April 4, 2022
He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11
Before Jesus returns, the distinction will have been made between those who serve God and those who do not. The point of time referred to above is known in layman’s terms as the “close of probation.” Our merciful God will declare an end to His patience with sinners. On that Day, He will send Jesus to earth to claim His bride (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16). For those who have previously died, probation is already closed. The dead have either died in Christ or apart from Him. Those who are alive on the Day of His return will be either unjust and filthy or righteous and holy. This pre-advent judgement is confirmed in the next verse by Jesus’ own words:
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to give to everyone according to his work.” v.12
Our study yesterday of the measuring in 11:1 demonstrates the transparency of God. He has revealed His perfect standard to us, invites us to esteem it (or not – we are free to choose), demonstrates His love through the death of His Son in our place, and allows time for worshipers to make a self-evaluation in light of the true standard. An honest evaluation evokes gratitude for the character of God and moves the heart to true repentance leading to earnest obedience in cooperation with His saving grace.
But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. (11:2)
The word translated Gentiles is ethnoi in Greek and also means nations (v.18). The distinction between Jew and Gentile originally was a distinction between believer and unbeliever. Believers have citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem (Philippians 3:20). The majority of the early church were Jews, but the outsiders who came in were “grafted in” as spiritual Jews. The treading of the holy city is symbolic for the persecution of God’s people. Those who reject the gospel are referred to in Revelation seven times as those who dwell on the earth (3:10, 6:10, 11:10, 13:14, 14:6, 17:8). Our gracious God is at work to help them lift their gaze toward Heaven (in contrast to dwelling on earthly, temporary things) in order to save as many as are willing to be saved.
Historicist interpreters fit the forty-two months into a definitive time window of AD538-AD1798. The rise to power of the medieval church was gradual, but the last of the three opposing nations was plucked out by the roots (Daniel 7:8) by the papacy in AD538, opening the way for totally unhindered political and ecclesiastical power. The French Revolution seemed to bring to an end this oppressive power in 1798 when Napoleon dispatched his general to march into Rome and seize the pope. Jesus had said: “Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24b) The seven* mentions of this time period are accompanied by three** mentions of the day/year principle in Bible prophecy.
We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
*Daniel 7:25, 12:7, Revelation 11:2, 11:3, 12:6, 12:14, 13:5 **Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:6, Luke 13:32