Things To Come

by G. Jarvie | Category: Training For Service | Sept 1961

The servant of Christ should have a grasp of dispensational truth. He should know divine history of the past, and the prophetic events of the future. These are revealed in the Scriptures. With a great measure of exactness we know what has been and what will be in the history of our race. It is this that the servant of Christ should know as he speaks the good news to others. The Scriptures have been given so that the man of God may be complete (2 Timothy

3.17).

Sin began, not in Eden with Adam and Eve, but in heaven with Satan, when, as the day star, he rose in pride and rebellion against God. This is shown in such scriptures as Isaiah 14. 12-15 and Ezekiel 28.2-17. In these scriptures Satan is seen as the King of Babylon and the King of Tyre. He was the mighty ruler behind those great kingdoms, but he was before them. In these chapters we see the wonder of his beauty and the greatness of his fall. In Luke 10. 17-20 the Lord Jesus refers to this time when He says : " I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven." He said this to His disciples as a warning against pride in the service of God.

We must also know the present work of the adversary, so that we may not be overcome, or disappointed or depressed in the service of God. "Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6. 12). How essential it is that we take up the whole armour of God! These foes are like an organized host against all righteousness. This explains the world movements of godless forces, and false religions, which seem to be so successful.

They are, but only for a season. 2 Corinthians 10 refers to these also.

In Revelation 12. 7-10 we have another interesting portion referring to the time when Satan and his host will be cast out of heaven, that is, from where they are now. In verse 4 we read that "his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven." As the servant of Christ considers these things he can well understand the need of fervent, continual prayer, and steadfast faith in God. But we need not fear, greater is He that is with us than he that can be against us in this mighty spiritual conflict.

It is remarkable that this small earth and the human race upon it are the centre of God's love in sending His Son. It is also the centre of Satan's opposition. This is explained to us in Ephesians 3.9-11. God is demonstrating to heavenly beings His manifold wisdom in the Church the Body. This is the explanation of the intense spiritual conflict, in which we have a part. God's eternal purpose is now revealed to all.

At the centre of divine purpose stands the Cross. "When the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son" (Galatians 4.4). He was the grain of wheat which fell into the earth, and is bringing forth much fruit (John 12.24). A past eternity looked forward to the Cross. Eternity to come will look back to it. He is the Lamb in the midst of the throne, as though it had been slain (Revelation 5.6).

The next part of the divine purpose to be fulfilled is the coming of the Lord for His own, and the judgement-seat of Christ. This is called in the Scriptures the day of Christ This is written about particularly in 1 Thessalonians 4.15-18; 1 Corinthians 15.51-55; and 2 Corinthians 5.6-10. We must think of these portions. Paul wrote of it as "that day" (2 Timothy 1.12). This is the day to which the Lord's servant must look forward and live and labour, not as pleasing men, but God.

After the coming of the Lord to the air for His own, the world will enter on its darkest period. So awful will it be that the Lord Jesus said, "Except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved" (Matthew 24.21, 22). Yet it is remarkable that out of that period of unparalleled judgement and suffering there will come a great multitude who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7.9-17). These have a place before the throne and before the Lamb. They are not of this dispensation, nor do they form part of the Church, the Body of Christ, but they have a place in heaven, and they have their own song to sing. How wonderful are the ways of God! Not all will perish who are left behind when the Lord comes to the air, but how highly privileged we are who will rise to meet Him when He comes!

The Lord Jesus will return as Son of Man to reign. His reign will last for one thousand years. Then shall the earth enjoy its sabbath. Before God finally destroys this earth, He will demonstrate to all what it Can be like under the peaceful reign of Immanuel. There are many portions of the Word which describe this wonderful period of the world's history. We can read of it in Psalm 72; Isaiah 11.1-9, 32.1, 2, 15-20, 35.1-10 and Revelation 20.1-6.

This period will be followed by the final judgement of the Great White Throne, and the passing away of the present heaven and earth. These will be removed, after which there will be the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwells righteousness (2 Peter 3.18). The day of God is the day of eternity, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 15.24-28, "Then cometh the end ... that God may be all in all."

The triumph of Calvary vindicates both the righteousness and the wisdom of God. As the servant of Christ considers the wondrous way in which God has wrought for His own glory, and for our salvation, his heart will fill with awe and love and gratitude, a gratitude which will constrain him to yield himself so that the will of God may be done by him in reaching others. He will say with Paul, "0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past tracing out! ... For of Him, and through Him, and unto Him, are all things. To Him be the glory for ever. Amen."

G. Jarvie | Sept 1961
Training For Service