Who, What, Why Measure? - Bible Research Institute

Transcription

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Who, What, Why Measure?
“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood,
saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar,
and them that worship therein.” (Rev 11:1)
In Revelation 11 the apostle John was given a reed which looked like a
rod and he was told by an angel to measure the temple of God and the
altar, and them that worship. Measuring is the Biblical concept which
implies judgment; when we measure something
we judge it. However, the measuring instrument
must be established according to a set standard!
In the book of Ezekiel we see yet another man
measuring with a rod, (see artist’s impression at left)
“there was a man, whose appearance was like the
appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand,
and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate”
(Ezek 40:3). Notice also that the man stood in the
gate; the gate was the primary Old Testament
location of
judgment.
Perhaps we can
best understand
the importance of
various measuring instruments of antiquity
by recognizing that the usage of those
instruments was for judging the validity of
construction. Notice in the image (at right)
we see an Assyrian named Ur–Nammu–stela
who is holding a rod, and a ring and beaded measuring flail in his right hand.
In 2nd Corinthians, the apostle Paul described how people referred to him; his writings
capture their thoughts, “For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his
bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible” (2 Cor 10:10). Paul was
essentially describing how others had measured (judged) him by their words. He
explained that they usually measured Paul against other ministers; he went on to say,
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that
commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing
themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12).
Written by M. Larry Perrino
 2013 updated 2015 by Rivkah Ministries
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Paul compared their measuring with boasting, “But we will not boast of things without our
measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure
to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure” (2 Cor 10:13-14).
Previously, in Ezekiel we saw a man “like the appearance of brass” with a reed. The reed was used
for measuring of things; and, brass was indicative of judgment. Obviously, in all measuring, one single
standard is required! Explain Standard – Ruler. As a standard, we build things in this country using
boards which are generally 2 inches by 4 inches or commonly called (2 X 4’s); if anyone were to ask a
lumber yard worker for precut 2X4’s the workman would know exactly what to get; and he would also
know the exact length of each board.
God holds the measuring of elements to a higher standard. Notice, Lev 19:35, “Ye
shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.”
We also see in, Deut 25:14-16 “Thou shalt not have in thine house divers
measures, a great and a small. 15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a
perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the
land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 16 For all that do such things, and all that
do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.”
Therefore, to measure something means to judge that thing to see if it “measures up” to what it is
believed by all to be! If it is supposed to be a pound then according to God’s word, it should weigh
exactly 16 ounces; or, whatever any society has decided one pound should be! For us to accurately
judge these things is very important in the eyes of God!
Why Two Witnesses?
Perhaps, we should begin to weigh/measure/judge ourselves against our current society! This is not to
say we should judge our current society; we will discuss that judgment in a few minutes. Nevertheless,
isn’t John (symbolic of the Church) instructed to measure, “And there was given me (John) a reed like
unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them
that worship therein” (Rev 11:1). John was told to measure three things: 1) the temple of God; 2) the
altar; and 3) them that worship! Clearly, the temple is God’s church at large; secondly, the altar is the
things that we choose to pray about, because the “incense of the saints,” represents prayer, “Let my
prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Ps
141:2). And, finally, “them that worship” represents the individual Christian. We can measure
ourselves by observing how we individually respond to our society in general.
Through John, we are not told to judge today’s society; in fact, we are told not to judge it, “But the
court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and
the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months” (Rev 11:2-3). God is saving the actual
measuring of the world for His two specific witnesses of the future, “3 And I will give power unto my
two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in
sackcloth” (Rev 11:3).
Considering the instruction to measure (judge), let us begin to measure what is going on in the earth
and in our country today. In the process of honestly measuring, we will begin to see why God has
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established that two witnesses must appear upon the earth in order to initiate God’s final judgment!
God always requires two witnesses; further, God always follows His own written word!
Here is a list of, “Interesting Biblical Events Concerning the Emergence of Two Witnesses”:
• Two preachers warned the world before the flood, Noah and his Grandfather Methuselah;
• Two angels appeared before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah;
• Two men were sent before Pharaoh in order to free Israel; Moses & Aaron;
• Two men led Israel out of the wilderness; Moses & Joshua;
• Two expressions of God’s presence manifest in the wilderness; Pillar of Cloud & Pillar of fire;
• Two honest men witnessed after spying out the land of Israel; Joshua & Caleb;
• Two apostles witnessed that the tomb of Jesus was indeed empty; Peter and John;
• Two angels appeared inside Jesus’ empty tomb;
• Two men stood in white apparel at Jesus’ ascension into heaven;
• Two witnesses are prophesied to appear during the Tribulation;
• Two witnesses welcome at the end of Bible; the spirit and the Bride say, “Come.”
Have any of you ever considered who the two witnesses of the Book of Revelation are? Perhaps we
get ahead of ourselves; maybe the better question is, “Why Does God seem to employ two witnesses?
Why are two witnesses used in the first place? What could be going on?”
Let us understand that according to God’s word, He does not ever allow anything of a judgmental
nature to be done without at least two witnesses! God Himself has established the concept of the
necessity of “two witnesses” in judgment!
Let us begin to recognize that God’s ultimate two witnesses are the Old Testament and the New
Testament! Quoting what David wrote in, Psalm 40: 7, Paul claimed that the word of God essentially
testifies of Jesus, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,).” Why testimony? All of
this almost sounds like some kind of a court action is taking place. Why is a testimony required? In
fact, the Old Testament is a witness against the actions of the Jewish People and the nations that came
against Israel; and, in the New Testament, even the very words and actions of Jesus are a testimony,
“for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10).
Num 35:30, explains that God requires two witnesses, “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be
put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause
him to die.” Let us consider the following, “Where in the Bible does the devil, who is the source of all
of the world’s problems, have judgment brought against him? Does it happen at the end of the Old
Testament? NO! God requires two witnesses! The New Testament must also testify against the devil!
In judging satan, God will not even break his own law! His own law required that He could not judge
the devil at the end of the Old Testament! This is proof that satan the devil is not already bound as
some contend! God cannot yet execute judgment against the devil even though the devil has already
been judged, “Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:11). Jesus judged the
devil at his first coming; however, His judgment will not be enforced until His second coming!
Consider the following hypothetical judgment issued by some court; “This court finds for the plaintiff
and therefore judgment of $1,000,000.00 is awarded to the plaintiff.” When those words are
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pronounced, has the defendant already awarded the specified sum to the victim? Absolutely not! There
is clearly a time frame between judgment being pronounced and judgment being carried out! Think of
someone who has received the death penalty as a result of the verdict; he is placed upon death row until
the judgment is carried out! Therefore, judgment cannot be carried out until the second witness has
given his testimony!
God is consistent! Notice that He calls two witnesses, “I call (1) heaven and (2) earth to witness against
you this day” (Deut 4:26). Have you ever considered that “heaven and earth” are themselves witness? I
wonder why only one modern translation makes reference to both of these two witnesses! Notice the
following KJV passage, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the
Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and
the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one” (1 John 5:7-8). Heaven and earth are the two
witnesses; i.e., one witness from heaven and one witness from earth!
The gates of the city were always the site of judgment! Notice the following, “Then shalt thou bring
forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man
or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die. 6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three
witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not
be put to death” (Deut 17:5-6). Howeverr, this is not limited to murder; God will not allow just one
witness to condemn another even in a non-capital case “One witness shall not rise up against a man
for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the
mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established” (Deut 19:15).
In Christian circles everyone seems to wonder, “Who are the two witnesses?” However, we have
already wondered if the interesting question really is, “Why are there two witnesses?” “What are they
there to accomplish?” God’s holds Himself to His own word; He cannot
Judge the devil and the world until He has heard from two witnesses!
Legal matters require two witnesses; the prophet Jeremiah took two witnesses
when he purchased property, “I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son,
that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of
silver. 10 And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses,
and weighed him the money in the balances” (Jer 32:9-10). Even a marriage
contract requires two witnesses; this is where the best man and maid of honor
came into practice. Note in the picture (at right) that even a set of scales are two witnesses. On one side
the item is placed and on the other side the standard weight is placed and when they balance they
witness to each other! When they balance they essentially say the same thing!
This concept is not just Old Testament; in fact it continues into the New Testament, “if thy brother shall
trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou
hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the
mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matt 18:15-16). That same chapter
continues, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of
them” (Matt 18:2).
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When the two witnesses will be given power from God because two are gathered in His name and they
will testify of the world; they will testify that the land of Israel belongs to Israel and that the earth
belongs to the humanity and not to the devil and his angels!
In actual fact, Jesus is the true witness! He is described in the book of Daniel as a stone made with out
hands; that stone (Christ) strikes the image on its ten toes (the Law)! In essence, Christ destroyed the
Law’s power over the children of the New Testament!
Notice that Jesus is more than the witness; He is also the judge! And even as the judge He is not
unaccompanied, “And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that
sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear
witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me” (John 8:16-18).
Jesus (the witness) comes twice! At his second coming He is not alone! He that destroyed the ten toes
or the Law, now comes with His bride (as a witness), “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of
his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all” (Jude 14-15). The hand writing of ordinances against us
was nailed to His cross! Notice the reference in Jude to the Lord’s coming the next time relates to ten
again; only, this time it is not ten toes. Instead, He is followed by ten thousands of His saints! He is
one witness and His bride is another witness!
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a witness to make witnesses; notice in Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
In keeping with two witnesses; notice that Jesus sent them out two by two. Notice the twos in the
following passage, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he
that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me” (Luke 10:16).
Mankind does not want to hear God’s two witnesses! Man would rather be blind in one eye; the
presence of two renders a proper perspective – discuss daughter’s blindness in one eye. When you are
with another person, try at the same time with each person closing one eye and then touching your
neighbor’s finger tip. Two also gives perception of depth two ears tell us if the sound comes from right
or left! Notice this in the context of Job’s words, “God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it
not” (Job 33:14). Mankind will reject God’s two witnesses and the beast will finally kill them, “when
they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make
war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them” (Rev 11:7).
Let’s consider the conditions before the flood of Noah; after all, Jesus said, “But as the days of Noe
were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matt 24:37). The book of Jasher is a valid
witness to those events especially using it to consider that period in history! In fact Joshua witnessed of
the book when he said, “Is not this written in the book of Jasher?” (Josh 10:13). The prophet Samuel
is our second Biblical witness to the usefulness of the book of Jasher, “behold, it is written in the book
of Jasher” (2 Sam 1:18). Therefore, let’s carefully notice what the book of Jasher says concerning the
days of Noah, “For in those days the sons of men began to trespass against God, and to transgress the
commandments which he had commanded to Adam, to be fruitful and multiply in the earth. And
some of the sons of men caused their wives to drink a draught that would render them barren, in
order that they might retain their figures and whereby their beautiful appearance might not fade”
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(Jasher 2:19-20). It seems to clearly indicate that during those days the beauty of a woman was held in
far greater esteem than her ability to reproduce; this sounds very much like our modern day especially
when we consider the wide held practices of birth control and plastic surgery in our modern society.
As we continue examination of the days of Noah, let us understand that there is a “Fading of the
Influence of the Fathers” in every age as things begin to change. In fact, there is a link between godly
righteous people teaching righteousness leaving off the scene and the onset of evil in society. Notice
that scripture teaches that generations come and go even though the earth remains the same, “One
generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever” (Eccl 1:4).
The abiding earth not withstanding, things do not continue upon the earth as they had during previous
times. It is a truism that circumstances and social customs change with the passing of each generation.
We are also going to learn from Jasher that there came a time before the flood when many righteous
forefathers seemed to be removed off the scene in a relatively short timeframe! Notice the these
conditions as described in the book of Jasher 5:5-6 “And all who followed the Lord died in those days,
before they saw the evil which God declared to do upon the earth… all those men, who followed the
Lord had died away from amongst the sons of men, and only Methuselah was then left…” (Observe the
relatively short period during Adam & Seth death along with disappearance of Enoch in chart above.)
Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun; the point is that throughout history this, “Fading
of the Influence of the Fathers” has continued. In these instances, the righteous fathers would be
removed from off the scene and changes, usually for the worst, began to take place. Here are some
examples of specific periods when the, “Fading of the Influence of the Fathers” resulted as the
forefathers would leave off from the scene…
• Notice this “Fading of the Influence of the Fathers” in the book of Jasher 63:2, “And it came to pass
after the death of Levi, when all Egypt saw that the sons of Jacob the brethren of Joseph were dead,
all the Egyptians began to afflict the children of Jacob, and to embitter their lives.” Obviously, we
have the Biblical match to this story in, Exodus 1:6-8, “And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and
all that generation. 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and
multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8 Now there arose up
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•
•
•
a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.” The point is that things significantly changed
when the majority of the forefathers of the 12 tribes of Israel begin to die-off. Obviously, it is at
this point when the Pharaoh (a type of antichrist) began to arise. Notice from Jewish sources:
o Zebulin died in the 72nd year of coming into Egypt
o Simeon died in the 75th year of coming into Egypt
o Reuben died in the 79th year of coming into Egypt
o Dan died in the 80th year of coming into Egypt
o Issachar died in the 81st year of coming into Egypt
o Asher died in the 82nd year of coming into Egypt
o Gad died in the 83rd year of coming into Egypt
o Levi died in the 93rd year of coming into Egypt
This same type of changing of generations occurred after Joshua’s death, “And also all that
generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them,
which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. 11 And the children of
Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim” (Judg 2:10-11). Notice from verse 11
that according to the pattern, it is during periods such as the changing of generations when evil
makes its advance!
Consider the history of the early church when only John and perhaps one other of the original
apostles were still alive. By 69 A.D. just before the destruction of Jerusalem, most of the disciples
had already been martyred; we observe martyrdom in, Acts 12:1-2, “Now about that time Herod the
king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of
John with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2). – James died perhaps as early as 44 A.D.; and, by 66 A.D.
Christians had fled Jerusalem and gone over to Pella. By this time, perhaps only two of the original
disciples were still alive.
Let us consider the the book entitled “the Greatest Generation,” which was written by the NBC
anchor news man Tom Brokaw. He properly lauds our fathers’ generation which put down Hitler,
Mussolini, and the Japanese Emperor. That generation certainly had its problems; for example there
was no mixing of races in the armed forces. Nevertheless, that generation laid down the foundation
for the prosperity that we see in America in our current generation. Not only do we have mixed
races in the armed forces, we actually have America’s first black Commander in Chief!
Nevertheless, God allowed that previous generation to all but die-off so that they will not have to
experience the nation slip into disrespect for the American flag and the Constitution of the United
States of America! It is exactly these things for which they so freely offered their blood! Make no
mistake, the changing of generations is a critical period; it is when evil raises its ugly head!
Now let us consider how the spiritual fathers of the previous generation would have endured with the
ills that we now confront in our society. We need to take an honest look at those ills through their eyes.
The righteous spiritual forefathers of the last generation would have found it nearly impossible to sleep
at night if they had witnessed an outward attempt at the destruction of the institution of marriage.
The righteous forefathers of the last generation would have found it nearly impossible to sleep at night
if gays in the military had openly displayed their homosexual lifestyle; and if the “gay pride”
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movement would have even gained momentum within the pentagon during their watch (notice poster
middle right below).
Notice how the creators of the artwork (below left) have
even selected wedding pictures from the previous generation
(see within the letter M) to make their point.
The righteous forefathers of
the last generation would have
found it nearly impossible to
sleep at night if abortion
would have been so “in your
face” as we regularly observe
in today’s society! (Notice the
image below left) Considering that there are approx. 350 million
Americans today, the 50 million so far aborted American babies
represent one abortion for every seven currently living Americans!
The previous generation
of righteous people
understood that all of
these evils in any society
would eventually bring-on
captivity and judgment.
In fact, these sins always lead to real problems for any
nation. Notice Israel’s example, they “… shed innocent
blood, even the blood of their sons and of their
daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of
Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus
were they defiled with their own works, and went a
whoring with their own inventions. 40 Therefore was
the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. 41
And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they
that hated them ruled over them” (Ps 106:38-41).
These sins always lead to problems; notice Sodom’s
condition long before Moses’ law, “Behold, this was the
iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and
abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters,
neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination
before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good”
(Ezek 16:49-50). Notice (at left) “twisting” of Scripture!
What can we actually conclude from what we have learned? Consider that which was written by the
prophet Isaiah, “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken
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away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come” (Isa 57:1). We have
seen from history that there comes times, especially during a significant change from one generation to
another when God takes away the merciful and the righteous men so that they will not have to witness
the evil that will shortly fill the land. Based upon what we have measured, I believe we live in such a
changing period today!
As a result, we need to realize that there is an end-time generation which must witness these things
taking place! Like the days of Noah or the period
when Jacob’s sons began to die off, one righteous
generation will inevitably collide with the evil that
rises up as a result of the waning influence of the
forefathers. We can observe from Scripture how that
generation will be treated and how they will fare
during their evil days, “I have given them thy word;
and the world hath hated them, because they are
not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I
pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the
evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). The book of
Revelation goes on to explain what will happen to this generation of righteous men during their
moment of truth, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour
of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Rev 3:10).
We have considered the days of Noe, of which Jesus clearly made reference. From the book of Genesis
we find yet another parallel to the events of our day, “God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was
corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (Gen 6:12). What could that mean that all
flesh was corrupt? We have been discovering many elements of Noah’s day from the book of Jasher;
again that Jewish secular book of history gives us answers, “And their judges and rulers went to the
daughters of men and took their wives by force from their husbands according to their choice…the
beasts of the field…and taught mixture of animals of one species with the other…the whole earth
and it was corrupt…” (Jasher 4:18). In today’s society, we do not openly see those things taking
place; nevertheless, we are aware of the things which are
taking place under the name of science which compare with
the events of the days of Noah. Cloning and hybridization of
practically all living things is regularly reported in our news.
One last interesting factor which is proven to be an actual
parallel between our time and the days of Noah is the
appearance of the Hale Bopp comet (1995). It was last seen
previous to our time in the night skies during the period while
Noah and his three sons were busy building the ark!
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What do we accomplish when we weigh/measure/judge ourselves and our current society alongside the
time of Noah? We have already noted that our job is not to judge our current
society; instead, we are to measure or compare and then judge our own
reaction to current conditions we find in the world. After that, we are
supposed to pray that God will cause the conditions to change!
Our goal in comparing all of those factors was to measure our existing
conditions in the earth and in our country with the time of Noah. We
hypothesized that after we properly measured those conditions that we might
begin to realize why God’s two witnesses must arrive upon the earth’s scene
in order to initiate God’s final judgment! We properly measure these things
when we weigh our own reaction to the modern conditions of our society in
general; and, when we intercede for this generation and pray that God will
cause those evil conditions to change and adapt to His word!
The apostle John (who is a type of the church) was told to, “Rise, and
measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein”
(Rev 11:1). I believe this is prophetic of what the church should be doing during these last days. In
fact, Jesus made reference to these conditions so we could compare (measure) our society not only with
the days of Noe, but also with another generation, “…until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and
the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot” (Luke 17:27-28).
Now let us take a close look at what is recorded concerning the days of Lot, “And the Lord said,
Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go
down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto
me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men (those other two angelic witnesses) turned their faces from
thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord” (Gen 18:20-22). Here is yet
another important “rapture” passage; while the two men (angelic witnesses) were gone off to judge the
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and to perform their work of saving Lot and his family, and then to
destroy the cities, Abraham (who is a type of those living in faith) “… stood yet before the Lord!”
So, let us return to our questions and to the title of this Bible Study. Who should be measuring in our
time? We are among those individuals who should measure! What should be measured? Through
John, we are to measure those same three elements identified: 1) “the temple” or God’s church at large,
2) “the altar” or, those things which we choose to pray about, and 3) “them that worship,” or the
individual Christian! Why should we measure? Because soon God will send two witnesses who
measure world conditions and then prophesy against all the evil that they witness upon the earth!
How do we know the timeframe? How can we know when the final sign has appeared? For that
answer all we need to do is consider the Scriptures along with nature. Notice what Paul said 2,000
years ago, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now”
(Rom 8:22). Travail in and of itself can not be the final sign; if so why has the final sign lasted now
over 2,000 years? We can also read John’s words which follow along this same line, “A woman when
she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she
remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world” (John 16:21). The travail
itself cannot be the final sign; nevertheless, the major event to which the travail points has yet one other
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distinctive and primary sign! The breaking of the woman’s water is the final sign that the birth is
impending and that her pregnancy has reached a critical point and is transitioning into delivery!
Do we have any witnesses from the Scriptures which mirror the natural occurrence of the breaking of
the water of the woman and identifying a major transition point? Notice all of the following examples:
Transition Event
Water is part of the Transition Event
Transition Old World
– New World
Gen 7:7 “Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into
the ark, because of the waters of the flood”
Israel crossed the red
sea
Ps 78:13 “He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters
to stand as an heap”
Israel crossed over the
Jordan
Josh 4:1 “it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the
Lord spake unto Joshua”
Elijah crossed Jordan
before translation
2 Kings 2:8 “Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and
they were divided hither and thither”
OT – NT Transition
John baptizes in water
Luke 3:16 “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but
one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire”
Transition into Bornagain life
John 3:5 “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God.”
Transition God pours
out spirit
Acts 2:17 “it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out (like water)
of my Spirit upon all flesh”
Out pouring of latter
rains
James 5:7 “Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath
long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain”
The Song of Solomon prophetically portrays an event which will take place
immediately after the latter rains have ceased, notice the following passage,
“Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 11 For, lo, the winter is past,
the rain (latter rain) is over and gone; 12 The flowers appear on the earth; the
time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our
land; 13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender
grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away” (Song
2:10-13).
Notice that there are two parts of that passage which speak of a resurrection:
1) Rise up, and Arise; notice that both of those end with the message, “and
come away!” This is an image of the rapture of the church after the latter
rains; and, it is also the time for the two witnesses to perform their work and measure the earth.
11
5/6/2015

Who, What, Why Measure? - Bible Research Institute

Transcription

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