“Treasures”

Jack Davis

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him…When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:1,2,9-11

Treasures mentioned in Scripture give us precious instruction concerning deposits of wealth. With many examples, we are taught who are the truly wise and the otherwise. An important aspect of being wise, is being wise in time. The Psalmist wrote, “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him – Ps 2:10-12.

In Romans One, especially verses eighteen through twenty-five, we have spelled out very clearly, how humanity has taken the path of the otherwise. With the wise men of our text, our attitude and activity manifested in what we seek, and what we share may determine whether we are wise or otherwise. What do we treasure, what do we do with what we have? Jesus said, “Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven…for where your treasure is there will your heart be also” – Mt. 6:20-21. He also said; “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,” and all that we have need of would be added unto us – V. 33.

SEEKING: As the wise men then were seeking Jesus, so today, there are those who are not only instructed in the things of God, but keep on seeking more. They come to Him with prepared hearts, receptive, open to divine deposits. They are investing energy, thought, and time wisely. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her” Proverbs 2:1-5 & 3:13-15.

In Proverbs 8:17-21, where we find Jesus pictured as wisdom personified, we read these wise words, “I love them that love me: and those that seek me early (diligently) shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, that fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”

The apostle Paul, somewhat overwhelmed as he contemplated some of the divine attributes, cried out; “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom, and knowledge of God!” We also rejoice in the fact, that in Jesus Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and that by God he is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That, according as it is written, “He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord.” No wonder our apostle said; “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” Oh, the surpassing worth, the priceless privilege of knowing Him intimately! So we today gladly seek Jesus, with the motive of wholehearted worship. Wise men still seek Him.

“We have seen his star…and are come to worship him.” They were divinely guided. We today must enter worship by divine guidance. Those who are wise put God first. His Word has the place of supreme authority in their lives. The Holy Spirit leads trusting hearts into the depths of true spiritual worship by the Word of God. Eph. 5:17-20; I Thess. 5:16-19; John 16:13-15.

Those wise men left the comfort of their homes, came from afar, and as strangers and pilgrims, traveled many weary miles. True seekers today overcome hindrances of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We can’t allow the pleasures, riches, and cares, discouragements or disappointments to keep us from going on. Let not the love of ease, self-indulgence, pride, or satanic accusations hold us back. Their journey was accompanied with joy. Joy is a characteristic of those who value Him most.

SHARING: “They opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts.” Worship of the wise is associated with giving, that is, expressions of our appreciation of His worth. When they saw Him, “they fell down and worshipped him.” Spiritual worship is an outflowing result of divine revelation. Any knowledge or wisdom aside from that comes to naught. When I think of “open Treasures,” I think of the importance of the openness of our lives before the Lord. Jesus said; “Let these sayings of mine sink down into your ears.” Jesus spoke in symbol in Matthew 13: of the Word, as the good seed taking lodging in the heart, and bringing forth fruit.

The apostle said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” It is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things, Jesus asked, “Have you understood these things?” Then He said, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man…which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Thank God, we can bring forth from the treasure of our hearts and share that which has been newly revealed, made real and living in us, but, also, it is our privilege to share that which is familiar. We need not be afraid, of repeating as the Holy Spirit leads, renewing, reminding, refreshing hearts.

THEY CAME PREPARED: Those men came expecting, but they also came ready to give. Whether we come together to meeting, or are kneeling at home we should give to Him that which we have stored in our hearts of our appreciation of Him. I am sure that when we do, we receive the most. What can we give God? The best we can give Him or others, we must first take form His hand. I Cor. 4:7, “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” II Cor. 4:7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Oh, what a deposit of wealth God has placed in us! GLORY, GLORY to God forever! Songs of Solomon 7:10-13. “I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages…there will I give thee my loves. The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which, I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. We have here spoken in symbol, some treasures of the heart. This has been called the Brides hope chest.

These wise men’s gifts picture for us some good examples of giving.
“GOLD:” They, discerning His worth, expressed appreciation of the fact that He was God, descended from the excellent glory. These gifts are worthy of a king, The KING. He was born king, born to reign. The gift of Gold expresses our appreciation of Jesus’ sovereignty. The gold we may give him is His pre-eminence in our lives.

“FRANKINCENSE:” Here, we may sense our appreciation of Jesus as Saviour. This perfume was the basis of the incense, for the sweet-savour, or burnt offerings. Its fragrance comes forth in contact with fire. Even as a man, Jesus was wholly consumed of the Father’s will. He said; “not My will, but thine.” We acknowledge His deity, but we also appreciate His Holy humanity. It was as a man that Jesus offered Himself without spot to God, as a sweet-smelling savour. God said of Him, “I am well pleased.” Jesus as a man, fully glorified the Father. He could say, ‘I do always the things that please the Father.” He perfectly translated the will of God into terms of everyday living. As we yield our lives to God, letting Jesus have the pre-eminence, our lives also become a sweet-savour of Christ unto our God. Let our appreciation to God for His Son, ascend before the throne on high. Giving Him praise, the fruit of our lips, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

“MYRRH:” As we give Him gold, acknowledging His deity, recognizing His sovereignty, honor His right to reign in us; and frankincense, offering praise in appreciation for the Man that became our Savior, let us also give Him Myrrh. Jesus suffered so immeasurably in becoming the mediator between God and man. Myrrh, one of the chief spices, was an ingredient used in the Holy anointing oil. It was also used for burial. Its sweet fragrance comes forth from its crushing. As our hearts are broken considering the suffering He went through for us, let us give Him Myrrh, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice.

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark

“The Kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever. And the four and twenty elders which sat before God on their thrones, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, we give thanks. O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power and hast reigned” Revelation 11:15-17.

For about the last 2,600 plus years “the times of the Gentiles” has been in effect. This God ordained time began when Israel, because of their disobedience, was led away out of their promised land into the captivity of Gentile nations. Ever since, Israel has been trodden under foot, persecuted and hated by nations where they were scattered. Even though they have been tremendously persecuted in the past and in the present, God has declared that they are His people and has decreed His undying love and protection for them. His covenant with Abraham  (Gen. 12:2-3) concerning his progeny is still in effect. God is regathering them to their homeland now, but this process will be greater as time goes on.

When Jesus Christ comes again, in what is called the rapture, to receive His Bride unto Himself, He will take the throne of His Father David as it is prophesied in Scripture. He will reign as a Jew of the linage and offspring of King David (II Sam. 7:11- 14). The Times of the Gentiles will be officially over. Psalms 2:1-3 predicts, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His anointed (Christ), saying Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision (scorn).

Just before the seven years of tribulation that is coming upon the earth, the man who will be the “beast” of Rev. 13 will make a treaty with Israel, no doubt for their protection and acceptance by other nations (Dan. 9:27). But at the middle of the seven years He will break this covenant and turn against Israel and persecute them. This man, known as the Antichrist or “beast” (Rev. 13,17) will unite the nations into one world economy, one world government and one world religion. He will become the ruler of the world and will be in usurpation against the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is true that for there to be a counterfeit on the earth of Christ (the Supreme Ruler), He must be ruling in heaven. Revelation 4:1-3 shows Christ as He begins His reign at the beginning of the seven years of tribulation.

At this very time the nations are trying to unite into “One World Order.” This has been the cry of many world leaders for several years, beginning in 1940. National leaders believe that the only way for peace worldwide is greater unification of all nations. The emphasis is on World Economics, World Government, and World Religion. These are the aims of the nations of this end time fulfilling (Rev. 13-17).

WORLD ECONOMICS – We see this coming about in the push for World Economic Unity. The economic organization known as the G-20 will hold their summit in Brisbane, Australia November 14, 2014 focusing on global economic growth, job creation and shielding nations from financial shocks. Protestors gathered just previous to the meeting of world leaders to try to pressure for tangible results. The goal of the summit is to create a burst of confidence in the G-20 by setting goals to create tens of millions of new jobs. According to reports of the meeting,

“Europe is teetering on the brink of recession, China‘s growth is slowing, while Japan is in a malaise, prompting the G-20 to provide signs of confidence that the countries are cooperating together.” Under the Antichrist the world will be totally united under one economy, as spoken of in Revelation 13:16-17, “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads: And that no man might be able to buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” We have seen the progress toward this situation taking place over the years right before our eyes.

WORLD GOVERNMENT – Genesis 11:1-9 records the Satanic influence in back of the first unification of the nations of the world. Verse 4 states their goal, “And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” This took place about 100 years after the flood of Noah’s time. At that time all the people on earth were of one language and of one speech. Their proclamation showed both their lack of trust in God and their self exaltation. They were saying, “We will do what we think is best for humanity!” They did not consult God in the matter. We see this happening in the world today.

There are many, many groups uniting mankind, on National and on International levels. There is an almost endless list of U.N. worldwide programs and commissions instituted to solve multiple problems such as global famine, exhaustion of nonrenewable resources, skyrocketing pollution, the coming ice age, ozone holes in the atmosphere, and global warming, Ebola and other diseases, and starvation, plus many other concerns of the world community. It sounds reasonable to the human race to unite and seek for answers through their own intellect and research, but sadly without God.

Satan continues his demonic work in the United States and the world, which he has continued since beginning. His dominance and power has increased in the world through-out time, until now in this end time, he will promote a superman, whom he will fill with his satanic power making him to appear to have all the answers to earth’s problems.

We read of this ‘Superman” in several places in the Scripture: Daniel 7:8, 11, He has a voice speaking great things,” Daniel 8:23 “.. A king of fierce countenance, understanding dark sentences (the occult), shall stand up,” Revelation 13:2 “...and the Dragon gave him his power and his throne, and great authority.” Vs. 3, “...wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed, and all the world wondered after the beast,” Vs. 4. “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” “... and power was given him to continue forty-two months,” Vs..7 “... and it was given unto him to make war with the saints [believers], and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Read also II Thess. 2:3-12. You will find there more information about the Antichrist. There he is called (Vs. 8) “that Wicked.” We are so near the tribulation at this time. It could be anytime this evil man will come forth and make a “covenant” with Israel.

WORLD RELIGION – The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ started out founded on the truth of God’s Word, but even in the Apostle’s days, error was creeping in. Finally, great error came in when church and state were joined (300 A.D.) persecution was perpetrated on anyone who did not follow the dogma of the recognized church. Although there has always been a line of true believers down through the ages, the recognized church began to adopt false teaching such as forgiveness for sin by doing penance, confessions to priests, purgatory, worship of idols, formalism in services and many other false doctrines. This is why we call it “The False Church.” Now, after 2,000 plus years of this Church Age, there is all manner of false doctrine. However, there is still true Christianity made up of all believers in Christ, who have experienced a new birth. The false system, Roman Catholicism is still with us, but there are some true believers within that system also.

The Roman Catholic Church has in recent years had meetings trying to gather all religions into the fold in unity, even Wicca, Buddhism, Muslimism, Native American Belief, as well as Charismatic Christians, and Hindus. Although the Roman Catholic Church does not belong to the World Council of Churches, there are some individual Catholic churches in foreign lands that do. However, in reading on the internet the view held by the Roman Catholic Church about the World Council of Churches, we find that they now are accepting the role of this group as being “a way that God is bringing back unity to the church.” During the tribulation when the Second Beast of Revelation 13 comes to the front and unites all religions together into oneness, and promote the Antichrist as the King of the earth and will worship him.

Here in the end time scene, the false church will join with the Antichrist. In Revelation 13:11-17 we read about the False Prophet, the religious leader who will promote the Antichrist, and entreat everyone to worship the Antichrist. One of these days very soon Satan will bring forth this “Man of Sin.”

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of error” (I John 4:4-6).

“Ye are the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others; but let us watch and be sober. But let us who are of the day, be sober; putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation” (I Thess. 5: 5-8). Christ is coming at any time. Be warned and ready!

Right



Do the right thing. That’s just not right. Knowing right from wrong. There is plenty of talk and plenty of opinions about what is right and wrong, but there has to be some standard to measure against or it is only opinion and everyone has a different opinion.

So much today is taught as majority think. If the majority think it is right, then it must be and everyone else should accept it as being right. If it is right for you, then just do it. They don’t want a standard unless they decide it fits their opinion.

In Psalms 119:126-128, we read this: “It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.”  This gives us the basis for everything. God’s Word is the standard to measure against. God’s Word is always right, no matter how much it goes contrary to what any person or group of persons might think. Men may have tried to make it void, but that does not change the fact of the truth of God’s Word.

Psalms 19:8 “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”  When we come to the place that we recognize that God’s Word is right, it rejoices our heart and simplifies our life. We no longer have to rely on ourselves or on society to define for us what is right or wrong.

The world lives in a grey zone for so much of life. Ever hear someone say, “That might be right for some, but not for me”? There seem to be so many “grey” areas today. God deals in right and wrong. Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”  Do we really want to add to God’s Word and be found a liar? Paul said, “let God be true and every man a liar.”

The law given in the Old Testament was intended to demonstrate God’s prefect righteousness, and show us how incapable we are of achieving that. We can either, decide God is wrong and make our own righteousness, or recognize God is right and realize we need Him to make us righteous through Jesus Christ. Only through the life of Christ in us can we do that which is right.

 Psalms 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”  How long do we expect man’s word to last? He changes his mind all the time. Man constantly changes his “truth” to fit his situation at the time. We hear often how the Bible is outdated, and it needs to change for today’s generation. God’s Word is the same forever, just as He is the same forever.

Gordon Crook

RUTH

Debra Isenbletter


Ruth 2:14 – “And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.”

In this verse we see the wonderful provision of Nourishment for Ruth!  There are three things that Boaz invites Ruth to do that will nourish her at “mealtime.”  It is to Come, to Eat and Dip.  By doing all three, she will be fully satisfied and fully energized!

Come:  “And Boaz said unto her, at mealtime come thou hither.”  First we see the time, it is “at mealtime,” it is time for a meal.  It is time to stop laboring and rest.  Boaz knows that his servants need to eat and he has set aside a time to feed on what he provides.  The early church took time to do this, they did this together.  They did this when they “continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).  They did this by “continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46).  We should remember that there is a spiritual mealtime.  We need this, as individuals and as an assembly.  We do this as  individuals  when we “study to show” ourselves “approved unto God,” we do this as His “workmen,” we do this by “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).  We do this as an assembly when we do not neglect “the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb 10:25).  Ruth came as an individual “workman” or “handmaiden” and she came and sat with all Boaz’s servants.  We see how important mealtime is – this is not just a physical meal but a spiritual meal, not just physical fellowship but spiritual fellowship.

Next we see the invitation:  It is “come thou hither.”  The word “come means “to approach” or “to come near.”  This speaks of fellowship and communion.  This is how we are truly satisfied, we come near to Christ.  His invitation asks us to “draw nigh” and we find as we do that He draws near unto us (James 4:8).  His invitation says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor” and promises us “rest” from those labors (Mt 11:28).  His invitation says “come and rest a while” (Mk 6:31).  How many accept this invitation to come CLOSER, to come and RECEIVE what our Boaz is willing to offer us?

Eat:  “and eat of the bread.”  This is the second part of Boaz’s invitation, to “eat.”  Boaz offers and provides for those that are his servants and for Ruth especially.  He invites her to eat.   What he offers her is bread.  This is a personal invitation to “eat” of what he provides.   This is not just any bread; it is “the” Bread.  It is Christ.  The moment Ruth accepts this bread, it becomes hers, it is a personal appropriation of his provision!  It is a daily feeding on Christ through the Word of God.  It is the Word of God that will strengthen and sustain us, the Word reveals the Lord, gives hope, illuminates and guides us.  Ruth will see in that bread his “merciful kindness” to his “servant” (Ps 119:76).  She will see in it “hope” for the “soul that fainteth” (Ps 119:81).  She will see in it a “lamp” for her “feet” and “a light” for her “path” (Ps 119:105).  She will let it “order” (establish and direct) her “steps” (Ps 119:133).  At the end of the meal she will be changed, she will say with all her heart, “thy servant loveth it” (Ps 119:140) and go forth in boldness to “speak thy word” (Ps 119:172).  When we feed on Christ, with the same hunger and appreciation that we see Ruth accepting that bread from Boaz’s hand, we not only “eat of the bread” but we treasure it, it becomes our “necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Dip:  “and dip thy morsel in the vinegar.”  This is the third part of Boaz’s invitation.  He asks her to do something with the bread he has offered her.  He asks her to “dip” it, which means to “immerse” or “plunge” it.  This is a word of action, a choice she must make.  She can eat it dry or choose to do this.  It is such a little step of obedience but brings forth wonderful satisfaction.  Boaz also reminds Ruth that this is her portion; he says “thy morsel.”  It is a “piece” or a “small portion,” but it is hers.  This is how we appropriate Christ, a portion at a time.  This “morsel” is hers alone, it is a personal appropriation of what he offers her, a personal enjoyment!  Then we see what her morsel is to be dipped in.  It is “the vinegar.”  The word “vinegar” can be translated “sour wine (mixed with oil) (Amplified) or “in the [olive oil and] vinegar” (Jewish Bible).  This morsel is saturated and flavored by the “vinegar.”  This vinegar can speak of the suffering of Christ and the oil mixed in can speak of the Spirit’s anointing and enabling for that suffering.  Boaz offers her this opportunity to take that bread and add to the flavor of it, he offers but she must accept it.  This is a picture of our sharing of the sufferings of Christ and the enabling of the Spirit to endure those sufferings and to appreciate His sufferings.  When we accept there are wonderful results, we become more like Him, we become overcomers!

Next we see what Ruth does to show she is beginning to appropriate these blessings.
She sat:  “And she sat beside the reapers.”  Here is Ruth’s place and Ruth’s rest.  There are times we need to simply sit and rest, and she chooses to sit with those that have harvested the grain.  Ruth does this in the presence of Boaz; we do this in the Presence of Christ.

Boaz provides more:  “and he reached (passed, offered) her parched corn.”  Again, she must accept this from the hand of Boaz, she must accept what he offers her.  This is grace, Boaz “reached” out to her, he “offered” to her.  This is provision, it is “parched corn” (roasted corn).

Ruth ate:  “and she did eat.”  This is satisfaction.  How much more do we find and enjoy when we sit still. Notice that Ruth is not left to fend for herself, Boaz takes time to offer to her something she may have not felt bold enough to take.  In this portion we see two types of food that have been offered to Ruth.  First “the bread,” which pictures Life, bread was called the staff of life, but this is more, it is a picture of Christ for He said He was the “Bread of Life” (John 6:48).  Next is the “parched corn,” which pictures Fruitfulness. Jesus spoke of the earth bringing forth “fruit,” first the “blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear” (Mk 4:28).  As we feed on Christ we are able to become fruitful, we bring forth fruit unto Him.

What is the wonderful result of her faith and obedience?  “And was sufficed, and left,” other translations read:  “she had some left over” (NIV, Jewish Bible), and “she had some left [for Naomi].”  It is that she was satisfied, Ruth “was sufficed.”  That word “sufficed” comes from “to fill to satisfaction.”  It means “to have plenty,” to “be satisfied with.”  Not only was she satisfied, but she had some “left,” she would take this back to Naomi.  We see here a picture also of how we can share with others what we receive from Christ. This speaks of a full provision and a full satisfaction.  We see that full provision in the feeding of the 5,000 (Mt 14:20) and the 4,000 (Mk 15:37).  In both instances there was an abundance left over.  Later when Jesus’ disciples were worried that there was only one loaf of bread (Mk 8:14) He reminded them that he had fed multitudes and what was left (Mk 8:19-21). The Lord will fully satisfy our hearts and if we go elsewhere we will feel the lack. Ruth stayed, and she found that she could not take in all that he offered her!  Sister Mary Bodie writes:  “Ruth is comforted and fed, that is, she could not appropriate all he gave her.”  How glorious!

THE DISPENSATIONS


Earlene Davis


Second Dispensation: The Age of Conscience

This age began after the fall and ended with the flood, Gen. 4-7. It is also called Antediluvian, which means, before the flood. Man for the first time became sin conscious, he realized what sin was.  Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness with their own efforts, but their fig leaves dried up and crumbled. That is the way with man’s righteousness. But God’s provision for man was by blood sacrifices. Of course they pointed to or represented the One sacrifice of Jesus Christ (the promised deliverer to come, Gen. 3:15) who atoned for man’s sin.

Man’s responsibility was to offer the blood sacrifices. In Gen. 4:1-8 we read of two offerings. Cain brought of the fruit of the ground that he grew and worked hard to get. Able brought a firstling of the flock that God had asked for and instructed that this was the way to come unto Him (Heb. 11:4). Some might say that God was not fair by rejecting Cain’s offering, but God didn’t cut him off. He gave Cain a chance to bring the right offering and to be accepted. God told him he did not do well, that a sin offering is lying at the door. He didn’t have to work for it, just take it and offer it unto God. But Cain didn’t do that. Instead that rebellion grew in his heart against God. He couldn’t kill God, so He killed his brother Able.

There are really only two religions in this world, followers of Cain or followers of Able. Those who follow Able, go the blood way, they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior (whose blood was shed for sin) and become righteous. The others reject that sacrifice and trust in their works which is not acceptable to God. Eph. 2:8-9; II Tim. 1:8-10; Titus 3:4-6.

God tested man as to the blood sacrifices. In Genesis 4 and 5 we read of two lineages, Cain and Seth. After Cain refused to offer the blood sacrifice and deliberately killed Able his brother, we read, “And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD (Gen. 4:6). What a terrible place to be. He started a line of people that were out of God’s fellowship completely. God doesn’t say much about any of his descendents as to how long they lived or when they died. They were a very skilled people. Cain built the first city we read of in Scripture and named it after his son. Of Cain’s descendants we read of a rancher and also one who built musical instruments and played them, another made swords. But they were ungodly.

Adam had another son, Seth. His name means “appointed one.” Eve said, for God hath appointed me another seed for Able whom Cain slew. Seth was a godly man, an appointed man to be a seed for God. These were a different kind of people, that knew God. The fifth chapter traces the genealogy of Seth to ten generations. Adam lived 930 years. He was still alive when Lamech was born. See how it was possible for Moses to have written the first five books of the Bible. Adam could have spoken to Lamech and Lamech to Noah and Noah lived to be 950 years old. In this genealogy is Enoch and it says of him that he walked with God, and he was not; for God took him, Gen. 5:24. Enoch’s son Methuselah ended this dispensation.

Notice the conditions that ended this dispensation, (Ch. 6) every  man was governed according to his conscience. The sons of God were the descendants of Seth and the daughters of men were descendants of Cain. The godly married the ungodly and things went down hill from there. God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thought of his heart was only evil continually. It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. The Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth - Gen. 6:5-7. Man failed and became so wicked he had to be judged because of God’s holiness. This age ended in the judgment of the flood.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” – Ch. 6:8. God instructed Noah to build an ark which would save him and his family when the flood came. “Make thee an ark of gopher wood” – V. 14. It is the only tree which grew in the wilderness. It reminds us of Jesus, “a root out of the dry ground” – Isa. 53:2. The tree had to be first cut down. This is wonderfully significant of Christ! He had to be crucified before man could have an Ark of safety from Divine judgment. All that were in the Ark were preserved from judgment, for even the seams were closed. The whole ark was pitched within and without with resin, that which flowed from the tree when it was cut into. Christ death not only saves us, but secures us eternally. No waters of judgment could enter that ark of safety The resin from the tree, is symbolic of Christ’s blood. Not one drop of the water of judgment could even touch them. The wondrous provision of Calvary is figured by the ark which Noah built. John 10:28-30.

Also God’s grace was shown to man in that Noah preached as he built the ark, but the people didn’t believe him. Read Heb. 11:7; I Pet. 3:20; and II Pet. 2:5. God had several stewards during that age.

Next issue: The Age of Human Government