Old and New Testament Church History Depicted by One Family

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INTRODUCTION:

This symbolization of the Old and New Testament church shows that although the 12 tribes of Israel and Judah were dispersed, that now in this last period of the church, God is to gather together the outcast of Judah and the remnant of Israel by a revival and reformation.

PRAYER THOUGHT:

TM(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers) p.155

There is a sad neglect of reading the Bible and searching it with humble hearts for yourselves. Take no man's explanation of Scripture, whatever his position, but go to the Bible and search for the truth yourselves. After hearing Jesus, the Samaritans said, "Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." There is the mine of truth. Sink the shaft deep, and you will possess that knowledge which is of highest value to you. Many have become lazy and criminally neglectful in regard to the searching of the Scriptures, and they are as destitute of the Spirit of God as of the knowledge of His word. We read in the Revelation made to John, of some who had a name to live while they were dead. Yes, there are many such among us as a people, many who claim to be alive, while they are dead. My brethren, unless the Holy Spirit is actuating you as a vital principle, unless you are obeying its prompting, depending on its influences, laboring in the strength of God, my message to you from God is: "You are under a delusion which may prove fatal to your souls. You must be converted. You must receive light before you can give light. Place yourselves under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness." Then you can say with Isaiah, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." You must cultivate faith and love. "The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Seek the Lord. Rest not until you know that Christ is your Saviour. {TM 155.1}

Hosea 1

Verse 2

1. Here we see that Hosea’s wife and children were visionary. This analogy was used by God to portray His people, Judah and Israel in an idolatrous state. 1Cor. 6:16; 2Cor. 6:14

2. God would not literally have His prophet marry harlots. See Lev. 21:7, 14

Verse 3, 4

1. The first-born son of Hosea’s visionary marriage was named Jezreel in order to foreshadow the vindication of the blood of Jezreel

Note: Someone had wrongly shed Jezreel. s blood. This occurred when Jezebel slew the prophets of God. Read 1 Kings 18:3-4

2. Jehu was to do the avenging. See 2 Kings 9:1-7 and 2 Kings 10:11

3. Here is predicted the fall of Ahab’s reign and kingdom as the .breaking of the bow. signified the destruction of the princes of the nation. This was fulfilled by Jehu when he slew all that pertained to Ahab’s house. 2 King 9:36-37

Verse 5

1. Shows the place where the .breaking of the bow of Israel was to take place.

See 2 Kings 10:11

Verse 6, 7

1. This child’s name was called Loruhamah, meaning not having mercy.

2. God was to have no mercy upon the House of Israel. This was fulfilled when the King of Assyria came and took them captive and scattered them. 2 Kings 17:18, 19, 22-23 ; 2 Kings 18:11

3. God was to continue to have mercy on the kingdom of Judah 2 Kings 19:1, 15-16, 19-20, 35.

4. He would save the two tribe kingdom but not by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen but by MIRACLE. 2 Kings 19:35

Verse 8, 9

1. This child was named Loammi. meaning “not my people” Jer. 3:6-8

2. God’s mercy was to depart from Judah because of their continual course of backsliding. See Matt. 23:37-38; Luke 23:18

3. This verse brings us to the Christian era. 1 Pet. 2:10

Verse 10, 11

1. Here we see that the descendants of Israel and Judah were to be multiplied as the sand of the sea, be reaccepted, and become the sons of the living God. Thus the present identifiable Jews of today are not necessarily those that are seen in the fulfillment of this prophecy.

2. After the scattering and rejection of Israel, the nation consequently lost their racial identity and were assimilated by the Gentile nations. Thus many of them became Christians, and are unidentified in the world today.

3. Many of the Jews who were scattered among the Gentiles, were to return as Christians. Therefore, through Jesus Christ they are once more offered salvation.

Hosea 2

Verses 1-5

1. Here we see that the prefix .Lo. has been omitted from the names of Loruhamah and Loammi, there rendering Ruhamah to mean .mercy and Ammi to mean .my people..

2. This change of status implies a division of church history and brings us to the New Testament period.

3. Ammi and Ruhamah represent the laity (the church members) both male and female. This is brought out from the fact that they are pluralized.

4. The one speaking to them is Jezreel, their brother but also the mouthpiece of God.

5. The mother to whom the children are commanded to take the message is symbolic of that part of the church which is responsible for bringing converts, ministry. Since it is the children (laity) not the mother (ministry) who deliver the message it is clear that it is a message of revival and reformation to the church.

6. This description portrays a reformatory movement in the church as a result of mother playing the harlot.. See 8T 249, 250 and 1SM 128

Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities for service, say to us: "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works." Revelation 2:5. Why is there so dim a perception of the true spiritual condition of the church? Has not blindness fallen upon the watchmen standing on the walls of Zion? Are not many of God's servants unconcerned and well satisfied, as if the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night rested upon the sanctuary? Are there not those in positions of responsibility, professing to know God, who in life and character deny Him? Are not many of those who count themselves as His chosen, peculiar people satisfied to live without the evidence that of a truth God is among them to save them from Satan's snares and attacks? {8T 248.1}

Oh, how greatly Christ is dishonored by those who, professing to be Christians, disgrace the name they bear by failing to make their lives correspond to their profession, by failing to treat one another with the love and respect that God expects them to reveal in kind words and courteous acts! {8T 248.2}

The powers from beneath are stirred with deep intensity. War and bloodshed are the result. The moral atmosphere is poisoned with cruel, horrible doings. The spirit of strife is spreading; it abounds in every place. Many souls are being taken possession of by the spirit of fraud, or underhand dealing. Many will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. They do not discern what spirit has taken possession of them. {8T 249.1}

A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.--The Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1902.{1SM 128.1}

7. This message to Ammi and Ruhamah must be a laymen’s movement. 2T 708; 5T 80; 9T 126; TM 514-5; 6T 24; 5T 157; COR 120; Isa. 54:1-3

God was working through His ministers to draw to the truth, and Satan was working through you and other ministers to discourage and counteract their labor. The very men who professed to be watchmen, and who, if they had stood in the counsel of God, would have been the first to receive the word of warning and give it to the people, were among the last to accept the truth. The people were in advance of their teachers. They received the warning even before the watchmen because the watchmen were unfaithful and were sleeping at their post. {2T 707.3}

The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to "science falsely so called" will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and He cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the day time we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine luster. {5T 80.1}

In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great Day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844. {9T 126.1}

Yet some refused to be converted. They were not willing to walk in God's way, and when, in order that the work of God might be advanced, calls were made for freewill offerings, some clung selfishly to their earthly possessions. These covetous ones became separated from the company of believers. {9T 126.2}

The judgments of God are in the earth, and, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we must give the message of warning that He has entrusted to us. We must give this message quickly, line upon line, precept upon precept. Men will soon be forced to great decisions, and it is our duty to see that they are given an opportunity to understand the truth, that they may take their stand intelligently on the right side. The Lord calls upon His people to labor--labor earnestly and wisely--while probation lingers. {9T 126.3}

Men of clear understanding are needed now. God calls upon those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough reformation. I see a crisis before us, and the Lord calls for His laborers to come into line. Every soul should now stand in a position of deeper, truer consecration to God than during the years that have passed. . . . {TM 514.3}

"I rejoice," my brethren, "that I have confidence in you in all things." And while I still feel the deepest anxiety over the attitude that some are taking toward important measures connected with the development of the cause of God in the earth, yet I have strong faith in the workers throughout the field, and believe that as they meet together and humble themselves before the Lord and consecrate themselves anew to His service, they will be enabled to do His will. There are some who do not even now view matters in the right light; but these may learn to see eye to eye with their co-workers, and may avoid making serious mistakes by earnestly seeking the Lord at this time and by submitting their will wholly to the will of God. {TM 514.4}

At this time there should be representatives of present truth in every city and in the remote parts of the earth. The whole earth is to be illuminated with the glory of God's truth. The light is to shine to all lands and all peoples. And it is from those who have received the light that it is to shine forth. The daystar has risen upon us, and we are to flash its light upon the pathway of those in darkness. {6T 24.1}

The warning which we bear to the world must prove to them a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. And will the Lord send forth His servants to proclaim this fearfully solemn message and withhold from them His Holy Spirit? Shall frail, erring men, without special grace and power from God, dare to stand between the living and the dead to speak the words of everlasting life? Our Lord is rich in grace, mighty in power; He will abundantly bestow these gifts upon all who come to Him in faith. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are parents to give good gifts to their children. The reason why the precious, important truth for this time is not powerful to save is that we do not work in faith. {5T 157.3}

The present order of things must change, or the wrath of God will fall upon His instrumentalities that are not working in Christ's lines. Has God given any one of you a commission to lord it over His heritage? This kind of work has been coming in for years. God sees it all, and He is displeased with it. When men come in between God and His human agents, they dishonor God and wrong the souls of those who need true encouragement and sympathy and love. I am constrained to appeal to our workers: Whatever your position, do not depend on men, or make flesh your arm. {TM 349.3}

Verse 6-11

1. Here we see that because of a departure from God, the early Christian church was to suffer adverse circumstances as a means of calling her back. This was the reason for the Dark Ages of religion from 538 to 1798 A.D. By permitting Rome to gain control of the church, the true Sabbath was lost and substituted by a false one.

Verse 12-14

1. In fulfillment of these verses, the church fled into the wilderness, into the lands of the Gentiles. See Rev. 12:6

Verse 15

1. The valley of Achor is the only door of hope for the church. The only way out of her predicament.

2. It was in the typical Valley of Achor that Joshua stoned the sinners in Israel – Achan and his household. See Joshua 7:24-26

3. The significance of the valley is that God is to thoroughly purge His house, cutting off the sinners in her midst just as in the case of Achan. Then shall she return to her former position of purity. See 5T 157, 211, 80; PK 725; 1T 190

We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today. Moral darkness, like a funeral pall, covers the earth. All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are misleading the minds of men. Without the Spirit and power of God it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth. {5T 158.1}

It is by contemplating Christ, by exercising faith in Him, by experiencing for ourselves His saving grace, that we are qualified to present Him to the world. If we have learned of Him, Jesus will be our theme; His love, burning upon the altar of our hearts, will reach the hearts of the people. The truth will be presented, not as a cold, lifeless theory, but in the demonstration of the Spirit. {5T 158.2}

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house." {5T 211.1}

Here we see that the church--the Lord's sanctuary--was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus "Peace and safety" is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together. {5T 211.2}

Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners" (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer. {PK 725.1}

The darkest hour of the church's struggle with the powers of evil is that which immediately precedes the day of her final deliverance. But none who trust in God need fear; for "when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall," God will be to His church "a refuge from the storm." Isaiah 25:4. {PK 725.2}

In that day only the righteous are promised deliverance. "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." Isaiah 33:14-16. {PK 725.3}

The word of the Lord to His faithful ones is: "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." Isaiah 26:20-21. {PK 725.4}

All were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who ministered unto them in spiritual things. They were also taught that the widows and fatherless had a claim upon their charity. Pure and undefiled religion is defined, To visit the widows and fatherless in their affliction, and to keep unspotted from the world. I saw that this was not merely to sympathize with them by comforting words in their affliction, but to aid them, if needy, with our substance. Young men and women to whom God has given health can obtain a great blessing by aiding the widow and the fatherless in their affliction. I saw that God requires young men to sacrifice more for the good of others. He claims more of them than they are willing to perform. If they keep themselves unspotted from the world, cease to follow its fashions, and lay by that which the lovers of pleasure spend in useless articles to gratify pride, and give it to the worthy afflicted ones, and to sustain the cause, they will have the approval of Him who says, "I know thy works." {1T 190.1}

Verse 16, 17

After the hypocrites and sinners are taken out of her, the church shall no longer call the Saviour Baali (Lord), but shall call him Ishi (husband). She will then truly become His wife, indicating a much closer relationship.

Verse 18-20

1. Peace and prosperity will be in all her borders. PK 299

"In that day" "the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, . . . shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth." Isaiah 10:20. From "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" there will be some who will gladly respond to the message, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." They will turn from every idol that binds them to earth, and will "worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." They will free themselves from every entanglement and will stand before the world as monuments of God's mercy. Obedient to the divine requirements, they will be recognized by angels and by men as those that have kept "the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:6-7, 12.{PK 299.3}

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of My people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God." Amos 9:13-15.{PK 300.1}

Verse 21-23

1. When these events take place the Lord is to be in the midst of His people. That is, His presence is to be manifested among His people.

2. There shall be no want of spiritual food, for the earth shall hear Jezreel - a symbol then of the church leadership - messengers (the 144,000 included).

3. This is the crowning event in the finishing of the Everlasting Gospel as He will show her unto me in the earth. That means He will multiply her, bring in the great multitude.

Corn – Ps. 78:24 – word of Christ, Jn. 6:48-57

Oil – righteousness of Christ. Zech. 10:9; Isa. 40:24, Deut. 32, Isa. 10:20

CONCLUSION:

Thus we see that God’s plan for ancient Israel will be fulfilled through their descendants today who became Christians, particularly SDA Christians, and who start a revival and reformation in the church which will at last restore peace and happiness to God’s family, andcompletes the proclamation of the gospel.

In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. All had lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no difference between them. So with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming. All have a knowledge of the Scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing. But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him," many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit. {COL 408.2}

Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan. {COL 408.3}