Covenants of God (1954)
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Covenants of God
Psalm 25:14
Frederick Lardent.
ART EDITION
A proper understanding of the "Covenants of God," inspires with hope and draws one near and still nearer to the Infinite!
Hope.
One last, lone string! She breathes a sigh : ' Let it not break, or else I die! '
She bends her longing lingering frame
To catch the music of God's Name.
Her pleading prayer : " Forgive the past, And lead me to the Light at last
Which yet will stream throughout the earth, Revealing truth and things of worth !"
Covenants
of God
by
Frederick Lardent
Author of " Significant Forty," " God's Wonderful Time Clock, and other works.
CONTENTS.
1.Covenant with Adam
2.Lucifer's Deflection
3.Condemnation
4.The Flood
Covenant with Noah
6.The Rainbow
7.Covenant with Abraham
8.Sarah Covenant
9.Laughter
10.Like Mother,like Child
11.Covenant of Circumcision
12.Why 430 years?
Law Covenant
14.Ark of the Covenant
Is it in existence?
Covenant of Priesthood
Covenant with David
18.Covenant of Salt
Covenant of the People
Covenant by Sacrifice
21.New Covenant
22.Servants of the New Covenan
23.Blood of the New Covenant
Under which Covenant
Covenant of Obedience
26.Covenant of Peace
Old and New Covenant
Covenant of the Sabbath
Messenger of the Covenant
Bible Chronology
31.Rhythms of the Infinate
Woman of Revelation 12
33.
Dedication
Poems mainly by the Author.
Published by the CHRISTIANS TRUTH INSTITUTE 174 Forest Hill Road, London S.E.23, England.
From the beginning, God has been unfolding His own story. With this intent, some 2,500 years after man came upon the earth, He used Moses who was specially qualified to elucidate the happenings preceding Him. This man was privileged to discern glorious things to come and he was comforted.
Thereafter the Lord used prophets. Though men of similar passions to others, they nevertheless became fired with zeal to pen only that which was in harmony with God's message at the time. Some 4,000 years elapsed and there arose a Man who spake as never man spake. He declared that Moses wrote of Him, as likewise did the prophets. This Man was Jesus who was succeeded by the apostles who likewise determined to declare nothing except the oracles of God.
Since then interpreters have arisen. They pondered over the words thus handed down, and then formed their own conclusions. The stand which they took was strengthened by the formation of groups: some great and some small. These gave added weight to a given creed which many embraced because of the numerical backing. These interpreters are seen to differ so widely from each other that confusion is still apparent on every hand.
Nevertheless, even as God is one, so He has but one mind and purpose. This accords with His Word and is balanced, harmonious and reasonable, from beginning to end. The question arises: who amongst us are privileged to know the truth? Such will never blindly follow the crowd, neither will they be swayed by eloquence, nor emphatic dogmatism, no matter how great the prestige of a given mouthpiece: instead they "follow the Lamb wheresoever He goeth." They dare not rely upon their own intellect: rather they look to One who promised the Spirit of Truth which alone can bring that which leads to salvation.
With regard to the purport of the truth, let us assure ourselves in advance that it is attractive. It does not repel as so many creeds do which have been handed down from the dark ages, and which remind us that " Men make His love too narrow by false limits of their own; and they magnify His vengeance with a zeal He will not own" Instead " There's a wideness in God's mercy like the wideness of the sea: there's a kindness in His justice though severe His judgments be."
Covenants of God
1 Covenant with Adam
Well nigh forty years have passed since it was my privilege to come into the light of Divine Truth. It has been my chief comfort from that moment till now. How wonderful it is that the great Creator has arranged a plan which means the blessing of the willing and obedient of His intelligent creatures in heaven and in earth ! But come with me, dear reader, and let us refresh ourselves by the waters of truth and quietness! Let us renew our hopes and joys as we take fresh glimpses of those paths which lead to eternal ages in which sorrow and sighing shall have passed away. What better subject can there be than the Covenants of God! They relate to promises: and we are reminded that when the glorious Author of creation promises a thing, it shall surely come to pass—Isa. 55: 8-11.
The first recorded covenant was with father Adam. Here is the purport of the Creator's mind when the first man began to realise his existence: " Adam: what you see about you, what you feel and hear, are yours to enjoy throughout endless time. The birds of the air, the beasts of the field, the trees, flowers and fruit, are yours conditionally. This is because I would have no mechanical submission and obedience, but one based upon a just and intelligent appreciation. As Author and Designer, I know what is best for each and all: therefore a glad acceptance of My will on the part of everyone, will ensure the peace and unity of My vast empire throughout everlasting ages. With these things in mind, I will now prove your worthiness by means of a simple test. By maintaining your integrity, you shall have peace, life and happiness unceasingly. If, on the other hand, you give way to temptation, then all is lost: dying thou shalt die."—Gen. 2:15-17.
Lucifer's; Deflection.
This then was the first covenant of God. We are reminded that the word conveys the thought of convening or coming together for the purpose of an agreement or compact hinging upon certain terms. There is no evidence that the already created angels were faced with any such arrangement. Apparently it was God's intention to test their loyalty through His dealings with the human race.
Hitherto they had been fulfilling His will because there was no other way than this.Were not His laws engraven, as it were, in their very nature! With these things in mind, it is apparent that that great spirit-being Lucifer heard, for the first time,the law of obedience. It was something new! His curiosity was aroused! What would happen if the first human pair were to forfeit the favour of the Infinite? If that occurred, what an opportunity to step into the breach and, by assuming control over humanity, develop an empire of his own!
True, that kind of reasoning lacked an understanding of those moral exactitudes which we are privileged to see today. But we must remember that the full knowledge of the laws which must ever belong to one, who is supreme, was something which savoured of the future. We read: "Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself!" The inference is that the light of His countenance will shine only upon those who retain their sincerity and trust. Unable to visualise the dread outcome of violating the commands of his Maker, Lucifer took the plunge and became the spiritual head of the human family: and what a family! Instead of the fragrant bliss which attends human perfection, Satan found himself the king of a dying quarrelsome race with himself, who sponsored these things, doomed eventually and irrevocably to pass out of existence.— Isa. 14: 12-20 ; 45 : 15 ; Ezek. 28 : 12-19; John 8: 44; 2 Cor. 4: 4.
Condemnation.
It is in the light of subsequent events that we are enabled to take up the threads of the Creator's mind at the time of the fall. The outlook was as follows: "Adam, in disobeying My injunction, you have incurred My displeasure. Instead of living for ever in an earthly paradise of health and happiness, many a sorrow shall be your portion until you perish within a day—a thousand-year day. Remember this was My warning: in the day thou eatest thereof, dying thou shalt die. This will likewise affect your* offspring. Sorrows shall be multiplied upon them. In place of bliss there will be suffering and despair. In view of these things, what hope have I to offer those who look to Me with the eagerness of faith's desire? I am well aware of those redeeming features arising from a lack of intimate knowledge on your part. You were entrapped by a Potential Agency who was bent upon thwarting My will. Listen therefore to My words: a time will come when a Seed shall arise—the Seed of the Woman—who will become powerful enough to put an end to the existence of the Instigator of evil." Gen. 3.
Since then a stupendous drama has been unfolding itself. What words can we possibly use with respect to death and its concomitants? But let us quote from a letter which has just been penned to one who is bereaved: "So after 90 long years Aunt Jane has gone! Gone after a life of many a struggle and of mingling joys and tears! She sleeps now until the Day breaks and the shadows flee away! No fretful dreams can disturb her deep repose! She is no longer conscious of the world's progress., nor of its dissolution : 'for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge in the grave.' The psalmist takes up the thread with respect to the end of man by saying: ' His breath goeth forth, he returneth to earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.' Aunt Jane therefore awaits the time when the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints who will convince all, including the ungodly, of their need of a Deliverer. It was Enoch, the seventh from Adam, who was first used to give these tidings. He lived before the flood, dying at the then early age of 365 years."—Gen. 5:23,24; Jude 14,15; Psa.146:4; Eccle.9:10.
Adam through one act of disobedience forfeits an eternal earthly paradise "So death passed upon all men"
Shall we repeat the apostle's words: "So death passed upon all men." This is necessary because ever since the original falsehood: " Thou shalt not surely die /" teachings have arisen to concur not with God's decree, but with that expressed by Satan. Consequently there are people who think that somewhere in the universe, their loved ones, who once lived upon this earth, are still alive! Meanwhile it is apparent that, until it is clearly understood that death means what it says, the Divine purposes cannot be discerned. One cannot even grasp what is implied by the resurrection! Concerning this the apostle says: "God giveth it a body." What did he mean by it?
This refers to character. The illustration of a gramophone disc is helpful. This is worthless until impressed with those wavy lines, to impart intelligence when it is operated. Thus when a child is born, the brain organism is blank until it is impressed through the avenues of sight, hearing and feeling. Active intelligence is the outcome of the impressions coming upon the mental faculties, together with the spirit of life which is common to all animate creatures. God said to Adam: " Dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return." This includes the brain which governs the body. From this seat of intelligence thoughts arise which, as David reminds us, perish at death.
The Flood
The Scriptures speak of leprosy as typical of sin; and rightly so: for even as that disease will eat away the flesh, so sin will gradually consume those principles of truth and righteousness which were originally planted at the time of creation. This was verily true of many holy angels who, prior to the flood, were led by the force of Lucifer's evil example. With schemes of their own, they went so far as to adopt human forms so that they might marry the fair daughters of men. Did they, when they did this, have in mind the promise of the Seed of the Woman! If so, they certainly did not consult their Maker in this matter. The resultant progeny proved to be a hybrid race of gigantic stature: this whilst the government of the period became cruelly aggressive. We are informed that the earth was filled with violence through them.
The Creator looked down upon those tragic scenes, and determined to end that dispensation by means of a flood. He had foreknown all things and had in reservation a canopy surrounding the entire earth, composed of vapour. All that was necessary was to reduce it to water, and it was this which completely overwhelmed that generation except eight persons who had found refuge in the ark. The ark, which took a hundred years to build, was a huge structure amply sufficient to hold the various specimens of animal life which were gathered therein. It rained forty days, whilst the waters prevailed for 150 days. In all they were in the ark for 377 days. Thereafter, because of climatic conditions, human longevity fell to the limit of 120 years instead of within the thousand year compass which appertained prior to the deluge. The atmospheric changes had possibly some effect upon the fallen angels, for they have been unable since to materialize in human form in the easy manner they once did. Gen.6;1 Peter 3: 19,20;2 Peter 2:4,5.
Covenant with Noah
Just as soon as the flood was ended, and human feet had once again reached terra firma, God made a covenant with Noah and to his seed after him. It was to the effect that never again would the entire earth be subjected to a deluge of water. He also said that the blessing of the seasons would continue: seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter and day and night. He also spoke of something which was far-reaching and comforting in its design. He declared that mankind would not be swept away to the degree which had taken place at the time of the flood. The implication is that, when the time comes for the Lord to overthrow the kingdom of Satan and to introduce an era of righteousness, not all flesh would be allowed to succumb during that stupendous clash between good and evil.
Think what this means! We are living in days of crisis and portent. Whatever lies in the future, let us remember that a nucleus of men, women and children, will be protected and preserved. God, who has all power, has ample means at His disposal to accomplish this beneficent purpose. It will not be the violent and wicked who will be thus watched over and cared for, but the meek of the earth. Many of these will be given the privilege of passing from one dispensation — and that an evil one — into another which is righteous. The class to which we refer, will not go down into death. Psa. 76:8-12; Zeph.3:8,9; Gen.8&9; Matt.24:22.
The Rainbow.
The covenant with Noah was given to impart measures of hope to those who long for better conditions. Though the promise may appear somewhat obscure, nevertheless there is sufficient for men of faith to find wholesome nutriment for their worthy anticipations. They have only to look at the God-given sign of the rainbow, which is sometimes seen after a storm, to be reminded of its implications. That curved phenomenon of coloured light is caused by the rays of the sun passing through the spherical globules of falling rain-drops. Light thereby is prismatically split up into its primary colours.
To correctly fathom its meaning we must remember the analogy which is summed up by the words: " God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all." Light, therefore, stands for the variable influences which emanate from the great Author of our beings. To know Him, we must examine His virtues one by one as they are revealed through His mind and works. There is a way of doing this which brings the most happifying of results. Hearken to the words of Jesus: "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent." — John 17:3;1 John 1:5.
Hear now the message which was given to Noah: " This is the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you for perpetual generations: I do set My bow in the cloud and will remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature." The rainbow is an appropriate sign for "as every lovely hue is light, so every grace is love." The symbolism is still further enhanced when we remember what may take place when we ascend into a high mountain or soar high up in the heavens in an aeroplane. The bow disappears and in its place is a complete circle of coloured light. Now there is neither beginning nor ending to a circle and it is thus with the Love of the Infinite! It knows neither beginning nor ending because God is Love. Viewed from the earth it is still a bow, and with it comes a note of warning. The word bow is used in connection with that ancient weapon of warfare known as the bow and arrow. It serves to remind us that it is not arbitrary compulsion which stimulates the life-giving impulses to do the right, but rather the loving kindness of God for His creatures. If that fails to win thankful praise and obedience, then nothing else will! Hence the last, the best and the most enduring of weapons is love out of a pure heart.—1 Tim. 1:5; 1 John 4:7-21.
Covenant with Abraham.
A covenant may be conditional or unconditional. That little word if is so often used when terms have to be met. For instance, Adam would have been living happily on this earth to this day if he had not partaken of the forbidden fruit. With regard to the covenant with Abraham, it passed from the conditional stage into the unconditional just as soon as certain injunctions were fulfilled. These were to the effect that he must leave his ancestral home and journey to a place which was yet to be allocated by the Lord. With the conditions fulfilled, the covenant became valid. This means that the gracious terms of the covenant will, in due course, be carried out. Gen.12:1-7; Acts 7:l-4; Heb.11:8.
Here is what God promised to Abraham. The statement is one of the most outstanding ever recorded in the Scriptures: " I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee and in thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed." This promise is simply stated: but how far-reaching! It implies great blessings coming to every man, woman and child who have been born in Adam. Let these words therefore be imprinted upon our souls: "In thee and in thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed."
From the standpoint of the Infinite, the word blessing implies fulness of health of mind and body accompanied by a peace and happiness which shall never end. That this is what is implied becomes more and more apparent as we gather other precious threads of truth which are scattered throughout the Bible.
Here, however, is observed a note of warning: "I will curse him that curseth thee." This is quite opposite to that of blessing. Something we dare not ignore! The Scriptural implication is that extinction awaits those who, seeing the sunlight of God's goodness, deliberately turn their faces from Him in order to seek their own devices. Go where we will amongst the sacred pages and we shall not be able to escape this warning. Even that lovely Psalm 145 has these words: "The Lord preserveth all them that love Him: but all the wicked will He destroy." Therefore, dear reader, from now on let us truly love our dear God and Father:
Love never goes dim when love is sincere:
It beautifies hope and scintillates cheer.
It radiates good with the charm of a friend,
And harbours a trust which never shall end.
But where is the Source of this virtuous flow?
Whence does it spring and just how does it grow?
We need to look up to regions above:
To One who is King, to One who is Love.
He is the fountain of worthy supplies:
He is our God who is gracious and wise!
A Abraham born 2008 years after Adam's creation and 2 years after the death of Noah.
B. The covenant made with him at the age of 75 years.
C. He waits 25 years for the promised seed.At that time he is 100 years of age:a period which represented the fulness of time.
D. His death 75 years thereafter occurs at the ripe age of 175.
Finally: no sooner does a complete cycle of a 1000 years pass by after the birth of Abraham, than his descendants launch into a monarchy beginning with King Saul. This portends that the promised seed would be royal: whilst a 1000 years forms the basic measurement of Bible chronology as mentioned in later sections. The promise, however, came to Abraham when he was 75 years of age. Stress is laid on his seed, nevertheless just 2000 years thereafter and at the end of the "70 weeks," the offer of election is extended to the Gentiles.
Sarah Covenant.
Observe now the differences which exist between the covenant made with Abraham and that which may aptly be termed the Sarah Covenant. The first is comprehensive and all-embracing. The latter is restricted to the bringing forth of the heir. Note the words: " Through faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was passed age, because she judged Him faithful that promised." She represented a covenant who would nurture a foreordained particular Seed which had been promised 'before the foundation of the world." With respect to this matter, a great truth is brought to light. It is to the effect that even as Isaac depended upon Sarah for his nutriment and upbringing, so Spiritual Zion would depend upon that which combines the precious promises relating to this Seed. All therefore, who have this living hope and who are thus feeding upon that which makes for the development of the Seed, are possessed with the first order of anticipations : " For we are saved by hope." Moreover: "he that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself even as He is pure."— 1 John 3:3; Rom. 8:24; Heb. 11:11; 2 Pet. 1:4; Eph. 1:4.
To give some indication of the intimate relationship which God has to the antitypical Sarah, we have only to glance at the 54th chapter of Isaiah. There we discover that even as Sarah was the first loved wife of Abraham, so the Mother Covenant which nurtures the spiritual Seed, is likened to God's wife : " For thy Maker is thine Husband (of whom Abraham was a type) and all thy children (the elect) shall be taught of Jehovah : and great shall be the peace of thy children." The time element also enters into it, for as the parents of Isaac had to wait for a long period for the coming of the heir, so, notwithstanding an age long promise, over 4,000 years after the creation of Adam went by before Jesus arrived upon the scenes. Even then Isaac's great antitype was not yet completed. The God of heaven still awaits the Body members of Christ though nearly 6,000 years have elapsed since the beginning of the human era.
Note how the 54th of Isaiah speaks of drawbacks and hindrances: " For this is as the waters of Noah unto Me, for as I have sworn that the waters shall no more cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee." That strength and beauty will be the outcome of the glorified Sanctuary, is demonstrated thus: "Behold I will lay thee with fair colours and thy foundations with sapphires." Sapphires, being the colour of the eternal heavens, picture the faithfulness of the Omnipotent as well as that reciprocal faithfulness which belongs to His chosen family.
A word from the apostle is of interest. "It has been written that Abraham had two sons: one from the bond-woman and one from the free-woman. Now the one from the bondwoman was naturally produced: but the other was through the promise. Which things are allegorical; for these represent two covenants: one from Mount Sinai, breeding children for servitude, that is Hagar (representing the Law Covenant). But the exalted Jerusalem represents the free-woman who is our mother, for it is written: Rejoice O barren woman who dost not bring forth! Burst forth and shout, thou who art not in labour: for many more are the children of the desolate one, than of her having the husband.' Now you Brethren, like Isaac, are children of the Promise." —Gal. 4:22-28, Diaglott.
Laughter!
Many truths arise as we consider God's dealings with His faithful people. For instance, when Abraham was born, only two years had elapsed since the death of Noah. But just here let me add that Noah must have possessed greater virility than any of Adam's progeny. Remember that though his total age of 950 years did not reach that of Methuselah's which was 969 years, Noah lived no less than 350 years in an era which was not conducive to longevity. Referring now to Abraham, his birth so soon after the death of Noah, serves to remind us that the foreknown Divine purposes have known no cessation since the fall of man.
Calmly sits that mystic Weaver:
Throws His shuttle to and fro;
Mid the noise and wild confusion:
Well the Weaver seems to know
What each motion and commotion.
What each fusion and confusion.
In the grand result will show.
Isaac means laughter. In the mind of Sarah, it savoured of the miraculous to give birth to a child at 90 years of age! When Isaac was born, she laughed, saying: "God hath made me to laugh so that all that hear will laugh with me." This was designed to foreshadow the supreme happiness which will come through the administration of the antitypical Isaac. In the absence of sorrow, sighing, crying and dying, the entire universe shall be filled with holy joy. Gen.21:6; Rev.21:1-7.
Centring such matters, we must not forget the great sacrifice which alone could pave the way to this happy consummation. This was foreshadowed by Isaac ascending the altar in order to be sacrificed by his father Abraham. So purposeful the picture that, when Isaac was released through Divine intervention, it was as though he had risen from the dead.
A wonderful type indeed of One who would eventually be sacrificed, so far as His humanity was concerned, ere He would be raised and equipped to bless all families of the earth.
Then again there is the single seed who would do this great work as represented by Isaac: "for He saith not And to seeds as of many; but as of one: to thy seed which is Christ." One would naturally think that the supreme figure of Jesus would alone fulfil the picture, but, marvel of marvels, the elect are included: "We Brethren, as Isaac was, are Children of the Promise." This involves the mystery of one anointing, one kind of suffering, and one kind of death: a sacrificial death willingly given so that the whole world may be redeemed and blessed! It was this same joy which was set before our Master which enabled Him to endure the cross.—Heb. 12: 1,2; Gal.3:8,16,29;2 Tim.2:10-12.
Like mother, like child.
As a specialist in the optical world, I have so often been struck by the recurrence of sight defects which come upon a child through its mother. Over and over again, when an eye of a child was found defective, the cry from its mother has been: " Why: that particular eye in my case is likewise defective!"
It is thus with the Mother Covenant! Whatever the terms: it will be like mother, like child. It is for this reason why Satan and his hosts have done their best to corrupt the precious promises which are based upon the original covenant. Doctrines, consequently, became so twisted and perverted that the words "In thee and in thy seed shall all families of the earth be blessed "had but little meaning. Instead the thought of torment arose. This blurring of spiritual vision reached its height in the dark ages when those bearing the name of Jesus began to torture rather than to bless those whom Jesus commanded to love. Their errors were such that they deemed that no matter what means were employed in converting others to a particular creed, the end justified the means. Thereby they might save some from "eternal anguish! "The situation thus developed, meant that millions were done to death! Meanwhile the great God beheld their error and wickedness and said: "Their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men."—Isa. 29:13.
Happily we have reached a day of enlightenment! Thousands are privileged to see something of the glory attached to the mother covenant. Great blessings are accruing! Even so, we must still remember this great truth: it is in proportion as we absorb the precious promises, that God's goodness will shine in our hearts. We therefore do well to ask one another: Are you happy and trustful whatever be the trial ?
Is there gentleness with forethought, grace with wisdom, courage with forbearance? Are these things the outcome of feeding upon the pure unadulterated Word of Truth? If these things can be answered in the affirmative, then happy are we, otherwise the sooner a visit is paid to the Good Physician, the better.—Psalm 103.
Covenant of Circumcision.
The covenant with Abraham was so important that God confirmed it with an oath. His word however was sufficient in itself. The oath was added to give double emphasis so that the spiritual Heirs of Salvation would have no shade of doubt that the ennobling far-reaching terms of the covenant would be fulfilled.—Heb. 6 :13-20.
There was something else added, namely the Covenant of Circumcision. It was first imparted to Abraham when 99 years of age and within a year prior to Isaac's birth. It was as though the covenant was designed more particularly for Isaac who met the conditions precisely by being circumcised on the 8th day. The meaning of the rite is not difficult to follow. We are to recognise that there are two parts in the work of perfecting: God's part and that which belongs to the individual. Indeed the exhortation of the Lord may be aptly summed up thus: Sanctify yourselves and I will sanctify you. The main work, however, comes from the Power Supreme! Nothing is possible without Divine aid every moment and every hour of the day! This is the underlying thought of the prophetic message addressed to Israel through Moses : " And the Lord God will bring thee into a land which thy fathers possessed, and He will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed : to love the Lord thy God wilt) all thine heart and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live."—Deut. 30:5,6; Gen.17; Acts 7:8.
It is therefore evident that soul cleansing until heart perfection is reached is the thought behind this ancient rite. Paul, who was brought up a strict Jew, utters these words after his anointing: " He is not a Jew who is one outwardly., neither is that circumcision which is accomplished in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly: the circumcision of the hearty of the spirit, not of the letter, that the praise be not of men but of God." Unless every base and ignoble desire is cut away, life eternal becomes impossible. We are reminded of the words of Jesus concerning Nathaniel as he approached: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."—John 1: 47; Rom. 2: 28, 29.
A word should be given with respect to the eighth day. We are reminded that Jesus was raised on that particular day.In the larger sense it is a day representing the finished work of God: the reestablishment of all that was lost through Adam's fall.
This will be accomplished just as soon as the eighth millennium rises to view.Most appropriate therefore is the eighth day of circumcision: the day when a name was proclaimed for a child How happy the lot of all who by then will have received circumcision of the heart For all time will such be devoted to the Lord.Their dispositions will be found as steel in its flexible strength; and as a little child in its glad approach and reciprocation. Their duly recorded names will not be blotted out of the Book of Life! Praise ye the Lord! Psalm 150; Rev.3:5.
Moreover the eighth day signified triumph over sin and death. Here is the picture: for seven days a leper, who gave evidence of being cured of that foul disease, was placed on probation. If he survived the test, he was given liberty on the eighth day: a day when blood and oil was placed on his person. This portrayed that purification is only possible through the Blood of Christ and the grace of God. The same thought is carried out in connection with the services of Ezekiel's Temple.—Ezek. 43:26,27;1 John 1:7; Lev.14.
The eighth day likewise signified the acceptance of Jesus as the world's Redeemer which took place on that day which was also the commencement of another week. Note the words of a somewhat free translation of Exodus 23:29,30: "You must be prompt to make the offering from your harvested grains and wines. You must give Me your eldest sons: and so with your oxen and sheep: for seven days the firstling may remain with its mother \wedge but on the eighth day you must give it to Me" A similar thought is borne out in the waving of the sheaf: the morning after the sabbath Lev.23:11.
In emphasising the eighth day, we must not confuse this with our Lord's raising on the third day. That was the third day after His crucifixion. He was put to death on the sixth day and on the seventh, His life was extinct except as it was in the memory of His Father. Incidentally this showed that the Divine Sabbath had been violated and the righteous Jesus in oblivion was covering the transgression. He rose quite early in the morning of a new week which corresponds to our Sunday. That was the first day of a new week or the eighth day from the commencement of the former week, according as to how we wish to view the situation.
Some years ago, whilst considering these matters, I came across a remarkable epistle, said to have been written by Barnabas who, we remember, was the companion of St. Paul—Acts 13:44-50. It is worth quoting from even if there was nothing else but that it has been handed down for well nigh 2,000 years. There is an added interest when we find it so well supporting the thoughts we have expressed. Though the language is particularly direct, it nevertheless supports the tenor of the Scriptures. I quote as follows: "Even in the beginning of creation He makes mention of the sabbath, ' And God made in six days the work of His hands and He finished them on the seventh day and He rested the seventh day and sanctified it.'
"Consider, my children, what that signifies: He finished them in six days. The meaning of it is this: in six thousand years the Lord God will bring all things to an end. For with Him one day is a thousand years as Himself testified, saying, ' Behold this day shall be as a thousand years' Therefore, children, in six days, that is in six thousand years, shall all things be accomplished.
"And what is this that He saith: ' And he rested the seventh day.' He meaneth this, that when His Son shall come and abolish the season of the Wicked One and judge the ungodly, and shall change sun, moon, and stars, then He shall gloriously rest in the seventh day. Lastly He saith: ' Your new moons and your sabbaths I cannot bear them.' Consider what He means by it. 'The sabbaths 'saith He, 'which ye now keep are not acceptable unto Me, but those which I have made. When resting from all things I shall begin the eighth day, that is the beginning of another world. For this cause we observe the eighth day with gladness, in which Jesus rose from the dead, and having manifested Himself to His disciples, ascended into heaven."
Why 430 Years?
It is not difficult to see that the covenant with Abraham was terse enough to make room for other amplifying covenants which are related to the original promise as links are in a golden chain. Unless we see the relationship, we shall not be able to grasp all that is implied by that which was first given and urgent enough to be repeated both to Isaac and to Jacob. The Law Covenant was thus related. It was made to Israel 430 years after the promise to Abraham. But let us pause just here for something which is spiritually stimulating to those who long to see the fulfilment of the Divine purposes. That a seed shall arise to bless all families of earth, is like exquisite music to our souls. After this promise, 430 years go by and what do we see but the hosts of Israel, fleeing from Egypt to escape bondage and oppression. We find in it a befitting picture of the liberty coming to all men who will be called out of Spiritual Egypt, which is otherwise known as the Present Evil World headed by Satan, of whom Pharaoh was a type. Ex. 12:41; Gal. 1:4; 3:17; Rev. 11:8.
Nor does the matter end there! Our interest is still further quickened when we discover that the numerical 430 contains a hidden meaning. It is from the book of Revelation we learn that the number of the elect is 144,000. Observe how that round number of 400 years brings this to light. All we have to do is to reduce the period to days, remembering when so doing that the Scriptural measurement of a year is 360 days: given to facilitate the time measurements of the Bible.
The sum is as follows:400 multiplied by 360 produces 144,000 precisely! But what about the thirty? Surely this should be left to itself as belonging specifically to the glorified High Priest of that sacred family! In harmony therewith, we find in the fourth chapter of Numbers thirty years occurring time and again as being the foreordained age of those entering the sacred office of priesthood. Thirty, therefore, stands as a Priestly number! Seeing this, we cease wondering why Jesus had to reach thirty years before He was anointed at Jordan.—Luke 3:23; Rev. 14:3.
These matters are still further emphasised by things closely attached to priesthood, namely sacrifices. Regarding this matter, it is interesting to note that just as soon as Abraham was given the promise, he raised an altar to the Lord. 430 years thereafter to the very day (showing God to be an accurate timekeeper) the Passover Lamb was slain, and it was this which became the basis of Israel's deliverance. Gen.12:7,8; Heb.5:1.
The subject we have just unfolded is still further enhanced by considering the foregoing diagram. The following tabulation will be found interesting and instructive.
A. From the promise to Abraham to the exodus is a period of 430 years.
B. The first thirty of that 430-year period extends from the Promise to the persecution of Isaac by Ishmael. Isaac's age at that time was approximately five years. From thence comes the predicted 400 years of affliction which spiritually appertains to the 144,000 who follow in the Master's footsteps. Gen. 15:13;21:8-10;Gal.4:29.
C. Viewed in this light, the first thirty-year period is distinct from the other in order to show the separateness of Jesus. He is before and above all things: without Him no single member of the 144,000 could exist.
D. There is still another 430 years which occurs in history. That this second period is likewise harmonious is revealed by the fact that Jesus as well as His followers are designated the Temple of the Living God.Like the Temple at Jerusalem,this honoured class whilst in the flesh has come to the forefront time and again,and then wasted and put to shame.Now comes an interesting discovery.From the time when Solomon first began to build the Temple to its final destruction by the army of Nebuchadnezzar is a period of 430 years!
E. With regard to this matter it will be noticed in the chart a final time setting representing forty years. It was the time of God's judgment against Israel as expressed through the prophet Jeremiah, whose ministry lasted for that length of time.
Autobiography of the Bible
I AM the oldest book in the world, having outlived the storms of thirty centuries. I have been hidden, coveted, burnt, banished, and torn to shreds. My adherents have been praised and my witnesses persecuted. No other book has been more dearly cherished and none so sadly misunderstood; but today, whilst so many of my friends and foes slumber in death, I still live on!
AM in tune with the wonders of nature : the stately trees of the forest; the living green of the meadows bespangled by a thousand lovely flowers: the birds which sing for very joy; the broad expanse of the heavens, illumined by the sun, moon and stars which space out a universe too immense for man to fathom: these all proclaim that there is a purpose, equally great and beautiful, reserved for man.
MY message has enriched all who have planted their trust in my testimony. It has inspired them with hope, comforted them in sorrow and strengthened them in faith until with their latest breath they have cried : " I know that my Redeemer liveth ! " None can stay my living flow! It is like crystal streams bursting forth from the mountain side and which pour their refreshing waters to bless the hearts of all who will yet hearken to the majestic Voice of my beloved Author and Preserver.
Desolation.
Restoration.
I miss them in the morning, When the mist is on the hill : When no busy hum is heard And all the land is still. Oh,the dear familiar faces, Oh,the void and empty spaces,and the Longing for the voices that are still.
You'll see them in the morning, When the Sun shines o'er the hill. The ransomed hosts returning For'tis God's unchanging will That those dear familiar faces Will refill the empty spaces, and praise Will grace the voices that were still.
I miss them in the evening, By the fireside's ruddy glow : Its light and warmth seem only The vacant chairs to show. My heart then fills with sorrow For the dawning of the morrow, Without the loving voices that are still.
That bright and happy morning All the prophets have foretold ; A glory so entrancing. Every owe shall then behold
Every eye shall then behold, When bells of joy are pealing, And broken hearts are healing, then love Will cheer the voices that were still.
Now come, behold the foregleams Of that grand and happy day, When weeping, sorrow, dying, Shall forever pass away,
Weep not for desolation, But rejoice in restoration, for the Blossoms that will greet us in the Spring.
When the dreary cold and chill Of the winter draweth nigh : When the sobbing wind is heard, And the pretty flowerets die, Then I miss them most of all. And I seem to hear the call of the Dear and loving voices that are still.
Oh, sweet and joyous Spring-time! What glories over-spread. As health and strength and beauty Adorn the risen dead. Then you'll praise God most of all. When you hear the welcome call of the Dear and loving voices that were still.
Oh, the dear familiar faces! Oh,the void and empty spaces,and the Longing for the voices that are still.
Oh, the dear familiar faces! Now thrice happy are the places with the Music of the voices that were still.
Law Covenant.
The Law Covenant which began with the rite of the Passover was added because of transgression "till the Seed should come." It was given to show in vivid colours the guilt of the human family as well as their vital need of a Saviour. It was rendered necessary because, in spite of a tragic and terrible history, people are ever prone to boast of their ancestry, prestige and personal righteousness. All such matters are in the sight of the Lord as "filthy rags." One sweeping survey of the Divine commands which came through His servant Moses is sufficient to "stop every mouth and prove the whole world guilty before God."—Rom. 3:19; Gal. 3:19; Isa. 64:6.
Though the rules and regulations attached to the Law Covenant were multitudinous because of the growth and magnitude of besetting sins, it still revolved around the law of obedience. It was after the similitude of that which was imparted to Adam in the first instance. It was by reason of his perfections that Adam was given quite a simple test. In spite of the ramifications of the one imparted to Israel, they deemed they could keep it. They cried: "All that the Lord hath spoken, we will do" They knew not that any failure by so much as one jot or tittle would prove them guilty of all. They were therefore condemned: and that doubly so! They were already under the sentence of death through father Adam's transgression, and now they were cursed by the very terms which came within the compass of their own law. We read concerning them: "They like Adam have transgressed the covenant." Their plight would have been serious indeed, were it not for the gracious provisions centred in the Seed of Promise. Even to cover their particular guilt, Jesus underwent a cruel death upon a cross. — Gal. 3; James 2:10; Exo.19:8; Hoshea 6:7 margin.
In spite of all this, the Law Covenant was designed for the utmost good! It was a veritable shadow of good things to come! Moreover the standard of righteousness had been raised in the midst of a perverse generation. It was also a child-trainer to lead the meek and faithful of Israel to Christ.
By reason of its exactitudes, the Law Covenant resembled a straight line:
but theirs was such a crooked walk! 21
Ark of the Covenant
The law was epitomised by the ten commandments which were written miraculously "by the finger of God "on two tables of stone. These were placed within the Ark which became known as the Ark of the Covenant. Thereafter it found its place within the Most Holy of the Tabernacle. —Exo. 34:1-4; Num. 10:33; Deut. 5:1-22.
The Ark was a rectangular box made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. Besides the flat piece of this metal which constituted the lid there were two cherubims overshadowing and bending over it with their faces towards each other. This lid was sprinkled on the day of atonement with the blood of the bullock and then of the goat. The covering, therefore, represented Divine justice which must first be satisfied with regard to Adamic sin, ere the attributes of love and mercy could wing their flight to bless the people through the instrumentality of the Seed of Promise.—Ex. 37 :1-9 ; Lev. 16 : 14; Matt. 26:28.
The apostle tells us that besides the tables of the law, there were placed within the Ark the golden vase of Manna—the same kind which fell during the wilderness journey and which was not allowed to corrupt—and Aaron's Rod which had miraculously blossomed and borne fruit. Both articles throw some light upon the Divine purposes associating the promised Seed. Aaron's Rod proclaims their foreordination: for "no man taketh this honour unto himself, but He that is called of God as was Aaron." The golden vase of Manna denotes their treasured inheritance of the Divine nature which was the blest outcome of imbibing the pure Word of Truth. To crown it all, God Himself is spoken of as dwelling between the cherubims from which proceeded a
supernatural light.
Thus we see how charged with emblem is the recorded message of our God! A message, though so often hidden by symbol, can be understood by those who have received the spiritual illumination from above. — John 16:13; Num.17; Psa. 80; Heb. 5:4; 9:3-5; I Peter 1:23.
With the passing away of the Kings of Israel, the Ark of the Covenant is no more mentioned in the Old Testament. It disappears entirely. It were as though those Kings were eventually to be supplanted by the Royal priesthood of which the Ark was so largely an emblem. There is but one allusion to the Ark in the New Testament, and that only with reference to its antitype. Here are the words as taken from a literal translation of Revelation 11:18,19. Observe how they still point forward to an event which this time will shortly take place: "And the nations were angry and thy wrath is come and the appointed time of the dead to be judged. To give reward to thy servants the prophets and to saints and to those who fear thy name, the little and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth. And the Temple of God was opened in the heaven and there was seen the Ark of the Covenant in His Temple: and there came lightnings, and voices and thunders and an earthquake and great hail."
Is the Ark of the Covenant in existence?
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred of all furnishments. Even a fleeting glance at it has been known to bring fatal results. For this reason whenever it was moved it was carefully covered. Num.4:15;1 Sam.6:19.
Because of its importance we make bold to ask whether it is still in existence today? Has God preserved it, probably amongst other things, so that it may be brought forth as a testimony during the Messianic Age? Whilst on this subject we would add that there are evidences that Noah's Ark is still in a fair state of preservation in the midst of ice and snow upon the mountains of Ararat. If this is indeed the case, then why not that which had a far greater value? Not that it is necessary to salvation, for what is an article made of wood and metal compared to the grand reality which finds its centre in Christ Jesus! Here is something which is extracted from the writings of the Maccabees who lived some 150 years B.C. A somewhat lucid translation from the second chapter of the second book is as follows:
"The prophet Jeremiah being warned of God, commanded that the Tabernacle and the Ark should accompany him till he came to the mountain (Nebo) where Moses went up and saw the inheritance of God. And when Jeremiah came thither, he found a hollow cave and he carried in the Tabernacle and the Ark and the altar of incense and stopped the door. And some of them that followed came to mark the place, but could not find it.
And when Jeremiah perceived this he said: ' The place shall be unknown till God gather together the congregation of His people and receive them with mercy. Then the Lord shall show these things and the majesty of the Lord shall appear.' "
This statement is too remarkable to be left to itself without some amplification. In the first place, no man was better suited to accomplish such a work than Jeremiah, who was used to terminate Israel as a kingdom: an event which synchronized with the overthrow of the Temple with its services. Through the providences of God, Jeremiah was viewed with favour by the invaders who promptly released him from prison. This gave the prophet some liberty of action and it is reasonable to conclude that one of his first thoughts was for the safety of what was available of the sacred furnishments. Events led up to some of the Jews escaping to Egypt. They took Jeremiah with them and it is probable that it was on that occasion that Jeremiah carried with him the articles mentioned by the Maccabees. From this comes the reasonable deduction of Jeremiah's discovery of a suitable hiding place on the very mountain where Moses died. Jer. 43: 5-7.
This event was in the year commencing the 70 years of Desolations. It was 3,522 years after Adam's creation. 594 years thereafter, Jerusalem was again captured and the Temple, as built by Herod, destroyed. It has not been rebuilt since. At that time the Roman Titus, in charge of that assault, took some of the sacred things away with him as trophies. These he illustrated in bas-relief sculpture upon what is known as the Arch of Titus. We give a picture of the scene herewith. Observe that the Ark of the Covenant and the Incense Altar, as mentioned by the Maccabees, are both missing. The illustration presents the Table of Shewbread, two silver trumpets and the Lampstand.
The apostle reminds us that the High Priests of Israel were taken from men so that they might offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. They were called to exercise mercy and compassion upon the ignorant. Traits which must verily belong to the Seed of Promise, if they are to raise and wisely judge the peoples of earth. To these 1 thoughts must be added their own prior y judgment with respect to a worthiness to officiate in so high a calling.—1 Cor.6:1-4; Heb.5:1-3;1 Peter2:9.
The judgment of the Priesthood was illustrated by that which came upon the House of Aaron. He had four sons eligible for office: two of these, Nadab and Abihu, perished in the wilderness because they offered strange fire. In antitype, this appears to relate to some devastating error which may either be the outcome of imbibing wrong doctrine, or deliberately pursuing the path of sin. In either case strange fire becomes an emblem of blemished prayer and devotion. In this way a class was foreshadowed who
are destined to go down in the second death even though they had once received God's favour.—Lev.10:1-3; Heb.6:4-8; 10:24-31
The dangers attending the call of the Priesthood were such that it is a comfort to discover a covenant respecting same. This means that there will indeed arise this highly honoured company: a truth borne out as we observe His dealings with the two remaining sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar. The line of Eleazar was chosen because of faithfulness. As the successor of Aaron his administration appears to have been without blemish. The same may be said of his son Phinehas, who quite early manifested his priestly zeal. The Israelites had committed whoredom with the daughters of Moab. They even began to worship their idols. It was then that Phinehas arose and, armed with a javelin he slaughtered one of the ringleaders of Israel together with the woman of his passion. This act so pleased the Lord that the plague, which had already slain 24,000 people, was stayed. It was at this juncture that the Covenant of Priesthood is brought to the forefront.
Observe the words concerning Phinehas: "Behold I have given him my covenant of peace.
He shall have it and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood."Num. 20:25-29;25.
Nothing is known of the line of Ithamar until some 500 years thereafter his descendant Eli comes into the limelight as-Israel's high priest. Eli, though pious at heart, nevertheless revealed his weakness by permitting his two worthless sons to officiate in the sacred office. This so angered the Lord that there and then He determined to cut off that line completely. This was accomplished in the person of Eli's great-grandson Abiathar who was thrust out by Solomon for ever. At that time Zadok, of the line of Eleazar, was also priest, and to him came the sole right to minister. Zadok means just: a title portraying a spiritual overcoming Priesthood, fully equipped to serve mankind in the Messianic age. With regard to type and shadow, even Aaron pales into insignificance before the great Melchizedek who was king as well as priest. This mysterious personage portrayed One who is to reign with all power and authority, and who will at the same time show mercy to the willing and obedient of the entire human race.—Heb.7;1 Sam.3:11-14;1 Kings2:27;Ezek.44:15.
Nadab and Abihu, who die the same kind of death for the same cause, picture those who are unworthy of life.—Heb. 6:1-8.
The line of Eleazar portrays those who measure up to their priestly calling.
The line of Ithamar, though walking side by side with their more zealous brethren, nevertheless fail in the long run. Thrust out of office, they do not forfeit their lives.—1 Kings 2:26,27; Psa.45: 13-15; 1 Cor. 5: 5.
In this manner a class is pictured who find life on the spirit plane but not the Divine. They fail of this right because they did not measure up to the high standards required for so important an office which must necessarily appertain to the Royal Priesthood.
Covenant with David
Not only did God covenant a priesthood, but kingship besides. True, Melchizedek sufficed in some measure to fill in the picture, but an actual king must needs be raised to portray this more precisely. Note therefore the words: "I have made a covenant with My chosen. I have sworn unto David My servant, thy Seed will I establish for ever and build up thy throne to all generations." That an illustrious antitype was meant is evident from what Jesus said to the Pharisees: "What is your opinion of the Messiah? Whose Son is He? They replied: David's. Then Jesus said: How then does David by inspiration call Him Lord, saying: Jehovah said unto my Lord, sit thou at My right hand, till I put thine enemies under thy feet. If therefore David called Him Lord, how is He his Son?"—Matt. 22:41-45; Psa.89:1-4.
Most prosperous and far-reaching is the work of David's Lord: " Of the increase of His government and peace, there shall be no end: upon the throne of David and his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice even for ever." Concerning David himself, Ruth little knew when she decided to accompany Naomi to a strange land, that she would become the ancestress of so illustrious a king! What would have been her feelings if at the same time she was told that she would also become the progenitor of David's Lord who would cleanse the entire earth from sin.—Ruth 4:9-22; Isa. 9:6,7.
David's career is charged with emblem. We see him as a shepherd, a skilful player upon the harp, and a warrior competent to fight the battles of the Lord. Observe that as a youth, by slaying the giant Goliath, he ended for a time the tyranny of the Philistines. Note, too, his trials as a fugitive, which came about through the envy of others, the chief of whom was his father-in-law, king Saul. He had so many hairbreadth escapes, that he became conscious of Divine power protecting him. He likewise administered wisely and well. Idolatry was impossible with such a nature. Even so, according to the flesh, he was far from perfect. His passions led him to commit a grave sin, and in order to cover this up he became the virtual murderer of the loyal-hearted Uriah the Hittite. When rebuked of the Lord, he sincerely repented in dust and ashes, and henceforth, even though he underwent some crucial consequential sufferings, he never swerved from his godly devotion. It was therefore, not after the flesh, but according to the spirit that he proved to be a man after God's heart. Acts 13:21-23;1 Sam.17.
So it was a man of this texture who portrayed the Seed Royal destined to bring in an age of peace and righteousness. A type of Jesus? Certainly not according to the flesh, seeing that Jesus was "holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners." He did, however, picture that larger Seed of Promise which combines the elect followers of the Lamb.
From the fleshly standpoint these are far from perfect: their perfection lies in their spirit or heart! On this account the Lord equips them with those characteristics which are meet for rulership, and crowns them with glory and beauty. Once this is accomplished, they will be entirely perfect: " Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death has no authority, but they shall be priests of God and of the Anointed, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."—Rev. 20:6.
Covenant of Salt
With regard to David, here is a pertinent query: "Ought ye not to know that the Lord God gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons, by a Covenant of Salt?" To discover the hidden meaning of these words we are to remember the preservative properties of salt. As a covenant it betokens God's power to preserve and protect the promised Seed from corruption. It was so important a symbol, that every offering had to be seasoned with salt. "Neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking. It is a statute for ever before the Lord."—Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5.
As an evidence of Divine preservation, we have only to glance at the history of the Jews during their kingdom rule. On the surface, Satan appears to have thwarted God's purpose with respect to David's line. Most of the kings became corrupt through idol worship and besetting sin. It was so marked with failure that the Lord eventually removed the kingdom entirely, saying: " it shall be no more till He come whose right it is." The thought behind these words is that somehow David's royal seed was being preserved. It was accomplished in this manner. David had many sons, of whom four came through Bathsheba. She bore both Solomon, from whom proceeded the line of kings, as well as Nathan who, if circumstances had permitted, could have been king. Though hidden, nevertheless through that line still ran David's royal blood. The virgin Mary, who was the descendent of Nathan, saw this great truth, hence her words: " He hath put down the mighty (Solomon's line) from their seats and exalted them of low degree (the unrecognised line of Nathan) in remembrance of His mercy as He spake-to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever."—Luke 1:39-55; 3:31; Ezek.21:25-27; 1 Chron. 3:5.
This is illustrated as follows:
David and) Solomon's line ending with Zedekiah
Bathsheba) Nathan s line ending with the virgin Mary who gave birth to Jesus The preserving power of God is likewise extended to the composite Seed which includes Jesus and His 144,000 footstep followers.
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