Our hope of glory, of being loosed from all that binds us.
Related Bible studies, books, and articles:
Binding And Loosing
Noah; A Sign Of The End
Perpetual Priesthood
Holding Fast To The Lord
The Test
The Word Of My Perseverance
The Daily Portion
Fellowship Partners With Demons
Bent Double Bible Study
Any And All
Freedom In Christ
Wholly Illumined No Dark Part
Contrary Winds
Exiles In Babylon (article)
Many Are Called (article and book)
Walking In The Light (book)
The Final Healing (book)
The Resurrected Bride (book)
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
(Colossians 3:4/NIV)
At the appearing of Jesus Christ at the end of this age, His Body will finally be brought to completion, to perfection in Him. It is our hope of glory, of being sanctified entirely. As we will see through the types revealed to us in the Bible, it will occur simultaneously, and in reaction to the judgment of the wicked.
When God acts in the day of His wrath, the righteous who are found to be in Him will be glorified. The destruction of the wicked results in the deliverance and glorifying of the righteous. Apart from their being brought down, God’s people cannot be lifted up. Their binding is our loosing (see the Bible study Binding And Loosing).
The Pattern of Noah
Genesis 6:5-8 – In the destruction of the wicked, the righteous were raised up. In the vessel of deliverance that Noah and his family entered, they were spared. (See the Bible study Noah; A Sign Of The End.) “Wait for the Lord and keep His way [keeping His way is keeping covenant, kept the faith], And He will exalt [“to rise up, to lift up”] you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.” (Psalm 37:34/NASU) Like Noah, those who keep the way of the Lord by doing what He says, will soon be lifted up above the judgment of all wickedness on the earth by fire (2 Peter 3:5-12). Afterwards, when the floodwaters of judgment recede, they too will inherit the earth, reigning in the authority of their King.
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
7 The Lord said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."
8 But Noah found favor [“favor, grace, charm, acceptance”] in the eyes of the Lord.
NASU
The Pattern of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego
Daniel 3:24-26 – This passage is a picture, in type, of what will occur at the end of this age. In the fiery judgments of the Lord on earth, all who have longed for His appearing by standing firm as these three Hebrew men did, persevering by keeping the faith (Rev. 3:10, 2 Timothy 4:7-8), will be “loosed” from that which has bound them on earth. The only thing that burned off of them was that which the world had put on them. The wicked will perish in the cleansing fire of God, but the faithful will be “released” into their perfection in Christ. (See the Bible studyBinding And Loosing.)
The Body of Christ finally being perfected is in concurrence with His appearing. It will not happen to all in the church, but only to those who have “held fast” to the Lord (Rev. 2:25-26, 3:11). This is our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), of our being made complete in Him (the “fullness” that Paul spoke of in Romans 11:25). It is our encouragement to keep standing firm “until the end” so as to be saved (Matthew 10:22, 24:13). (See the Bible study Perpetual Priesthood.)
24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They replied to the king, "Certainly, O king."
25 He said, "Look! I see four men loosed [8271] and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!"
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire.
NASU
OT:8271 shere' (Aramaic) (sher-ay')
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
a root corresponding to that of OT:8293; to free, separate; figuratively, to unravel, commence; by implication (of unloading beasts) to reside:
KJV - begin, dissolve, dwell, loose.
(Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon)
to loosen, to abide, to begin
a) (P'al)
1) to loosen
2) to abide (from loosing girths for camp)
b) (Pael) to begin, to open
c) (Ithpael) to be loosened
Longing For His Appearing And Our Perfecting
(This section was taken from the Bible study Perpetual Priesthood.)
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – The crown of righteousness. See the note below.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished [5055] the race, I have kept [5083] the faith.
8 Now [not at the beginning of the race] there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed [“to welcome with desire”] for his appearing [2015].
NIV
NT:5055 teleo (tel-eh'-o)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:5056; to end, ie. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt):
KJV - accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
1. to bring to a close, to finish, to end: etee, passive, passed, finished (Rev. 20:3,5,7)
2. to perform, execute, complete, fulfill
a. with special reference to the subject-matter, to carry out the contents of a command:
b. with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving a notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfill: Luke 2:39
3. to pay (Matthew 17:24)
NT:5083 tereo (tay-reh'-o)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from teros (a watch; perhaps akin to NT:2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from NT:5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from NT:2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried):
KJV - hold fast, keep (-er), (pre-, re-) serve, watch.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
to attend to carefully, take care of
a. properly, to guard: tina, a prisoner (Matthew 27:36,54)
b. metaphorically, to keep: tina, one in that state in which he is (1 Corinthians 7:37)
c. to observe: namely, poos k.t.l., (Revelation 3:3)
d. to reserve: to undergo something (2 Peter 2:4)
To finish the course is to bring your faith to completion (James 2:22), and the only way to finish the course is by keeping[5083] the faith. It is here, at the end of the race rather than the beginning, that we receive the crown of righteousness. Remember, Jesus said in Revelation 2:26, “He who overcomes, and he who keeps [5083] My deeds [“works”] until the end [“that by which a thing is finished, the end to which all things relate, the aim, the purpose” (for more on the purpose of God see the note for Luke 7:28-35 in the Bible study Contrary Winds)]…” Again, doing the works of Jesus “until the end” is the only way to bring all things to completion, in particular our faith (James 2:14). In Paul’s exhortation to some fellow brethren he spoke of finishing the race, saying, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” (Acts 20:24/NIV)
Titus 2:11-14 - Titus also spoke of how we should be living in this age as we look for the appearing of the glory of Christ. He refers to the grace of God and how it trains us like a child, even disciplining us when necessary.
11 For the grace of God has appeared [2014], bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing [3811] us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing [2015] of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
NASU
NT:2014 epiphaino (ep-ee-fah'-ee-no)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:1909 and NT:5316; to shine upon, i.e. become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known:
KJV - appear, give light.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
1. transitive, to show to or upon; to bring to light
2. intransitive and in the passive to appear, become visible
a. properly: of stars (Acts 27:20)
b. figuratively equivalent to to become clearly known, to show oneself (Titus 3:4)
NT:3811 paideuo (pahee-dyoo'-o)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:3816; to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment):
KJV - chasten (-ise), instruct, learn, teach.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
1. as in classical Greek, properly, to train children (Acts 7:22)
2. to chastise
a. to chastise or castigate with words, to correct (2 Timothy 2:25)
b. in Biblical and ecclesiastical use employed of God, to chasten by the infliction of evils and calamities (1 Corinthians 11:32)
c. to chastise with blows, to scourge: used of a father punishing a son (Hebrews 12:7, 10)
1 John 3:2-3 - To “long for His appearing” is to be diligent in keeping oneself pure and blameless in the faith, believing that when Christ appears we will be like Him, gaining His glory (Col. 1:27).
2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared [5319] as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears [5319], we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
NASU
NT:5319 phaneroo (fan-er-o'-o)
(Strong’s exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:5318; to render apparent (literally or figuratively):
KJV - appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).
to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
a. with an accusative of the thing: passive (Mark 4:22)
b. with an accusative of the person, to expose to view, make manifest, show one:
1 Timothy 6:12-16 - Why “take hold” of eternal life if we already possess it? Because by not keeping the command to be diligent to be found in Christ without spot or blame at His appearing we will have forfeited the salvation that could have been ours but was lost due to careless neglect and sinful presumption. The Lord is now reminding us of this so as to be a people who are made ready for His appearing at the end of this age.
12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold [1949- “to lay hold of, take possession of”] of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 that you keep [5083] the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing [2015] of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 which He will bring about at the proper time — He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
NASU
Revelation 12:17 – John also speaks of keeping and holding. (See the Bible study Holding Fast To The Lord.) In this chapter he speaks of when Satan and his angels will be defeated by Michael and his angels and be cast down to the earth. Knowing his time is short before being bound for a thousand years, he is filled with “great wrath” and then makes war against the remnant of God’s people on earth who “keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”
17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children [KJV- “…the remnant of her seed”], who keep [5083- see def. above] the commandments of God and hold [2192- “to have, to hold fast, keep, own, possess”] to the testimony [“witness, evidence, testimony”] of Jesus.
NASU
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 – In this passage Paul says that God’s justice will be revealed to those who have afflicted God’s people when He is revealed “from heaven with His angels in flaming fire.” He also says that at that time He will be glorified in His saints.
5 This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.
6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed [602] from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire [see Jude 1:14-15],
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed — for our testimony to you was believed.
NASU
NT:602 apokalupsis (ap-ok-al'-oop-sis)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:601; disclosure:
KJV - appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
an uncovering
1. properly, a laying bare, making naked (1 Samuel 20:30)
2. tropically, in N.T. and ecclesiastical language
a. a disclosure of truth, instruction, concerning divine things before unknown 1 Cor 2:10
b. manifestation, appearance, Luke 2:32
2 Thessalonians 2:7-15 – In this passage Paul is describing what will occur right before and at the appearing of Christ. The great apostasy, or falling away from following Him will happen first, as it is right now. The Lord, through His truth, is confronting us, telling us what we must do in order to be saved from His wrath. Those in the church who continue in their sin, disregarding the warning of God with no thought of turning away from their sin (those who fall away), will be revealed first and then brought to an end when Christ is revealed. In presumption of their security in Christ they will be judged along with the world (1 Cor. 11:32). They rejected God’s final plea to cleanse their hearts by faith, choosing instead to enjoy themselves in the passing pleasure of wickedness. Those who listen and do what the Spirit is saying will at that appointed time of Christ’ appearing gain His glory (see Colossians 3:1-4 right below).
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
8 Then that lawless one will be revealed [601] whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance [2015] of His coming;
9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,
10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding [“a wandering, a straying about, error, wrong opinion, wrong way of acting”] influence so that they will believe what is false,
12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness [see Matthew 7:23].
13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ [see Col. 1:27].
15 So then, brethren, stand firm [4739] and hold [2902] to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
NASU
NT:4739 steko (stay'-ko)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from the perfect tense of NT:2476; to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere:
KJV - stand (fast).
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
to stand (Mark 11:25), persist, persevere (Phil. 4:1, 1 Thess. 3:8)
steko[NT:4739] - a late present tense from hesteka, the perfect of histemi, is used (a) literally, Mark 3:31; 11:25; John 1:26, in the best texts (in some texts Rev. 12:4); (b) figuratively, Romans 14:4, where the context indicates the meaning "standeth upright" rather than that of acquittal; of "standing fast," 1 Cor. 16:13, "in the faith," i. e., by adherence to it; Gal. 5:1, in freedom from legal bondage; Phil. 1:27, "in one spirit"; Phil. 4:1 and 1 Thess. 3:8, "in the Lord," i. e., in the willing subjection to His authority; 2 Thess. 2:15, in the apostle's teaching; some mss. have it in John 8:44, the most authentic have histemi, RV, "stood" (KJV, "abode").
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
NT:2902 krateo (krat-eh'-o)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):
KJV - hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
1. to have power, be powerful; to be chief, be master of, to rule:
2. to get possession of
a. to become master of, to obtain:
b. to take hold of (Matt. 9:25)
c. to lay hold of, take, seize: tina, to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power (Matt. 14:3)
3. to hold
a. to hold in the hand:
b. to hold fast (Rev. 2:25)
c. to continue to hold, to retain
Colossians 3:1-4 – When Christ appears all who have set their minds and hearts (affections) on things above rather than the world will also appear with Him in glory. This is another reference to receiving the crown of glory by finishing the race, not just entering it.
3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
NIV
1 Peter 5:1-4 – The “unfading” crown of glory will be received when Christ appears at the end of this age.
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain [NIV; “not greedy for money”], but with eagerness;
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
NASU
James 1:12 – The crown of life is given to those who have been approved. They have stood firm, holding fast to Christ when tested. (See the Bible studies The Test and The Word Of My Perseverance.)
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial [Rev. 3:10; the hour of trial]; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
NASU
1 John 2:28 – To “continue in Him” is not in many Christian’s doctrines. They say that once you are “in Him” you can never be “out of Him.” Jesus taught otherwise in John 15:1-11, and John in 1 John 2:3-6, and 24-29.
28 And now, dear children, continue [3306] in him, so that when he appears [5319] we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
NIV
NT:3306 meno (men'-o)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):
KJV - abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), thine own.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
to remain, abide
I. intransitively
1. to place
a. to sojourn, tarry (Luke 8:27)
b. tropically
1. equivalent to not to depart, not to leave, to continue to be present (1 John 2:19)
2. to be held, or kept, continually: in the state of death (1 John 3:14)
2. to time; to continue to be, i. e., not to perish, to last, to endure: used of persons, to survive, live
3. to state or condition; to remain as one is, not to become another or different: with a predicate
nominative monos (John 12:24)
II. transitively; tina, to wait for, await (Acts 20:5)
The Pattern of Daniel
Daniel 1:8-20 – Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king of Babylon’s choice food or with the wine he drank (v.8). Longing for the Lord’s appearance (2 Timothy 4:8), eating from His table rather than the devil’s in spiritual Babylon, the religious system void of the Spirit (see the Bible study Fellowship Partners With Demons), will affect our appearance also when He comes. As with Daniel and his friends before King Nebuchadnezzar, the Lord will deal with us as well according to what He sees in our appearance when we stand before Him after our testing which reveals whether or not we are approved or considered reprobate (see The Test in the Bible study Perpetual Priesthood).
12 "Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink.
13 "Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king's choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see."
14 So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days.
15 At the end of ten days [see Revelation 2:10] their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king's choice food.
NASU
(This is from the section Babylon’s High Regard For The External in the article Exiles In Babylon.)
Interestingly, we are told that, like Jesus with His disciples, Babylon’s king commanded that the Hebrew young men be trained for a period of three years. The Bible says;
The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king's choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king's personal service.
(Daniel 1:5/NAS)
They could not enter the king’s service until finishing a three year period of training that involved daily food and wine straight from his table. In truth, all disciples chosen by the Lord must also spend a similar time eating and drinking that which comes directly from our King’s table (see the Bible study The Daily Portion). It is our education period known as discipleship which prepares us for the time when we will be called to serve before the King of kings. (See chapter two, Early Interaction, in my book Walking In The Light for more biblical insights on the significance of discipleship in the first three years of every believer.)
Today’s “kings” in Babylon have also mandated the training period to be three-plus years in their Divinity schools and seminaries through which they will earn a degree that qualifies them to be their leaders. In this manner, and of like kind, they become the official task-Masters of Divinity in the houses of religious bondage.
Like King Nebuchadnezzar, they also feed their servant leaders from their tables a daily ration of their mind-altering food and drink. These modern day kings train their disciples to serve them and their kingdoms (i.e. denominations), requiring them to be trained under their confusing mix of truth and lies to ensure the continuation of their rule over those held captive under their spell. They will soon be removed by God from leading His sheep astray. In the difficult times that are quickly coming upon earth, all self-serving, hireling hearts will be exposed and judged.
Revelation 2:10 – See the note below.
10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
NASU
Jesus said to the church in Smyrna to not fear what they were about to suffer at the hands of the devil. If they would be faithful until death He would give them the crown of life. This is what happened to Joseph when he was cast into prison. After he was tested and proven to be faithful (i.e. “approved”), the King sent and released Him! (See Psalm 105:17-20 in the Bible study Binding And Loosing.)
To be tested and proven faithful is to be established in the covenant. To be established is to be made ready, prepared to enter in (Genesis 6:18; see the Bible study Noah; A Sign Of The End). If we are not prepared to enter into the presence of God we will die (Hosea 6:1-3). It is God’s love for us to revive us before crossing over into our eternal inheritance in Christ, “that we may live before Him.” (Hosea 6:2)
The Lord said to Shelley and me years ago; “Come to the other side.” The way over has been hidden ever since because we were not ready, we were not prepared. It wasn’t yet time (Gal. 4:4). It was for our, meaning the Body, protection. He is beginning to reveal His way to us now, though, so as to make ready His people for His return. When you are prepared, “the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” (2 Peter 1:11/NASU) All this tells me that He is getting close to returning!
The Pattern of the Bent Double Woman
(See the Bent Double Bible Study for more.)
Through this woman who could not stand upright, a mystery is revealed regarding the “Sabbath day” release of God’s people. It is the last revival at the dawning of a new day, the seventh day, at the appearing of Christ.
Luke 13:10-17- Jesus heals a woman in the synagogue, on the Sabbath, who was “bent double” by a spirit for 18 years. As we’ll see next, there is a promise in this passage of a “Sabbath day” revival which will be the final healing of God’s people (see my book The Final Healing).
10 And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
11 And behold, there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness [769] caused by a spirit; and she was bent double [4794], and could not straighten up [352] at all.
12 And when Jesus saw her, He called her over [4377- prosphoneo- “to address by calling, to call to oneself, to summon”] and said to her, "Woman, you are freed [630- apoluo- [ap-ol-oo’-o]-“to free fully, to let go, dismiss, to detain no longer”~ KJV/NKJV- “…you are loosed”] from your sickness [769]."
13 And He laid His hands [5495- cheir- [khire]- “figuratively, God’s might, activity, power”] upon her; and immediately she was made erect [461] again, and began glorifying God.
14 And the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the multitude in response, "There are six days in which work should be done; therefore come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day."
15 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall, and lead him away to water him?
16 "And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound [1210- deo- [deh’-o]- “to bind”] for eighteen long years, should she not have been released [3089-luo- loo’-o- “to loosen; to dissolve anything bound, tied, or compacted together”] from this bond on the Sabbath day?"
17 And as He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him.
(NAS)
769 astheneia (as-then'-i-ah)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from 772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:
KJV-- disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
lack of strength, weakness, infirmity; used of the body
1) its native weakness and frailty
2) feebleness of health or sickness; used of the soul
3) lack of strength and capacity requisite:
a) to understand a thing
b) to do things great and glorious
c) to restrain corrupt desires
d) to bear trials and troubles
4794 sugkupto (soong-koop'-to)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from 4862 [see definition right below- similar to “koinania”] and 2955 [see definition right below]; to stoop altogether, i.e. be completely overcome by:
KJV-- bow together.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
to bend completely forward, to be bowed together
4862 sun (soon)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
a primary preposition denoting union; with or together (but much closer than 3326 or 3844), i.e. by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc.:
KJV-- beside, with. In composition it has similar applications, including completeness.
2955 kupto (koop'-to)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
probably from the base of 2949; to bend forward:
KJV-- stoop (down).
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
to stoop down, to bend forward, to bow the head
352 anakupto (an-ak-oop'-to)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from 303 (in the sense of reversal) and 2955; to unbend, i.e. rise; figuratively, be elated:
KJV-- lift up, look up.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
to raise or lift oneself up
a) one's body
b) one's soul to be elated or exalted
461 anorthoo (an-orth-o'-o)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from 303 and a derivative of the base of 3717 [see definition right below]; to straighten up:
KJV-- lift (set) up, make straight.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
1) to set up, make erect; used of a deformed person
2) to rear again, to build anew
3717 orthos (or-thos')
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
probably from the base of 3735; right (as rising), i.e. (perpendicularly) erect (figuratively, honest), or (horizontally) level or direct:
KJV-- straight, upright.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
straight, erect
a) upright
b) straight, not crooked
Luke 13:10-17 tells when Jesus loosed a woman whom Satan had bound for quite a long time. This woman in a synagogue could not “straighten up” (“rise up”) because of the evil spirit that bound her. We all have something that the enemy uses to keep us “bent double,” of which one meaning is “to be completely overcome by.” It is taken from the Greek word “sun” which is defined as “denoting union; with or together, i.e. by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession.”
She had it amongst those with whom she was associating, in fellowship with. Bondage through fellowship with demons (see the Bible study Fellowship With Demons), individually or corporately with others, keeps us from rising up in Christ. This is why the Lord must reach out and touch those who have been bound in the religious systems controlled by man. They have become a great hindrance to His people, holding them in bondage since the deception in the Garden of Eden. While in the company of “hypocrites” she could never get set free. That union must be dissolved in order for the saints to be loosed and rise up. (See the Bible study Binding And Loosing.)
Luke 13:14-15- The “Sabbath day” release See the note below.
14 And the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the multitude in response, "There are six days in which work should be done; therefore come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day."
15 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites…”
Jesus removes the chains of Satan from a woman who could not stand upright and the “synagogue official” (i.e. "pastor" in our churches) had a fit because it wasn’t done on the right day. Envy and jealousy usually show their ugly face from those who are threatened by the authority of Christ in others they deem “less qualified.” Wanting to be first, they cannot stand it when someone else gains the people’s praise. Like Saul, an evil spirit has gained a stronghold within their heart.
There’s a promise revealed through this account of a “Sabbath day” release for God’s people. Hebrews 4 describes it as the seventh day rest of God. The seventh day represents the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth, completing the redemption of mankind. There is a partial rest now for all who rest from their works in this lifetime, doing instead the works of God as the Spirit leads. But there is also a rest in full, the redemption of our individual bodies, as well as the Body of Christ. Having been finally set free from any and all evil spirits (see the Bible study Any And All), we will rise up in this appointed time through adherence and application to the truth that is being revealed by the Spirit for a great and mighty last days deliverance. Rejection of these truths will prove to be catastrophic.
Like the woman who had been completely overcome, many within the church are also “bent double” by a wicked spirit. They are weak and feeble, bound by the Devil’s chains which make it impossible for them to lead “upright,” righteous lives. Jesus power, working through His “hands,” will set them free (see the Bible study and article Many Are Called). Unfortunately, many remain bound in the church who should be loosed, and others remain loosed who should be bound. Through the Lord’s touch, this will soon change.
As in Jesus’ day, this has occurred through the abuse of power within the leadership of our present religious system. There are brethren who do not enter into their authority in Christ because their leaders will not let them. We are to equip, not hinder the saints “for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13/NAS). This is the outworking of Satan through deceived people for the express purpose of not allowing the Body of Christ to mature, entering what Paul referred to as the “fullness.” If we never grow up, his dominion will never be challenged. Like a child, we are then easily manipulated and controlled.
An older couple in our area was ministering in a local nursing home. They wanted to have a communion service with the elderly but were prohibited from doing so without their pastor’s say so. Since when do you need another man’s approval to do what God commanded for His Body? Hired clergy are not the only ones “qualified” to minister to others. This all reeks of a controlling spirit that wants to keep God’s people in a state of oppression, never reaching their full potential in Christ.
Due to obstinate rebellion against the will of God, the church has walked about “bent over” for many years in this nation. The Spirit of God wants to loose us from this bondage so that we may go and loose others. 1 John 3:8 says “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” The Greek for destroy means “to loosen, to unbind, to set free.” The present condition of religious bonds in the church in America is the direct result of the enemies’ infiltration within our midst.
The spiritual despots controlling the church are about to be overthrown by the Spirit of God. The fortified walls of the spiritual citadels within our nation will implode. They, like Saul, will be replaced by the David’s who will act according to God’s heart and will. Our enemies have become those within our own household! (Matthew 10:36)
In speaking to the disciples about His return, Jesus said in Luke 21:28, “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” To “straighten up” means “to raise or lift oneself up, to be elated or exalted, to unbend.” It’s time for God’s people to lift up our heads and focus our attention on Christ. With eyes fixed on the world we have been “bent double” under the oppression of the enemy long enough. We must refocus our attention and rise up in righteousness, looking for our Redeemer who draws near bringing His salvation. We are approaching the final stage in the redemption of mankind. Those who eagerly await His appearing, cleansing their hearts by faith, will rejoice and enter into the eternal joy of their Master.
Entirely Sanctified; Our Perfection In Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – See the note below.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely [3651]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete [3648], without blame [274] at the coming [3952] of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
NASU
NT:3651 holoteles (hol-ot-el-ace')
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:3650 and NT:5056; complete to the end, i.e. absolutely perfect:
KJV - wholly.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
perfect, complete in all respects
NT:3648 holokleros (hol'-ok'-lay-ros)
(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)
from NT:3650 and NT:2819; complete in every part, i.e. perfectly sound (in body):
KJV - entire, whole.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
complete in all its parts, in no part lacking or unsound, complete, entire, whole
NT:274 amemptos (am-emp'-toce)
adverb from NT:273; faultlessly:
KJV - blameless, unblameably.
(Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
blamelessly, so that there is no cause for censure (1 Thessalonians 2:10)
NT:3952 parousia (par-oo-see'-ah)
from the present participle of NT:3918; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specifically, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:
KJV - coming, presence.
1. presence (1 Corinthians 16:17)
2. the presence of one coming, hence, the coming, arrival, advent (2 Corinthians 7:6 f)
(The following is from my book The Resurrected Bride, p.66-67.)
As I said earlier, a person can be living in a free country and yet be enslaved on the inside. Conversely, someone may be living in an oppressive nation and experiencing the freedom within that only Christ can supply.
It is only through our continuing in obedience to “the perfect law, the law of liberty” that we, the Body of Christ will receive the “perfect result” of being made “perfect [“mature”] and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4) This is the ultimate goal of our faith; complete freedom in Christ! (See the Bible study Freedom In Christ.)
Paul refers to this Divine liberty when he writes of the building up of the Body of Christ, of our attaining “to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness [“completion”] of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13) This is the perfecting of the Body of Christ, of our being made complete in every part, a body without blemish or defect, wholly sanctified.
In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul said;
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely [“complete to the end”]; and may your spirit and souls and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:23/NASU)
This is the “perfect result”; our eternal preservation as a people who, like Noah, are “without blame” at the coming of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!
(Add this to being established, which is to be proven, which is to be allowed to enter in (Gen. 6:18).
This is from The Order Of God For Entering In in the Bible study Noah; A Sign Of The End.)
To be established is to rise up, or to be raised up above the judgment in the final cleansing of the earth of all that is wicked by the wrath of God. Those who arise, or rise up in Christ will be like Noah, who rose above the judgment of God.
By Hebrew definition, therefore, to be tested and proven faithful is to be established. To be established is to be made ready to enter in, to have the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of Christ “abundantly supplied” to you (2 Peter 1:10-11). (See The Test in the Bible study Perpetual Priesthood. Also see Genesis 17:1 when God told Abraham that He would establish His covenant with him.)
We have not yet crossed over into our eternal inheritance in Christ because we, the Body of Christ on earth, are not ready. This is why the way across has been hidden until now. It’s for our protection, so that we may live in His presence (Hosea 6:1-3). It isn’t yet “the fullness of time” for this to occur (Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10, 23, 3:19, 4:13; Colossians 1:19, 2:9)
(The following is from the Bible study Wholly Illumined, No Dark Part.)
In Paul’s comforting of the church in Thessalonica regarding the coming of the Lord, he gave the following exhortation;
“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together [“a complete collection, a gathering together in one place”] to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy [“defection from truth, a falling away, a revolt”] comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes [“lie opposite to, to oppose, an adversary”] and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless [“departing from the law, wicked”] one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:1-8/NASU)
Paul clearly states that the “man of lawlessness/the son of destruction/that lawless one” will be revealed at the coming of Christ. I believe this is another reference to the dark parts in the Body of Christ who have disowned their Lord. The ones who take their seat in the temple of God, which is now within us (2 Cor. 6:16), are those who make themselves Lord through their choices. Due to the fallen nature that resides within mankind, all followers of Christ will have their moments of revolt in the process of sanctification, but they will choose not to remain there and will instead look and long for deliverance. This is referring to those whose hearts have become hard, again, through willful rebellion with no intent of turning back. Their self-exaltation without repentance will cost them their place in Christ.
This passage of Scripture also refers to the time of our being gathered together as one at the end of this age. It’s the gathering together of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13:30. He will slay the lawless ones in His kingdom with the breath of His mouth at the appearance of His coming.
The Greek for “appearance” is epiphaneia [ep-if-an'-i-ah] from which we get our English word epiphany. It’s defined as “a manifestation.” In the New Testament it occurs as the shining forth of the glory of the Lord. In His response to the disciples question about the signs of His coming and of the end of the age, Jesus said; “For just as the lightning [“bright shining”] comes from the east and flashes [“to bring forth into the light, cause to shine, to become evident”] even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:27/NASU) At His return, the glory of the Lord will shine forth as the sun on His righteous ones that have remained near Him.
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