they are. They THINK that as long as they accept Christ, they are saved! Indeed they are EQUAL to them! And they will suffer the same penalty as all who refuse OBEDIENCE to the Great God! Some of these wretched traitors to the Almighty God and the blood of His Son, even now attend fellowship services with the children of total darkness - and they rejoice in believing that they have been enlightened! Don't they understand that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked? They will continue to be all these things where they are going - and without their noses and ears - Eze 23:25! See also the rest of the chapter! Both Houses of Israel will suffer the same fate. The rebels in Judah will 'drink the same cup' as the rebels in Ephraim (V32)! But you, former members of the Body of Christ, who have tasted the heavenly GIFT, THERE IS NO FURTHER SACRIFICE FOR YOU! You will suffer the FULL MEASURE of the penalty of your treachery!! Stupid, foolish, arrogant people! Who do you think you are fooling? You are only fooling yourselves! You will be given no room for repentance! You have sold your birthright like Esau, and even if, like Esau, you seek it with tears, you will not be granted it! However, God's hand is still uplifted - for a brief period of time! Get out your Bible and find this reference for yourself! TODAY is your day for repentance or death! Fall down on your knees right now and beg God's forgiveness - TOMORROW IS TOO LATE FOR YOU!

Most of you long ago ceased to TREMBLE at God's Word! You've listened to the sugar and spice of the liars and frauds among you, and now, many of you are fellowshipping with Satan's synogogue. This is what God says: Isa 66:2 "...This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and TREMBLES at My WORD." Speaking of those who DEFY God, He adds this: V4 "So I also will choose harsh treatment for them, and will BRING UPON THEM WHAT THEY DREAD. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in My sight and chose what displeases Me." And just so that you know that the mantle has passed from you, God further advises: V5 "Hear the WORD of the LORD, you who TREMBLE at His WORD: "YOUR BROTHERS WHO HATE YOU, and exclude you because of My name, have said, 'Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!' YET THEY WILL BE PUT TO SHAME."" The 'brothers who hate you' are the people of Samaria (Ephraim today). And who do they hate? The Bible tells us! It's ZION! Before God establishes the people of ZION, he will cleanse the TEMPLE site! V6 "Hear the uproar from the city, hear that noise from the TEMPLE! It is the sound of the LORD repaying HIS ENEMIES ALL THEY DESERVE. Before she goes into labour, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a COUNTRY be born in a day or a NATION be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is ZION in labour than she gives birth to her CHILDREN. Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring delivery?" says Your God. "REJOICE WITH JERUSALEM AND BE GLAD FOR HER, ALL YOU WHO LOVE HER."

Speaking of Ephraim, on the other hand, God says this: Hos 13:12 "The guilt of Ephraim is STORED up, his SINS are kept on RECORD. Pains as of a woman in childbirth come to him, but he is a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, HE DOES NOT COME TO THE OPENING OF THE WOMB. I will ransom THEM from the power of the GRAVE; I will redeem them from DEATH." EPHRAIM'S sins are piling up and God is keeping them on record. God is NOT going to redeem them in LIFE but in DEATH! And they will be redeemed as a PHYSICAL nation (Eze 37). And what is more, whether you want to believe it or not, God's own prophet will call them from the grave! They will not be spirit beings, but physical human beings. And note that after they are raised from the dead they will be joined to Judah - the southern kingdom, and after this, God will raise up David to be king over them (Eze 37:24). A foretype of the physical resurrection occurred at the time of Christ's death (Matt 27:52).

The Bible has this to say: Isa 54:1 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband." Hosea speaks of EPHRAIM as having pains AS OF A WOMEN IN LABOUR (Hos 13:13).

THE PROPHETS IN JERUSALEM

The first prophet to arrive in Jerusalem will be the Levite. The second prophet from the line of David, of the tribe of Judah, will arrive soon afterwards. The first prophet will be just like Moses - of the very same tribe, the tribe of Levi. He will also be just like Elijah and John the Baptist who were also of the tribe of Levi. During the time of Christ an event occurred that is generally described as the 'transfiguration.' This is what is said: Matt 17:1 "AFTER SIX DAYS Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John, the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Just then, there appeared before them MOSES and ELIJAH, talking with Jesus." V9 "As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." The disciples asked Him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and WILL (future tense) restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Baptist."

Many people have offered their opinions of the meaning of these verses. Since these verses don't offer any explanation directly, we must seek answers elsewhere in the BIBLE. An important marker is found here in the words 'After six days.' If these words were taken literally rather than figuratively, they would take some explaining. Six days after what? Was it six days after Christ mentioned that some who were with Him would not taste death until they saw the Kingdom of God? No! Luke tells us that this was EIGHT days before (Luke 9:28). Both Matthew and Mark (Mark 9:2) plainly said, "After six days." We would be left to wonder about these six days if there were no supporting evidence in the Bible. The phrase is meaningless UNLESS its a marker for another scripture that points to it! Lo and behold, the Bible explains it! The verse is found in Ex 24:13, 15-17 "When MOSES set out with Joshua his assistant...." V15 "When MOSES went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For SIX DAYS the cloud covered the mountain, and on the SEVENTH DAY the LORD called to MOSES from within the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain." So MOSES waited SIX DAYS, then on the SEVENTH DAY God called him from within the cloud.

The Apostle Mark prefaced his description of the transfiguration with a conversation with Christ eight days before. This is what was said: Mark 9:1 "And He said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not see death before they see the KINGDOM OF GOD COME WITH POWER." All of the apostles have died, and the Kingdom of God has not yet come. What did Christ mean? What happened on that mountain in the presence of Peter, James and John was the fulfilment of that prediction! They saw the two Levite prophets (the former and the latter) speaking with Christ. Now notice the words 'before they see the KINGDOM OF GOD COME WITH POWER.' The endtime Levite prophet will be just like Moses but will also come in the Spirit and power of Elijah. He will appear in Jerusalem on the seventh day - the LORD'S DAY, at the time when judgment begins.

And after six days of one thousand years duration, that is, six thousand years, God will again call a Levite - just like Moses. Now we know that Christ was a prophet just like Moses - because He told us so! Luke 24:27 "And beginning with MOSES and all the prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning Himself." Luke later wrote concerning this and confirmed the scripture spoken by Moses: Acts 3:21 "He must remain in heaven UNTIL the time comes for God to RESTORE EVERYTHING, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets." Just a brief digression: Notice that Christ will remain in heaven UNTIL.... ! Until what? Until the time comes for God to RESTORE EVERYTHING! So whatever it is that is to be restored will be done when Christ returns and not before! What is to be restored? Is is truth? NO, it's not! That will certainly be restored; in fact, THERE IS NOTHING CONCEALED THAT WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED, OR HIDDEN THAT WILL NOT BE MADE KNOWN (Luke 12:2). God is here speaking about restoring the damage to the earth brought about by the great rebellion in the time before Adam. This is the time when the Rock that fills the whole earth will establish a Kingdom that will never be destroyed. This Rock, which is Christ, will establish His Sovereignty which is symbolised by the Cornerstone - which is also Christ. The whole earth will then conform to that Cornerstone in shape and regal dominion. (See the articles on Geology).

Continuing Acts 3:22 "For MOSES said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; YOU MUST LISTEN TO EVERYTHING HE TELLS YOU. Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people." No doubt about it! This is a prophecy about Christ the Prophet! This is thoroughly reinforced by the words: 'YOU MUST LISTEN TO EVERYTHING HE TELLS YOU.' So anyone who claims the name of Christ - that is, 'Christian' must listen to Him or face alienation - which God Himself will enforce!

Now we'll examine what MOSES said and EXACTLY what he wrote: Deut 18:14-16 "The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so. The LORD your God will raise up for you a PROPHET LIKE ME from among your own brothers. YOU MUST LISTEN TO HIM. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire any more, or we will die."" It's from these very verses that Luke quoted in connection with Christ! He was that prophet - of whom it was said: 'YOU MUST LISTEN TO HIM.'

But now notice that AFTER Moses had told the congregation of this PROPHET, God speaks AGAIN about a PROPHET LIKE HIM - but THIS prophet must be tested! Moses continues: here is what he wrote: V17 "The LORD said to me: "What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like YOU from among their own brothers; I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name, I MYSELF WILL CALL HIM TO ACCOUNT. But a prophet who presumes to speak in My name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" If what the prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does NOT take place OR come true, that is a message the LORD has NOT spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."

Moses had already told the people of a PROPHET that would arise JUST LIKE HIM and said this prophet MUST BE LISTENED TO. Then God told Moses that He would raise up ANOTHER prophet LIKE HIM who would speak His words. This prophet must be tested to see if what he says is true. This second prophet would arise when there would be others vying for recognition as prophets. All must be tested to see who speaks in the name of the Almighty God. If anyone has written and published misleading, false or failed prophecy they are already under a death sentence and God Himself WILL CALL HIM TO ACCOUNT! And that accounting is the death penalty! This is the judgment of God - not man! They must not beguile you. They are liars and frauds - AND THEY KNOW IT!

Some might suggest that its 'drawing a long bow' to link these two 'six days' occurrences of Matt 17:1 and Ex 24:15. And this would be right if no more supporting evidence was available. The key to knowledge of the Bible is to follow the links or pointers that occur throughout the Bible - and in most verses! Christ Himself spoke of this: Luke 11:52 "Woe to you EXPERTS IN THE LAW, because you have taken away the KEY TO KNOWLEDGE." Time and again, Christ castigated the Scribes and Pharisees for seeking answers from their own interpretations of the law (the Talmud), and in so doing, they had lost the KEY TO KNOWLEDGE. The KEY TO KNOWLEDGE is found in the Bible - not in the writings of human interpreters!

In order to understand the Bible we must follow the pointers of the Bible itself. The House of Israel was the vehicle that God used to introduce 'rule of law' to the world, and it was predominantly the tribe of Joseph that performed this task. Under Rule of Law, lawyers are required to search the lawbooks to determine the original intent of the legislators. They must follow the pointers, which may even require the review of previous judgments under the law - known as 'Case Law.' But no lawyer can successfully present his case based upon an opinion or assertion that cannot be adequately defined from the lawbooks.

And so it is with the Bible. But the Bible is the Word of God - not men! It is not imperfect as the lawbooks of men are; the Bible is a perfect Work that embodies all the KEYS TO KNOWLEDGE. Notice now the word 'KEYS' which Christ used. He implied the UNLOCKING of something. God says in Dan 12:10 "None of the wicked will understand, but those who are WISE will understand." The prophet David wrote this: Ps 111:10 "The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of WISDOM; all who follow His PRECEPTS have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Solomon also wrote of this: Prov 9:10 "The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of WISDOM, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through Me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are WISE, your WISDOM will reward you; if you are a MOCKER, you alone will suffer."

Those who FEAR the LORD will discuss His WORD among themselves and genuinely seek the answers. Such people will make up God's 'treasured possession.' It is these who will illuminate THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED (Mal 3:16-18).

Those who love God's word would have wondered about Christ's statement 'After six days.' Since there is no obvious reference to anything that occurred six days before, we must take this as a pointer. As Christ didn't take all 12 Apostles up the high mountain, but only the three that would be the PILLARS in Jerusalem, again we are left to wonder why. The Apostle James was martyred just a few years after Christ's resurrection (Acts 12:2). Thereafter, Peter and John were the central figures at Jerusalem. John later became the prophet to seven Churches in Asia and Peter was the 'rock.' Peter was the Apostle and prophet in Jerusalem to the whole world. He was the final authority on spiritual matters. Christ Himself elevated him to this position. Christ surnamed him 'Peter' verifying that he was the 'rock' (Mark 3:16, Luke 6:14). And just so there could be no mistake, Christ also named him 'Cephas', an Aramaic name meaning something midway between a stone and a boulder. This doesn't mean that Christ is not the 'Rock'! Christ is more than that - He is the WHOLE MOUNTAIN! He is symbolised by the upper cornerstone of the pyramidal shape. This symbol is the very symbol on God's signet ring - the symbol that represents His Son (Hag 2:23). It is this Rock that will strike down all the kingdoms of the endtime described by Daniel - all of which will exist in the endtime AND WILL FALL TOGETHER AT THE SAME TIME. This rock will become the mighty Mountain and fill the whole earth (Dan 2:35).

Speaking of the being that currently rules over the earth, who brought it to ruin after rebelling against God, and who sought total domination over all other beings through tyrannical rule, the prophet Jeremiah wrote this: Jer 51:24 "Before your eyes I will repay BABYLON and all who live in Babylonia for all the wrong they have done in ZION," declares the LORD. "I am against you, O DESTROYING MOUNTAIN, you who DESTROY THE WHOLE EARTH," declares the LORD. "I will stretch out My hand against you, roll you off the cliffs, and make you a BURNT-OUT MOUNTAIN. No rock will be taken from you for a CORNERSTONE, nor any STONE for a FOUNDATION, for you will be desolate forever," declares the LORD." God further describes His purpose: V29 "The land trembles and writhes, for the LORD's PURPOSES AGAINST BABYLON STAND - to lay waste THE LAND OF BABYLON so that no-one will live there." This speaks of the CITY OF BABYLON and the LAND OF BABYLON on THE EUPHRATES RIVER in THE LAND OF MESOPOTAMIA - the ONLY BABYLON! (V63). In the final global upheaval of the endtime this CITY OF BABYLON which will be RE-BUILT will be totally and violently destroyed. The sea will swamp the city and completely cover it (V42). Then a huge earthquake will open vast chasms and a landslide will push the whole city into a vast cauldron of molten lava (Rev 16:19). So great will be the violence of its destruction that it will never be seen again! At that time the cities of the nations will all collapse into ruins (Rev 16:19). The whole landscape of the earth will need to be re-created. This is the time when Christ returns to restore the earth to its former glory. Jeremiah further described the final demise of the CITY OF BABYLON and positively identified it (Jer 51:59-64)

With the passing of Peter, the 'rock' ceased to exist in Jerusalem. But Jesus spoke of one Apostle who would remain until He came to him (John 21:22). It was in the latter days of John's life that Christ appeared to him with a message to seven Churches that were being groomed by none other than Satan the devil. Five of them were corrupted just as the Apostle Paul predicted (Acts 20:29-30). Only two of them held the line of the teachings of the Master - and only because God had given them Jewish overseers (Rev 2:9, 3:9). In the very latter days, just prior to Christ's return, only ZION, the people of Levi and Judah will qualify as teachers. God will not reveal His glory to any other (Isa 48:11). The Jewish people will be sought out everywhere as teachers: Zech 8:23 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: "In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one JEW by the edge of his robe and say: 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'"" Notice that God says 'from all languages and nations.' God is calling people from every nation, tribe, people and language to participate equally in His Kingdom. But only ZION - the people of Judah and Levi - will be authorized to preach God's Word to the world! Psalm 102:13 "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to YOUR SERVANTS; her very dust moves them to pity. The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. For the LORD will REBUILD ZION, AND APPEAR IN HIS GLORY. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a FUTURE GENERATION, that A PEOPLE NOT YET CREATED may praise the LORD: "The LORD looked down from His sanctuary on high, from heaven and viewed the earth, to HEAR THE GROANS OF THE PRISONERS and RELEASE THOSE CONDEMNED TO DEATH." So the NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE DECLARED IN ZION and HIS PRAISE IN JERUSALEM when THE PEOPLES AND THE KINGDOMS ASSEMBLE TO WORSHIP THE LORD."

END OF CHAPTER TWO

PART TWO will follow soon!

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