February 6: THE NECESSITY OF ESCAPE
I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations . . . who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. Isaiah 66:19
Isaiah’s prophecy especially applies in our day. It may seem ironic that the professed people of God could become so wayward that escape from the mainstream churches becomes necessary. But history proves repeatedly that God’s faithful remnant is a relatively small minority within those who profess to follow Him. God makes it clear that judgement begins with those of His house (Ezekiel 9:6; 1 Peter 4:17). This concept dovetails with the words of Jesus: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48) Those entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:2) qualify as ones to whom much has been committed.
The true followers of Jesus understand that they must be about [their] Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Jesus pointed out at the end of His earthly ministry that before His return “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Can there be any doubt about what the Father’s business is? Jesus provided the aged apostle John with a vision of the same idea as a reminder: Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6). This latter reminder calls the message the everlasting gospel meaning the original, unaltered, undefiled gospel message.
Those among them who escape I will send to the nations around the world to preach the original gospel — without alterations. They are described as the ones who are not defiled with women* . . . who follow the Lamb wherever He goes . . . redeemed from among men . . . These are well able to distinguish between a different gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6) and the everlasting gospel.
I will set a sign among them. It is not at all likely that this sign is a new one, nor is it a difficult one to lay hold of. Let’s begin a search with the first sign that God gave. When Creation of our world was finished after six days, He added an extra day for rest (see Genesis 2:1-3). But know for certain that there is someone — that serpent of old (Revelation 12:9) — who doesn’t want God’s people to enter into that rest with Him (Hebrews 4:1-9), because the seventh day of each week is set apart for renewal and restoration, for spiritual growth, for learning more of the Lord’s character, for building trust and having quality time for important relationships, strengthening family, and a special invitation to outsiders (Exodus 20:10; Deuteronomy 5:14). This sign honors Him as Creator and also as Redeemer — a special time to assist every individual who desires to escape from worldly ways and learn of heavenly ones. This sign not only identifies God as our Creator, but also as our Redeemer. Redemption and sanctification are intertwined, and only He can accomplish them. It is a fact that we cannot redeem or sanctify ourselves!
Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, And the son of man who lays hold on it; Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And keeps his hand from doing any evil.” (Isaiah 56:1-2)
Note: The words sign, seal, and mark are used interchangeably in Scripture. See the following: Exodus 20:8-11; 31:13-18; Deuteronomy 5:12-15;6:8; Psalm 89:34; Isaiah 56:3-8; 58:12-14; 66:22-23; Ezekiel 9:4; 20:12,20; Luke 23:56; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Revelation 7:3; 14:7
*The women mentioned here are fallen churches. A woman symbolizes a church (see Revelation 12:1 & compare to 17:1-5)