[SIZE=12pt]Eph. 6:13 - “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the “day of evil” comes, you may be able to stand (withstand, KJV) your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand…” [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]It is my opinion this verse contains a warning regarding the evil day that will be called the Great Tribulation, as described in Rev.12:17, 13:7-10 and Dan.11:33-35. There are three acceptable theories as to the meaning of this verse. I believe theories 1 & 3 to hold the most truth.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1. Compared to heaven, all our days are evil and thus we need the armor for daily living.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2. This is meant only for those times when we are in a spiritual conflict; battling sin, diseases, etc.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3. By using "the" it is talking about a special, future prophetic time.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]This third aspect is the one I’m going to focus on. Looking at it from this perspective there are some biblical truths that need to be pointed out. By utilizing the word "withstand", Paul is shutting out all hope that we will escape this event. We will have no choice but to withstand. The only other choice left to you is whether you will be armed or not armed for that day. Our victory is assured if we are armed, but not if we forsake this opportunity. It is also possible this alludes to the "hour of trial" from Rev. 3:10 - “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth” (more on this later). While we are withstanding (enduring patiently), Jesus promises to "keep" (to guard against, as in keeping an eye on to protect from danger) us "from" (keep away, protect us from danger in the midst of adversity). This does not say He will "take us away from" as most pre-tribulation theorists try to read into this verse. Therefore we have three inescapable truths. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1.) There will be a day of evil. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] God says in Is. 45:7 - “…I make peace and create evil…“ The implication in this verse is that God uses phenomena or events like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes or other types of natural occurrences as a type of judgment or warning to the populace. I am not talking of evil in its moral or intrinsic sense. Evil in this case means afflictions, persecutions and the sufferings we are called to as believers. We are to choose this type of evil, as exampled by Moses, knowing He will see us through, rather than the type of evil from which sin results. Heb.11:25 - “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” God uses the afflictions of evil to create joy in the believer. Rom. 5:3 - “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings…” When we undergo these trials, it helps us to remember the sinfulness of our past, and makes us aware of the dark parts that still reside within us. This "day of evil" will reveal the falseness of the hypocrite. We may find that our corruption is stronger and our grace weaker than we had presumed. Thus the need to be "purified as though with fire". For the sinner, as the plagues of Moses caused Pharaoh’s heart to harden, so in the evil day, it will cause the heart of man to harden. Rev. 9:20-21 - “The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2.) It is unavoidable. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] That some believers consider themselves immune from this day is hardly surprising. As history began with the free choice of Adam to partake of the fruit, so will it end with humanity choosing, "this day whom they will serve". Christ won the war on the cross but Satan battles on to steal as many souls away from God as he can.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3.) It is vital that we prepare for this evil day.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] It is our duty as servants of Christ to prepare to our utmost for this final battle. Failure to prepare will border on treason against our most faithful God and will lead many to “fall away” to become part of the great apostasy that will occur within the church. The servant in Matt. 24:45-50, had to be found doing his "good works" in order to get his reward. Now I am not saying that salvation is dependent on works, but works are part of our responsibility to God for so great a salvation. While we are over the beasts concerning the possession of a rational soul, they excel in one way or another over our individual senses. As we exercise our sixth spiritual sense, we must also exercise our five physical senses per these scriptures:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Matt 13:13 - “This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (NIV)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Matt. 13:16 - “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Phil. 4:18 - “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. Our gifts and sacrifices are a sweet smelling fragrance to God.” [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Ps. 34:8 - “Taste and see that the LORD is good…”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]In Matt. 9:21, the woman knew that if she could just touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Men and women of the world may seem to excel in this life more than believers do, but it is only temporary. They will be resurrected to judgment, while we will be resurrected to eternal life because we exercised our spiritual sense while they neglected theirs. Preparation for the evil day must be placed high on our list of priorities so that its arrival won’t catch us sleeping. 1 Thess. 5:6 - “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” We do not know what types of evil shall befall us personally so it is best to be prepared for all things. What good is it to have on hand much wood to be burned to keep us warm if we have no matches with which to light the fire. Things that are done in a hurry are seldom done well. In this way, it is better to have our armor ready and well-polished, then to try and repair it when the battle comes. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]There are five ways a believer can fail to prepare for the "day of evil":[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1. They realize they are so unprepared that they won’t even let the thought of facing it cross their minds through fear of it. For some, it is so unthinkable that they might be here to face it, they immediately quash any thoughts they may have about it. However, the banishing of this period from their thoughts will be a short relief for they can neither hinder its arrival nor take away its sting when it arrives. They act like babies who cover their eyes and believe that because they can see no one, no one can see them.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2. They believe that the "day" is so far off, it has no concern for them. They see the "day" as they would a cannon. They know if they are right in front of it, it will blow them to bits but if they stand a lot farther away; they feel they are free from danger even though they remain within its range of fire. The further away we see this day of evil the less of an impression it makes on us. It’s like a sinner who believes he has many years to go before his death and waits to repent. When death comes earlier than expected, they are unprepared to face God’s judgment.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3. They think often of the evil day but they continue on, trusting in luck to see them through. Despite all the warnings, they continue in their sin desperately, as if trying to get as much in as possible. They, instead of arming themselves against the evil day, they arm the evil day against themselves.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]4. They are aware of the evil day but "rest" in their unarmed condition, expecting the Lord to fight the battle for them. They ignore Eph. 6:12 - “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]5. They ready their defenses and put on the armor but fail to arm themselves with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". While they have prepared adequate defenses against the fiery arrows of the devil, the attack is endless because they possess no weapon to drive the devil away. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Here are some ways we can successfully prepare for the "day of evil".[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1. Make sure you’re in a right relationship with God. Build a solid foundation of faith and overcome the sin in your life so you can await the day of evil with confidence.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2. Unify yourself to Christ. We do this by accepting His gift of salvation and the grace that accompanies it. Look upon His promises and His word. Are they something your heart can accept gladly? Do you love Him as just a friend, sibling or with an eternal love that surpasses all understanding. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3. Be ready to give up the comfort and ease of your present life style. We must be willing to accept whatever God desires for us, even if it means uprooting ourselves from our homes and communities to become missionaries for Him. As Paul exampled, we have to "die daily", to the pleasures of this world, that we may be better prepared for the next.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]4. We must obey the admonition of Rom. 12:1-2. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The more our life has been tainted by hypocrisy or unfaithfulness, the weaker we will be when the day of evil arrives. Familiarize yourself with the facts of the evil day so that its arrival won’t catch you unaware. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Now let’s take a closer look at Rev. 3:10: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”(KJV). [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Sincere Christians who hold to the pre-tribulation rapture theory often cite this verse, among others, as "proof" that their eschatology is correct. They focus on the second part, ..."I will also keep you from the hour of trial...", meaning they expect to be raptured, but ignore the first part of this verse, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently...". This verse has a cause and effect relationship. Since you have done this, I will do that. How does one endure patiently and what does it involve? Here are a couple of other references that will give us a clue to what Jesus is telling us. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Col. 1:11 - "...so that you may have great endurance and patience...", James 1: 3 - "... the trying of your faith worketh patience" and James 5:10 - "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering..." The word patience in these verses conveys the idea of "endurance in the midst of adversity." This idea can also be found in the prophetic scriptures of Luke 21:16-19, 2 Thess.1:4, Rev. 13:10 and Rev. 14:12. One should not assume that because some Christians in parts of the world are being martyred and others are going through various trials of sickness, loss of loved ones, minor persecutions, etc., that these qualify what this verse is talking about. They don't! We have had these problems since the day of Christ's Ascension and will continue to have them. This verse is talking about events that will affect all Christians around the world, as the "hour of trial" will affect the whole world. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The word temptation as used in Rev. 3:10, means a time of testing separate from the Day of the Lord's Wrath. His wrath is for those who fail the test! The test is the Great Tribulation, that time within Daniel's 70th week that consists of Satan's wrath against and persecution of the church. Those who "keep the word of His patience" are those still living believers who will overcome the difficulties of that great tribulation. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]We have been given the Armor of God with which to fight Satan. The implication of this verse leads us to the conclusion that it is talking about more than the trials of day to day living. Let's read again, Eph. 6:13 - "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..." Does this sound like Paul is teaching that Christians will be rescued prior to the day of evil? It doesn't to me! [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]It is my opinion this verse contains a warning regarding the evil day that will be called the Great Tribulation, as described in Rev.12:17, 13:7-10 and Dan.11:33-35. There are three acceptable theories as to the meaning of this verse. I believe theories 1 & 3 to hold the most truth.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1. Compared to heaven, all our days are evil and thus we need the armor for daily living.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2. This is meant only for those times when we are in a spiritual conflict; battling sin, diseases, etc.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3. By using "the" it is talking about a special, future prophetic time.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]This third aspect is the one I’m going to focus on. Looking at it from this perspective there are some biblical truths that need to be pointed out. By utilizing the word "withstand", Paul is shutting out all hope that we will escape this event. We will have no choice but to withstand. The only other choice left to you is whether you will be armed or not armed for that day. Our victory is assured if we are armed, but not if we forsake this opportunity. It is also possible this alludes to the "hour of trial" from Rev. 3:10 - “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth” (more on this later). While we are withstanding (enduring patiently), Jesus promises to "keep" (to guard against, as in keeping an eye on to protect from danger) us "from" (keep away, protect us from danger in the midst of adversity). This does not say He will "take us away from" as most pre-tribulation theorists try to read into this verse. Therefore we have three inescapable truths. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1.) There will be a day of evil. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] God says in Is. 45:7 - “…I make peace and create evil…“ The implication in this verse is that God uses phenomena or events like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes or other types of natural occurrences as a type of judgment or warning to the populace. I am not talking of evil in its moral or intrinsic sense. Evil in this case means afflictions, persecutions and the sufferings we are called to as believers. We are to choose this type of evil, as exampled by Moses, knowing He will see us through, rather than the type of evil from which sin results. Heb.11:25 - “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” God uses the afflictions of evil to create joy in the believer. Rom. 5:3 - “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings…” When we undergo these trials, it helps us to remember the sinfulness of our past, and makes us aware of the dark parts that still reside within us. This "day of evil" will reveal the falseness of the hypocrite. We may find that our corruption is stronger and our grace weaker than we had presumed. Thus the need to be "purified as though with fire". For the sinner, as the plagues of Moses caused Pharaoh’s heart to harden, so in the evil day, it will cause the heart of man to harden. Rev. 9:20-21 - “The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2.) It is unavoidable. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] That some believers consider themselves immune from this day is hardly surprising. As history began with the free choice of Adam to partake of the fruit, so will it end with humanity choosing, "this day whom they will serve". Christ won the war on the cross but Satan battles on to steal as many souls away from God as he can.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3.) It is vital that we prepare for this evil day.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] It is our duty as servants of Christ to prepare to our utmost for this final battle. Failure to prepare will border on treason against our most faithful God and will lead many to “fall away” to become part of the great apostasy that will occur within the church. The servant in Matt. 24:45-50, had to be found doing his "good works" in order to get his reward. Now I am not saying that salvation is dependent on works, but works are part of our responsibility to God for so great a salvation. While we are over the beasts concerning the possession of a rational soul, they excel in one way or another over our individual senses. As we exercise our sixth spiritual sense, we must also exercise our five physical senses per these scriptures:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Matt 13:13 - “This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (NIV)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Matt. 13:16 - “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Phil. 4:18 - “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. Our gifts and sacrifices are a sweet smelling fragrance to God.” [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Ps. 34:8 - “Taste and see that the LORD is good…”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]In Matt. 9:21, the woman knew that if she could just touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Men and women of the world may seem to excel in this life more than believers do, but it is only temporary. They will be resurrected to judgment, while we will be resurrected to eternal life because we exercised our spiritual sense while they neglected theirs. Preparation for the evil day must be placed high on our list of priorities so that its arrival won’t catch us sleeping. 1 Thess. 5:6 - “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” We do not know what types of evil shall befall us personally so it is best to be prepared for all things. What good is it to have on hand much wood to be burned to keep us warm if we have no matches with which to light the fire. Things that are done in a hurry are seldom done well. In this way, it is better to have our armor ready and well-polished, then to try and repair it when the battle comes. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]There are five ways a believer can fail to prepare for the "day of evil":[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1. They realize they are so unprepared that they won’t even let the thought of facing it cross their minds through fear of it. For some, it is so unthinkable that they might be here to face it, they immediately quash any thoughts they may have about it. However, the banishing of this period from their thoughts will be a short relief for they can neither hinder its arrival nor take away its sting when it arrives. They act like babies who cover their eyes and believe that because they can see no one, no one can see them.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2. They believe that the "day" is so far off, it has no concern for them. They see the "day" as they would a cannon. They know if they are right in front of it, it will blow them to bits but if they stand a lot farther away; they feel they are free from danger even though they remain within its range of fire. The further away we see this day of evil the less of an impression it makes on us. It’s like a sinner who believes he has many years to go before his death and waits to repent. When death comes earlier than expected, they are unprepared to face God’s judgment.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3. They think often of the evil day but they continue on, trusting in luck to see them through. Despite all the warnings, they continue in their sin desperately, as if trying to get as much in as possible. They, instead of arming themselves against the evil day, they arm the evil day against themselves.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]4. They are aware of the evil day but "rest" in their unarmed condition, expecting the Lord to fight the battle for them. They ignore Eph. 6:12 - “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]5. They ready their defenses and put on the armor but fail to arm themselves with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God". While they have prepared adequate defenses against the fiery arrows of the devil, the attack is endless because they possess no weapon to drive the devil away. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Here are some ways we can successfully prepare for the "day of evil".[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]1. Make sure you’re in a right relationship with God. Build a solid foundation of faith and overcome the sin in your life so you can await the day of evil with confidence.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]2. Unify yourself to Christ. We do this by accepting His gift of salvation and the grace that accompanies it. Look upon His promises and His word. Are they something your heart can accept gladly? Do you love Him as just a friend, sibling or with an eternal love that surpasses all understanding. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]3. Be ready to give up the comfort and ease of your present life style. We must be willing to accept whatever God desires for us, even if it means uprooting ourselves from our homes and communities to become missionaries for Him. As Paul exampled, we have to "die daily", to the pleasures of this world, that we may be better prepared for the next.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]4. We must obey the admonition of Rom. 12:1-2. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The more our life has been tainted by hypocrisy or unfaithfulness, the weaker we will be when the day of evil arrives. Familiarize yourself with the facts of the evil day so that its arrival won’t catch you unaware. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Now let’s take a closer look at Rev. 3:10: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”(KJV). [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Sincere Christians who hold to the pre-tribulation rapture theory often cite this verse, among others, as "proof" that their eschatology is correct. They focus on the second part, ..."I will also keep you from the hour of trial...", meaning they expect to be raptured, but ignore the first part of this verse, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently...". This verse has a cause and effect relationship. Since you have done this, I will do that. How does one endure patiently and what does it involve? Here are a couple of other references that will give us a clue to what Jesus is telling us. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Col. 1:11 - "...so that you may have great endurance and patience...", James 1: 3 - "... the trying of your faith worketh patience" and James 5:10 - "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering..." The word patience in these verses conveys the idea of "endurance in the midst of adversity." This idea can also be found in the prophetic scriptures of Luke 21:16-19, 2 Thess.1:4, Rev. 13:10 and Rev. 14:12. One should not assume that because some Christians in parts of the world are being martyred and others are going through various trials of sickness, loss of loved ones, minor persecutions, etc., that these qualify what this verse is talking about. They don't! We have had these problems since the day of Christ's Ascension and will continue to have them. This verse is talking about events that will affect all Christians around the world, as the "hour of trial" will affect the whole world. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]The word temptation as used in Rev. 3:10, means a time of testing separate from the Day of the Lord's Wrath. His wrath is for those who fail the test! The test is the Great Tribulation, that time within Daniel's 70th week that consists of Satan's wrath against and persecution of the church. Those who "keep the word of His patience" are those still living believers who will overcome the difficulties of that great tribulation. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]We have been given the Armor of God with which to fight Satan. The implication of this verse leads us to the conclusion that it is talking about more than the trials of day to day living. Let's read again, Eph. 6:13 - "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..." Does this sound like Paul is teaching that Christians will be rescued prior to the day of evil? It doesn't to me! [/SIZE]
