God's Blueprint for His Eternal Purpose, The Church #2
Phase 2 of 12
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for OUR (the Churches) learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (i.e. anticipate with pleasure, expectation and confidence) "Furthermore brethren (i.e. men and women, saints) I would not that ye should be ignorant how...all these things (the things that happened to the children of Israel, the Church in the wilderness) happened unto them or "ensamples" (types - models, sketchy outlines - Greek) Rom.15:4, 1 Cor.10:1-11
This instruction was inspired by the Holy Spirit (2Tim.3:16)
The Word "Model" and "Sketchy outline"
Comes from the King James word "ensamples" (1Cor.10:11) It is a die (as struck) i.e. by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy a shape, i.e. a statue, (fig.) style or resemblance; specially a sample ("type"),
i.e., a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning) Strong's Greek Dictionary. "Sketchy outline"- comes from the King James Word "shadows." (Heb.8:5) It means a "Shade" or a shadow (lit. or fig.) [Darkness or error or a adumbration] An "adumbration" is to give a sketchy outline. To prefigure indistinctly, foreshadow. To disclose partially. Jesus said, "think not that I have come to destroy the Law (i.e. the types, the models, the shadows, the sketchy outlines)...I am not come to destroy but to fulfill..." (Matt.5:17-19) Every "jot" ( the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) and "title" (the ascent of certain letters) will be fulfilled in Jesus, who is the head of the Church, which is His body. (Eph.1:22-23, Col.1:17-18) Therefore the journey that the children of Israel took from Egypt into the Land, to Solomon's Temple, is a "model" of our walk before the Lord from Salvation, unto a Glorious Church without spot or wrinkle.
These are the highlights of the pattern, and how it connects to our walk before the Lord.
The model begins with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel)
(Gen.12:1-2)
The journey begins (i.e. the Covenant Line) with God calling Abraham out of Babylon. (Gen.12:1-3;15:1-21;17:1-8;22:15-19) Abraham is acknowledged as The Father (Rom.4:11, John.8:33-44) Isaac is acknowledged as the only begotten Son who was offered up as a sacrifice. (Gen.21:12, Heb.11:17-19 / Gen.22:1-14 John.3:16) Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, was the fruitful one. A type of the Holy Spirit. The anointing oil first mentioned with Jacob / Israel. (Gen.28:16-22) Our journey begins with the "Godhead" (Rom.1:20) trinity (i.e. the tri-unity of God)
Abraham's Journey would conclude in the promised land, stopping at Solomon's Temple (Deut.12:1-12)
God told Abraham to go "unto a land that I will shew thee:" (Gen.12:1;15:13) This promise continued through Isaac and Jacob. (Gen.21:12;25:5;28:3-4) This was confirmed by God to the children of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt, (Deut.12:1-12) and realized by David and Solomon. (1Chron.17:1-15;22:1-19) Our journey ends in the reality of the land and Solomon's Temple. (Heb.3:7-19;4:1-11. Eph.2:20-22) The end result of the Church today, is a COMPLETED building!
Israel was delivered from Egypt because of The Passover Lamb
(Exod.4-12)
Israel had been in bondage to Egypt for 400 years, as God had foretold Abraham. (Gen.15:13) Now He was about to deliver them.(Exod.2:23-25;3-11;12:1-51) The apostle Paul, the "wise masterbuilder" interprets the Passover Lamb to be foreshadowing Christ. (1Cor.5:7-8) Israel came out of Egypt as a Nation, (Exod.19:1-4) The first century Church became a holy nation after Christ was sacrificed as the true Passover. (1Peter.2:5-9) Individually, we must experience Christ our Passover.(John.3:5-7, 2Cor.5:17) (Note: This identifies Egypt as our old life of bondage and Sin.)
Fifty (50) days later they arrived at Mount Sinai (Exod.19:3,16)
Israel left Egypt on the 14th.day of the 1st.month and arrived at Sinai on the 3rd.month.(30 days to a month. Hebrew calendar) On the 3rd.day of the 3rd.month Moses went up on the Mount and received the Law written on tables of stone. (2Cor.3:1-18) At this time God wanted to "dwell among" the Church in the wilderness." (Exod.25:8, Acts.7:38) This required the Tabernacle structure. (Exod.25-40) Fifty days after Passover, was the "day of Pentecost" (Acts.1:1-4;2:1) The Greek word for "Pentecost" is fifty, or the feast fifty days after Passover. This is where God wrote the Law on the "fleshly tables of our heart" (2Cor.3:3, Heb.8:10;10:16) and structured the New Testament Church according to the "Tabernacle that the Lord pitched and not man" (Heb.8:1-5;9:1-26) On the day of Pentecost Peter said, Repent (The Passover Lamb) and be baptized (The Red Sea) and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Sinai) Acts.2:38 He was preaching "according to the pattern."The apostle Paul said that Israel, had been delivered by the Passover Lamb, and were all baptized in the Sea (i.e. Red Sea - water baptism, because it buried the old life) and in the cloud, the Holy Spirit. (1Cor.10:1-11) This was NOT the end of their journey, they still had to enter the land, and complete Solomon's Temple! (Gen.12:1-2;15:1-21, Deut.12:1-12, 1Chron.17:1-8;22:15-19) Individually, we must experience Pentecost
However, the "Church in the wilderness" failed to enter the land (Num.14)
The Church in the wilderness left Sinai and journeyed towards the Land, the purpose of God. During this time God supplied food (manna) drink, meat and clothing. (Num.10-14) Paul, the apostle and "wise masterbuilder" (architect) interpreted the New Testament Church to be eating the "same spiritual meat" and drinking the "same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not pleased"(1Cor.10:1-5) because when it came time to enter the Land, they failed because of unbelief. This is what the Hebrew Christians were in danger of doing. (Heb.2:1;3:7-19;4:11;6:4-6;12:1-2) "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, TODAY if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness."(Heb.3:7-19) In other words, Church, follow the leading of the Holy Ghost, (John.16:12-13, 1Cor.2:1-14) and don't fail. This "ensample" (type, shadow, sketchy outline, blueprint) is a warning (admonition) to us.(Heb.4:1-11) Note: It is interesting that the Book of Hebrews was not written until 50 years (approx.) after the day of Pentecost (Sinai in the pattern / model) Individually, we need to take heed to the leading of God's Spirit.
Note how God is leading His Church according to this same pattern!
What was in the Land? (Deut.6:10-25)
There were "things not as seen yet" (Heb.11:7, 1Cor.2:1-14, John.16:12-13) in the Land. The "present truth" (2Peter.1:12) to the "Church in the wilderness"(Acts.7:38) was, the Tabernacle of Moses, the priesthood, the five Offerings, the Feast days and Laws concerning there civic responsibilities. (Exod.25-40) What awaited them was, The Tabernacle of David (Phase 7) in Mt. Zion and the pattern of worship, and Solomon's Temple. (Joshua - 2Chron.5)
Don't go back to Sinai, but come up to mount Zion, was the
admonition to the Church (Heb.12:18)
The apostle and "wise masterbuilder" (1Cor.3:10) continued to write to the Hebrew Christians and admonished them not to go back to Mt. Sinai, (i.e. don't go backwards in the pattern) "but come ye...unto mount Sion (Zion)..." In other words, Mt. Zion was as far as the 1st.century Church had travelled, according to the pattern. What was Mt. Zion? Mount Zion was the place that David set a tent to house the Ark of the Covenant after it's captivity by the Philistines. (1Sam.1-6, 1Chron.11-16) The apostle James used this portion of the pattern to explain what God was doing with the Jew and the Gentile, in the 1st.century Church. (Acts.15:1-16)
For you have come to the "city of the living God, and the heavenly Jerusalem" (Heb.12:22)
In the type (i.e. the pattern, the model, the blueprint, the sketchy outline), the center of Jerusalem was Solomon's Temple. (Deut.12:1-12, 2 Chron.6, Dan.6:10) This was the completion of God's purpose! God had brought Israel out of Egypt to bring them into the Land, to the rest, to Solomon's Temple. (Deut.6:23;12:1-12, 1Chron.17:1-15;22:1-19) Paul the "wise masterbuilder" (1Cor.3:10) used this blueprint to explain where the 1st.century Church was going. (Eph.2:20-22) He declared God's purpose for the New Testament Church is to be a "building fitly framed framed together *groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord...for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Eph.2:20-22, Heb.4:1-11 Rest / land) Paul continues, "For this cause...(the cause that we are being built a spiritual House) God...made known unto me...the mystery...that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs...of the same body...in Christ by the gospel." (The Tabernacle of David - Acts.8-15:16, Eph.2:11-19) He is following the blueprint, the pattern given by God to David. (1Chron.28:19, Acts.13:22,36) However, the 1st.century Church did not completed the journey. They journeyed as far as David's Tabernacle and retreated back to Egypt (i.e. spiritually declined into the Dark Ages 500-1500 A.D.) Since Luther's day (1517 A.D.) until our present day, God is restoring the Church back according to this pattern
Now apply this same pattern to Church History
Beginning with the Reformation (1517 A.D. )
The Reformation and Martin Luther (Repentance from dead works and faith towards God) 1517 A.D.
By the end of the 4th.century, the Church had forsaken this truth and replaced it with there own justification. This continued for approximately 1,000 years. Out of this spiritual "Dark Ages" God calls out Luther and revealed to him, that the just shall live by faith. (Rom.1:17) That there is "only one mediator between God and men, the man (God manifest in the flesh. 1Tim.3:16, John.1:1,14) Christ Jesus" (1Tim.2:5) There is no Church, or Church leader, that can mediate between you and God. This move of God compares to Passover! (1Cor.5:7-8, 1Peter.1:18-20) The beginning of the pattern / blueprint!
Out of this visitation of God came the Lutheran, Episcopalian and Presbyterian denominations. When God moved on according to His pattern, they refused to go.
Then there was John Wesley and the Anna-Baptists (The re-baptizers) 1800's A.D.
Out of the Lutheran, Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches God called out a people and restored the truth of Water Baptism by immersion. (Matt.28:19, Rom.6:1-6) This had been forsaken by the Church by 200 A.D. and replaced it by infant baptism. This move of God compares to the The Red Sea! (Paul called it "baptism." 1Cor.10:1-3) It is water baptism because it buried the old life (the Egyptians / the bondage)
Out of this visitation of God came the Baptist, Methodist, Church of God and Christian Missionary Alliance denominations.
Next was the Pentecostal movement (The baptism in the Holy Spirit)
1869-1906 A.D.
Out of the Baptist, Methodist, Church of God and Christian Missionary Alliance Churches God called out yet another group of people and restored the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was the "time and season." It was according to the pattern! The Church had forsaken this "truth" by 150 A.D. (approx.) giving place to the corruption and philosophies of man.
This move of God compares to Mt.Sinai / Pentecost Out of this movement came the Assembly of God, Pentecostal Holiness, Four Square and United Pentecostal Denominations.
God was NOT finished yet! The pattern (blueprint) reveals more!
The Doctrine of Christ (Heb.6:1-3, Heb.13:8) reveals there is more after Repentance from dead works and faith towards God. (Passover) Next was the Doctrine Baptisms. (water Baptism - The Red Sea and Holy Ghost Baptism -Sinai / Day of Pentecost) The "Doctrine of Christ" does not stop there, it calls for the "laying on of hands, the Resurrection of the dead, and Eternal Judgement. Once this is completed the Church needs to go on to perfection. (completion, maturity, to the full measure of the statue of Christ. Solomon's Temple) Heb.6:1-3, Eph.4:11-16. These truths are typified within the journey of Israel from Sinai to Solomon's Temple.
After the Pentecostal movement, there was the "laying on of Hands' (Restored 1948 A.D.)
From the Assembly of God, Pentecostal Holiness, Four Square and United Pentecostal Churches, God called out yet another people. They received illumination by the Spirit of God concerning the Laying on of Hands and the five fold Ministry. (Eph.4:11-16, Heb.6:2) The understanding came how the doctrine of the "laying on of hands" is used for leadership, by leadership for placement in the body of Christ. (Acts.13:3, 1Tim.4:14, 2Tim.1:6) The leadership, is the Eph.4:11-16 ministries, which is the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. It is also used for the laying on of hands to healing the sick, (Mark.16:8-20) as well as blessing someone.(Matt.19:15) In the type (i.e. model / pattern), the Church in the wilderness was placed around the Tabernacle at Sinai (Num.1-10) At our Baptism in the Holy Ghost we are set in the Church "as it hath pleased" God (1Cor.12:18) around the "true Tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man." (Heb.8:2;9:24, Eph.2:6) Note: Phase 4. The Church in the wilderness needed to be placed in order to travel and fulfill God's purpose for them. This pattern is to be fulfilled in the Church today! (Eph.3:1-12)
Out of this visitation came many "mini" denominations, (i.e. networks of Churches, everyone having their circle they submit to) A warning to us today is, do not repeat what previous moves of God have done. They decided to stop on their journey. God is NOT stopping! (God has brought the Church out to bring her into the Land. Deut.6:23, Phil.3:14)
At this present time "according to the pattern"
The Church (the called out ones) has progressed into the Land, and has arrived at David's Tabernacle. (Note:Phase 7) Therefore, according to the pattern, the truths of the Resurrection of the dead, and Eternal Judgement are typified within the time of David's Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple.
Some have remained at the Pentecostal movement (i.e. Sinai). Some are wandering in the wilderness. Some have come into the Land, but have not possessed the land. Others have come into the land and are now experiencing the reality of the Tabernacle of David.
There still another visitation of God ahead for the Church. The Church is going on to perfection. (completion / Maturity, i.e. Solomon's Temple) Some may say, "why has it taken so long? This pattern has taken 500 years to develop." The answer is in 2 Peter.3:1-9. "One day with the Lord is as a thousand years" (Note: Phase 3) As far as God is concerned, it has only been 12 hours since the Reformation. (500 years=Half a day) God's NOT slack. (tardy) He is right on time!
The Resurrection of the dead (Heb.6:1-3)
There were other resurrections in the Old Testament (1Kings.17:22, 2Kings.4:35) and in the New Testament (Matt.9:25;27:52, Luke.7:11-15, John.11:44)
There was The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ "the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christ's at His coming."(1Cor.15:23, 1These.4:13-18, 1Cor.15:51-52)
Then there is walking in resurrection life. (Rom.6:4;8:11 Phil.3:10) "I am crucified with Christ'' (Gal.2:20)-Passover. "Buried with Him in" water baptism (Rom.6:1-6)-The Red Sea. "Resurrected with Him" Holy Spirit Baptism (Rom.6:5;8:11) Mt. Sinai. "That we should walk in newness / resurrection life." (Rom.6:4-5) This is Israel's journey to the Land, flowing with milk and honey. Reaping from fields they had not planted, and enjoying the fruit from trees they did not plant. (Deut.6:10-12) Resurrection life typified! The 20 yrs. old and younger generation (Num.14:29-31) were told to choose "life" in the Land.(Deut.30:19) However, the younger generation did as the older and did not experience life. (Note: Joshua-1Sam.4:11) It was not until David became king that "the Church in the wilderness" began to typify the resurrection life that Christ gives.
Eternal Judgement (Heb.6:1-3) This is ahead for the Church!
There is "Eternal Judgement" (Rev.20:1-15) and there is judgement in the Church now (1 Cor.5:1-13, Matt.18:15-20) and in the future (Matt.13:24-30,36-43, 1Peter:17, Jude.1:1-25) in the Church.
To conclude this Phase 2 of 12
God is working "according to the pattern" that He has provided in His Word, just as He provided Noah with the pattern for the Ark. (Gen.6:9-22, Matt.24:37) The warning to us is, "let every man take heed how he buildeth." (1Cor.3:10)
It was what Noah built that preserved him!
Are you building according to the pattern?
(TO BE CONTINUED. 1Cor.3:9-12, John.16:12-13)
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The next phase, "God's Redemptive Week" teaches how much time is left for God to complete His pattern.
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