In this study, we will make a case for AMillennialism. This is the belief that the millennium in Revelation 20 is a figurative amount of time spanning from Christ's first resurrection and ascension to His second advent. This is the historical teaching of the Catholic, Orthodox and mainline Protestant Churches. While this may cause many Christians to immediately dismiss the AMillennial understanding of the end times, we have to remember that just because certain Churches, that we don't agree with, believe something doesn't mean it's automatically false.
At the end of the day, all things must be proven by scripture. While history provides valuable insights, it is scripture alone that should establish our beliefs. In this study we will surprisingly see how AMillennialism harmonizes with what the bible teaches about the end times. Not only that, but the truth about the millennium, where and when it takes place, gives us a far better hope in this present age than Premillennialism.
Understanding the truth about the millennium is key to one's walk with Christ. The implications of where and when the millennium takes place are far reaching for the Christian Congregation. It determines how you approach your daily life and how you view others, inside and outside the Congregation.
As we go through this study, we will see that the truth in regards to where and when the millennium takes place has a big part in shaping how a believer looks at life in general and looks at their own personal walk with Christ. It will change the way you approach ministry and the way you view your enemies. It will change your world view and your approach to where your loyalty lies in terms of citizenship. I will use Revelation 20 as my base passage of scripture to work from. Of course, we will span many texts of scripture to harmonize the AMillennial view. In short, the AMillennial view teaches that the New covenant Church age is the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Premillennialism, after a hiatus in the mainstream Churches, began popping up after the reformation started in the 1500's. The Anabaptists were the first ones after the reformation to teach premillennialism. Not all of them, the pioneer Anabaptists (swiss brethren) were AMillennialists as they had just broken off from the Zwingly Protestants who themselves were AMillennialists just like the rest of the Protestants.
Premillennialism gained popularity especially in the 1800's with three forms, Historical Premillennialism, which was a view held by some in the early Church. The second was Dispensational Premillennialism which had it's origin in the 1800's. The third was the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of Premillennialism which teaches that the Millennium is in heaven as opposed to earth (Historical and Dispensational view).
Post Millennialism was popular in the 1800's as it teaches that Christ second advent will occur after the world is Christianized. As we go through this study, we will talk about the dangers and pitfalls of both premillennialism and post Millennialism.
Within the AMillennial understanding of the end times, there are some varying views. They range from a preterist understanding of the end times to a futuristic view of the end times. However, traditionally AMillennialism teaches a historicist view of the end times. That is also my view (historicism). Historicism teaches that the prophecies of the book of Revelation span from the cross all the way to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth.
The AMillennial view teaches that Christ now reigns on earth in the heart of believers. A rather new alternate view teaches that Christ reigns with the saints in heaven now in the intermediate state. My view is the traditional one which teaches that Christ reigns in the hearts of believers now on earth. Also, I don't believe in the immortal soul doctrine so that eliminates the saints reigning in heaven now.
The AMillennial view teaches that Christian's are now reigning as kings & priests on earth and that Jesus is reigning over His Kingdom, which is on earth, from heaven and that He is currently sitting on the Davidic throne in the most holy place at the right hand of God. AMillennialism teaches that Christ was established as the King of His earthly Kingdom at His ascension. We will show this throughout the study. Let's now go to Revelation 20 and start this beautiful journey in understanding the truth about the millennium:
Revelation 20:1-15 (KJV)
1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
This is the only place in scripture that speaks of a thousand year period. It's understandable that people would take this as a period that follows the second advent of Christ. If you read Revelation 19 and then go to Revelation 20 that seems to be the order of things as the first word in Revelation 20 is "And", however this could be the introduction to the next cycle that repeats the previous cycles in this prophetic book. Let's see whether or not this passage in Revelation 20 refers to a future time period or if it is a time period in which we are now living.
In verses 1-3, we see the binding of Satan by the Angel. The bottomless pit could be a reference to the depth of the earth and the earth itself. The identification of the Angel is none other than our Savior Jesus Christ. How do we know this? Let's go to Revelation 1:8:
"18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
The refrenced to hell and death are in regards to the grave which is in the depth of the earth. The speaker in this passage is our Jehovah Jesus Christ. It's the Son of God who possesses the keys to the bottomless pit. So the keys to the bottomless pit and hell and death are one and the same. This clearly indentifies the binding Angel in Revelation 20 as Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12:7-9 (KJV)
7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The phrase "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan" in verse 2 of Revelation 20 links this vision with the above passage in Revelation 12. This is in reference to Christ’s exaltation to heaven. It was the exaltation of Christ to heaven that commenced the war of Revelation 12:7-9 and it was Michael The Archangel, who is Jesus Christ, that defeated and cast out Satan from heaven to earth (bottomless pit). Verse 8 says there was no place found anymore in heaven for Satan hence him being bound to the bottomless pit (earth and depth of the earth "hell and death"). Since it was Michael The Archangel who cast out Satan to the earth (kicking out of heaven thereby binding him) and it was an Angel who bound Satan to the earth in Revelation 20 and it was Jesus who said that He had the keys to the depth of the earth (bottomless pit), then Michael, the Angel and Jesus are all one and the same.
Revelation 12 and Revelation 20 are describing the same sequence of events. So when did this all take place (the war in heaven and the binding of Satan)? The war of the angels was the result of Christ's exaltation upon Satan and his forces. Satan's defeat relates especially to his work as the accuser of the brethren in the court of heaven (Job 1:6-11, 2:5, Zechariah 3:1-5).
Christ's atoning death redeemed His people from sin (Revelation 1:5, 5;9, 7:14). In fact, it was Christ's shedding of blood that granted us to be kings and priests unto God and his Father:
Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV)
5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
This is significant as John the beloved tells us that it was Jesus shedding of blood on the cross that made us kings and priests. Brethren, one can't be a king unless there is a kingdom in which to be a king of.
The war in heaven was an instrument to implement the results of Christ's victory over Satan at the cross. Satan continues to rage on earth, however we will see that it him being cast out of heaven and bound to the earth and depth of the earth (bottomless pit), that brought forth the establishment of the Kingdom of Jehovah God and the Power of His Christ. The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of Christ are synonymous (one and the same).
Revelation 12:10-13 (KVJ)
10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
Verse 10, a loud voice announces the full arrival of the Kingdom of God and Christ which is equivalent to salvation, a reference to Christ’s victory at the cross. The setting up of Christ's Kingdom is right after His resurrection, ascension, the war in heaven which resulted in the casting out (binding) of Satan to the earth and depth of the earth. The Devil deceiveth (present tense) the whole world but now he is in retreat before the armies of the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). The Devil knows his time is short (verse 12 of Rev 12). Why is this? Because Christ had taken up His Kingdom and power and has bound the Devil and cast him out. We have already read in Revelation 20:1-3 that Michael who is Christ bound the Devil to initiate the thousand years. The question is, during what period of time do these thousand years fall in? We know that Christ binding of the devil starts the thousand years, so let's see some scriptures that tell us when the binding of Satan took place:
Mathew 12:28-29 (KJV)
28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.29Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
The Kingdom of God is come meaning it was at the doorstep. Jesus was proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom during His earthly ministry. Jesus defeats Satan and brings the reign of Jehovah into people's lives through the Holy Spirit with which Jehovah anointed Him (Christ ).
The spoiling of goods and the plundering of possessions. The Kingdom of God was making a profound impact against the kingdom of darkness, showing that Christ decisively defeated the Devil in His coming (bind the strong man).
Luke 10:17-20 (KJV)
17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
"Satan as lightning fall from heaven". The preaching of the Kingdom is God's means not only of saving His people but also of judging the powers of darkness. "tread on serpents". Christ was already giving His people victory over Satan, as God had promised after the fall of man (Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20). Though many reject the gospel, Christ is still today triumphing over Satan.
"rejoice not....but rather rejoice". While spiritual gifts and success in ministry are a cause of joy, a Christian's primary and constant cause for rejoicing is that God has chosen him to be a citizen in the Kingdom (your names are written in heaven; Isaiah 4;3, Philippians 4:3).
Are you starting to see a pattern? The defeat of Satan and his subsequent binding took place during the earthly ministry of Jesus as well as His resurrection and ascension.
Luke 11:20-22 (KJV)
20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
The finger of God is symbolic of God's power to judge His enemies (Exodus 8:19). "The kingdom of God is come". Jesus earthly ministry inaugurated God's Kingdom. Jesus miracles are a sure sign that the King has come to overthrow the powers of darkness. This happened during Jesus first advent.
"strong man" Satan, depicted as a captor who has a careful watch and armament over his own. "a stronger than he" Jesus has come to undo the works of the Devil and so destroy Satan's authority over His (Jesus) people.
Satan = strong man
Jesus = a stronger than he
Satan's kingdom = Palace
Subject's of Satan's kingdom = his goods
Binding of Satan = taketh from him all his armour
Jesus bringing salvation to the subjects of Satan's kingdom= divideth his spoils
This all happens at the casting out of devils and the preaching and presence of Jehovah's Kingdom. In context, this happened (binding of Satan and arrival of the Kingdom) during Jesus first advent. The advancement of the Kingdom still happens today and will continue to happen
until the second advent when the Kingdom realizes it's fullness.
Romans 16:20 (KJV)
20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Though many reject the gospel, Christ is still triumphing today over Satan. Christ's triumph over Satan is applied to the redeemed as joint heirs with Christ and therefore as more than conquerors through Him.
Genesis 3:15 (KJV)
15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The singular seed points to Jehoshua, the Champion of Jehovah's people who will bring them victory over Satan by His grace. The was the promise of the Redeemer to come rescue man.
The victory of Jehoshua over the Devil took place during His ministry, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. We have the victory now and have had it since the cross.
John 12:31 (KJV)
31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Christ's death is a mysterious conquest of man in rebellion against Jehovah. Satan is the spiritual ruler of fallen man. "Cast out" figurative language for Christ's decisive victory over the Devil. This is significant because it proves that Satan was bound and cast out during Jesus earthly ministry and also at His death, resurrection and ascension. This ties in with Satan's binding at the beginning of Revelation 20:1-3. This proves that we have been in the millennial reign of Christ since His ascension into Heaven. Let's go to Colossians 2:13-15 for further evidence of this.
Colossians 2:13-15 (KJV)
13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
It is Jehoshua's death, burial and resurrection that provides us with forgiveness of sins and the blotting out of our sins. In verse 15, Jehoshua spoiled the principalities and powersof darkness.
The word "spoiled" comes from the Greek word "apekduomai" (Strongs 554) and means "to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil: - put off, spoil"
In order to spoil (divest, strip) Satan's kingdom, Jesus had to bind him first. Again this took place during the time of Jesus ministry. We are seeing that the binding of Satan which initiates the millennium took place during Jesus life and was finalized at His ascension which established His Kingship.
In verse 15 of Colossians 2, it says that Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness at the cross. This is a once and for all defeat of Satan and was done at the cross. In order to have done the spoiling of Satan's palace (kingdom), Jesus first had to bind him. Again, this proves that the binding of Satan was done during Jesus first advent which initiated the millennium.
Hebrews 2:14 (KJV)
14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
This passage in Hebrews makes it clear that through His death, burial and resurrection, Jehoshua destroyed the Devil. This is a once and for all destruction of the Devil. Again, this proves that the millennial reign of Christ began at this period in history not in some future thousand years after His second advent. Jesus death bound and spoiled the devil coinciding with the binding of Satan in Revelation 20:1-3 which began the millennium. Now you might say that the Devil isn't destroyed as he still has influence in the world. The passage isn't referring to the Devil's destruction as a conscious being but rather his ability to deceive the nations. Only those who reject the gospel give place to Satan to deceive them. Let's look at the definition for destroy in the greek:
"Katargeo" is the greek word (2673 strongs) for destroy and it means "to be rendered entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: - abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void".
The above definitions can be applied literally or figuratively. In Satan's case, we may use the figurative understanding of him being destroyed meaning that his being is not destroyed but rather his ability to deceive. What is destroyed, abolished, vanished and put away regarding Satan? His ability to deceive the nations. The glorious gospel of Jesus Christ has gone to the four corners of the world and has given light to the nations. Satan can no longer obscure God's love for humanity which was manifested in God giving us His only begotten Son to die for our sins.
Those who are deceived by Satan are those who rejected the truth that they might be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). The above definition of destroy above says to render useless or idle. This is how we have to look at our enemy. We often ascribe to Satan too much credit. In the life of the believer, Satan's has been rendered useless and idle because he can't deceive us due to our receiving the glorious gospel of the Son of God. As long as we abide in Christ and Him in us we are protected from Satan's deceptions.
Unbelievers are deceived because of their rejection of the gospel not because Satan had the sovereign ability to deceive them. These unbelievers then open themselves to further deception from Satan. You might say "how come many Christians are still deceived?" This is because they veer off the narrow road of their own accord which usually starts with disregarding the word of God as the final authority in their lives.
Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV)
26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Before Christ's first advent, the mystery of God's truth was hidden from ages and generations. Only by revelation of God could one know the mystery of Jehovah's purposes in salvation. God's plan of salvation was not clearly seen until the arrival of Christ and His subsequent death and resurrection. The content of the gospel that is now fully revealed is described in verse 27, namely that the gentiles enjoy full participation among the people of God. All those trustingin Christ enjoy His covenantal presence.
Satan cannot deceive the Gentiles anymore as the mystery of godliness which is Christ in us by His Spirit has been made manifest.
1 John 4:9 (KJV)
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him
God sending His only begotten Son to die for the world's sins was a revelation of His immense love for us. John 3:16 shows that God's love for humanity can no longer be obscured and hidden hence leaving no place for the Devil to deceive the nations. There is no excuse for the unbeliever as Satan has not deceived them into unbelief, but rather by their own rejection of God's Son they have opened the door for the enemy's deception. In other words, Satan can no longer hide the fact that we have a God that loves His creation. The death of Jehovah's Son, which has been proclaimed throughout allthe world, prevents the Devil from deceiving the nations concerning God's love.
This is what it means in the book of Revelation when it reads "that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled".
Of course, at the end of time Satan will be allowed to deceive the nations and perhaps this is that very time. He can deceive the nations again because of the great apostasy of Christendom and the world's casting off of restraint and godly principles and wicked atheism.
So now back to Revelation 20, we have shown that the binding and spoiling of Satan took place during Jesus earthly ministry and subsequent death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven. We have seen that Christ obtained total victory over Satan at the cross. If the binding of Satan already took place during this time period of Jesus first advent then we can safely conclude that we are already living in the millennial reign of Christ.
Let's go to verse 4 of Revelation 20 and do our due diligence to show that Christ is reigning now on the Davidic throne from heaven over His millennial Kingdom on earth.
Revelation 20:4 (KJV)
4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Jehovah's medatorial Kingdom has already come in it's spiritual reality to His people.
John 18:36-37 (KJV)
36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Jesus Kingdom is not political (of this world) but is spiritual (John 3:3-6), for He rules His subjects not by coercive force but through their faith (heareth my voice) in His Word (bear witness unto the truth). Jesus was not a violent political revolutionary.
Romans 14:17 (KVJ)
17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Though Christ's Kingdom has not come in open glory, it has already arrived in the holiness of Jehovah's people, though not in rules about mere externals (meat and drink) but by the inward graces of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:19-23 (KJV)
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Jehovah creates faith by applying the divine power of Christ's resurrection to His elect. Jehovah's power comes to us in Christ through our union with Him in His resurrection. God's power comes to us in Christ, through our union with Him in His resurrection. "At His own right hand in the heavenly places". This refers to Jesus ascension into Heaven in order to receive His Kingdom. Jesus ascension to heaven followed shortly after His resurrection. He went to sit at the right hand of the Father in the most holy place (heavenly places).
This is a clear passage alluding to the installment of Christ as King and His Kingdom being established. Jesus was given a position of Lordship above all kings and angels:
Psalm 110:1-2 (KJV)
1 Jehovah said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2 Jehovah shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
This is a prophecy of Jehoshua's ascension into Heaven (Hebrews 1:8). David the earthly ruler of Jehovah's Kingdom, acknowledged that his descendant, Christ, would be sovereign over him "my Lord". We know that Jehoshua sat at Jehovah's right hand at His ascension (Hebrews 1:8) so this passage is prophesying that event. Jehoshua is given the place of supreme honor and authority over all things in heaven and in earth.
Matthew 26:63-64 (KJV)
63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Jehoshua's Sonship gives Him the rightful Kingly inheritance to sit at the right hand of God the Father. His reference to coming in the clouds of heaven speaks of His ascension as noted in Daniel 7:13-14:
"13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
This passage in Daniel 7 is key in determining exactly when Jehoshua received His Kingdom. Just as Psalm 110, Psalm 45, Psalm 2, Hebrews 1:7-9, describe, Jehoshua receives His Kingdom at the time of His ascension into Heaven and is granted by the Father to sit at His (the Father's) right hand. Daniel 7 can only be in regards to Christ’s ascension into Heaven following the 40 days spent on earth after His resurrection. All of these passages correspond to each other in reference to the same event.
Acts 2:32-36 (KJV)
32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ Part 1
Colossians 1:12-14 (KJV)
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
The above passage is one of the most overlooked truths in all of Christianity. While most denominations focus on the Kingdom to come, Paul tells us that the Kingdom of Christ has already begun. This is important to understand brethren because wants to obscure this fact from us. Paul says that the Father has made us meet (fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints (old and new testament believers). Verse 13 is really powerful as the apostle says that the Father has translated us from the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of His dear Son Jesus Christ.
The word "translated" comes from the greek word "methistemi" (Strongs 3179) and means to "transfer, carry away, exchange, depose, seduce, put out, translate". Jehovah God transferred us from Satan's kingdom to His Son Jesus Christ Kingdom. Jehovah made the exchange to purchase us as His children through the blood of His Son. It is through the Son of God that we have redemption brothers and sisters. This transference into the Kingdom of the Son of God denotes a present tense reality of salvation and adoption into the Family of Jehovah. It also shows us that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is a present reality not just a future hope. Satan would love nothing more than to blind us to this precious truth.
What is also precious is verse 14 which says that we HAVE (Present tense) redemption through the Son of God's blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Let's see what the word "redemption" means in the greek. The greek word for "redemption (Strongs 629) is "apolutrosis" and means "ransom in full, deliverance, redemption". This means that Christ death on the cross finished the ransom once and for all. Our Savior said "it is finished" and He meant it. There is no need to doubt your salvation saints, once you confess that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of your sins and seal your faith with baptism you are in the Kingdom of Christ as a full fledged blood bought child of God. The ransom is has been fully satisfied and you can now walk in the assurance of your salvation.
So you might ask, what's next?
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Preaching the gospel of the Kingdom that you have been translated to is the natural next step in your walk with the Son of God. As an ambassador of God's Kingdom, you now need to spread the Kingdom doctrine. Far from merely being a future hope, Jesus Kingdom is present with us now and we are members of that Kingdom.
Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
John wrote this having gone through immense persecution at this time and yet he says that Christ made us kings and priests NOW (present tense) not at some far away future time. This means brethren, that we are kings and priests unto God the Father in this life. Satan has deceived Christians into a defensive posture and to be passive in waiting for the age to come for these blessings. The carnal mind often cannot grasp that through trials, poverty and suffering that one can still be royalty in the eyes of Jehovah God. The spiritual mind understands that no amount of earthly treasure makes one a king but rather heavenly treasure does.
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Peter also confirms Paul that having been called into the marvelous light of the Father and Son we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Brothers and Sisters, this for the present here in this life not just the age to come. The devil who is a liar wants to steal your place as a king and priest in this life so that you are rendered ineffective in spreading the gospel of Christ's Kingdom and also living it to it's fullest potential.
Most denominations are simply in a state of occupying until Christ returns to the earth and wax poetic about the future Kingdom, however they are missing the precious truth that Jesus Kingdom already started. His return will simply introduce the next phase of it. When did the Kingdom of Jesus Christ start?
Hebrews 1:8-9 (KJV)
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
In context, this seems to be about the ascension of Christ into heaven after the 40 days He spent with the disciples after His resurrection. How do we know? Because He is seated on His throne at the right hand of the Father and praised for loving righteousness and hating iniquity. It was during Jesus life on earth that he was tested in this regard. God the Father gives His Son the Kingdom and tells His beloved Son that His (Christ) throne is forever and will not end. The Father declares the Son's divinity and Godship by calling His Son "God'.
This was the inauguration of the Son's Kingdom which took place in heaven. Soon after this, Jesus inaugurated His Kingdom on earth on the day of Pentecost:
Acts 2:1-5 (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on the Congregation partially fulfilling Joel chapter 2. Thousands were saved on this day and transferred to the Kingdom of the Son of God. It was after this event that the gospel went out to the world, thereby spreading the Kingdom of Jesus Christ filling the whole earth.
Daniel 2:44 (KJV)
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
It was during the reign of the pagan Roman empire that Jehovah God set up the Kingdom of His Son Jesus Christ. Eventually this Kingdom will utterly destroy the last remaining earthly governments when the King of Kings makes His return. Many scoff at the notion that we are presently in the Kingdom of Christ due to the Christian Congregation historically being on the low end of the totem pole in the esteem of the world. However, this is because they fail to understand that in God's economy what the world esteems highly God esteems not. Also, what the world esteems lightly, God esteems highly. From a worldly perspective, a Kingdom and being King mean being on top, ruling over others and having material abundance. From Jehovah's standpoint the opposite is often true, meaning a true Kingdom in His eyes is one where the rulers of that Kingdom make themselves the least and put others first even at their own peril. In Jehovah's economy, being a King often means suffering and going through hardship and being willing to lay down your life for others whereas worldly kings have a multitude of people protecting them. Let's go to scripture and see some examples of what God's Kingdom looks like.
Mark 11:7-10 (KJV)
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
Jesus triumphal entry as the King from the seed of David tells us much about the humility of His Kingdom. Jesus turned the Jews expectation of their coming Messiah upside down as they were expecting Him to come with pomp and circumstance to introduce an earthly theocratic rule. The Son of God confounded their materialistic hopes by arriving to Jerusalem on a lowly colt. Many professed Christians are making the same error today as the Jews of old, in that they are not content with a spiritual kingdom of humility but rather they lust for political clout so that their dogmas can be enforced in the civil realm. Other Christians who do not possess this worldly lust often take a defeatist view of things and are just waiting out the days until the Son of God's second advent.
Many will say, how could we be in Christ Kingdom now if Christians are losing influence throughout the world including the United States? Take note of what Jesus says:
Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Jesus shows the Pharisees error in expecting a theocratic type kingdom and instead tells them that the Kingdom of God is spiritual and is within the heart of every believer. Brethren, the Kingdom of God is here now and is in your heart if you accept it. It is often said by naysayers that how could we be in the kingdom now if the Christian Congregation has been on the short end of the stick for most the new testament age? Again, remember John's statement in Revelation 1 that we are now kings and priests unto God the Father. John made this statement during a time that Christians were being brutally persecuted by the Roman empire. We can see that according to Jesus and his beloved disciple John, that reigning as a king and priest in Christ's Kingdom doesn't not depend on worldly success.
Matthew 11:11-12 (KJV)11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
We see a glimpse of Kingdom economics according to the Son of God. In the kingdom of this world, the greatest man would be the one most highly esteemed but in Jehovah's Kingdom it's the least person who is the most highly esteemed and the greatest in men's eyes is the least. Also, Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is pressed into violently meaning eager souls storm the kingdom and men take the kingdom by storm. This is in a spiritual sense not a physical one. As men and women are transferred into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the kingdom advances forcefully. Spiritually forceful men take hold of this Kingdom. By taking hold of the Kingdom of God one may lose the earthly comforts that earthly kingdoms provide. Aren't we told to have our treasures in heaven rather than on earth? So why do we say that we can't possibly be in Christ Kingdom now due to the low estate of the Christian Congregation? Because many are still building their treasures here instead of heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
As kings and priests in God's Kingdom are riches and treasures are stored up in heaven for us.
Matthew 13:41 (KJV)
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
We see here that the angles of Jesus will gather all things out of the Sin of God's Kingdom. This is a very revealing scripture as the things gathered are being removed from earth and Jesus equates this earth with His Kingdom hence His "they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend". This shows that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is already here and not something we have to wait for. Jesus Kingdom is invisible and not visible. His Kingdom has been here since he started His ministry in it's initial phase but then commenced fully at His ascension.
Matthew 6:10 (KJV)
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
A request of God's Kingdom to come here on earth as it is in heaven is simultaneous and it was being announced by Christ during His earthly ministry and His resurrection and more fully ascension inaugurated it.
Matthew 12:28-29 (KJV)
28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
The Kingdom of God came unto men during Jesus ministry. The Son of God entered the strong man's (satan) house (the world) and spoiled his goods, taking plunder of satan's possessions (people who became believers). Satan can no longer deceive the nations. Though satan still has influence in this world and the ability to deceive he no longer has dominion in this world but rather he only has sway in the world. The dragon can no longer completely deceive people due to the cross of Christ.
Luke 10:17-19 (KJV)17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Through Jesus name victory is already ours as our Jehovah gave us power to make devils subject to us. Jesus gives us power over the enemy as we see here that satan fell as lightening from heaven due to the power of Jesus name utilized by the 70 disciples. Satan was cast to the abyss that is called earth. Satan no longer has the power to deceive the nations as the saints of Jehovah have been given the power by His Son to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. Jesus encourages the 70 not to fear anything as nothing would hurt them. Brethren, this same power is available to us now and the same admonition to not fear as nothing will hurt us stands true if we will utilize the power of Christ's name. Unfortunately most of Christianity is walking in fear of the devil rather than slaying him and his demons.
Romans 16:20 (KJV)
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Jehovah gives us victory over satan now not just after Christ's return in glory. We reign with Christ now.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
The above passage is one of the most overlooked truths in all of Christianity. While most denominations focus on the Kingdom to come, Paul tells us that the Kingdom of Christ has already begun. This is important to understand brethren because wants to obscure this fact from us. Paul says that the Father has made us meet (fit) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints (old and new testament believers). Verse 13 is really powerful as the apostle says that the Father has translated us from the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of His dear Son Jesus Christ.
The word "translated" comes from the greek word "methistemi" (Strongs 3179) and means to "transfer, carry away, exchange, depose, seduce, put out, translate". Jehovah God transferred us from Satan's kingdom to His Son Jesus Christ Kingdom. Jehovah made the exchange to purchase us as His children through the blood of His Son. It is through the Son of God that we have redemption brothers and sisters. This transference into the Kingdom of the Son of God denotes a present tense reality of salvation and adoption into the Family of Jehovah. It also shows us that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is a present reality not just a future hope. Satan would love nothing more than to blind us to this precious truth.
What is also precious is verse 14 which says that we HAVE (Present tense) redemption through the Son of God's blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Let's see what the word "redemption" means in the greek. The greek word for "redemption (Strongs 629) is "apolutrosis" and means "ransom in full, deliverance, redemption". This means that Christ death on the cross finished the ransom once and for all. Our Savior said "it is finished" and He meant it. There is no need to doubt your salvation saints, once you confess that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of your sins and seal your faith with baptism you are in the Kingdom of Christ as a full fledged blood bought child of God. The ransom is has been fully satisfied and you can now walk in the assurance of your salvation.
So you might ask, what's next?
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Preaching the gospel of the Kingdom that you have been translated to is the natural next step in your walk with the Son of God. As an ambassador of God's Kingdom, you now need to spread the Kingdom doctrine. Far from merely being a future hope, Jesus Kingdom is present with us now and we are members of that Kingdom.
Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
John wrote this having gone through immense persecution at this time and yet he says that Christ made us kings and priests NOW (present tense) not at some far away future time. This means brethren, that we are kings and priests unto God the Father in this life. Satan has deceived Christians into a defensive posture and to be passive in waiting for the age to come for these blessings. The carnal mind often cannot grasp that through trials, poverty and suffering that one can still be royalty in the eyes of Jehovah God. The spiritual mind understands that no amount of earthly treasure makes one a king but rather heavenly treasure does.
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Peter also confirms Paul that having been called into the marvelous light of the Father and Son we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Brothers and Sisters, this for the present here in this life not just the age to come. The devil who is a liar wants to steal your place as a king and priest in this life so that you are rendered ineffective in spreading the gospel of Christ's Kingdom and also living it to it's fullest potential.
Most denominations are simply in a state of occupying until Christ returns to the earth and wax poetic about the future Kingdom, however they are missing the precious truth that Jesus Kingdom already started. His return will simply introduce the next phase of it. When did the Kingdom of Jesus Christ start?
Hebrews 1:8-9 (KJV)
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
In context, this seems to be about the ascension of Christ into heaven after the 40 days He spent with the disciples after His resurrection. How do we know? Because He is seated on His throne at the right hand of the Father and praised for loving righteousness and hating iniquity. It was during Jesus life on earth that he was tested in this regard. God the Father gives His Son the Kingdom and tells His beloved Son that His (Christ) throne is forever and will not end. The Father declares the Son's divinity and Godship by calling His Son "God'.
This was the inauguration of the Son's Kingdom which took place in heaven. Soon after this, Jesus inaugurated His Kingdom on earth on the day of Pentecost:
Acts 2:1-5 (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on the Congregation partially fulfilling Joel chapter 2. Thousands were saved on this day and transferred to the Kingdom of the Son of God. It was after this event that the gospel went out to the world, thereby spreading the Kingdom of Jesus Christ filling the whole earth.
Daniel 2:44 (KJV)
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
It was during the reign of the pagan Roman empire that Jehovah God set up the Kingdom of His Son Jesus Christ. Eventually this Kingdom will utterly destroy the last remaining earthly governments when the King of Kings makes His return. Many scoff at the notion that we are presently in the Kingdom of Christ due to the Christian Congregation historically being on the low end of the totem pole in the esteem of the world. However, this is because they fail to understand that in God's economy what the world esteems highly God esteems not. Also, what the world esteems lightly, God esteems highly. From a worldly perspective, a Kingdom and being King mean being on top, ruling over others and having material abundance. From Jehovah's standpoint the opposite is often true, meaning a true Kingdom in His eyes is one where the rulers of that Kingdom make themselves the least and put others first even at their own peril. In Jehovah's economy, being a King often means suffering and going through hardship and being willing to lay down your life for others whereas worldly kings have a multitude of people protecting them. Let's go to scripture and see some examples of what God's Kingdom looks like.
Mark 11:7-10 (KJV)
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
Jesus triumphal entry as the King from the seed of David tells us much about the humility of His Kingdom. Jesus turned the Jews expectation of their coming Messiah upside down as they were expecting Him to come with pomp and circumstance to introduce an earthly theocratic rule. The Son of God confounded their materialistic hopes by arriving to Jerusalem on a lowly colt. Many professed Christians are making the same error today as the Jews of old, in that they are not content with a spiritual kingdom of humility but rather they lust for political clout so that their dogmas can be enforced in the civil realm. Other Christians who do not possess this worldly lust often take a defeatist view of things and are just waiting out the days until the Son of God's second advent.
Many will say, how could we be in Christ Kingdom now if Christians are losing influence throughout the world including the United States? Take note of what Jesus says:
Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Jesus shows the Pharisees error in expecting a theocratic type kingdom and instead tells them that the Kingdom of God is spiritual and is within the heart of every believer. Brethren, the Kingdom of God is here now and is in your heart if you accept it. It is often said by naysayers that how could we be in the kingdom now if the Christian Congregation has been on the short end of the stick for most the new testament age? Again, remember John's statement in Revelation 1 that we are now kings and priests unto God the Father. John made this statement during a time that Christians were being brutally persecuted by the Roman empire. We can see that according to Jesus and his beloved disciple John, that reigning as a king and priest in Christ's Kingdom doesn't not depend on worldly success.
Matthew 11:11-12 (KJV)11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
We see a glimpse of Kingdom economics according to the Son of God. In the kingdom of this world, the greatest man would be the one most highly esteemed but in Jehovah's Kingdom it's the least person who is the most highly esteemed and the greatest in men's eyes is the least. Also, Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is pressed into violently meaning eager souls storm the kingdom and men take the kingdom by storm. This is in a spiritual sense not a physical one. As men and women are transferred into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the kingdom advances forcefully. Spiritually forceful men take hold of this Kingdom. By taking hold of the Kingdom of God one may lose the earthly comforts that earthly kingdoms provide. Aren't we told to have our treasures in heaven rather than on earth? So why do we say that we can't possibly be in Christ Kingdom now due to the low estate of the Christian Congregation? Because many are still building their treasures here instead of heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
As kings and priests in God's Kingdom are riches and treasures are stored up in heaven for us.
Matthew 13:41 (KJV)
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
We see here that the angles of Jesus will gather all things out of the Sin of God's Kingdom. This is a very revealing scripture as the things gathered are being removed from earth and Jesus equates this earth with His Kingdom hence His "they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend". This shows that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is already here and not something we have to wait for. Jesus Kingdom is invisible and not visible. His Kingdom has been here since he started His ministry in it's initial phase but then commenced fully at His ascension.
Matthew 6:10 (KJV)
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
A request of God's Kingdom to come here on earth as it is in heaven is simultaneous and it was being announced by Christ during His earthly ministry and His resurrection and more fully ascension inaugurated it.
Matthew 12:28-29 (KJV)
28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
The Kingdom of God came unto men during Jesus ministry. The Son of God entered the strong man's (satan) house (the world) and spoiled his goods, taking plunder of satan's possessions (people who became believers). Satan can no longer deceive the nations. Though satan still has influence in this world and the ability to deceive he no longer has dominion in this world but rather he only has sway in the world. The dragon can no longer completely deceive people due to the cross of Christ.
Luke 10:17-19 (KJV)17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Through Jesus name victory is already ours as our Jehovah gave us power to make devils subject to us. Jesus gives us power over the enemy as we see here that satan fell as lightening from heaven due to the power of Jesus name utilized by the 70 disciples. Satan was cast to the abyss that is called earth. Satan no longer has the power to deceive the nations as the saints of Jehovah have been given the power by His Son to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. Jesus encourages the 70 not to fear anything as nothing would hurt them. Brethren, this same power is available to us now and the same admonition to not fear as nothing will hurt us stands true if we will utilize the power of Christ's name. Unfortunately most of Christianity is walking in fear of the devil rather than slaying him and his demons.
Romans 16:20 (KJV)
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Jehovah gives us victory over satan now not just after Christ's return in glory. We reign with Christ now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)