Another Premillennial absurdity

[WPM]

EXCELLENT & BEAUTIFUL = Great Truth here in your post - thank you

As with all of us who are seeking to walk in the Light just as HE is LIGHT, we read God's word and it is our spiritual nourishment.

And this is how we LIVE unto God = thru the Living Spiritual Words of God.
Jesus says: "The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." - John 6:63

Now, embark on the journey of Truth with me for there is some adjustment to be made.

Our Lord Jesus Christ commands each one of us this - Matthew 4:4
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Let us do exactly as our Lord commands us - Amen

You said: "Satan is no longer able to deceive the Gentiles in this New Testament age in the same manner and scope as he deceived them prior to Jesus binding Satan at the cross."

Truth = the LIGHT of the world has come to ALL the world, Jew & Gentile, no one is left out.
However the LIGHT of the glorious Gospel of Christ continues to be viciously opposed by satan, the same as he was doing from the Beginning.

Believe what Jesus tells us - John 8:42-44
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Thanks for taking the time.

Ok. There are several issues we disagree on.

My biggest struggle is your failure to address my whole line of argument highlighting the spiritual widespread darkness that existed before the earthly ministry of Christ and the resulting great commission to the nations compared to the light that shone after.

We should all know:

• Ignorance in Scripture is likened to blindness, darkness and imprisonment.
• Enlightenment on the other hand is likened to sight, revelation and freedom.

For many centuries Jehovah was Israel's God. He was God of the Hebrew people. After the cross He was God of the nations. The Gospel opportunity widened to embrace the darkened nations. This was not the case prior to the cross, with the special exception of Nineveh. The Gospel expanse has gone from the nation (singular) before the cross to the nations (plural) after the cross. The nations now contain God's chosen people, not simply the nation!

In the Old Testament God governed Israel in a theocracy, Satan, on the other hand, ruled the nations. The Gentiles were overwhelmingly ignorant to God’s truth and outside of His covenant favor. They were bound in paganism and blinded by idolatry. They sat in spiritual darkness. Only one single Gentile village/town/city experienced salvation that we know of. The world in general was deceived, not knowing anything about the grace of God or His merciful way of salvation. Calvary caused an immediate effect upon this miserable situation, producing a momentous spiritual binding or restraint of Satan’s considerable scope of influence. Since then, the devil no longer enjoyed the unchallenged universal run of the field to completely deceive all “the nations” outside of (minute) natural Israel, as he unquestionably had before it.

Before Christ came, Satan was able to prevent the Word of God from being heard throughout the world. The Gentiles are constantly depicted in the Old Testament as being in darkness. Before the cross they were ignorant to the truth and therefore in desperate need of enlightenment. Ignorance in Scripture is always linked to lack of knowledge of the Word of God. It is a fact that the Gospel witness had not reached the nations prior to the earthly ministry of Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-13 confirms this, saying, “ye being in time past Gentiles [Gr. ethnos] in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

The Gentiles generally were in a hopeless condition before the cross, “having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). That is a pretty grim state to be in. However, the darkness over the nations (ethnos) was lifted when the Gospel light began to shine. Now there was glorious hope and a way of escape from their despair. Satan had lost his grip over the nations, now it was time for him to be unseated in the lives of countless of millions of heathens.

Israel on the other hand, whilst often in rebellion, was subject to the truth. Prophet after prophet came preaching the unsearchable riches of God. They therefore had no excuse. The people were enlightened to the law of God and therefore God’s expectation of them. Notwithstanding, that did not mean the chosen nation was immune from satanic deception. Israel (who alone possessed God's special favor, and from whom the Messiah came) still mainly died in unbelief before Christ.

Satan was bound (or spiritually curtailed) in order to facilitate the invasion of his territory by the Gospel. Remember, Satan is a spiritual being; he must therefore be spiritually bound. That is what happened at the cross. Countless millions of Gentiles have come to Christ since the cross.

There was a spiritual deception over the Gentiles before the cross that has now been lifted. The darkness has been confronted and exposed and overcome through the Light of the truth. That light is centered in the person and message of Christ. Satan is no longer able to deceive the Gentiles in this New Testament age in the same manner and scope as he deceived them prior to Jesus’ binding Satan at the cross.

Scripture repeatedly identifies the Messianic intra-Advent period as the time of the enlightenment of the Gentiles. This does not in any way insinuate that all will be saved. Not in any way. With the global expanse of the great commission the Gentiles are now without excuse. The ignorance is gone. The veil is lifted.

When Scripture speaks about the enlightenment of the Gentiles and the removal of the deception it doesn’t mean that every Gentile will be saved, but that the Gospel message and opportunity would be extended to them as a whole – just like Israel experienced it in the Old Testament.

Zacharias the father of John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost in Luke 1:67-80 and prophesied: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life … Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”

As you read through the Old Testament and as you see the revelation of God being outlined prior to the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry, believers knew that the Gospel was going to go the Gentiles. Here (in this passage) the enlightenment of the Gentiles is directly predicted. This is speaking about the great commission and this current intra-Advent period. Here is the foretelling of the enlightenment of the nations.

Luke 2:27 "the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Many conveniently overlook the seismic change in regard to the Gospel opportunity that exist today (in comparison to before the cross) in regard to the nations access to truth. Does that mean all Gentiles will be enlightened? Of course not. It is a general statement like Revelation 20.

The deception was lifted and truth shone bright throughout the nations.

 

[David in NJ]

Thanks for taking the time.

Ok. There are several issues we disagree on.

My biggest struggle is your failure to address my whole line of argument highlighting the spiritual widespread darkness that existed before the earthly ministry of Christ and the resulting great commission to the nations compared to the light that shone after.

We should all know:

• Ignorance in Scripture is likened to blindness, darkness and imprisonment.
• Enlightenment on the other hand is likened to sight, revelation and freedom.

The Gospel expanse has went from the nation (singular) before the cross to the nations (plural) after the cross. The nations now contain God's chosen people, not simply the nation! For many centuries Jehovah was Israel's God. He was God of the Hebrew people. After the cross He was God of the nations. The Gospel opportunity widened to embrace the darkened nations. This was not the case prior to the cross, with the special exception of Nineveh.

In the Old Testament God governed Israel in a theocracy, Satan, on the other hand, ruled the nations. The Gentiles were overwhelmingly ignorant to God’s truth and outside of His covenant favor. They sat in spiritual darkness. Only one single Gentile village/town/city experienced salvation that we know of. The world in general was deceived, not knowing anything about the grace of God or His merciful way of salvation. Calvary caused an immediate effect upon this miserable situation, producing a momentous spiritual binding or restraint of Satan’s considerable scope of influence. Since then, the devil no longer enjoyed the unchallenged universal run of the field to completely deceive all “the nations” outside of (minute) natural Israel, as he unquestionably had before it.

Before Christ came, Satan was able to prevent the Word of God from being heard throughout the world. The Gentiles are constantly depicted in the Old Testament as being in darkness. Before the cross they were ignorant to the truth and therefore in desperate need of enlightenment. Ignorance in Scripture is always linked to lack of knowledge of the Word of God. It is a fact that the Gospel witness had not reached the nations prior to the earthly ministry of Christ.

Ephesians 2:11-13 confirms this, saying, “ye being in time past Gentiles [Gr. ethnos] in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

The Gentiles generally were in a hopeless condition before the cross, “having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). That is a pretty grim state to be in. However, the darkness over the nations (ethnos) was lifted when the Gospel light began to shine. Now there was glorious hope and a way of escape from their despair. Satan had lost his grip over the nations, now it was time for him to be unseated in the lives of countless of millions of heathens.

Israel on the other hand, whilst often in rebellion, was subject to the truth. Prophet after prophet came preaching the unsearchable riches of God. They therefore had no excuse. The people were enlightened to the law of God and therefore God’s expectation of them. Notwithstanding, that did not mean the chosen nation was immune from satanic deception. Israel (who alone possessed God's special favor, and from whom the Messiah came) still mainly died in unbelief before Christ.

Satan was bound (or spiritually curtailed) in order to facilitate the invasion of his territory by the Gospel. Remember, Satan is a spiritual being; he must therefore be spiritually bound. That is what happened at the cross. Countless millions of Gentiles have come to Christ since the cross.

There was a spiritual deception over the Gentiles before the cross that has now been lifted. The darkness has been confronted and exposed and overcome through the Light of the truth. That light is centered in the person and message of Christ. Satan is no longer able to deceive the Gentiles in this New Testament age in the same manner and scope as he deceived them prior to Jesus’ binding Satan at the cross.

Scripture repeatedly identifies the Messianic intra-Advent period as the time of the enlightenment of the Gentiles. This does not in any way insinuate that all will be saved. Not in any way. With the global expanse of the great commission the Gentiles are now without excuse. The ignorance is gone. The veil is lifted.

When Scripture speaks about the enlightenment of the Gentiles and the removal of the deception it doesn’t mean that every Gentile will be saved, but that the Gospel message and opportunity would be extended to them as a whole – just like Israel experienced it in the Old Testament.

Zacharias the father of John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost in Luke 1:67-80 and prophesied: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life … Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”

As you read through the Old Testament and as you see the revelation of God being outlined prior to the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry, believers knew that the Gospel was going to go the Gentiles. Here (in this passage) the enlightenment of the Gentiles is directly predicted. This is speaking about the great commission and this current intra-Advent period. Here is the foretelling of the enlightenment of the nations.

Luke 2:27 "the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Many conveniently overlook the seismic change in regard to the Gospel opportunity that exist today (in comparison to before the cross) in regard to the nations access to truth. Does that mean all Gentiles will be enlightened? Of course not. It is a general statement like Revelation 20.

The deception was lifted and truth shone bright throughout the nations.

Again - Beautiful Truth you posted and in need of just a little adjustment.

The spiritual deception upon the world remains and it has not been lifted off of anyone, Jew or Gentile, unless God calls them unto Christ.

#1 Jesus says: All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

#2 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

#3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world
and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

#4 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;

Never add or take away from the words of God for when a person does this, they fall into error.

TODAY, the nations are under the power of the wicked one and only because of Christ defeating satan on the Cross can the nations hear the Gospel and be saved.

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

There is not one element of falsehood in this Post and in Post 1,840

 

[WPM]

Again - Beautiful Truth you posted and in need of just a little adjustment.

The spiritual deception upon the world remains and it has not been lifted off of anyone, Jew or Gentile, unless God calls them unto Christ.

#1 Jesus says: All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

#2 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

#3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world
and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

#4 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;

Never add or take away from the words of God for when a person does this, they fall into error.

TODAY, the nations are under the power of the wicked one and only because of Christ defeating satan on the Cross can the nations hear the Gospel and be saved.

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

There is not one element of falsehood in this Post and in Post 1,840

Revelation 20 is not talking about individual deception. It is talking about the general deception that rested upon the Gentile people before Jesus sinless life, atoning death and glorious resurrection. From the first resurrection, victory spread throughout the darkened Gentile nations.

With the coming of Christ to this earth came the introduction of His spiritual kingdom. With the introduction of His spiritual kingdom came a direct challenge to the power and influence of Satan on planet earth. With the direct challenge to the power and influence of Satan on planet earth came the spiritual empowerment of the people of God to confront and overcome Satan and his demonic angels.

Wherever the Church advances, the work of Satan is bound!!!

Christ said, to the disciples in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

When you are tuned into heaven, when you are connected to heaven, all things are possible. God is big and the devil is small. The light is shining and the darkness is dispelled. Peace prevails and the power ensues.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:18-19: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys (or authority) of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

God has entrusted power and authority to the Church in this age that the devil cannot in any way deal with or thwart. As Christians the highest authority existing on this earth has been delegated to us. Jesus Christ has commissioned us to enforce His will on this corrupt planet. He has filled us with His power. He has anointed us with His authority. We possess divine authority. That is why we come in His name.

Darkness cannot handle the light. When light shines, darkness must go. As the Church of Jesus Christ spreads the good news (or light of the Gospel) throughout the world the devil is exposed for who he is: he is stupid, he is a fool, he is a loser.

We have power over Satan since the cross! If you are walking in obedience, the devil has no authority over you. But you have much power over him. Think about this we have power over Satan and all his demons! He cannot do as he pleases against the people of God. There is much Scripture that says we have power over him.

Premils respond (and you mentioned it), but what about 1 Peter 5:8? Let us read it: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” The very next verse 1 Peter 5:9 affirms, “whom resist stedfast in the faith.”

The true Church of Jesus Christ is a resistance movement. While Satan resists us, the Bible says we have power to resist him, and subjugate his purposes against us. We resist the lawlessness and evil encroachments of the devil around us.

In fact, James 4:7 tells us what happens when you do resist, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This is incredible! You resist, he must flee. When the devil plants a temptation, a doubt or a fear, you simply have to resist it, whereupon Satan must get his boots on and run. This word “flee” in the original means to escape, flee away or vanish. Now think about it. When you resist, he must disappear. The conflict today for the Church is not an earthly battle to possess an earthly territory but a spiritual battle to possess spiritual territory.

Do you cause Satan sleepless nights or does he cause you sleepless nights?

1 John 2:14: "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."

By resisting Satan, standing upon the Word of God, and staying steadfast, we have enormous individual impact upon the kingdom of darkness; we curtail the expansion of its evil designs.

Many Christians imagine power and authority to be the same thing. But as we found out last week: they are not! Scripture uses two different Greek words to describe the distinction.

Luke 9:1 records: “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power [dunamis] and authority [exousia] over all devils, and to cure diseases."

· Authority = exousia
· Power = dunamis

Authority is the channel through which power operates. Authority is the legal authorization to function. Power has to do with the outworking of that authority.

According to this Satan should not have power and authority over you, but you should have power and authority over him.

1 John 5:18: “he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Do you believe that? Why? You have authority over him. He has none over you.

It is not just that he cannot stop us or hurt us as we operate in the Spirit but it is that we can actually hurt him. That is the good news of New Testament age we live in.

 

[David in NJ]

Revelation 20 is not talking about individual deception. It is talking about the general deception that rested upon the Gentile people before Jesus sinless life, atoning death and glorious resurrection. From the first resurrection, victory spread throughout the darkened Gentile nations.

With the coming of Christ to this earth came the introduction of His spiritual kingdom. With the introduction of His spiritual kingdom came a direct challenge to the power and influence of Satan on planet earth. With the direct challenge to the power and influence of Satan on planet earth came the spiritual empowerment of the people of God to confront and overcome Satan and his demonic angels.

Wherever the Church advances, the work of Satan is bound!!!

Christ said, to the disciples in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

When you are tuned into heaven, when you are connected to heaven, all things are possible. God is big and the devil is small. The light is shining and the darkness is dispelled. Peace prevails and the power ensues.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:18-19: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys (or authority) of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

God has entrusted power and authority to the Church in this age that the devil cannot in any way deal with or thwart. As Christians the highest authority existing on this earth has been delegated to us. Jesus Christ has commissioned us to enforce His will on this corrupt planet. He has filled us with His power. He has anointed us with His authority. We possess divine authority. That is why we come in His name.

Darkness cannot handle the light. When light shines, darkness must go. As the Church of Jesus Christ spreads the good news (or light of the Gospel) throughout the world the devil is exposed for who he is: he is stupid, he is a fool, he is a loser.

We have power over Satan since the cross! If you are walking in obedience, the devil has no authority over you. But you have much power over him. Think about this we have power over Satan and all his demons! He cannot do as he pleases against the people of God. There is much Scripture that says we have power over him.

Premils respond (and you mentioned it), but what about 1 Peter 5:8? Let us read it: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” The very next verse 1 Peter 5:9 affirms, “whom resist stedfast in the faith.”

The true Church of Jesus Christ is a resistance movement. While Satan resists us, the Bible says we have power to resist him, and subjugate his purposes against us. We resist the lawlessness and evil encroachments of the devil around us.

In fact, James 4:7 tells us what happens when you do resist, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This is incredible! You resist, he must flee. When the devil plants a temptation, a doubt or a fear, you simply have to resist it, whereupon Satan must get his boots on and run. This word “flee” in the original means to escape, flee away or vanish. Now think about it. When you resist, he must disappear. The conflict today for the Church is not an earthly battle to possess an earthly territory but a spiritual battle to possess spiritual territory.

Do you cause Satan sleepless nights or does he cause you sleepless nights?

1 John 2:14: "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."

By resisting Satan, standing upon the Word of God, and staying steadfast, we have enormous individual impact upon the kingdom of darkness; we curtail the expansion of its evil designs.

Many Christians imagine power and authority to be the same thing. But as we found out last week: they are not! Scripture uses two different Greek words to describe the distinction.

Luke 9:1 records: “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power [dunamis] and authority [exousia] over all devils, and to cure diseases."

· Authority = exousia
· Power = dunamis

Authority is the channel through which power operates. Authority is the legal authorization to function. Power has to do with the outworking of that authority.

According to this Satan should not have power and authority over you, but you should have power and authority over him.

1 John 5:18: “he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”

Do you believe that? Why? You have authority over him. He has none over you.

It is not just that he cannot stop us or hurt us as we operate in the Spirit but it is that we can actually hurt him. That is the good news of New Testament age we live in.

let's take one scripture at a time.

You said: "Revelation 20 is not talking about individual deception. It is talking about the general deception that rested upon the Gentile people before Jesus sinless life, atoning death and glorious resurrection."

Revelation ch 20 does not occur until after the Second Coming of Christ.

God's word is Truth = He never misinforms us.

 

[WPM]

Revelation ch 20 does not occur until after the Second Coming of Christ.

God's word is Truth = He never misinforms us.

Says who? Only if you take Revelation chronological, invent a new age unknown to the rest of Scripture and ignore the climactic detail of Revelation 19.

The second coming brings a close to the day of salvation. Repeated Scripture shows that now is the only day of salvation. After showing us the destruction of this earth, the works that are in it, the heavens, the elements when Jesus comes, and after describing the longsuffering of God in the days of Noah before the destruction of all the wicked, Peter responds to the mockers scoffing at the apparent delay in Christ's return: “the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation” (2 Peter 3:15). See also Romans 2:4. He was reaffirming that salvation is limited to this side of the second coming. A sign of the end is that the Gospel must “be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14). The second coming brings the curtain down on the great commission. Once the ark door closes it is too late (Matthew 25:10-13, 28:19-20 and Act 3:19-21).

The age to come has no room for "mortals" (Luke 20:34-36, Romans 8:19-23, 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 and Revelation 21-22) or the unregenerate (Psalm 37:9-11, Luke 17:26-30, 1 Corinthians 6:9, I Thessalonians 5:2-3, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). This would be a strong argument to me that the second coming is “the end.”

Matthew 13:29, 49, 28:20, John 6:39-44, 54, John 11:21-27, John 12:48, Ephesians 1:10 and Revelation 10:5-7 would seem to suggest that time reaches its fullness at the climactic return of Christ. This would be a strong argument to me that the second coming is “the end.”

Luke 20:34-36, Acts 3:19-21, Romans 8:19-23, 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 ,1 Peter 1:3-5 and Revelation 21:1-5 all show that the end of the bondage of corruption occurs when Jesus comes. A far more glorious age will then be ushered in. This would be a strong argument to me that the second coming is “the end.”

1 Corinthians 13:12, Ephesians 4:13 and Revelation 10:5-7 show that the curtain coming down on the mystery of God, thus confirming we are at the end of time and entering into eternity when all will finally be revealed. This would be a strong argument to me that the second coming is “the end.”

Repeated Scripture locates the replacement of the current heavens and earth with the new heavens and earth and incorruption at the second coming. Job 14:12-14, Isaiah 13:9-11, Isaiah 34:1-4, 8, Isaiah 65:17-21, Isaiah 66:22-24, Joel 2:3, Joel 2:10-11, Malachi 4:1-3, Matthew 24:29-30, Matthew 24:35-44, Mark 13:24-26, Luke 21:25-27, Romans 8:18-23, 1 Corinthians 15:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2 Peter 3:10-13, Hebrews 1:10-12, Revelation 6:13-17, Revelation 16:15-20, Revelation 19:11-16 and Revelation 20:11-15 shows us that this occurs at the second coming. This is indeed the end of time, the end of corruption, the end of the wicked, the end of sin, the end of death, the end for the devil. It is the beginning of eternity. It is the beginning of perfection. It is the beginning of incorruption. It is the beginning of a new arrangement.

It seems like whatever angle you examine the second coming it appears to be climactic, final and glorious.

 

[rwb]

let's take one scripture at a time.

You said: "Revelation 20 is not talking about individual deception. It is talking about the general deception that rested upon the Gentile people before Jesus sinless life, atoning death and glorious resurrection."

Revelation ch 20 does not occur until after the Second Coming of Christ.

God's word is Truth = He never misinforms us.

Building upon what wpm has already given you, it might be somewhat helpful to fully understand what Satan's power to deceive means for all who are without Christ. To be in spiritual darkness means to continue to be under the condemnation of death, that all of humanity came under after the fall. (Gen 3:19) The fear of death is something every human experiences without Christ. Before Christ came and defeated both sin and death through His cross and resurrection the Gentile nations, being without God in the world, were all in bondage to fear of death as long as they remain without the Light and Life of Christ.

The nations (Gentiles) of the world had no knowledge of the Messiah/Christ who would come to redeem men/women of faith from the power of bondage to death. The Word of God, the prophets, and the Law that pointed Israel to Christ, was not given to the other nations of the world. So the nations, as Scripture shows us sat in great darkness, and without hope. Without hope for what? Eternal life promised to whosoever turns to the Messiah/Savior by grace through faith. They alone come out of bondage to fear of death, and embrace the fact that the life Christ gives to whosoever believes is FOREVER, for they shall never die. Our hope is in the Lord, who calls His people out of darkness and bondage to death into His marvelous light and life always.

It is in this manner that Christ, by His victorious sinless life, death on the cross, and glorious resurrection from the grave bound the power of Satan. Through the preaching of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit whosoever hears and believes knows without doubting the life they receive in Christ is forever. Before the cross and resurrection there was no Gospel for the Gentiles to hear.

Prior to the advent of Christ Satan had the power to take away the word sown in the hearts of those hearing but not understanding. Thereby keeping the Word sown from taking root that they might be saved.

Matthew 13:19 (KJV) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Luke 8:12 (KJV) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Acts 17:30-32 (KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

Romans 1:16 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

But by His cross and resurrection Christ defeated the power Satan had, triumphing over Satan, and proving to the world that death has no power over Him, nor can Satan continue to hold in bondage to fear of death whosoever throughout all nations of the world hears the Gospel and through the power of the Spirit believes Christ.

Hebrews 2:13-15 (KJV) And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

 

[rwb]

let's take one scripture at a time.

You said: "Revelation 20 is not talking about individual deception. It is talking about the general deception that rested upon the Gentile people before Jesus sinless life, atoning death and glorious resurrection."

Revelation ch 20 does not occur until after the Second Coming of Christ.

God's word is Truth = He never misinforms us.

Revelation chapter 20 is a picture of two types of people living in an age of TIME that John likens a thousand years. John defines those who have lived and reigned with Christ in this age of TIME, who having been martyred for their faith, John sees as living souls in heaven. Next John writes of the rest of the dead, or others who have also lived and died in this age of TIME, who had not lived and reigned with Christ in this age of TIME. John writes they shall not live again until this age of TIME is finished. They will be resurrected to stand before the GWTJ and be condemned to the lake of fire that is the second death.

Next John writes of others whom he calls holy and blessed who shall also reign with Christ during this age of TIME (likened to a thousand years). John says they also have part in the first resurrection, having overcome the second death. John says they shall be priests of God and of Christ during this age of TIME.

What we find written in Rev 20 is a depiction of all who live and reign with Christ during this age of TIME, John likens a thousand years, and also a depiction of all who remain throughout this age of TIME, "the dead". John concludes by telling us what shall become of "the dead" after this age of TIME, likened a thousand years shall be finished.

Nowhere in this chapter does John speak of a/the thousand years as anything other than this age of TIME we are currently in since the advent of Christ coming to earth a man.

 

[David in NJ]

Building upon what wpm has already given you, it might be somewhat helpful to fully understand what Satan's power to deceive means for all who are without Christ. To be in spiritual darkness means to continue to be under the condemnation of death, that all of humanity came under after the fall. (Gen 3:19) The fear of death is something every human experiences without Christ. Before Christ came and defeated both sin and death through His cross and resurrection the Gentile nations, being without God in the world, were all in bondage to fear of death as long as they remain without the Light and Life of Christ.

The nations (Gentiles) of the world had no knowledge of the Messiah/Christ who would come to redeem men/women of faith from the power of bondage to death. The Word of God, the prophets, and the Law that pointed Israel to Christ, was not given to the other nations of the world. So the nations, as Scripture shows us sat in great darkness, and without hope. Without hope for what? Eternal life promised to whosoever turns to the Messiah/Savior by grace through faith. They alone come out of bondage to fear of death, and embrace the fact that the life Christ gives to whosoever believes is FOREVER, for they shall never die. Our hope is in the Lord, who calls His people out of darkness and bondage to death into His marvelous light and life always.

It is in this manner that Christ, by His victorious sinless life, death on the cross, and glorious resurrection from the grave bound the power of Satan. Through the preaching of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit whosoever hears and believes knows without doubting the life they receive in Christ is forever. Before the cross and resurrection there was no Gospel for the Gentiles to hear.

Prior to the advent of Christ Satan had the power to take away the word sown in the hearts of those hearing but not understanding. Thereby keeping the Word sown from taking root that they might be saved.

Matthew 13:19 (KJV) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Luke 8:12 (KJV) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Acts 17:30-32 (KJV) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

Romans 1:16 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

But by His cross and resurrection Christ defeated the power Satan had, triumphing over Satan, and proving to the world that death has no power over Him, nor can Satan continue to hold in bondage to fear of death whosoever throughout all nations of the world hears the Gospel and through the power of the Spirit believes Christ.

Hebrews 2:13-15 (KJV) And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

i HEAR the Beautiful True words in your Post here and that of WPM = Thank You

However, You are overlapping some things and removing clear instruction from the mouth of God = LJC and the Apostles.

You said: "Prior to the advent of Christ Satan had the power to take away the word sown in the hearts of those hearing but not understanding. Thereby keeping the Word sown from taking root that they might be saved."

The Parable of the Sower given by LJC in Matt ch13 completely rebukes your statement: "Prior to the advent of Christ"

Now i say this to you in the Love of Christ so take time now to pray and then please respond, just on this one subject for now.

Peace





Listen to Truth and learn from Truth then you will know the Truth.

 

[rwb]

i HEAR the Beautiful True words in your Post here and that of WPM = Thank You

However, You are overlapping some things and removing clear instruction from the mouth of God = LJC and the Apostles.

You said: "Prior to the advent of Christ Satan had the power to take away the word sown in the hearts of those hearing but not understanding. Thereby keeping the Word sown from taking root that they might be saved."

The Parable of the Sower given by LJC in Matt ch13 completely rebukes your statement: "Prior to the advent of Christ"

Now i say this to you in the Love of Christ so take time now to pray and then please respond, just on this one subject for now.

Peace





Listen to Truth and learn from Truth then you will know the Truth.

Exactly! Christ is showing what WAS as compared to what is NOW, or since He has come. Christ Himself is the sower of the good seed, producing children of the Kingdom NOW throughout the whole world. With the good seed of Christ, the devil sows his tares among them, but since Christ, our Messiah/Savior has come, the devil can no longer take away the word sown in the hearts sown of the good seed, who might first hear without understanding of Christ. Before the advent of Christ, the world produced children of wickedness without understanding of the sower (Christ) or the good seed (believers) He would sow. If Christ had not bound the power of Satan from holding the nations in bondage to fear of death, there would be only tares in the world, without the light and eternal life of Christ. Without hope of overcoming death, in bondage to fear of dying.

Matthew 13:37-39 (KJV) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Matthew 13:40-43 (KJV) As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

[David in NJ]

Exactly! Christ is showing what WAS as compared to what is NOW, or since He has come. Christ Himself is the sower of the good seed, producing children of the Kingdom NOW throughout the whole world. With the good seed of Christ, the devil sows his tares among them, but since Christ, our Messiah/Savior has come, the devil can no longer take away the word sown in the hearts sown of the good seed, who might first hear without understanding of Christ. Before the advent of Christ, the world produced children of wickedness without understanding of the sower (Christ) or the good seed (believers) He would sow. If Christ had not bound the power of Satan from holding the nations in bondage to fear of death, there would be only tares in the world, without the light and eternal life of Christ. Without hope of overcoming death, in bondage to fear of dying.

Matthew 13:37-39 (KJV) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Matthew 13:40-43 (KJV) As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

You said: "With the good seed of Christ, the devil sows his tares among them, but since Christ, our Messiah/Savior has come,
the devil can no longer take away the word sown in the hearts sown of the good seed"

LJC says: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart."

Believe LJC

Only, Only, Only does the Seed that takes Root in the "Good Soil" remains unto Salvation.
LJC - But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Whereas the other three seeds/soil are removed by the "wicked one" = continuing NOW/PRESENT and continuing UNTIL the Second Coming of Christ.

And because lawlessness will abound(satan sowing deception), the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom(SEED) will be preached in all the world(SOWN) as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matt ch24



Listen to Truth and learn from Truth then you will know the Truth.

 

[The Light]

Доброго времени суток .
Ваш форум мне показался очень привлекательным и перспективным. Хочу приобрести рекламное место для баннера в шапке, за $1500 в месяц. Оплачивать буду через WebMoney, 50% сразу, а 50% через 2 недели. И еще, адрес моего сайта Доставка води Київ | Замовити питну воду з доставкою Кришталево Прозора - он не будет противоречить тематике?

Спасибо! Напишите о Вашем решении мне в ПМ или на почту [email protected]

I was thinking the same thing other than 50% is too low. Спасибо! Cуток.

 

[rwb]

You said: "With the good seed of Christ, the devil sows his tares among them, but since Christ, our Messiah/Savior has come,
the devil can no longer take away the word sown in the hearts sown of the good seed"

LJC says: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart."

Believe LJC

Only, Only, Only does the Seed that takes Root in the "Good Soil" remains unto Salvation.
LJC - But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Whereas the other three seeds/soil are removed by the "wicked one" = continuing NOW/PRESENT and continuing UNTIL the Second Coming of Christ.

And because lawlessness will abound(satan sowing deception), the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom(SEED) will be preached in all the world(SOWN) as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matt ch24

Listen to Truth and learn from Truth then you will know the Truth.

The nation of Israel possessed the Kingdom before the advent of Christ. They were the ones hearing the word of the Kingdom without understanding, keeping them in bondage to darkness and death, the devil had the ability to take away the Word sown in their hearts. Since only the remnant from the nation bear fruit, only the remnant is seed sown of the good ground. The rest are not of those hearing with understanding, who are they which received the seed by the way side.

Matthew 13:19 (KJV) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Only the remnant according to grace are Jews who received seed on good ground and bear fruit. They are the ones that hear with understanding, and not of those who hear by the wayside, with whom the devil could take away the Word sown in their hearts to prevent them from believing and being saved.

Romans 9:27 (KJV) Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Christ is showing us this parable in regards to the chosen nation to be an example for the world. Before the advent of Christ the Jews had every advantage the rest of the world did not have. The Gentile nations were aliens and strangers from the commonwealth of Israel. Strangers from the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now since the advent of Christ Jesus, the Gentile nations, like Israel may be saved by the blood of Christ (Gospel) preached in the power of the Spirit.

Romans 3:1-3 (KJV) What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Romans 9:4 (KJV) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Ephesians 2:11-13 (KJV) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

 

[WPM]

You said: "With the good seed of Christ, the devil sows his tares among them, but since Christ, our Messiah/Savior has come,
the devil can no longer take away the word sown in the hearts sown of the good seed"

LJC says: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart."

Believe LJC

Only, Only, Only does the Seed that takes Root in the "Good Soil" remains unto Salvation.
LJC - But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Whereas the other three seeds/soil are removed by the "wicked one" = continuing NOW/PRESENT and continuing UNTIL the Second Coming of Christ.

And because lawlessness will abound(satan sowing deception), the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom(SEED) will be preached in all the world(SOWN) as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matt ch24



Listen to Truth and learn from Truth then you will know the Truth.

Matthew 12:22-29 records, “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind [Gr. deo] the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.”

Just like Christ used the humility of a child and brought him forward in Matthew 18 and presented him as an example of what it is to be a Christian within the kingdom of God, He used this incident with the subjugation of a demon as an opportunity to highlight the power He had over Satan and presented it as forceful evidence of the spiritual restraint Satan suffered through His life, death and resurrection.

The Lord identifies the casting out of devils, and the resulting liberating of souls, with the actual binding of the strong man. He in turn presents this as proof that Satan is curbed through the presence and victorious function of the kingdom of God. Christ was specifically referring to Satan here (the strong man) and his demonic kingdom, and expressly connects his binding with the manifestation of the kingdom of God during His earthly ministry. The subjugating of devils was proof of the spiritual restraint of the evil one. Satan could not prevent this. Satan could not overcome those who had been rescued by Christ.

Mark 3:11, 23-27 also records: “unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God ... And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind [Gr. deo] the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.”

This familiar discourse by our Lord came as a response to the crude scoffs of the religious Scribes dismissing Christ’s deliverance ministry as a work of Satan. Christ’s reply confirmed that the binding of Satan commenced 2,000 yrs ago and is not simply a future hope that will occur after the Lord’s return. Christ was firstly referring to the false charge that was laid at his door in relation to his assault on the demonic realm. Secondly, He was demonstrating the subjugation of the “unclean spirits” as “when they saw him” they “fell down before him” in surrender.

Christ’s earthly ministry expressly bound Satan and damaged his wicked house on this earth. This was indeed what was prophesied in the Garden of Eden. It didn’t say that the cross would destroy him, but hamper him in his schemes. His head was bruised by the supernatural punch of Christ.

Significantly, the Greek word deo (Strong’s 1210) employed here is the exact same word used in Revelation 20 which means to bind in either a literal or a spiritual sense. This is what happened everywhere the kingdom of God was seen, the kingdom of darkness was suppressed. Moreover, at Calvary, Satan’s power to deceive the nations was spiritual bound or curtailed by the finished and victorious work of Christ.

Revelation 20:1-3 states, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound [or deo] him a thousand years, And cast him into the abyss and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

The binding, imprisonment and sealing of the dragon are themselves metaphors for the curtailment of Satan's authority. While a prisoner has movement within a prison he is restricted to very clear boundaries that cannot be breached. If we view the heavenly angel as being Christ (as most commentators of all views do), then there seems reasonable grounds to come to that conclusion. This whole portrayal corresponds with the great battle of the ages that occurred with the earthly life, death and resurrection of Christ 2,000 years when Christ stripped Satan of his previous authority given to him by man.

 

[David in NJ]

Matthew 12:22-29 records, “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind [Gr. deo] the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.”

Just like Christ used the humility of a child and brought him forward in Matthew 18 and presented him as an example of what it is to be a Christian within the kingdom of God, He used this incident with the subjugation of a demon as an opportunity to highlight the power He had over Satan and presented it as forceful evidence of the spiritual restraint Satan suffered through His life, death and resurrection.

The Lord identifies the casting out of devils, and the resulting liberating of souls, with the actual binding of the strong man. He in turn presents this as proof that Satan is curbed through the presence and victorious function of the kingdom of God. Christ was specifically referring to Satan here (the strong man) and his demonic kingdom, and expressly connects his binding with the manifestation of the kingdom of God during His earthly ministry. The subjugating of devils was proof of the spiritual restraint of the evil one. Satan could not prevent this. Satan could not overcome those who had been rescued by Christ.

Mark 3:11, 23-27 also records: “unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God ... And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind [Gr. deo] the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.”

This familiar discourse by our Lord came as a response to the crude scoffs of the religious Scribes dismissing Christ’s deliverance ministry as a work of Satan. Christ’s reply confirmed that the binding of Satan commenced 2,000 yrs ago and is not simply a future hope that will occur after the Lord’s return. Christ was firstly referring to the false charge that was laid at his door in relation to his assault on the demonic realm. Secondly, He was demonstrating the subjugation of the “unclean spirits” as “when they saw him” they “fell down before him” in surrender.

Christ’s earthly ministry expressly bound Satan and damaged his wicked house on this earth. This was indeed what was prophesied in the Garden of Eden. It didn’t say that the cross would destroy him, but hamper him in his schemes. His head was bruised by the supernatural punch of Christ.

Significantly, the Greek word deo (Strong’s 1210) employed here is the exact same word used in Revelation 20 which means to bind in either a literal or a spiritual sense. This is what happened everywhere the kingdom of God was seen, the kingdom of darkness was suppressed. Moreover, at Calvary, Satan’s power to deceive the nations was spiritual bound or curtailed by the finished and victorious work of Christ.

Revelation 20:1-3 states, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound [or deo] him a thousand years, And cast him into the abyss and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

The binding, imprisonment and sealing of the dragon are themselves metaphors for the curtailment of Satan's authority. While a prisoner has movement within a prison he is restricted to very clear boundaries that cannot be breached. If we view the heavenly angel as being Christ (as most commentators of all views do), then there seems reasonable grounds to come to that conclusion. This whole portrayal corresponds with the great battle of the ages that occurred with the earthly life, death and resurrection of Christ 2,000 years when Christ stripped Satan of his previous authority given to him by man.

Listen UP WPM and @rwb
i am 100% with you guys on the beautiful TRUTH you post about the Power of Christ to cast out demons and that HE defeated satan on the Cross and thru HIS Resurrection HE no holds the Keys to Death & Hell = GOT IT = LOVE IT = TRUTH

You just are a little off on some things that need adjusting to = "it is written" = as i posted.

Love

 

[rwb]

Listen UP WPM and @rwb
i am 100% with you guys on the beautiful TRUTH you post about the Power of Christ to cast out demons and that HE defeated satan on the Cross and thru HIS Resurrection HE no holds the Keys to Death & Hell = GOT IT = LOVE IT = TRUTH

You just are a little off on some things that need adjusting to = "it is written" = as i posted.

Love

Saying we are off will not cut it unless you can prove what you allege David. Why not respond to my reply #1,847 regarding Rev 20?

 

[WPM]

Listen UP WPM and @rwb
i am 100% with you guys on the beautiful TRUTH you post about the Power of Christ to cast out demons and that HE defeated satan on the Cross and thru HIS Resurrection HE no holds the Keys to Death & Hell = GOT IT = LOVE IT = TRUTH

You just are a little off on some things that need adjusting to = "it is written" = as i posted.

Love

You are going to have to outline these. So far we are just getting generalities. I think it is only fair for you to address the arguments in the posts presented that are wrong.

 

[WPM]

Saying we are off will not cut it unless you can prove what you allege David. Why not respond to my reply #1,847 regarding Rev 20?

LOL. Good minds think alike. You must have beat me by one second.

 

[rwb]

LOL. Good minds think alike. You must have beat me by one second.

Faster than a speeding bullet! ;)

 

[WPM]

Faster than a speeding bullet! ;)

I think i am slowing down bro. LOL

 

[David in NJ]

Saying we are off will not cut it unless you can prove what you allege David. Why not respond to my reply #1,847 regarding Rev 20?

lol - a little off is not a personal thing here

It's like Archery = you have a Bullseye that is 'True Center'
You and WPM hit the Bullseye on some things but other things you off to the right/left/alittle high/ a little low.

So what do we do when we are hitting the Target but not True-Center = we adjust our sights/hearts by = "it is written"

Peace and i appreciate your Love in Christ