Post by knuckle on Jul 19, 2008 7:39:37 GMT -5
Hi All------------
this study(originally written on another site of my friend Mike ) is an insight to understanding prophesy.It is probably going to be a long series of posts,so bare with me.Since this is a catholic forum and the pope is usually the guy every one points a finger at in protestant end time doom and gloom I wanted to start with what the bible really says about the anti-christ and exactly who this baddie is,so with out further introduction ...........
The Man Of Sin
II Thess. 2:11 "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"
This verse of scripture is an enigma to most Christians. They cannot believe that God would send a lie to deceive most of His own called out followers. But that is the truth. These are the plain words of scripture.
Many Christians delude themselves that this is speaking of the lost world and not the church, the called out of God. But this cannot be the case, because this statement is in the context of widespread apostasy:
II Thess. 2:3 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition."
Who Is This 'Man Of Sin?'
This 'falling away' is a falling away from the truths that are in every Bible in every Christian home in this nation or in the world. Here we are told that this "falling away reveals that man of sin the son of perdition." There is a lot of speculation in Christian circles as to who, exactly, this 'man of sin, the son of perdition' is. About the only thing that everyone agrees on concerning this 'man of sin' is that he is an end-time personality. 'After all, Paul's argument is that the day of the Lord is not at hand because the man of sin has not yet been revealed. The 'great falling away' has to happen first, is the teaching. With this dispensational approach to the scriptures, everything is now to be understood as 'in the future', 'at the time of the end.' That 'time of the end' is generally understood to be just around the corner, but 'it certainly isn't talking about me, or my church right now.' So reasons most of the Christian world.
The scriptures, as usual, teach just the opposite of this commonly accepted, dispensational, application of Biblical prophecy. Here is the scriptural approach to understanding this and all prophecy:
(1Jo 2:18) "Little children, it is the last time. And just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have risen up, from which we know that it is the last hour."
(Rev 1:3) "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
Now this "man of sin" becomes relevant to me. "It IS the last time." "Even NOW many antichrists have risen up." "It IS the last hour." "THE TIME IS AT HAND." This is the proper approach to all prophecy. Why did the apostles approach prophecy with this frame of mind? It is because, unlike many modern teachers of God's Word today, the apostles knew what the purpose of ALL prophecy was:
1Co 14:3 "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."
What This Man Of Sin Does
2Th 2:4 "Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he, as God, sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."
2Th 2:5 "Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things"
2Th 2:6 "And now ye know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time."
Is Paul telling the Thessalonians that some extremely sinful man is going to set himself up in the temple in Jerusalem some time in the future, just prior to the coming of Christ, and require all mankind to worship him? IN MERE LETTERS? It sure sounds that way. To the natural man it certainly appears that way. And consequently all 'carnal babes in Christ' (ICo 3:1), TAKE IT THAT WAY! But Paul tells us in a very straight forward way that his words are not to be taken in an 'outward' manner:
1Co 2:4 "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
Paul's words are in "demonstration of the Spirit and of power." But who sees this "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" in the words of Paul? Certainly not "carnal...babes in Christ," who can only receive the crucifixion of Christ as a outward thing. But some do see this "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" in the words Paul writes: "We speak wisdom among them that are perfect [Greek-becoming mature] ...we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:" (ICo 2:6-7).
'Hidden' From Whom?
Now,like Cepha,I am not a big fan of Dr Strong's concordance,but even a broken watch is right twice a day.Having checked these definitions against Thayer and the BDB we will quote from Dr Strong as his numbers appear in many other dictionaries.As always,don't just take knuckle's word for anything,study to show thyself approved....
The Greek word translated 'among' here is 'en' Strong's #1722. Nine out of ten times it is translated properly with the English word 'in', in the KJV. It is the same word translated 'in' in verse 4 where he says that his words were "in demonstration of spirit and of power." It should be translated 'in' here in ICo 2:6 also. Paul was not saying one thing to 'babes in Christ' and something different "among them that are perfect." No, it was always the same gospel: "Jesus Christ and him crucified." But it was received differently "in them that are perfect [mature]." It is not 'a mystery' (Greek - musterion - secret- Strong's #3466) to the 'perfect' - the mature; it is not 'hidden wisdom' to the 'mature.' It is "a mystery [and] hidden wisdom" to "carnal... babes in Christ" who can only see "Christ and HIM crucified."
So, if we translate the Greek word 'en' consistently, here is what Paul is telling us: 'In the mature we speak the secret, hidden, inward wisdom of God, but in the immature we speak only of the outward fleshly appearing of Christ and of His outward death and outward crucifixion.' How is this all accomplished? It is all accomplished with the same Bible, with the same letters and words. But 'the same letters and words' have vastly different meanings 'in' the 'mature' and 'in' the 'babes in Christ,' who are 'yet carnal.' Paul did not have two gospels, one for babes and one for mature Christians. Rather the one gospel 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified,' is received two entirely different ways in the hearers. And why is that? It will always be the same; it is because "many are called but few are chosen." The "many called [but not] chosen," will always be drawn to the outward, physical letter understanding of prophecy. Anything else is "foolishness" to the "carnal...babes in Christ," to whom I Cor. 2 is addressed.
In the very next verse Paul gives us an example of what he is saying:
1Co 2:8, "Which ["hidden wisdom"] none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
Now ask yourself, who are 'the princes of this world' who have 'crucified the Lord of glory?' Is this referring to the Romans? The 'gentiles' are certainly included (Acts 4:27), but who do the scriptures reveal as the motivating force behind the crucifixion of Christ?: Speaking to his own countrymen the 'people of God', Peter tells them:
Act 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Yes, 'the princes of this world', who crucified Christ were His own brothers, his own people, the people of God. Why did they do it? Because they 'knew not the secret, hidden, wisdom of God' (v.7). And what is the result of not 'knowing the secret, hidden, wisdom of God?':
ICo 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
This statement is not addressed to 'the world.' This is not primarily a statement about the condition of those in 'the world.' This is a warning to "carnal...babes in Christ," 'Corinthian Christians' of every generation since Christ.
This verse, verse 9, is very familiar to many Christians because it is invariably quoted at many funerals to help comfort the survivors of the deceased. "Why," the minister will invariably say, "we can't even begin to imagine the things that God has prepared for those that love Him." But what is the 'fullness of the truth' of this statement?:
1Co 2:10 "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
So what is it that God wants to reveal to us? It is things that physical eyes cannot see and physical ears cannot hear, "the deep things of God."
So verse nine is speaking of "carnal...babes in Christ," as contrasted with the "mature" of verse ten, to whom "God has revealed...the things of the Spirit."
Rightly Dividing The Word
"The deep things of God," are the things Paul is telling these "carnal...babes in Christ," THEY cannot receive. In verses 11-12 Paul explains that they (we) must replace the carnal 'spirit of man', with 'the spirit which is of God', before we can even hope to understand "the things which are freely given to us of God."
1Co 2:13 "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
THERE IT IS! You have just been given Paul's formula for 'rightly dividing' the word. Paul, right here in I Corinthians 2:13, reveals how the Spirit opens up the "hidden, secret, deep things of God." How does the Spirit "teach" us?: BY "COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL!" "The Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." It is not accomplished in any other way. When Paul says that spiritual discernment is "not in words that man's wisdom teacheth," he is not saying that the Holy Spirit teaches in a secret 'unknown tongue.' Not at all. What Paul means is that man's 'context' oriented understanding of the scriptures is no substitute for that "which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." If you think that simply keeping the scriptures in their proper context is going to assure that you are on the right path to understand prophecy you are dead wrong. That is what the scriptures refer to as "carnal reasoning." If there were any truth to that teaching, then anyone could read the scriptures, consider the context and see clearly 'the things of the Spirit.' If this carnal minded reasoning were true, then the very next verse would have to read like this: 'The natural man can easily receive the things of the Spirit of God, for the scriptures will make perfect sense to him if he will just remember to keep them in their proper context'. This, of course, is exactly what these "carnal" Corinthian Christians were doing. They had heard of Christ and HIM crucified. They had been told that He had died on the cross for their sins. They were determined to keep this all in context. It was Christ who did the 'dying.' And it was Christ who was on the 'cross.'
But how does verse 14 really read?: "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned..." Christianity today equates 'keeping the scriptures in their proper context' with 'spiritual discernment.' They could not be any further from the truth. This is itself 'strong delusion.' For dozens of scriptures demonstrating the fact that 'understanding the context' does not equate to 'spiritual discernment' Most of the scriptures quoted by the New Testament writers as referring to Christ, 'in context,' are actually speaking of some Old Testament patriarch, or prophet, or of Israel as a nation. But the Spirit of God says these scriptures refer to Christ. So who are we to believe? Do we follow the principles of the multi-degreed professors of Dallas Theological Seminary, or the principle of rightly dividing the scriptures as revealed by the way the apostles quoted the Old Testament?
Now let us see where these "words which man's wisdom teacheth" has led the church of God.
'Jesus Christ And Him Crucified'
Paul tells us, "the gospel of Christ...is the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). The gospel being 'the power of God unto salvation' obviously includes 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified.' The apostle Paul told the Corinthians: (ICo 2:2) "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." Why did Paul make this determination? We don't have to speculate, he tells us specifically: (ICo 3:1- 3) "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able, for you are yet carnal..."
What is Paul getting at? Why does he admonish the Corinthians in this way? Does 'You are babes in Christ but you are yet carnal' mean that the Corinthians were not 'saints?' Does this mean that they were not 'sanctified in Christ Jesus?' No, it does not mean that: (I Cor. 1:2) "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" Being 'sanctified in Christ Jesus', being 'called to be a saint' apparently does not guarantee that one will not be "yet carnal." Many millions of Christians are "called to be saints," but they "are yet carnal."
Why Paul Wrote Corinthians
Paul was well aware that a baby on his mother's milk would choke to death on a T-bone steak. But Paul is not writing this epistle to praise these Corinthians for receiving the milk of the word. Paul tells us why he wrote to the Corinthians:
1. (I Cor. 5:9) "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:"
2. (II Cor. 2:3) "And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice;"
3. (II Cor. 2:4) "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you."
4. (II Cor. 7:12) "Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you."
There we have it. Paul has given us four reasons why he wrote to these Corinthian brothers. Do any of these reasons sound as if he were pleased with the progress being made within the church at Corinth? NO, Paul was very disappointed with what was happening within the church at Corinth: "Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears..." So yes, 'the power of God unto salvation,' includes the 'sincere milk' of 'Christ and Him crucified. And yes, a mother's milk is the only food with which to nourish a baby. But it is the flip side to this truth that elicited this epistle, for no man yet has ever made it to maturity on nothing but his mother's milk. 'The power of God unto salvation' involves a much deeper understanding than a crucified Christ. It involves a resurrected Christ. And it concerns much more than a resurrected Christ with holes in His hands and side, as He is viewed by doubting Thomases.
Here is a little more of 'the power of God unto salvation': "I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST" (Gal . 2:20). And this: "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Phil. 1:29). And this: " fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church" (Col1:24). And also this: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW" (2Co 5:17). But does 'all things' include Christ on the cross? Yes, it does.
Even 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified' becomes 'new': "Henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, THOUGH WE HAVE KNOWN CHRIST AFTER THE FLESH [in the cradle; walking on this earth; on the cross or even resurrected with a body of 'flesh and bone'], YET NOW HENCEFORTH KNOW WE HIM NO MORE [after the flesh]" (2Co 5:16). This is the "HIDDEN...wisdom of God in a MYSTERY," that Paul is referring to, only three verses after saying, 'I determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.'
This statement, 'hidden wisdom' (1Co 2:7), is not addressed to the unconverted, uncalled world. It is addressed to immature, 'carnal...babes in Christ' who are "YET now...not able to bear meat" (1Co 3:1-2). So this more mature 'wisdom [is] hidden' from them and is only understood "among [Gk.- in] them that are perfect" (1Co 2:6). This is the only thing negative about the doctrine of 'Christ and Him crucified.' "Neither yet now" indicates that these brothers who have heard the "sincere milk of the word," "nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified," are not "going on unto perfection [maturity]" (Heb 6:1), as they should.
When Paul asks, "having begun in the spirit are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3), he is indeed referring to the fact that these Galatian brothers were reverting back to circumcising and keeping the law of Moses: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is everyone that continueth not in ALL THINGS which are written in the BOOK of the law [not just the two tables of stone] to do them" (Gal. 3:10).
This differs only slightly from the Corinthians in that the Corinthians were reverting to their selfish, carnal Gentile ways; openly fornicating, ignoring the hungry and suing one another. Both of these errors in both of these churches as well as the "thorns and briars...whose end is to be burned," of Heb 6:7-8, all have one thing in common: THEY ARE ALL THREE THE RESULT OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY. All three are called 'babes' (Greek - nepios) - 1Co 3:1; Gal. 4:1; Heb. 5:13.
'Sons' Versus 'Children'
Since all three are addressed as immature "children," then it must be of utmost importance that we progress beyond the slaying of the Passover Lamb; beyond simply applying the blood of the lamb to the door post. Knowing that the death angel has passed over us IS what is called "the sincere milk of the word for NEW BORN babes that you may GROW thereby" (1Pe 2:2). 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified' has rendered maturity as inconsequential and unnecessary in the church today. Yet 'growing thereby' is still essential to becoming a mature son, a 'uihos.' It is ONLY the 'uhiothesia' for whom 'the whole creation groans and travails.' All other Christians are "a child [nepios], differ[ing] nothing from a [bond] servant, though he be lord of all" (Gal. 4:1). Paul concludes this chapter: "Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman" (Gal. 4:30). What is it that we are encouraged to 'grow' up into? We are to grow up from being 'babes', nepios, into becoming mature sons, 'uihos' (Gal. 4:5-6).
Just how important is it that we become mature sons? Here is just how important it is: Gal 4:1- "Now I say, that the heir [those who are 'sanctified and called to be saints'], as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all." The word 'child' in this verse is not 'uihos', a mature son; the word here is 'nepios', a babe in Christ, who, so long as he remains a nepios, a babe, can never inherit the promises: "Wherefore thou art no more a servant [or 'a child, nepios, differing nothing from a 'servant'], but a son [uihos]; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ" (Gal. 4:7). ONLY "IF A UIHOS," are we "then an heir of God." The 'uihothesia' are not affected by the second death, for they and they alone, have been through the first death, mentioned by Christ in John 12:24: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and DIE, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." This is not a physical death any more than 'death and hell' are physically cast into the lake of fire.' It is, "I am crucified WITH Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20). This is the first 'death' that one must experience before he qualifies for the "blessed and holy... first resurrection" (Rev. 20:6).
Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen
The 'passing over' of the death angel is an accomplished fact, not just for believers, "but also for the whole world," whether they are aware of it or not.
1Jo 2:2- "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
But 'the whole world' will not be in the 'blessed and holy...first resurrection.' "Many [will be] called [to see and accept 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified'] but few [will be] chosen" to take part in the 'blessed and holy first resurrection.' This resurrection is reserved for 'the remnant,' the 'bride,' the 'chaste virgin,' the 'uihothesia,' mature sons.
Those who 'put the blood on their door post' "were baptized...and did all eat the same spiritual meat [Greek - bromah - food]; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock and that Rock was Christ. But with many [all but two] of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness" (1Co 10:2-5).
Is this 'they were overthrown in the wilderness' group, a small insignificant matter as some assert? Will those who "grieved" the Lord, "whose carcasses fell in the wilderness" (Heb. 3:17) still be in the first resurrection because they put the blood of the Lamb on their door post? Will they be in the first resurrection because they "were all baptized...in the cloud and in the sea" (1Co 10:2)? Will eating 'spiritual meat' put you in the first resurrection? For the shocking answer to this question, read Eze. 37, about 'the WHOLE house of Israel.' The shocker is realizing the scriptural timing of this event.
The Fullness Of The Gentiles
According to Paul, this "all Israel shall be saved" will not take place "until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" (Rom. 11:25). This 'fulness of the Gentiles' is accomplished before 'all Israel will be saved,' because we are told:
Rom 11:25-26 "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so ALL Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob..."
Ezekiel repeats this truth in Eze. 37:11- "These bones are the whole house of Israel...I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves." Will 'the whole house of Israel' be in the first resurrection? Those who teach that all you need to know is 'Christ and Him crucified,' believe that they will. 'These are God's chosen people,' they will tell you. But all those who teach such nonsense are totally unaware that Ezekiel had already given the time line for the fulfillment of this prophesy:
Eze 16:55 "WHEN thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, THEN thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate."
This is 'the great white throne judgement.' This is the 'lake of fire,' the greatest single act of God's fiery, purifying, chastening grace in the history of mankind. Why will 'the whole house of Israel' come up in judgement AFTER THE MILLENNIUM, along with and beside 'Sodom and her daughters and Samaria and her daughters?' Simply because:
* "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom. 8:9). Simply because:
* "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Simply because:
* "By grace are ye saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8).
Neither the 'grace' or the 'faith of Jesus Christ' (Rom.3:22), were available to Israel before the coming of their Messiah. Neither the fulness of the 'truth' (Christ) nor 'the 'spirit of Christ' were present to mature these carnal Israelites. They 'were yet babes;' they 'were yet carnal.' They are "the son of the bondwoman" and "shall not be made heir with [us] the son of the freewoman" (Gal. 4:30-31).
All 'Children' Think They Are Mature
ALL 'babes in Christ' "are yet carnal!" Paul says "I determined to know nothing among you but Christ and Him crucified." Next he says "I have fed you with milk." The obvious message is that 'babes in Christ' will invariably receive this great powerful light of truth in a "carnal" way, that is, 'Christ died in my stead so I don't have to die.' "I am crucified with Christ," and "I die daily" is the 'meat' which most are even now unable to receive. This is the "we speak wisdom in a mystery, even the HIDDEN wisdom [meat of the word], among them that are perfect [becoming mature]."
Those who teach a perverted, half-truth 'grace' and who teach only a perverted, half-truth 'Christ and Him crucified' cannot receive the meat of "to you it is given IN BEHALF OF CHRIST, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE ON HIM, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE" (Phil. 1:29). This too, is the meat which 'babes in Christ...neither yet now are able' [to receive] (I Cor. 3:1-2).
There are no spiritually mature babes! Even the apostle Paul "went into Arabia" and spent time unlearning his own destructive ways. Nowhere are we told exactly how long Paul spent in the wilderness of Arabia, but Christ Himself spent 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for His ministry. Had the 'babes in Christ' Corinthians, or the 'foolish Galatians,' or the 'you ought to be teachers...but now you are in need of being taught' Hebrews been "driven [of the Spirit] into the wilderness...to be tempted of the devil" (Mark 1:12; Matt. 4:1)? Well, they were certainly being 'tempted.' But unlike Christ they were "unskillful in the word of righteousness: for [they were] babes...using milk" (Heb. 5:13) and thinking it was 'strong meat.' This is why so many of God's people are in this immature condition.
(Heb 5:13) "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
The church[catholic and protestant] teaches nothing but 'milk' ("Jesus Christ and Him crucified") and they think it is 'meat.' So Paul tells them "Ye are yet carnal."
I am going to stop here.There is alot left to this study but long posts seldom get read in depth(much like the bible unfortunately) but if any of you are interested please respond and we can break it down into smaller bites.If there are any specific questions, we can address these too.Our esteemed administrator was good enough to give us a board specifically designated to study so I figure it is time for us to start using it.
as always,much love-----------------knuckle
this study(originally written on another site of my friend Mike ) is an insight to understanding prophesy.It is probably going to be a long series of posts,so bare with me.Since this is a catholic forum and the pope is usually the guy every one points a finger at in protestant end time doom and gloom I wanted to start with what the bible really says about the anti-christ and exactly who this baddie is,so with out further introduction ...........
The Man Of Sin
II Thess. 2:11 "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"
This verse of scripture is an enigma to most Christians. They cannot believe that God would send a lie to deceive most of His own called out followers. But that is the truth. These are the plain words of scripture.
Many Christians delude themselves that this is speaking of the lost world and not the church, the called out of God. But this cannot be the case, because this statement is in the context of widespread apostasy:
II Thess. 2:3 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition."
Who Is This 'Man Of Sin?'
This 'falling away' is a falling away from the truths that are in every Bible in every Christian home in this nation or in the world. Here we are told that this "falling away reveals that man of sin the son of perdition." There is a lot of speculation in Christian circles as to who, exactly, this 'man of sin, the son of perdition' is. About the only thing that everyone agrees on concerning this 'man of sin' is that he is an end-time personality. 'After all, Paul's argument is that the day of the Lord is not at hand because the man of sin has not yet been revealed. The 'great falling away' has to happen first, is the teaching. With this dispensational approach to the scriptures, everything is now to be understood as 'in the future', 'at the time of the end.' That 'time of the end' is generally understood to be just around the corner, but 'it certainly isn't talking about me, or my church right now.' So reasons most of the Christian world.
The scriptures, as usual, teach just the opposite of this commonly accepted, dispensational, application of Biblical prophecy. Here is the scriptural approach to understanding this and all prophecy:
(1Jo 2:18) "Little children, it is the last time. And just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have risen up, from which we know that it is the last hour."
(Rev 1:3) "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
Now this "man of sin" becomes relevant to me. "It IS the last time." "Even NOW many antichrists have risen up." "It IS the last hour." "THE TIME IS AT HAND." This is the proper approach to all prophecy. Why did the apostles approach prophecy with this frame of mind? It is because, unlike many modern teachers of God's Word today, the apostles knew what the purpose of ALL prophecy was:
1Co 14:3 "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."
What This Man Of Sin Does
2Th 2:4 "Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he, as God, sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."
2Th 2:5 "Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things"
2Th 2:6 "And now ye know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time."
Is Paul telling the Thessalonians that some extremely sinful man is going to set himself up in the temple in Jerusalem some time in the future, just prior to the coming of Christ, and require all mankind to worship him? IN MERE LETTERS? It sure sounds that way. To the natural man it certainly appears that way. And consequently all 'carnal babes in Christ' (ICo 3:1), TAKE IT THAT WAY! But Paul tells us in a very straight forward way that his words are not to be taken in an 'outward' manner:
1Co 2:4 "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
Paul's words are in "demonstration of the Spirit and of power." But who sees this "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" in the words of Paul? Certainly not "carnal...babes in Christ," who can only receive the crucifixion of Christ as a outward thing. But some do see this "demonstration of the Spirit and of power" in the words Paul writes: "We speak wisdom among them that are perfect [Greek-becoming mature] ...we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:" (ICo 2:6-7).
'Hidden' From Whom?
Now,like Cepha,I am not a big fan of Dr Strong's concordance,but even a broken watch is right twice a day.Having checked these definitions against Thayer and the BDB we will quote from Dr Strong as his numbers appear in many other dictionaries.As always,don't just take knuckle's word for anything,study to show thyself approved....
The Greek word translated 'among' here is 'en' Strong's #1722. Nine out of ten times it is translated properly with the English word 'in', in the KJV. It is the same word translated 'in' in verse 4 where he says that his words were "in demonstration of spirit and of power." It should be translated 'in' here in ICo 2:6 also. Paul was not saying one thing to 'babes in Christ' and something different "among them that are perfect." No, it was always the same gospel: "Jesus Christ and him crucified." But it was received differently "in them that are perfect [mature]." It is not 'a mystery' (Greek - musterion - secret- Strong's #3466) to the 'perfect' - the mature; it is not 'hidden wisdom' to the 'mature.' It is "a mystery [and] hidden wisdom" to "carnal... babes in Christ" who can only see "Christ and HIM crucified."
So, if we translate the Greek word 'en' consistently, here is what Paul is telling us: 'In the mature we speak the secret, hidden, inward wisdom of God, but in the immature we speak only of the outward fleshly appearing of Christ and of His outward death and outward crucifixion.' How is this all accomplished? It is all accomplished with the same Bible, with the same letters and words. But 'the same letters and words' have vastly different meanings 'in' the 'mature' and 'in' the 'babes in Christ,' who are 'yet carnal.' Paul did not have two gospels, one for babes and one for mature Christians. Rather the one gospel 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified,' is received two entirely different ways in the hearers. And why is that? It will always be the same; it is because "many are called but few are chosen." The "many called [but not] chosen," will always be drawn to the outward, physical letter understanding of prophecy. Anything else is "foolishness" to the "carnal...babes in Christ," to whom I Cor. 2 is addressed.
In the very next verse Paul gives us an example of what he is saying:
1Co 2:8, "Which ["hidden wisdom"] none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
Now ask yourself, who are 'the princes of this world' who have 'crucified the Lord of glory?' Is this referring to the Romans? The 'gentiles' are certainly included (Acts 4:27), but who do the scriptures reveal as the motivating force behind the crucifixion of Christ?: Speaking to his own countrymen the 'people of God', Peter tells them:
Act 2:36, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Yes, 'the princes of this world', who crucified Christ were His own brothers, his own people, the people of God. Why did they do it? Because they 'knew not the secret, hidden, wisdom of God' (v.7). And what is the result of not 'knowing the secret, hidden, wisdom of God?':
ICo 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
This statement is not addressed to 'the world.' This is not primarily a statement about the condition of those in 'the world.' This is a warning to "carnal...babes in Christ," 'Corinthian Christians' of every generation since Christ.
This verse, verse 9, is very familiar to many Christians because it is invariably quoted at many funerals to help comfort the survivors of the deceased. "Why," the minister will invariably say, "we can't even begin to imagine the things that God has prepared for those that love Him." But what is the 'fullness of the truth' of this statement?:
1Co 2:10 "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
So what is it that God wants to reveal to us? It is things that physical eyes cannot see and physical ears cannot hear, "the deep things of God."
So verse nine is speaking of "carnal...babes in Christ," as contrasted with the "mature" of verse ten, to whom "God has revealed...the things of the Spirit."
Rightly Dividing The Word
"The deep things of God," are the things Paul is telling these "carnal...babes in Christ," THEY cannot receive. In verses 11-12 Paul explains that they (we) must replace the carnal 'spirit of man', with 'the spirit which is of God', before we can even hope to understand "the things which are freely given to us of God."
1Co 2:13 "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."
THERE IT IS! You have just been given Paul's formula for 'rightly dividing' the word. Paul, right here in I Corinthians 2:13, reveals how the Spirit opens up the "hidden, secret, deep things of God." How does the Spirit "teach" us?: BY "COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL!" "The Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." It is not accomplished in any other way. When Paul says that spiritual discernment is "not in words that man's wisdom teacheth," he is not saying that the Holy Spirit teaches in a secret 'unknown tongue.' Not at all. What Paul means is that man's 'context' oriented understanding of the scriptures is no substitute for that "which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." If you think that simply keeping the scriptures in their proper context is going to assure that you are on the right path to understand prophecy you are dead wrong. That is what the scriptures refer to as "carnal reasoning." If there were any truth to that teaching, then anyone could read the scriptures, consider the context and see clearly 'the things of the Spirit.' If this carnal minded reasoning were true, then the very next verse would have to read like this: 'The natural man can easily receive the things of the Spirit of God, for the scriptures will make perfect sense to him if he will just remember to keep them in their proper context'. This, of course, is exactly what these "carnal" Corinthian Christians were doing. They had heard of Christ and HIM crucified. They had been told that He had died on the cross for their sins. They were determined to keep this all in context. It was Christ who did the 'dying.' And it was Christ who was on the 'cross.'
But how does verse 14 really read?: "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned..." Christianity today equates 'keeping the scriptures in their proper context' with 'spiritual discernment.' They could not be any further from the truth. This is itself 'strong delusion.' For dozens of scriptures demonstrating the fact that 'understanding the context' does not equate to 'spiritual discernment' Most of the scriptures quoted by the New Testament writers as referring to Christ, 'in context,' are actually speaking of some Old Testament patriarch, or prophet, or of Israel as a nation. But the Spirit of God says these scriptures refer to Christ. So who are we to believe? Do we follow the principles of the multi-degreed professors of Dallas Theological Seminary, or the principle of rightly dividing the scriptures as revealed by the way the apostles quoted the Old Testament?
Now let us see where these "words which man's wisdom teacheth" has led the church of God.
'Jesus Christ And Him Crucified'
Paul tells us, "the gospel of Christ...is the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). The gospel being 'the power of God unto salvation' obviously includes 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified.' The apostle Paul told the Corinthians: (ICo 2:2) "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." Why did Paul make this determination? We don't have to speculate, he tells us specifically: (ICo 3:1- 3) "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able, for you are yet carnal..."
What is Paul getting at? Why does he admonish the Corinthians in this way? Does 'You are babes in Christ but you are yet carnal' mean that the Corinthians were not 'saints?' Does this mean that they were not 'sanctified in Christ Jesus?' No, it does not mean that: (I Cor. 1:2) "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" Being 'sanctified in Christ Jesus', being 'called to be a saint' apparently does not guarantee that one will not be "yet carnal." Many millions of Christians are "called to be saints," but they "are yet carnal."
Why Paul Wrote Corinthians
Paul was well aware that a baby on his mother's milk would choke to death on a T-bone steak. But Paul is not writing this epistle to praise these Corinthians for receiving the milk of the word. Paul tells us why he wrote to the Corinthians:
1. (I Cor. 5:9) "I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:"
2. (II Cor. 2:3) "And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice;"
3. (II Cor. 2:4) "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you."
4. (II Cor. 7:12) "Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you."
There we have it. Paul has given us four reasons why he wrote to these Corinthian brothers. Do any of these reasons sound as if he were pleased with the progress being made within the church at Corinth? NO, Paul was very disappointed with what was happening within the church at Corinth: "Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears..." So yes, 'the power of God unto salvation,' includes the 'sincere milk' of 'Christ and Him crucified. And yes, a mother's milk is the only food with which to nourish a baby. But it is the flip side to this truth that elicited this epistle, for no man yet has ever made it to maturity on nothing but his mother's milk. 'The power of God unto salvation' involves a much deeper understanding than a crucified Christ. It involves a resurrected Christ. And it concerns much more than a resurrected Christ with holes in His hands and side, as He is viewed by doubting Thomases.
Here is a little more of 'the power of God unto salvation': "I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST" (Gal . 2:20). And this: "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Phil. 1:29). And this: " fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church" (Col1:24). And also this: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW" (2Co 5:17). But does 'all things' include Christ on the cross? Yes, it does.
Even 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified' becomes 'new': "Henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, THOUGH WE HAVE KNOWN CHRIST AFTER THE FLESH [in the cradle; walking on this earth; on the cross or even resurrected with a body of 'flesh and bone'], YET NOW HENCEFORTH KNOW WE HIM NO MORE [after the flesh]" (2Co 5:16). This is the "HIDDEN...wisdom of God in a MYSTERY," that Paul is referring to, only three verses after saying, 'I determined to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.'
This statement, 'hidden wisdom' (1Co 2:7), is not addressed to the unconverted, uncalled world. It is addressed to immature, 'carnal...babes in Christ' who are "YET now...not able to bear meat" (1Co 3:1-2). So this more mature 'wisdom [is] hidden' from them and is only understood "among [Gk.- in] them that are perfect" (1Co 2:6). This is the only thing negative about the doctrine of 'Christ and Him crucified.' "Neither yet now" indicates that these brothers who have heard the "sincere milk of the word," "nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified," are not "going on unto perfection [maturity]" (Heb 6:1), as they should.
When Paul asks, "having begun in the spirit are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3), he is indeed referring to the fact that these Galatian brothers were reverting back to circumcising and keeping the law of Moses: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is everyone that continueth not in ALL THINGS which are written in the BOOK of the law [not just the two tables of stone] to do them" (Gal. 3:10).
This differs only slightly from the Corinthians in that the Corinthians were reverting to their selfish, carnal Gentile ways; openly fornicating, ignoring the hungry and suing one another. Both of these errors in both of these churches as well as the "thorns and briars...whose end is to be burned," of Heb 6:7-8, all have one thing in common: THEY ARE ALL THREE THE RESULT OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY. All three are called 'babes' (Greek - nepios) - 1Co 3:1; Gal. 4:1; Heb. 5:13.
'Sons' Versus 'Children'
Since all three are addressed as immature "children," then it must be of utmost importance that we progress beyond the slaying of the Passover Lamb; beyond simply applying the blood of the lamb to the door post. Knowing that the death angel has passed over us IS what is called "the sincere milk of the word for NEW BORN babes that you may GROW thereby" (1Pe 2:2). 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified' has rendered maturity as inconsequential and unnecessary in the church today. Yet 'growing thereby' is still essential to becoming a mature son, a 'uihos.' It is ONLY the 'uhiothesia' for whom 'the whole creation groans and travails.' All other Christians are "a child [nepios], differ[ing] nothing from a [bond] servant, though he be lord of all" (Gal. 4:1). Paul concludes this chapter: "Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman" (Gal. 4:30). What is it that we are encouraged to 'grow' up into? We are to grow up from being 'babes', nepios, into becoming mature sons, 'uihos' (Gal. 4:5-6).
Just how important is it that we become mature sons? Here is just how important it is: Gal 4:1- "Now I say, that the heir [those who are 'sanctified and called to be saints'], as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all." The word 'child' in this verse is not 'uihos', a mature son; the word here is 'nepios', a babe in Christ, who, so long as he remains a nepios, a babe, can never inherit the promises: "Wherefore thou art no more a servant [or 'a child, nepios, differing nothing from a 'servant'], but a son [uihos]; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ" (Gal. 4:7). ONLY "IF A UIHOS," are we "then an heir of God." The 'uihothesia' are not affected by the second death, for they and they alone, have been through the first death, mentioned by Christ in John 12:24: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and DIE, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." This is not a physical death any more than 'death and hell' are physically cast into the lake of fire.' It is, "I am crucified WITH Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20). This is the first 'death' that one must experience before he qualifies for the "blessed and holy... first resurrection" (Rev. 20:6).
Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen
The 'passing over' of the death angel is an accomplished fact, not just for believers, "but also for the whole world," whether they are aware of it or not.
1Jo 2:2- "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
But 'the whole world' will not be in the 'blessed and holy...first resurrection.' "Many [will be] called [to see and accept 'Jesus Christ and Him crucified'] but few [will be] chosen" to take part in the 'blessed and holy first resurrection.' This resurrection is reserved for 'the remnant,' the 'bride,' the 'chaste virgin,' the 'uihothesia,' mature sons.
Those who 'put the blood on their door post' "were baptized...and did all eat the same spiritual meat [Greek - bromah - food]; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock and that Rock was Christ. But with many [all but two] of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness" (1Co 10:2-5).
Is this 'they were overthrown in the wilderness' group, a small insignificant matter as some assert? Will those who "grieved" the Lord, "whose carcasses fell in the wilderness" (Heb. 3:17) still be in the first resurrection because they put the blood of the Lamb on their door post? Will they be in the first resurrection because they "were all baptized...in the cloud and in the sea" (1Co 10:2)? Will eating 'spiritual meat' put you in the first resurrection? For the shocking answer to this question, read Eze. 37, about 'the WHOLE house of Israel.' The shocker is realizing the scriptural timing of this event.
The Fullness Of The Gentiles
According to Paul, this "all Israel shall be saved" will not take place "until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" (Rom. 11:25). This 'fulness of the Gentiles' is accomplished before 'all Israel will be saved,' because we are told:
Rom 11:25-26 "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so ALL Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob..."
Ezekiel repeats this truth in Eze. 37:11- "These bones are the whole house of Israel...I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves." Will 'the whole house of Israel' be in the first resurrection? Those who teach that all you need to know is 'Christ and Him crucified,' believe that they will. 'These are God's chosen people,' they will tell you. But all those who teach such nonsense are totally unaware that Ezekiel had already given the time line for the fulfillment of this prophesy:
Eze 16:55 "WHEN thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, THEN thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate."
This is 'the great white throne judgement.' This is the 'lake of fire,' the greatest single act of God's fiery, purifying, chastening grace in the history of mankind. Why will 'the whole house of Israel' come up in judgement AFTER THE MILLENNIUM, along with and beside 'Sodom and her daughters and Samaria and her daughters?' Simply because:
* "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom. 8:9). Simply because:
* "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Simply because:
* "By grace are ye saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8).
Neither the 'grace' or the 'faith of Jesus Christ' (Rom.3:22), were available to Israel before the coming of their Messiah. Neither the fulness of the 'truth' (Christ) nor 'the 'spirit of Christ' were present to mature these carnal Israelites. They 'were yet babes;' they 'were yet carnal.' They are "the son of the bondwoman" and "shall not be made heir with [us] the son of the freewoman" (Gal. 4:30-31).
All 'Children' Think They Are Mature
ALL 'babes in Christ' "are yet carnal!" Paul says "I determined to know nothing among you but Christ and Him crucified." Next he says "I have fed you with milk." The obvious message is that 'babes in Christ' will invariably receive this great powerful light of truth in a "carnal" way, that is, 'Christ died in my stead so I don't have to die.' "I am crucified with Christ," and "I die daily" is the 'meat' which most are even now unable to receive. This is the "we speak wisdom in a mystery, even the HIDDEN wisdom [meat of the word], among them that are perfect [becoming mature]."
Those who teach a perverted, half-truth 'grace' and who teach only a perverted, half-truth 'Christ and Him crucified' cannot receive the meat of "to you it is given IN BEHALF OF CHRIST, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE ON HIM, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE" (Phil. 1:29). This too, is the meat which 'babes in Christ...neither yet now are able' [to receive] (I Cor. 3:1-2).
There are no spiritually mature babes! Even the apostle Paul "went into Arabia" and spent time unlearning his own destructive ways. Nowhere are we told exactly how long Paul spent in the wilderness of Arabia, but Christ Himself spent 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for His ministry. Had the 'babes in Christ' Corinthians, or the 'foolish Galatians,' or the 'you ought to be teachers...but now you are in need of being taught' Hebrews been "driven [of the Spirit] into the wilderness...to be tempted of the devil" (Mark 1:12; Matt. 4:1)? Well, they were certainly being 'tempted.' But unlike Christ they were "unskillful in the word of righteousness: for [they were] babes...using milk" (Heb. 5:13) and thinking it was 'strong meat.' This is why so many of God's people are in this immature condition.
(Heb 5:13) "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
The church[catholic and protestant] teaches nothing but 'milk' ("Jesus Christ and Him crucified") and they think it is 'meat.' So Paul tells them "Ye are yet carnal."
I am going to stop here.There is alot left to this study but long posts seldom get read in depth(much like the bible unfortunately) but if any of you are interested please respond and we can break it down into smaller bites.If there are any specific questions, we can address these too.Our esteemed administrator was good enough to give us a board specifically designated to study so I figure it is time for us to start using it.
as always,much love-----------------knuckle
