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(Cont. from Page 863A). 863B. (V.5) The "garland of beauty": The spirit of truth and justice manifest in those remaining over of His people after the "flooding waters" have flush out the lies of the "drunkards". (V.18, 19).(V.6) Jehovah strengthens His faithful ones with the spirit of justice and courage.(V.7) Because of accepting only the promise of blessings to themselves, and refusing to apply to themselves disciplines from Jehovah, they have become intoxicated, the result of self‑glorification. They are therefore confused and have gone astray in their "seeing", because for some time they have not received teachings from God, His beneficial disciplines for their correction. The "wine" of the true "vine" that was prophesied are stronger teachings revealed in the "time of the end". (John 2:9,10). Therefore, they cannot spiritually 'see' (being in an already 'drunken' state) and are left spiritually blind.(V.8) All their false teachings, likened to filthy vomit, have stifled the true life-giving teachings of God revealed in the "time of the end". Instead, they have applied all God-given disciplines to the "dogs" outside God's house (Rev 22:15); namely, to members of Christendom, so that there is no place without their filthy vomit.(V.9, 10) With this appalling condition existing among the rulers of His people ('priests'), how could God possibly instruct newly-converted ones in the faith ("babes") with His knowledge, so that they may understand and be able to put up His "measuring lines" correctly, when and where they are needed?(V.11, 12) Jehovah is giving utterance through those that speak for Him in a repetitive manner, in those things that His people would not heed previously. They are not new teachings, but accurate repetition of the teachings which give rest to weary souls. Not empty prophesying and sniffing at God's Word (Mal 1:13), but teaching a way of life by which people can have rest, loyal love, as they subject themselves to God.(V.13-16) Those bragging in their refuge of lies, say in their hearts: 'We have "concluded a covenant with death", meaning that they believe they have already concluded the requirements of the "new covenant" and are awaiting its final validation by the furnishing of their bodies in death! (Heb 9:17). This belief in their being concealed in the day of God's unusual work will be dissolved, for Christ's teachings are an already tried foundation stone in Zion, which will ensnare those whose teachings are outside the dimensions of God's house, the Holy Scriptures. (See illustration Page 826). Those exercising faith in God, by word and deed, have therefore no reason to fear.(V.17-19) The spiritual "hail" of fight and war has been stored up. God uses "hail" against those who have entered the domain of His spiritual warring. (Job 38:22,23). This "hail" is from the waters of God's Word. They are His Spirit denunciations, which apostates receive during the "day" for exposing their lies. It comes upon them suddenly and passes through the spirit of these liars. They are taken away in visions, causing terror in their spirits. Obedient anointed sons of God are also disciplined by being taken away in spirit, in visions of the night, but receive spiritual instruction for public service, and have any uncleanness that may exist in their lives or the lives of others made manifest to them for correction. Furthermore, as individual 'parts' of the one spiritual "body" of Christ, they feel in their spirits causes for sadness, such as apostasy existing among certain members during this generation.(V.20) The "couch" of their falsehood is now too short for them to rest on. And the blanket of their interwoven false teachings and "lying signs and portents" does not provide cover for them.(V.21-29) Revealing Jehovah's progressive spiritual work during His "day": Gathering, correcting and refining His Spirit sons, without crushing them.7/8/79. |
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