The Two Mysteries
This chapter will try to show that there are two hidden things that are to be revealed at the fullness of time. (See also the Number of the Elect). Scripture states in 1st. Cor.2:4;And my speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power...7 but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 which none of the princes of this world knew:for if they had known it,they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. This mystery of the Kingdom is found in the inner work of the Holy Spirit as our treasure hidden in earthen vessels ... Christ in us the hope of glory. Some believe that we are not reborn until the resurrection so perhaps we could agree upon another term that is used called regeneration; when the Spirit of YHWH enters into our hearts (inner man) by our invitation. Resurrection power then abides in us but remains hidden unless and until we experience literally the completion of our salvation. We must learn to excercise our Spiritual senses to overtake/overcome the outward man of soul and flesh. Paul said it like this...Though our outer man/flesh is wasting away our inner man is being renewed each day. We must appropriate the crucifixion daily as we die to our own agenda to do the will of the Father.
The Kingdom of God, itself, is spoken of as a mystery. This message is seldom taught today and when it is, it is not understood clearly. Many things of Truth are hidden from those who walk only according to their carnal minds or senses, even as Christians. The "new birth" is a prerequisite to just seeing this glorious place yet there is more. Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. This confused the man because he could only think in terms that he was familiar with; the birth of a baby. He didn’t know how to relate this message to any normal experience or even the symbolic picture that Christ was sharing. The human heart has to receive the gift of salvation/regeneration; then the mind, will and emotions have to be transformed/renewed with the Word of God. This is done by illumination/revelation of the Spirit; Read Romans 12:-2. The parables that Jesus taught about the Kingdom revealed what kind of life had to be lived for sanctified beings to enter and abide now.
These hidden things cannot be known through our natural reasoning or observation. The true Word divides between soul and spirit so we must go beyond intellectual understanding of the Bible to demonstration of Power and Love. It is imperative to hear the still small voice of the Lord for these coming days ahead. Because of the coming persecutions, soon we will not be allowed to have a Bible or meet even in homes. We all need to be prepared to stand in strength and unity of the Spirit. I also believe that a covering will be in place over the faithful ones who are dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High. This is the refuge found in His manifest presence; PS 91.
I also know that those who learn to appropriate this promise in reality of experience are those preparing the way of the Lord in the earth as well as their own person/soul because we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The enemies of YHWH will be put under His feet by His faithful elect as the Kingdom comes forth, 1 Cor. 15:20-28. It is a blessing of God to have understanding of these things because to the multitude it is hidden. The true meaning and pathway will remain concealed from those who only consider the natural realm or traditions of men. We cannot allow our own ideas or interpretations of scripture to cause presumption, preventing us from expecting and obtaining the reality of the literal Kingdom on earth. Neither can we assume that in just receiving the experience of conversion or “getting saved” that we are now prepared for this higher way.
It takes great determination and self sacrifice to gain access through spiritual wisdom and revelation. Even though it’s our Father’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom we are exhorted that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Flesh and blood cannot inherit this spiritual entity. We can obtain His promises by faith but still must experience them in reality as works. What is on the inside needs to become manifest/revealed on the outside.
The Kingdom is the will of YHWH so what is hindering God’s people from fulfilling it’s requirements? There are spiritual attributes that we must “put on” giving us an open door to the promised land according to 2 Peter chapter 1. Starting at verse 4 we read; by which have been given to us great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust 5 giving all diligence add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness..and to brotherly kindness love (agape)..10 Be more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Much openness and diligence is needed to obtain the salvation of our soul,Heb.4: 13. John the Baptist spoke of the baptism of fire along with the baptism of repentance, necessary for us to become refined as gold. The dross rises to the surface when we go through the fires of painful circumstances or conflict. Jesus spoke that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. This is especially evident when the pressure/heat increases in our lives. Our tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, bringing forth either blessings or evil destructive words;( James 3:6). Many things in our lives, we can judge ourselves on, but it is necessary to ask the Father to give us truth in the inward parts and let the Holy Spirit reveal our hidden sin according to Psalm 51. He also stated that when we confess our faults to one another and pray it will bring healing and deliverance.
The prophetic (those who hear and speak directly from YHWH) ministry is in place to reveal and bring rebuke when necessary. We can't forget that we are fitly joined together in spiritual unity so must be inter-submissive or accountable to those who are walking in authority (ordained to offices of the five fold ministry in the Spirit). They are anointed and in operation until we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God in the fullness. Because we already have treasure hidden in earthen vessels we sometimes forget that it must be continually brought forth and acknowledged more than what we see or feel in our flesh; Isaiah 11.
In Galatians we have a warning to those who remain in their earthly state rather than rise up to reach perfection of the fruit of the Spirit. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to what the Spirit.desires. The works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity,licentiousness, idolatry,sorcery,enmities,strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels,dissentions, factions,21 Envy,drunkenness,carousing, and things like these. I am warning you those who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal.5:16-21.) Look into the meanings of some of these words and we can admit what we sometimes harbor in our hearts.
We can see that we all must come into a higher walk of purity/holiness and obedience before the Lord. We tend to judge by the more obvious or outward sins such as murder or adultery. What we voice in our hearts is seen by our Father as the same as sinful actions. Our thoughts as well as words have power to create. Whatever we believe and speak will eventually have consequences to either give life or death. Jesus proved this when he cursed the fig tree and it withered. Because these inner sins and faults are never dealt with, some tares will grow up with the wheat and not be recognized/revealed until the harvest time. They will look the same yet the unfruitful plant will be empty instead of carrying life giving and nourishing seeds - a bountiful harvest of life.
The great sifting of the precious from the vile is upon us. Consider the hidden idols, even addictions, that are in the lives of many of God’s people. Rather than seeking first the Kingdom we see many who are seeking after mammon’s wealth and the status quo. They have never laid down their lives to gain the life of Messiah. Add to that the divisions and strife, (dissentions and factions), among believers of and in so many denominations. We don’t measure up in so many areas. If this is only a message for the lost then the Lord would not be exhorting believers to be careful that they are missing the mark.
Yahshua never declared just “getting saved” will enable believers to receive the rewareds for faithfulness. If we automatically had this ability we would see it in operation now. There is obviously a message to those who have received Christ yet still needed to allow the work of the Holy Spirit to change them. Indeed, looking at chapter 2 verse 20 of Galatians we read about having been crucified with Christ. We should have died to the things of the flesh and through great discipline removed our sins and faults more diligently. The immaturity/ carnality of those who call themselves believers is astounding as we are on the precipice of the time of great world wide devastations. The Lord showed me that he actually sees people in these two categories; carnal and spiritual, more than saved and unsaved. Those who do not judge themselves in the light of righteousness will be judged with the world. There is a difference between just going to heaven when you die and entering the Kingdom while alive.
When Christ spoke that the Kingdom was among those standing before him, most take that to mean that he represented the Kingdom in their midst. He showed that the Kingdom was active among them as they received healing and deliverance. The most important result is that what Christ was (is) he showed/gave his followers the power to become in their hearts and lives. His true disciples walked in the same anointing with signs and wonders following. The most predominant witness to be observed in those who call themselves Christians is to have compassion/love for others seen in imperishable Fruits of Righteousness. This fullfills all of the law of Christ. We read in Col. 1: 26-28..the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you the hope of glory. 28 in Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. This shows us that we are expected to become perfect in this life through the Spirit.
Our perfection comes from the abiding manifestation of God’s glory in His Temple not made with hands flowing from the inward to outward. We have no excuse to remain as children and incomplete in the fulfillment of our mission and destiny. Many are taught that "glory" is a place we enter on the "other side" but the scriputre is clear that we are to be putting on His glory (a state of being) here and now. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 4:16-18 show us that we are to continue in grace and strength as we go through trials of our faith while growing in our love and worship of our Heavenly Father. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God to appear in us, Roman 5;Isaiah 60.
At some point those things which are hidden will be made manifest. This includes the light of the glorious gospel but also the hidden things of the heart. There is a connection between being humble as a servant/minister and being lifted up into God’s presence. This is spoken of in James 4:6; God resists the proud but gives grace unto the humble.7 Humble yourselves in the sight of God and He will lift you up. Much diligence and “transparency” will be required in becoming pure before God. Daily we make choices to either sow to the flesh or to the Spirit. We will fulfill one destiny or the other; but realize that YHWH is still seeking and finding those who will come to Him in honesty and true repentance. Thinking you are right does not make you righteous. We must be teachable and kind.
The fact that Jesus rebukes many of those who would expect to enter the Kingdom astonishes many believers. They say to him, “didn’t we do all these things in your name?” Even though they had powerful testimonies of casting out devils and healing the sick they were still lacking something. He says, “depart from me you workers of iniquity (lawlessness) because I never knew (approved)you”. Today, false prophets are not discerned and exposed because people look only to the manifestation of powerful signs and wonders while Jesus is looking for integrity and love. If we say we are a Christian (perhaps a better term is disciple) we must show this by our nature as well as our actions because faith works by love. The disciples understood this when they asked for more faith when Jesus admonished them to forgive-70x7.
We also need to understand the mystery of iniquity that is being brought to fullness in the earth. Iniquity is Satan’s middle name for he was filled with pride and rebellion even though described as a beautiful ministering spirit (angel). Lawlessness/iniquity could be seen as a maverick, arrogant, unsubmissive attitude. It is written the knowledge puffs up but LOVE edifies. I can see that the Abomination that makes Desolate is the completion of spiritual apostasy in God’s temple not made with hands. The sons of disobedience (Eph. 5:6), who would not leave the things of the flesh and world (Egypt) behind are seen as the example of Pharaoh whose heart became hardened. They perhaps become Sons of Perdition like Judas.
Revelation chapter 11 explains that the judgments upon the earth are to drive people to find refuge in their savior in greater strength. Mercy and judgment are coming forth; going hand in hand to deliver and establish those who repent of breaking the Law of Love. He wants none to perish and is slow to anger. We are to walk according to the Spirit so that we do not receive condemnation. It clearly reads that those who would not repent of witchcraft/ sorcery are the ones who God's anger is kindled against. You may not agree with me but I take this to be hard core rebellious ones who consiously have turned to serving the Devil not those who are merely deceived...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
At the very pinnacle of the division between the ages those who overcome will rise up to YHWH's throne as the accuser of the brethren is cast down. We haven't really seen what this proclaimation is all about. This is the event falsly called the Rapture. God so loved the world and even while we were yet sinners gave an atonement (the Ram/Lamb of God)for all sin. That was way before we figured it out and received this great gift. Part of our accepting it is in giving it again. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those (debtors) who trespass against us". Great light will overtake great darkness in the earth but the battle ground is in the souls and hearts of men. Isaiah 26 states that when God's judgments are in the earth the people will learn righteousness.
The Kingdom is gaining in jurisdiction through access of the Holy Spirit. We can walk in it completely now but at the appointed time it will prevail over the entire earth. This is why all of creation is groaning in expectation of the glory of the Lord to be revealed in His chosen people. Since we are the temple of the Holy Spirit we represent the living stones that are built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets with the chief cornerstone being Christ himself. This glory of the Lord will shine forth from the people of God before the whole earth is filled with this light. “Arise,shine for thy light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee,and all flesh shall see it together.”2 For behold darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people But the Lord shall arise over you and His glory shall be seen upon you; Isaiah 60:1-2. Jesus is coming first in his faithful ones who will prepare themselves and then restore the earth for his return.
We have all heard sermons about those who missed their visitation in the years that Jesus ministered in the earth. The “knowledgeable” ones were judging things by what fit into their own ideas of who Messiah was according to their carnal understanding of the scriptures and traditions of men. Many hoped that he would lead a revolution against tyrannical Rome and be their expected conquering king. Instead Messiah came to them as a suffering servant laying down his rights and his very life to set people free in a much greater way; from the tyranny of self. Because they wanted him to fulfill their expectations they didn’t recognize “the Christ; the son of the Living God”. There is just as much danger for this generation in the years ahead to misunderstand how and with whom Christ is going to return. We need spiritual revelation of his Second Coming to be able to prepare and receive him as he is in the Spirit and in us; 1John 3:2-3). For us to truly follow him we must become like him. We are called to be Sons of the Most High, John1:12.
Scripture states that before the end, iniquity will be made full (2 Thess. 2:7.) One definition of iniquity is to be different on the inside than what you show on the outside. Presumption or deception could each cause this problem in a person’s life. Satan, the deceiver, and "angel of light", has only a short time to finish his plans to render mankind helpless and deceive them. He came to kill, steal and destroy but also stirs up strife and division in the Body where he can. This is why there are so many wars in the world. OUr true enemy is not flesh and blood but Satan's hords behind the scenes. He will especially target those who desire to grow up and serve the Lord in holiness. He will try to ruin their testimony. We must guard our hearts and mouths so that no defilement such as bitterness is found in us. We must repent or forgive quickly for only the pure in heart will see God.
Please be warned that because the enemy knows that the Kingdom of God (or thousand year reign of Christ) is coming soon that he is trying to prepare the earth for a counterfeit “New Age”. He is even trying to copy the works of the Messiah and keep people from preparing for the real Kingdom. This plan includes the one world government, which promotes a religion of false unity, to subject all people under Satan’s power through the control of evil men. Because of the terrible things coming to pass in the earth the promotion of "peace" will seem very godly and people will be thankful, not realizing that they are selling out their souls for a falsehood.
Most people don’t know the blatant satanism that is being implemented in various pseudo- governmental or international groups on many different levels. On the basic level they sound very good; to protect the environment and natural resources but on another level will bring the abolishment of all our freedoms. We are part of the package of commodities/chattel being traded in the markets of the world. It is good to remember that our true liberty is found in the Lord/Spirit so we cannot expect man or his governments to "save" and protect us. Eventually as the enemy is conquered the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of our Father and of His Anointed/Christ.
Whether this current move for control is only the forerunner of the One World Government or the actual Biblical evil entity we will see soon. Many Christians are knowledgeable enough to be warned about the wiles of the devil in religious context and repercussions of many social issues but aren’t aware of the deceitfulness of the world systems including governmental, political and economic operations that will cause many to be lulled into a false sense of safety. There are factions at work to manipulate and lie to the earth’s inhabitants. Even the promise of peace will cause the world to be entangled by their deceptive tactics. The real peacemakers are the Sons of YHWH who follow the Spirit wherever He leads them.
At some point in time we will see the Man of Sin (possibly corporate) revealed and will better understand where we are in the timing of prophesy. Up to now we have only seen “candidates” that look like they could fit into the mold of this ominous figure. Even those who have been predicted are still mere speculation until the revealing takes place in God’s timing. One thing we must do is reject and come out of the Babylonian system that controls trade, finances and religion throughout the whole world. This will eventually incorporate the Mark of the Beast for all monetary transactions but it is a spiritual mark, too. Don’t trust mass media which is manipulated, used as propaganda for the purposes of the powerful elite. Polls and commentary are not facts. Many pertinent things are not being reported to us but nevertheless we'll see many more events of terrorism or other disasters soon for Order Out of Chaos is their modus operandi.
Until the fullness of time is manifest we will still see the partial scenario of the patterns being played out. In the 1930’s and 40’s the Third Reich mirrored many types of end times events but never came into the level of completion to make it stand as the final one world government. In the late forties the United Nations was set up which seems to have been the vehicle to conquer the Nations of the world through “peace keeping”. Our own country has signed many U.N. treaties putting our armed forces under it’s authority.
The birth of Israel appeared to be an outcome of the great persecution and genocide of the Jews and others during WW2 yet was only a beginning. It is not yet the place that God has ordained for His chosen people. The government does not adhere to the Law of the Lord but there are many godly people who dwell there just as in the other places. Jesus told us that His Kingdom was not of this world. The elect are to be gathered from every tribe and nation from the four corners of the world. Just as the earthly “promised land” was birthed through fire the Heavenly one will be brought forth in the same manner. Acts 14:22 confirms this. Through much tribulation/persecution will we enter the Kingdom (not of this world). Perhaps like the children of Abraham there in one of the flesh and another of the Spirit.
We are assured that if we are strong and faithful in Christ we will be afflicted/persecuted on all levels. We can then rejoice because we will also be partakers of his glory after enduring the fiery trials/purification,(see Malachi 3:1-7).Hebrews 2:10-11 states (Amplified) For it was an act worthy[of God]and fitting [to the divine nature]that He,for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence,in bringing many sons to glory,should make the pioneer [author] of their salvation perfect [should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to be perfectly equipped for his office of High Priest]through sufferings 11For both he who sanctifies[making men holy]and those who are being sanctified all have one [Father]for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.
2 Corinthians 4:16 reads; So we do not lose heart.Even though our outer nature is is wasting away our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 for this momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond measure. When diverse persecutions come against the church it always grows in strength and grace. We can’t forget that those who earn the distinction of sharing in the Lord’s glory are those who endure to the end. Diligent faith is necessary to be found worthy to stand before the Lord when he appears, Mal.3:1-3. Signs of the end of the age have increased while greater and greater “revivals” have been birthed bringing more depth of understanding of the inheritance we have in Christ. These are part of the ever increasing "Birthpangs".
Darkness is increasing, yet the light is getting greater in the faithful, persevering ones. There are no more fence sitters allowed. At the same time as the mystery of iniquity in man is seen/revealed the number of the elect will be complete. These chosen ones/overcomers will achieve the status of mature Sons, coming into the fullness of the measure of the Stature of Christ. The culmination of these two diverse attainments is a final confrontation that will put all of God’s enemies beneath His feet. This must take place to bring the Kingdom of God into operation with glory, dominion and power, Rev. 11:15-17). In 1 Corinthians 15 starting at verse 20 we see the whole picture; But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep.Death came through one man and the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam,so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order; Christ as the first fruits,then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father,after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.27 For God has put all things in subjection.
The Lord has also said that there is a certain number that will be reached of His elect before they will be gathered from the four corners of the earth, [I think this is 144,000, Rev.12]. This remnant group has overcome in all things just as Christ overcame the world and the evil one. They are abiding in the manifest glory of God. The word Christ means the anointed. This anointing of God's Spirit abides in us to teach us all things. Faithful believers will have to be strong at this time as they are the ones who operate in authority as Christ’s body to crush Satan’s head beneath their feet.
You might ask why this must take place since Christ already gained this status of authority over all the forces of darkness. He gave this power to us to operate in the earth to complete this restoration in the natural realm what is already done in the supernatural/spiritual position in Christ. His Body is the operational force of regaining dominion in the earth. This jurisdiction over all things includes natural, human and spiritual territories.
A great division will be apparent between those who are sold out to God and those who are just “playing church”. The great falling away continues to take place as persecutions and trials increase in the world. The main charge against the apostate church is not that they are ignorant of foundational doctrines but that the love of many has grown cold. Those who hold onto their false teachings and worldly affections will go through great disillusionment but those who really Love God above all things will be given the way to continue in their faith. He is our dwelling place not a building. Be assured that as you draw near to the Lord He will discipline/chasten you to get rid of all impurities to perfect you.
It will be extremely unpopular or against the law to be a believer, soon. I don’t believe that America is exempt from these fiery trials we have been shown in prophesy. In fact it will probably be more devastating for the Western church because they have become presumptuous and apathetic. The shock and pain will be less for those who wake up and repent faster. Realize that there are those who are coming out of the Babylonian system of paganism and other falsehoods that they have believed to find the true way. Greater and greater compromise will be expected for those who remain.
Most people would interpret those who are fighting against Yahweh’s faithful to be hardened Satanists or others from the world’s evil anti-Christian groups. Regretably, there will be many terrified, vengeful “believers” who will be making war with the Saints. Matthew 24 makes it clear that family members (more likely in the spiritual sense) will come against one another and turn one another in to the authorities.
Many would ask why the church is divided so drastically. This is because many do not allow Jesus, their savior, to be their Lord fully to make them into mature ones. Their “house” is built on the shifting sand of self righteousness spawned from smooth doctrines of men; a form of godliness but no power. Look at all of the denominations; each calling themselves by labels of earthly leaders or diverse interpretations. “A denomination is the tombstone of a past revival,”is an accurate observation. Many believers follow a teacher or prophet but never hear the whole counsel of God for themselves. The only truly anointed Words are directly from of the Spirit of God. YHWH doesn’t give all His truth to one person or group for it is expected of His children that they submit to one another in the fear of the Lord. Unless the whole body operates in sync, in the anointing, there will continue to be divisions and strife rather than unity. A house divided cannot stand.
I don’t feel anyone can possibly survive the huge storms that are coming unless they hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. This rock of revelation is the very foundation that Jesus spoke about to Peter. On this rock he has been building his true Church, unknown to those who walk in the flesh, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The "sunshine” believers won’t be able to withstand the horrific events that will befall all of mankind. They were given a soft comfortable message (a compromise)that didn’t allow for any inconveniences let alone loss of property or prestige. We haven’t figured out that the “bottom line” is not in the keeping or losing of material things. It is usually found in the saving or destruction of relationships. If you do not love those brethren that you see how can you say you love God who you don't see; 1John 4:7-21?
The Lord spoke this Word to me recently that He is always looking to accomplish the good of all. Matthew 24 relates the message of betrayal because the accuser of the brethren will be causing blame and distrust among nominal believers. He is a great foe but will be cast down as the mature Sons are manifested. Reading at verse 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for my name sake.10 Then many will be offended,will betray one another, and will hate one another. False doctrines that the church has promoted will cause many to become offended or afraid so that they will not accept the truth when they hear see it. Those who have been searching to understand what is required of God’s chosen people have seen that like Christ, they must fulfill all the law. He explained this as a two fold commitment; love the Father with all our might and our neighbor as ourselves. He is the vine-dresser who prunes the branches that are not fruit bearing.
To be disciplined and refined is a blessing for He chastens those He loves. Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you do not lose heart. 4 in your struggle against sin you have not resisted to the point of shedding your blood 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children--My child do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; 6 For the Lord disciplines those whom He loves and chastises every child whom He accepts. This is what the original disciples understood. Their baptism in the Jordan was a complete turning away and seperation from the world's systems. They had to leave behind traditions of men and even rejected the ceremonies and compromise found in Herod's Temple and the dictates of Rome.
There is a very simple mystery seen in the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. Jesus speaks here about the Word that is sown in people’s hearts. We can categorize them like this; non-believers, make-believers, half-believers, and true-believers. Each one has the ability to become mature but only the 100 fold harvest brings glory to God. Several things are set against the seed/Word to destroy it and keep it from becoming mature. These interferences all arise for the Word’s sake. Hungry birds, thorny bushes, rocky soil, lack of rain and sunshine; all take a toll on the growth of the plants. At any time they could be removed from the ground of the heart that received the Word so that it can thrive. One represents the deceitfulness of riches and another persecutions and trials - some so called good as well as bad things. Just the cares of life in general can kill off the amount of yield through neglect. We have to watch over the Word to keep it active and powerful to produce the witness it was meant to perform.
We know that there are tares growing among the wheat. Those who are contentious, arrogant, rude or otherwise self-righteous will fail the test and their works will be as chaff upon the threshing floor. When we came to salvation we had nothing in ourselves that was worthy to be acceptable to gain a place in our Father’s household for it is by grace through faith that we have been saved. We must remember that if we reject and judge others we are not continuing in our salvation but have fallen from grace for faith works by love.
The merciful shall obtain mercy and those who have been forgiven much know how to forgive much. Be careful that a root of bitterness does not grow in our hearts because it will defile us and prevent us from obtaining fully the righteousness of Christ. We are admonished to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only the peacemakers will qualify to be Sons of God. The fruits of Righteousness are sown in peace by those who make peace. Behold, I tell you a mystery:We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality...54 Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”