Symbolic " Earth "

A Part Two addition, and a Part Three, has been added at the end of this post.

What follows is a comment from a forum, criticizing this post: (world-earth-home), and my response to that comment.

COMMENT:
"However, according to Pearl, the terms 'world’ and 'entire inhabited earth’ refer
exclusively to ‘God’s people,’ making a joke of scripture which, for example,
says that there was 'an EARTH standing compactly out of water and in the midst
of water by the word of God, and by those means the WORLD of that time suffered
destruction when it was deluged with water; but by the same word the heavens and
the EARTH that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of
judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.’

Are we therefore to believe that ‘God’s people’ were ‘compactly standing out of
water’ in Noah’s day, and ‘suffered destruction when they were deluged with water’
in the global flood?'"

MY RESPONSE:
(I hope you will read each scripture. Therein lies the key to my response.)

You said;
"However, according to Pearl, the terms 'world’ and 'entire inhabited earth’ refer 
exclusively to ‘God’s people,’ making a joke of scripture which, for example, 
says that there was 'an EARTH standing compactly out of water and in the midst 
of water by the word of God, and by those means the WORLD of that time suffered 
destruction when it was deluged with water; but by the same word the heavens and 
the EARTH that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of 
judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.’

Are we therefore to believe that ‘God’s people’ were ‘compactly standing out of 
water’ in Noah’s day, and ‘suffered destruction when they were deluged with water’ 
in the global flood?'"

An examination of "world"/"cosmos", does not mean the planet or it's inhabitants, but rather, a system/age.
Jesus used this word as a reference to the Jewish system, under the old covenant. (John 15:18,25,19; 1:11)

"Entire inhabited earth" refers to a settlement upon land. According to the symbolic book of Revelation it is a realm distinct from the "sea" (Rev.13:1; Isa.57:20)... the "sea" being a "world" over which, "Leviathan" rules (Eze.32:2; Job 7:12; Isa.27:1; Ps.74:14; Rev.12:3; Gen.3:15; ) (1John 5:19).
(pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com)
Satan did not rule over God's now filled "earth" (Gen.1:28; 1Cor.15:45; 2Cor.5:17), but God and Christ are it's over-Kings and Lords (Matt.28:18; Eph.1:22; Ps.8:6; Eph.2:10; John 18:37; Rev.1:5; 5:9-10). Through "Zion" (Heb.12:22-23; Eph.2:6; Luke 10:19; 2Cor.5:20), Christ's rule subdues his enemies, while he rules in the midst of them (Ps.110:1-3; Rev.14:1; 19:11,14; 17:14; 2Cor.10:4-6).
God's first creation became enslaved to corruption (Rom.8:20-21; 1Cor.15:22) due to it's being given over to Satan (Heb.2:14; Rom.5:12,17-19), by Adam and Eve's choice to be guided by the Devil rather than God (Gen.3:6; Matt.12:33; Luke 6:43,45).
(two-trees)

We are told at Rom.15:4, that the accounts found in the Bible, have significance for us (2Tim.3:16).... especially those of us who exist in the time of the end (1Cor.10:11), which includes the Great Tribulation and Armageddon. In fact, accounts of the ancient prophets, will be of great significance, in their ability to impart the interpretation and meaning to God's prophetic mysteries, crystallized and condensed in the book of "Revelation" (Rev.10:7; 2Pet.3:2,6-7).
The original events recorded for us, occurred in the physical realm.... obviously.
But is that the significance for us? Will it occur again, physically. No (Gen.9:11).
Does that mean that such epic events have no meaning for us? No (Luke 17:26-30).
In speaking of the "new" creation; 1Cor.15:45-49 explains that it is a spiritual creation (Rom.8:9; 1Cor.6:17). It is of the spirit realm and of heavenly things, and the pattern of the first, physical creations; provide a pattern of what was to come (1Cor.15:46; Col.2:17; Heb.8:5).
This is also the case with the scripture you cite...
(I will break your comment into two quotes, and respond to each.)

"'an EARTH standing compactly out of water and in the midst 
of water by the word of God, and by those means the WORLD of that time suffered 
destruction when it was deluged with water; but by the same word the heavens and 
the EARTH that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of 
judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.’"

Did God's Nation... His "inhabited earth", "stand compactly out of water" in a spiritual sense?
First let us look more closely at what this is describing.
It is drawing a clear distinction between this earth, and it standing "compact" and firm... separate, from the "water".
We have already seen Isa.57:20 (Jude 1:13,12) as regards the identity of the "sea", from which the "earth" stands as distinctly separate
(John 15:19; 17:14; 2Cor.6:17).
We can observe the fulfillment of that accomplishment, at Rev.10:2,5-6.
What then, of the rest of 2Pet.3:6
"and by those means the WORLD of that time suffered 
destruction when it was deluged with water"?
This has also occurred...
Does God's "earth" "suffer destruction", due to being "completely deluged with water"? (Matt.5:13; Luke 21:24; Rev.11:2) ("water" dilutes "salt" - Num.18:19; 2Chron.13:5)
Yes. Please consider Rev.12:15-16,12; Dan.12:7,11; 8:11; 9:27; Isa.5:4-5; 6:11; Rev.13:7,10; Luke 21:24,35-36)
(earth-swallows-satans-river)
Do you see that the "earth", "swallows a river which Satan has disgorged from his mouth" (John 8:44)?
Do you believe that "river" and that "EARTH" (which "swallows"), to be literal???
  Please compare Gen.7:24 to Rev.9:5 [A Jewish month ("5 months" -Rev.9:5), consists of 30 days each (5 months" = 5X30=150 days -Gen.7:24] (Dan.9:26; 11:10,40; Ps.88:17).
[Means of survival: Luke 6:48; Col.2:6-8]
Why then, is the present "earth" ( = "ungodly men" 2Pet.3:7) (Hosea 13:6; Jer.5:7; 1Cor.6:15; Hosea 4:6; Rev.2:23,20-22; 17:2-3), said to be "stored up for fire" (Rev.20:10,15), if it is compared to a flood of waters?
God's Word can be both... "waters" and "fire", depending upon the context of the parable (John 4:10; Rev.22:1) (Jer.23:29; 5:14; Rev.11:5; 20:9).
Jesus compared the flood of Noah's day and the flood at the time of the end, because they are comparable, when the fulfillment is considered as symbolic.

It is helpful to consider the context of your verses (2Pet.3:3-4) and that the indication it gives, that the "end" being spoken about in the context, goes unrecognized.
That is because it is not indicated by physical signs, but by spiritual ones (1Cor.2:14,12-13,11; Luke 10:21; Matt.13:11-16) (Matt.24:3 LINK). Such is the spiritual fulfillment of prophecy...
    (Rev.1:1 Greek: "presented in signs"/parables) (Mark 4:34; Rev.11:3; Rev.5:7; John 15:15),
...according to the physical patterns recorded for us in the scriptures (Rev.10:7; Dan.12:4,8-10). Obviously, that includes your cited reference to the ancient flood (Luke17:26).

"Are we therefore to believe that ‘God’s people’ were ‘compactly standing out of 
water’ in Noah’s day, and ‘suffered destruction when they were deluged with water’ 
in the global flood?"
No. Not literally in Noah's day.
But within the prophetic significance of that pattern for the "new" creation; the fulfillment about the spiritual "EARTH", is as absolute as the Word of God, as it's meaning is relayed to us, by Christ (Luke17:26).

PART TWO

COMMENT IN RESPONSE TO MY REPLY:
So according to your interpretation of ‘all the inhabited earth’ [Gr. oikoumene] in
Matthew 24:14, Jesus meant to say that, ‘This good news of the kingdom will be
preached among ‘all of God’s people,’ and then the end will come.’ - REALLY???
Since you think that ‘all the inhabited earth’ refers to the anointed, who, then, is doing
the preaching of the good news to them, the pagans of this godless world, or what?

IN RESPONSE
Scriptures provided by another anointed teacher:
(Ezek.3:4,18; Jer.1:18; 25:29-34; Micah 4:11,13; 3:8; Matt.10:23; Matt.22:14; Isa.48:20,21; 49:5; Jer.31:7; Rev.5:9,10; Matt.10:40,41,42; 1Cor.6:2; John 20:23)

MY RESPONSE:
All the "earth" may be God's people at present, but that does not mean that all God's present people, are of "earth".
Who preaches to the "earth"? (Matt.10:23; Rev.1:11)
The armies of heaven, are not the unsealed of the "earth"
(who "swallowed" Satan's river of lies -Rev.12:16).

The "two witnesses" who declare Christ's message to the as yet, unsealed (Rev.7:3)
(Rev.11:3,4,5; Jer.5:14; Matt.10:20; Zech.4:11-12,13-14,10,9; 1Cor.3:16; Rev.3:12; Prov.9:1; Rev.8:6),
are no longer of the "earth", but are of heaven (1Cor.15:48; Rom.8:9; 1Cor.15:50; Phil.3:20; Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22,23; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14).
Please read the scriptures.
I have been commanded to always reply, by means of them (John 16:13; 7:16-18; Rom.3:4; John 5:30).
The marriage feast consists of "the true words of God" (Rev.19:9; Isa.55:8-9), not of men (John 5:43-44; 1:14; 12:49).

(the-good-news-for-who?)
-----------------
PART THREE:
My response continues...

If general mankind has not yet been judged, why then, are they already paying God's sentence for sin?
 (Rom.5:12; John 3:18; Heb.3:19; John 12:31)

Do you have a scripture to indicate that "all the nations" [(literally, "from all nations") -Rev.5:9,10; 7:9,15; 2Chron.23:6]...
    the "sheep and goats"...(Matt.25:32,34; Gal.3:29; Luke 22:29; 12:43,44; Rev.3:21),
...are "the 7+ billion inhabitants of the earth into those "who will enter everlasting life"?
NOTE: The scripture does not read "enter everlasting life". It reads, "inherit the kingdom" [Matt.25:34; 7:21; Luke 12:47,46 (Hosea 6:5; Jer.23:29)].

Addressing your second comment;
Your assertion that anointed themselves are not the ones doing wrong to their own brothers, that is quite a restricting notion
(1John 3:16,17; Matt.25:42,43; 1John 3:16; Col.1:2; James 2:1) (Luke 12:45; Matt.10:21; Rev.18:5; Hosea 9:7; Rev.17:6; 18:24; Matt.23:35,37).

Matt.25:45 speaks of "the least" of Christ's brothers"... not of those who have made themselves "the greatest" (Mark 10:42-44; 1Pet.5:3),
such as the GB "steward" of today (Luke 12:45), who beat their fellows... casting them out to be despised, and their needs, ...utterly ignored! (Matt.25:42-43)
Your premature presumption, limits your capacity to expand your understanding of prophecy.
  If searching for the divine intent of scriptural meaning, it is best to study scripture with an open mind, allowing the Bible to define itself;
rather than starting out with a premise, and filtering scripture through it.

Are you capable yourself, of "reconsidering your take on the meaning of terms like ‘all the earth’ and the ‘world.’ "?
   If the "sea" are the wicked (Isa.57:20; Rev.21:1; 13:1), then who do you say, are the "earth"/"land"?
(2Pet.3:13,10,7; Jude 1:15,12)
[I am assuming that you deduce and agree, that the sea/waters/"deep", is not the "inhabited/settled/occupied, land"
(John 14:23; Isa.26:15; 48:19; 49:19; 62:4) (Luke 8:15; Heb.6:7-9; 2Pet.3:7]

I don't recall seeing your answer yet, to what the "earth" is, that swallows Satan's river;
   (Rev.12:12,15,16; Isa.9:16; Jer.23:15; 9:15; Rev.8:10-11; 13:7,8; Hosea 4:6)
---------------(earth-swallows-satan's-river)
presuming that the "earth"
   over which, God is Lord (Acts 17:24),
is not the "sea" (Isa.57:20; Jer.5:22,23; James 1:6)
    over which, "Leviathan" is king (Isa.27:1)
(https://pearl-leviathan.blogspot.com/)

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When do the anointed, become kings?

Here is a link to a more recent post about this topic: (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2021/10/reigning-during-thousand-years.html)
and:
---- (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2022/04/when-do-anointed-144000-reign-as-kings.html)
Below is my response to a post at the Forum., about Mark 13:9; Matt.10:18 and Luke  21:12.
I am posting it here so that readers can consider the cited scriptures with the advantage of the pop-up function.
(I will post my response to the previous comments of the Blog post, when I am able.)
-  -  -  -  -  -  -

Good post JD. Thank you for putting it up.
I would like to respond to a few points you make, adding to them what spirit has shown.

"What stood out, was that there would be "governors" in the last days."

The "governers" among the anointed, are not unique to the last days only.
Some are chosen within the body of Christ, to "govern" those priests who are still immature (1Cor. 4:1-2,15; Gal.4:2; Eph.4:13; Prov.8:16). They are the "stewards"/governers, of Christ's contemporary household (Luke 12:42). The mature and experienced are set over the management and "guidance" of the household, by God and Christ (1Cor. 12:28), to be a foundation of faith (1Cor. 3:8-10; Eph.2:19-20), according to the "provisions" they serve (Luke 12:42-43).
The problem arises, when such a governer/steward, abuses the authority he was given (Luke 12:45,47; Mark 10:42-43), by abusing his fellow slaves with beatings, and a lack of proper food at the proper time time. According to prophecy; during the Great Tribulation, an abusive steward would arise to join forces with Gentiles, and by means of that Gentile force, dominate all of God's Temple priesthood and household. That governing body would empower the Gentile force with an aura of divinity, even authorizing it to "kill" any who refuse to worship it. (Rev.13:14-15; John 16:2)
That steward... that governing body, would be the ones needing a witness from Christ, through his faithful ones. They are mentioned in the book of Revelation, where Christ sends them a message concerning their need for repentance. That message would be delivered by the faithful who in the time of the end, correctly interpret Christ's disclosure of what that revealed message, contains,
and to whom it is directed.
Yet as you stated, the "Governing Body" themselves have clarified their position, not only within God's anointed household, but within prophecy; by the adoption of that title.
Yet they are proving to be "wicked stewards". Not only are they failing to receive and serve God's household, truths from Christ...
they prevent any other slave or steward, from doing so...
and "kill" any who faithfully attempt to (by means of the Gentile Beast, whom they direct, and have empowered).
They have accepted a rulership based in Satan's world and power...
not based in the authority, truth, and power of Christ.

Of course, you rightly identify the "Gentiles" as being those not anointed, who now trample God's Temple stones (1Pet. 2:5,9-10; Matt.24:2; Rev.13:7; 11:2; 2:9).
They are also depicted as the collective "Wild Beast" from the sea (Rev.13:1; Isa.57:20)... and the "abomination of desolation" that "stands in the holy place" (Matt.24:15; Dan.11:31;  2Thess. 2:4).
These too, receive a witness (Matt.10:18; John 16:2; Rev.11:7). These too, can be viewed, as counterfeit "kings" (Rev.9:7,3; Isa.23:8; Rev.13:15;  2Thess. 2:4).

"The above verse also says that "kings" will receive a witness. When the GB are removed, it is by "kings" who are Anointed who back the organisation, thinking that it is "Gods organisation"... So before they are Kings, when they remove the Harlot...Jesus is saying, these will receive a witness. This can include 2 time frames within these Anointed. BEFORE they act and become "kings” for a short period...and after they act and remove the Harlot. This would definitely include when they have made themselves “kings” by removing the Harlot.
Are those who are "branded" (666) amongst Anointed receiving a witness...even before they become "kings"? Christ says it will happen. It IS happening. Would he want those of his bride to be warned before they become "kings" so they are not sealed outside Gods kingdom? "

I hope to add to these thoughts, by clarifying when the anointed become kings....
what they can choose to do with that royal authority...
how they receive a kingdom,
and how they become sealed into their kingdom of choice.
Of course, understanding those things helps us to grasp more about who these "kings" are, who need a witness to be given them, for the sake of Christ.

We have wrongly been taught by the wicked steward, that the anointed do not become kings until they literally die, and are resurrected as spirits in heaven.
Regarding the anointed "kings" still captive inside the organization,
  we do well to clarify when they became kings, and receive the witness of Mark 13:9.

Are they given a witness as kings, before they reign as kings with the Beast?
Yes. They can receive a witness as kings, even before they are sealed as rulers within the kingdom of the Beast.
By examining the following scriptures, we can see when anointed begin ruling, and when the unfaithful receive their witness of revealed truths.

First, let us examne if an anointed one is a king, even before receiving a kingdom.

Rev.17:12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their (existing) power and authority to the beast."
Notice that receiving a kingdom with the Beast, is through a surrendering of their existing royal authority and power, to the Beast.
Their kingship, IS their authority and power. Do anointed have "authority and power", before they receive their kingdom of choice?

   "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:19).
(Ps.91:13-15; Mark 16:17-18)
   Rev.1:5 "and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."
   Rev.5:9 "And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
    and they reign on the earth.”
(Rev.20:6 -- "Thousand Years --When?") ( 2 -- Thousand years - When?)
Like Christ while on earth, our present kingdom position is one of truth (John 18:37; Luke 21:15; Matt.10:20; Luke 10:16).
  Do these kings, already have a "crown"? Yes (James 1:12)... a crown they must guard, and not allow to be taken from them (Rev.3:11).

Jesus said that "more" kingship would be given to those, who already "had"... IF they kept and were proving faithful with, the "little" royal authority and power they were first given (Matt.13:12; Rev.3:8).
THIS IS WHERE THE FORK IN THE ROAD, IS.
There are those given royal authority and power who are faithful. Let us see what the faithful do, with their royal authority ("crowns").
   Rev.4:10-11 "the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist, and came to be.”
Can you see that those who are faithful, use their "crown" (royal authority and power) in the service and worship of God?
While kings, they submit completely, to God and Christ. They credit Him with their receiving life, with salvation (Rev.7:10), and that God alone deserves their fear and praise (Rev.14:7; 15:4; 19:5).
   Rev.5:13-14 "And I heard every creature in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever.” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped."
Notice that the faithful... "fall down and worship" God and the Lamb. These use their royal authority and power, in the service of God and Christ... their over-Kings.

Notice that an anointed king, can do the same, toward Satan... “All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Matt.4:9)
That is exactly what the unfaithful "kings", do....
   "People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority (crowns) to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” (Rev.13:4) (Rev.13:1)

Rather than ascribe honor to God (Ps.113:5) ("Michael"), those who worship the Beast (Rev.13:7-8) credit IT with salvation and divinity, deserving of their fear, service, and praise.
These mislead and captive anointed (Rev.13:7,10) have surrendered their "crowns", to the Beast.
Please notice the contrast of the faithful anointed (Rev.4:10-11), to the unfaithful......
"The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings,(stewardship), along with the beast. 13 These kings have one purpose: to give their power and authority to the beast." (Rev.17:12-13)

Anointed kings can choose to reign with Christ (Rev.3:21) or with the Beast (Rev.17:12).
That choice is made, when they surrender and sacrifice their royal authority and power (crown/life) to their master of choice.
Once they exercise their royal authority and power...
 either serving in subjection to God and Christ,
 or in subjection to Satan and his organization...
they choose a kingdom.
   Once the Harlot is removed (and those who have given their royal authority to the Beast, begin to rule wth it)
all "kings" are sealed as royal servants/angelic messengers, of God,
  or of Satan (Rev.12:7; 17:12-14).
Whichever kingdom they choose (Christ's, or Satan's), they will receive full rulership/stewardship with it, as they serve it's "king of kings" (Rev.9:11; 19:16).

So to conclude,
the anointed "kings" who receive a testimony from Christ, through his seventh angel (Rev.22:6,16),
are kings "with a little power" (Matt.25:14; Mark 13:34; Rev.3:8; Luke 16:10; Matt.25:23) before they receive their kingdom.
They will take their "crown" (royal authority/stewardship) and either exercise it in the service of Christ, or in the service of Satan's Beast.
The Beast's kings will receive a witness, both before (as a warning to repent -- Rev.3:19; Mal.3:1-3)
and after they have chosen a master/recipient of their crown.
They are sealed as horns/kings of the Beast (Rev.17:12), or kings/horns of Christ (Rev.5:6; 1:20). After all are sealed,
the testimony of Truth will be one of condemnation.
  

Ps.110:2; Heb.2:8-10; 12:28; Rom.8:17; Ps.8:4-6; Dan.7:9-11,12-14,18-20,21-23,24-25,26-27; Rev.5:6-7,9-10,11-13; 11:2; 12:10; 13:2,5-7; 8:13; 9:12; 12:12; 20:10-13; John14:21; 17:24; 14:3-4,5-6; 17:24; 1John3:2; John17:22; 1:14)

(Who are the "Kings of the Earth"?)

(when-are-full-144000-completed?)

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