Since this is a long series, let's recap what we have learned so far regarding the identity of the Two Witnesses. Revelation chapter 11:4 begins their identity by saying...these are two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. The Prophet Zechariah describes the two olive trees...these are the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth...Zec. 4:14. The two anointed ones symbolize the Law and the Prophets.
Two Witnesses = Two Olive Trees
Two Olive Trees = Two Anointed Ones
Two Anointed Ones = Zerubbabel & Joshua
Zerubbabel & Joshua = Law & Prophets
Law & Prophets = Two Witnesses
Two Witnesses = Two Covenants - preached by the apostles
The 12 apostles also represented the 12 tribes of Israel - symbolizing the Law and the Prophets. They lived and practiced under the old covenant, while proclaiming the new covenant offered by Jesus. The old and new covenant were the Two Witnesses proclaiming the advent of the Messiah.
Last week I asked you, "What is the 'better way' that Jesus desired for His apostles to present the promises of the two covenants to the populous?"
When mankind was placed in the Garden of Eden, the Spirit of God dwelled in them. They became the temple of the Living God. When mankind sinned against God, the Spirit of God departed from them. Satan took dominion of them and the whole earth. Under the new covenant, the spirit of man can once again become the dwelling place (temple) of the Living God, through the blood sacrifice of the sinless Jesus Christ.
All the miraculous powers the apostles are exercising under the old covenant are inherent in the new covenant, when someone chooses to receive the free gift of salvation from Jesus Christ - Two Witnesses declare it. If the apostles are going to represent the new covenant - exercising their power and authority inherent within it - this must be done under the terms of the new covenant determined by Jesus Christ. What are the terms of the new covenant?
Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God and you are not your own?...for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's...I Cor. 6:19-20.
Any representative of the new covenant has been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ - his allegiance has been surrendered to the Living God - who now dwells in him. God is now responsible for leading His child on a victorious earthly journey - all the way to His heavenly home. God is now in charge of the one who was once dead in trespasses and sins, whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous Light...I Peter 2:9.
The power and authority of the apostles, as the Two Witnesses, is unlimited to overcome the evil spiritual doctrines of the devil, but the apostles must restrain from ostentatious and showy demonstrations of pride. This would only bring attention to them, rather that drawing full attention to the Messiah. The humility of Jesus Christ and His total dependence on His Father in Heaven, exemplified the spiritual attributes that must be demonstrated by His servants, as they witness the new covenant to the unsaved world...John 5:19-23.
These are the terms of the new covenant. A new day had arrived with a new way!
When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them...Rev. 11:7. For 3.5 years the witness of Jesus Christ and His apostles offered the spiritual kingdom of Heaven - salvation - to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. During this divine manifestation of the promised Messiah, Satan and his devotees - demons - were supernaturally restrained by God from intervening in His ministry.
But when the 1260 days of ministry were completed - the mission of Jesus Christ on the earth was accomplished - all hell broke loose. This text reveals how the beast - will ascend from the bottomless pit and make war against the apostles - overcome them and kill them. This means that Satan is no longer supernaturally restrained, rather he is permitted to test the allegiance of the followers of Jesus Christ.
What does the text mean...make war against them? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
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