“ON
EAGLES’ WINGS MINISTRIES”
"See how I bare you on
eagle's wings and brought you unto myself." Exodus 19:4.
Apostle
Royce O. Kennedy, 909 Whistling Duck Drive, Largo, MD 20774, U.S.A
Website:
www.godfire.net/kennedy
Email: Rkenn909@hotmail.com
“JOHN’S VISION OF HEAVEN” Part 3, April 2019.
Because we intend for this chapter to be the final letter on this particular subject it will be necessary for us to repeat some of the most important parts of previous letters. This will serve as a grand summation of what we have written about in the previous two installments. As we have determined in the previous letter, we need to differentiate between the city that John saw, and must also determine if that city was actually heaven—the heaven where all saints on earth are setting their sight and their hope upon, as it being their eternal home, when time shall be no more, as it will be replaced by eternity. That is why we use the phrase: “John’s Vision of heaven—or is it?
This serves as our task in terms of research and biblical findings. We have already scanned the pages of Old Testament times to learn how the ancients thought about heaven; whether they died with the hope of “making heaven their home.” Our research is with honesty and prudence, honoring our Lord as we dig deeper and deeper to learn more about Jesus, and what he has prepared for us. I am not against the concept of the saints going to heaven; and concerning the words of Christ that is most popular in the ranks of Christendom, when he said: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye maybe also.” This is not an effort to render null and void the precious words of Christ.
But in three chapters away, we hear him pray to his Father, saying, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” John 17: 15. Adding to this theme, we can hear Jesus saying: And, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28: 20. Thus, the general consensus, from Christ’s perspective, is that he will be with his saints on earth when the world end, or the consummation of the ages. Indeed, Jesus did return to be with his saints on the day of Pentecost in the personage of the Holy Spirit.
Prior to this major event, did Christ allude to this truth? Speaking of the promised Holy Ghost, Jesus spoke a truth that many in the church have missed, and continue to miss, mostly because of the traditions of men. Listen to Jesus! “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you (speaking of himself) and shall be in you.” John 14:17. If Jesus wasn’t speaking of himself, he would not have said that the disciples knew the Spirit of truth, for he dwelleth with them and shall be in them.
We are told in scripture: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of his glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ IN YOU, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27. Remember that Christ had said that the Spirit of truth was with them and shall be IN THEM. But prior to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, Christ could be in no one, for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, for Christ was not yet glorified. Today, millions upon millions of Christians can each live and move with Christ living on the inside. There is only one Holy Ghost, but he fills every believer, as we can say “in him we live and move and have our being. This is a mind-boggling truth, yet no one is getting bent out of shape over it. YES! One Holy Spirit living IN millions of Christians all at once. It is a mystery that we simple accept!
Speaking of what is prepared for us, we cannot ignore this truth: “The heaven, even the heavens (you can add to that any number you wish) are the Lord’s: apostrophe S showing ownership: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” Psalm 115: 16. This brings to mind, and we love to repeat it for good measure; the parable of Jesus Christ, in which he alluded to the coming of the Son of man in his glory along with his holy angels; and before him will gather all nations: “Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom (that is an earthly kingdom) prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25: 31-34. We are told that heaven is his throne, and earth is his footstool, but both the throne and the footstool are made from the same piece of furniture. It seems to me that a great percentage of Christians, instead of endeavoring to become “overcomers”, they seem to be using heaven as an escape hatch to avoid the evil day. Preachers and teachers of the bible continue to admonish saints of God everywhere to be sure to avoid the great tribulation (a term that it not fully mentioned in scripture) by making it in the Rapture.
What does the bible say about the so-called: “The Great Tribulation?”
Which one is highlighted in that sense of the word? “And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Yes, they came out of great tribulation speaking in general terms; no matter where they lived among the seven churches in Asia Minor and elsewhere, but they did not come out of “THE GREAT TRIBULATION." This is a term that was manufactured by teachers of the “pre-tribulation doctrine” fostered by dispensational teachers. Paul exhorted the saints at Antioch and Iconium: “that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14: 22.
The apostles taught the concept of tribulations that ensnared the churches throughout Asia Minor. But they did not preach or teach the celebrated “Great Tribulation.” We are constantly being told that it is unthinkable to imagine the horrors that those who failed to make the Rapture will experience in those evil days. But Paul did not seek for an escape hatch. He wrote: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephessians 6: 13. As a matter of challenge in sermons, I used to ask the church: “If you get raptured before the evil day begins, how can you sing: “We’ll tell the story how we overcame” What did you overcome? since you were lifted to heaven just before all evil broke loose upon the earth?
That mindset does not produce overcomers! It produces “escape artists”! This is not an effort to be cynical: rather, it points to the real issue that every child of God should address. I have heard it said from many pulpits, that many Christians are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. God has heaven under control, but he has given man the reins to earth. What so many seemingly have conveniently forgotten, is that Jesus said: “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward IS WITH ME (I am bringing my reward with me, so you won’t have to come and get it) to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12.
IF HE IS BRINGING HIS REWARD WITH HIM, THERE IS NO NEED FOR US TO GO GET IT. HE HAS IT: JUST REACH OUT AND TAKE IT! Let us review two other instances that will serve as way-marks as we proceed further in our study of the vision of John on the Isle of Patmos. Jesus spoke a parable about himself, as the main character.
Jesus spoke saying: “A certain noble man went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, (which he did not bring with him, for the kingdom was already here—he simply went to receive the title) at which point he called his servants together to determine how well they did by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.” Luke 19: 12-19. Whether we wish to interpret this parable in spiritual terms or literal terms, the fact remains that the Lord set the faithful servants in authority over cities 10 and five; but the noble man did not offer to take them back with him to that far country where he went to obtain the deed to the kingdom. I like the truth embodied within the frame work of these words. Listen to the words of Christ again!
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily (truly) I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” Matthew 24: 45-47. Another profound picture is painted by the resurrected Christ to John in the overall vision that Christ gave to him. This also ties in with what we just shared. In his letter to the church in Thyatira (one of the seven churches to which a letter was sent) the Lord said: “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth works (not merely my word—but my works) unto the end, (that is—WHEN I COME) to him 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.” Revelation2:25-27. These scriptures paint a clear and concise picture of what will transpire when the set time is fulfilled and the Lord returns to be glorified in his people. The two cases cited above are clear in describing what the Lord has already predestinated for his faithful people, who are faithful to the call of God upon their lives. Thus, the revealed mind of God, is that he shall reign over all the earth. And the language used above seems to suggest how his power will work with those who overcame.
It is clearly and boldly stated that the faithful children of God will be made to rule over the nations. (over those living outside the dictates of the kingdom) God’s truths are so well defined in scripture, that it is remarkable that so many have invented ways to circumvent the truth, giving way to vain traditions and cunning craftiness of men. We cannot forget the words of Christ, when he said: “Thus ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” Matthew 15: 6. We can safely infer that the belief in heaven as a place with streets of gold, walls of jasper, fortified with twelve gates, having twelve foundations, where all the redeemed saints will walk upon the streets of gold, all arrayed in long white robes, was born out of men’s traditions: and possibly thinking with the mind of a child.
Preachers and lay-people across Christendom still believe that Jesus has been building our mansions, and when they are complete, he will return to take there. But what did Jesus do when he ascended into heaven? Did he begin the building process? What is the biblical account of this process? We are told in Hebrews 1: 3, that after Jesus Christ by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:3. Again, we are told that: “We have such an high priest, who is set (or sitting) on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” Hebrews 8:1. The following scripture should remove any doubts and offer the ultimate truth. We read that every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth (from where he is seated) expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.” Hebrews 10: 11-13. It will do us well to always remember Christ’s prayer. “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” John 17: 15. He also promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world, or the consummation of the ages. “The Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following.” Mark 16: 20. He did not allude to 7 years before the end of the world (just about the start of the so-called Great Tribulation—a time when we are told that the church will be with Jesus in heaven.) There are three schools of thought concerning the Rapture of the church. One is called “pre-trib.” meaning that the church will be raptured before the great tribulation. The other is called “mid-trib.”
The three are as follows: One teaches that the church will be raptured just before the tribulation begins. The other teaches that Christ will come in the midst of the tribulation and will receive those who got saved during this period and had to live through the horrors of the anti-Christ. The third speaks for itself: that Christ will come in flaming glory and majestic power to end the tribulation and establish his reign on earth, upon David’s throne in Jerusalem. It will serve us well to take a closer look at John’s vision, that was so complete, it became the full volume of the book of Revelation. To do justice to our study, we need to consider the circumstances and the “revealed message” of the entire book. Our first order of business is to authenticate the entire work and its Author. The very first line in the first chapter of the book explains what the entire book would be all about; and from to time, we have shared this concept: but it is worth repeating! It is “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” This single verse becomes an outline—a synopsis of the entire book. But how was John involved in the forthcoming drama that continues to fascinate and even traumatize multitudes across the world to this day?
The point being raised as we proceed is of paramount importance, especially as it pertains to those who whole heartedly adhere to the belief in the “literal interpretation of the bible—that it should be read and understood at face value—as it is written. Let us join John on the scene where it all happened, and under what circumstances were the events recorded. The apostle’s account follows: (remember that we have gone through this segment before.) “I was in the Spirit (he became Spirit, or was completely taken over by the Spirit) on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, what thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for ever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death. I personally believe that a message given and written in the Spirit and by the Spirit, must be understood the same way—by the spirit opening the eyes of our understanding.
To focus correctly on what John saw and wrote in Revelation 21, it is rather valuable for us to study several prophecies dating back to olden times. This will take us to the mount of clearer understanding, because we learn from that which is already fulfilled and recorded in the narrative of scripture and archived in the Holy Writ for us and for generations to follow. Before we join John again in the Revelation itself, let us look at the prophecies given and fulfilled in the days of our fore fathers. We’ll see that their times of fulfillment varies immensely.
The first prophecy to consider is the first one given by God himself in the Garden; that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head. It took some 7,000 years for its fulfillment. This speaks in the present tense: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son IS GIVEN: and the government shall be on his shoulder.” Isaiah 9: 6. But it would take another 740 years before this particular Son to be born. By contrast, let us examine a prophecy given by Jesus Christ, at a time when he could have been crown king over Israel, but was rejected. Notice this momentous period on Israel’s history. Having come to the city, he wept over it saying, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong to thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. (The following grips me in my stomach!) For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side. And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” Luke 19: 41-44.
This was spoken by Christ around the year 33, and within another 37 years, the Roman General Titus came with his armies, laid siege to Jerusalem. Those Jews who fled the city were caught and crucified until there was no more space to put the crosses. Human pus flowed down the hillside until Titus (a heathen) threw up his hands in dismay and swore to God that he was not responsible for this horror. Josephus, a Jewish historian was at the scene, serving as translator to Titus, and recorded the reaction of Titus to the destruction of the temple who remarked: “Surely, we fought with God on our side.” It was Christ who foretold that not one stone would be left upon another: and so it was. In only 37 years the prophecy spoken by Christ had its fulfillment in stark realities upon Jerusalem and its glorious temple. By now, we are assured that John saw the city—not heaven—but he saw it descending from God out of heaven adorned as a bride on her wedding day. The city had a single street made from transparent gold, even though it measured 1400 mile four ways. As we explained, it signified the path that saints must walk. The measure of the city wall bore the measure of a man. To render the grand finale, John saw God himself coming down to earth to dwell with us; to wipe away all tears: to abolish and remove all sickness and sorrow AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH. Indeed the Lord said: “Behold I make all things new.” “That is God’s guarantee!” Amen!
Royce O. Kennedy
Royce Kennedy
909 Whistling Duck Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774-7134
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