The Christian’s Assurance as to Prophecy

‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.1 – The Present Hope of the Church

From our book ‘After These Things – Summaries of John Nelson Darby’s Papers on Prophecy – and more…’ Compiled by Daniel Roberts. For more about this book click on the picture or CLICK HERE

The Purpose of Prophecy

A summary of the First Lecture by J N Darby on the Present Hope of the Church – Geneva 1840 entitled ‘Introduction.

The Christian’s Assurance

Dispensations

The Jews and the Church

The Jews/Israel

To the Church

What is the Purpose of Prophecy?

The Sceptic as to Prophecy

Communion with God as to Prophecy

The Christian’s Assurance

The study of prophecy is of little point unless we Christians are sure of our eternal salvation in Christ and have experienced its results. Without hope, we are the most miserable of all men (See 1 Corinthians 15:19). We should not only know that the Father’s house with all its privileges is our home, but we are to be happy there too. Our hearts are associated with Christ and realise His love. We are confident too: God treats us as His friends and through prophecy, He reveals the things that occupy Him in heaven. This emphasises to us that we are strangers and pilgrims here. Accordingly, we become free of human objects, cares and distractions and dependent on the One who knows the end from the beginning.

Dispensations

We are currently in the dispensation of grace, which started when the Spirit came at Pentecost (AD29) and will end at the Rapture. After that, it will be too late to be convinced of the truth, or to convict others of the terrible wrath of God at the final judgment.

The Great Tribulation will be followed by the dispensation of the fullness of times – the millennial kingdom when God will gather together all things in Christ who was typified in Abraham’s day as the Royal Priest Melchisedec. God will be known as ‘the Most High God, Possessor of heaven and earth.’ (Gen 14:19).

Note: while Darby, more than most showed how time was divided into dispensations, he did not produce a formal list of dispensations. Based on the works of C I Schofield and others, the following list forms the backdrop of this book. They are described in detail in chapter 2.2 (above) and are listed here:

Innocence – till the fall of Adam
Conscience – Adam to Noah
Human Government – Noah to Abraham
Promise – Abraham to Moses
Law – Moses to Christ
Grace – Christ to the Rapture
Millennial Kingdom (or Fullness of Times)[1]

The Jews and the Church

We need to distinguish between that which applies to the Jews and to the ‘nations’, before the birth of Christ and after the Rapture, and that which applies to the Church. It is in the way God is known that the differences are most striking.

The Jews/Israel

The prophetic books of the Old Testament, plus Matthew 24 and 25, Mark 13 and Luke 21 centre around Israel. God’s earthly people were warned as to the consequence of disobedience to God and idolatry, which led up to the overthrow of Israel and the captivity of Judah. God made Himself known as ‘Jehovah[2]’ (or more literally ‘Yahweh’) to the Jews, though many Jews consider this name too holy to pronounce. In the Gospels, Jesus is presented as the Messiah, the centre of God’s promises and blessings to the Jewish nation. Prophecy looks forward to a kingdom here enjoyed by the ‘Remnant’.

To the Church

It is often noted that the Church, the Assembly does not form part of Old Testament prophecy in any way. To the Church, God presents Himself as ‘Father’ and Jesus as the ‘Son of God’. We are His brethren – children of God and members of His family. He, the Firstborn, is the expression of all the glory of the Father.

What is the Purpose of Prophecy?

Prophecy and its fulfilment were not written for contemporary Israel. Prophecy belongs to the Church now, and it will belong to the Remnant in a coming day, as a light or torch before things take place. God tells us the truth; Satan does not. Do we doubt God?

Most, if not all, prophecy is to be fulfilled after the end of this dispensation. Then it will be too late to be convinced as to the truth. The day of grace will be over. Those unbelievers left will experience terrible judgment.

Satan has deceived many by introducing the thought that partially fulfilled prophecies, have already been completed.

However, we are to be restful in reading God’s Word. We have been delivered from the coming wrath. We are to cleave to Jesus, rather than our own understanding for enlightenment. As things unfold, we see the purposes of the Most High, opening up His character – His faithfulness, justice and long-suffering. He will certainly judge proud iniquity and execute vengeance on these who corrupt the earth, so that His government may be established in peace and blessing.

The judgment of God is to come upon the nations; the church is informed of this; and, thanks to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, understands it, believes it, and escapes the things which are coming.

The Sceptic as to Prophecy

The sceptic views prophecy as merely speculative, vague and uninfluential, the imaginations of proud hearts. The future is conjured up and imagined: how Satan deceives! But prophecy reveals God’s thoughts as to things to come. And the Christian rejoices that ’the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea’ (Habakkuk 2:14). God will show how.

Communion with God as to Prophecy

Through communion, which is eternal, God comforts and sanctifies us to prevent our hopes being vague. Thank God ‘we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ (2 Peter 1:16-21)

[1] See Schofield Reference Bible – note to Gen 1:28, and Chapter 2.2 above.

[2] J N Darby writes as to the Name of Jehovah: ‘Jehovah was a proper name of God to Israel, and declared positively to be such, though the name of the one true supreme God. Now for the believer the use of the names of God carries blessed divine instruction with it, for all His names have a meaning: Almighty, Jehovah, Father, all have a sense to his soul… The proper place of Nothing can be more important as a key to the whole question of God being Jehovah, and the peculiar God of Israel, and yet the one supreme and universal God (a thought so easily lost, at any rate as to goodness, if not as to power, by Jewish pride). It corrects all that a Jew could draw falsely from his peculiar position. (JND Collected Writings Vol 8 Prophetic 3 page 182)

Note that in his English translation Darby uses the name Jehovah for יְהוָה֙/YHVH/Strong H3068. KJV and most modern translations use LORD in capitals. JND’s French translation used l’Éternal. I know no Hebrew, but the Jews replace that name when speaking of the normal word for Lord, אָדוֹן/Adonai/Strong H113.

After These Things – Summarised Papers by JN Darby on Prophecy and More

Zech 4:10 — Who hath despised the day of small things

ADOSS Newsletter

September 2020

Soon to be Published

Dear Brother/Sister

I have not issued anything from A Day of Small Things since May 2020. A few short articles have been added to the website, thanks to our brother Edwin Mutton’s ‘Golden Nuggets’ but there has not been any new summary of J N Darby’s papers or ministry. A few reasons:

1. My neuropathic pain has been very trying. It has limited the number of hours I can work at a time. Thank God for the Great High Priest who sympathises with our infirmities.

2. We have been clearing out and selling the house of a local sister who has had to go into a care home.

3. In some ways, I am not sure of what to add. Most articles I read cover the same ground as summaries already published. Nonetheless, I am always open to suggestions.

But the main reason is that I have been writing a book: ‘After These Things – Summaries of John Nelson Darby’s Papers on Prophecy for Christians waiting to see the Lord of Glory when he Raptures his Church’. When finished it will be about 300 pages long, much of it being revisions of articles I had summarised over the past six years, supplemented with chapters on subjects which Christians often confuse, and which Darby strove tirelessly to clarify. Doctrine is unashamedly premillennial, based on scripture and showing clearly what pertains to the heavenly Church and earthly Israel.

Most of the book has now been written and reviewed. Five brothers, in particular Jim Hibbert of Calgary, have provided invaluable input and helpful comments. A challenging task has been a ‘Timeline’ covering events in heaven or on the earth between the Rapture and the Appearing drawing on scriptures in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Revelation, 1&2 Thessalonians, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and others.

If you reply to this email, I will send you pre-publication PDF copies of the Timeline, the Table of Contents and a summary of one of Darby’s 1840 Geneva addresses. There is still time to make minor additions or changes, so if you ask questions such as ‘Have you covered/explained . . .?’ or ‘Have you distinguished between X and Y?’ I will certainly take these into account.

It has been quite a mammoth undertaking and I feel the more cast on God for help in this holy subject. I have learned a lot while doing it, but become increasingly conscious of there being so much more to learn. Even Paul said, ‘We see now through a dim window obscurely, but then face to face’ 1 Cor 13:12 Darby). That is why I feel so dependent on the Lord, the Holy Spirit, reliable publications (rejecting what is unsound) and many dear brethren from several countries and denominations.

I hope, if the Lord will, to have it published by November. It will be available on-line at cost in hard copy and Kindle and ebook electronic formats.

2020 has been such an unusual year. Whether you are gathering physically – with restrictions, or on-line – I trust you are feeling blessed and encouraged. As a ‘second wave’ of Covid-19 now appears inevitable, people – some believers even – are fearful. May we all seize the opportunity to point persons to the One on whom we can cast all our cares. We need not fear.

With greetings in our Lord Jesus, your brother

Daniel Roberts (a.k.a. Sosthenes)

What is the Heavenly Vision or Call of the Church?

Recently a brother wrote to me needing to answer the following question:

What is the heavenly vision or call of the church? People I speak to want to know what is the purpose of the church? I have spent a lot of time reading and thinking about this question, but what is the best approach or angle to take when answering? I believe it’s a very important question that I should be able to answer when I’m asked.

This question affects a lot of things. What should be our focus as a local church? The gospel, soup kitchens, ending poverty (social gospel), trying to change culture, etc.

My answer: The true Church – and what it is in the Sight of Men

I have been giving more thought to this question. We need to see what the church is in the sight of Christ – which is the true Church – and what it is in the sight of men – a religion here.

Before starting, Christians must realise that their calling is a heavenly one. ‘Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus’ (Heb 3:1).

The Greek word ἐκκλησίᾳ /ekklēsia/Strong 1577 . The word implies people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church or assembly comprised of all believers formed into one by the Holy Spirit. It is viewed as the body of Christ and also the habitation of God. In a more general sense. it meant simply assembly – e.g. calling together for a civil function. Incidentally, the English word ‘church’ or German ‘Kirche’ comes from the Greek word κυριακός/kyriakos/Strong 2960, ‘belonging to the Lord’ (kyrios), the French ‘église’ from ‘ekklēsia’. The Hebrew word ‘קָהָל/qahal/Strong H6951’ has a similar meaning.

We must recognise the direct role of the Spirit of God. It has been said that the Holy Spirit ‘is here; but He has taken a lowly place, . . .and has been here on earth for over 1,900 years in that lowliness. He maintains what is due to God according to what God is in heaven; there is a perfect answer to that in the presence of the Spirit down here, and the Spirit is here in the assembly; and that brings out the greatness of the assembly’s place too, but nevertheless the assembly is never part of the Deity.’ and ‘The assembly is nearest to Deity in the whole realm. What is sovereign is seen in the assembly.’ [*] That being the case what has the assembly to do with the things of this world?

The Church in the Sight of Christ

The church is a perfect vessel (for the want of a better word), formed exclusively of saints worked on by the Spirit of God, apart from sin. It has been said that it is of heaven in origin and destiny. It is here in the body of Christ and its hope is totally towards Jesus – as a bride is towards her bridegroom. Her desire is to be with Him – and therefore has no part here. But she does care for His interests here. His interests are what is for Him, His glory and to worship the Father, and for the members of His body to point to Him. The church’s view is God-ward, not man-ward.

Ministry is for those of the church universally (as there is only one church) – ‘we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness’. (Romans 12:5-7)

The fact that it is ‘called out’ is important. If it is ‘called out’ it cannot be ‘part of’. Over the centuries Christians have been called out of every other religious organisation – in the earliest days Judaism and paganism, later Catholicism, later nationally established churches, later clericalism, and more recently social liberalism, charismatic Christendom or systematic legalism. Importantly, if we are called out of something, we cannot reform it. It is in the attempt to reform the old lump that Christians have become unstuck.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 makes this clear ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.’

This brings me to:

The Church in the Sight of Man

This is something different, and different people will have different ideas.

1. A group of disparate organisations with common central beliefs and many interpretations, grouped together loosely for example in the World Council of Churches – sometimes preaching the gospel.

2 A humanitarian force for good, seeking to make the world a better place, while preaching a gospel, but not always the gospel.

3. A place of religious exhilaration and excitement with rousing music – usually with the gospel but this is sometimes distorted – or a liberal ‘inclusive’ community – no matter what the bible says.

4. Beautiful buildings, ornate robes and trained choirs, with or without the gospel

5. A system of contention and oppression, having a form of piety but denying the power of it.

Many Christians see their role and that of their ‘local church’ in terms of no 2 above, preaching the gospel, having a good church community engaged in the support of local and other needs. But think of it – it is an earthly Christianity. Whilst there are many genuine believers, sorry to say that in some places the gospel has been corrupted to salvation (if such a thought exists) through works and presenting Jesus just a Model. This is hardly Christian. I see it differently, as should all true lovers of our Lord Jesus.

So where does that leave true Christians?

Christians should do good works – towards the Lord, towards each other and towards their fellow human beings. They do this because they love their Lord and that is what He would have them to do. They are not interested in politics – national politics, charity politics or church politics. They do what the Lord gives them to do: However, they don’t do this as part of the Church, they do it as individuals.

Admittedly, Christians can work with others (informally or in registered charities) to humanitarian ends – the relief of poverty, helping those who are sick or mentally unstable, being of support to victims of crime or raising funds for such activities. Some of those with whom they might co-operate with may not be believers – so this cannot be part of the Church activity. Some might be shocked at the thought, but if it is the function of a church community, it might be a misguided one or not even a Christian one. It is not a function of the body of Christ.

Of course, it is better if those who are working together have confidence in one another. If they gather regularly from the same Christian assembly, they will no doubt know one another well and be able to work together better. They may even use their meeting hall (what is a building anyway? – a person or a trust has provided a place for saints to gather)– but this is not the local assembly doing it, and should never be thought of as such,

I could go further, and this might be a bit difficult to grasp. When it comes to testimony the church’s service is heavenward, not earthward (indeed if we look at the testimony of the public church it is ruin and confusion). Paul wrote ’in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God’ (Ephesians 3:10 Darby). It follows that preaching the gospel, or teaching (indeed what I am doing now) comes into the individual service – the Lord commissioned His disciples to out individually. As they did the church grew.

The church doesn’t preach; the church doesn’t teach. Christians do both.

I trust this helps. I am conscious that not all will agree totally with what I have written. However I do believe sincerely that it is accordance with scripture (which is infallible), and also the teachings of that servant of God, John Nelson Darby (not infallible) please feel free to write your comments below (or email me directly if you prefer). sosthenes@adoss.co.uk or my personal email.

Recent Website Additions

The Disappointments of Life – Golden Nugget

The Truth of the Rapture is Clear from Scripture – Simplified Darby

Follow Thou Me ‘Today if ye will hear His Voice’

The Church with No Name Sosthenes Letter

God never rebuilds what has failed but rather falls back on His promises – FER Golden Nugget

Dear Christian Friend

I really would like to get A Day of Small Things out to a wider audience. Please feel free to pass this on – better still give me a name and email address and I will write to them and invite them to be on our emailing list. Tell me if you want me to mention your name (and give any background that you feel would be of use in writing individually).

Use this link if you wish https://adoss.co.uk/introduce-christian-friends-day-small-things/

In our Lord’s service

Sosthenes

November 2018

[*] Quotations from the Ministry of James Taylor (1870-1953) Volume 36 page 409 and Volume 61 page 176

5.8 The Truth of the Rapture is Clear from Scripture

Christ’s second coming Is the proper hope of the church.It is clearly presented in the New Testament.

‘After These Things’ Chapter 5.8 – The Truth of the Rapture is Clear from Scripture

A Lecture by J N Darby on the Second Coming of Christ – The Rapture in Scripture

In Section 4 of the book, we have summaries of J N Darby’s lectures in 1840 on ‘The Present Hopes of the Church’. One lecture was on the Second Coming of Christ. Later Darby gave a series of lectures on the same subject in Toronto – this is a summary of the first lecture’. The Original is ‘Lectures on the Second Coming of Christ, delivered in 1863 at Toronto, Canada. (Collected Writings Vol 11 (Prophetic 4) page 206). He outlines how Christ’s second coming is presented in the New Testament.

Christ’s second coming Is the proper hope of the church. The Holy Spirit constantly brings this before us in the New Testament. It is not some vague speculation; it is a foundational truth which maintains our hearts as we wait patiently for our Saviour’s return. We are to be raised, our bodies changed, and we will be with Him. As we had been quickened and justified, there will be no resurrection of judgment for us. We do not have long to wait now.

Sadly, many Christians overlook the Rapture and think only in terms of the resurrection in the last day, a resurrection for judgement. They confuse what Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 with what is in the previous chapter. The first scripture says, ‘The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them’ and ‘the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory’. This is not what we are looking for. Our expectation is, ‘For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord’ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Those who await the final judgment, hoping that all will be well, are mistaken.

If I was comforting someone who had just lost a dear one, who had put their trust in the blood, and was therefore forgiven, cleansed and justified, and told them that their loved one would return with Jesus, they might think that think I was mad. But that is exactly the comfort that Paul gave to the Thessalonians.

The world rejects His coming, and the worldly church dismisses and devalues it. But it dominated the lives of the early disciples. It should dominate ours.

Scriptures on the Lords coming:

Bible – Darby Version	Notes[1]
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Matt 25:1-6	There is the essence of the church’s calling. The virgins had lost the expectation of Christ and sank into the comfort, pleasures and the hierarchical structure of the world. The Bridegroom tarried and they had given up watching. They had to be aroused; Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet him” (v.6). Those with the Holy Spirit were able to go in. Lecture in Toronto CW Vol. 11 (Prophetic 4) p 210
Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Luke 12: 35-36	Waiting for the coming of Christ characterises the Christian. Men speak of death, but death is not ‘my lord.’ CW Vol. 32 (Miscellaneous 1 ) p 245
And as in the days of Noah and of Lot, they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, planted and builded, even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Luke 17:25-27	This passage does not warn people as to sin, but as to the unholy notion that the world will go on indefinitely. As soon as Noah entered into the ark, the flood came and destroyed them all. As soon as the church is taken up, Satan will fill men’s hearts with lies. Judgment follows. Note: This does not apply to the Great White Throne. When Christ sits on that, the heavens and the earth flee away; there is total destruction of everything.
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains. . . And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:20-21,25-28	V. 20-21 refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70. The rest is much later – the time of the Gentiles will have been fulfilled. The last beast’s – the Antichrist’s wickedness will be exposed.
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3	Such is the promise: the comfort Christ gave to His disciples when He was leaving them. He comes to receive them to Himself.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:10, 11.	This too is not the end of time. The angels comfort-ed them, indicating that Jesus would come again. Scripture points to His return.
It is appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and to them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27, 28.	That is the allotted portion of the seed of the first Adam. The Christian awaits His coming, with no reference to sin.
We shall not all die; 1 Corinthians 15:51
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Romans 11:25-27	When the church is complete, and its last member will have been brought in, Israel will be saved as a nation. Christ will appear for their deliverance.
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:7-8	All the promises of the prophets will be fulfilled at that coming.
He now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because He hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world (i.e., this habitable earth) in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained, whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31	Though God winked at the times of ignorance, there was now a clear testimony which could not be ignored.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:23	The distinctive resurrection of the saints will be at His coming.
Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. For our conversation is in heaven, from when also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:19-21	No comment
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3: 1-4	No comment
1 & 2 Thessalonians	The theme of both letters – see Synopsis
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 6:14	The apostle exhorts Timothy to go on diligently and faithfully looking for the appearing. When the word of God speaks of joy to the saints, it is referring to the Rapture; when God speaks of responsibility to the world or the saints, it always refers to His appearing.
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8	Love! – Do you love, can you love, that which will put a stop to everything pleasant in the world?
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Hebrews 2:5, 6	The world to come is the habitable earth here. Christ is now at God’s right hand till God puts all things under His feet.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 9:24	Man was tried, up to the death of Christ, by the law, the prophets, and finally, by the mission of God’s Son, but in vain. Man finds out that he is lost, and that redemption is by the cross. When sin was complete Christ appeared to put away sin by His sacrifice. Now that that work is complete, those who through grace believe, await the same Saviour to come again for their final deliverance.
Be ye also patient: stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh James 5:8	We are to be patient in our daily life as yet knowing what will change the whole state of the world.
Jesus Christ: whom, having not seen, ye love; on whom [though] not now looking, but believing, ye exult with joy unspeakable and filled with [the] glory, receiving the end of your faith, [the] salvation of [your] souls. Concerning which salvation prophets, who have prophesied of the grace towards you, sought out and searched out; searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which [was] in them pointed out, testifying before of the sufferings which [belonged] to Christ, and the glories after these. To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves but to you they ministered those things, which have now been announced to you by those who have declared to you the glad tidings by [the] Holy Spirit, sent from heaven, which angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:7-13	In 1 Peter we have a remarkable testimony to the order of God’s ways. 1. The prophets 2. The gospel 3. The appearing of Jesus Christ, whom, having not seen, we love.
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming 1 John 2:28	Our consciences are clear
It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is: and everyone that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3	His appearing rejoices the heart and affects the walk of the saints. Our blessed and assured hope is to be like Christ Himself. The present effect of this special hope is that the saint purifies himself even as He is pure, and seeks to be like Him now.
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints Jude v.14	The epistle looked at the decline of the professing church – the false brethren coming in unawares. It would be the object of the judgment of the Lord when He would appear.

God’s moral glory was seen

^[1] Notes from (JND Collected Writings Vol. 11 (Prophetic 4) p206-216 – Lectures on the Second Coming of Christ, unless otherwise stated.

The Things which shall be Hereafter (Rev 1:19) – The Rapture

The next event for us is the rapture. It could be at any time – today even – and applies only to the church. Because of that, there is no reference to it in the Old Testament. In scripture, the in Greek word ἁρπαγησόμεθα/harpagēsometha/Strong 726 in 1Thess 4:17. Is translated ‘caught up’. The word ‘rapture’ is a noun with the same meaning.

We should ask why is the rapture so little understood, or even accepted amongst many sincere Christians? This scripture in 1 Thess 14:13-18 is very clear:

A few weeks ago I was talking to some of my younger Christian friends regarding the various things which had happened and were yet to happen. They had little problem with the history – creation, the fall, the flood, the Exodus, Moses receiving the law, David, the captivity, the birth of Christ, His death and resurrection, Pentecost etc., but they had real problems with what is to come. I thought therefore in this and a few coming letters to look at these future events so that we might be sure where we are in relation to them.

The Rapture

The next event for us is the rapture. It could be at any time – today even – and applies only to the church. Because of that, there is no reference to it in the Old Testament. In scripture, the in Greek word ἁρπαγησόμεθα/harpagēsometha/Strong 726 in 1Thess 4:17. Is translated ‘caught up’. The word ‘rapture’ is a noun with the same meaning.

We should ask why is the rapture so little understood, or even accepted amongst many sincere Christians? This scripture in 1 Thess 14:13-18 is very clear: ‘But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them [Darby – are in no way to anticipate those] which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words’. Look at a few phrases ‘the dead in Christ shall rise first’ – that encompasses all those who have been ransomed by His blood from creation onwards. Whether we who are alive now will be taken before the rapture, none of us knows. Paul referred to ‘we, the living’, as if he thought it would be within his lifetime. Of course we know it was not, but he was looking forward to the Lord’s coming – we should be too.[1]

Paul also says, ‘we shall ever be with the Lord’ (v.17), and ‘them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him’. Now when Jesus comes (the public second coming, often referred to in scripture as ‘the appearing’) the dead in Christ will be with Him – and so will be those lovers of the Lord who were alive at the rapture. Also, ‘When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory’ (Col 3:4). Clearly, we could not come with Him, if we were still on the earth.

The church is heavenly entity: she belongs to Christ in heaven, and her hope and glory is Christ Himself. She looks forward to and His return to take up His rights. Therefore the church has nothing to do with the course of events of the earth. This makes its rapture and return with Christ so simple and clear, as we see from Col 3:4, ‘When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.’ [2]

1 Cor 15:51-52 is another scripture which describes the rapture: ‘We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ’ From this we can deduce that there will be a rallying trumpet, the whole event will be very quick, and our bodies will be changed. The latter is also referred to in Rom 8:23 ‘waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body’.

When the Lord was discoursing with his disciples immediately prior to the crucifixion, He tells them that a place was being prepared for the saints to be with Him, where He is. ‘I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:2-3).

Therefore:

The rapture will be sudden
No one knows when the rapture will be
The rapture will be private
At the rapture there will be a voice (or trumpet sound) which only Christians will hear
At the rapture the Lord will not come quite to the earth – just to the air
The rapture will affect people, whether raptured or left here: the world carries on
At the rapture bodies will be changed

The question often arises as to what the effect of the saints being taken will be. Suddenly millions of people will just vanish! Hal Lindsey, who awakened many Christians to the rapture in the 1970’s in a popular book ‘The Late Great Planet Earth’, said that there would be confusion. I doubt it. Christians who are ‘not of the world’ will not be missed. Writing about future events in his second epistle to the Thessalonians Paul said, ‘God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie’ (2 Thess 2:11). The Antichrist will conjure up a satisfactory credible explanation which will be accepted universally.

The Rapture and the Appearing

We must not confuse the second coming with the rapture. At the rapture the Lord comes to the atmosphere immediately above the earth. At the appearing He comes to the earth. Here are some differences between the rapture and the appearing:

RAPTURE	APPEARING
No one knows when it will be	It will be 7 years after the rapture
It will be private	It will be very public
The Lord comes to the air	The Lord comes to the earth
He comes FOR His saints	He comes WITH His saints
It is followed by the great tribulation[3]	It is followed by the millennium
He is the Bridegroom	He is the King
He is the Morning Star	He is the Sun of Righteousness
It is for the Church	It is not for the Church
There is little in prophecy	There is much in prophecy
The world will carry on	Christ will reign
The man of sin will be revealed	Satan will be bound
There will be the judgment seat of Christ[3]	The world will be judged
People will be translated	Nobody will be translated
People will believe a lie	The truth will be acknowledged

Two Resurrections

Something else many Christians do not realise is the fact there will be two resurrections. The Old Testament did not distinguish between the two. John made the distinction very clear. When the Lord was here, He said ‘all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation’ (John 5:28-29). Also in Revelation, ‘Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power’ (Rev 20:6). The second death is to the Great White Throne – the resurrection of the dead for judgment[3].

The first resurrection (the resurrection of the just) is primarily at the rapture. J N Darby says that it will be the consummation of our happiness[4]. Having given life to our souls, He will give life to our glorified bodies.

Satan is the author of this confusion. He does not want Christians to burn with anticipation of the Lord’s immediate coming. He certainly does not want us saying ‘Come Lord Jesus’ (Rev 22:20).

Dear Christian friends, may we keep near Him, and be assured as to the immediacy of His return.

Sosthenes

December 2016

[1] See ‘ADOSS – The Lord is Coming Very Soon’

[2] Note that this is distinct from the individuals who, though not of this world have to do with things here.

[3] This will be addressed in a later note, God willing.

[4] Lecture 4 on ‘The Hopes of the Church of God’, summarised by ADOSS as ‘The First Resurrection – or The Resurrection of the Just’

See other references in ADOSS:

The Lord’s Second Coming and the Church’s Witness

The Lord’s first coming: He came in flesh, but only those who received Him knew Him, and that through the Spirit.
His second coming: He is seen by all.
Hence His first coming was really a spiritual one; the true coming will be the second.

‘After These Things’ Chapter 5.5 – The Lord’s Second Coming and the Church’s Witness

Based on J. N. Darby: The Lord’s Coming and the Church – Notes and Comments Vol. 2, p 275.

Two comings:

The Lord’s first coming: He came in flesh, but only those who received Him knew Him, and that through the Spirit.
His second coming: He is seen by all.

Hence His first coming was really a spiritual one; the true coming will be the second.

Although in His first coming He came in the flesh, He was only known spiritually. No man could come to Him, except the Father who had sent Him draw him (See John 6:44). He said to them, ‘The words that I speak unto you they are Spirit and they are Life’ (John 6:63). So those who heard, believed and kept His word had everlasting life: their eyes were opened by to see Him through the Father’s grace. They were taught of God and knew who He was – the Son. Others saw His miracles, but He would not commit Himself to them – He spoke in parables.

The real personal coming of the Lord Jesus is His second coming. It will not be merely a revelation to believers, but ‘every eye shall see him, they also which pierced him’ (Rev 1:7). His, the Son’s, glory will be known.

Christ is now in glory. That is how the church knows Him now. If the church denies this, it ceases to be the church: the ground of its very existence has ceased – it has ceased to exist in the sight of God. Although salvation may be taught in a casual way, there is not faith as a church and the Spirit has no office in it, for His office is to testify of Jesus and His glory. Even if the church suffers, that suffering is for nothing because it is joined to the world – it has ceased in its true existence. The same applies to individuals, even evangelicals, who deny the Spirit’s voice witnessing His glory.

Nevertheless, God has not left Himself without witness. We may be all mixed up, with our errors, weaknesses, and even unbelief. But the witness in the true church has not ceased to exist. Competent members of the church acknowledge of the power of reconciliation in Christ, and the testimony of the Word of God. They believe it, submitting to God, and know the presence of the Holy Spirit, looking forward to the return of the Lord Jesus. They are they the glory and hope of the church. Here is a church with faith – held in humility.

May God our Father keep us humble, holy in spirit and conversation giving us grace, patience, and that of faith. May we and lean in faith upon His word in the certainty of His love, qualifying us for His glory, forgiving us our weakness for Jesus sake, our Lord, and in Him.

The Present Hope of the Church

J N Darby (1800-82), a leading interpreter of biblical prophecy, laid the basis of dispensational and premillennial and pre-trib teaching in his lectures on the Present Hope of the Church.

‘After These Things’SECTION 4 – SIMPLIFIED SUMMARIES OF THE 1840 GENEVA LECTURES

The Present Hope of the Church –

Introduction

J N Darby gave a series of eleven significant lectures in Geneva in 1840 on the Present Hope of the Church (L’attente actuelle de l’église). These established his reputation as a leading interpreter of biblical prophecy, and the basis of dispensational and pre-millennial tribulation (or ‘pre-trib’) teaching. Central to this is the Rapture – Christ’s coming momentarily to call His own who are alive on the earth when the dead in Christ are raised. This is clearly described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

JND said as to prophecy: ‘In going through the more general features of prophecy, we shall examine these three great subjects: the church; the nations; and the Jews.’ (J N Darby Collected Writings vol 2, Prophetic 1, page 281). God made Himself known as ‘Jehovah’ (or more literally ‘Yahweh’) to the Jews, though many Jews consider this name too holy to pronounce. Jesus is presented as the Messiah, the centre of God’s promises and blessings to the Jewish nation. However, God presents Himself as ‘Father’ to the Church while Jesus is presented as the ‘Son of God’. We are His brethren – children of God and members of His family. He, the Firstborn, is the expression of all the glory of the Father.

‘…We also have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ ( 2 Peter 1:19-21.)

Summary of Lectures

JN Darby’s Lecture 1 on The Hope of the Church of God

The Christian’s Assurance as to Prophecy

Every Christian should not only be sure of his salvation in Christ, but also know its results. He should not only know he is in the Father’s house with all its privileges but be happy there too. In prophecy, God treats us as His friends, and reveals the things He is occupied with. As our hearts are associated with Him, they realise His love and confidence and are coloured by the expectation of what is to come. With this holy knowledge we are strangers and pilgrims here.

We need to distinguish between that which applies to the Jews, relating to the earth, and that which applies to the Church. Being free of human objects, cares and distractions we can be dependent on the One who knows the end from the beginning.

Whilst prophecy proves the divine source of the Bible, that is not its main purpose. Prophecy belongs to the Church now and the Jewish remnant in a future day, as a light or torch before things take place. God tells us the truth; Satan does not. Do we doubt God? Surely we do not need witnesses to persuade us that God is telling the truth.

Satan has deceived many by introducing the thought that partially fulfilled prophecies, were in fact complete. Most, if not all prophecy is to be fulfilled after the end of this dispensation. Then it will be too late to be convinced as to the truth. Those left behind will experience terrible judgment. But as I read God’s word, I am restful. I am enlightened as I cleave to Him instead of my own understanding. As things unfold I see the purposes of the Most High, opening up His character – His faithfulness, justice, long-suffering. But He will certainly judge proud iniquity and execute vengeance on these who corrupt the earth, in order for His government to be established in peace and blessing.

The judgment of God will come upon the nations; the church is informed of this; and, thanks to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, understands it, believes it, and escapes the things which are coming.

The Sceptic as to Prophecy

The sceptic views prophecy as merely speculative, vague and uninfluential, the imaginations and vainglory of proud hearts. The sceptic’s own thoughts are the most speculative. How Satan deceives! But prophecy reveals God’s thoughts as to things to come. And the Christian rejoices that “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab 2:14). And God will show how.

Communion with God as to Prophecy

Through communion, which is eternal, God comforts and sanctifies us to prevent our hopes being vague. Thank God “we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:16-21)

The Importance of Prophecy

Prophecy has two ends:

Detaching us from the world.
Making us intelligent of the character of God, and of His ways towards us.

Satan opposes the truth, and that must include prophecy

‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.1 – The Importance of Prophecy

A summary of the 11^th Lecture by J N Darby on the Present Hope of the Church – Geneva 1840 entitled ‘Summing Up, and Conclusion’

AFTER THESE THINGS

4.11 The Importance of Prophecy

Prophecy and the Truth

How God has revealed Himself in Prophecy.

Prophecy in the Old Testament

Prophecy and the Church

Calling and Government

The Battle in Heaven

The Lord’s Return

Conclusion

Prophecy and the Truth

Prophecy has two ends:

To detach us from the world.
To make us intelligent of the character of God, and His ways towards us.

Satan opposes the truth, and that must include prophecy. He says,

‘Follow morality, not doctrine; otherwise you might be freed from his power’. Or
‘Neglect prophecy, because in it is found the judgment of this world’, (of which he is the prince.)

Prophecy throws light upon the dispensations of God; so that we understand the freedom of our souls towards Him. Dispensational error confounds the law and the gospel, and past economies or dispensations with the present one.

If we judge ourselves according to the law, we cannot find peace. Many Christians are troubled through not fully understanding the difference between the position of the saints of the old (law) dispensation and the saints of the current dispensation of grace. The study of prophecy clears things up such points and enlightens the faithful as to their walk and manner of life. For, while it always maintains free salvation by the death of Jesus, prophecy enables us to understand the difference between the standing of the saints now under grace and those of a former time under law and promise.

Hope acts upon our hearts and affections. As we become more intelligent as to the future, our enjoyment of Christianity must increase. If we ignore prophecy, our thoughts do not go beyond the present. God in His word has given us what His intentions are for the future. Prophecy outlines things to come; it is the scriptural mirror. If we refuse to study what God has revealed as to the future, we inevitably fall back on our own ideas.

Some cite the scripture, ‘I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified’ (1 Corinthians 2:2) to justify our ignoring prophecy. Paul doubtless wished to set himself at variance with the know-all ‘kings’ in that city. We are not to limit ourselves to the knowledge of Jesus Christ crucified. We must also know Jesus Christ glorified, Jesus Christ at the right hand of God; we must know Him as High Priest; as Advocate with the Father. We ought to know Jesus Christ as much as possible. ‘Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.[1]’ (Hebrews 6:1).

God has a perfect plan for the future: the more we enter into their minute details; the more perfection appears[2].

How God has revealed Himself in Prophecy.

Revelation 12 gives us final combat between Christ, the last Adam, and Satan. The fight was either for the earthly object (the Jews) or the heavenly object (the Church).

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun… and she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (v. 1,4)

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon… and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan… And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ. (v. 7,9-10)

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (v. 17)

For the crisis of the combat between Satan and the last Adam to be understood, scripture had to develop the history of the first Adam – hence so much of scripture concerns man’s failings. We, Christians with the life-giving Spirit and living during the church-time period separating the first coming of the Lord from the second, are to have a better understanding of the eternal counsels of God. The Church is being gathered by the action of the Holy Spirit to have part in the glory of Christ at His return. Then, at the Rapture, the Church is taken from out of all nations, and united to Him.

Christ found the first Adam in a state of ruin – entirely lost. The whole state of man, before and after the deluge, under the law, under the prophets, only served as a clear attestation that man was lost. He had failed altogether, under every possible circumstance, until, God having sent His Son, the servants said, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him’ (Luke 20:14). Sin abounded, but the grace of God over-abounded (See Romans 5:21).

Prophecy in the Old Testament

When Israel had transgressed in every possible way and circumstance, under Ahaz in the family of David, prophecy commences in all its details, having these two features:

The manifestation of the glory of Christ, showing that the people had failed under the law.
The manifestation of the coming glory of Christ, to be the support of the faith of those who desired to keep the law.

The word of God, predicting that the Messiah was to come and suffer should have touched their conscience. Isaiah 53 is still a stumbling-block for them. It ought not to be so with us.

Prophecy and the Church

Prophecy applies itself properly to the earth: its object is not heaven. Through not seeing this, Christians have been misled, thinking that they can enjoy earthly blessings, whereas we are called to heavenly blessings. For the want of taking hold of this exhilarating truth, the church has become so weak.

The church is a kind of heavenly economy, during the period of the rejection of God’s earthly people, it has its joy in heavenly places. The Lord, having been rejected by the Jewish people, is become wholly a heavenly Person. This is Paul’s doctrine. It is no longer the Messiah of the Jews, but Christ exalted and glorified.

It was necessary that Christ should buy the church: the price was His blood. We see that Boaz, a type of Christ, bought the inheritance by taking Ruth (strictly speaking a type of the Remnant of Israel brought in by grace) as wife. See Ruth 4:5

The Church, has no title to the inheritance, because until we are in the glory we can have nothing, possess nothing, except only ‘the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession.’ (Ephesians 1:13-14). We see the church glorified, even though the Lord Jesus has not abandoned any of His rights upon the earth.

As to the saints of the church, in the patience of God, the children of God are gathered together. The Lord will come at any time to call His ransomed people. The church will then go immediately to meet the Lord, and the marriage of the Lamb can then take place.

Until that time Satan is the prince of this world, by usurpation.

Calling and Government

Having considered the rights of Christ and of the church, let us consider how Christ will make them good. In the Jews, the calling of God and the government upon the earth were united. But Israel failed, and God transfers government, according to His will, to the Gentiles. However, Israel continued to be God’s chosen people: for the ‘gifts and calling of God are without repentance’. (Romans 11:29) The calling of God for the earth is never transferred to the nations; it remains with the Jews. If I want an earthly religion, I ought to be a Jew.

Once the government is transferred to the Gentiles, they become beasts, the oppressors of the people of God: first, the Babylonians; secondly, the Medes and Persians; thirdly, the Greeks; then, the Romans. The fourth monarchy consummated its crime at the same instant that the Jews consummated theirs, being accessory to killing the Son of God and King of Israel. Gentile power is in a fallen state, just as the Jews, are. Judgment is written upon both government and calling, as they are in man’s hand.

At the time of the Rapture, the government of the fourth monarchy will be still in existence. It will then come under the influence and direction of Antichrist; and the Jews will unite themselves to him, in a state of rebellion, to make war with the Lamb.

The Battle in Heaven

At the appropriate time, Satan, who up till now has been in heaven, will be dispossessed and expelled and cast down to earth. He will not yet be bound.[3] He will excite the whole earth and will raise the apostate part of it, that which will have revolted against the power of Christ coming from heaven. Satan will unite the Jews with this apostate prince against heaven, along with both secular and spiritual heads of both the Gentiles and the Jews. The Wicked One, having joined himself to the Jews, and placed himself at the centre of government of the earth in Jerusalem, will be defeated at the coming of the Lord of lords and King of kings. Although the Lord will have come to the earth, and the power of Satan in Antichrist destroyed, the earth will not yet be brought under His rule. Therefore, the Saviour must clear the land so that its inhabitants may enjoy the blessings of His reign without interruption. Satan will be bound until ‘he is loosed for a short season’ (Revelation 20:3).

The Lord will purify His land from the Nile to the Euphrates. The people will come into security in the land. Before the end of the seven-year period, another enemy namely Gog, will come up, but only for destruction.

The Lord’s Return

We now discover a much more calm and intimate relationship between the Lord Jesus and the Jews. This is what will take place when ‘his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives’ (Zechariah 14:3) It is the same Jesus: not as the Christ from heaven, but as the Messiah of the Jews.

The world to come will follow the judgments. The Lord’s glory will be manifested in Jerusalem, the report of which will be announced to the other nations. These will submit themselves to Christ; they will confess the Jews to be God’s blessed people. Blessing will extend from Jerusalem to wherever there are men to enjoy its effects. The throne of God, established at Jerusalem, will become the source of happiness to the whole earth.

The blessing will be without interruption because the government in heaven will be the security of the goodness of God. Darby writes ‘Behold the heavenly Jerusalem, witness in glory of the grace which has placed her so high! In the midst of her shall flow the river of water of life… Meanwhile, upon the earth, is the earthly Jerusalem, the centre of the government, and of the reign of the righteousness of Jehovah her God; will be the place of His throne – the centre of the exercise of justice’.

The glorified church will fill the heavenly places with its joy. In the midst of her flows the ‘river of water of life, … and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, … and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations’ (Revelation 22:1-2) . ‘The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish’ (Isaiah 60:12). Christ will fulfil all the functions of High Priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Conclusion

Darby acknowledged that he had not covered many aspects of prophecy in these lectures, for example, the persecution of the Jews. He felt he had covered the larger features of prophecy, especially making the distinction between the dispensations, very clear, also conveying something of God’s character and perfect work. If we see God’s works in their minute details, the more does perfection appear.

He concludes: ‘May God perfect in us, and in all His children, in separation from the world. This ought to be, before God, the fruit of the expectation of the church. May we know more these of its expected heavenly blessings, and be aware of the terrible judgments which await all that which keeps man bound to this lower world; for judgment will come upon all these earthly things. May God also perfect the desires of our hearts, and the witness of the Holy Spirit!’

[1] The word τελειότης/teleiotés/Strong-5047 suggests the combination of truths (stages of spiritual growth), the culmination of which also supports future consummation. (Strong’s definition).

[2] I am very conscious of having left out many ‘minute details’ that JND covered in his lectures and other papers. This book is no substitute for the 1,529 pages of the four ‘Prophetic’ volumes of J N Darby’s Collected Writings edited by William Kelly, plus his other notes and the Synopsis.

[3] In his lecture Darby stated that as soon as the Rapture had taken place battles would commence and Satan would be cast out of heaven. This would undoubtedly be the case if the period between the Rapture and the Appearing was only 3½ years. As stated in the Prophetic Timeline (Section 1) it is the author’s position and that of the majority of premillennialists that this period will be seven years and Satan will be cast out halfway through. See ‘Are there Two Half Weeks in the Apocalypse?’ JND Collected Writings vol 11 (Prophetic 4), page 168.’

The Remnant of Israel

The gospel does not occupy itself with the earthly blessings of the Jews. This is matter for the Old Testament prophecies. Our blessings flow from the presence of Christ, the Son of David, a consequence of the new covenant. Whereas we know God as Father, through Grace, the Jews know Him as Jehovah the King – through His righteous judgments.

In the history of the Jews, we see Jehovah’s glory. The Jews are the people by whom, and in whom, God sustains His Name of Jehovah, and His character of judgment and righteousness. The remnant will be brought to the Lord of hosts, ”to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion.” (Isaiah 18:7).

‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.10 – The Remnant of Israel

A summary of the 10th Lecture by J N Darby on the Present Hope of the Church – Geneva 1840 entitled ‘Same subject as the preceding and Manner of its Accomplishment.’

In Jewish history, we see Jehovah’s glory

The Old Testament prophecies are occupied with the earthly blessings of the Jews; the gospel is not occupied with earthly blessings at all. Our blessings flow from the presence of Christ, the Son of David, a consequence of the new covenant. Whereas we know God as Father through grace, the Jews know Him as Jehovah the King – through His righteous judgments.

God acting in Grace

To the Jews, it is the character of Jehovah the King – known by His judgments – by the exercise of His power on the earth. Their affairs are very dear to our God and Father.
To the church, it is the character of Father, revealed to our souls by the gospel, by the spirit of adoption.

The gospel is a system of pure grace – a system which teaches us to act towards others as we have been acted on by the Father: ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48). The people of Christ, now the children of God, ought to follow the example of the Saviour (that is, not to expect or wish judgment now, but to be gentle and humbly suffer wrong).

God’s faithfulness, changeableness, His almighty power, and His government of the whole earth are all revealed in His relationship towards Israel. The history of Israel gives us an insight into the character of Jehovah. God would reason with His earthly people: ‘Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness’ (Isaiah 1:18-20).

God acting in Judgment

Jehovah will bless the nations; but the character of His kingdom is, that ‘judgment shall return unto righteousness’ (Psalm 94:15). At the first coming of Jesus Christ, judgment was with Pilate, but righteousness with Jesus; but when Jesus returns, judgment will be united to righteousness. On the other hand, Jehovah will console His people by acting in righteousness in their favour ‘By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God’ (Psalm 65:5), and He will re-establish them in earthly glory. The Jews will be the people by whom, and in whom, God sustains both His name (Jehovah) and His character in judgment and righteousness.

After the church has been Raptured, the first to be gathered will be those who had rejected Jesus and were guilty of His death. As unbelievers, they will find an alternative to their true Messiah, and become subject to the Antichrist. The Israelites (two tribes) may be returning to their land (far more so now than in JND’s time), but God takes no notice of them[1].

The Remnant

Now Israel is buried as a nation among the Gentiles. In its revival, God will stand up for His people in their time of distress and deliver a remnant.

There will be an uninterrupted chain of blessings from Jehovah. Jehovah will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. This will be the case when the judgment of God falls upon the nations.

‘Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her… And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt … And I will betroth thee unto me for ever … And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.’ (Hosea 2:14-23).

‘Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days … after that they shall seek Jehovah and David – the well-beloved, or Christ.’ (Hosea 3:4, 5) ‘And I will bring again the captivity of my people . . . and I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up.’ (Amos 9:14, 15.)

This is of course yet to come, and the words, ‘in that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen,’ (Amos 9:11) are quoted in Acts 15:16, to prove that God always had determined to have a people (a Jewish residue) from among the Gentiles.

God is said to be ‘silent in his love’ (Zephaniah 3:17). He lavishes all this on the Remnant. A few verses earlier the prophet said, ‘The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid’ (v.13). The spirit of grace and supplication shall be poured out upon the Remnant of Israel – ‘ all the families that remain’; (v14) and ‘they shall look upon him whom they have pierced, and mourn.’ (Zechariah 12:10).

Nevertheless, the Remnant shall ‘be brought to the Lord of hosts, from a people rent and torn in pieces … to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion’ (Isaiah 18:7).

This prediction, delivered by Jesus Himself, gives us the assurance that Christ will restore Israel here, and reign in her midst: ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, … your house is left unto you desolate …till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.’ (Matthew 23:37-39.). Israel will see Jesus, ‘The stone, which the builders refused, is become the head stone of the corner.’ (Psalm 118:22)

When the Lord entered Jerusalem there was only a partial fulfilment of the prophecy ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee’’ (Zechariah 9:9 and John 12:15). In John, the Holy Spirit omits, ‘He is just, and having salvation’. Far from saving Himself, He saved us.

The Ten Tribes

However, the first to be gathered are those who rejected Jesus, those who were guilty of His death. (The ten tribes were not guilty of this crime.) Those who rejected Christ will be subjected to the Antichrist; they will make ‘a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell’ (Isaiah 28:15), but their covenant will shatter all their hopes. Having united themselves to Antichrist, they will suffer the consequences of this alliance, and at last, will be destroyed.

The two tribes are representative of all twelve. Given the above, the two tribes will also be lost and will need to be born in a day. Darby does not go into a nation born in a day – the coming together of the 10 tribes.

After His appearance, (therefore just before the Millennium – the Day of the Lord), the Lord will gather together the elect of the Jewish nation, from among the Gentiles. This will be a time of great happiness. (See Matthew 24 31; compare Isaiah 27:12-13, and Isa. 11:10, 12.) – especially the latter (See Chapter 4.9, above).

[1] A strong statement but those are JND’s words. He goes on, Israel is abandoned to the nations,

What God in His Goodness will yet do for Israel – and what it Means for Us

The restoration of the Jews is founded upon the unconditional promises that God made to Abraham. However, their fall is a result of their having undertaken to obey God in their own strength. After God had exercised His patience in every possible way “until there was no remedy,” (2 Chron. 36:16) judgment came upon them only after extraordinary patience. But God keeps His promises.

We have a similar history. No sooner does God place us in a position than we fail. But behind our failure there is strength, that is to say, the revelation of the counsels of God, and consequentially His unconditional promises.

‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.9– What God in His Goodness will yet do for Israel – and what it Means for us

A summary of the Ninth Lecture by J N Darby on the Present Hope of the Church – Geneva 1840 entitled Israel’s Failure and Dispersion; Promises of Restoration .

AFTER THESE THINGS

4.9 What God in His Goodness will yet do for Israel – and what it Means for us

The Restoration of the Jews and God’s Promises to Israel

The History of Israel

The Promises which sustained a faithful Remnant

Happy Times for Israel

Israel must be renewed in heart to receive the promises of Canaan.

Is Zion the Church?

Our Blessings

Conclusion

The Restoration of the Jews and God’s Promises to Israel

Ezekiel 37 shows us forcibly what God in His goodness will yet do in Israel’s favour.

‘Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live … and ye shall know that I am the LORD. … Take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: and join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. … So shall they be my people, and I will be their God. And David my servant shall be king over them’.

The restoration of the Jews is founded upon the unconditional promises that God made to Abraham. But we have also seen how Israel undertook to obey in their own strength, taking on the promises under the covenant made in the wilderness. Notwithstanding their miserable failure, thanks to the mediation of Moses, God was able to bless the people. Israel again failed after they had been given the land. He raised prophets to convict them of the sin into which they had fallen, bearing with His people ‘until there was no remedy’ (2 Chron. 36:16). Thence severe judgment came upon them. God executed judgment only after extraordinary patience.

The prophets also showed the faithful ones that the counsels of God towards Israel would not be put aside. God would accomplish everything that He had spoken about through the Messiah. It was when Israel failed, that the promises of their re-establishment became precious to the faithful remnant of the people since the unfaithful majority would come under judgment.

The History of Israel

Joshua had said to the people, ‘Ye cannot serve the Lord’, but the people insisted, ‘Nay, but we will serve the Lord’ (Joshua 24:19,21) They had been led into the land of promise, enjoyed the fruits of grace, and now they were undertaking to obey the Lord in their strength.

Judges 2 summarises their complete failure. The children of Israel made alliances with the people of the land, so God said, ‘I will not drive out your enemies from before you, but they shall be as thorns in your sides. Then the cycle started:

The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. . . they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. (v. 11,13)

The anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, . . . and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. (v. 14)

Nevertheless, the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. (v 15)

They would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: (v 16)

When the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. (v 18)

When the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way (v 19)

So the cycle continued: always the same – kindness on the part of God, ingratitude on the part of man. This constant distaste of man’s heart for God is an unhappy subject to dwell on.

Eli was the high priest, the judge and head of Israel. However, the glory of Israel had been cast down to the ground: ‘The ark of God taken, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.’ Eli himself died, and his dying daughter-in-law named her child, Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory is departed from Israel’ (1 Samuel 4:11,21)

Samuel was raised up of God. When the people said they wanted a king like the rest of the nations, God showed that He had been rejected: 1 Sam. 8:6, 7. ‘And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.’ Saul failed: Israel had failed under prophet, priest and king,

David and Solomon – God gave David, a type of Christ to Israel, as he is the father of Christ according to the flesh. Under Solomon, Israel becomes rich and glorious. But the people transgressed under both these two princes. ‘The Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel.’ (1 Kings 11:9). Royalty, raised up by God Himself, failed and judgment passed upon it – though it was not executed until the reign of Zedekiah

Ahaz and Manasseh – The ten tribes were unfaithful. In the apostasy of Ahaz, who took the heathen altar from Damascus to Jerusalem, the hope of Israel failed. Only God’s promises remained.

‘And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers… but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy’ (2 Chron. 36:15, 16). That was the end of their existence in the land of Canaan. The name of Lo-ammi (not my people – see Hosea 1:9) is at last written upon them, and they were deported to Babylon. These tribes were lost – at least as far as their identity is concerned.

The Promises which sustained a faithful Remnant

This is the promise: ‘I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more as beforetime … I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will establish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son.’ (2 Samuel 7:10,13). In Hebrews 1:5, these words apply to Christ – ‘For unto which of the angels said he … I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?’ All the promises made to Abraham and to his seed are placed in the safekeeping, and gathered together in the Person, of Jesus, the Son of David.

‘In that day (time of great trouble) shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.’ (Isaiah 4:2-4). Judah and Israel will be reunited, and the nations will be assembled to the throne of God. Isaiah gives so many references to Christ and the blessings of Israel from its Messiah.

Happy Times for Israel

Happy times for Israel have not yet been realised. They certainly were not realised at the time of the return from Babylon, or since[1].

Ezekiel 37 gives the future re-establishment of Israel – the joining together of the two parts of the nation and their return into the land. This is yet to come. God is their God; their King is present, and the nations knowing that Israel’s God is Jehovah. His sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore. God will never hide His face from his people again.

There is a touching passage as to the thoughts of the Lord concerning His people in Jeremiah 32:37-42. Having given them the promises of blessing in grace, and assured them that He would be their God, the Lord says, ‘And I will plant them in this land assuredly, with my whole heart and with my whole soul. For like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them’.

God gives a new heart to the Remnant, the nucleus of the future nation.

Israel must be renewed in heart to receive the promises of Canaan.

Israel must be born again to enjoy those terrestrial promises which belong to her. God must cause them to walk in His statutes by giving them a new heart, and then, but only then, they will enjoy the blessings foretold for them.

The Lord spoke to Nicodemus about the need of being born anew[2] – of water and of the Spirit in order to enter into the kingdom of God. He was speaking of the Jews, and Nicodemus should have known what God had said through Ezekiel: ‘A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh’ (ch 36:26).

That is why He says, ‘If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?’ (John3:12) – about the glory of Christ exalted in heaven, and the church, His companion.

Is Zion the Church?

These scriptures apply to Israel. Some misapply them to the Church, particularly in Ezekiel 35 onwards. They assert that in these chapters, Zion refers to the church. But this is impossible. We read, ‘Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me.’ (Isaiah 48:14). The Church will be with Christ. Were Zion the church, how could it be forsaken?

When it says, ‘All the nations shall be gathered unto it.’ it does not refer to the return from Babylon, because it goes on, ‘In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together . . . to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.’ (Jeremiah 3:17-18). This scripture cannot refer to the Church, nor to the present time when the ten tribes are not found.

‘Who is it that the Lord has broken down, thrown down, and destroyed? The same that He will build and plant.’ (Jeremiah 31:28). It seems it has been asserted, that in these chapters Zion refers to the Church. It would be unreasonable to apply all the judgments to Israel, and all the blessings concerning the same persons to the Church!

We have the Holy Spirit; Israel will have the Branch. The word of God never presents the Holy Spirit as the Branch of David.

Our Blessings

We participate in the blessings of the good olive-tree, but our joy has not dispossessed the Jew (the natural branch) of that which belongs to him. We have been grafted into Christ. If we are Christ’s, we are Abraham’s children, and partake of all that is spiritual. The church has only one Father, who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Moses was the mediator for Israel (the type), we have the mediation and the presence of Jesus. In Him, the promises are accomplished.

‘Now all these things happened to them as types, and have been written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.’ (1 Corinthians 10:11 Darby) On one hand, the heart of man always fails, and on the other hand, there is the faithfulness of God who never fails. He will fulfil all His promises, providing strength to surmount all the power of Satan and the wickedness of man.

We have seen the history Israel sinning under the law: but we can see the same in every one of our hearts. No sooner does God place us in a position of responsibility than we fail. But behind our failure, there is strength in the revelation of the counsels of God, and in His unconditional promises. If we place ourselves before God, we recognise that it is only His grace that sustains us and relieves us from the situation we find ourselves in because of sin.

As to us Gentiles, the execution of God’s judgment has been suspended for about 2,000 years. God is still drawing upon all the eternal resources of His grace to find those who will listen to His testimony of salvation.

In all this, we see the revelation of the character of Jehovah. Israel is the theatre upon which God has displayed His perfect character. Though these things have happened (or will happen) to Israel, they are for our benefit. We should think not only of the failure of Israel but also of the goodness of God – our God. Were God to fail in His gifts towards Israel, He could fail in His contributions towards us.

Conclusion

JND Concludes, ‘Admirable patience! Infinite grace of Him who interests Himself in us, even after our rebellion and iniquity! To Him be all the glory!’

In all this, we see the revelation of the character of Jehovah. Israel is the theatre upon which God has displayed His perfect character. Though these things have happened (or will happen) to Israel, they are for our benefit. God in His goodness will never fail in His gifts towards Israel: He will not fail us either.

[1] It is important to note that even if Jews have repopulated the land and the Israeli state established in 1948 (though not the area of the land, which was a subject of the six-day war in 1967 and remains a contentious issue now. A Jew who understands God’s thoughts (though he/she may be in unbelief as regards their Messiah, cannot countenance the ‘West Bank’ as part of a ‘Palestinian (Philistine) state. A true Christian however can leave it all in God’s hands. God will see to it that Israel gets the full land (a bit extended for the Millennium), and that sites needed – especially that currently occupied by the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque – the site of the temple, the threshing floor of Oman (or Araunah).

[2] Again, a frequent misapplication. ‘New birth’ applies to the whole nation of Israel and is contained in prophesy. Here it does not relate to the sovereign work of the Spirit of God in the soul.

<img data-lazy-fallback="1" class="alignright wp-image-5899 size-medium" src="https://adoss.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5jg4rj-front-shortedge-384-1-212x300.jpg" alt="" width="212" height="300" />‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.1 – The Present Hope of the Church

The Purpose of Prophecy

A summary of the First Lecture by J N Darby on the Present Hope of the Church – Geneva 1840 entitled ‘Introduction.

The Christian’s Assurance

Dispensations

The Jews and the Church

The Jews/Israel

To the Church

What is the Purpose of Prophecy?

The Sceptic as to Prophecy

Communion with God as to Prophecy

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ADOSS Newsletter

Soon to be Published

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My answer: The true Church – and what it is in the Sight of Men

The Church in the Sight of Christ

The Church in the Sight of Man

So where does that leave true Christians?

Recent Website Additions

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A Lecture by J N Darby on the Second Coming of Christ – The Rapture in Scripture

Scriptures on the Lords coming:

Bible – Darby Version

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The Rapture

The Rapture and the Appearing

Two Resurrections

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The Present Hope of the Church –

Introduction

Summary of Lectures

JN Darby’s Lecture 1 on The Hope of the Church of God

The Christian’s Assurance as to Prophecy

The Sceptic as to Prophecy

Communion with God as to Prophecy

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<img data-lazy-fallback="1" loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-5899 size-medium" src="https://adoss.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5jg4rj-front-shortedge-384-1-212x300.jpg" alt="" width="212" height="300" />‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.1 – The Importance of Prophecy

Prophecy and the Truth

How God has revealed Himself in Prophecy.

Prophecy in the Old Testament

Prophecy and the Church

Calling and Government

The Battle in Heaven

The Lord’s Return

Conclusion

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<img data-lazy-fallback="1" loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-5899 size-medium" src="https://adoss.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5jg4rj-front-shortedge-384-1-212x300.jpg" alt="" width="212" height="300" />‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.10 – The Remnant of Israel

In Jewish history, we see Jehovah’s glory

God acting in Grace

God acting in Judgment

The Remnant

The Ten Tribes

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The Restoration of the Jews and God’s Promises to Israel

The History of Israel

The Promises which sustained a faithful Remnant

Happy Times for Israel

Israel must be renewed in heart to receive the promises of Canaan.

Is Zion the Church?

Our Blessings

Conclusion

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‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.1 – The Present Hope of the Church

‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.1 – The Importance of Prophecy

‘After These Things’ Chapter 4.10 – The Remnant of Israel