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Noah's Ark How the shadows it cast |
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Truth of Scriptures
Noah's Ark: How the natural Ark reveals the Spiritual Ark Issue
2 Copyright 1993, P.S.O.R Inc.
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Noah's Ark How the shadows it cast |
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All Scripture is the King James Version and
in Italics. Regardless of what we believe
what do the Scriptures actually say? (Galatians 4:30). This
is a very important point to our understanding the truth of Scripture.
Were we taught what we believe from the traditions of men or did
God teach us? In this writing I hope to convey how shadows and likeness
of images, which are used throughout the Bible, are intended for our guidelines.
By applying these methods we will discover what God is communicating and
revealing spiritually in Scriptures. To find out more about shadows and
how they operate read: "Shadows of the Bible"
.
The natural, physical Ark Noah built reveals,
by the shadows it formed and cast, what to look for in the second and Spiritual
Ark. God always presents the first and natural and their form casts
a cloud, shadow or image allowing us to see the manifestation of the spiritual.
After the first is brought into existence God reveals, presents and establishes
the second and spiritual. As we watch and study the movements of
the first and natural they reveal what will happen in the second and spiritual.
However, they are not literally alike. Read 1 Corinthians 15:44-49
for they tell of an ESTABLISHED ORDER of God that never varies as
this next Scripture reveals.
Ecclesiastes
1:9-10, The things that hath been, it is that which shall be (again); and
that which is done is that which shall be done (again): and there is no
new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, see,
this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.
The Bible plainly expresses
the things that were done will be repeated and we can recognize this by
examining the shadows they cast. It declares there is nothing that
can be proclaimed as new and different under the sun. Whatever it
is happening now was also performed in previous times. They express
the same happenings in a shadowed outline and likeness of images.
When Noah and his family entered the Ark
they entered into God's safe haven. God had forewarned Noah there
was a flood of destruction approaching the earth. He was instructed
to build the Ark and warn and alert the people of what was approaching.
The Bible states Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5).
This Scripture tells us Noah was warning the people to change their ways
and repent of their wrongs.
Noah received specific instructions on building
the Ark that would save him and his family. The Ark had three levels,
one door for entering and one window above (Gen. 6:16). Genesis 6:15
states this is a fashion of how he was to build the Ark, which meant
God was showing Noah the pattern of the heavenly Spiritual Ark and he was
to fashion the natural Ark after. The pattern of the natural Ark
is where God will gather His elect for safety just as He exhibited with
Noah and his family. God will once again send forth His impending
wrath upon the earth just as He did in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39).
The natural events of Noah and the Ark show
how a flood destroyed all flesh except for Noah and his family. The
shadows reveal another flood (destruction) occurring again in the spiritual.
This flood of destruction will once again destroy all flesh except for
those who enter into the Spiritual Ark (Gen. 6:17-18). They will
not be literally the same for the first was destroyed by water. The
second destruction will be when the spiritual is presented in the likeness
of the flood of water, but it will be a flood of fire (Matthew 13:40-50).
Read Matthew 24: for it also communicates end time events.
These shadows allow us to see a darker image
of what will take place when the second Ark is prepared for those who will
be allowed to enter into the Spiritual Ark. By examining the events
of the first and natural we can understand what it is revealing about the
entering of the second and Spiritual Ark. The shadow of Noah
is a likeness of Jesus Christ. His family those who are Christs,
and the Ark a safe haven.
A preacher of righteousness built the first
and natural Ark that lifted Noah and his family up and above the wave
of destruction, which was also what saved them. This reveals
how the second and Spiritual Ark, Jesus, and all His family (those who
are His) will be lifted up and the very thing
which destroys the world will save them. Noah and those
with him road above the waves of destruction, which destroyed the world
for they had entered into God's Ark of safety. Remember Noah was
to fashion or build it after the pattern of the heavenly God had shown
him.
The following Scripture is similar to Noah
and his family. Who
shall tell thee Words (give you information and instructions), whereby
thou and all thy house shall be saved (Acts 11:14). God
spoke the Word and Noah believed and obeyed being totally obedient.
Scripture said he moved with fear, meaning he was not slothful about completing
the task God had given him to do. God has given instructions that
will enable us to escape the tribulations or ride atop of the waves of
destruction that are coming upon the earth. Entering into the second
and Spiritual Ark will do this. However, we need knowledge of God's
instructions if we intend to follow them.
Romans 5:9, Much
more then, being now justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath
through Him.
Apostle Paul discloses that just
as we are justified by the blood of Jesus so we shall be saved through
Him from the wrath that is coming. This clearly relates it is possible
to escape the destruction that is approaching.
Genesis
6:5-11, And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it
grieved Him at His heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I
have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping
thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. To Verse 11,
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
Moses tells how God regretted
creating man because of the wickedness and evil thoughts man had within
himself. And for this reason God decided to destroy every breathing
thing on the face of the earth. Noah was the only one who found favor
and grace in the eyes of the Lord and because of the obedience of Noah
it saved all of his family, which included his wife, his sons, and their
wives. From the shadow it cast, the very reason God sent His destruction,
we clearly see the same things are happening once again. The earth
is full of violence and corruption. People are calling evil things
good and good evil. People are exploiting and boasting about turning
away from normal and natural affections. God defines this lifestyle
as an abomination. This is what God says!
Romans 1:25-32
Who changed the Truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the creator� For this cause God gave them up unto
vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that
which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural
use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men
working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense
of their error which was meet� God gave them over to a reprobate mind,
to do those things, which are not convenient� To verse 31, Without
understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, � Who
knowing the judgment of God, that they, which commit such things are worthy
of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Scripture plainly states mankind
has changed the truth of God and made it into a lie. It tells how
God gave them corrupt minds that enable them to do those things which are
not proper, suitable, decent, or acceptable. The reason God destroyed
Sodom and Gomorrah was because of their unnatural affection, which goes
contrary to what God defines as natural and normal. God states natural
affection is between a man and a woman for God created woman for the man
(1 Corinthians 11:8-9 and Genesis 2:22-24). Anything that goes against
the Bible goes against God's Laws.
God tells us, And
if ye walk contrary unto Me, and will not harken unto Me; I will bring
seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins (Leviticus 26:21).
The nations of this world are out of control with the wickedness
of mankind, just as in the days of Noah. The Bible tells us plainly,
there is no new thing under the sun for these things will happen once again
(Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). Jesus tells us, But
as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of
man be (Matthew 24:37).
What's going on in the world today?
Many parts of the earth are being flooded. Pestilence, disease,
drought, horrific storms and earthquakes are already here. The
events, which caused the God to destroy the world the first time, is happening
again. God warns us of the destruction coming on the earth.
He gives us a choice so we can escape the great tribulations and destruction
that is approaching. He provides us with the example and pattern
of Noah, his family, and the Ark where we can enter in to a safe haven.
He also shows us the alternative the example of Sodom and Gomorrah .
Because they were so sinful God caused it to rain fire and brimstone on
them, destroying them (Genesis 18:20 and 19:24).
Isaiah 5:20,
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for
light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for
bitter!
Isaiah states tribulation,
suffering, anguish, and misery are coming to them that call evil good and
the good evil. Those who willingly replace the light of God, which
defines what is morally right and good in exchange for the darkness of
sin and evil. He demonstrates their reasoning by expressing their
extremes of error. He uses an example that tells how they express
bitterness is sweet and sweet is bitter, when actually they are totally
opposite and unnatural.
Genesis
6:9, � Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked
with God.
Noah was a fair and honest man.
He walked with God and he was perfect in his generation. Because
of the obedience of Noah he and his family would escape the impending destruction. God
is offering us this same option. God reveals a path, which leads
to safety. It will be a safe place where the flood of destruction
will not consume us.
A world destruction is on the horizon today.
Keep in mind we are looking at shadow's and likeness of images so the destruction
will not literally be the same. God promised He would never destroy
the earth again, with water (Genesis 9:9-18). However, the second destruction
will be by brimstone and fire which the shadow of Sodom and Gomorrah shows
us.
Genesis 6:17-18,
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy
all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every
thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish
My covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and
thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.
God proclaims everything that
had breath would be destroyed from the whole earth. However, because
God found favor with Noah He made a covenant with him. He and his
family were allowed to enter into the Ark, which carried them safely above
the flood of water. When God instructed Noah to build an Ark He gave
him a pattern or guideline to follow. If we are going to enter into
the second and Spiritual Ark, with our families, we must also use these
same shadows, patterns and guidelines. The patterns God showed Noah
and later Moses were ALL images of heavenly things. We must follow
these guidelines and patterns found in the Bible.
Hebrews 11:7,
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with
fear, and prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned
the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Noah moved by faith. Noah
had never seen physical rain before as the Scripture stated, of things
not seen as yet. However, he believed God's Word and by using his
faith he acted upon His Word. He labored desperately to prepare the
Ark before the flood of destruction came upon the whole earth and he accomplished
the work God told him to do. The reason I state Noah had never seen
rain fall from above is because when God first created the earth He caused
a mist to come up from the earth, which watered all the ground (Genesis
2:6). This is how all the watering was done and because of this Noah
had never seen rain falling to the earth - things not seen yet.
Because of this the people who filled
the earth had difficulty believing the words Noah spoke to them. He
was warning them there was something approaching which they had no physical
knowledge of - rain falling upon the earth (Genesis 7:4). Nevertheless,
Noah obeyed God and prepared the Ark, which saved him and his family.
The Ark also brought condemnation upon every living thing on the face of
the earth (Genesis 7:4). By Noah's actions and faith of God's Word
he became heir of righteousness.
I visualize Noah and his sons laboring to
building the Ark. He was doing the work of God and preaching for
the people to repent (change) of their wrongs. He would tell
them to be prepared and ready because the Lord has issued a warning
and the rain is coming. It took Noah and his family many years
to prepare this Ark. Scripture state, during
the days of Noah God was long-suffering (very tolerant), while He was waiting
for the Ark to be prepared (1 Peter 3:20-21).
I visualize people helping
Noah with enthusiasm and this turning to disbelief when they could see
no visible signs which looked remotely like rain approaching. Acting
on faith is not seeing physically but anticipating and waiting for the
Spiritual. They were probably saying, "Are you positive the Lord
told you it was going to rain?" Finally, giving into total disbelief
for there were not even clouds in the sky. Their unbelief, which
stemmed from not seeing any physical evidence, caused them to drift back
into the world. The world was filled with tangible things they could
see and touch. Many probably thought he had lost his mind, laughed and
mocked him for it had never rained before. However, the Word
of God proved true for the result was destruction. When
the rain began they believed but by then it was too late. It
was the end of life for every thing that had breath, except for faithful
Noah, his family, and the animals he took inside the Ark.
We are to likewise believe every Word of
God by our faith. If we wait until the flood of destruction is pouring
out in our midst before we alter our beliefs it will also be to late.
We are to be planted firmly on the foundation of the Solid Rock of
Jesus Christ. Being unmovable, unshakable, and powerful in our faith
of Him and His Word.
I have heard all of my life that the Lord
is returning and it will be soon and He still has not arrived. However,
the end time is a lot closer now for the Scriptures
are being fulfilled. Matthew 24: speaks of the destruction
of the temple and the signs of events that will happen before it strikes
the whole earth again. It will be the end of this age or the end
of this specific day. In a moment it will change from this present
day (dispensation) and begin another new day. Likewise, there have
been people hearing Jesus is returning and those who believe prepare themselves.
Others have heard it for so long they decide there is nothing going
to happen in their lifetime and drift back into living as the world does.
This is where we get into trouble. The evil of our mind begins
taking control and telling us not to worry and fret about it. It
tells us to go ahead and enjoy life to the fullest and this is what Jesus
warned us about.
Matthew
24:37-38, But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the
Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were
eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that
Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them
all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.
Some people believe they will
have ample time to decide to go with the Lord once they actually see Jesus.
It was to late for the people in Noah's time just as it will be to late
in ours. When God shuts the door on the Spiritual Ark no man will
open it.
Matthew 24:32-34,
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and
putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. So likewise ye,
when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these
things be fulfilled.
Israel, the nation, is known
as God's fig tree (Joel 1:7). It was restored as a nation in 1948.
This is a specific set time we can use to measure the years.
Jesus stated for us to learn, understand, and discern the parable, or shadow
of the fig tree. Jesus tells us when a natural tree is young it puts
forth leaves so we know that summer is near. So likewise or additionally
know and understand that when we see all these things taking place to recognize
what is happening. Realize the time is near for it is at the door.
Jesus proclaims this generation, which is the generation of the new birth
of Israel as a nation, shall not pass till all of these things are fulfilled.
According to Scriptures my understanding of a generation is forty years.
Numbers 32:13,
And the Lord's anger was kindled against Israel, and He made them wander
in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil
in the sight of the Lord was consumed.
I have heard people relate that
Bible generations are between forty and fifty-two years. Men have
reported the calendar is off as much as five years. It is reported
the birth of Jesus is off from two to three years. Yet, what do
the Scriptures say? (Galatians 4:30). Numbers 32:13 relates forty
years is a generation so that is what I will believe.
When the fig tree is yet tender and young
refers to Israel being a new young nation and this happened in 1948. This
brings us real close to this present day--figure
the time yourself! The Bible proclaims the time of that
day and hour knows no man not even the angels of heaven but only the Father
(Matthew 24:36). However, Jesus does not want us ignorant of what
the Scriptures are relating or He would not have given us signs to watch
for. Jesus uses Matthew 24: to relate events and happenings in the
end times. He gives us signs to look for. He describes events
that will happen when the time of this age (day) is nearly over and He
returns. We understand the time is near
for the Spirit within us comprehends that there is much going on which
fulfills Matthew 24.
There is no time left for playing
Christianity. It is time to get serious with God, get into the Word,
and listen with wholehearted earnestness to what He has to say to each
of us. Do not be totally filled with second hand knowledge, which
only comes to you from a priest, pastor, preacher, teacher, or even a parent.
Allow God to personally teach you. Be filled with knowledge administered
by His Spirit. Scripture proclaims you need
not that ANY MAN to teach you. The anointing of the Spirit will teach you
of ALL things and it will be truth (1 John 2:27).
This is exactly what each and every one of
us needs, the truth of Scriptures. We are to allow God to administer
His Truth to each of us as we read and study His Word. Then when we come
together we share what God has taught us. Apostle Paul states if you hunger
(for God's Word) eat at home or read and study at home so when we do come
together to share knowledge of His Word it will not be to (criticism) condemnation
(1 Corinthians 11:34).
Jesus warns in Matthew 24: that we are to
use the shadow we receive from Noah to look for His returning. He
is relating they were so wrapped up in the world and worldly ideas and
pleasures that God was as far from their minds. He tells us this
went on until the day that Noah entered into the Ark. Jesus forewarns
us by giving us signs, events, and happenings that will take place when
the time is close and at the door.
Matthew 24:39, And knew not until the
flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son
of Man be.
Jesus states in the days of
Noah when the people realized the flood was upon them it was to late. From
the shadow of Noah and the Ark we can understand what will happen when
Jesus returns. Those who have totally obeyed the God's instructions will
already be in the second and Spiritual Ark of safety. The remaining
population will be unaware of the flood of destruction until it is upon
them, and that will be to late. We need
to be prepared and ready TODAY. The Holy Ghost proclaims
TO DAY if you will hear His Voice do not harden
your hearts (Hebrews 3:7, 3:15). Listen to Him. Allow
Him to teach, lead, and direct your path.
When the rains began the people was probably
beating upon the door of the Ark begging for Noah to let them in. Remember
when God shuts the door no man can open it! Once the door shuts no
one else will enter in.
1 Peter 3:20-21,
Which sometimes were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited
in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is,
eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism
doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ.
Peter relates that in the
days of Noah they were being disobedient to God. However, it states
God waited patiently on the people to listen to what Noah was telling them
while he prepared the Ark. Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts
from the voice of God. They refused to listen to and heed His warning.
Peter reveals another shadow. He stated the like
figure, which is a shadow or likeness where baptism also saves
us by the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ. He tells us we have not been washed clean by the baptism
of water, but because of this act of baptism we are asking God to cleanse
our hearts from sin. These are not physically and literally the same
only shadows, which reveal their spiritual likeness. Jesus literally
died, went into the grave, resurrected, and is now seated at the right
hand of the Father in heaven. For additional information on this subject
read: "The Likeness of His Resurrection".
2 Peter 2:5,
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher,
of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.
Peter
discloses what happened before by the hand of God. He relates God did not
spare any of the Old World but saved Noah and his family which were only
eight people (ref. 1 Peter 3:20-21).
Apostle Peter tells us Noah was a preacher who preached righteousness.
Righteousness is what allowed Noah entrance into the first and natural
Ark. This shadow discloses that righteousness is also necessary in
order to enter into the second and Spiritual Ark. Furthermore, it
tells us that Noah's preaching is what brought in the flood, which
destroyed the ungodly from the face of the earth.
Isaiah 61:10,
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God;
for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a Bridegroom decketh Himself with
ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah states he was clothed
with the garment of salvation and covered with the robe of righteousness.
Now this is not literal clothing, but spiritual.
To get into the second and Spiritual Ark will also require us being
clothed with salvation and the robe of righteousness. Salvation is
a free gift from God and since it is a free gift it requires no work.
Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall
be saved. Acts 2:21,
gives a similar account.
However, righteousness is something one will
strive continually to achieve. It is not a compensation of money,
but rather it is an expense and payment of time, energy, dedication, and
determination and a close walk with God for it is not a free gift. To
obtain righteousness takes total obedience to the Father, just as the example
of Noah's shadow relates. We should sincerely and earnestly be praying
daily that not my will Father, but
I desire to do what You would have me do while I remain in this earthly
vessel. Remember the Order of God? The first to be presented
is always the first and natural. Their shadow discloses and reveals
what is to come afterwards, the second and the Spiritual (1 Corinthians
15:44-49).
Noah was warning the people the flood was
coming. He was preaching for them to become right in their standing before
the Father for he desired they be prepared and ready. The flood of
destruction coming from God destroyed every living thing on the face of
the earth, but Noah and his immediate family. Today worldly destruction
is impending but they are allegories and shadows, which tells us the methods
of destruction will not literally be the same but similar.
John 10:1, Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold,
but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Jesus discloses there is only
one way to reach the Father and that is through Him. Anyone who tries
to get to God any other way is considered a thief and a robber.
Colossians 4:3-6,
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance
to speak the Mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds. To
verse 5, Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know
how ye ought to answer every man.
Paul relates we should be
praying for God to open a door, which allows us to speak what He would
have us say. This open door allows us to speak the Mystery concerning
Christ. These mysteries have been hidden
in the shadows of the Bible, but God is now revealing them. For
additional information on shadows read: "Shadows of the Bible".
Revelation
3:8-11, I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door,
and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept
My Word, and hast not denied My Name. To verse 10, Because thou hast
kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,
which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man
take thy crown.
Jesus states He has set an
opened door and as the previous Scriptures relate He is this Door. Only
He can shut this door and only He can open it! Jesus relates
He will come quickly. He tells us to hold on tight to all we have,
which is truth and understanding of the Word. If we hold on to what
He teaches us He will take us above the storm of suffering and destruction.
And as the example of Noah, what saves us will literally destroy life upon
the whole earth. We, like Noah, will ride above the waves of destruction
if we are on-board the second and Spiritual Ark. Jesus communicates
it is entirely possible for a MAN to take away
our crown. This crown is our prize, the high calling of
God, the elect, the Bride of Christ. We obtain our crown by each of us
running our own race. Jesus warns that we are to be cautious and
not allow our crown to be removed and taken from us by a man (no
gender).
Apostle Paul also relates how fast this event
will take place for he reveals a Mystery. He tells us we shall not
all sleep (which means go by way of the grave), but we shall be changed
and altered. He tells us it will happen instantaneously, in a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump. He says the trumpet
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised (from sleeping in their graves)
and they will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible. He relates
those remaining alive will also be changed and altered for these mortals
shall put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
Matthew
24:21-22, For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the
beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except
those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for
the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Jesus gives us explicit warning
that the worst trouble ever known to mankind is coming. He proclaims
if those days had not been shortened there would be no flesh saved. Then
He continues to relate for the sake of the elect of God those days will
be shortened. They will ride above the flood of destruction.
Luke 21:35-36,
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the
whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted
worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand
before the Son of Man.
Jesus reminds us to pray that
we may be counted worthy of escaping these horrible tribulations. All these
things will come to pass or shall be fulfilled and after this we will stand
before the Son of Man--Jesus.
Isaiah 26:20-21,
Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy door about
thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation
be overpast. For behold, the Lord cometh out of His Place to punish the
inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose
her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
The Lord is stating we are
to come and enter into His chambers and shut the doors. He tells
us we are to hide ourselves for a little moment until the indignation (destruction)
is pasted away. He proclaims He is coming out of His Place and rising
up off His Throne to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their sins.
Like the days of Noah they did not believe it was going to rain until
the rain began.
Luke 13:23-25,
Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said
unto them. Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say
unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once
the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye
begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open
unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye
are.
Jesus' reply when ask if there
are few that would be saved was to strive, struggle, labor, pursue, or
endeavor to enter in at the strait gate for there will be MANY
who will seek to enter and they shall not be able to.
This conveys that only a few will enter in. The few being saved is
exactly what happened to Noah and his shadow reveals this. There
were only eight who entered the first and natural Ark and there will be
few that enter the second and Spiritual Ark. The next Scripture gives
us more understanding about this.
Matthew
7:13-14, Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad
is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth
unto life, and few there be that find it.
Jesus gives specifics on how
many will be saved. He tells us the gate is broad and wide that leads
to destruction and there are many, which will go this way. He relates
the gate is straight and the way is narrow, which leads us to eternal life
and there are only a few who will find it. These few are those who
will enter into the second and Spiritual Ark just as the shadow of Noah
reveals. How many is a few? The first and natural few were
eight souls . Jesus uses the term of few and many as comparisons.
God counts us as grains of sand of the sea. However, we know
the number of few, being 8, in Noah's day and Jesus tells us few will find
the straight, narrow way this time.
The shadow of Noah and the Ark reveal there
is laborious work involved if we are to make it in before the door is shut.
Jesus relates we need to strive to enter in.
Noah worked hard to complete the work God had given him. This
information communicates that the free gift of salvation alone will not
be enough for those who are still alive when He returns. God has
a work to be done by each and every one of us. We have to be considered
worthy to enter into His second and Spiritual Ark of safety, which will
take us above the tribulations and destruction that cover the entire face
of the whole earth. Jesus maintains there will be many in that day
who will seek to enter in but will not be allowed to.
Genesis
7:12-13 & 16,& 21 & 23, And the rain was upon the earth forty
days and forty nights. In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and
Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives
of his sons with them, into the ark. To verse 16, And they that went
in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and
the LORD shut him in. To verse 21, And ALL flesh died that moved
upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man. To verse
23, And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of
the ground both man� and Noah only remained alive, and they that
were with him in the ark.
God will once
again shut the door on the second and Spiritual Ark just as
He did on the first and natural Ark and no man will be able to open or
shut this door. Luke 13:23-25, relates Jesus will tell many who will
seek to enter in but are not allowed to that He does not know them nor
where they came from. They have not had a personal relationship with
the Lord. We have to walk and talk to Him just as Enoch and Noah
did. We are to hear and heed what He tells us.
Luke 13:27, �I
tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers
of iniquity (evilness).
If Jesus tells us He does
not know us He means He has not had a personal relationship with us. Those
He does not know are like the foolish He describes in Matthew 25.
The five wise , no gender, (Bride of Christ) went out to meet the Bridegroom
(Jesus) and the other five went out to buy, or get what they were spiritually
lacking, for they did not have what was needed before hand. The five who
were wise entered in with Him to the marriage (Bride of Christ) and
the door was shut. After the door was already shut the other
five, who did not have what was necessary, came asking for the Lord to
open the door to them. However, His answer was I KNOW YOU NOT.
Luke 13:28,
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham,
and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and
you yourselves thrust out.
If you were to see Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and all of the prophets in the Kingdom of God and see yourself
cast out from them this would be the greatest time of sorrow, grief, weeping,
and mourning. This would mean there is no opportunity to change and
alter the fact that we you were counted with the many who did not make
it. You will have missed the most important event that all the
angels and heavenly hosts have looked forward to since the beginning of
mankind.
The second and Spiritual Ark will have collected
and safeguarded the Bride of Christ, those who are worthy of wearing the
crown. It is the Wedding Feast for the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Paul discloses how he has fought a good fight. He knows he
has finished his course and kept the faith. After accomplishing all of
this he announces, Now there is a crown of
righteousness laid up and waiting and not for me alone (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
This crown of righteousness is waiting for the Bride of the Son of God,
Jesus Christ. All that is remaining is to remove her from the earth
so she may take her rightful place and be positioned on His right side,
in His Kingdom. I use her as a metaphor for there is no gender for
we are considered as one in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28).
Notice it does not mention a crown of salvation
for salvation is a free gift. What Apostle Paul attained before reaching
this crown of righteousness took fighting a battle to achieve. He
had to die out to himself and his own will (1 Corinthians 15:31).
He was required to totally come under the submission, authority, and rule
of God.
1 Corinthians
9:24-27, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize? so run, that ye may obtain. And every man that
striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do
it to obtain a corruptible crown; but WE an INCORRUPTIBLE (crown).
I therefore so RUN, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth
the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that
by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be castaway.
Apostle Paul relates that
we understand how a natural race is run. In a natural race all the
runners run but only one receives the prize of the winner. Using
this as an example he emphasizes for us to RUN so you may obtain
your prize, which is your crown. He relates everyone who strives
to conqueror and master something is rational, reasonable, moderate, and
temperate in all things. He explains those who run in a natural race
are temperate in all areas hoping to obtain a corruptible crown.
Using the natural race as our example
if we are to conqueror and master anything it will also take rationality,
reasonableness, moderation, and temperance in all areas. However,
we are seeking an incorruptible crown. Apostle Paul states he runs
and he knows the course intensely. He is unwavering in the course.
He could probably follow it blindfolded for his has settled it in
his heart, mind, and soul to win a righteous crown. He knows where
the finish line is for he states he finished his course!
Do you know the course of your spiritual
race? You have to know the course if your going to run. Do you know
how to hurdle over life's obsticles? Paul tells us to run our race,
and not as though he were merely beating the air. What he is referring
to is those who pose and pretend to fight. They look like they are
putting up a battle. They appear to be in the midst of a fierce struggle
when they beat against the air. They use all the same movements of
someone actually doing battle. However, in reality, they are using
up a lot of energy and accomplishing nothing--never producing a winner.
These people have no idea where the path is and without the path they will
never get on the right course to run the race let alone finish it.
Apostle Paul knows full well where the path
is. It outlines his course and this will allow him to finish and
complete the race. He tells us he keeps his body under obedience
so that after he has preached to others he himself should not be cast
away. Apostle Paul was required to finish the course and race
which was set before him. It was only after he had completed all
of these that he able to obtain a crown of righteousness. Acquiring
salvation took none of these qualifications. Salvation alone is not enough.
If not capable and worthy of boarding the second and Spiritual Ark of safety
God is preparing for the elect, the Bride of Christ, what will happen to
those who do not make it?
Revelation 7:9-17,
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number,
of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the
throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their
hands. To verse 13, And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,
"What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came
they?" Verse 14, And I said unto him, "Sir, thou knowest."
And he said to me, These are thy which came out of great tribulation, and
have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Verse 15, Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve
Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall
dwell among them. Verse 16, They shall hunger no more, neither thirst
any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. Verse
17, For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and
shall lead them unto living fountains of water: and God shall wipe away
all tears from their eyes.
Those who do not make the
Bride of Christ or the high calling of God will have the remaining hope
of making it through all the tribulations. There will be an innumerable
amount of people from all parts of the earth who will make it through the
tribulations and they are known as the tribulation saints. They will
have to be martyred and slain and not denounce Jesus Christ for if they
do they will lose their salvation.
There is a GREAT LIE Satan is filling
the church world with today. He has the majority of the Christians
on earth believing the very same lie he used in the beginning with Eve.
He proclaims to the church world, "Ye shall NOT surly die, if you
have salvation." This is how Satan presented this LIE
when he first conversed with Eve in the Garden of Eden. His shadow forewarns
us of how he will, once again, be deceiving people with the same lie.
When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden He gave them commandments.
Genesis 2:16-17,
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the Garden
thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die.
When Satan, the serpent, was
conversing with Eve she told him they were permitted to eat of the fruit
of the trees of the garden. However, the fruit of the tree which
is in the midst of the garden God said, "Ye
shall not eat of it, neither touch it, lest ye die."
The response from Satan was, "Ye
shall NOT surly die" (Gen. 3:1-4).
Satan goes against (anti) the
Word of God and adds enough leaven, un-truth, and lies to make God's Word
null and void. He only added one little word to the lie he told Eve;
NOT. The consequence of this lie had an effect on every life
born on earth. Satan did not tell Eve what the results would be once
she partook and conceived of his lie. Furthermore, he does not continue
and relate that you have a great chance of losing your salvation through
tribulations and great tribulations if you are not willing to literally
die for Christ. He would not be Satan if there were any truth in
him!
Apostle John states from Revelation 7:9-17,
that all of the multitude of people came out of great tribulations and
have washed their robes white in the Blood of the Lamb. This relates
there were not white, pure, or cleansed beforehand so their cleansing took
place during tribulations. They had on their garment of salvation, but
lacked the clothing of righteousness. They have managed to keep their
salvation, but they are not seated next to Christ on His Throne, as
His Bride. The Scripture states they serve God day and night
in His Temple. They are servants of God not the Bride of Christ.
Matthew 24:42-44,
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But
know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the
thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his
house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour
as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Jesus states to be prepared
and ready at all times. Be ready for the flood of destruction that
is coming upon the earth. Jesus proclaimed, "But Know This." Comprehend
and understand what He is stating. He illustrates by telling how
a man can prevent trouble from thieves by staying awake and watching. We
also can avoid tribulation by always being ready for His return.
For at such a time as is least expected He will return.
Genesis 19:24,
The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the
Lord out of heaven.
This Scripture states it rained
fire and brimstone from heaven onto Sodom and Gomorrah. Reading about the
destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah we see their literal ruin. Looking
at their shadow relates what is coming upon the earth again by brimstone
and fire and the reason for it.
Psalm 11:6, Upon
the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest:
this shall be the portion of their cup.
The Psalmist David relates
that it will rain snares meaning there will be no escaping for those who
are not Christ's. It proclaims that this is their portion of their
cup, which means it is what they deserve.
Ezekiel 38:22,
And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will
rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with
him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire and brimstone.
Ezekiel relates how God will
try to change and alter the minds of mankind by using pestilence. Does
this affliction remotely describe aids or any of the returning plagues?
Ezekiel tells how God will rain upon man and all that follow with
him an overflowing of great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
2 Peter 2:4-9,
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell,
and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgement.
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher
of righteousness, bringing the flood upon the world of the ungodly.
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should
live ungodly. And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation
of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and
hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and
to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.
Notice that Scripture describes
the rain of fire and brimstone as a flood! Apostle Peter relates
that God did not spare the angels who sinned but cast them to hell and
delivered them to chains of darkness to await judgement. He tells
us God did not spare the Old World but saved Noah, one of eight people,
who was a preacher of righteousness. To the remainder of the people
God brought in the flood of destruction. Peter declares God
turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes and condemned them with
an overthrow making them an example to those who should live their lives
ungodly as they did.
God issues a warning by using an example
of what happened to those inhabitants who believe just as those of Sodom
and Gomorrah did. They were living without natural affections
(homosexuality) and their corrupt acts and communications flowed from
them daily. This relates what is again coming upon the earth to those
who live this same lifestyle. Peter states God delivered a just man
named Lot who was vexed by their filthy conversations day by day.
He tells that Lot, a righteous man (clothed in righteousness) was dwelling
among them and how it vexed his righteous soul by seeing and hearing their
wicked conversations daily. Lastly, Apostle Peter discloses God knows
how to deliver the Godly out of temptation and to reserve the unjust to
the Day of Judgment to be punished.
Luke 17:29, But
the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from
heaven, destroying them all. Even thus (so) shall it be in
the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
Jesus tells us that the very
same day that Lot was saved and brought out from the evil, which filled
Sodom and Gomorrah was the very day that it rained fire and brimstone from
heaven destroying them all. This shadow tells us that when the Bride
of Christ is removed that the likeness of this shadow of Lot and Sodom
and Gomorrah will happen again. Jesus continues to reveal that when
this happens the Son of Man is revealed.
Revelation 16:21,
And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the
weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail;
for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Apostle John tells us what
is taking place. He states there is a great hail that will come down
out of heaven and these hailstones weigh approximately 100 lbs. He
states the men will still blaspheme against God because of the plague of
hail for it will be extremely immense.
Revelation 19:20,
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles
before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the
beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive
into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Apostle John relates the beast
and the false prophet who performed miracles are both cast alive (meaning
to live there forever for they did not see death), into a lake of fire
that was burning with brimstone. They had deceived all that had received
the mark of this beast. They taught them to worship the beast and
his images. What is the mark of the beast? (Rev. 14:9). There
is only one who received the mark (Gen. 4:5). God set a mark upon
Cain because he murdered his brother. To read more about this topic read
"Mark of the Beast."
Satan was a murderer from the beginning.
Scripture states he did not abide in the Truth because there is no Truth
in him. When Satan speaks a lie, he is speaking of his own
for he is a liar and the father and creator of it (John 8:44).
Satan's mission is to steal, kill, and destroy all mankind (John
10:10).
Revlation
20:10, And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire
and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented
day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 20:15, And whosoever was not found
written the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
There are some people who
do not believe any of the previous Scriptures of Revelation. They
believe when they are dead and gone that will be the end of it. They
do not believe there is a literal hell. However, Scriptures relate
there will be a Judgment Day for everyone. .
. . and they were judged every man according to their works (Rev. 20:13).
These should also read about the events of the rich
man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). The lake of fire is know as everlasting
hell. The Bible declares they will be tormented day and night forever and
ever. This is nothing to take lightly. The Scripture states
whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life will also be cast into
this lake of fire. The Book of Life is in the hands of the Lamb of
God. It is not a carnal book, maintained by men, here on this earth.
Spiritually Describing Noah's Ark:
The first and natural Ark of Noah's had
three levels, which are revealed and expressed by shadows. It
displays the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The first
level is the shadow of the Jesus. The second level is the shadow
of the Holy Ghost. The third level is the shadow of God the Father.
First level: brings
us to Jesus; obtaining salvation. "Be
it know unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the
dead. . . Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:10
& 12).
This level is clothed with salvation.
(Isa. 61:10). However, salvation alone is not enough to gain admittance
into the Spiritual Ark (Rev. 7:14). These ready for the Spiritual
Ark have gone by way of the grave, but before they died they obtained the
right to also be clothed with the robe of righteousness. These are
waiting and prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb (1 Thes. 4:16).
After Jesus resurrected and went to the Father He sent us another Comforter;
which is the Holy Ghost (John 14:26).
Second level:
teaches us Truth from Scriptures; the Holy Ghost.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will
send in My Name, He shall teach you ALL things, and bring ALL things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).
To get beyond this level to the third level requires being
clothed in salvation and the robe of righteousness. Strong's defines
righteousness with #1342: Whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting
is wholly conformed to the will of God.
Third level: the
heavenly throne of God the Father. This requires being a full over-comer
of our self-will. It is sacrificing us to the righteousness of the
Will of God. This grants admittance to the wedding supper of the
Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, where we will be worthy to attired in the wedding
garment; clothed with salvation and righteousness.
The Ark had one window above, which
is the shadow of Jesus. Strong's Concordance defines window in Gen.
6:16 with #06672: a simile (shadow, metaphor, likeness); bright - light.
Young's Analytical Concordance To The Bible defines window in Gen.
6:16 as tsohar: Bright Object.
John 1:8-9 .
. . sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the True Light, which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world .
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus
again unto them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he that followeth
Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.
John 12:46 I am come a Light into the
world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.
Continuing to describe the
placement of the window. Noah was to finish it above (Gen.
6:16). Strong's defines above with #04605: higher part, 1a1)
to go up, ascends. 1a6) to come up (before God).
1d1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away. 1c2) to
bring up, take away. 1c8) to cause to ascend. This describes
how the Second and Spiritual Ark will be lifted above tribulations.
The Ark had ONE DOOR, which is the
shadow of Jesus.
John 10:2
"He that entereth in by the Door is the Shepherd of the sheep
John 10:7 Verily, I say unto
you, I am the Door of the sheep.
Luke 13:25 When once the
Master of the House is risen up, and hath shut to the Door, and ye begin
to stand without, and to know at the Door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto
us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.
The Bible is a Book written
about Jesus Christ.
Psalm 40:7 "Then
said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me.
Hebrew 10:7 Then said I,
Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will,
O God.
Strive to enter into the opened
Door of the second Spiritual Ark, for this is where you and your family
will dwell safely.
Yours in Jesus our Lord,
D.S. Mattingly
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