Category: prophecy

The Last State is Worse Than the First #6

Sunday, October 8, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

After the Lord Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified, He resurrected and ascended back to Heaven as a royal exile. In the meantime, King David’s throne is vacant, meaning someone can pretend to be David’s heir and thus deceive Israel into believing he is worthy of the throne. This man is the Antichrist, of whom the Lord Jesus warned Israel: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” (John 5:43).

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Antichrist is “that man of sin, the son of perdition [damnation].” All that sin entails—every thought and action that Satan’s evil world system promotes—will be personified in one single human. Romans 1:25 describes Satan’s original plan as “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator.” The Antichrist, a mere man, will be worshipped as if he were God Himself (see Daniel 11:36-38; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-8)! He is also called “the beast,” as in a bestial or animalistic and brutal person, and “the dragon” (Satan) empowers him (see Revelation 13:1-10). Israel has had some truly evil rulers throughout history, but this diabolical man will outdo them all!

Furthermore, roughly midway through his seven-year reign, the Antichrist will be assassinated (see Zechariah 11:15-17; Revelation 13:3,14). An evil spirit from the bottomless pit will reanimate his corpse (Revelation 17:8,11), a sham “resurrection” authenticating the Antichrist as “Messiah” (counterfeiting Jesus being raised from the dead)! This is the individual who will govern, betray, and torment Israel. His idolatrous religion will enable Satan to possess Israel to the fullest degree (recall the “seven” spirits of today’s Scripture).

In other words, when the Lord Jesus returns, Satan’s man is occupying David’s throne….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #5

Saturday, October 7, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

In today’s Scripture (cf. Matthew 12:43-45), an unclean spirit leaves a man. The man, now purified from his satanic corruption, is likened unto a house “swept and garnished” (free of filth, now put in proper order and decorated). Yet, he is repossessed as more devils enter him. The key to identifying this man is found by looking in Matthew 12:45: “…Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” Jesus Christ was describing His own audience, the very people listening to Him, the same nation Israel who was unwilling to allow Him to cleanse them of their devil possession!

“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children” (Isaiah 49:24,25). “For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he” (Jeremiah 31:11).

Israel is a hostage or prisoner of Satan (the “stronger” man), but the LORD (Jesus Christ) will save him. Notice the link to the “strong man” of Matthew 12:29 and Luke 11:21,22. Here is Satan, with the Lord Jesus entering Satan’s house (Israel and her land) and taking Satan captive. Every time Christ cast out an evil spirit during His earthly ministry, He was lessening Satan’s grip on Israel and bringing Israel closer to national restoration and kingdom glorification. Yet, unbelieving Israel kept opposing Christ, so Israel was opening herself up to a more dreadful fate (additional devils!)….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #4

Friday, October 6, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Read Matthew 8:28-32, Mark 5:1-13, and Luke 8:26-33. Whereas Matthew focuses on two men possessed with devils (symbolizing the divided kingdom—the Kingdom of Israel of the north, and the Kingdom of Judah of the south), Mark and Luke emphasize the leading man (for Israel was originally one kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon). This is Israel’s wretched spiritual condition, but the Lord Jesus can cast out Satan and thus cleanse the nation of its spiritual pollution. Still, when the Lord Jesus performed an exorcism, the overwhelming response was negative (recall Matthew 12:24 and Luke 11:15,16). For another illustration of Israel’s unbelief during Christ’s earthly ministry, we simply look at their reply when He cast out the devils in Matthew chapter 8, Mark chapter 5, and Luke chapter 8!

“And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts [Please go away, Jesus!]” (Matthew 8:33,34). “And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts” (Mark 5:16,17). “They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again [Christ gave them their wish!!!!]” (Luke 8:36,37).

With Messiah absent, Israel’s spiritual state is worse than ever….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #3

Thursday, October 5, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Satan certainly did not know everything, but he could study the Old Testament and listen to Father God’s messengers (angels, John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, the 12 Apostles) to gather that Christ’s earthly ministry was connected to the founding of God’s earthly kingdom. For example, Luke 1:31-33: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

If God has a holy people working His will in the Earth (Israel), Satan’s plans thus cannot come to pass! What better strategy could Satan employ to prevent God’s earthly kingdom from arising, than render the Jewish people unclean by sending his evil spirits to possess them? Thus, in Matthew through John, there is a sharp increase in devil possession. Satan is opposing the institution of God’s earthly kingdom, Israel’s political revival, the reinstatement of David’s throne.

One major feature of Christ’s earthly ministry is exorcisms. His purpose in working this miracle is revealed in two verses. “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you” (Matthew 12:28). “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you” (Luke 11:20—the context of today’s Scripture). When Messiah came, He would indeed “cause… the unclean spirit to pass out of the land [of Israel]” (Zechariah 13:2). Yet, Israel was not ready for Messiah….

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The Last State is Worse Than the First #2

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Observe the context of today’s Scripture: “[14] And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] was casting out a devil, and it was dumb [unable to speak]. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. [15] But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub [Satan!] the chief of the devils.” Be sure to note how they complain about or criticize the Lord Jesus for doing this good work, falsely attributing it to Satan and making it seem evil!

“[16] And others, tempting [testing, challenging] him, sought of him a sign from heaven. [17] But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. [18] If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. [19] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. [20] But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. [21] When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: [22] But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. [23] He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” You may also read the analogous passage, Matthew 12:22-30.

The man’s last state is worse than his first because of his ungratefulness to Christ’s earthly ministry….

The Last State is Worse Than the First #1

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

Who is this man? Why is his last state worse than his first?

Let us start our investigation by reading the parallel passage, Matthew 12:43-45, which supplies us with additional details: “[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. [44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. [45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”

These are definitely some unusual verses, are they not? Essentially, the Lord Jesus Christ described an individual out of whom an “unclean spirit” (devil, evil spirit) was cast. The evil spirit—taking along seven other (and more malevolent) devils—returns to re-possess the man. In other words, the man’s condition went from bad (an evil spirit rendering him unclean) to better (no evil spirit, so he is thus clean or purified) to worse (eight evil spirits, making him more contaminated than ever)! No doubt, “the last state of that man is worse than the first.” What is the purpose of these Scripture verses?

Whether in the context of today’s Scripture or the context of Matthew chapter 12, therein lies the clue to uncovering the meaning of this obscure passage. It requires some Bible study and verse comparisons, locating cross-references and piecing them together to form one cohesive narrative. Let us proceed to examining how both history and prophecy are wrapped up in today’s Scripture….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #5

Saturday, September 9, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Re-read The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), the context of today’s Scripture. If you then back up to verse 15, the Lord prefaced this illustration with some severe advice: “Take heed [Beware! Watch out!], and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Covetousness is the longing or desire to have more and more and more belongings, an all-consuming passion or obsession in getting everything you possibly can—every coin, every new gadget, every piece of real estate, and so on. The aforementioned rich fool was of that same persuasion. He had bountiful harvests, so he, seemingly, had financial strength for “many years.” In fact, notice all those references to self, self, self in Luke 12:17-19: “himself… I… I… my… I… I… my… I… my… my… I… my… thou… thine….” He talked with himself, made plans for himself, and cared only about himself. Verse 21 summarizes: “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Owing earthly wealth was not this fool’s sin; his wrongdoing was replacing the one true God with an idol (the false god known as “mammon!”). He was covetous, wanting more and more worldly possessions. Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5 teach covetousness is idolatry (which again loops back to Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13). He was not seeking God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31), an answer to his sin problem. Instead of the afterlife (everlasting, unending existence), he concentrated solely on this life (brief, temporary existence). He thus lived a rich man, but died a poor man.

Even now, in our grossly materialistic society, that attitude abounds. In fact, it will worsen all the way up to the end-times, when the Antichrist brings it to its pinnacle. Millions of Jews will be supporting him so as to retain their earthly treasures, thereby losing their identities when they depart this life….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #4

Friday, September 8, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

The Lord Jesus posed these solemn questions in Matthew 16:26 (cf. Mark 8:36,37): “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Examining the context (Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 8:34-38), we ascertain this applies to Israel’s situation leading up to His Second Coming.

Read Matthew 10:32,33; Revelation 12:11; and Revelation 13:1-18. With the Antichrist ascending to power, individual Jews will have one of two choices. Firstly, they can confess Jesus Christ, upon which time they forfeit their material possessions and are executed. Secondly, they can deny Jesus Christ, after which the Antichrist allows them to retain their physical belongings and they avoid the death penalty. Ultimately, when Christ returns, He resurrects the slain saints to enter His kingdom (Revelation 20:1-5) but He kills the living sinners to be taken to Hell (Revelation 14:9-12)!

Christ’s questions in Matthew 16:26 and Mark 8:36,37 are rhetorical. He knew the answers, and we do too—provided we have the renewed mind. To “gain the whole world” means to be in full fellowship with Satan’s evil world system (see Galatians 1:4)—all its diabolical desires, thoughts, values, preferences, and goals (see 1 John 2:15-17). If it were possible for a man to acquire all secular knowledge, all earthly riches, everything this life has to offer, it would really amount to nothing because he lost his soul. Not only would his earthly life be taken, his soul would be eternally damned! Here was the precarious fate about which Christ warned during His earthly ministry.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:…” (Matthew 6:19,20). This part of the Sermon on the Mount was Jesus’ way of preparing Israel to escape the Antichrist’s deception….

God’s Profaned Name #10

Thursday, August 17, 2023

“And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (Ezekiel 36:23 KJV).

How was God’s great name “profaned among the heathen?” In what way will He “sanctify” it?

Today’s Scripture is definitely part of the prophetic program. It involves God’s purpose and plan for Israel and the Earth. The Holy Spirit comments on how the nation Israel in time past abandoned the identity that their Creator gave them. They were not reflections of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Despite their infidelity, He, in the ages to come, will be faithful in bringing to pass His original promise to them. They are to be His vessels to reach the Gentiles when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to reign.

What about us, the Church the Body of Christ? Can we profane God’s name? Yes, we can. If we are not careful to walk in our identity in Christ, as described in Romans to Philemon, we can misrepresent Him as Israel did long ago. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

If what we say and do is incompatible with all that the Lord Jesus would say and do (His “name”), then non-Christians will see and hear conflicting information. Our misconduct will become the scoffer’s principle: “I am not a Christian and never want to be a Christian because ‘Christians’ lead a worse life than I do as a non-Christian.” It will be similar to ancient Israel’s detractors: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written” (Romans 2:24). “If that nonsense is what it means to be a worshipper of JEHOVAH God, we will keep our idols and die as heathen!”

As we (the Body of Christ) seek to avoid Israel’s disasters, we bear in mind passages such as Philippians 1:9-11 and Philippians 2:13-16. “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

God’s Profaned Name #9

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

“And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (Ezekiel 36:23 KJV).

How was God’s great name “profaned among the heathen?” In what way will He “sanctify” it?

Defining His Kingdom Constitution—the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7)—Christ addressed His Jewish believing remnant (the Little Flock) with this exhortation: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

He was drawing from Isaiah 60:1-3, a prophecy about His Second Coming and subsequent Kingdom: “Arise, shine; for thy [Israel’s] light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” Take notice also of Isaiah 59:20,21 (cf. Romans 11:26,27).

The LORD’S original purpose and plan for the nation Israel finally comes to pass, as the New Covenant erases their sin debt accumulated under the Old Covenant (see Jeremiah 31:31-34; Acts 3:19-21; Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 9:11-17; Hebrews 10:1-22). Here is the goal of the prophetic program. Israel is now qualified to be blessed as per the Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:1-3, and able to be a channel of salvation and blessing to all the world. The “heathen” (nations, Gentiles) of today’s Scripture will look at redeemed Israel and see light (ages to come) instead of darkness (time past). Filled with God’s Spirit and life, Israel will impart His knowledge to the Gentiles, resulting in worldwide revival (see Zechariah 8:20-23)!

Now, as touching the mystery program and us the Church the Body of Christ, let us consider if we can “profane” God’s name….