Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Preaching to Demons

 A QUESTION:
What announcement or proclamation did Jesus make to the spirits or demons in prison – 1 Peter 3:19
Was it their impending judgement?

MY REPLY:
1Pet.3:19-20 reads; "19 After being made alive in the spirit, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water".


First, the Greek does more than say, "spirits". It describes those spirits with the word, "apitheho" (Strong's G-544). That word means, non-compliant, and to not allow oneself to be persuaded. 
The word that describes the proclamation Jesus gave them, is kerysso (Strong's G-2784). That word describes a formal, weighty, and authoritative proclamation, being heralded. 

At this point it is good to read Acts 10:42 and  2Tim.4:1 NKJV
There we learn that Jesus Christ is appointed by God to be the determinant and judge of the living and the dead. We know that this designation is spiritual, not physical (Eph.2:1,4-5; Col.2:13).

We must look closer at  2Tim.4:1 NKJV which reads; 
"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead AT HIS APPEARING and His kingdom."
This seems to be telling us that the judgment comes at the appearing of Christ.
When does that judgment take place, and therefore, the appearing of Christ? 
Jude 1:6 clarifies... 
"6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling – these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains FOR JUDGMENT ON THE GREAT DAY
There we learn with clarity, that the time of judgment, at the appearing of Christ, is on the great day of God the Almighty.
Rev.16:14 tells us, when that is;
"For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, 
to gather them to the BATTLE of that GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY."
Zeph.1:14; Joel 2:11; Mal.4:5; Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20; Rev.6:16-17; Jude 1:6; Rev.16:14

So, the demons are kept in their prison (where Jesus preached to them -1Pet.3:19) until the great Day of Judgment, which coincides with their release, and the battle Armageddon (Rev.20:7-8; 16:14,16; 17:14).
If they are kept in the prison of the abyss until Judgment Day (Jude 1:6)..., 
...then their judgment is determined upon their actions, after they are released.

We know from Rev.16:13-14,15-16, the demons are used to put the devil's lying doctrines, into the mouths of the false prophet and its' beast. 
As a whole, they help to surround the encampment of the saints to captivate and destroy them, and they gather the nations into spiritual conflict with Christ and his messengers of divine truth.
(Rev.20:7-10; Luke 21:20,24; Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8; Matt.24:24-25;  1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:14)

So then, what authoritative proclamation did Jesus make to the demons... prior to Judgment Day, and prior to their release? 
Upon Jesus' faithful death and resurrection, all authority was given to him (Matt.28:18; Eph.1:22; Col.1:18; Phil.2:9-10,11) both in heaven and on earth. He was made judge of the living and dead, both of spirit and of flesh. 
Jesus said that the gates of Hades would not overpower his disciples (Matt.16:18). 
Even less-so, could those gates hold Jesus in Hades/the abyss (Acts 2:24). 
The demons were having declared to them, the basis for their judgment, the authority to judge given to Jesus by the Father,
...and then they would have displayed before their own eyes... Christ released from the power that held them in chains.
The demons would witness God reaching down into Sheol/Hades, to lift Christ up from out of their midst (Rom.10:7; Acts 2:24)... the first human ever, to receive everlasting life (Rev.1:18,5; Acts 13:34; Rom.8:29).
(Rom.8:34; Eph.2:6; Col.3:1)


Jesus let the demons know that their future judgment was certain, and would occur based upon their choices upon their release. He was letting them know the authority that now belonged to him from God, and giving them full warning about the immovable ultimatum they were facing. 


So, yes, the demons were having declared to them the details of their impending judgment, as well as who would judge them, when they would be judged, why Jesus had authority to judge them, and what the basis of their judgment would be.
2Pet.3:9
They were also being warned of the test that lie ahead for them, upon their release.
That test would involve the unforgivable sin against holy spirit, which they had previously, not committed.
The demons were not judged at that time Jesus preached to them. 
     [To read about the unforgivable sin, please see the link to follow]:

Again, the character description given to the spirits in prison, was G-544, as meaning "unpersuaded" and "non-compliant". That is how those rebels were acting, previous to their being thrown into their dark prison in Noah's day, when they were guilty of fornication (Gen.6:1-2,4). 
As to whether or not any of them changed upon their recent release, I do not now know.


Thursday, August 12, 2021

Whose is the Delicate, whispering Voice?

 In 1Kings, chapter 19; we find the account of Elijah the prophet. He is fleeing from the death sentence decreed by Jezebel.
After a day's journey, he is in the wilderness (Matt.4:1-2;  1Kings 19:8), and as a result of his torment, he is praying for death (1Kings 19:4; Rev.9:5-6; Job 14:13).
The circumstances of Elijah, are pointed to in the book of Revelation (Rev.2:20),
as is also, the Elijah role (Rev.11:3; Matt.17:3,11; Mal.4:5).

I will now copy 1Kings 19, verses 9-12...

"9 And there Elijah went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; 
and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have 
forsaken Your covenant (2Chron. 13:5; Num.18:7,9,19; Matt.5:13; Luke 21:24; Rev.11:2), 
torn down Your altars (Dan.8:11-13; 11:31; Mark 13:14;  2Thess. 2:4), and killed Your prophets with the sword (Rev.11:3,7; 13:10,7). I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (Mark 8:35; Rev.6:9-11)

11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” 
(Rev.11:4; Zech.4:14,7; Mark 11:22-23; Rev.8:8) (Rev.6:15-16)
And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, 
but the Lord was not in the wind; (Job 37:9; Zech.2:6; Joel 3:2; Jer.23:2)
and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake
(Joel 2:10,1-3,17; Rev.9:2-3; 6:12)
12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; (Ps.74:3,7-8; Joel 1:19; Rev.8:7)

.......and after the fire a delicate, whispering voice."

It is clear that God was not the source of the wind, quaking, or fire.
His spirit was not in these destructive forces.
Many wrongly assume that unlike the wind, earthquake and fire... God is in the voice...
and that the source of this still, soft, delicate, groveling, weak voice that is whispering from the dust, 
is God, speaking to Elijah.
In the context of this vision that Elijah is given in the cave (1Kings 18:22; Num.12:6), no explanation of what the voice says, or who it is that is speaking, is given.
We are given, Elijah's situation.
Verses 13-14 continue...
"13 So it was, when Elijah heard it (the weak voice),  he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave.
Suddenly the word of the Lord came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

The treacherous tyranny of Jezebel and Ahaz, is killing God's prophets and fostering idolatry throughout God's nation. That corrupt leadership is defiling the land and oppressing the faithful with great persecution, just as was depicted by the wind, quaking, and fire, described above. As a result of this corrupt leadership; God's land has apostatized. The leaders are seeking the deaths of their fellow Israelites, even of the messengers of God, His prophets. For a time, God allows it
Often, when God merely allows something to take place by means of Satan the Destroyer (Ex.12:23; Isa.33:1) (1Kings 22:21-22;  2Chron. 18:20-21), He is credited with the event (Ex.12:12,29) (1Kings 22:23;  2Chron. 18:22). This is the case with Isa.29:2,3, which you will soon read. 
By God allowing these trying circumstances to come upon His wayward nation, it will make manifest, the faithful from the unfaithful... the repentant from the unrepentant (Mal.3:18).

How do the scriptures give us understanding of this voice that occurs, after the onslaught upon God's people, by their powerful apostate leaders?
How does the Bible, identify this voice?
Isa.29:1-4 NKJV ...

“1 Woe to [a]Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt!
    {[a]="Lion of God/Jerusalem}
Add year to year;
Let feasts come around.

2 Yet I will distress Ariel;
There shall be heaviness and sorrow,
And it shall be to Me as Ariel (an altar hearth for sacrifice).

3 I will encamp against you all around, (Rev.20:7-9; Luke 21:20; 19:43-44)
I will lay siege against you with a mound,
And I will raise siege-works against you.

4 You shall be brought down,
You shall mumble out of the ground;
Your speech shall be low, out of the dust;
Your voice shall be ghost-like, out of the ground;
And your speech shall whisper out of the dust."

Jezebel and Ahaz ruled over their fellow Israelites. They became oppressive and corrupt, even seeking the deaths of their brother Jews. We saw that also occur, when Jesus was killed 
(John 18:3,7,12-14,28-31,35; 19:6,11; Matt.16:21; John 1:14,11)
We are warned against hypocrisy (Matt.5:20; Luke 12:1 B)
Christ has ordered his genuine followers, to love their brothers (John 13:34-35; Gal.6:2; James 2:8).
Those who don't, are hypocrites (1John 4:20-21; Matt.25:40; 7:21-23,26).

(see 1Kings 19:12; Gen.4:10;  1John 3:12; Luke 12:45; Matt.23:37,34-36,32; Rev.18:24; 17:6)
(Ps.113:7; James 4:10;  1Pet. 5:6; Isa.52:2)


Both 1Kings 19 and Isa.29, point ahead to the Great Tribulation... the assault unleashed by Satan against the remnant (Rev.12:15; 20:8; Dan.9:26), which God allows for their discipline and refinement (Zech.13:9; Rev.8:7,12; 12:4). 
There will be war by the unfaithful wicked steward/false prophet (and it's Gentile beast), against their faithful brothers, who awaken and repent over the corruption being promulgated by their leaders (Rev.13:11,15)
(Rev.2:5,16,20-22; 3:3,19; 9:20; 16:9,11; Matt.11:21; Rev.11:3) 
(Rev.16:13-16; 17:14; 20:7-9;  2Cor. 10:3-5)
God allows the wind, quaking, and fire, due to the idolatry that is rife in His land 
(Rev.13:8,15; 2:20; 17:2,13) (Rev.1:5-6; 5:9-10).

The vision given to Elijah, regarding the voice that whimpers from the dust,
is a prophecy depicting the prayer of the remnant that repents, after their discipline causes them to turn back to God 
Isa.26:16-17 NIV ; John16:20-22 NKJV 

Friday, July 2, 2021

Daniel Chapter Eleven, verses 31-45

Question received:
"I would like to hear your insights on the kings of South and North, in Dan.11:40-45."

My Reply:

The insights you request regarding the kings of North and South (found in your cited verses, Dan.11:40-45), are too many to give in one letter... because the backdrop circumstances of these prophecies, must be understood first. 

First I will tell you, that these powers are spiritual... not physical or worldly political governments. 
This is referring to God's people and their spiritual enemies. 
In order to comprehend the full application of Daniel's prophecies, much background learning is necessary.

I will post your cited verses below, and give you some scriptures to consult, which scriptures are connected to, and help to interpret the identities you inquire about.
A correct interpretation, requires an inclusion of the context; So, I will also copy verses 31-39. 
Even a surface examination of these prophecies, is intense. 
Understanding these prophecies will come to you in a more manageable way, if you follow a progressive examination of the blog's posts, which are designed to make the information more manageable. 

For now, I will insert the scriptures that aid in the interpretation of the identities, and those citations will be links. If you click on them, you can read the all the cited verses in that group.  If you hover over an individual scripture, it should pop up.

It will be difficult for you to perceive how all the scripture references are connected, without first doing much reading. As you read each post at the blog (using
 the search box), these things will be explained in a more plain way. Before we can do algebra, we must first learn addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. They are the building blocks. 
It is the same way with understanding clearly, prophecy. The full, detailed picture, can be gained only by learning the foundational pieces, first. 
Your questioning about Daniel, is more about an advanced consideration of the finished mystery and completed picture. All the prophecies pertaining to the time of the end, are best taken together because they compliment one another. Overall understanding is not gained through a small piece.
None-the-less, I will start you off with some Bible keys, and hope that you will later step back and learn the basics, first. 

Even though you really need a study session for each verse; I will give you what I can within the brief reply that you request. 
Some references and sections are just too involved to comment on briefly.

Dan.11:
"31 His armed forces (Joel 1:6; 2:2,3,4,5; Rev.9:2,3,7,9)
Link for those on a phone:(Joel 1:6; 2:2-5; Rev.9:2-3,7-9
(Rev.20:7-8; 16:14; 12:17; 9:9; 11:7; 13:7) 
.....will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress 
(2Chron. 23:6; Eze.44:6,7,9; Mark 13:14; Num.3:10) 
and will abolish the daily sacrifice 
Dan.8:11-13; 12:11; Heb.13:15;  1Pet. 2:9; Isa.43:21; Rev.8:1; Luke 6:43,45; John 15:4-5; Dan.8:11-12; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10; Col.2:8;  1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13-15; 20:7-9; Luke 21:20
Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Dan.9:27; Mark 13:14

32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant 
2Chron. 13:5; Matt.5:13; Rev.11:2; 13:7
but the people who know their God will firmly resist him 
(John 14:7,21; Rev.2:17; John 6:51)
Rev.2:26,28; Isa.60:1-2; Eph.5:11; Rev.11:3; 20:7-8; 17:14;  2Cor. 10:3-5; Rev.19:11,14; Eph.2:6; Rev.3:21

33 Those who are wise will instruct many 
Dan.12:3; Phil.2:15; Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15; Rev.12:4; Dan.8:10,13-14
though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. 
Rev.13:10; Luke 21:24; Col.2:8; Dan.12:10; 9:24
34 When they fall 
1Cor. 10:12;  2Pet. 3:17; Phil.2:15; Mark 13:25; Isa.34:4; Rev.6:13; Dan.8:10; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10; Col.2:8
they will receive a little help
Isa.41:14,13; Rev.10:5-6; Isa.49:8
and many who are not sincere will join them 
Micah 7:5; Jer.12:6; Luke 12:51-53
35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end 
Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10;  1Pet. 1:6-7; Eph.5:26-27
for it will still come at the appointed time 
Hab.2:3; Rev.22:10

36 ‘The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god 

1Pet. 2:5;  1Cor. 3:16;  2Thess. 2:4; John 10:34-35; Ps.82:6; Gal.4:6; 3:26;  1John 5:4; John 3:6

(1Pet.2:5; 1Cor.3:16; 2Thess.2:4; John10:34-35; Ps.82:6; Gal.4:6; 3:26; 1John5:4; John3:6

and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods 

Dan.7:20; Rev.13:1,5-7

(Dan.7:20; Rev.13:1,5-7). 

He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed 

Dan.12:7; 9:24; Eph.4:22-24,13; Gal.4:19; Rev.12:5; 2:26-27

(Dan.12:7; 9:24; Eph.4:22-24,13; Gal.4:19; Rev.12:5; 2:26-27), 

for what has been determined must take place

(Rev.1:1; 4:1; 22:6; Matt.24:6; Rev.20:3) (Dan.9:24,26; Matt.24:6)

(Rev.1:1; 4:1; 22:6; Matt.24:6; Rev.20:3) (Dan.9:24,26; Matt.24:6)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/01/armageddon.html)

 Dan.7:24-25,20-22

37 He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors 
Acts 5:30; Jer.30:22; 31:33; Heb.10:16-17
or for the one desired by women 
Gal.4:24,26,19; Rev.12:5
nor will he regard any god 
2Pet. 2:10,12; Jude 1:10
but will exalt himself above them all
2Thess. 2:4; Isa.14:13; Rev.13:7

38 Instead of them, he will honour a god of fortresses;
Jer.17:5; Dan.11:7,19; Isaiah 2:10; Luke 23:30; Rev.6:16
a god unknown to his ancestors 
(Deut.11:28; 13:2,13; 29:26; 32:17; Jer.7:8,9,10; Rom.1:28,32,25; 10:3)
 he will honour with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.
Rev.2:20; Rom.1:25; Rev.18:12-14

39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses 

Ps.18:2; Dan.11:31,16; 8:11

(Ps.18:2; Dan.11:31,16; 8:11

with the help of a foreign god which he shall acknowledge

Dan.8:24; Ex.23:32-33; Isa.30:2; 31:1; Rev.11:8; Dan.2:43; Isa.28:18

(Dan.8:24; Ex.23:32-33; Isa.30:2; 31:1; Rev.11:8; Dan.2:43; Isa.28:18), 

and advance its glory;

Rev.13:11,14-15,7-8; 19:20

(Rev.13:11,14-15,7-8; 19:20

and he shall cause them to rule over many, and will distribute the land at a price 

Dan.11:30; Rev.13:17,2; Luke 4:5-6; Matt.4:8-9; Rev.13:4

(Dan.11:30; Rev.13:17,2; Luke 4:5-6; Matt.4:8-9; Rev.13:4).

40 At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle 

Gen.3:15; Luke 21:9;  2Cor. 10:3-5; Dan.9:26

(Gen.3:15; Luke 21:9;  2Cor. 10:3-5; Dan.9:26)

and the king of the North will storm out against him 

Rev.17:12,16-17; Isa.28:15,18; Dan.2:41-43

(Rev.17:12,16-17; Isa.28:15,18; Dan.2:41-43

with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships 

[symbol for faith/teachings (1Tim. 1:19; John 6:21)PL:(1Tim. 1:19; John 6:21)]

Joel 2:20,25; Dan.11:45;  2Thess. 2:8; Rev.20:10

(Joel2:20,25; Dan.11:45; 2Thess.2:8; Rev.20:10). 

He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood

Dan.9:26; Isa.28:18; Rev.12:15; 9:2-3

(Dan.9:26; Isa.28:18; Rev.12:15; 9:2-3) 

(earth-swallows-satans-river)

41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand [these are the kingdoms of the 3 kings/horns.
Dan.7:8,24,20
Isa.57:1,2 NIV ; Rom.6:5;  1Pet. 2:4; Rom.2:29]

42 He will extend his power over many countries Rev.17:18 (Rev.17:18)

Rev.17:15; 13:7-8; 

(Rev.17:15; 13:7-8)

Egypt will not escape.

Rev.17:18,3,15; 11:8

(Rev.17:18,3,15; 11:8) 

43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites in submission. 

44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him

Isa.41:25; 46:11; 41:2; Rev.7:2; 16:12

(Isa.41:25; 46:11; 41:2; Rev.7:2; 16:12), 

and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many 

Rev.13:15; 6:9-11; 15:2

(Rev.13:15; 6:9-11; 15:2). 

45 He will pitch his royal tents between the sea Isa.57:20 (Isa.57:20

and the beautiful holy mountain 
Rev.21:10; 14:1; Dan.2:35
2Thess.2:6,8 NKJV
Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him." 
Eze.28:6-10;  2Thess. 2:8; John 20:22; Matt.10:20; Jer.5:14; Rev.11:5
Isa.2:3; John 6:45; Dan.7:11,13-14,19-22,18,26-27
(https://pearl-restraint.blogspot.com/)

You ask to comprehend the meat before taking in and growing by means of milk, but because you ask, I am offering some helpful scriptures. I do hope that you will start out your search, by taking in "milk" rather than "meat" 
(1Cor. 3:2;  1Pet. 2:2; Heb.5:13-14). I suggest the supplemental links contained in this post.

Love in Christ,

Pearl

Additional Pages for Study (coming soon)