Abhorring the "Deep Things of Satan" - "Hold Fast What You Have"

"Hold Fast What You Have"

Jesus' next words bring comfort: "However, I say to the rest of you who are in Thyatira, all those who do not have this teaching, the very ones who did not get to know the 'deep things of Satan,'  as  they say: I am not putting upon you any other burden.  Just the same, hold fast what you have until I come.  (Revelation 2:24, 25)  There are faithful souls in Thyatira who have not been influenced by Jezebel. Similarly, for 40 years prior to 1918 and since then, not all professing Christians have tolerated the immoral, corrupt ways that are so rampant in Christendom.  The small band of Bible Students, now known as Jehovah's Witnesses, that tried to help church members set the un-Christian origin of many of Christendom's doctrines, has moved to rid itself of all Babylonish beliefs and practices received through apostate Christendom.  This includes  the permissive teaching of "that woman Jezebel."

The John class today have also encouraged their companions, the great crowd, to beware of immoral influences, such as those in the debased world of entertainment.  There is no need to view or experience corruption or curiosity or in order  to  learn what to avoid.  It is the course of wisdom o keep far away from the "deep things of Satan." As Jesus says:  "I am not putting upon you any other burden." This reminds us of the decree of the Christian governing body of the first century: "The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored  adding no further burden to you , except  these necessary things, to keep abstaining from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.  If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper."  (Acts 15:28, 29)  For spiritual prosperity, avoid false religion, misuse of blood (as in blood transfusions), and immorality!  And your physical health will likely be protected too.

Satan has other "deep things" today, such as complicated speculations and philosophies that flatter the intellect.  In addition to permissive, immoral reasonings, these include spiritism, and the theory of evolution.  How does the all-wise Creator regard these "deep things"?  The apostle Paul quotes him as saying:   "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise ones."  In contrast to thereto,  "the deep things of God" are simple, lucid, and heartwarming.  Wise Christians shun the "deep things" of Satan's sophisticated world.  Remember, "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." -1 Corinthians 1:19, Kingdom Interlinear; 2:10 1 John 2:17.

To show Christians in Thyatira, Jesus now speaks heartwarming words.  They also encourage anointed Christians  today:  "And to him that conquers and observes my deeds down to the end I will give authority over the nations, and he shall shepherd the people with an iron rod so that they will be broken into pieces like clay vessels, the same as I have received from my Father."  (Revelation 2:26,27)  Indeed a wonder privilege!  This authority that anointed Christians receive at their resurrection is a sharing with Jesus in wielding the "iron rod" of destruction against the rebellious nations at Armageddon. At best, the nuclear  firepower of those nations will sputter like a wet firecracker when Christ clashes his enemies to pieces as he would vessels of clay. -Psalm 2:8, 9; Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-13, 15.

Jesus adds: "And I will give him the morning star."  (Revelation 2:28) Jesus himself later explains what this "star" is, saying: "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star."  (Revelation 22:16) Yes, it is Jesus who fulfills the prophecy that Jehovah forced from the unwilling lips of Balaam: "A star will certainly step forth out of Jacob, and a scepter will indeed rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)  How will Jesus give "the morning star" to those who conquer?  Evidently, by giving himself to them, by taking them in to the closest, most intimate relationship with him. (John 14:2, 3) (no, its not what you think, get your minds out of the gutter)  Surely a powerful inducement to endure!  (Yes, it is!)  Stimulating it is, too, for the great crowd to know that "the bright morning star" will soon exercise his Kingdom authority in restoring Paradise here on earth!  (Amen to that! The sooner the better)

Next time: Abhorring the "Deep Things of Satan" -Maintain Integrity

From the Book of Revelation