The Everlasting Covenant
The Covenant of God to redeem mankind, as presented throughout history.
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5.5 The Close of Probation
by Hubert F. Sturges, www.everlastingcovenant.com , February 2009
by Hubert F. Sturges, www.everlastingcovenant.com , February 2009
Topics:
A One Day Probation in Eden
The Earth Judged and Destroyed by a Flood
How About the Canaanites Destroyed by Israel?
Israel Judged
The End of this World
The Earth Judged and Destroyed by a Flood
How About the Canaanites Destroyed by Israel?
Israel Judged
The End of this World
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A One Day Probation in Eden
A One Day Probation in Eden
God gave the first warning of judgment in the Garden of Eden:
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17).
Reading of this verse indicates that “in the day” they ate of the forbidden tree they would die. The Hebrew word used here is yom the common word for day, and the word used for 24 hour days. It is also used in a symbolic sense for an event that might take more time, as in “a day of judgment.” Some have even used the term “dying, thou shalt die” indicating the beginning of a process. Whatever the meaning, it indicated that when they should sin, they would also lose their relation with God, and would die. Implying here that their death would be permanent.
There has been much discussion as to the meaning of “day.” It is significant that in the story, God came to them that same day, before the sun had set, and gave them the covenant in Genesis 3:15.
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17).
Reading of this verse indicates that “in the day” they ate of the forbidden tree they would die. The Hebrew word used here is yom the common word for day, and the word used for 24 hour days. It is also used in a symbolic sense for an event that might take more time, as in “a day of judgment.” Some have even used the term “dying, thou shalt die” indicating the beginning of a process. Whatever the meaning, it indicated that when they should sin, they would also lose their relation with God, and would die. Implying here that their death would be permanent.
There has been much discussion as to the meaning of “day.” It is significant that in the story, God came to them that same day, before the sun had set, and gave them the covenant in Genesis 3:15.
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15).
In this verse it is shown that Satan would not have free reign with sinful man. Men would be given a conscience, an inborn enmity against evil. And how would this be done? There would come a Sin Bearer who would deliver them from sin, though with suffering to Himself. The language of this verse and the verses to follow indicate that they would not die that day, but would continue to live. They would have a probation in which to learn more about God and to make an intelligent choice to serve Him.
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The Earth Judged and Destroyed by a Flood
It was about 1500 years later that:
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The Earth Judged and Destroyed by a Flood
It was about 1500 years later that:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).
There is a point at which God will step in and intervene when wickedness reaches a certain point. And that point had been reached here. But God is patient, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years” (Genesis 6:3).
God called Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and during the 120 years that he needed to built the ark, Noah preached. To build an ark of that size would be a spectacular achievement. The ark would be a tourist attraction. Everyone would know about it and the message that Noah preached. Noah had to hire helpers and they got the message too. But in the end, only Noah and his family chose to enter the ark and be saved.
The people of that time were given 120 years to hear and know about the message of God. When Noah and his family finally entered the ark, God Himself shut the door (Genesis 7:16) and no one could enter and no one could go out. Their probation was closed but they did not know it until seven days later, when the waters burst forth and flooded the earth.
The people of that time had passed the bounds of wickedness. Even then God sent to them warnings AND a way to be saved. They were lost only because they persistently refused to listen and respond to the message from God. Refusing these, they were lost in the flood.
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How About the Canaanites Destroyed by Israel?
Was God being murderous and vindictive to destroy the Canaanites? Here is a Bible passage that might explain some things:
God called Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and during the 120 years that he needed to built the ark, Noah preached. To build an ark of that size would be a spectacular achievement. The ark would be a tourist attraction. Everyone would know about it and the message that Noah preached. Noah had to hire helpers and they got the message too. But in the end, only Noah and his family chose to enter the ark and be saved.
The people of that time were given 120 years to hear and know about the message of God. When Noah and his family finally entered the ark, God Himself shut the door (Genesis 7:16) and no one could enter and no one could go out. Their probation was closed but they did not know it until seven days later, when the waters burst forth and flooded the earth.
The people of that time had passed the bounds of wickedness. Even then God sent to them warnings AND a way to be saved. They were lost only because they persistently refused to listen and respond to the message from God. Refusing these, they were lost in the flood.
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How About the Canaanites Destroyed by Israel?
Was God being murderous and vindictive to destroy the Canaanites? Here is a Bible passage that might explain some things:
13 "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 "And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 "And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. (Genesis 15:13-16).
14 "And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 "And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. (Genesis 15:13-16).
This passage indicates that when the "cup is full" their probation had passed and God will judge.
Abraham had lived among the Amorites for 100 years. Aner, Eschol, and Mamre were his friends. The Amorites still retained a knowledge of God, and God continued to be merciful and allowed them time to repent. After 400 years when the armies of Joshua invaded the land, they had still not repented. They knew how God had delivered Israel from Egypt (Genesis 2:9-11). They could have joined Israel as did Rahab and her family, and as did the Gibeonites. Instead, they continued in rebellion and tried to exterminate Israel.
Also by then, the Canaanites had become more depraved and fallen deeper into idolatry. By adding to their sin a refusal to recognize the living God, their probation had closed. They were ready for the judgment of God. Instructed by God, Joshua met army after army and city after city in battle, leaving in each case, no survivors. Was this genocide? No! For two reasons: Even with uninterrupted victories under Joshua, Israel did not completely clear the land of inhabitants. Also, Israel was a theocracy under the direct rule of God who makes no mistake. It is the prerogative of God and God only to bring judgment upon an unrepentant people.
Why would the women and children be included in this judgment? This is difficult for us to understand in our culture today. However, women and children are very influential in preserving a culture. Their idolatrous practices would have been a continual temptation if they were to continue side by side with the Israelites. It was necessary to eliminate them too.
Why not just live and let live? How about freedom of religion? Separation of church and state? Israel was a state different from any other state in the history of the world. God Himself directed in the affairs of state. God had a special purpose for Israel shown in the Sinai covenant. They were to be "an holy nation" (Exodus 19:5,6). This would be impossible with a persistent idolatrous remnant. The reading of Isaiah indicates that it was the purpose of God to bring a reign of peace upon the earth, even before the final resurrection and deliverance of His people. They could not do that if idolatry were permitted in their land.
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Israel Judged
After repeated apostasies and repeated falls into idolatry, Israel reached a place where “there was no remedy” (2 Chronicles 36:16) and they were taken into captivity. After the seventy years in captivity they had finally learned to avoid idolatry. A number of wonderful promises were given to them at the restoration to their land. Most important was the mandate for them to bring in righteousness and prepare for the coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27).
They were given 490 years (70 weeks) to accomplish this. As with many such projects, it started out well, but in time they developed new problems. Again they focused on the “law of Moses” which included the ten commandments, the ceremonial law and the civil law. They added to this hundreds of minute regulations to ensure keeping of this law. They looked to a meticulous keeping of these laws and to their descent from Abraham as their means of salvation. Only a few had love for either God or man.
To make things worse, they developed a rigid concept of the coming Messiah as one who would expel their enemies and would restore the ancient glory of Israel. When Jesus came as their Messiah, at the time appointed (Daniel 9:24-27) He was rejected from the time of His birth, and finally crucified as a criminal on Calvary. This was an official action by the Sanhedrin, the governing body of the nation.
For another three and a half years the church spoke to the Jewish nation. Thousands joined the church. But the nation as a whole, and the leadership in particular rejected their Messiah again. This finally culminated in the stoning of Stephen. This marked the end of their 490 year probation. In rejecting Christ they forfeited the rights and responsibilities of the covenant. The church would now be the chosen covenant people of God. (See article #27).
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The End of this World
There is one final close of probation. We have these two verses indication when it will occur and its meaning.
Abraham had lived among the Amorites for 100 years. Aner, Eschol, and Mamre were his friends. The Amorites still retained a knowledge of God, and God continued to be merciful and allowed them time to repent. After 400 years when the armies of Joshua invaded the land, they had still not repented. They knew how God had delivered Israel from Egypt (Genesis 2:9-11). They could have joined Israel as did Rahab and her family, and as did the Gibeonites. Instead, they continued in rebellion and tried to exterminate Israel.
Also by then, the Canaanites had become more depraved and fallen deeper into idolatry. By adding to their sin a refusal to recognize the living God, their probation had closed. They were ready for the judgment of God. Instructed by God, Joshua met army after army and city after city in battle, leaving in each case, no survivors. Was this genocide? No! For two reasons: Even with uninterrupted victories under Joshua, Israel did not completely clear the land of inhabitants. Also, Israel was a theocracy under the direct rule of God who makes no mistake. It is the prerogative of God and God only to bring judgment upon an unrepentant people.
Why would the women and children be included in this judgment? This is difficult for us to understand in our culture today. However, women and children are very influential in preserving a culture. Their idolatrous practices would have been a continual temptation if they were to continue side by side with the Israelites. It was necessary to eliminate them too.
Why not just live and let live? How about freedom of religion? Separation of church and state? Israel was a state different from any other state in the history of the world. God Himself directed in the affairs of state. God had a special purpose for Israel shown in the Sinai covenant. They were to be "an holy nation" (Exodus 19:5,6). This would be impossible with a persistent idolatrous remnant. The reading of Isaiah indicates that it was the purpose of God to bring a reign of peace upon the earth, even before the final resurrection and deliverance of His people. They could not do that if idolatry were permitted in their land.
^ Return to Top
Israel Judged
After repeated apostasies and repeated falls into idolatry, Israel reached a place where “there was no remedy” (2 Chronicles 36:16) and they were taken into captivity. After the seventy years in captivity they had finally learned to avoid idolatry. A number of wonderful promises were given to them at the restoration to their land. Most important was the mandate for them to bring in righteousness and prepare for the coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27).
They were given 490 years (70 weeks) to accomplish this. As with many such projects, it started out well, but in time they developed new problems. Again they focused on the “law of Moses” which included the ten commandments, the ceremonial law and the civil law. They added to this hundreds of minute regulations to ensure keeping of this law. They looked to a meticulous keeping of these laws and to their descent from Abraham as their means of salvation. Only a few had love for either God or man.
To make things worse, they developed a rigid concept of the coming Messiah as one who would expel their enemies and would restore the ancient glory of Israel. When Jesus came as their Messiah, at the time appointed (Daniel 9:24-27) He was rejected from the time of His birth, and finally crucified as a criminal on Calvary. This was an official action by the Sanhedrin, the governing body of the nation.
For another three and a half years the church spoke to the Jewish nation. Thousands joined the church. But the nation as a whole, and the leadership in particular rejected their Messiah again. This finally culminated in the stoning of Stephen. This marked the end of their 490 year probation. In rejecting Christ they forfeited the rights and responsibilities of the covenant. The church would now be the chosen covenant people of God. (See article #27).
^ Return to Top
The End of this World
There is one final close of probation. We have these two verses indication when it will occur and its meaning.
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).
11 “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:11-12).
11 “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:11-12).
The Christian Church too has a mandate. This mandate focuses on the work of God and is not time limited. The Gospel must be spread to all the world, and there must be a group of people where the Gospel has done its complete work of grace (Revelation 7:1-4).
Then there is a judgment from which there is no appeal. There is a final message to the whole world dividing those who worship God and those who persist in rebellion. This is described in Revelation 13, and is called the “mark of the beast.” It will be a black and white issue that will be easily understood by everyone. God is long-suffering. He is waiting for everyone to have opportunity to know Him. But His Spirit shall not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3) and He will cut His work short in righteousness (Romans 9:28).
Then Jesus will come the second time to receive His people to be with Him in a world made new. NOW is the time to get ready. His coming is soon.
Then there is a judgment from which there is no appeal. There is a final message to the whole world dividing those who worship God and those who persist in rebellion. This is described in Revelation 13, and is called the “mark of the beast.” It will be a black and white issue that will be easily understood by everyone. God is long-suffering. He is waiting for everyone to have opportunity to know Him. But His Spirit shall not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3) and He will cut His work short in righteousness (Romans 9:28).
Then Jesus will come the second time to receive His people to be with Him in a world made new. NOW is the time to get ready. His coming is soon.
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Articles In this section:
1.0 Covenants Explained
1.1 References CEx
1.5 General Terms
1.6 Covenant Terms
1.7 Theological Terms
2.0 Council from Eternity
2.1 References CFE
2.7 Great Controversy (1)
3.0 Adam and Eve in Eden
3.1 References AEE
3.3 Temptation and Fall
3.4 References Fall
3.7 A Creation Covenant
4.0 Covenant Given to Adam
4.5 Authority of The Prince
4.6 References ATP
5.0 Noah and the Flood
5.1 References NTF
5.2 Flood Legends
5.5 The Close of Probation