Hidden Treasure – A Deeper Understanding

A jig saw puzzle is not very coherent when it is lying in pieces on the floor but when it is joined together it becomes something real and beautiful. 

When these salient points of theology or Christian teaching are not disconnected but come together, they portray beauty that is not realized  individually. The seventh-day Sabbath, seen by many, as unique and important, is really only beneficial as it represents the rest that we have found in Christ. The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we’ll surely rest with God. So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:8 MSG

The Sabbath rest that Paul talks about in Hebrews 4, appears to mean more than abstaining from work on a specific day (Rom.14:5)  It means surrendering to Jesus on a daily basis. It was foretold in the Old Testament  by ‘The Burnt Offering’.  Important things in Scripture are reiterated again and again. The ‘daily’, which refers to the burnt offering is mentioned again and again in  Scripture. Some time ago God led a small group of people into this study  of the burnt offering. It is important and foundational. 

The following quote is from the article ‘The Burnt Offering’. Could it be that the ‘daily’ sacrifice of the burnt offering holds the key to revival on both a personal and a corporate basis? Is this the fundamental truth that Satan wants to keep hidden? He will cover it up with all sorts of church rules, regulations, requirements and procedures. It is said of the counterfeit antichrist power of the last times that it would ‘take away’ the daily sacrifice (Dan.8:11; 11:31).  But please, read the article on the burnt offering in its entirety. 

The work of the burnt offering is described in  Malachi 3:3 KJV.

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.  This is what God will do for His church if they are prepared to learn. It is said of Jesus, and conversely of His people,  …by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; Isaiah 53:11 KJV

It is said of ancient Israel,My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: Hosea 4:6 KJV

God wants to give His people great victories. There is no greater victory in this world than saving souls from the kingdom of darkness.

This is what Jesus told us to do. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:18-19 KJV

God has called His people to prayer knowing that: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV

The work will be accomplished, …..Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 KJV

And we can be assured that, The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:11 KJV

While we may not all be teachers or evangelists we can rest assured that prayer is the privilege of every Christian. Foundational truths such as the true Sabbath rest or the “daily” are sign posts in this process. God wants His people to be surrendered and at peace.  It is only then that they will have a sense of the enormity and value of the souls around them. It is then that they will begin to pray in earnest.  This is the sanctuary being ‘restored to its rightful state.’ This is necessary because: Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place; they set up their own signs for signs. Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins; the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!  Psalm 74:4,3 ESV

The foundational verse of Seventh-day Adventism – (Unto 2300 days then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Dan.8:14 or ‘restored to its rightful state’ ESV) – If the lessons of the sanctuary are not being learned, it is not being ‘restored to its rightful state’. 

In the sanctuary service the table of shewbread represents Jesus, the Lamb of God who gave His life for the sins of the world.  Our righteousness is through faith in Jesus Christ.

The 7 branched candlestick represents the ceaseless work of the Holy Spirit in working out in the world what Jesus has worked out for the world.

Then there is the altar of incense. And it would be reasonable to say, if this represents  the prayers of God’s people (Rev.5:8; 8:5), then these prayers play a very significant role in completing what Jesus began. Paul’s admonition in 2 Cor. 5 :18,19 and his statement  in Col.1:24 seem to endorse this view. Both of these texts are quoted below.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:18 ESV

While we cannot improve upon the finished work of Christ, there is a sense in which we continue the work which Christ began. This is illustrated in the following verse in Paul’s writings.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church….Colossians 1:24 ESV

The finished work of Christ can’t be added to.  The all encompassing work of the Holy Spirit can’t be improved upon. These are both on display in the sanctuary as the table of shewbread  and the seven branched candlestick. We are not talking here of just the Old Testament sanctuary service. That was merely a copy of the real sanctuary in Heaven. The ‘pattern’ shown to Moses was a representation of the true tabernacle in Heaven. This is highly significant for the Christian era. A correct understanding of the sanctuary is important, even imperative, for us today. This is what “cleansing” or “restoring the sanctuary to its rightful state” means.

And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. Ex.25:8,9  

They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5 ESV (See also Acts 7:44)

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.  Revelation 11:19 ESV

What was seen in Rev.11:19 is the same as was produced by the prayers of God’s people. (compare Rev.5:8; 8:5) What was seen in the Heavenly Sanctuary was synonymous with the result of the prayers of God’s people. Namely, “flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquake.” This is giving us a brief glimpse into the spiritual realm. The battle over the souls of men is real. And we have a very real part in that process.

There are important lessons for us here in the Christian era. Through our prayers and intercession we are bringing to fruition the wonderful work that Jesus began. 

This puts us in a wonderful position. God has called us to prayer for those around us.

But, many will say, I don’t have a real burden for those around me. I am only really interested in my own welfare. I am not really a deeply spiritual person. In saying this we are actually being honest. God respects honesty. Remember Jesus said:

… for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

We are unable to generate, within ourselves a genuine love for others. Love, we are told, is from God. 1 John 4:7

In coming to God just as we are we can rejoice in the fact that He loves us just as we are. This is the cornerstone, the pillar, of our faith. And we are all unique individuals. Your experience is different to mine. When we can accept and understand that Jesus loves us just as we are, our hearts are softened and subdued in the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. It is only then that we can have an appreciation and love for those around us. You may be the only one in your family who is a Christian. As such you may be the only one who can pray for these souls. In the words of Paul and Silas:

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31 ESV

To what extent do our prayers help in the salvation of families and loved ones? You may have a particular burden for a family member, a friend or a neighbour. You may feel impressed to pray for a person you pass on the street, someone in the media or a politician.  Never underestimate the importance or power of prayer in these circumstances. The Holy Spirit will lead as we put our trust in the presence and power of God.

We need to remember that the families of ancient Israel were protected by the blood of the Passover Lamb.

The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:13 ESV

This was through the action of the head of each household. There are spiritual forces at play which we cannot fully understand. To what extent one member of a household can effect the whole household cannot be proven. But there is evidence to suggest that there is more happening here than the human mind can comprehend. The reader is directed to the article “Thoughts on the Book of Job”.

The God of eternity hears our prayers on behalf of others, before, or even after, they have passed away.

37 In the language of their ancestors he raised the battle cry, with hymns; then he charged against Gorgias’s troops when they were not expecting it, and put them to flight.

38 Then Judas assembled his army and went to the city of Adullam. As the seventh day was coming on, they purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the sabbath there.

39 On the next day, as had now become necessary, Judas and his men went to take up the bodies of the fallen and to bring them back to lie with their kindred in the sepulchres of their ancestors.

40 Then under the tunic of each one of the dead they found sacred tokens of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbids the Jews to wear. And it became clear to all that this was the reason these men had fallen.

41 So they all blessed the ways of the Lord, the righteous judge, who reveals the things that are hidden;

42 and they turned to supplication, praying that the sin that had been committed might be wholly blotted out. The noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves free from sin, for they had seen with their own eyes what had happened as the result of the sin of those who had fallen.

43 He also took up a collection, man by man, to the amount of two thousand drachmas of silver, and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering. In doing this he acted very well and honorably, taking account of the resurrection.

44 For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead.

45 But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin. 2 Maccabees 12:37-45

And Paul reiterates the same thought in the New Testament.

Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 1 Corinthians 15:29 ESV

Both of these passages of Scripture require a correct understanding of ‘the state of man in death’ to be fully appreciated. Mention is made in 2 Macc.12 of the ‘resurrection’ (vs.43) and of the righteous ‘falling asleep’. (vs.45) In both of these passages which embrace death as a sleep until the resurrection (1 Thess. 4:15-17), a new element is introduced. This being the possibility of prayer in behalf of those who are ‘asleep’.

These passages of Scripture, even Martin Luther had trouble coming to terms with. Truth has advanced – even from Martin Luthers time. This great man of God, this reformer, didn’t have all the truth. These pillars of truth are necessary for the ‘jigsaw’ to fit together. Truth is progressive and shines more brightly as we approach the end of time. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18 KJV

More gospel truths have been revealed since the days of Martin Luther. And they are written for a purpose.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV

Jesus is always our example, even in this area of prayers for those without hope. Could the following passage have something to do with the above verses from 2 Macc.12 and 1 Cor.15?  The following verses have always aroused questions  in Christian circles. They may have meaning for us today.

1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, [19] in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, [20] because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. [21] Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

This passage of Scripture seems to be saying here that Jesus was able to proclaim  to the “spirits in prison” only after He had “suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous”. Peter seems to be talking here of something that was possible only after Jesus death, burial and resurrection. The ‘spirits in prison’  in this passage seem to correspond with “the souls under the altar” of Revelation 6:9.

Once again the word ‘baptism’ is used. Paul mentions it in 1 Cor.15. It denotes a willngness to pray on behalf of others. God’s hand of mercy is able to extend right back to those, even before the flood who are sleeping peacefully awaiting the resurrection morning. (1 Peter 3:19,20; Job 14:12; 19:25,26)

If God can extend the hand of mercy, even to those people, how much more in our generation where knowledge and ability has increased exponentially. (But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Dan.12:4)

There will be a great harvest of souls at the end of time. Through the words of a parable Jesus told His followers that if the religious and the privileged would not accept Him, they were to go out to the common people. 

Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. [9] Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. [10] So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. Matthew 22:8-10 KJV

A quiet prayer for those in our circle of influence is of immense value to God.  There are souls pictured in Scripture as waiting for their living brothers and sisters to enter unreservedly into both prayer and spiritual warfare.

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. [10] They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” [11] Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. Revelation 6:9-11 ESV

To “be killed”. Is this referring here to the ‘daily’ death that Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV I die daily.

It would tie in with the above mentioned verses.

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:29 KJV

These souls are mentioned as if they are living entities. Are they conscious or asleep?

In the above text from Rev.6:11, is God talking about a physical death, or a ‘spiritual’ death that Paul is talking about in 1 Cor. 15:31 ​? We need to be looking for  the spiritual meaning in verses such as these. For too long we’ve tried to  look at only the historical narrative. 

Whether God is using figurative language or real, is not really the issue. We know that God is not the God of the dead but of the living.  (Mark 12:27) As we allow the truths of God’s Word to change our lives, are we in effect  ‘restoring the sanctuary to its rightful state.’ (Dan.8:14) If so this knowledge will justify “many” (Isa. 53:11)

For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. Luke 20:38 KJV

In the same way that Jesus could speak of the rich man and Lazurus in Heaven, so he can use whatever metaphor He chooses to make plain His truth.  If people go straight to their rewards when they die (That is either Heaven or Hell), therefore, it is true that our responsibility would cease when they die.  It  is true that …the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.  2 Timothy 2:19 KJV

It is true that God does know the end from the begining but that knowledge does not preclude the fact that He has told us clearly that our prayers are both important and necessary.

It gives even greater meaning to the words of James, Jesus brother. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:26 NRSV

God has shown the importance of prayer and intercession. Is this an important truth for the end times? Is this the real fulfilment of Daniel 8:14? Let the reader decide.

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The articles on this website rely mainly on evidence, not demonstration. God is  above demonstration or proof. The believers journey is one of faith resting on evidence, not demonstration. The prime evidence is the unexplainable peace He speaks to our hearts in the face of adversity.

Psalm 41:11 KJV
By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

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