Sons Of God (Envoy)

Vessels In God’s House

The defining characteristic of the last days is spiritual deception. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Satan is continually seeking to distort and pervert the Word of God—both the written and the spoken Word. He seems to take special delight in twisting new revelations we receive from the Lord, injecting just enough error into them to make them unbalanced and spiritually destructive. Just a little over-emphasis here, a little under-emphasis there, a wrong "spin" on this concept or a wrong "slant" on that particular verse of Scripture, and a life-giving truth is transformed into religious delusion.

Such is the case regarding "sonship." Years ago there was an out-pouring of revelation and teaching concerning sonship and the "manifestation" of the sons of God. Unfortunately, some of those who saw these truths mixed them with strange doctrines and ideas which definitely were not from God. There was even a group that taught they had already been manifested.

Some have never heard sonship truths. Others have heard numerous errors which have been advanced under the banner of sonship and have concluded there is no genuine sonship message to be found in Scripture. The enemy has succeeded almost universally in stigmatizing the very term "sons of God." To make an already bad situation worse, the Religious System has created in the minds and hearts of God’s people a strong aversion to any doctrine that dares to elevate any Christian or group of Christians above other Christians. This ingrained bias is the source of the intense resistance against the message of the "overcomer."

We have been taught, either directly or by implication, that all Christians will receive the same positions of authority, the same degree of glory and the same rewards "in heaven," based upon our profession of Christ. Though the Word plainly states that there will be different levels of authority, service, glory, honor and responsibility in the kingdom, and though it emphatically declares that every person (including believers) will be rewarded according to their works, preachers and theologians continue to teach that all Christians will share the same rewards, glory and authority, regardless of our degree of faithfulness to Jesus in this life!

This subtle mind-set has been ingrained so deeply in our hearts, many times (without realizing it) it causes us to reject teachings or revelations of the Spirit which suggests that some believers will be greater in the kingdom than others. Many cannot accept the fact that those saints who have paid a greater price to be faithful to Jesus deserve more honor and glory. We need to consider very carefully what the Scripture actually states and see if what we have been taught lines up with it.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew 13:22-23

In Matthew, Jesus said those who received the "seed" (Word of God) on "good ground" are capable of bringing forth different degrees or levels of "fruit"—thirty, sixty, and one-hundred fold. What kind of fruit is the Word to produce? Is it not the "fruit of the Spirit?" And what exactly is the fruit of the Spirit? Is it not the character and nature of God Almighty? Is it not the "image" of Jesus? In other words, we can come forth in varying degrees of Christ’s likeness and image. We can possess and manifest different degrees of the nature of God.

There are varying degrees of transformation we can experience. We do not automatically bring forth one-hundred fold fruit just because we believe in Jesus. We are not automatically transformed into the "fulness" of His image just because we have accepted Him as our Savior. Jesus is teaching there are different groups of believers in the Kingdom of God.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

II. Timothy 2:19-21

The apostle Paul said in God’s great "house" there will be "vessels of honor" and "vessels of dishonor." Both kinds of vessels were in God’s house; they all belong to God! Paul was not contrasting the "saved" with the "lost." Rather, he was warning believers that in the coming kingdom we will experience different spiritual states of existence. The determining factor in whether we end up a vessel of honor or dishonor in the Kingdom of God is whether or not we "depart from iniquity" and "purge" from ourselves the wood, hay and stubble. Wood, hay and stubble symbolize the fallen Adamic nature. Gold and silver represent the nature of God.

In other words, those who allow God to change them from wood, hay and stubble (the image of Adam) to silver or gold (the image of Christ) will be vessels of honor. But those who do not will end up vessels of dishonor in God’s house (kingdom). The Scripture does not teach that we will all be equal. It teaches just the opposite. It mentions three levels of fruit and two kinds of vessels. Moreover, Jesus stated quite frankly that in His kingdom some will be called "great," while others would be called the "least." Again, the contrast is not between the saved and the lost. Both the greatest and the least will be in the same kingdom.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:19

Would it be unreasonable to assume that if there are those who will be the greatest and those who will be the least in the coming kingdom, that there will be others who fall somewhere in between? And what determines who will be great and who will be least? Obedience! Obedience will determine which group of saints we join. So, according to the level of obedience we give the Lord in this life, we can come forth in three possible levels of Christ-likeness. We can also end up one of two different kinds of vessels and come forth in one of at least two levels of greatness in the kingdom. All this is clearly taught in God’s Word.

And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jude 1:22-23

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:4

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Revelation 16:15

Here is another division of God’s people. This time it is between those who keep their garments clean and those who defile them by yielding to the desires of the flesh. Of those who keep their garments clean, Jesus said, "they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy." What will it mean to walk with Jesus in white? Opinions vary. Whatever it means, one thing is certain: those who defile their garments will not walk with Jesus in white, or with those saints who are walking with Him in white.

The greatest need today is for God’s people to realize that we are making our future place in the coming kingdom by how we live today. We have to break free of the mind-set that causes us to assume that all believers will eventually end up with the same rewards and glory. It is totally unscriptural and goes against every principle of God’s perfect justice and equity.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:17

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 2:26-28

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3:12

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 3:21

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Revelation 21:7

Another division can be seen between those who "overcome" and those who do not overcome. Of course, the Religious Establishment assures us that we are already overcomers, that accepting Jesus as Savior automatically makes us overcomers. No further effort is required on our part. Just believe, we are told—believing is overcoming.

Few stop to consider the fact that Jesus spoke these words to local New Testament fellowships. He challenged the churches in Asia to overcome. If simply being "saved" equals overcoming, why did the Lord tell those who were already saved that they still had to overcome? And if there is any question as to exactly what kind of overcoming Jesus was talking about, He settles it in Revelation chapter three. The rewards go to those who overcome even as He overcame. The term "even as" means "in like manner." The kind of overcoming Jesus did is the same kind of overcoming we have to do. Furthermore, the clear implication is that those who do not overcome have no basis upon which to presume they will still partake of all the blessings and benefits laid out in Revelation chapters two and three.

Note: There are those who teach that only the overcomer will be saved. We do not ascribe to this error. Rather, we are trying to point out that many of the rewards and promises (particularly those laid out in Revelation chapters 2-3) which are normally associated with ALL believers (even the most carnal ones) will in fact, only be experienced by the overcomer.

The Bible teaches repeatedly that there are different groups of believers within the family of God. There are the wise and foolish virgins [Matt. 25], the greatest and the least, vessels of honor and of dishonor, over-comers and non-over-comers, those who keep their garments clean and those who defile them, those who are totally faithful and those whose faith is weak. There are spiritual babes, little children, young men and fathers in God’s family [I. Cor. 3:1; I. Peter 2:2; I. John 2:13-14].

Not only is it possible to come forth in varying degrees of Christ’s likeness, in different levels of glory, and in different states of spiritual maturity, it is also possible to come forth in various proximities of closeness to the Lord. The life and ministry of Jesus revealed that not all those who followed Him shared the same degree of closeness to Him. Neither did they all share the same knowledge of Him. On what grounds are we assuming that things will be any different in the Kingdom age? The Lord had a number of groups following Him, some closer than others. Those furthest from Him were the multitudes who followed Him merely because they wanted something from Him, which was healing for their various physical diseases.

A little closer to Him was a large group of disciples that followed Him for a season, most of whom turned back because they could not handle what He said about eating His flesh and drinking His blood [John 6:66]. A little closer to Him was an inner circle of twelve disciples who lived and walked with Him throughout His entire ministry. These twelve men had a much more intimate relationship with the Master. To them Jesus explained the meaning of His parables and teachings and His mission. To them He revealed that He was Israel’s Messiah.

Among that inner circle of twelve there existed an even smaller circle of three disciples: Peter, James and John. These men were shown things that the rest of the twelve were not. They were with Jesus at the mountain of transfiguration and saw Him display His future glory. They saw Him talking to Elijah and Moses and heard the Father speak out of heaven to them. Finally, among the three, there was one (John) who laid his head on the bosom of Jesus at the last supper, and who stood by Him at His crucifixion.

John refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" four times in his Gospel, thus leaving us with the distinct impression that out of the multitudes who followed Jesus, he had the closest relationship of all with Him. Most Christians assume that Jesus will return in glory, change us into what we should already be, then whisk us to heaven where we will all share the same rewards and glory. But this is not what Jesus said would happen. In fact, He said just the opposite!

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:11-12

The Lord is not returning with some kind of "magic wand" that will instantly change filthy believers into clean believers, or turn unrighteous believers into righteous ones, or unjust ones into just ones. Every person, Christian and pagan alike, will reap what they have sown in this life. The grace of God does not change what we reap, it changes what we sow! If the Holy Spirit can not change what we sow now, we will wake up some day and realize that we are one of the foolish virgins. We will realize that we are a vessel of dishonor, and that we are least in the Kingdom of God. We will realize that we have soiled our "garments" and are unable to walk with Jesus (or the overcomers) in "white."

The desire to lump all God’s people together, assuming that we will all come forth on the same spiritual level, enjoy the same closeness to the Lord, and receive the same rewards and glory, does not come from the Spirit of God. Rather, it comes from the blind presumption of today’s religious leaders. The Scripture states repeatedly that God will both judge and reward every man according to his works. That is, according to how he has responded to the known will of God for His life.

The High Calling

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

II. Timothy 4:6-8

Philippians and Second Timothy were written towards the end of Paul's life. Though the dates may not be exact, the general consensus among historians is that Philippians was written in A.D. 61 and Second Timothy in A.D. 68, just before his death. So his statements are very instructive. Here was a man who had served God for many years, planting churches, working miracles and nurturing God’s people. He was a spiritual veteran, able to defeat Satan's strongholds wherever he ministered. He was shown revelations so wonderful that he was not even allowed to share them.

He had all nine of the gifts operating in his life and possessed a brilliant theological mind. He was the only one of the apostles who received the revelation of the "body of Christ." He had vast experience in the deep things of God and did more to further the Kingdom of God than any other individual except for Jesus. He was the greatest apostle of that day, and maybe of all time. Yet, for all his vast experience, near the end of his life he was still laboring to receive a prize, still seeking to "apprehend" something, still pressing towards something he called the "high calling." Not only was he himself pressing towards it, he told believers that we must do the same and likened it to a "race" that each of us must run.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

I. Corinthians 9:24-27

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

II. Timothy 2:3-5

The allegory of a race brings some important truths to light, and we need to consider carefully what Paul is saying. One: there is a race to be run after we have been saved. This fact alone reveals the bankruptcy of today’s false gospel, with its claim that once we have "believed" and have been accepted by God, no further effort is required to receive the full inheritance of the saints. Indeed, today’s counterfeit message of "grace" labels all effort "legalism" and arrogantly accuses all who are striving to gain the prize of the high calling of trying to be "saved by works." It declares that we are caught up in works and have fallen from grace.

Two: those who enter this race should run to win! They should run with all their might, devote all their life’s energies to winning, and understand what they are striving for. This is why the apostle Peter told us to make our calling and election sure [II. Peter 1:10].

Three: all that enter the race and desire to win the prize must strive lawfully. Striving lawfully includes bringing the bodily appetites under subjection to the Spirit of God. It includes enduring hardness (testing, tribulation, discipline, judgment) as a good soldier of Jesus. It requires that we not entangle ourselves in the affairs of this life and that we be temperate in all things.

Four: it's possible to lose our race. If it were not possible to lose it, Paul’s instructions on how to run are mere religious babble. Indeed, if it was not possible to lose the race, Paul’s whole outlook on the Christian life was totally wrong. Was Paul deceived? If he was not deceived then many of today’s believers are. Few seem to understand what he was saying. Why would he tell us that we had to run a race if we didn’t have to?

Five: a person can know when the race has been won. At the end of his life, Paul knew he had finished his course. He knew he had kept the faith. He knew he had won the prize and said that because he had finished his race, there was a "crown" awaiting him on at that day.

What exactly is this race? Well, it had to be something he had not yet experienced or accomplished during his many years of ministering to the saints. This excludes everything that contemporary Christianity associates with the high calling—like evangelism for instance. The high calling is not a call to the mission field or to evangelize. Neither is it a call to enter the ministry or a call to do church work. The race has to do with attaining our pre-ordained place or destiny in God’s Kingdom. He has marked out a course for each one of us. If we refuse to run, if we run haphazardly, or if we run unlawfully, we will be disappointed when the Lord returns. What is that place? Our destiny is to become "sons" of the Living God. The high calling is the call to the "adoption" of sons. It is the call to "sonship."

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Ephesians 1:3-5

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Galatians 4:4-7

We were chosen in Christ, before the world was, to receive the adoption of children. Believers read these verses and assume that because Paul said we are sons, this means we have already been adopted by the Father as a result of being "saved." Yet there are other scriptures which state we must become sons [John 1:12], and that certain requirements must be met if we are to actually be sons [Rom. 8:14; II. Cor 6:17; Rev. 21:7], and that this adoption will not take place until the first resurrection [Rom. 8:23].

Which is it? Are we sons already, or must we become sons? The answer to both questions is yes. We are sons, yet we must still become sons! God said He gave us the visible things of creation to reveal the invisible realities of the kingdom [Rom. 1:20]. Surely the natural family unit can reveal aspects of our relationship to God as His spiritual family. A son that is born into a natural family is indeed a son from the day of his birth, in every sense of the word but one. Until that son grows and learns what his responsibilities as a son are, he can not bear those responsibilities. He can not function as a full grown son. In this sense then, a new-born son will not be a son for many years.

When we receive Jesus as our Savior we are not adopted into the family of God, we are born into it. We are "born again." Our entry into the family is by spiritual rebirth, not adoption. Adoption is an entirely different issue. Jesus came to redeem us so we could receive the adoption of sons. In other words, redemption is not adoption. It is the prerequisite to adoption. God saves us so He can then adopt us. However, this adoption does not automatically follow salvation. We can be a son of God, yet not be walking in sonship.

The word "adoption" is a compound Greek legal term, comprised of two words,"huios" (a son) and "thesis"(a placing). It was not used to denote a child being born into a family. Rather, it was used when the child which had been born, grew up and was ready to share the father’s responsibility and authority. The father took him to a magistrate and formally, legally adopted him. This meant the son was then allowed to use the father’s name and authority in all legal and financial matters. It was sort of like being made power of attorney. All contracts signed by the son were binding on the father as well.

Before adoption, the father could not be held accountable for any debts incurred or any legal contracts entered into by the son. After adoption, the son was "placed" in his position, being able to exercise all the father’s authority. The father, while alive, was now bound to fulfil any contracts signed by the son. Also, the son became the undisputed legal heir to all the father’s possessions. It is in this context that we must view what Paul said about the "adoption of sons." Through adoption we take our place in the family as mature sons who can exercise all the authority of the Father. We also become the indisputable heirs of God [Rom. 8:17].

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:15

Because it is God’s intention to adopt us, He gives us the "Spirit of adoption" at salvation—which is the Holy Spirit—in order to prepare us and make us ready for that adoption. In other words, to grow us up spiritually. Christians do not automatically receive the adoption any more than we automatically attain the fulness of Christ. It is something that comes as a result of spiritual growth. It comes as a result of allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work of preparation that is necessary if we are to take our place as full grown sons of God. The ramifications of this fact are numerous. One thing it means is that if we never grow up spiritually, we will never be placed as sons and granted the authority to rule with Christ.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

John 1:12

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:14

Those who receive Jesus receive power to become sons of God. They are not automatically made sons. As many as are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God. Those who are led by the flesh or their own soul-life are not sons in the sense of being made ready for adoption. They are sons in the sense of being the "children" of God. They belong to God, certainly.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

II. Corinthians 6:17-18

Why did God tell those who were already part of His family they had to remain clean in order to be received by Him? Didn’t the Father "receive" us when we were born again? As children, yes—as adopted sons, no. Having the promise of adoption helps motivate us to cleanse ourselves.

In our western culture we have lost the Hebrew tribal concept of family. Children are taught that once they have grown up the proper thing to do is "leave the nest" and start their own family. Many times the parents who sacrificed most of their lives to provide for us are left to fend for themselves. When one parent dies, the remaining one ends up in an old folks home.

But this was not the case with the Hebrew people. The son was groomed and trained and prepared to assume the responsibilities of the father when he became too old to carry the burden any longer. Sons did not leave the nest. They married wives, had children, and assumed the leadership over the nest. The parents were taken care of till they passed on. It is within this framework of reference that we must view adoption. Of course, we will never assume the Father’s responsibilities and He will never die, but we are destined to share the Son’s responsibilities!

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint‑heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together....And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Romans 8:17-18 & 8:23

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 3:21

The Father has exalted the Name of Jesus above all names. He is seated with the Father in His throne. The sons of God, after they have been formally adopted and revealed to creation, will then take their place in that throne with Jesus and the Father. Paul tells us when this adoption will take place. It will happen at the time of "the redemption of our body." We will not be adopted or set in as sons until the first resurrection. At that time the sons of God from every generation will be "manifested" or unveiled to all creation. They will be glorified bodily and "placed" in the ranks and positions of authority that have been prepared for them, and for which they have been prepared by the Holy Spirit.

Knowing the Father

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also...Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:1-3&6

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

John 17:5-6

Jesus came to earth to manifest and reveal the Father. He always pointed men to His Father. He told the people that the Father was "greater" than He [John 14:28]. He told them He came to "glorify" and "honor" the Father [John 8:49], that only the Father was good [Matt. 19:7], and that He did not come to do His own will, but the will of the Father [John 5:30]. It is interesting to note that Jesus said He was going to the Father to prepare a place for us. He then stated that, not only was He the "preparer" of the place, He was also "the way" to that place. He did not say (as is universally taught throughout Christendom) that He was the way to "Paradise." He said he was the way to the Father.

"In my Father’s house are many mansions," said Jesus. Most believers think that by this He meant He was returning to the spirit realm to build us literal five-story homes. This is utter nonsense! If the "mansions" Jesus referred to are heavenly buildings, He certainly didn’t have to return to heaven to start building them. He said in my Father’s house are many mansions, not in my Father’s house there will be many mansions, just as soon as I get back up there and start building them.

The Greek word which is translated "mansion" in the King James Version is "monai" (a plural noun) which means "dwelling places." The same exact Greek word, as a verb, is used ten verses later by Jesus to describe what would happen to those who love Him and keep His word.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:23

Jesus said He and the Father would come to us and make their "abode" with us. The Greek word which is translated abode in the KJV is "moneen." It is the same word (as a verb) as the one which is translated earlier as "mansion." So if we want to be grammatically consistent, and we want to insist that monai (plural noun) are literal buildings, then we also have to believe that moneen (verb) is the act of building literal buildings, for they are the same word. This would make what Jesus said senseless: "In my Father’s house are many literal buildings (monai)...we will come unto him and build literal buildings (moneen) with him."

What Jesus said has nothing to do with literal buildings! He is talking about dwelling in a person, not a place. He was referring to the ability to "dwell" in the Father. He was going back to the Father to prepare places of rest for His people. The Father has room for us in Himself. In Him are many mansions (places of abiding). Jesus is preparing those abiding places for us and the Holy Spirit has been sent to prepare us for them.

By shifting the emphasis from finding an abiding place in the Father to "making it" to heaven, the Religious System has destroyed the meaning of what the Lord was saying. We have been focusing on a future change of our external environment. But Jesus was referring to a present change of our internal relationship with God! He was talking about moving from a relationship with Him only, to a relationship with both He and His Father.

Jesus desires to introduce us to His Father. He laid His life down so we could experience a relationship with the Father, the same kind of relationship He had with the Father while on earth. It is a relationship which is just as real as the one we have with Jesus, yet it is different.

Of course, most of us do not sit around and analyze our relationship with the Triune God. However, if we look back in our lives we could probably detect at least one change in that relationship. This change occurred when we received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When we come to God initially, Jesus becomes very real to us. We know that we know that we have entered into a very real relationship with a Person who is God. After our initial salvation experience we find out there is a second experience to be had. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit something new happens. Our life changes, sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. At some point in time we realize that our relationship with God has shifted gears. Things have changed. We begin to see things in the Scripture that we never saw before. The Book comes alive to us in a new way.

We may receive one or more spiritual gifts. We may receive a new boldness to witness. We become more aware of sin in our lives and find that there is new strength available to gain victory in these areas. In general, we begin to experience more of the power of God. The out-working of this new power will be as varied as the individual who is experiencing it. But for most of us, we can look back and point to a time in our Christian walk when the presence of the Holy Spirit (or at least some manifestation of Him) became a new reality in our lives.

The person who is baptized in the Spirit experiences a change in their relationship with God, but it is an internal change. No one knows what is happening except the person it is happening to. Before baptism we were only aware of Jesus. After baptism we become aware that a new Presence, Who is also a Person, who is also God, is moving in our lives. We in fact enter a relationship with God, the Spirit.

This new relationship is not the same as the one we still have with Jesus. It is different. The Holy Spirit was present in our lives from the day we were born again, but we did not experience any kind of tangible knowledge of Him. After Spirit baptism we do. He was there before baptism, but we did not know Him. After baptism we learn to recognize His leadings and checkings. There is nothing far out about it. It is real, it is holy, and it is right. There was a smooth transition into a new relationship with another part of the Trinity.

Well, there is a third experience! It is called the "baptism of fire." John the Baptist said that when Messiah comes, He will baptize the people with the Holy Ghost and with fire [Matt. 3:11]. What does it mean to be baptized with fire? It means to be "immersed" in the cleansing fire of the Father’s judgment. God has to deliver us from every vestige of sin and iniquity. The baptism of fire is the only baptism that can accomplish this goal. It is the only baptism that can totally cleanse us.

We enter this third experience when the Father begins to reveal Himself to us and brings us under the rod of His strict obedience and discipline. Things begin to change again in our lives as we find God putting many restrictions on us that were never there before. Because these restrictions are not being placed on those who are not experiencing this relationship, many times they become points of contention between those who are under them and those who are not. Try as we may to explain what is going on, those who have not been brought under the rod of the Father will never understand why we are acting like we are. In fact, they feel threatened by our "legalistic" behavior, and many times we get irritated at their inability to understand what is happening to us. In the end it is usually better to part company with them in love for we are going down two different paths.

When we enter the baptism of fire we start feeling the chastening hand of the Lord very heavily. But He also begins to put "iron" in our spirits and we find a new hatred for sin. We find a new spiritual militancy, a willingness (previously non-existent) to attack the enemy. We sense a new determination to defeat Satan and see God’s Kingdom established. Whereas before, much of our Christian experience may have centered around seeking gifts and blessings and provisions from God, we become more concerned about His honor and His pleasure and His desires, more concerned about what we can give to Him. We have entered into a new relationship with God, the Father.

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Hebrews 12:5-7

God scourges every son He receives. He chastens us and rebukes us and puts us through fiery tests in order to burn the impurities out of our lives. Every son of God must learn to lean completely on his Father, and this takes quite a bit of doing. The Father intends to bring us into the same kind of spiritual walk He brought Jesus into when He walked on this earth. That place is one of abiding in Him.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 15:4&5&7

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh...If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16&25

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Ephesians 6:18

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked...But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

I. John 2:6-27

The Father wants to bring us to the place where we do only those things He tells us to do, go only those places He directs us to go, and say only those things He wants said. And this is precisely what Jesus was promising the disciples when He told them that He was going to "prepare a place" for them in the Father. If we will abide in the Vine, (Jesus) then the Vine prepares a place of abiding for us in the Father.

Unfortunately, the majority of today’s believers have no idea what Jesus was saying. To them, such a thought (if it were ever presented to them) would not only seem unreal and unattainable, it would seem very unappealing! The thought of doing only those things God commands and saying only those things God speaks and going only where He directs seems like a terrible bondage to them. This is because they are still spiritual children or babes in Christ. They are not ready to let God bring their life to an absolute end.

Yes, the little ones love God. They want to do His will. They want to serve Him. But they want to remain alive while they serve Him and do His will. The simple fact is, they enjoy their life too much to lay it down. Therefore, most Christians have no experiential knowledge of the Father. Yes, they know about Him, theologically. They know He is their Father and they know He is present because they have been given the Spirit (of adoption), who causes us to cry Abba Father. But knowing He is there and that He is our Father is not the same as knowing Him as Father. Neither does it mean that we have been received by Him and are now walking in sonship.

Just as before Spirit baptism we knew the Holy Spirit was present, yet had not experienced Him personally, so it is with the Father. We know He is there, but until He takes us under His wings and starts training us, we do not really know Him. When exactly are we received by the Father? When do we begin to walk in sonship? It is a personal thing. The timing will vary with each individual. Many will never be received by Him because they will never allow the Spirit to bring them to the place where they are ready to let go of their own lives.

The Father only begins revealing Himself to those that are ready to walk in sonship. He receives them and begins to teach them how to lay theirs lives down and how to overcome sin so that He might begin to truly live His life through them.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

I. John 3:1-3

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

Philippians 2:14-15

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God," said John. But just like a son that is a baby or a young child, we must grow up and begin to act like true sons of the Father. We must learn how to do the Father’s business. We have to move past our self-centered Christianity and be willing to learn how to lose our life. We must be willing to be trained to function as God’s eternal kings and priests. Sons submit to the strict discipline of the Father because they are more interested in the Father’s business than their own. They yield to the instruction of the King’s Court. Children will not. They resist all such discipline and call it legalism.

Sons are learning how to be harmless and blameless and without rebuke. Children still quarrel and bicker. They still try to manipulate God and fellow believers in order to get their own way. Sons are learning how to purify themselves. They are being taught how to overcome sin and all the power of Satan. They are also learning how to "die to self" and abide in God. Children don’t want to hear about such hard issues. They don’t want to be hassled about obedience or deal with Satan’s power in any real way. Neither are they all that interested in learning how to abide in Christ.

Spiritual children are just like natural children. They totally self-oriented. They want God to give them all the desires of their hearts and make their "flesh man" comfortable. They miss what the Spirit is trying to bring them into today, yet they wait to be taken to heaven, expecting to find eternal life there. But Jesus said eternal life is knowing God. It is not something that we receive because we have been moved from one external environment to another. Eternal life is found only in a living relationship with God. That relationship is eternal life!

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 17:2-3

While we wait to be transported to another environment in the future, Jesus is waiting to bring us into a relationship with His Father now! He is preparing a place for us in the Father. If we do not allow the Spirit to prepare us for that place, and allow Him to begin to bring us into that place today, we will not reign with the Lord when He returns in glory.

Spiritual babies will not rule over God’s creation! We simply will not be capable of carrying out a grown son’s responsibilities. If we want to be one of God’s eternal kings and priests, we must give our full attention to the work He seeks to do in our lives now. The choice to submit or not submit to this work is ours to make. However, the result of that choice is not under our control. It will not be determined by grace or mercy or love. It will be determined by the kingdom law of sowing and reaping.

Zion: God’s Overcomers

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, [Zion] and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God [the Father] and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Revelation 14:1-5

John is shown a picture of the sons of God in Revelation. He sees the Lamb standing on Mt. Zion with 144,000 saints. One of the outstanding characteristics of these people is that they have the Father’s name written in their foreheads. This is no coincidence. It is the defining mark of the sons of God. They possess something that is distinctly of the Father. They have His name is written "in" their foreheads, as opposed to being written "on" their foreheads. Having something written in us means that it has become part of us. These saints belong to the Father in a special way. They possess His authority and life.

Also, these 144,000 sing a new song. Not only is the song new, only these particular saints can learn it. Songs are closely related to experiences, and many times, are the direct result of what we have just been through. For example, when Israel crossed the Red Sea and watched God destroy the Egyptian army, they sang a new song [Ex. 5:1]. Debra sang a new song when Barak defeated the Canaanites [Judges 5:1]. The Book of Psalms is a long series of songs which came out of David’s experiences.

Many modern hymns were birthed out of experiences with God. Others came out of experiences of tragedy or misfortune. This is the meaning of what John is describing. The 144,000 have experienced something. It has to do with having the Father’s name written in their foreheads. They have come to know the Father intimately. In response to this new relationship they are given a new song, a song that only they can learn.

What about the rest of God’s family? Why can’t they learn the song too? Is this spiritual "elitism?" Is God playing favorites? No. The reason the rest can not learn the song is because there is a price to pay in order to walk in sonship. The song is not free. It costs something; and most believers will not be willing to pay that price. The number is set according to God’s foreknowledge of our choices. In other words, these 144,000 are a group within a group. They are a church within the church. They are a remnant. They constitute a small portion of the family of God.

The next thing we notice about these saints is that they are virgins; they were not defiled with women. Obviously we are not dealing here with the issue of natural, physical virginity. If such were the case no believer who has ever had physical relations with anyone, under any circumstances, would be able to be part of this company. Also, notice that these 144,000 are referred to in the male gender. John said they have not been defiled with "woman." They are men. Again, we are not dealing with natural, biological genders of male and female. For if we were, no woman would be able to be part of this company. These saints are spiritual men and spiritual virgins. They have not been defiled spiritually with spiritual women. What do spiritual women represent?

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns...And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH...And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 17:1-5&18

"Babylon the Great" is a woman. Moreover, she is the mother of harlots. That is, she has produced harlot daughters. Many believe the Roman Catholic religious system is that harlot because it is the only idolatrous system that is also a great city (Rome). This may very well be true. But if it is true, then we need to ask ourselves, who are her harlot daughters? What came out of the Catholic system? Was it not the Protestant system? When we look at what is going on in the organized churches today, it sure seems to fit what John saw. The Protestants are quite literally returning to their mother! In fact, the buzzword for today is "reconciliation." At the highest levels of both systems, the leaders are working night and day towards a very real reconciliation.

But John said the great harlot had daughters (plural). There are other "Christian" religious systems that have God’s people in bondage. These 144,000 will not be defiled by any religious system or structure erected by man. They will not "marry" any group or organization or movement. Their first love is Jesus Christ and they will have union with only Him. They keep Him first in their lives.

Man-made religious systems and structures are not the only things that can defile us. Having union with any spirit that is not the Holy Spirit will defile us. This is the reason God has been emphasizing "deliverance" throughout the body of Christ for the past few decades. This is why He has sharpened our spiritual discernment, so we might recognize the unclean spirits that have been moving, and are continually seeking to move, through us. He has been faithful to expose them and give us the power to overcome them, for He desires that we be completely clean.

There are other things which can defile us. Spiritual adultery and fornication are identified as idolatry in the Scripture [Jer. 8:3-10; Ezek. 23:37]. What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something or someone more than God. Idols can be desires or goals—even religious ones. They can be talents, skills, noble character traits, personal possessions or family relationships. Anything we love (or place our trust in) more than God is an idol. Until it is thrown down we are engaged in spiritual fornication and are being spiritually defiled.

Of course, we never think our idols are really idols. Often we can see the idols in someone else’s life but not our own. This is why God asks us to lay things down. He knows what our idols are. Sometimes the only way we can recognize our own idols is by seeing our reaction to the request to lay something or someone down. We suddenly realize that we are faced with a choice. What do we love more? God, or the thing He has put His finger on? If there is a struggle, it’s an idol. The 144,000 are free of all forms of spiritual defilement. This is why no guile can be found in their mouth, and why they stand before the throne of God without fault. They have followed the Lamb wherever He went—not like a parade—but in His steps, down the same path He walked. That path is one of suffering, humiliation and lonilessness.

But [Jesus] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross [the most humiliating kind of death].

Philippians 2:7-8

They followed Him down the path which caused them to lose their reputations, even among many of the brethren. They became the servants of others. They allowed God to deflate their egos. They let Him show them the bankruptcy of their own wisdom and strength. They followed Him into the kind of obedience that kills the old man. They followed in the way of the cross, the way of suffering and death. But now they are rewarded. They are worthy to stand with the Lamb on Mt. Zion, having become the "firstfruits" of those who are redeemed. These are God’s overcomers and Zion is the place where those who have "won the race" stand with the Lord.

The name "Zion" holds special significance in Scripture. Originally it was an ancient Jebusite fortress on the southeast hill of Jerusalem and was called the "stronghold of Zion" [II. Sam. 5:7]. After David captured it, he made his home there and eventually both the hill and the fortress were called Zion. Later, the entire area was called the City of David [I. Kings. 8:1].

When King Solomon built the Temple on Mt. Moriah and moved the Ark of the Covenant there, the word Zion expanded in meaning to include the Temple and its immediate area [Ps. 2:6; 48:2,11‑12]. Eventually the term was applied to the whole city of Jerusalem, then to the whole land, and finally, to the entire nation and people [Is. 40:9; Jer. 31:12; Zech. 9:13].

Zion continues to represent the people of God in the New Testament, as Hebrews tells us we have come unto "mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" [Heb. 12:22]. Heavenly Jerusalem is identified in Revelation as the "bride, the Lambs wife," which is the glorified Church. If heavenly Jerusalem represents the people of God, surely heavenly Zion represents the people of God. Finally, in Revelation, Mount Zion is associated with one specific portion of God’s people—the overcomers who stand there with the Lamb. Jerusalem is the people of God. Zion is a firstfruits portion, an elect remnant of that people.

Zion was part of Jerusalem, yet it possessed its own distinct character. The distinction was subtle, not like the contrast between Jerusalem and the rest of the cities of the world. Both Jerusalem and Zion make up the one "holy city." Yet there is a distinction made between the two. So it is with heavenly Zion and Jerusalem. Spiritual Jerusalem is the whole city (people) of God. It represents the whole Church, the whole family of God. Spiritual Zion is part of the city, yet at the same time, distinctly separate.

This is why we see Zion linked to one particular segment of the people of God in Revelation fourteen. Literal Zion is the highest part of the city of Jerusalem. It is the "hill" of Jerusalem. So it is with spiritual Zion. It is the "high" calling. It is the place of rulership and authority. The law of God, the authority of God, and the ability to "rule the nations with a rod of iron" are found in Zion. It is a military stronghold. It is associated with (spiritual) warfare and conquest.

The distinction between Zion and Jerusalem is the difference between partial victory and total victory over the things that defile us. Those who stand with the Lamb on Zion have overcome. They have followed the Lamb utterly, even unto death. They have been baptized in fire and are totally clean, absolutely faultless.

The Bride And The Sons

Not many Christians today understand the difference between the "bride" and the "sons" of God. One of the reasons this distinction is not clearly seen is because we are viewing our relationship with God exclusively in the context of a bride and bridegroom relationship. While there is that aspect of it, the Scripture does not emphasize this type of relationship. Instead, it emphasizes our relationship as sons.

Actually, the Scripture uses several different word pictures to describe the many-sided aspects of our relationship to God. There is the picture of the "temple" of God—which Temple we are. The picture of a Temple draws our attention to the fact that God wants a place where His presence and glory can settle forever. Then there is the picture of the "city of God," the New Jerusalem—which city we are. The picture of a city brings the idea of activity to the mind. There are things to do in a city and experiences to partake of. We will be dealing with the saved nations, who will walk in our light and bring their honor and glory to us.

There is the picture of the "body" of the Messiah—which body we are. The picture of the body brings out the idea that Jesus intends to do whatever He plans to do through us. He is the "head" (the mind and will) and we are the "members" that carry out His will. How many things do you do without your body? Well, that’s just how many things Jesus is going to do without us, His body, in the coming ages!

There is the concept of union, which is pictured by the illustration of a vine and the branches and marriage. These pictures bring out the ideas of intimacy, fidelity and abiding. Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. In order to bear fruit we must "abide in Christ." Our relationship is intimate and personal, like that of a bride and her bridegroom. Paul said he espoused us to one husband so that he could present us a "chaste virgin to Christ" [II. Cor. 11:2]. We are not to marry (spiritually) any thing, any desire, any goal, any family relationship, or any religious body. We are to remain faithful to Christ. He should always remain our first love. Our commitment to Him should outweigh our commitment to anyone or anything else. As we have already seen, this is one of the characteristics of the sons of God, those who stand on Mt. Zion with the Lamb

Of all the relationships pictured in the New Testament, sonship is by far emphasized the most. Yet it is the least emphasized by modern Christianity. There are only a few scriptures that talk about us being a "bride," but there are many that refer to us as " sons." Moreover, the Scripture never refers to us as brides (plural) of God. The word "bride" is used to describe a collective group of individuals, while the word "sons" is used to describe individuals. It emphasizes our individual, personal relationship with God in general, and with the Father in particular.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:29

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

Hebrews 2:11

Notice that those who are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ are called the Lord’s brethren. Why are they called His "brethren" and not His bride? Because those who are learning to abide in the Father are becoming sons. They are not the Father’s bride, they are His sons. Those who are adopted and placed into positions of rulership at the first resurrection will be known as the "sons of God" not the "bride of Christ." If we have entered sonship today, then we are sons in training.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13

The function of the ministry is the "perfecting of the saints." They should be helping the people understand what sonship is. But you never hear the ministry teach on sonship. They don’t even know such a thing exists. The only thing they understand is the concept of a bride, therefore, that’s the only thing they can preach about.

Rather than help the children mature, they feed them perpetually with the "milk" of the Word. They continually tell them that the reason God saved them was so they would evangelize the world, support the local church, and be Jesus’s bride when He returns. Well, God didn’t say He was bringing His elect to a perfect bride. He said He is bringing us to a "perfect man." That perfect man will be the glorified body of the Messiah; and because the head is a man, the body is referred to as a man, not a woman.

For it became him, [the Father] for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Hebrews 2:10

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Romans 8:19

Notice that the Father is working to bring many "sons" to glory. Paul didn’t say the whole creation was waiting for the manifestation of the "bride" of Christ—if it is, it will have to wait till after the Millennium! He said the creation is waiting for the unveiling of the "sons of God." God, the Father is bringing forth sons—sons in the image of the Only Begotten Son, who will be prepared to set creation free and rule over it.

Well then, what about the bride of Christ? The Scripture does say that Jesus is the "bridegroom" and believers are His "bride" [Matt. 9:15; Matt. 24:1-13; John 3:28-30; Rev. 21:9-10]. Exactly so! This is our relationship to Jesus. But our relationship to the Father (if we have one) is as a son, not a bride. Not all believers have a relationship with the Father. Those who are only partaking of the Feast of Passover (basic salvation) are only experiencing a bride and bridegroom relationship with God, the Son. They do not know the Father or the Holy Spirit. Those who have moved past Passover, into the Feast of Pentecost (baptism of the Holy Spirit), are also experiencing a bride and bridegroom relationship with the Son. In addition, they are experiencing a relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

The whole reason we have been brought into this additional relationship is to prepare us to enter the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a third spiritual feast we can partake of as believers. It is a third Christian experience which brings us into a third type of relationship with God, the Father. Those who are only walking in the feast of Passover and the feast of Pentecost are not walking in sonship for they do not know the Father intimately. They are part of the bride, for this is the only kind of relationship they are experiencing. It is only as we are brought into a Third Feast experience and relationship with God that we pass from the bride (company) to the son (company). When this happens, you know something has changed, just like you knew something changed after you got the baptism of the Spirit. You know you have entered a new experience which the rest of the "family" knows nothing of.

When we move from the Feast of Pentecost to Tabernacles, we move from a bride\bridegroom relationship (with Jesus) into a father\son relationship (with the Father). We still maintain our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We must continue to abide in the Vine and be led by the Spirit—none of this changes. Yet, a new dimension is added to our walk in God, and as a result, we cease being treated as "children." We begin to be treated as sons—sons who are being prepared to conduct the Father’s business, so to speak. Sons who will be given awesome power, authority and responsibility, who will, with Jesus, rule the Father’s entire creation.

Though technically we are still part of Jerusalem, in experience we have moved to Zion, a military stronghold and fortress. We have moved to the "holy hill" from which Jerusalem is defended and protected. We have moved into a place of spiritual conquest and victory over the powers that defile us, and with victory comes spiritual authority and rulership.

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads...And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

Revelation 12:1-5

John was shown a "woman" ready to give birth. That woman is the Church universal. It is the whole family of God. We can be sure of this because of how she is described. First of all, she is "clothed" with the "sun." This is a clear reference to Jesus. The prophet Malachi said the "Sun of righteousness [would] arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall" [Mal. 4:2]. Being clothed with the sun represents being clothed with the righteousness of the Son of God, and that righteousness is associated with light in the Scripture.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

II. Corinthians 6:14

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday...Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

Psalms 37:6 & 97:11

I the Lord have called thee [Messiah, head and body] in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:6

John saw the woman was standing on the moon. If the sun represents the righteousness of Jesus, what does the moon represent? It represents the righteousness of the Law. The writer of Hebrews tells us that the Torah had a shadow of good things to come [Heb. 10:1]. The moon is the lesser light, ruling over the night and deriving all its light from the sun. The age in which the Mosaic system of worship was given was a time of spiritual darkness for the whole world, except for Israel. The people of Israel had a "light." They had a righteousness which pertained to the Law. It was not the bright sunlight of the New Covenant but it was a light.

There was (moon) light under the Law. The Old Covenant possessed a portion of, and pointed towards, the light of the New Covenant. When the sun arose a new day dawned. The night ended and the lunar light was no longer necessary to guide men in their relationship with God. The whole Jewish system of types was fulfilled in the coming of the Son, by the new birth and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Even so, we stand on the foundations that were present even in the moon-light of the Old Covenant.

John also saw on the woman a crown of twelve stars. Daniel said, "...they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" [Daniel 12:3]. The twelve stars could be a reference to outstanding saints. It could also be a reference to the twelve apostles, through whom the Gospel was preached, and through whom many were turned to righteousness. Another possibility is that it could be referring to divine government, which the number twelve represents.

If the woman (singular) represents a corporate body, then the man-child that she births will also be a corporate body of saints. What John saw was a group of believers coming out of the Church. Again, we see a group within a group, a church within a church. Out of the corporate Church (the woman) comes another corporate body of saints (the man-child).

It’s no accident that the Church was represented by a woman and the overcomers by a man (child). At present the man-child is still coming out of the woman. When this man-child has been fully delivered it will constitute a separate entity. The woman and the child will be divided; they will go different directions spiritually. The man-child will be caught up to God and to the throne (the place of rulership) while the woman will go into a wilderness (the place of testing). John said, "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days" [Rev. 12:6].

The woman flees from the Dragon, who is trying to kill her because she has brought forth the "man" who will destroy him. But God provides the woman with a way to get into the wilderness, and while in the wilderness, someone has to feed her because she is not yet capable of feeding herself spiritually. John said "they" feed her. Though he does not specifically say so, the implication is that "they" are the man-child (sons). But regardless of who is feeding her, it is clear that she can’t take care of herself. She must be fed by someone else. While she is in a wilderness place, having to be fed by someone, the man-child is with God at the throne! This is the difference between Zion and Jerusalem, between the sons and the bride, between those who overcome and those who do not overcome.

When God moves us from the bride to the sons, we must endure a much deeper purging and stricter discipline than the rest of the family. Yet we receive a greater capacity to know Him and the scope of our spiritual vision is increased. Also, we learn how to feed ourselves spiritually and how to walk in victory over the enemy. We are learning our lessons now. When this work in us is finished we will be called to God and to the throne.

The Temple Of God

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Revelation 11:1-3

At present, the difference between the bride and the sons is not clear to many of us. In addition, we do not like to haggle over words and terms, seeing that we are all God’s people. But though we are all God’s people, we are not all going to share the same destiny. In the coming days it will make a great deal of difference which company of believers we belong to. The door to sonship will not remain open indefinitely. Soon it will be too late to move from the bride to the sons. The time to move forward in God is now. The time to prepare is now, before the final separation of the woman and the man-child takes place.

Regarding this final separation, the cut-off point seems to be around the time (or just after) the "Outer Court" of the Temple is given to the Gentiles and the Antichrist. For it is around this time (or immediately after) that the two witnesses are sent forth in their prophetic ministry. Just before God speaks of them and sends them out, an angel gives John a measuring reed and tells him to measure the Temple of God.

What does this mean? Which temple is being referred to in the vision? Why was John told to measure it? It does matter how we interpret what John saw in this vision. In order to understand what is happening we must understand what the symbols represent. Does the symbol of a temple refer to a literal building? Or does it refer to God’s people? The vast majority of Christians are waiting for the Jewish people to build a literal temple in Jerusalem so the Antichrist can "sit" in it. However, the Scripture informs us that believers are the temple of God.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.

Acts 17:24

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 opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, [Christians!] showing himself that he is God.

II. Thessalonians 2:3&4

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.

Acts 17:24

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

I. Corinthians 3:16,17

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

II. Corinthians 6:16

In whom ye also are builded together [into a temple] for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:22

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house [temple], an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

I. Peter 2:5

In the Old Testament the Temple was a literal building in a fixed geographical location. In the New Testament it changes from a literal building to a spiritual building. The stones are living stones, the building is a living building, the priesthood is a spiritual priesthood, the sacrifices are spiritual sacrifices, and it is being built by the hand of God, not the hand of man. Not only are we the temple, we are also the ministers of that temple. We must stop viewing any kind of literal building as the temple of God. So then, what was John measuring? He was measuring us! He was measuring the stature (maturity) of the body of Christ.

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:13

We are being built into a temple. At some point the temple will be done, the work in us will be completed. This is what John was measuring. We need to be aware that we are being measured. We do not have an unlimited amount of time for God to finish the work He has begun in us. Though we must never try to rush the work of the Spirit in our lives, we are still responsible for how we manage our time. We are responsible to make every day count, to not waste our time on spiritually unprofitable ventures, hobbies or pleasures. Our time and energies are no longer ours to do with as we please—Jesus purchased all our time at Calvary.

John was also told to measure the "altar." This is a reference to the Golden Altar of Incense, located just before the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. At this Altar the Inner Court priests burnt incense while the Outer Court priests burnt the sacrifice on the Brazen Altar, twice a day, morning and evening. While the priests burnt the incense, the people were praying [Luke 1:10], thus signifying that prayer and worship are the true incense. Kind David said: "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" [Ps. 141:2].

And another angel came and stood at the [Golden] altar [of incense], having a golden censer, and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God.

Revelation 8:24

The Brazen Altar in the Outer Court represents Jesus as the "Lamb without blemish," offered as a "whole burnt offering" for sin. The Altar of Incense represents Jesus as our High Priest and Intercessor, through whom the believer’s sacrifice of prayer and worship ascends through the veil, into the Holy of Holies (the presence of the Father). The prayers of those who constitute the temple, and who are worshiping at this Altar, are precious to God. Indeed, the significant nature of this particular Altar was brought out in one of John’s earlier visions.

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

Revelation 6:9-11

Underneath the Altar John saw the "souls" of the martyrs praying to God. They where asking God to avenge their blood. They were asking for Divine vengeance on those who had murdered them—not the typical idea of what we do in heaven! The Golden Altar is a very special place. It is more than a place of general prayer, it is a place of sacrifice: of sacrificial prayer, praise, worship, obedience and ministry. It points to a martyred life—a life laid down. Paul said that our "reasonable" duty to God is to present our bodies a "living" sacrifice. If we are truly living the life of a living sacrifice, if we are living at the Golden Altar of Incense, we will not mind becoming a dead sacrifice when the time comes.

John was told not to measure the court which is without the Temple because it has been given (by God) to the Gentiles (unbelievers), and they will trample it under their feet. The "court which is without" is referring to the Outer Court, where the Brazen Altar and the Laver were located. Technically speaking, the Outer Court was part of the Temple, just as it was part of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. But here God makes a distinction between the two. Although there is only one Temple, part of the Temple is to be handed over to the Gentiles and will be "trodden under foot." The rest of the Temple is not to be given to the Gentiles.

Again we see the division of God’s people into two groups. One group is measured, found ready, and sent out to declare the coming judgments of God. The other group is not measured and will be trampled upon by the unbelievers. What is the Outer Court? It is the holy city (New Jerusalem, the bride). It is those who have not walked before God in total obedience, those who have not totally overcome sin, those who have not been totally cleansed from all unrighteousness. The "Gentiles" (unsaved) will trample on the "city" for 3½ years; meaning, this portion of the temple will have to go into the "wilderness" of tribulation and persecution. God is going to allow Antichrist to sit in the Outer Court! Daniel saw the same thing.

And out of one of them came forth a little horn,[the Antichrist] which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

Daniel 8:9-12

Of course, most Christians interpret this passage of Scripture literally and nationally. They wait for the Jews to erect a literal temple in Jerusalem and reinstitute Old Testament Temple worship. It is assumed that after this is accomplished, Antichrist (who many think is the Pope) will take his seat in that Temple, desecrate it, and stop that daily sacrifice.

While it is not wise to reject all literal interpretations of prophesy, it must be noted that the significance of what Daniel saw rests on the internal events which are to take place, not the external ones. God is building a spiritual, inner kingdom (in His people) in this present age. When that work is done, then the external manifestation of that kingdom will be seen. However, right now the bulk of God’s work is internal. Likewise, the bulk of Satan’s attempt to thwart that work is internal.

Of course there will be external signs of the King’s return, and it is certainly not wrong to recognize them and understand them. But it is dangerous to assume that all the "signs" which signal the end of this age are going to be primarily external, for they will not be. Walking in this assumption will cause us to focus on external events, which is not what God is after.

You see, Jesus recognized and understood visible signs. But external signs did not guide Him. He was not guided by any kind of external calculations or situations. He was guided by One from the unseen realm. He received His understanding of the "times" from an invisible Spirit. His knowledge of the Father’s will, His spiritual vision, and the direction for His life and ministry came from an internal relationship.

That is what God is trying to build in His sons today. Though they will recognize and understand external signs, the sons of God in this present age will not allow their attention to be captivated by them. They will not allow their focus to be drawn away from the internal voice of the Father. They will receive their understanding of the times from the unseen realm. The Jews may build a literal Temple; plans are on the drawing board to do exactly that. However, by the time these external events take place—if they take place—the internal fulfillment of what they represent will have already passed. By the time we actually see a literal Temple erected in the State of Israel, the Antichrist spirit will have already taken his seat in the true Outer Court of the true Temple, defiled it, and taken away the true daily sacrifice.

Daniel’s vision concerns the living sanctuary of God, just as John’s vision concerns the living temple of God today. Right now the little horn is casting down some of the host and the stars (people) of God and stamping on them. He is casting down the sanctuary and will continue to do so. What is the sanctuary? It is the people of God. Antichrist will not cast down the entire sanctuary, just the Outer Court. Because this part of the temple is where the daily sacrifice is offered up, and because it has been given into his hands, he has the authority to stop the sacrifice which takes place there.

What if the Pope is not the Antichrist? What if a literal temple is never built in Jerusalem in this age? How would we interpret what Daniel and John saw then? What is the "daily sacrifice" for we Christians today? Consider how many pastors, churches and entire denominations are questioning and/or denying various attributes of the Lamb; such as His Deity, or His sinless birth and life, or His physical resurrection. When you tamper with any of these ingredients you make void the blood atonement and quite literally take away the daily sacrifice.

Consider how terribly Paul’s doctrine of "grace" is being perverted among fundamental and evangelical Christians. The grace of God is being presented universally (and very subtly) as a license to sin. The writer of Hebrews said if we sin willfully, after having received the knowledge of the truth, "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins" [Heb. 10:26‑27]. By this he does not mean that if we commit a sin that we know is a sin, we will never be forgiven. It means that if we continually sin, and we realize that we are sinning but have no intention of repenting of it or trying to overcome it, then there is no more sacrifice for that particular sin.

This is precisely the attitude today’s "gospel of grace" causes believers to take. They are being taught not to worry about sin because it becomes a non-issue once we are saved. They have no intention of trying to overcome sin because they don’t think God expects them to. They believe God’s grace will continually and unconditionally absolve them of all responsibility for their actions. What they don’t realize is that they are quite literally losing the "daily sacrifice" for the sins they are willfully committing! Today the "little horn" is starting to bring the daily sacrifice to an end. Today is the time to enter into God’s fulness, for today the Outer Court is starting to be turned over to the little horn and the unbeliever. We can’t wait for the Jews to build a literal temple in Jerusalem before we allow God to bring us to an Altar of Incense experience. If we do, the spiritual fulfillment of what Daniel and John saw will have already passed, along with our opportunity to enter sonship.

It is right after God gives the decree about the Outer Court that He says, "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." Thus it is inferred that the two-witness company is sent forth around the time, or just after the time that the Outer Court is given over to the little horn and the Gentiles. This will be the last great "testimony" of the church age. After that witness has been silenced the wrath of God will be poured out upon the world and the Kingdom of God will be established on this earth.

It makes a difference whether we are in the bride or the sons. Though they are both God’s people and God’s temple, they do not share the same destiny in Christ. Sonship is the higher calling and the better portion. Not only will the sons of God have a higher place in the coming ages than the bride, the son of this generation will be given a ministry at the close of this age that the bride will have no part in.

Much of the confusion that lingers in the minds of those who have "come out" of the Religious System is caused by the lack of a clear distinction between the bride and the sons. Therefore, it is our opinion that it does make a difference whether or not we understand this critical distinction, and also, whether or not we know for certain which group we currently belong to.

Two Marriages

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation 19:6-9

The difference between the sons and the bride can be seen throughout the Scripture. However, we must be free from the common ingrained prejudice against (so-called) spiritual elitism in order to see it. In Revelation 19-21, John describes this same distinction again, but from a slightly different angle. This time he shows the different kinds of spiritual union (marriage) each group will experience and when each of the two unions will take place. First he is shown the destruction of Babylon [Rev. 19:1-5]. Immediately afterwards he hears "much people" in heaven praising God because He has finally judged the great whore. Then he hears a "great multitude" and "the voice of many waters" announce that the "marriage of the Lamb" is come.

It is said of the Lamb’s wife that she made herself ready. She is arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, which John defines as the "righteousness of saints." He is not referring here to the imputed righteousness of saints, but the actual righteousness of saints. The white linen is the righteous deeds of Jesus done through us. It is His righteousness, which after having been imputed to us (clothing us), is then worked into our lives so that we in fact become righteous in deed and action. It is the righteousness that we possess in experience, that we can demonstrate and manifest. In other words, the wife will wear her works. She will be covered with the glory and authority that her righteous lifestyle begets.

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God...And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:10-16

Immediately after he hears the announcement of the marriage, heaven is opened and John sees the Lord on a white horse, ready to make war. He sees the armies of heaven, also on white horses, following Him into battle. He said the "armies" were clothed with fine linen, white and clean, just like the "wife" who made herself ready. These are the same company of people! First John sees this people as the wife of the Lamb. This is to relay the idea of union and marriage. But then he sees the same people as an army. This is to let us know that this is no ordinary wedding, and it is to be followed by no ordinary marriage supper! "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb," is what the angel told John [vrs. 19:9]. It is a privilege to be accounted worthy to participate in this wedding and this supper, which is also called the "supper of the great God."

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

Revelation 19:16-18

Exactly what the marriage ceremony will consist of and how long it will last may be debated, but one fact is very clear: the result of the wedding will be a monumental battle between the powers that be. Antichrist and the kings of this world come out to defend their kingdoms and there is a great spiritual battle. The marriage of the Lamb is not the prelude to a seven-year long banquet. It is the prelude to a great war!

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant [of those who came out to fight] were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 19:19-21

Not a pretty picture. There is going to be a war. It will be between the sons of God, with Jesus as the Commander and Chief, against the kings of this earth, with the beast as their captain. It will be a spiritual confrontation, yet it will have physical manifestations. There are going to be real casualties. There will be upheaval and pandemonium and people are going to die.

This kind of view is not even in our minds because we have been assuming that the rulers of this world are going to politely hand their kingdoms and glory over to Jesus when He returns. Not so! The beast and the kings of the earth are going to resist the Lamb and make war against Him. Of course they will lose. But just because they are destined to lose does not mean they will not fight.

The rulers of this world (human and angelic) are stubborn and proud by nature. A study of world history will reveal that more than a few kings have led their armies on suicidal military campaigns against an enemy they knew would defeat them. They deliberately chose to die fighting rather than have their enemies rule over them.

Note: We may not realize just how many people are being prepared for this suicidal attack. Over a third of the world is under the control of Islam. Suicide in the cause of “Allah” is a badge of honor to them. They think this kind of death guarantees immediate entrance into Paradise, with great rewards. Consider also, the younger leaders of this, and other Western nations, have been raised from childhood on Hollywood movies which glorify our suicidal pride. And the masses of Western youth are being brainwashed by Satanically inspired Rock songs to hate God (the Lamb) and view suicide as something cool!

In addition, we must realize that these kings will have been totally deceived by the miracles of the False Prophet [Rev. 13:11-13]. They will think they are invincible. When you combine this kind of spiritual blindness with man’s ingrained suicidal pride, it becomes understandable why these kings would make war against the Lamb and His armies.

If we want to be at the marriage supper we must be willing to fight along side of our King when He goes forth into battle. We must be willing to be made ministers of judgment. In fact, the sons of God will be moving in a measure of this kind of ministry even before the great supper.

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Revelation 11:3-6

The sons of God from this generation will prophesy clothed in sackcloth (mortal bodies of humility). During the days of their prophesy they are given power to bring judgment upon those who dwell upon the earth. They have authority to shut heaven, turn the waters into blood and smite the earth with various kinds of plagues. Moreover, they have fire in their mouths, which destroys anyone who tries to stop them from prophesying. What is their testimony? What are they prophesying? The very thing that is in their mouth: the fire (judgment) of God. They are prophesying and warning those on the earth of the coming wrath and destruction.

To validate their message and provide evidence that they are speaking for God, they are given authority to demonstrate what they are prophesying. They have "power" to give those who dwell on the earth a little foretaste of what is in store for them if they do not repent. This is a ministry of judgment, not evangelism. While some people may repent, most will not. Therefore, any idea that this will be some kind of world-wide revival is erroneous. It is a ministry of judgment and it will take a very special kind of preparation to be capable of moving in it. The mind and emotions must be totally yielded to the Spirit. All soulish sentimentalism must be put to death. Since there are very few believers who are willing to accept this kind of training, very few will be ready to come forth in that ministry.

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

Revelation 11:7-10

When the sons of God have finished their testimony, the beast will overcome and kill them. Then those who dwell on the earth will rejoice and celebrate because their torment has ended. The message of judgment brings torment to those who are under the influence of the Antichrist. This includes believers. We are not exempt from that influence.

In fact, many believers are walking under the influence of the False Prophet right now because they despise discipline and judgment and mock those who are trying to walk in obedience, calling it legalism. They have been seduced by Antichrist and refuse to talk about anything except grace and love. Like those who dwell upon the earth, they are tormented by the message of judgment. In the end they will be rejoicing right along with the unsaved when the two-witness company is finally silenced.

But God will raise the witnesses up. They ascend into heaven in a cloud, their enemies beholding them [vrs. 11-12]. As far as we understand, these the sons of God from this generation. God will cause them to "stand" on their feet. Then He will gather His elect from the four corners of the earth, and from heaven. The sons from every generation will come forth, and with them, the sons from this generation will join Messiah in everlasting union and will reign with Him for a thousand years on this earth.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband...And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

Revelation 21:1-2 & 9-11

After the thousand year reign, after the second resurrection and the Great White Throne Judgement [Rev. 11-15], after the creation of a new heavens and earth [Rev. 21:1], John sees the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. But the way he describes her is a little odd. He says that she comes down from heaven "prepared as a bride, adorned for her husband." Prepared as a bride? This implies that she is not married yet, that she is about to marry the Lamb. Can John be describing the same people that married the Lamb 1000 years prior, at the beginning of the Millennium?

The wife at the first resurrection made herself ready. The bride after the second resurrection was prepared, the implication being that someone else made her ready. The wife at the first resurrection was arrayed in fine linen. The bride after the second resurrection is adorned (garnished) with precious stones [Rev. 21:11-20]. The wife at the first resurrection has been on earth, ruling the nations with the Lamb for a thousand years. The bride after the second resurrection is seen coming down from heaven, prepared to enter into a (new) marriage.

If the new Jerusalem wife which comes down from heaven after the Millennium is the same as the army wife that married the Lamb before the Millennium, then the Lamb and His wife are going to get remarried! To believe that the Lord is going to remarry the same people again, after they have been living and ruling in perfect union together for a thousand years, is (in our opinion) just a little absurd.

What then is the meaning of what John saw? Why would a "wife" who has been married for so long be described as a bride who has been "adorned" and "prepared" for her husband? The answer is because these are not the same people! They are a different group of saints, which have been prepared to enter a different kind of marriage at a different time. The new Jerusalem wife represents Jerusalem; the army wife represents Zion. Does this mean that there are two wives of the Lamb then? Of course not. Do Zion and Jerusalem constitute two different holy cities? Do the Outer Court and the Holy Place constitute two different temples? Jerusalem is one city; the temple is one temple. Yet there is within that one city and that one temple two very different groups of believers who have different places in God with regards to marriage and rulership.

The same holds true of the wife of the Lamb. Both Zion and Jerusalem are referred to as a wife to bring out the truth that both will enter into a union with the King. However, the type of union each group will experience is going to be different; and so we find two different descriptions of the wife.

The difference between the two groups is determined by what kind of relationship we have cultivated with God while alive in the flesh. The wife (Zion) paid the necessary price to come into complete union with the Lamb. Together they will form the corporate Son of God. They are sons of the Father, the male body of the male head. They will become flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. The only reason this is possible is because the Adamic man has been totally put to death. This kind of union requires that both marriage partners be absolutely compatible in holiness and character.

The bride (Jerusalem) did not pay the price that was necessary. They were not ready to participate in the first marriage because they never allowed God to bring their life to an absolute end. They cannot enter a perfect union with the Lamb. Only those who bear the full image of the Son can become flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone.

Those in the bride never allowed the Spirit to radically humble them or thoroughly break them. Therefore, they are not acceptable vessels through whom God can humble and break others. They never allowed God to work in them the ability to administer His justice and judgment (rod of iron). Therefore, they do not qualify to sit in the throne with the Father and the Son. They will come forth at the second resurrection, and after that, marry the corporate Son of God—head and body.

The distinction between the sons and the bride will be eternal, yet it will not be the kind of the fleshy division we are accustomed to in this realm. There will be distinction, but there will also be unity and harmony. Even so, it is better to be part of the sons than the bride, for the issue is closeness to the Lord.

Just as there were those who followed Jesus at varying distances and experienced various degrees of closeness to Him when He ministered on earth, so will it be in the coming ages. If we relegate our relationship with the Lord to second, third, or tenth place in our lives today, we are going to reap that same exact measure of closeness to Him tomorrow. Everyone will reap exactly what they have sown! Now we can appreciate Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins. In this instance, the virgins represent those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. They were all Christians. All were expecting to enter a marriage union with the bridegroom when he returned. All were anticipating that return. All were at "rest," believing that they were ready to enter that union. All had "lamps" (spiritual light) and "oil" (spiritual life) when they began to wait for Him.

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 25:6-13

Though these were all God’s people, though all were waiting for His return, only half of them were actually ready to enter that union when the hour came. Only half of them had truly made themselves ready, and only half of them ended up marrying the bridegroom! The rest of those Christians missed the (first) wedding. The door (to sonship) was shut. Time had run out. The eternal union of the Head and the body took place and they had no part in it.

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Do not allow yourselves to come under the influence of the False Prophet or the Religious System. Don’t let your oil run out! Make certain that you do not end up a foolish virgin. Let us all make our calling and election sure. Let us submit completely to that work the Spirit wants to do in our hearts today, so that tomorrow we will hear the Father say, "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." Selah.