THEOLOGY LESSON 22

LESSON 22 – HOLY SPIRIT MINISTRY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Holy Spirit Ministry – NT
John 14:16-17
John 20:22
Luke 24:49
Acts1:1-9, 2:1-4 H S - New Testament

HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

We see a change in the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament compared with the work in the Church Age and in the transition period with the Ministry of the Holy Spirit during the period of Christ’s Ministry.

As the Cross is a focal point in the unfolding drama of redemption so Pentecost is the turning point in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

The gospels really belong in the period of history still covered by the rules of the Old Testament or the Dispensation of the Jews rather than those of the New or Dispensation of the Church.

The exception is John chapters 14-17, where Jesus speaks of the age that is coming at Pentecost. In the Gospels the Lord Jesus Christ is teaching the disciples to become apostles or sent ones not only to Israel but also to the whole world. This ministry of the Holy Spirit which we now enjoy they longed to enjoy. We have a superior spiritual position than they did, than Isaiah and Jeremiah did.

So many people fail to live up to the tremendous position they have in Christ, the Old Testament saints longed to have it but we are not using it. The thought of it should purify us, and make us keen for service as we are sealed, guided, empowered, indwelt and baptised. The three years before Pentecost, during the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was a time of transition.

The change commences in John 14:16 17. Before Pentecost the Holy Spirit assisted believers often for a limited time to have a special function in the plan of God, since Pentecost the believer is indwelt forever, He is not with us but in us. How you view this will determine how you view spirituality and the Bible.

It has to be remembered that a lot of things which are said prior to Pentecost are going to be different once Pentecost occurred. Once the Lamb of God died on the Cross; believers no longer had to bring lambs to be physical sacrificed. Nowadays we obey Scripture by confessing our sins to God.

As a Christian you do not go to Leviticus to find out what you do about sin; but this does not mean that you do not read Leviticus as a book, because it shows the need for the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. In Leviticus now we discover wonderful things about the Lord and his sacrifice, about what they mean. We do not however go there to find out what we are to do about sin today

Similarly the ministry of the Spirit as seen prior to the Cross is not relevant to us today due to the change that took place at Pentecost. If you are going to live as a Christian now you need to take into account the Cross and Pentecost.

We have a superior position than believers before in that we have a position in Christ and the Spirit is in us. We are in a position where we can really advance in our Ministry if we know what the Bible is teaching about the Holy Spirit, but we need to believe it and apply it in our lives.

This topic is vital in our day as we are living in dramatic times; so it is essential that you teach the true doctrine of the Holy Spirit to people so that they do not get confused. We should therefore understand our place in the plan of God. We are members of the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ. We must live as the body and the bride. The central point of this is the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

We need to look at it in three stages:

[a] The ministry of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament times,

[b] The transition ministry during the Lord's earthly ministry,

[c] The ministry of the Holy Spirit during the Church Age.

In Genesis 1:2 the Holy Spirit is said to flutter, like a hen fluttering its feathers over its nest over the face of the waters. It is clear from Scripture that the Pre-Incarnate Lord Jesus Christ (Word/Logos) is the Creator. So why is the Holy Spirit fluttering over the waters? In Deuteronomy 32:11 we see the co operative work of the Spirit in relation to the Word/Logos in Creation. The Spirit is involved in creation with the Word who later became our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is also involved in revelation 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Samuel 23:2, Micah 3:8. In each case the Holy Spirit is involved with speaking or the writing of the Word of God. Prior to Pentecost the Holy Spirit convicted men of the need to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is seen in Genesis 6:3 where before the flood the Spirit had a ministry which was being ignored. The Lord showed that there was a limit to what the Lord was willing to do.

The Lord said that the Holy Spirit would not always strive with man. This verse says that they have got 120 years but of course man has not got that time now. Progressively the life span was cut. Genesis 6:3 dealt with a time when man was living up to 900 years of age.

The Spirit strives with man that he needs to find God because once he is dead it is too late. The word "strive" means to judge or convict. Today we have at most around 70-80 years to respond to the gospel.

We have not only the evidence that the blood of Christ covers all potentially but that the Spirit strives with all. With the exception of the eight who were saved at the time of the flood the Holy Spirit strived with multitudes of people for 120 years yet they rejected Him.

This convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit continues in a more detailed way in John 16:8 11. Another area in which the Holy Spirit has been universally involved in over man's history is regeneration. The Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration.

In Psalm 51 David speaks of his experience of walking with and failing to walk with the Holy Spirit. It deals with the time of David's terrible sin of adultery with Bathsheba, followed by the arranging of the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite. David was under great conviction and realised that he was under conviction by the Spirit and that it had a terrible influence on the Spirit in his life.

In this Psalm we have the Old Testament form of 1 John 1:9. Here he pleads the loving kindness and tender mercies of God having dealt with his sin. I acknowledge my sin; my transgression is forever before me. In verses 10 12 David asks the Lord to create in him a new heart. All he has now is conviction and pressure.

In verse 11 he says not to take the Holy Spirit from him. This is a bona fide for David but not for us today. After this time David went on to write Psalms and was therefore controlled by the Spirit again. If we sin after receiving the Holy Spirit and do not repent, we are in a seriously dangerous position because we cannot enter heaven for the following serious Sins:

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus; and by the Spirit of our God”. 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 KJV.

We cannot argue with the Bible and this is what it states and Paul was writing to the Corinth Church with these words. God will not be mocked and we cannot plead that we are saved and therefore immune from any punishment for Sins carried out after we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

So to reinforce what the Bible teaches in the above quoted verses, here is an explanation of what the Apostle Paul was referring too

According to the above verses in I Corinthians 6:9-11:

(1) Fornicators shall not inherit the kingdom of God. This term refers to those who engage in sexual activity which God has declared sinful. He has not declared all sexual activity. In fact, He condones and even encourages lawful sexual activity according to His design and purpose (I Corinthians 7:2-4; Hebrews 13:4). Fornication refers to sexual activity outside of the marriage relationship between a man and a woman. It would include premarital as well as extramarital sexual relationships of whatever duration from a one night stand to an on-going affair. Such activity was rampant in first century Corinth. It is rampant today in our own society. But it matters not how commonly it is practiced, it is still unrighteous and it will keep one from entering heaven.

(2) Idolaters shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Those who offer to others what belongs unto God are idolaters. A person's idol might be a huge, grotesque image carved out of stone before which he bows. Or it might be his own desires. It is anything that a person adores more than God. Idolatry will keep one from entering heaven.

(3) Adulterers shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Adultery seems to be more specific a term than fornication. It is usually limited to sexual unfaithfulness to a marriage partner. Adultery will keep one from entering heaven.

(4) The effeminate shall not enter the kingdom of God. When we see this word, we think of a sissy. But the word goes beyond that. It refers to one who is soft, specifically, to the passive partner in a homosexual relationship. Being effeminate will keep one from entering heaven.

(5) Homosexuals shall not enter the kingdom of God. This word is used twice in the New Testament; in the text we are examining as well as I Timothy 1:10. It denotes one who would take the leading role in a homosexual relationship. It is not fashionable today to suggest that such activity is unrighteous and will keep one out of the kingdom of God, but that is what the Covenant of Jesus Christ says. Practicing homosexuality will keep one from entering heaven.

(6) Thieves shall not enter the kingdom of God. There is no excuse for taking that which rightfully belongs to another. Whether its shoplifting, pilfering, short-changing or armed robbery, fraud and extortion, it is thievery. Whether the person doing the stealing is rich or poor it will still keep one from entering heaven.

(7).The covetous will not enter the kingdom of God. This has to do with having an uncontrollable desire to possess a certain thing. It motivates one into committing sin in order to satisfy greed. Coveting that which belongs to another will keep one from entering heaven.

(8) Drunkards shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Children of God have no need to cloud their perspectives nor dull their senses. We must be able to think and reason clearly. Drunkenness causes one to lose focus and rationality. Those who give themselves over to intoxication will find that it keeps them from entering heaven.

(9) Revilers shall not inherit the kingdom of God. There are many to speak boldly about things that they know little about. Many men and women of God have had to endure reproach for their faith. Not even the Son of God escaped verbal abuse. But they will not have to endure it forever because there will be no revilers in heaven.

(10) Swindlers shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Seducers and smooth talkers of all kinds are included here. The religious con-man belongs to this group as well as the secular. Those who prey on others by trying to take advantage of their misfortune would also be included. Swindlers cannot take their ill-gotten goods with them when they leave this world, nor will they enter heaven.

AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU

"And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:11). The Christians at Corinth had been involved in these things before their conversions. During that time they had no hope at all of heaven. Also, any Christians returning to such practices would forfeit their eternal home with God, unless they repent and turn away from the Sin.

But these things were now a part of the past. The disciples at Corinth had been washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This happened when they obeyed the gospel from the heart. This obedience involves those who have come to believe in Jesus repenting of their former conduct and being baptized in the name of The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thus they had been washed (baptized), sanctified (set apart from their old manner of life and dedicated to a new purpose) and justified (declared forgiven and made righteous by God's grace). God took people who were heading toward eternal destruction, and by His power and grace had changed their direction. He continues to do this amazing thing today. Those who live according to His purpose shall inherit the kingdom of God.

The Apostle John also recorded Jesus own words for us in Revelation:

"And nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it (the holy city, New Jerusalem), but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27). As we have seen above Paul listed all of things which, he termed "unrighteous" and said that those who practice such things "shall not inherit the kingdom of God." However if one is engaged in such activity, all is not lost as these ones can take the steps of repentance in order to remedy the situation

THE EXTENT OF THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

Three important areas:

He was in certain believers: Joseph: Genesis 41:38, Joshua: Numbers 27:18, Daniel in Daniel 4:8, 5:11-14,

He came upon some: Numbers 24:2, Judges 3:10, 11:29, 1 Samuel 10:10, 2 Chronicles 15:1

He filled Bezaleel Exodus 31:3, 35:31

Not all the believers in the Old Testament experienced the ministries of the Holy Spirit beyond that of regeneration.

After regeneration the normal Old Testament believer understood the Word of God and applied it to their lives. In addition they tried to keep the Mosaic Law and of course failed many times. When sin occurred they brought animal sacrifices, and then through each year they kept the feasts and festivals as a testimony that they actually believed in the plan of God for their history. In the New Testament believers are saved by the same means, but we do not bring an offering but rather accept the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross as the Lamb of God; and grow by walking in the Spirit. The Old Testament believers were not asked to walk in the Spirit.

As shown above some people were given a special unction or anointing of the Holy Spirit which came upon them to function in a special way. When that job was over the Spirit was taken from them and they waited for Messiah to come.

Many say that they would like to go back to the simplicity of the Mosaic Law but we are in so much a superior position as to make such a thought quite inappropriate. From this it is clear why the apostles said that the Old Testament prophets longed to see this day.

If you feel that way or the people you fellowship with do, then you are not walking in the Holy Spirit and will not be aware of the amazing ministry he has for you on a daily basis.

A thorough study of these doctrines gives us good information for those who are involved in Spirit Filled Churches. If we are busy being led, taught, encouraged, corrected, convicted, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, tongues and other manifestations will occur by means of the Holy Spirit and not the flesh. In the Old Testament there was no Fruit of the Spirit, Baptism, Indwelling or Sealing ministries of the Spirit.

The only person we know who was assisted by the Holy Spirit for his whole life was John the Baptist who the Scriptures tell us was assisted from out of "ek" his mother's womb.

It is reasonable to assume that from Pentecost onwards there would be a greater working of the Holy Spirit than in previous ages. Two examples of people at the time of Christ who were assisted by the Holy Spirit - Zacharias - Luke 1:11, Simeon the priest Luke 2:25 who waited his whole life to see the Messiah and to give a single prophecy which is recorded in Scripture and which was a source of great blessing as Mary remembered it. Simeon's whole life culminated in this event for which he had the assistance of the Spirit.

DOCTRINES

HOLY SPIRIT: MINISTRY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. TO THE UNBELIEVER

a) RESTRAINING (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
If unbelievers were unrestrained in the Church Age the one world system which Satan is trying to establish would come. So after the rapture of the Church it will come.
b) CONVICTING (John 16:7-11)
i) Sin - the barrier which remains in unbelief.
ii) Righteousness - God is totally righteous, man is only relatively righteous and needs God's righteousness for salvation.
iii) Judgment - Satan and all unbelievers are judged.

c) REGENERATION (John 3:5)
Man without the spirit cannot understand spiritual things. The Gospel is Spiritual; the Holy Spirit makes the gospel a reality to the unbeliever when one believes and is "born again" or regenerated. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

2. TO THE BELIEVER AT SALVATION
a) Regeneration (John 3:1-16, Titus 3:5)
b) Baptism (Acts 1:5, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:5). We are baptized into union with Jesus Christ and become part of the body of Christ. This is not to be confused with the Filling of the Holy Spirit.
c) Indwelling (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). From receiving salvation onwards the believer is indwelt by the Spirit.
d) Sealing (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30). This ministry relates to your future with God, the guarantee of eternal security.
e) Distribution of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11) All true believers receive a spiritual gift at the point of salvation in order to function in the body of Christ.

3. TO THE BELIEVER AFTER SALVATION (Spirituality)
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit after salvation is the means by which we live the Christian life ordained by God (Ephesians 2:10, 5:18)
a) The Filling of the Holy Spirit (spirituality through confession of sin and surrender of the life). (1 John 1:9 Ephesians 5:18)
b) The character of Jesus Christ is produced by the believer when he is filled with the Spirit. (Galatians 4:19, 5:22, 23)
c) Glorification of Christ (John 7:39, 16:14, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)
d) Fulfilment of the Law. (Romans 8:2-4)

THEOLOGY LESSON 21

LESSON 21 – TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

John 16:8-11
Luke 1:12-17
Luke 2:25 -26
Luke 11:9-13
Matthew 12:22-37
Mark 3:22-30 Holy Spirit Ministry to Jesus
Holy Spirit – Sins against

INTRODUCTION

This period occurred from the ministry of John the Baptist until the Day of Pentecost. This is a change that the Lord prepared the people for during His ministry. We have a position in Christ with the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit and we are in a highly superior position compared with the Old Testament saints. Most Christians do not understand what they have

Three stages in the expanded ministry of the Holy Spirit are given in the Gospels

Stage 1 - Luke 11:9 13 where the Lord tells the disciples to ask for the Holy Spirit which was something that had not occurred in the Old Testament. This was just after the commissioning of the twelve in verse 8. As the people went out round the nation to preach, to heal, to raise the dead and cast out demons a dramatic and taxing spiritual service they came back knowing that they needed power to do the job. This gave Jesus the opportunity to teach the principle of empowerment by the Spirit.

They realise that there are major enemies to be fought and inner resources greater than man can supply is needed. He therefore says ask for the Holy Spirit. It is of interest that none of the gospels divulge whether any of the disciples took up the offer. It was so novel that they were all a bit hesitant about doing it.

Stage 2 - John 14:16 17 where He explained that the Holy Spirit would be in them rather than with them. This is about a year later than the passage in Luke. They realise that the Spirit is with them and that they need more and the Lord says that there will be more. He explains that on the day of Pentecost the Father will send the Holy Spirit and that they will not be left comfortless.

What is seen here is that the resources to face the enemy after the Cross will need to be bettered and the Lord is going to upgrade it by sending the Spirit. Rather than being with them on a temporary basis it is going to be a permanent indwelling of the Spirit.

Stage 3 - John 20:21 22 where the Lord gave them the Holy Spirit to assist them until Pentecost. It is clear that the Lord is tasking the disciples with replacing Him, as his witness in the world; a task we now have. This is shown clearly in Matthew 28:20 which is the great commission. As it is given both here and in Matthew 28 it is of great importance.

The Lord says that he is sending them out but not in their own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. This temporary gifting of the Spirit is going to last them for the ten days until the full giving of the Holy Spirit at the feast of Pentecost.

First He says ask, next that he will pray, and thirdly He breathes on them to give them a temporary empowerment.

Luke 24:49 this is a few days after John 20. It is clear that what was happening in John 20 was temporary until the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4 8 Luke is the author of Acts and thus the book of Acts follows. As the Cross is the centre point of human history so Pentecost is the start of this new period of human history. The expanded ministries of the Holy Spirit since Pentecost are very important, intricately related to the angelic conflict.

INTENSIFICATION OF THE ANGELIC CONFLICT

The activity of Satan and his angels since the Cross has been greatly intensified over what it was before. The Cross is the defeat of Satan strategically (Genesis 3:15). A strategic defeat means that the enemy is beaten but he is not finished. Although Satan was defeated at the cross, he still causes havoc amongst the world of mankind. The Apostle Paul warned that Christians need to put on the complete suit of armor, so that they can stand firm against the Devils attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Satan knew from the Cross that he was finished and it was from that time that he went into top gear with his evil attacks upon the Church Of God. Therefore if a Christian does not understand the absolute necessity of living and walking in the Spirit they are in trouble, as they will not have the resources to deal with Satan. The Apostle Peter made this clear when he spoke about Satan being like a roaring Lion seeking to devour Christians (1 Peter 5: 6-8)

Many believers fail because they do not walk in close fellowship with the Spirit. The normal Christian life should be one lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. People that fail do so for one reason or another; allow sin to encroach upon them, get lead away from the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As a believer we must learn to live and walk in the Spirit.

As Born Again ‘Spirit Filled’ Christians we need to understand the power that we have within us. Jesus sent his followers out to teach people all the things he had commanded. He also provided them with the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to be able to achieve this work. (Matthew 28:19, 20) (Acts 1: 8; Acts 2).

Therefore a Christian can be certain that he/she can call upon the Holy Spirit at any time to give them ‘super natural power beyond what is normal’

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S MINISTRY IN THE LIFE OF OUR LORD

The Lord said that the believers would produce greater works than He did (John14:14-16). What do these unusual verses mean? This is based on the fact that whilst the Lord had a ministry of just over three years to perform supernatural signs and wonders. He told us that his followers would be able to do ‘greater works’ in his name than even he did.

Any work done in the power of the Holy Spirit is doing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus told his followers to ask for ‘anything’ in his name and he would do it. That is a great honour and privilege to be able to do the same type of works that even our Lord Jesus did. But these works in themselves are secondary to the greatest work of all and that is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations.

Therefore the greatest mission as a minister is to get your people out of the pews and into the communities declaring the Gospel by means of the Holy Spirit within them. But sadly Many; ‘churchgoers’ will find this work uncomfortable and will not want to be obedient to God's Word.

The sustaining work of the Holy Spirit was deliberately misconstrued by the Pharisees who said that Jesus was demon possessed and using the powers of Satan. This according to the Lord was the unpardonable sin.

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN

Many denominations will accuse others of blaspheming the Holy Ghost when they criticize their own view of the ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ in our day. Jesus said; preach the Gospel and obey my commandments and I will send a helper to you. As we know from Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell in an amazing way and he is still with his people today. So accusing others of blasphemy over differences of interpretation of the ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ is really a misuse of Scripture. You often find that those who cry loudest about the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit are quenching the Spirit in some way themselves. Differences over this issue do not constitute the committing of the unpardonable sin.

The unpardonable sin in Jesus day was to accuse him of being satanic and reject him as saviour. He is not present today to do such a thing personally, but the unpardonable sin remains as total rejection of him as saviour. No believer can commit that sin as long as they remain in Christ and continually accept him as saviour. The most serious sin in the believer’s life today is the quenching, grieving and resisting of the Holy Spirit. A believer cannot commit the unforgivable sin unless he totally rejects the blood of Jesus and repudiates the Holy Spirit. (Hebrews 6:4-6) So we need to be resisting sin in any form and cling to the Word of God.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

In Acts 1:8 14 they were to be baptised in the Spirit not many days hence. They were promised power after the Holy Spirit came upon them. They were waiting for the Spirit to come upon them from John 14 via Luke 24:49 to empower them for the rest of the ministry on the earth.

In Acts chapter 2 we have a record of the event. The Spirit came upon them and they were totally baptized by the Holy Spirit for the first time as a group of Christian believers. Acts 2:1-4.

These people as a result went out and preached the gospel in many languages which were understood. Many people were converted as a result of hearing the gospel on that day. In verse 4 they are filled with the Holy Spirit and from verse 5 onwards it shows what happened.

The disciples who were gathered in the upper room on that occasion were already Born Again and in Christ, but at this event, something totally different happened. It is obvious to us that they got baptised by the Holy Spirit and at once were made alive in him. The outward signs were staggering as they reacted as if they were drunk and spoke in various tongues. Therefore baptism in the Holy Spirit has a profound affect on a believer and makes them do something that is unusual and often dramatic. This is the favour of God on a Christian’s life and is an outward demonstration that they are truly Spirit filled Christians.

However a Christian must always remember that they are still imperfect humans who will continually make mistakes. So you still need to be alert to the enemies tactics, when he tries to tempt you to sin and ‘quench or grieve’ the Holy Spirit. Even though you are ‘indwelt’ by the Holy Spirit the ‘carnal/fleshly’ can still control your life if you allow it too. You may even be ‘working’ for the Lord; but success is dependant on you being in fellowship with the Holy Spirit at all times.

If you are going to live for Christ you have to do it in the power of the Holy Spirit, if you are not filled with the Holy Spirit you will fail. So keep asking for the Holy Spirit to fill you up and try to get a trusted prayer partner who is also baptized by the Holy Spirit to pray with you and ‘keep on asking’ and ‘keep on knocking’ for the Holy Spirit to fill you up.

DOCTRINES

HOLY SPIRIT: MINISTRY TO JESUS CHRIST

1. The ministry of the Spirit in sustaining Jesus Christ was prophesied in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 11:1-3, 42:1, 61:1-3)

2. The virgin birth was only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1: 18, 20, Psalm 40:6, Hebrews 10:5.

3. The Holy Spirit was given without measure (constant unhindered filling) to the humanity of Christ. (John 3:34)

4. The Holy Spirit was related to the baptism of Jesus. (Matthew 3:16)

5. The Holy Spirit sustained Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. (Matthew 12:18, 28, Luke 4:14, 15, 18)

6. The Lord acknowledged the work of the Spirit in his works and miracles. (Matthew 12: 8. Quoting Isaiah 44:1, 18, 28, Luke 4:14-21).

7. The sustaining ministry of the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the Lord when he bore our sins on the cross. Matthew 27:46, Psalms 22.

8. The Holy Spirit had a part in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:11, 1 Peter 3:18)

9. The present ministry of the Holy Spirit relates to the risen Jesus Christ. (John 7:39, 16:14)

10. The same sustaining ministry of the Holy Spirit is passed on to us at salvation, and we are commanded to make use of this ministry

11. To grow thereby. (Galatians 4:19, 5: 16, Ephesians 3:16, 17, 5:18, Romans 13:14)

HOLY SPIRIT: SINS AGAINST THE SPIRIT

1. RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT (Unbelievers only) (Acts 7:51, John 16:8-11). This is hardening to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.

2. BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT (Unbelievers only) (Matthew 12:31) the purpose of the Holy Spirit was to reveal the person of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees rejected this by claiming He was demon possessed.

3. LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (Believers only) (Acts 5:1-3) A sin of false motivation. - Ananias and Sapphira.

4. GRIEVING THE HOLY SPIRIT (Believers only) (Ephesians 4:30). Any fleshly sin which the believer commits

5. QUENCHING THE HOLY SPIRIT (Believers only) (1 Thessalonians 5:19) A believer who is not allowing the Holy Spirit to exert His full influence.

6. UNPARDONABLE SIN (Matthew 12:22-32)

a) Rejection of Jesus Christ as God and Saviour is the only sin which cannot be forgiven. This unbelief is shown in Matthew 12:24, denying the person and power of Jesus.

b) It is impossible for a believer to commit the unpardonable sin providing he remains in Christ. (Romans 8:1, Isaiah 1:18, Isaiah 44:22, 1 John 1:7) However if a believer rejects Jesus Christ and does not repent, then he can no longer depend on Gods mercy (Hebrews 6:4-6)

Bless you

David

THEOLOGY LESSON 20

LESSON 20 – THE HOLY SPIRIT – PNEUMATOLOGY

Holy Spirit Ministry.

John 14:15-17
Genesis 1:2
Genesis 6:3
2 Samuel 23:1-5
Psalm 51:1-12 Holy Spirit - Deity
Holy Spirit - Old Testament
Symbols of Holy Spirit

John 14:15 17 – In this passage the Lord Jesus Christ calls the Holy Spirit “another comforter”. Here John uses the Greek word "allos" meaning another of the same kind, in contrast to "heteros", which means another of a different kind. The Lord is saying that the Spirit will be the same presence as He has been.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD

The deity of the Spirit is the same as the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ and that of the Father. The word comforter is the Greek word "parakletos", which means the one who comes alongside. It means more than comfort, it means the person who communicates, helps, counsels, the one who lifts, the glory and the lifter of my head, as the Song of Songs says, "he is the glory and the lifter of my head".

MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Ever since the day of Pentecost; the Holy Spirit has been sent to abide in every Born Again Christian on a permanent basis. Abide means to stay with you until the end. This is unique to this age as it is only within the believers in the church age that the Holy Spirit indwells forever. This was a big change that was not understood until after Pentecost when it became a reality. Prior to this the Holy Spirit was with believers and could be removed. The Holy Spirit dwells within you when you are saved, but this is not the same thing as being baptized into the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was no longer alongside but inside the believer. He came permanently to live within the believer. This should not be confused with Christians asking for the Holy Spirit to fall on them anew, or fill them up; because they are really asking for more dunamis power to do his will more fully. Jesus said ‘keep on knocking’ ‘keep on asking’ and I will give it. Jesus himself felt the dunamis power go out from him when he was touched by the Woman who had the issue of blood. So we should be praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit as much as possible.

Asking to be filled with the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit is totally different to being indwelt by the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation. Romans 8:9-11. The dunamis power of the Holy Spirit allows us to do things beyond what is normal and possible in our own strength.

In John 14 the Lord Jesus Christ introduces the disciples to this world changing event in verse 17 where He says that the Spirit is with you and shall be [future tense] in you. David could pray; “Lord take not thy Holy Spirit from me”, Psalm 51:11 but we should not pray these words, as the Holy Spirit lives within us.

Rather we should be asking to be filled with dunamis power from the Holy Spirit every day. The fruitage of the Holy Spirit will then be manifest in our lives.

In John 16:7 17 He expands on it. After the Ascension we have the Session of Christ after which He sends the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has a ministry for unbelievers just as he has a ministry amongst us. He is going to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The sin that the Holy Spirit convicts people of is unbelief.

EVANGLISM

When you are evangelizing remember that ‘the sin’ that is going to put the unbeliever in to Gehenna the Lake of Fire is unbelief and refusing to accept Jesus Christ. Jesus explains in John 16:8-11, that as he will no longer be on the earth, the Holy Spirit will convict the unbeliever of unrighteousness and the need of a Saviour.

The Holy Spirit also convicts of Judgment and giving them the fear of judgment that if they stood before almighty God they would be condemned. When you witness to others claim these verses that they will be convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment. This is the Holy Spirit's job and such a prayer will be honoured.

The Holy Spirit is called the spirit of truth. He is the teacher and revealer of truth. He is the teacher of things that the Lord has said. The Lord said that there were many things that He wanted to tell them that the Holy Spirit would reveal to them. His job is to draw the attention of man to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and not to Himself. He does this through then Word of which He is the author as well as illuminating the Word.

In Church history it will be seen that it was not until the 4th century at the Council of Nicaea that the character of the Holy Spirit was discussed fully and explained. In the early Church they did not stress the Holy Spirit at all. It is important however that you understand His person and His work. The Spirit is what we would call humble and is standing back and ministering to and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

HOLY SPIRIT AND PRAYER

In the ancient world the prayers always started, "Heavenly Father I have sinned"; but since Jesus Christ came and paid the price of sin so we now have him as our only Mediator; therefore we can now ask for anything in HIS name John 14:14. To have a fully functioning relationship with anyone we need to talk to them on a regular basis. Therefore we can talk to the Holy Spirit as we would any ‘comforter’ or ‘helper’ and ask him to support us for that day. We also need to petition and supplicate the Lord Jesus Christ and ask him to send the Holy Spirit to minister to us.

There is equality in the Godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14. He is the one who puts His arm around you and carries you through. He is the ever present contact with the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit which draws us near. Matthew 28:18 gives us the great commission and is again a Tri-unity text.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON

This shows He is therefore a person and not a force. Even believers talk about God the Holy Spirit as an influence and do not recognize Him as a person. Rejection of the Holy Spirit as a person often is replaced with the concept that He is the personification of the power for good whilst Satan is the personification of evil. This denial has occurred throughout Church History. It is false and a dangerous error which Satan is using today with the rebirth of paganism in many places

It is important to realise that He is a person and worthy to receive love and honour and that you are not robbing the Holy Spirit of your love and adoration. He is a person who is infinitely divine, holy, loving and wishes to get hold of us so that He can use us.

Empowering to Minister Life

Jesus said in John 7:38-39, "He who believes in ME, as the Scripture has said, "out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive, for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

God wants to give us an inner power that flows out of us and impacts those around us. This power is described as a river of living water. Those that we witness to do not need religious rituals; but release from bondage and darkness. They need the refreshing power and cleansing from the ‘river of life’. The falling upon us of the Holy Spirit fills us with his power. By being filled with the Holy Spirit we allow the ‘river of life’ to flow out of us and bless others.

When we understand Him as a person we will treat Him as a person? We will get to know the communion and fellowship of the Holy Spirit just as the disciples knew the fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ whilst on earth?

We should have a minute by minute walk with the Holy Spirit just as the disciples had a minute by minute walk with the Lord. He came that we might have fellowship with Him. This is the answer to the many problems believers have with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The issue is not seeking after dramatic signs and wonders; the issue is whether you are experiencing a moment by moment communion with the Holy Spirit.

Many extreme Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches focus totally on the ‘outpouring’ and very little else. They have moments of grandeur in which they may be spiritual but the Bible tells us that we are called to be light and therefore have a moment by moment fellowship with the Lord through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The doctrine of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ is of great importance in the Church. It is going to set the tone of our daily worship of Him. It is a very important doctrine. Many conservative churches have suffered because of a lack of teaching in this area and many have then gone to Pentecostal/Charismatic churches where they all too often focus totally on the Holy Spirit.

Thus many people in these churches feel empty, because they have spoken in tongues, seen miracles and healing and yet are hungry for the Word of God to be spoken into their lives. They are seeking bible teaching churches where the truth of walking in the Spirit is fully taught along with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Hosea said that Gods people perish, because of a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)

In the Greek the spirit is in the neuter but by being in the neuter it does not mean that the object is an "it". Whenever the Holy Spirit is talked about there is a personal pronoun used. It is of interest that the word for child brephos is also in the neuter but is obviously not a thing. The other words for a young child, teknon and paidion are also in the neuter.

DOCTRINES

HOLY SPIRIT: DEITY

1. The Holy Spirit is directly from God, the third member of the Tri-unity.

2. The Holy Spirit is the expression of intellect and power from the Father and the Son. (Isaiah 6:8, 9, Acts 28:25, Jeremiah 31:31-35, Hebrews 10:15).

3. He has the characteristics of God:
a) Sovereignty 1 Corinthians 12:11
b) All knowing (1 Corinthians 2:10, 11)
c) All powerful (Genesis 1:2)
d) Everywhere, Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7)

HOLY SPIRIT: MINISTRY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not indwell all believers, since Christ was not yet glorified (John 7:39). Instead, He only came upon some Old Testament saints to perform special functions.
a) JOSEPH, a believer who was a prime minister. (Genesis 41:38)
b) Believers who were artisans occupied in the construction of the Tabernacle. (Exodus 28:3, 31:3)

c) Believers involved in administration. (Numbers 11:17, 25)
d) A believer who was both a political and military leader - JOSHUA (Numbers 27:18)
e) Certain Judges: OTHNIEL (Judges 3:9, 10) GIDEON (Judges 6:34) JEPHTHAH (Judges 11:29) SAMSON (Judges 13:24, 25, 14:5-6, 15:14)
f) Kings of Israel (1 Samuel 10:9, 10, 16:13)

g) DANIEL (Daniel 4:8, 5:11, 6:3)
h) Post exilic rulers (Zechariah 4:3, 12-14)

2. Believers in Israel could be disciplined by the removal of the Spirit:
a) SAUL (1 Samuel 16:14)
b) DAVID (Psalm 51:11)
3. A believer could obtain the Holy Spirit by request, but not as an indwelling presence. (2 Kings 2:9, 10, Luke 11:13)

4. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit without request to the disciples just before the ascension. Purpose: To sustain them for the ten day interim before the Church Age would begin. (John 20:22)

HOLY SPIRIT: SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are a number of symbols for the Holy Spirit in the Bible.

1. Dove. (Matthew 3:16)

2. Oil. (Exodus 35:28)

3. Water. (John 7:38-39)

4. Wind. (Acts 2:2)

5. Fire. (Acts 2:3)

6. Seal. (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30)

7. Pledge. (Ephesians 1:14)

THEOLOGY LESSON 19

LESSON 19 – JESUS RETURNS WITH HIS SAINTS

Zechariah 14:1-5
Revelation 19:11-21
Revelation 20:1-15 Christ 1st and 2ndAdvents
Judgment Seat of Christ
Great White Throne

INTRODUCTION

The Second Advent is a term used for the coming for His saints and coming with His saints. In the Old Testament we have a lot of references to the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord commences with the Tribulation period, the coming with His saints and to judge the world. It is important that one gets the vocabulary correct, the Day of the Lord is not a day and it is at least seven years long.

INTERPRETATION

The Lord's coming brings into focus the importance of interpretation. The way you interpret the Bible is going to determine the way that you view prophecy. If you have a literal approach to the Word of God you will have a different approach to that of a person who does not have a literal approach. A statement that is obviously meant to be figurative you take it in the normal grammatical sense, you are not to be silly about it. “When the plain sense, makes common sense, then seek no other sense, lest you create nonsense”. Dr David L Cooper.

If you have a literal view you will end up with a pre Tribulation, pre Millennium view of prophecy. By taking a literal approach you are allowing the Bible to interpret itself, rather than superimposing your own concepts on it. Before you teach any prophetic book you should tell the people that you are taking a literalist view. Many ministers avoid the prophetic area because it causes too many problems. However if a minister teaches the Word of God thoroughly as it should be taught then he will not have any problems that the Holy Spirit cannot resolve.

USE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE SECOND ADVENT

Every day; every form of media highlights the ‘signs of the times’ that we are living in and it all proves exactly the prophetic words of our Lord. So much so that even unbelievers can see them. So what should you do when you see what is happening? If you are aware of what the Scriptures say about the end times then you are not going to get upset when everything seems to fall apart all around us.

When economically things go astray, if you know what God's program is in advance, you can relax in the middle of the pressure, simply seeking his will for your life. You are not going to be shaken as to what is going to happen. As it gets nearer to the return of the Lord it may be possible that the Nations will use Nuclear weapons on each other. However in the case of a nuclear war you will know that there is not going to be a nuclear winter, or that the whole population of the world is going to be destroyed by this means, for the Bible teaches that the Lord will return and it will not be to a radioactive world.

Whilst there will be massive depopulation at the end of the Tribulation there will still be a third of the population living. This will give you a lot more comfort than the liberals will receive. If you teach it thoroughly in your church you will have a relaxed group of believers who know his Word and policy. When we see the sign of the times ‘we should lift our heads up’ and keep going into the world and preach the gospel. (Luke 21)

The teaching of the Tribulation will be of great importance for those who are in it as it will give them a timetable of events. The correct understanding of prophecy will make you a more active evangelist. If it does not do this, then you do not have it right. Many people will dissuade you from prophecy on the basis that people who become interested in that become unbalanced. About four percent of the New Testament contains verses about Jesus Christ coming with His saints. It is therefore very important. It is also important in regard to the communion service which was instituted, “until he comes”.

When will he come, how will he come? There are a number of questions that can be asked. A lot of Christians go through the rituals but do not think about it. When the Lord laid out the communion service He made it quite clear that He was coming again. When we take communion we are celebrating the death of the Lord, but also the future coming of the King. The liberals remember a dead martyr.

The Great Tribulation is a subject covered in the Old Testament, for it involves the remnant of now believing Israel. The teaching on this time period in the Old Testament is so specific that the people of that time will be able to know the very day that the Lord will return. Matthew 24 lays out a timetable as well. They will have tremendous assurance and will know when things are going to happen. This is essential because of their situation. This is their survival manual and is also something to encourage us. Some people say that the Great Tribulation is not so bad, but they betray by such a comment that they have not studied the Old Testament. It is the day of wrath, the day of Jacob's trouble and the day of the Lord.

THE DAY OF THE LORD

This is a doctrine which has been progressively revealed down the ages particularly through the Minor Prophets, Daniel through to Malachi. The key for these things is the book of Revelation which is basically the chronological account as it is detailed there in sequence.

In the majority of cases this period designated as the “Day of the Lord” covers the period from the Rapture to the Second Advent of Christ. In Zechariah 14 there is mentioned the final battles of the Armageddon Campaign which is quite a long campaign. It begins with an invasion down through Armenia, sweeps down through Israel with one branch going south the other moving towards the west to Libya. They hear of problems from the north and turn round and head back towards Israel where this major conflict takes place.

The Revived Roman Empire has an amphibious landing on the coast at Megiddo, which combines with the vast Eastern Army. The result is absolute devastation and a horrific campaign. In Zechariah 14 we have a sequence of events, but your system of interpretation is going to colour how you look at things.

Here it states that the Lord is going to return on the Mount of Olives which can be tied in with Acts 1 where the angels tell of the Lord's return. Prior to this there is going to be a horrific time in Jerusalem with half the city falling with many people being killed, raped and devastation on a massive scale.

The book of Revelation provides the binocular viewpoint on what is happening. Revelation 19:11 shows the Lord Jesus Christ arriving on a white horse as the Word of God. The language here will tie you back to the day of the Lord. We have here the end of the tribulation period. It is the Lord who is referring to it ending then.

Daniel 2 shows the "rock" destroying the man made empires. It is extremely important to tie the whole thing together. Here we have it in chronological sequence as it is going to happen in the future. It is clear that this ties in with the Zechariah passage. If you do not have a literal view and you are not expecting it to happen then A-millennialist’s will show you that it has happened historically and that Satan is bound now.

People can only believe this falsehood because their interpretation of prophecy is different from their interpretation of the rest of the Word of God. If you adopt a literal view you will find a literal Millennium in Revelation 20. The Great White Throne judgment is followed by an eternal future.

The sequence of events is the Rapture followed by the Tribulation, Second Advent, and Resurrection of the Old Testament Saints and Tribulation martyrs, the Millennium, the Release of Satan, the Last Rebellion, Last Judgment and Eternity Future.

It is important to realise that God's plan is not limited to the earth; it is not the end but the new beginning. This world is not the last of God's creations. If you think about that, the thought will overwhelm you. Peter talks about it as elements melting with overwhelming heat. It is not possible that Satan will win. The plan is given in the Word of God. We should be excited that we are with the Creator and that we are on the wining side. We are going somewhere not because of what we have done but because of what God has revealed to us. The Plan started in eternity past and goes through to eternity future. This phase of the plan began with this heaven and earth, and will restart with a new heavens and a new earth.

The book of Revelation is the key; because if we have a chronological vision, it will help us set the norm for the interpretation of everything else.

DOCTRINES

CHRIST: FIRST AND SECOND ADVENTS

1. Old Testament saints had difficulty in distinguishing between the two advents of Christ. (1 Peter 1:10, 11)

2. Old Testament prophecy has Christ coming as a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. (Isaiah 53:7)

3. Old Testament prophecy has Christ coming as the conquering King and Lion of the tribe of Judah. (Isaiah 11:1-12)

4. Jesus commenced his ministry announcing the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17) This connects the first and second advents.

5. Old Testament Prophecy showed that the Messiah would:-
a) Be born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)
b) Be of the tribe of Judah. (Genesis 49:10)
c) Be of the house of David. (Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 33:21)
d) Die as a sacrifice. (Isaiah 53:1-12)
e) Be crucified. (Psalm 22:1-21)
f) Be resurrected from the dead. (Psalm 16:8-11)
g) Return to earth at his second advent. (Zechariah 8:3)
h) Be seated at the right hand of God. (Psalm 110:1)

6. It should be noted that the return of Christ for the Church (the Rapture) as given in (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18) was not revealed in the Old Testament - it is a mystery doctrine of the Church (Colossians 3:4-6)

7. The day of the Second Advent is characterised by supernatural darkness
a) When Christ returns every eye shall see him (Matthew 24:29-30) Christ is the light of the world and he will return to a world covered in darkness (symbolic of sin).
b) The darkness is similar to the darkness of the day of our Lord's crucifixion which hid the Lord Jesus Christ from man's sight whilst he was bearing our sins. (Mark 15:33)
c) The Second Advent delivers the Jewish believers besieged in Jerusalem by the King of the North. (Daniel 11, Zechariah 12:1-3, 14:1-4)
d) Other passages indicating that the day of the Second Advent is a day of total darkness on the earth. (Isaiah 13:9-10, Ezekiel 32:7-8, Joel 2:10-11, Joel 3:14-15, Amos 5:18, Zechariah 14:6, Matthew 24:29-30, Luke 21:25-27, Revelation 6:12-17)

8. Heralds of the Two Advents of Christ
A herald is a person who proceeded' a King in ancient times to announce his arrival. The King that we study is the Lord Jesus Christ.
a) First Advent
i) Human herald - John the Baptist (Matthew 3)
ii) Angelic heralds - Angels (Luke 2:1-15)
b) Second Advent
i) Human heralds - Moses, Elijah (Revelation 11)
ii) Angelic herald - The mighty angel (Revelation 10)

JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

1. There are three types of judgment for believers in the Church Age.

a) Judgment of Sins: - The Lord Jesus Christ on the cross substituted the payment of all man's sins. The penalty of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) There is therefore no judgment for those in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1). The substitutionary death is given in 2 Corinthians 5:19-2 1, Galatians 3:13.

b) Judgment of Self: - We are told that if we judge ourselves we shall not be judged. Failure to do so brings discipline. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 11:31, 32, 2 Corinthians 2:5-7, Hebrews 12:7, 1 John 1:9)

c) Judgment Seat of Christ: - This is the evaluation of the production of believers for the purpose of reward (2 Corinthians 5:10)

2. The Judgment Seat of Christ is a time of reward. Our human works (wood, hay, stubble) will be burned; our works in the power of the Spirit (gold, silver, precious stones) will be rewarded. (1 Corinthians 3:11-16).

3. At the Judgment Seat of Christ the believer can be denied reward but can never lose his salvation. (2 Timothy 2:12-13)
4. Backslidden believers have no reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (Hebrews 6:7-12)

5. The Judgment Seat of Christ is illustrated by the famous athletic games in the ancient world. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

6. Rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ are based on grace. (James 2:12, 13)

7. Since we will be judged by Christ, we are not to judge each other (Matthew 7:1-2)

JUDGEMENT: GREAT WHITE THRONE

1. The judgment of the Great White Throne is the last judgment. (Revelation 20:11, 15)

2. Only the unsaved are judged at the last judgment as there is no judgment for Christians. (Romans 8:1)

3. The last judgment occurs at the end of the Millennium. (Revelation 20:7-15)

4. The unsaved are judged according to their works from the Books of Works (Revelation 20:12)

5. The judgment is to show that the Human works of man cannot satisfy the justice of God. Many people believe that their ‘Good Works" will please God and earn them salvation. But the Bible tells us that all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore salvation can only be through the death of Christ on the Cross and nothing more.

6. Having shown the unsaved they have failed to satisfy the holiness of God, the condemned are cast into the Lake of Fire (Gehenna). (Revelation 20:15)

THE TRIBULATION OR TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE

General Scripture (Revelation Chapters 4-1 9)

1. Limits
(a) Start - Rapture
(b) Finish - 2nd Advent.

2. Length of Age - 7 years. (Daniel 9:27) This is the final section of the Jewish Age.
3. Means of Salvation - faith in Christ.
4. Scripture - completed Canon.
5. Evangelists - a special race - the Jews who have been scattered throughout the earth and speak almost every tongue - 144,000 evangelists (Revelation 7). It is noted that the tribe of Dan does not appear in this list - it was the tribe that lead in idolatry.
6. Major judgments - the Tribulation is a succession of judgments culminating in the 2nd Advent.
7. At death believers - Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8)
8. At death unbelievers - Torments, Hades.
9. Priesthood - specialised priesthood.
10. The Law - no Law (Matthew 5:17)
11. Holy Spirit - assists believers but does not indwell.
12. Environment - sinful
13. Satan – Was hurled from heaven to the earth and is busy polluting the earth and people with his evil (Revelation 12:9)
14. Rebellion - Armageddon, ‘one world order’ politically and religiously.
15. Spirituality- resting in the promises of God.

16. Three sets of Judgments
(a) Seal Judgments (Revelation 6 and 8)
(b) Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8)
(c) Bowl Judgments (Revelation 15, 16)
17. The last 7 years of the Post Flood Civilisation.
18. Anti Semitism at its maximum.

THE SECOND ADVENT

1. Israel under dispersion no longer represents Christ on this earth.

2. Israel is replaced by the Church, the Body of Christ. (Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 1:22, 23, 2:16, 4:4, 5, 5:23, 24, 30-32, Colossians 1:18, 24, 2:19)

3. The Body of Christ is being completed by entering every believer of the Church Age into union with Christ. (Colossians 2:10, Hebrews 2:10)

4. When the Body is completed, the Rapture of the Church occurs. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

5. Then the Body becomes the Bride, and is prepared for the Second Advent.
(a) The Bride receives a resurrection body like Christ's (1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Philippians 3:21, 1 John 3:1, 2)
(b) The Bride's old sin nature is removed. (Philippians 3:21)
(c) The Bride is cleansed from human good. (1 Corinthians 3:12-16)

6. The Bride returns in triumph with Christ at the Second Advent. (1 Thessalonians 3:13, Revelation 19:6-8)

7. Then follows the conquest-
(a) Satan imprisoned (Revelation 20:1-3)
(b) Demons removed from the earth. (Zechariah 13:2, 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25, Colossians 2:15)

8. The removal of the demons changes the environment of the earth and causes perfect conditions during the Millennium.
(a) Religion removed.
(b) False doctrine removed.
(c) Perfect environment restored.

THEOLOGY LESSON 18

CHRIST: PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING

LESSON 18 – HIS COMING FOR HIS SAINTS

John 14:1-4
I Thessalonians 4:11-18
I Thessalonians 5:6-10

RAPTURE

INTRODUCTION

Christ is coming for His people. This has been a contentious issue since the start of the Church. In the early church they were living in the daily expectation of the return of Christ. This was the power and motivation behind the early church for the first three hundred years. This is a very practical doctrine of Scripture and not something to go overboard on. If you have a biblical view you will be practical rather than foolish. “Prophecy nuts” have not had a good result anywhere in the history of the church, but the practical application of prophecy always is beneficial!

It is important to realise that you cannot go to one place only in the New Testament to get a full explanation of the Second Coming. You should go through the New Testament in a chronological sense. For instance if the theme is mentioned in James you look at James

First, then Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians and so on, in the order they were written, so that you see the revelation of truth as the earliest believers received it.

THE PROMISE

In John 14:1-4 we have the introduction of the Lord coming again. It is still future. The purpose of the knowledge of the Second Coming is that you might have peace of mind. It is that history has a purpose and that He is coming again. History is not going to end with a maybe or might but it will end with a definite coming of the Lord. The Lord's ascension was not a cause for sorrow but he went so that he can return in fulfillment of John 14.

The expectation that He would return was so strong in the earliest church that they all expected to be present at the return of the Lord. Because there was such an expectation there was great consternation in some of the churches when some of the believers started to die.

THE THESSALONIANS

The church at Thessalonica was a young and enthusiastic church but without a lot of understanding of God's Word, for they were young in faith. This is why Bible teaching is so important in the young church. Whilst some had died, others had been martyred and yet others had given up their jobs waiting for the return of the Lord. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians Paul gives them an answer. In chapter 4 verses 11 and 12 Paul tells them that as a part of their witness they should work honestly minding their own business. The Second Coming of Christ should not create people who have a bad witness. You should not stand in a white sheet waving a palm branch around as many people have over the centuries.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul says that he would not have them ignorant about this event. In verse 18 this news should bring comfort which ties in with John 14 where the Lord said that believers should not worry. As long as we have got it right we will receive comfort and not get upset. Conversely if you have not got comfort from the Second Coming you have got it wrong.

In God's plan you should act in conformity with 1 Thessalonians 5 rather than the so called Ten Commandments. We are going beyond the Mosaic Law to something greater because we are looking forward to something greater than Moses was. Moses was looking forward to the Cross; we are looking forward to the Second Coming. Moses had the concept that the Messiah would come. We have the knowledge that He has come and that He is coming again. If you understand that His coming is imminent then you will be keeping the commandments in chapter 5.

There is quite a lot of argument about this subject. Those who violently argue about this often do not measure up in their own lives to either 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 or chapter 5. If you come across people like this you should tell them that when they get their life in order you will sit down and discuss theology with them.

VIEWS OF THE SECOND COMING

There are many different ideas on the Second Coming. There are the pre-millennial, pre tribulation, post tribulation, mid tribulation and A-millennial. The one that does not require the spiritualizing of Scripture is the pre tribulation, pre millennial viewpoint, which is the most anciently held view of the church.

This was the view which was held by the Early Church and conforms best we believe with the Word of God. It can therefore be classified as the conservative/orthodox position. The doctrine of the Second Coming should have an impact on our life. If it does not we have misunderstood it.

In the first two hundred years nearly all the Christians believed in a literal coming again, Rapture, Millennium, and it was not until Origen, Clement, and Augustine of Hippo, in the later centuries that you get the figurative interpretation. It is to these men that the many ‘reformed group’ of theologians trace their origins to. However there is better evidence for the orthodox view than that proposed by the Reformed groups.

The Second Coming of Christ is said to be mentioned 318 times in 260 chapters of the Bible and occupies one in twenty five verses. Therefore if you think that the Second Coming is not important one in twenty five verses in the New Testament says that you are wrong.

It is not an optional extra although the entire liberal churches side step it and many evangelicals do not hold a stated position because it is controversial. As one in twenty five verses in the New Testament deals with this subject you should have at least two messages a year on this subject.

DIVISION OF THE SECOND ADVENT

This one doctrine is made up of two specific events; the first part is when He comes for his church, the second when He comes back with His people. This first event is quite often referred to as the Rapture whilst the second is known as the Second Advent.

At the Second Advent we know exactly where He is going to come to, as the Mount of Olives will split in two when He arrives. We can go to Israel and stand on the Mount of Olives and say to the Lord that I know this is where you will arrive on your return. Zechariah 14:4-5

There is a time gap of some duration between them and this is where the tribulation occurs. This is a cause of disagreement between the dispensationalists and the reformed theologians. It is essential with this subject that you teach something, thus it is important that you come to grips with it.

With unfulfilled prophecy you have to be guided by the Holy Spirit and what the Word of God says. Scripture must be compared with Scripture and find out what does fit together. There are a lot of good systems which are internally consistent but do not comply with the Word of God. The correct view will always get you out in evangelism, clam your doubts, and stimulate you to lead a holy life and do the Lord's will.

In Matthew 24 the disciples were totally unprepared for the statement recorded in John 14. In the former passage they had been prepared for the return of the Messiah to set up the kingdom, not that He was going away as stated in John 14. In the latter passage He is to prepare a place for them and return to take them to that place which was clearly heaven. There are therefore two separate events. The disciples, like most since, were confused by this.

CONTRAST BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND ADVENT

The progressive revelation of this doctrine is important. There is a contrast between the Lord coming for His saints and coming with His saints.

RAPTURE SECOND ADVENT

Christ comes for his saints to take them from the earth to heaven
Living saints are translated
The saints go to heaven
The world is unchanged and continues in sin
It is a deliverance from the day of wrath

It is imminent and could occur at any time
It is a truth revealed only in the New Testament
This relates to only those who are saved.
Satan is not bound and is very active on the earth
Saints leave the earth in their resurrection bodies
The Rapture relates to the Church

A time of comfort Christ returns to earth to set up His kingdom. No saints are translated

The saints remain on the earth.
The world is judged and righteousness is established.
Deliverance for those believers who have survived the day of wrath.
Preceded by many events. This is a prominent doctrine in both Testaments
Relates to both saved and unsaved.
Satan is bound for the Millennium.
Saints remain to repopulate the earth.

The Second Advent and Millennium relates to covenants with Israel - Davidic and Palestinian A time of terror for unbelievers
This is the pre tribulation view which contrasts with the post Tribulation view which has both items occurring at the same time. We believe the pre tribulation concept is correct as it is based on the literal acceptance of the prophecy contained in the Scriptures while the Post Tribulation concept relies on symbolic interpretation of the prophecies.

The Lord could come for us at any time, with nothing in Scripture requiring fulfillment before the Lord can come for His church. The last statement or prayer in the Bible says "Even so come Lord Jesus". They lived every day expecting the Lord to come and therefore the prayer was legitimate. There are also many verses in the Old Testament which deal with the Second Advent of Christ, thus those in the Tribulation will have a timetable for the Second Coming of the Lord. It will be an encouragement for them.

There will be more saved in the Tribulation period, not only due to the 144,000 witnesses, and the angels but also those to whom we have witnessed and leave messages for.

DOCTRINES

RAPTURE

1. The Rapture of the Church is the termination of the Church Age and is the taking of all genuine believers since Pentecost to Heaven by the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. General Scripture (John 1 4:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

3. The Rapture and the 2nd Advent should not be confused, they are 7 years apart being separated by the Tribulation and have different characteristics.

4. Rapture
a) Not revealed in Old Testament.
b) Promises to the Church fulfilled.
c) Judgment seat of Christ rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, 2 Timothy 2:11)
d) Christ the Bridegroom and Head
e) Believers body changed (not creation) (1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Philippians 3:21)
f) Church goes to heaven. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
g) Imminent - no signs to be fulfilled before the Church can be removed.
h) Time of comfort for believer. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
i) Christ will meet the Church in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
j) Private (only believers will see)
k) Before tribulation
l) Believers go out of the world. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
m) Removal of the Holy Spirit. (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

5. Second Advent
a) Spoken of by all major Old Testament prophets. (Zechariah 14:4)
b) Promises to Israel fulfilled.
c) Great White Throne Judgment (after Millennium) - unbelievers. (Matthew 25:31, Revelation 20:12-15).
d) Christ the Messiah to Israel (Daniel 9:25)
e) Radical changes in nature. (Romans 8:19-22)
f) Church comes back to earth (1 Thessalonians 3:13) 4:17)
g) Many details of prophecy yet to be fulfilled. (Revelation Chapters 6-19)
h) Time of terror for unbeliever. (Revelation 6:15-17)
i) Christ will come back to earth (Zechariah 14:4)
j) Public - every eye shall see him (Revelation 1- 7)
k) After tribulation.
l) Unbelievers taken off the earth (Matthew 24:37-42)
m) Removal of Satan (Revelation 20:1-3)

6. The Rapture is before the Tribulation. Thus the Pre Tribulation Rapture position is shown by nine factors.
a) The worried Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 2:1-6)
b) The Restrainer removed (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12)
c) The lack of the word 'Church' in (Revelation 13:9)
d) The verb Tereo in (Revelation 3:10)
e) Grace before judgment (John 14:3)
f) Resurrections in their order. (1 Corinthians 15:22-26)
g) The Covenant approach. The Abrahamic, Davidic and Palestinian covenant fulfilled at 2nd Advent.
h) The Church is in heaven before the Seal Judgments (Revelation 4, 5)
i) The contrast between the 2nd Advent and the Rapture

RAPTURE – PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE:

(Why the Church will not go through the Tribulation)

1. On the basis of the distinction between Israel and the Church:
a) God never deals with Israel and the Church at the same time.
b) Because of the promises to Israel, yet unfulfilled, Israel must have a future. Evangelistic and missionary responsibility of Israel will be completed in the Tribulation.

c) The nation of Israel has not been completed.
d) "Daniel's 70 weeks" not completed. (Jeremiah 25:11, 12, 29:10, Daniel 9:2, 24, 25)

2. Statement and Structure of Revelation:
a) The statement (Revelation 3:10) "Tereo ek" (to keep out), not "Aireo" (to take out) used in context.
b) The structure: Church Age/Tribulation/Millennium/Eternity. (Revelation 2-3, 7-19, 20, 21:1-8)

3. The Statement of Thessalonians:
a) Removal of the restraining presence of the Holy Spirit is impossible without removing the Church at the same time. 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7.

b) In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 the incorrect translation in the A.V. confuses the entire passage. "Day of Christ" should read "Day of the Lord" (False teachers came with a forged letter supposedly from Paul which implied that the Day of the Lord, or the Tribulation, had already come).

c) In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 the phrase "in Christ" refers to believers in the Church Age. Verse 18 emphasises a comfort which could not exist if the Church went through the Tribulation.

4. Remnant of the Tribulation:
a) Christ returns to the earth with His saints (1 Thessalonians 3-13, Jude 1 4).
b) Jesus at the same time delivers saints at the Second Advent. (Zechariah 14:1-5)
c) Christ cannot come with saints and deliver saints unless there are two groups of saints - Church and Tribulation Saints.

Obviously, both groups exist and both groups of saints are separated.

5. Grace before Judgment: God gives grace before judging.
a) Warning - Noah was rescued by heeding God's warning.
b) Rescue - Lot was rescued by God.

6. Imminence of the Rapture:
a) No prophecy of Scripture has to be fulfilled before the Rapture can take place. (1 Corinthians 1:7, Colossians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, Titus 2:13)
b) Hence, the Rapture can take place at any time.
c) Not so the Second Advent: much prophecy must be fulfilled before Second Advent.

7. Nature of the Tribulation:
a) Purpose of the Tribulation: to bring judgment on a Christ-rejecting world. God demonstrates that man cannot provide a perfect environment when Satan has full control and restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit is removed.

b) God completes His dealings with Israel, which allows the Jews to fulfil their missionary ministry begun after the Babylonian Captivity.
c) God prepares Israel for the fulfilment of the Unconditional Covenants by the return of Christ during Israel's darkest hour and the low point of human history Tribulation).

8. Activity of the Church in Heaven (Revelation 4, 5)
a) Before the Church returns to the earth with Christ, they must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ for evaluation of production in the Christian walk - rewards. (2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
b) Hence, some interval is necessary (7 years) before the Bride of the Lamb can be prepared.

c) The marriage of the Lamb takes place in heaven. (Revelation 19:6-8) after which the Bride returns to the earth with the Groom. (Revelation 19:14). The wedding feast is held on earth. (Revelation 19:9)

THEOLOGY LESSON 17

LESSON 17 – THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST

His Ascension and Ministry Now John 14:1-4, 16-20

Acts 1:6-11
Luke 24:50-53
Hebrews 10:11-14
Jude 24-25 Ascension and Session
Prophet Priest and King
Rock

INTRODUCTION

The ascension is something that is not stressed at all today apart from it being an introduction to Pentecost. It is however very important, as it is the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. This begins the Ministry which we are enjoying today and will continue to enjoy until He comes for us or we go to be with Him.

STATEMENTS ABOUT THE ASCENSION

In the Old Testament - Psalm 68:18 Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 110:1 Acts 2:34

In the sayings of Christ - John 7:33, 14:12, 28, 16:5 in going to his Father and John 6:62, 20:17 in His ascension

In the New Testament - Luke 9:51, 24:51, Acts 1:6-11, Ephesians 4:10, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 3:22

The Christian life is in three phases, salvation, the life on earth, the life in heaven.

The ministry of Christ falls into four areas, the pre-incarnate ministry, the ministry of the first advent, His present ministry and His millennial ministry.

In John 14:1-4 the Lord ties the Second Advent of the Lord to the need to go away. He says that as certain as He is going He will return after He has prepared a place for us. Later in the chapter He says that He will send us another comforter. John 14:16,17 At this point He foretells enormous changes coming in the lives of the disciples after He has gone. The Lord's departure and the coming of the Church are inter related. The doorway to blessing was opened at the ascension.

The ascension marked the end of the period of Christ's humiliation and His entrance into the state of exaltation. Even the forty days between His resurrection and ascension involved some limitation as with respect to showing His glory. Notice that his post resurrection appearances did not startle the disciples as far as the appearance of His resurrection body was concerned.

ASCENSION

1. The resurrection body of Christ was capable of 'space travel' the humanity of Christ in resurrection traveled through all three heavens. (John 20:1 7) (The 1st Heaven – is the atmosphere, the 2nd Heaven – is Stellar Space, the 3rd Heaven – is the Throne Room of God).

2. The purpose of this space travel was to arrive in a human body at the throne room of God the Father. Although covered with no protective space suit, the resurrection body did not burn up as it traveled through the universe, it did not suffer fatigue but arrived in perfect condition (Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2). Upon his arrival, the Father said, "sit down at my right hand" (Psalm 110: 1, Hebrews 1: 13). Deity does not sit, only Christ's humanity sat down. This indicated the acceptability of the humanity of Christ (Ephesians 1:20) and guarantees the acceptability of regenerate mankind (Ephesians 2:6)

The seating or session of Christ declared Him superior to all angels, elect or fallen (1 Peter 3:22). Today believers are positionally higher than angels but in the resurrection body believers will be physically superior to angels. This is why God gives every believer at least one angelic servant - to some many more - a down payment that we will be one day superior to them (Hebrews 1: 14). Who made this possible? Jesus Christ through ascension and session.

3. The ascension and session of the humanity of Christ produced victory in the angelic conflict. (Hebrews 1:3-13).

4. The ascension begins a new stage of the angelic conflict (Ephesians 1:20-22), 4:7-10). Hence the believer of the Church age is involved in the intensification of the angelic conflict.

5. The ascension and session begins the subjection of his enemies (Psalm 110: 1) as quoted in (Luke 20:42-43, Acts 2:33-34, Hebrews 1: 13).

6. The second advent of Christ will conclude the subjection process (Daniel 7:13, 14, Zechariah 13:2, Colossians 2:1 5, Revelation 20:1-3)

7. The ascension and session also completes the glorification of Christ. (Acts 2:33, Philippians 2:9, 1 Peter 3:22)

8. The ascension explains the uniqueness of the Church Age. (John 7:37-39)

The post ascension appearances of Christ to John described in Revelation 1 must have shown His glory much more vividly. The ascension having taken place, Christ was then ready to begin other ministries in behalf of His own and of the world.

The Lord has been exalted in heaven and is full of glory. The ascension was His graduation, going back to the Father and hearing Him say "well done". The mission is accomplished, everything is done; you now begin a new phase of the plan.

The Place - Towards Bethany - Luke 24:50 on the Mt of Olives Acts 1:12

The Method – will be a gradual movement upwards as if supported by a cloud. Acts 1:9

The Promise was that he would return in a similar way.

Acts 1:6-11 gives a description of the ascension. This immediately tells us that the Lord is coming again; the ascension is the guarantee of the second coming. It also tells us how He will come in exactly the same way He left us. It is an actual fact of history.

It is not a symbolic thing. Just as it happened on Ascension Day; so it will be at his Second Advent. From the past we have confidence in the present and assurance for the future. The ascension occurred near Bethany on the Mount of Olives. The Lord traveled as if He were supported by a cloud going up in a long upward movement. There is a companion passage in Luke 24:50-53. The disciples’ response was to praise God for the ten days until Pentecost. They had victory in their souls after witnessing the resurrection.

WAS THERE MORE THAN THE ONE ASCENSION?

The problem passage which the liberals bring up is in John 20:17 Did He ascend to heaven before the public ascension? Some think that John20:17, indicates one or more ascensions before the one detailed in Acts I. However, the verb translated as, "I ascend", is most likely a futuristic present referring to the coming public ascension of Acts I and referring to it with certainty. It is as if the Lord were saying to Mary, "Stop clinging to ME”. “There is no need for this, as I am not yet at the point of permanent ascension”. “You will still have the opportunity to see ME”. “However, there is no question that I will certainly ascend to be with My Father”.

It is the Lord's exaltation. The disciples watched as Christ was taken up and could see it as the beginning of the victory march. The Lord was glorified by the Father with the glory He had prior to the incarnation. He has been exalted above all principalities. The Lord was not only raised up from the grave but was raised bodily into heaven in praise and glory. In the ascension we have the beginning of the glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ who has won the victory in the angelic conflict.

SIX POINTS ON THE PURPOSE OF THE EXALTATION:

[a] He was glorified that He might glorify the Father.

[b] That He might be a Prince and a Saviour.

[c] That He might enter heaven as a forerunner for faithful humanity.

[d] That He might enter heaven for Himself

[e] That He might act as High Priest on our behalf.

[f] That He awaits the complete subjection of His enemies.

The purpose was to show that the victory on the Cross might be shown as complete, that the victory might win the glory and that it might be appropriated by us.

There is a purpose in the ascension which is integrated into us as believers as the Lord Jesus Christ is acting on our behalf now. The ascension tells us that He arrived in heaven in victory and glory.

The post ascension ministries of the Lord Jesus Christ are as follows as far as Chafer notes them:

POST ASCENSION MINISTRIES

[a] God's great power is shown towards us.

[b] We have a great high priest

[c] Our great high priest is in heaven

[d] In the blood of Christ we can be bold

[e] Glory is the Lord's now and will be ours later.

[f] Because of the ascension the Lord has received the promise of the Holy Spirit and poured it forth upon His obedient and believing disciples.

[g] He has gone to prepare a place for us.

[h] Because of His exaltation the believers will do greater works than Christ did in the days of His humiliation.

[i] The power of the glorified Christ is available through the power of the Holy Spirit.

[j] Jesus Christ has been exalted above the angels and received a name that is above every name, everything is subject to Him and has become His footstool.

The final triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ is at the Second Advent. The Rapture of the Church will be the victory march of believers to heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ is pictured at the right hand of the Father which is a position of power, authority and glory. The Lord has full glory now.

On earth His glory was shielded, now it is full. This is the difference of His appearances after He arose and after He ascended. This is shown by Paul's meeting with the Lord on the road to Damascus. John on the Island of Patmos gives another idea of this. Here he sees the risen and ascended Lord which causes him to faint. It would have been great to walk with the Lord on earth but it is even greater to anticipate being with Him in glory. The Lord has become King of Kings and Lord of Lords at His entry into heaven. The biggest change in heaven is that a man is now seated at the right hand of the Father, the God-man Jesus Christ.

God becomes man to be a Saviour. The Saviour is glorified through His victory and becomes our High Priest. The High Priest completes His job and takes up His crown to become forever King of Kings.

CHRIST’S PRESENT MINISTRY

[a] Head of the Church,

[b] He is the priest for His people

[c] He is preparing a place for us.

THE LORD'S FUTURE MINISTRY

[a] He will raise the dead,

[b] Reward those who believe in Him

[c] Rule.

IN HEAVEN

[a] He is High Priest,

[b] He bestows spiritual gifts

[c] He ever lives to make intercession for us

[d] He appears for His own in the presence of God.

ON EARTH

[a] He indwells His Church,

[b] He abides with His Church,

[c] He sent His Spirit to minister to the Church.

Hebrews 10:11-14 gives the plan behind this. We should be keen about thinking of the return of the Lord which was the motivation which sent the early believers throughout the world. He is awaiting his enemies becoming His footstool. The victor in the ancient world would sit on his throne on the battlefield and the conquered enemy would bow before him and become his footstool. The Lord has won the angelic conflict. The blood of Christ has dealt with sin. The Lord is waiting on His throne until the last enemy is brought in who will be subject to this sign of absolute total defeat. Satan, sin and death are the final enemies.

The writer to the Hebrews makes it clear that these things are certain. We must get a glimpse of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ every week. They must be aware that the victory has been won and we are involved in a mopping up campaign. The Lord is no longer on the Cross; he is seated in glory at the right hand of the Father. Our crosses are empty crosses in the churches, because the job is done. When we suffer pressure we should boldly approach the throne of grace where the Lord Jesus Christ is seated in glory, we are on the winning team. See yourself in the light of the ascension and draw on the power that the Lord has for you.

DOCTRINES

CHRIST: ASCENSION AND SESSION

ASCENSION

1. Jesus in His resurrection body travelled from earth to heaven. (John 20:17)
2. With Jesus Christ now in heaven, He has given His Spirit to indwell us on earth. (John 7:37-39)

SESSION

3. Upon his arrival in heaven, God the Father said "sit down at my right hand" (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 1:3, 13).
4. The session of Christ indicates the acceptability of the first man, Jesus Christ, into heaven (Ephesians 1:20) and guarantees the acceptability of all believers (Ephesians 2:6)
5. The session of Christ declared Him superior to all angels (Hebrews 2:6-8, 1 Peter 3:22).
6. The session of Christ produced victory in the angelic conflict. (Hebrews 1:3-13).
7. The session begins the subjection of His enemies "under his feet" (Psalm 110:1), fulfilled at the Second Advent (Colossians 2:15, Revelation 20:1-3)
8. The session completes the glorification of Christ. (Acts 2:33, Philippians 2:9)

9. Seated at the right hand of the Father, Jesus now ministers as our great high priest (Hebrews 7:23-25)

CHRIST – THE ROCK

1. Christ is the rock of salvation. (Exodus 17:1-7, 1 Corinthians 10:4)

2. Christ is the rock of judgment. (Isaiah 8:1 4, 1 Peter 2:8)

3. Christ is the rock of provision. (Isaiah 26:3, 4) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because be trusteth thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever for in the Lord is the rock of ages.

4. Christ is the foundation rock. (Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22)

5. Christ is the foundation rock of the Church. (Matthew 16:16, 18, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20-22)

6. Christ is the destroying rock of the Second Advent. (Daniel 2:35)

THEOLOGY LESSON 16

LESSON 16 – RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

The Resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah

1 Corinthians 15:12-23
John 5:28,29
Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15
1 Corinthians 15:23-26
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Job 19:25-27 Mediatorship
Resurrection
Immortality

INTRODUCTION

This is the centrality of the Christian faith and a major part of the gospel message. If there is no bodily resurrection there is no Christianity. The liberals attack the doctrine of the bodily resurrection vigorously.

Most of the denominations nowadays do not hold to the bodily resurrection and therefore exclude themselves from the name Christian. If you deny the physical resurrection you deny the critical doctrine of the Christian faith.

RESURRECTION

In 1 Corinthians 15:12 -23, Paul explains that there is a resurrection for both the saved and unsaved, some to everlasting bliss, and some to the eternal Lake of Fire. In John 5:28-29 it is stated that all are not going to be raised to glory. This gives a resurrection for both the saved and the lost whilst 1 Corinthians gives the mechanics of the resurrection.

Revelation 20:4-6 gives the first resurrection whilst Revelation 20:11-15 shows the Last Judgment or the second resurrection.

In 1 Corinthians 15:23 it is explained that the resurrections are in their own order with the first-fruits being the Lord Jesus Christ, this setting a pattern. The resurrection of Christ is not an isolated incident but an integral part of the plan of the Father as are the virgin birth, perfect life, substitutionary death and session of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 15:23-26 it says, “Each in their own order”. The Greek word for order means battalion thus there is a battalion review as it were in view there. There are three battalions in the review, the first being the Lord Jesus Christ, the second are the saved whose destiny is eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ whilst the third comprise unbelievers who will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. The Lord's resurrection is critical for all this activity in the future.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

1. Without the resurrection it is impossible for Christ to be glorified. Jesus Christ has to have a human body for his glorification. The humanity of Christ is glorified higher than the angels. (John 7:39, John 16:14)

2. Resurrection indicates completion of justification. (Romans 4:25, 2 Corinthians 5:2 1)

3. Resurrection is a guarantee of ultimate sanctification. (1 Corinthians 1 5:20-23)

4. Without resurrection there is no priesthood. (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:28, Hebrews 10:5, 10:10-14)

5. Without resurrection there is no fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. (2 Samuel 7:8-1 6)

6. Without resurrection there is no mediator-ship. (Job 9:33)

7. Historical proof of the resurrection:

(a) An empty tomb. (Matthew 28)

(b) The competency of the witnesses. Many of the witnesses died rather than change their testimony.

(c) Subsequent changes to the disciples after the resurrection.

(d) The day of Pentecost.

(e) The observance of the first day of the week as the worship day over 19 centuries.

(f) The historic existence of the church.

If the Lord is not raised we will not be raised and neither will the unbelievers. If the unbelievers are not raised there is no judgment, no lake of fire and therefore it does not matter what you believe in. Those who reject the resurrection reject the second coming and the Last Judgment. Most liberals who reject the resurrection reject almost everything else.

CONTRAST BETWEEN THOSE INVOLVED IN THE FIRST AND SECOND RESURRECTIONS

1. The first resurrection is to commendation. The second resurrection is to condemnation.
2. The first involves witnesses of Jesus. [Revelation 20:4] The second involves those deceived by Satan. [Revelation 20:8]
3. The first are those that live. [Revelation 20:4] The second are the dead. [Revelation 20:12]
4. The first become priests and rulers with God and Christ. [Revelation 20:6] The second are tormented day and night. [Revelation 14:10, 11]
5. The first are God's sons. [Revelation 21:7] The second there was found no place for them. [Revelation 20:11]
6. The first are not subject to the second death. [Revelation 20:6] The second are subject to the second death. [Revelation 20:14, 15]
7. The first enjoy life eternal. [Matthew 25:46] The second suffer everlasting punishment. [Matthew 25:46]
8. The first are happy and holy. [Revelation 20:6] The second weep and gnash their teeth. [Matthew 25:30]

In 1 Corinthians 15 we have the creed of the early church. What Paul is saying is that Christ rose from the dead and that this doctrine combined with the substitutionary efficacious sacrifice is the foundation of the Christian life. The resurrection proves who the Lord Jesus Christ was, that He is the God-man the unique person of the universe. He was not a dead martyr or a ghost, He is the God-man who died and rose again from the dead. If there is no resurrection, there is no faith, no hope, no truth no eternal life. When you have no hope you have no gospel. John 14:6 is a hollow lie unless it is confirmed by the resurrection. Praise God he spoke the truth; we serve a living Saviour, not a dead hero!

He prophesied his own death and resurrection many times. If Christ did not rise you have proved that He was not what He claimed to be and you have not got a Saviour. You can claim that the Bible is trustworthy as you have the Scriptures saying that Christ is going to rise from the dead, He did rise and the early church believed He rose.

Some liberals believe that Christ rose from the dead spiritually in the disciples hearts on Easter Sunday morning. Where the liberal talks about the Easter faith that is probably what they mean. They believe that the disciples sat round after the crucifixion and said that Christ's statements were still important, that his concepts live on and that he has risen spiritually.

Rudolf Bultmann who was a liberal said that every time he preaches Jesus came alive, which is not unlike an English teacher saying that every time he read Shakespeare he came alive. It intimates that Christ is still dead. If it takes a minister to bring Christ back to life every time he preaches on a Sunday, Christ is dead. Paul blows this liberal philosophy away in 1 Corinthians 15.

TWO CONCEPTS OF RESURRECTION

Very few people understand the ancient Jewish and Greek concepts of resurrection which were very different to each other and the views of modern man.

Greeks

[a] The Greeks believed that man was of two parts, the body and the soul - this is the belief called dualism. When the Greeks talked about resurrection they did not mean the resurrection of the body which was anathema to them.

The sooner they could die and get rid of their bodies the better. The Greeks looked forward to being released from their bodies so that they might be just pure spirit. The concept of the after life for the Greeks was the spirit life or “shades”. The Europeans have carried this concept through and most people think that that is what the Bible teaches. It is not but this has been brought into Westernized Christianity.

Hebrews

[b] The Hebrews looked on man as being made up of three parts, body, soul and spirit, and that you cannot split man up into parts; that humans are a true unity.

For the Hebrew mind to think about the resurrection it must involve the body, the Hebrew mind reasoned that man was a unified being, not able to be split up, except for discussion purposes. When Paul is talking about the resurrection he is talking about a bodily resurrection.

The Corinthian’s were Greeks by culture and they did not believe in the resurrection. They were spiritualizing the resurrection very much like the liberals of today because they did not want to have a physical resurrection. They were in the Greek Platonic and Aristotelian tradition that looked forward to a spiritual existence after death freed you of your body.

Paul says to the Corinthians that, ‘whether you like it or not Christ rose from the dead and whether you like it or not you will rise physically from the dead’. In addition the unbeliever will go with a body into the lake of fire. You will have a body like Christ's resurrection body. If you have not got a physical resurrection in your belief system you have not got a biblical and apostolic faith.

OLD TESTAMENT PASSAGES WHICH REFER TO THE RESURRECTION

It was the expectation of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that they would be resurrected at the end. The concept of being buried with the family was that it would also involve choosing with whom you are going to be resurrected with. You chose your company which is still a tremendous concept to have.

The resurrection passages are the ones you read when you are burying a believer - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15, John 14:1-3, Philippians 3:21.

When the Lord calls the people at the Rapture all these people are going to be together. Job 19:25-27 gives a clear concept of bodily resurrection. Job is perhaps the most ancient of the books of the Bible going back to the time of the Patriarchs. He says that he knows that his redeemer lives, and that he will see him in his flesh in the latter days upon the earth. After death our bodies goes back to the minerals which is no problem for the Lord. He can re-gather them and reorganize them in a new way.

When we look at the Lord's resurrection body we are looking at a picture of ours in the future. The structure of the Lord's body was such that it could walk through walls, even though the wall and his body was solid. People could recognize Christ who could eat, teach, breathe and be touched and had abilities which He did not have in His pre cross body.

God's plan for man was that he would live forever. Physical death came into existence due to sin. The last enemy that is destroyed is death. Man is going to live forever. The question is; where are you going to spend eternity in heaven or in the Lake of Fire? In Creation man was created to live forever and he will. Their personal rejection of the gospel is why unbelievers spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. This is a living death where they wish they could die but cannot. The concept of a spiritual resurrection is not new but is a satanic lie from the beginning.

This is what you are facing all the way through from the Gnostics to the Hare Krishna’s. The resurrection was one of the first doctrines to be attacked with the Greeks re interpreting resurrection in 52 AD. In the Talmud the Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah also reject the concept of resurrection.

Evidence of the Resurrection

The Bible records 17 appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ including one in which there were 500 witnesses most of whom had survived until the writing of 1 Corinthians. Paul is saying that, ‘if you do not believe my testimony get on a boat, go to Palestine and check it out with the hundreds of witnesses there’. In those days no one doubted because the evidence was overwhelming. There is supporting evidence by unbelievers of that day such as Tacitus, Seutonius and Pliny who all wrote about the Christians who were always talking about the resurrection. Christos Anastasias - Christ is risen!

THE CHURCH AND THE RESURRECTION

Every church in the ancient world was seen to be represented by Christ, the Cross and the resurrection. There was not a meeting in which the resurrection was not mentioned. The early church was for the first twenty years mainly Jewish and they met with other Jews at Sabbath services and shared worship as long as they could, until they were expelled by their unbelieving fellow Jews. For their worship of the Lord however, they met before dawn on Sunday rather than Saturday. Then, later in the first century in Palestine, then met in homes or Christian synagogues on a Sunday rather than a Saturday, for which they were vigorously attacked in the Talmud [written between 70 and 90 AD].

They met on the resurrection day and at the dawn service they would sing a resurrection hymn. The response of "He's risen - truly He's risen" was used at these services as it still is in the Orthodox churches today. Nowadays we do not stress the resurrection as we should. If you look through the preaching of the apostles what do they say in the market places Christ died for our sins and He rose again and stressed the resurrection even ahead of the Cross. The reason is clear to see; the resurrection proves the reality of the success of the sacrifice of the cross. This is why Satan has attacked the resurrection message as he has during the last 100 years or so and has corrupted the preaching of this important doctrine. If the resurrection is removed from the Christian message the church that allows it to happen dies. Look at the last two hundred years of church history and you will see it littered with church buildings no longer in use for genuine worship. Without a resurrection there is nothing to worship or follow!

God who keeps the promise of the resurrection can obviously keep all the other promises in the Bible. Resurrection power is live power. We have the living Lord Jesus Christ in us. It is based on a physical, historical reality.

You need to stress the resurrection every week as where believers do not know their faith Satan will take what little they know away from them. As pastors we should get excited about what the Lord has done, will do and is doing and enthusiastic about teaching the Word. The Lord raised Himself, the Holy Spirit raised Him and God the Father raised Him from the dead. The Godhead broke the bands of death.

RESURRECTION OF OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS

1. This resurrection takes place at the Second Advent.

2. The body of David was still in his tomb according to Peter on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:25-29) David's body could not have then been resurrected in the scene of Matthew 27:51, 52.

3. Under the concept of Daniel 1 2:1 3, Isaiah 26:19, 20 the resurrection of the Old Testament saints is related to the second advent of Jesus Christ.

4. The dispensation of Israel is not yet completed, the resurrection occurs at the end of a dispensation, the end of the dispensation of Israel - Second Advent. The Age of Gentiles ended with Abraham's call but the saints from that era did not get their resurrection bodies because Jesus Christ had not received his, the first fruits. (1 Corinthians 1 5:20)

5. The two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13 are Moses and Elijah and they could not be killed if they had received resurrection bodies. (Revelation 11:7, 8). Moses and Elijah therefore have not received their resurrection bodies by the middle of the Tribulation. Matthew 27:52-53 is a transfer scene not a resurrection scene. The transfer is one of saints from paradise to the third heaven of Ephesians 4-8. Some were given resuscitated bodies to witness to the Jews, but later died.

6. The Abrahamic, Davidic, Palestinian and New Covenants are not fulfilled till the second advent of Christ. The resurrection of Israel corresponds to the fulfillment of these four unconditional covenants.

DOCTRINES

MEDIATORSHIP

1. Greek word is mesites which has as its root meaning, to have a neutral group/nation to stand between two warring nations to arbitrate and judge between them. The two concepts are judgement and peacemaking.

2. The mediator had to be equal to both parties and acceptable to each.

3. Old Testament usage of this concept is found in Job 9:9, 32, 33. Job calls for an umpire between man and God.

4. The Hypostatic Union of the Lord Jesus Christ qualifies the Lord to be the mediator between man and God as he alone is equal with both parties. 1Timothy 2:5.

5. The Lord's work on the cross forms the basis of his mediator-ship as he removes the sin barrier between man and God. Hebrews 9:12 1-5.

6. The Mosaic Law pre-figured the Lord's mediator-ship. Hebrews 8:6, 12:24, Galatians 3:19, 20.

RESURRECTION

1. The resurrection of Christ is central to the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
a) Had there been no resurrection then we would all still be in our sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17).
b) Resurrection indicates completion of justification. (Romans 4:25, 2 Corinthians 5:2 1)
c) Resurrection is a guarantee of ultimate sanctification. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)
d) The resurrection is the Father's seal on Christ's completed work, and the public declaration of its acceptance.
e) Without the resurrection it is impossible for Christ to be glorified. The humanity of Christ is glorified higher than the angels. (John 7:39, John 16:14)

2. Historical proof of the resurrection:
a) The empty tomb. (Matthew 28)
b) Many of witnesses died rather than change their testimony.
c) Subsequent changes and confidence of the disciples after the resurrection.
d) The day of Pentecost. The reality of the resurrection was so well known that when Peter preached the first two sermons in Jerusalem over 8000 people were saved. (Acts 2:41, Acts 4:3-4)
e) The observance of the first day of the week as the worship day. (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10)
f) The historic existence of the church. The church worships a literal risen Saviour, and not merely the memory of a dead martyr . (Romans 5:12,14,17, 6:3-9, 8:2, 1 Corinthians 15:26,54-55, Hebrews 2:14)

3. Baptism is a sign of the new resurrection life. (Romans 6:3-11, Colossians 2:12).

4. The Lord's Supper is a reminder of the expected return of the risen Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

5. Order of the resurrections:-
a) The first for believers only including Jesus Christ which is divided into four parts.
i) The resurrection of Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:23, Romans 1:4, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Peter 1:3)
ii) The Rapture of the church (1 Corinthians 15:51-57, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
iii) The Old Testament saints and tribulation martyrs at the end of the Tribulation. (Daniel 12:13, Isaiah 26-19-20, Revelation 20:4)
iv) The Millennial saints and those who survive the Tribulation to enter the Millennium in their physical bodies.
b) The second resurrection occurs at the end of the Millennium and is for unbelievers only. They are judged and cast into the lake of fire forever. (1 John 5:28, 29, Revelation 20:12-15, 2 Peter 3:7, Matthew 25:41)
c) Jesus; who must be the first eternally resurrected human, was not raised until three days after the crucifixion.
d) People in the Old Testament who were "raised from the dead" were merely resuscitated, and later died.
e) Matthew 27:52-53 is a transfer scene not a resurrection scene. The transfer is one of saints from paradise to the third heaven (Ephesians 4:8). Some were given resuscitated bodies to witness to the Jews.

6. The sequence of events at the Lord's resurrection is as follows:-
a) Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James and Joses head towards the tomb followed by other women carrying embalming spices.
b) The three find the stone rolled away. Mary Magdalene goes back to tell the disciples. (Luke 23:55-24:9, John 20:1-2)
c) Mary the mother of James and Joses draws near to the tomb and sees the angel. (Matthew 28:2)
d) She goes back to the women carrying the spices.
e) Peter and John who have been advised by Mary Magdalene arrive, look inside the empty tomb and go away (John 20:3-10)

f) Mary Magdalene returns weeping, sees two angels and then Jesus.(John 20:11-18)
g) As instructed by the Lord she goes to tell the disciples.
h) Mary the mother of James and Joses meets the women with the spices and returning with them they see the two angels. (Luke 24:4-5, Mark 16:5)
i) They also receive advice from the angels and, going to seek the disciples, are met by Jesus. (Matthew 28:8-10)

IMMORTALITY

1. Immortality means exemption from physical death and should not be confused with eternal life.

2. Immortality is used only with reference to the body (Romans 6:12; 8:11).

3. At this time only Jesus Christ has immortality as He alone has a resurrection body (1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16).

4. All men are currently mortal (Job 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:22).

5. At the Rapture, our mortal body will put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

6. Death is then conquered and mortality is "swallowed up of life" (2 Corinthians 5:4).