Faith in Jesus

Problem in the text

A couple of weeks ago we had looked at , it is the start of the three angels message. In this message we see that the everlasting Gospel is preached which, is sharing all that Jesus has done for us in His life, death, and resurrection. We also noticed that there is a call to live in a constant state of being in the presence of God. This would mean that our everyday life needs to be lived in a mindset of worship to God. This angel also calls all those who hear to worship God as the creator which requires obedience to the Sabbath day rest which God instituted.

A problem arises in the next two messengers. The second angel identifies Babylon and this great city has caused all nation to drink of her wine. This wine is described as her fornication. Babylon finds in origin in the tower of Babel . In verse 4 of this story we see that they want to build a tower whose top is in the heavens. We might see this as all they wanted to do was to build a tower so high that if another flood came they would be safe. However, the language used here by Moses suggests a greater desire. They wanted to establish in the “sa-ma-yim” implying that they wanted to ascend to the realm of God. The tower is known as the tower of Babel meaning confusion, because God confused the languages. However, the Babylonians referred to is at babilu meaning “gate of god”. At the top of this tower or ziggurat would be a shrine dedicated to the god marduk. If we recall

, says, For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into the heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...that I will ascend above the heights of the clouds I will be like the Most High.

The tower of Babel and the city of Babylon embody this idea of opposing God at every corner. To the absolute extreme of causing all the nation to drink of her wine which is fornication. In , the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Those that have drunk of this wine have become intoxicated with her fornication. This system of Babylon has caused the people of the earth to turn aside from God and go after other gods.[1]

What will the result be of accepting truth that is riddled with error? The result is hard to swallow but scripture tells us. We can often see a very negative view of God when says, himself (speaking of those who worship the beast) shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God. However, I believe this to be a plea from God saying, “I do not desire your death, I desire you to live.”

says, The Lord is slow to anger and great in power and will not at all acquit the wicked. Ellen White comments on this verse in Selected Messages Vol 2 p372,373 “It will be found a terrible thing to have worn out the divine patience, for the wrath of God will fall so signally and strongly that it is presented as being unmixed with mercy and the very earth will be desolated.” The wrath of God must not be understood as a human emotion but an inevitable “reaction of God’s holiness” to sin and rebellion.[2] God’s destruction of the wicked is not an act of arbitrary power on the part of God. The destruction of the wicked is based on righteousness, justice, and above all, intelligent love.

God does not desire this to be our end. God is wanting us to know that satan wants to intoxicate us with a religion that feels so good and has some good elements in the end, it is disastrous to our lives.

A problem arrises in the next two messengers. The second angel identifies Babylon and this great city has caused all nation to drink of her wine. This wine is described as her fornication. Babylon finds in origin in the tower of Babel . In verse 4 of this story we see that they want to build a tower whose top is in the heavens. We might see this as all they wanted to do was to build a tower so high that if another flood come they would be safe. However, the language used here by Moses suggests a greater desire. They wanted to establish in the “sa-ma-yim” implying that they wanted to ascend to the realm of God. The tower is known as the tower of Babel meaning confusion, because God confused the languages. However, the Babylonians referred to is at babilu meaning “gate of god”. At the top of this tower or ziggurat would be a shrine dedicated to the god marduk. If we recall , says, For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into the heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...that I will ascend above the heights of the clouds I will be like the Most High.

[1] Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1985), 919.

[2] Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: commentary on the Book of Revelation 461-462

The tower of Babel and the city of Babylon embody this idea of opposing God at every corner. To the absolute extreme of causing all the nation to drink of her wine which is fornication. In , the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Those that have drunk of this wine have become intoxicated with her fornication. This system of Babylon has caused the people of the earth to turn aside from God and go after other gods. Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1985), 919.

to turn aside from God and go after other gods

What will the result be of accepting truth that is riddled with error. The result is hard to swallow but scripture tells us.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume πόρνη, πόρνος, πορνεία, πορνεύω, ἐκπορνεύω

to turn aside from God and go after other gods

the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication

We can often see a very negative view of God when says, himself (speaking of those who worship the beast) shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God. However, I believe this to be a plea from God saying, “I do not desire your death, I desire you to live.” says, The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. Ellen White comments on this verse in Selected Messages Vol 2 p372,373 “It will be found a terrible thing to have worn out the divine patience, for the wrath of God will fall so signally and strongly that it is presented as being unmixed with mercy and the very earth will be desolated.” The wrath of God must not be understood as a human emotion but an inevitable “reaction of God’s holiness” to sin and rebellion. (Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: commentary on the Book of Revelation 461-462). God’s destruction of the wicked is not an act of arbitrary power on the part of God. The destruction of the wicked is based on righteousness, justice, and above all, intelligent love.

Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1985), 919.

[2] Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: commentary on the Book of Revelation 461-462

God does not desire this to be our end. God is wanting us to know that satan wants to intoxicate us with a religion that feels so good and has some good elements but in the end it is disastrous to our lives.

Problem in the world

Problem in the world

I find the use of wine interesting in this passage as there are many that say drinking a small amount of wine is good for ones’ body. But does this potential of good out way the overwhelming negative impact of wine on the body and mind. "Those who investigate the brain and its functioning, the frontal lobes are those structures that represent best the nature of humanity," said J. Leon Morales-Quezada, a research associate Harvard Medical School.[1] Humans are the only mammals with the intelligence, and frontal lobe size, to worship. p390. Alcohol interferes with dopamine production and decrease activity of the frontal lobe of the brain.[2]

As wine has a mix of good and bad it is a fitting example for a religious system that is in opposition to God but this opposition to God is packaged in a language of support and loyalty to God. But what we have seen is that this religious system has its foundation built on another god, it is built on satan who wants to take the place of God.

As we look at the religious world of today there are many questions as to who is right, who has the correct message, who should I believe and so on. It is as if belief in God has become one that is intoxicating. We only accept that which we like. Maybe we can put it this way, that we become drunk on teachings which are lies but accept these as they are raped in a package of truth. The sad thing is, is that in the world, as Revelation points out, all the world wondered after the beast. God is pleading with us that we should not run after the false teaching of the world. He wants us to remain committed to Him and the truth that He has revealed in His Word.

[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131119193624.htm

"those who investigate the brain and its functioning, the frontal lobes are those structures that represent best the nature of humanity," said J. Leon Morales-Quezada, a research associate Harvard Medical School. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131119193624.htm). Humans are the only mammals with the intelligence, and frontal lobe size, to worship. p390. Alcohol interferes with dopamine production and decrease activity of the frontal lobe of the brain. (The lost art of thinking, Neil Nedley).

[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131119193624.htm

As wine has a mix of good and bad it is a fitting example for a religious system that is in opposition to God but this opposition to God is packaged in a language of support and loyalty to God. But what we have seen is that this religious system has its foundation built on another god, it is built on satan who wants to take the place of God.

As we look at the religious world of today there are many questions as to who is right, who has the correct message, who should I believe and so on. It is as if belief in God has become one that is intoxicating. We only accept that which we like. Maybe we can put it this way, that we become drunk on teachings which are lies but accept these as they are raped in a package of truth.

The sad thing is, is that in the world, as Revelation points out, all the world wondered after the beast. God is pleading with us that we should not run after the false teaching of the world. He wants us to remain commited to Him and the truth that He has revealed in His Word.

[2] The lost art of thinking, Neil Nedley, 390, 181

We can often see a very negative view of God when says, himself (speaking of those who worship the beast) shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God. However, I believe this to be a plea from God saying, “I do not desire your death, I desire you to live.” says, The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. Ellen White comments on this verse in Selected Messages Vol 2 p372,373 “It will be found a terrible thing to have worn out the divine patience, for the wrath of God will fall so signally and strongly that it is presented as being unmixed with mercy and the very earth will be desolated.” The wrath of God must not be understood as a human emotion but an inevitable “reaction of God’s holiness” to sin and rebellion. (Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: commentary on the Book of Revelation 461-462).

Solution in the text

What is the solution that God has for us? God gives a clear warning to all. It is conditional. says, If, anyone worships the beast. The “if” is conditional. God is saying that we have a choice in who we worship. We can choose to give our allegiance to God and follow His truth or not. Those that choose to remain faithful to God are described in Here are the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Those that choose to remain faithful to God are described in Here are the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

There are three things that describe the saints they are patience, this is not a passive patience but rather it describes a steadfast waiting. Perseverance can be another way of describing this group of people. Perseverance is not something that is idly. Perseverance is something that is highly active. It describes a group of people who are not idly sitting and waiting but rather share the gospel of Jesus. They are active in sharing the faith of Jesus. Secondly they keep the commandments of God, this is central to the great controversy. The obedience to God’s law is not a matter of do’s and don’ts but it describes a life. This life is described in as one where we love God will all our heart, mind, and soul, and our neighbour as our self. The way in which we love God and man is a means of proclaiming the word of God. The last description is they have the faith of Jesus. This can refer to our faith that carries us through these difficult times. However, theres is more to this. It points us to Jesus. It points us to His merits and His loyalty. It is Jesus in us that preserves us. It is Him who enables us to persevere and love Him and love our neighbours.

There are three things that describe the saints they are patience; this is not a passive patience but rather it describes a steadfast waiting. Perseverance can be another way of describing this group of people. Perseverance is not something that is idly. Perseverance is something that is highly active. It describes a group of people who are not idly sitting and waiting but rather share the gospel of Jesus. They are active in sharing the faith of Jesus. Secondly, they keep the commandments of God, this is central to the great controversy. The obedience to God’s law is not a matter of do’s and don’ts but it describes a life. This life is described in as one where we love God will all our heart, mind, and soul, and our neighbour as our self. The way in which we love God and man is a means of proclaiming the word of God. The last description is they have the faith of Jesus. This can refer to our faith that carries us through these difficult times. However, there is more to this. It points us to Jesus. It points us to His merits and His loyalty. It is Jesus in us that preserves us. It is Him who enables us to persevere and love Him and love our neighbours. It is the merits of Jesus that saves, for by faith you have been save, not by works lest anybody should boast.

Solution in the world

The solution for us is living in the power of Christ. Living and realizing that He has done all for us. Living in the freedom knowing that the final death does not have to be ours. We can live knowing that the death of Jesus was not like that which people die today. On Calvary He experienced the full “wages if sin” Roman 6:23 which ends in the second death . Jesus felt the agony of the second death on the cross. He felt and endured that which we should endure at the second death. The beauty of that which Christ did for us is, He did for all mankind. He did it so that we could inherit eternal life.

it is during the horrific and difficult times in life where we ask the question in what and in who are we trusting. speaks to a group of people that enter into the most trying ordeal of their life they remain true to the worship of God and have the faith of Jesus. which means that His message of truth and salvation and love is what they cling to. to all of us here today when we encounter the hardships of life do we cling to and trust the plan that Jesus has for us.

The thing is this. We can trust in the provision that Jesus has made for. Not only in regards to eternal life but in all things. Jesus did not only come to secure for us eternal life but He came that we might be able to live a life of peace in a peace-less world, He come that we might have hope in a hopeless society.

it is during the horrific and difficult times in life where we ask the question in what and in who are we trusting. speaks to a group of people that enter into the most trying ordeal of their life they remain true to the worship of God and have the faith of Jesus. which means that His message of truth and salvation and love is what they cling to. to all of us here today when we encounter the hardships of life do we cling to and trust the plan that Jesus has for us.

How is this to impact where the rubber meets the road or where the Gospel meets life? When we live our life with our eye turned heaven ward with our gaze ever fixed on Jesus and His righteousness we will realize that the trials we endure here on earth are but for a moment. Sometimes they are a long moment but as you seek Christ every day and strive to live in His presence He will give you the persevering strength that you need for every day.

We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us, that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out, “Alleluia! heaven is cheap enough!”

Ellen Gould White, Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White (Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1922), 61.

Amen.