Eschatology & The 8th Day

English 101 for Biblical understanding:

The earliest; worldwide, acceptable English translation of The Bible is commonly known as The King James Version. This translation is still one of the most used by modern day Christians or those looking or searching for answers from it. It was originally written in Old English and has since been given a few revisions but it pretty much appears today; as it did nearly 400 years ago when first published. 

            Old English is a bit complicated for some; less for others and we even have self-proclaimed or recognized Scholars claiming various levels of expertise in this field. One of; if not the biggest reason for the numerous translations of the Bible is the numerous generations who have come since; have felt the need to explain or simplify Scripture. Some claim newer discoveries since either change, alter or otherwise explain or simplify Scripture so this new evidence is collected; sorted through, filtered, compared, analyzed, critiqued and eventually interpreted into future renditions, revisions or translations. This process will never cease.

          Translation & Interpretation are forever linked together and will always be inseparable but each also needs to be appreciated for its’ core differences in comparison to its counter-part. Some words in one language have no equal in another language; so the Author will substitute words to try to paint the same picture. The views & understandings of translation are also forever linked to the moral or ethical attributes of both those who do the translating and those who interpret the translator. (Could a True Atheist correctly translate scripture without allowing their own morals or ethics sway or alter the original)? Can anyone? That’s a question for someone who believes their belief is being challenged. Let’s admit all people would have some moral or ethical issues when translating scripture from one language into another but we’re clearly hopeful and looking for those who would get it as close to God or the writer’s truest intention as possible.

          As we live in a day & age where Old English is only spoken on stages and in theaters; this antiquated language has been lost in time and very few ever read; study or even try to understand it. In a world with thousands of translations; why would you? This is a very sticky & sore subject with people due to their own preconceived notions they cast upon others without even questioning the intent of the teacher, instructor, clergy, parent or friend. Some people are so petty; the very mentioning of “The King James Version” reignites a fire already burning because of their own inability; unwillingness or outright refusal in understanding or even accepting the “KJV” as legitimate.

                William Shakespeare is said by many to be the Architect of the English Language. One of the first to attempt to produce & publish an English version of the Bible (William Tyndale) is equally credited as this “Architect” by some. Miles Coverdale: a student of William Tyndale; also produced a Bible of which; Shakespeare quoted hundreds of times in his numerous productions. It is widely known & accepted that much of both Tyndale’s & Coverdale’s work can be seen in the pages of the “KJV”

          Without diving into Theological discrepancies; I believe the most fundamental difficulty in understanding either the “KJV” or even Old English language, writing & comprehension can all be erased through a basic course in English & Grammar 101. In addition to the language itself; we should also note that English is also a subject taught in school. The Academic Title & Subject of English is the study of the language, literature and composition. This applies to spoken or written and also the understanding of either.

          A very often misunderstood or badly interpreted word is “You” or its variations: ye, you & your. Where is the word personal and where does it become generally applied? We must always consider the present situation and the outside surroundings or circumstances. If I were to write “Thank You” at then end of this lesson; who is that “Thank You” directed towards or at? As this is a written or even verbal lesson; which could be read or heard by countless numbers of people; that particular, individual “Thank You” is directed at anyone who reads or hears it.

          Now; let’s assume I am at a Book Signing. A young man by the name of Bob Jones comes up to me; purchases my book, I sign it and hand it over. In the process; I reach out my hand to Bob and say “Thank You” Who is that “Thank You” directed at or towards? BOB! It’s personal. Bob & I are in the same place at the same time and we are currently engaged in a private conversation and/or meeting. My comment is directed solely at him, at that precise moment in time therefore; that “Thank You” is personal and only & solely applies to Bob, then.

          When Billy Graham gives a sermon and says “I want to thank you for being here tonight” Who is he thanking? He’s thanking everyone who saw him, heard him or watched him, give that sermon on that night or any subsequent replay such as audio or video tapes. When Mr. Graham looks up to the sky and says “Thank You” that is singly & solely applied to either God or Christ and to them alone, it is also personal and not general or subjective to be twisted into ulterior or alternative meanings.

          The act of questioning is viewed & accepted by many to be a sign of intelligence? Unfortunately; this questioning has long since been placed on everything in existence from the creation or beginning of the solar system; to how long it will last, and everything in between. Man has even developed a cute title to give to this inquisitive thought process: Critical Thinking.

          The RIGHTS of an American Citizen; or any free person in a Democracy; to face, debate & question their leaders or prospective leaders has been passed on as a RIGHT or RITE for children to question any authority; from their parents, teachers, the Police, etc… It seems as though any person who could be viewed as an authority figure has been set up through continuous generations of children who question that authority; to becoming parents of the next generation that challenges that authority even more. Every Democracy in history has eventually failed: The RIGHTS & RITES of the majority become convoluted, distorted or otherwise weakened, and the addition of incremental Adult RIGHTS & RITES being transferable to children are only parts of what brings about this eventual downfall but they are key parts of the equation that are often over-looked because then you become one stepping on the RIGHTS or RITES of others and rather than exercising control; you become a nation whose children become the founding fathers of the next coup; civil, revolutionary or world war. 

            Critical Thinking is actually a course of study one can become degreed or certified on in College. Merriam Webster’s dictionary semi-defines critical thinking as this “exercising or involving careful judgment or judicious evaluation” aren’t judgment & evaluation subject to criticisms or even error? Wouldn’t this “exercising or involving careful judgment or judicious evaluation” also be based on our present-knowledge which is subject to change? Imagine a man convicted & sentenced to life in prison; being released on newly discovered evidence! Only God can determine true judgment and/or evaluation on every occasion, man is faulty and subject to error.

            Critical thinking is indeed a thought process one uses in judging or evaluating a specific thing, person, idea or event/moment/time. Critical also can mean crucial or important; vital if you will but these are simply synonyms of the word and not the definition of the original word in use. Critical means harsh, rude, mean or insensitive. Over time; additional or alternative meanings and/or definitions have bee placed or labeled on everything from bread to butter. (Look up the word IF in the Dictionary sometime) Everyone wants an alternate way of looking at or seeing things. Isn’t this also known as Subjective Reasoning? Can’t 10 people look at a glass of water and see 10 different things; or more?

          Critical in its most primitive & understood meaning relates to criticism or fault-finding. Critical thinking for some relates to looking at all possible, potential or hypothetical possibilities other than what is generally accepted by the masses. Critical thinking is what makes Believers into Atheist’s, Agnostics or even Pantheist’s or vice versa. Critical thinking is what causes people to change their minds; multiple times on any given subject but rather than simply accepting the truth; people are more content accepting variations of that truth as these variations help them in justifying their own or others’ thoughts, beliefs or actions.

          The English used in the KJV with words such as thee, thou, shalt or begotten is not the culprit in the failure of understanding but this inability comes through the interpretation of metaphors being passed on into mans’ need to interpret every word, phrase, verse & chapter as if God or the Prophets were not able to speak to man in simple language. I believe this was developed through interpreting Parables to find their true metaphorical-counterparts. Jesus said there were two purposes in the giving of Parables: “And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand” Those with the will, knowledge & ability will hear a parable and understand, others will not. Again; as these (Parables & Metaphors) require interpretation to truly understand, we must accept that this process will involve both Critical thinking & subjective reasoning on behalf of the readers. While we can hope truth will be discovered, we must also accept that versions or interpretations of that one-truth will, are and have come into being.

          I’ve recently heard some people saying “That’s just a Metaphor, it doesn’t really mean anything” This is usually said by those who have studied themselves into exhaustion and simply have given up searching for the truth. Saying that they don’t really mean anything at all allows that believer to dispute, disagree, argue & debate any point of view directed their way. My first line of defense is to ask why would God, The Prophets or even inspired Scribes write something that doesn’t really mean anything at all? What is the purpose? 

                When Christ said “I am the vine, ye are the branches” is this meaningless? The words vine & branches are being used as metaphors so are they completely without meaning or is it that we are supposed to pick & choose which metaphors have meaning and which were just used to take up space on the pages? Christ is our base; He is our foundation and we are supposed to be extensions of that base, foundation or root.

          It has been my experience over the years that much of the words; messages and stories in the Bible can be broken down into 3 categories: #1) Actual events that have taken place; which do not require the use of metaphors. #2) Principles: These are Gods’ laws that govern our morals & ethics. #3) Prophecies: A Prophecy in its’ strictest sense is Supernatural Knowledge. Prophecies in regards to future predicted events are always mixed with metaphors but not each step within any given prophecy is taught with or through metaphors. Let’s examine a parable to see these points.

 Luke 19:1-11

          And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, that he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

          Here; we have a story of a young man who desired to see Jesus. Jesus sees the faith of this man and how he does according to the Law and says “This day is salvation come to this house” Now notice the last verse: “And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear” When Jesus said “This day is salvation come to this house” some of those present; which undoubtedly included the Apostles, thought that Christ actually meant that the kingdom of heaven was about to appear or come into being. Jesus now takes the time to teach a parable that should provide understanding for those with the ears to hear.

Luke 19:12-27

          He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

          Is this simply a cute story with absolutely no meaning? Was Christ simply “spinning a yarn” for their enjoyment or amusement? Or did he actually have some messages for them in these words?

          We were given the premise (idea) for the need of this parable in verses 9 & 11. “This day is salvation come to this house” and “he added and spake a parable, because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear” Christ says he added this parable for a reason: “because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear” based on their misunderstanding of his earlier statement: “This day is salvation come to this house” Christ gives this parable to show them that the “Kingdom of Heaven” was not going to immediately appear but that it would still be for some time yet.

          Christ is the “Nobleman” who had to go into a “far country, for to receive for himself a kingdom” Again; Christ reminds those who can understand that he must “leave” and “go” into a “far country” Heaven, “for to receive unto himself a kingdom” So Christ had to leave in order to receive this kingdom; meaning he had to go somewhere other than here on earth so this tells us the kingdom was not from or of here.

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” As we have a specific number of servants being mentioned; this does not relate to all believers throughout time. English 101 would demand that no specific number be mentioned but that this should be worded as either “And he called all his servants” or “And he called his servants” Worded as such; this could be stretched into relating to all believers but the presence of A number dictates a specific group: Namely the Apostles. Christ gave or endowed these men with certain gifts, abilities or “pounds” with which they were to gain “usury” or increase by “trading” or spreading the Gospel.

“Occupy till I come” This part of the Parable is very hard for some to understand and impossible for others to accept. Christ appears to be saying that these “ten servants” or at least some of them would be present when he returned. Later; in this same parable, He seems to clarify this “And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money” Upon his return “to earth” after having had already “received the kingdom” Jesus “commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money” English 101 again mandates “to whom he had given the money” speaks directly to and about those specific “ten servants” he had given the “pounds” or abilities. The “ten servants” is not symbolic of all believers. If all gifts were given to all believers, who would there be to convert, or lead to Christ?

          Most believe this actually refers to the Heavenly judgment at the Rapture & Resurrection; based primarily on the middle of the story “Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him” and without proper understanding of English 101’s word usage, sentence structure or word-tense, this understanding is plausible but even this belief is shattered once one takes into consideration other things present in the parable that negate this from being a possibility.

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” In the final judgment of man; is it not Christ who “spiritually” kills man by casting him into the lake of fire? Is not this after the death of the fleshly body? This is a call for judgment to be sure but this judgment is not a spiritual end but rather refers to an earthly judgment upon man in his fleshly body but what man? Or men?

“But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us” with “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” shows both a people being slain or killed; and a people being the ones doing the slaying or killing and not Christ after all (Christ commands others to slay them) or even in a spiritual sense. This is an earthly judgment; upon an earthly people, by & through an earthly people. Numerous prophecies of the destruction of peoples, nations, tongues, cities or even entire cultures exist in the Old Testament whose prophecies were carried out by & through other peoples, nations and/or tongues but which are guided and developed through Gods’ and/or Spiritual control & manipulation. “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled” should help this understanding as well. As the good Christian always believes; God is always in control. Not that he controls our every move but that at any moment; He can!

          The Bible-Skeptic or those of other opinions about this parable who can not see that metaphors do have very-real counterparts in the physical world are simply that; those that do not believe as I do. While I do believe I both can and do make the case for this belief; we live in an ever-evolving culture which can not accept being told “You’re wrong” in nearly any/and all aspects of life. While I can accept that this inability exists in Non-Christians, I can not understand a self-proclaimed Christian refusing correction; even if they’re right and I’m wrong. “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully” When you or I endure grief (arguments, quarrels, debates, fights, etc…) in our beliefs about, for or towards God; Christ, Christianity, The Apostles, The Scriptures, etc… these things are said by Peter to be “thankworthy” which directly means “worthy of thanks or gratitude”

          Peter then goes on to say “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” Where is the glory or reward when you accept punishment, chastisement or correction for being and knowing you’re wrong? To be able to accept punishment, chastisement or correction even when we are right; this is what God looks for. Does not this relate directly to those of us who wish to attack others for having a different understanding; simply because we believe we’re Gods’ warriors out here fighting the good fight?

          I am not advocating violent attacks in the physical sense “such as someone hitting someone else” so let’s not go there. What I am referring to distinctly is allowing others to simply be able to say “You’re wrong” without you or I going into frenzy in defending our own personal-private interpretations of anything in scripture or about Christianity or anything else in life for that matter. Who are we that we’re so special and always deserve to be right on anything we choose to speak of at any given time? Just who do we think we are? We’re supposed to be Christians; we’re supposed to be Christian to and for the world, does this ever mean we’re perfect and have the right to attack someone for believing different?

          Peter now goes on to explain this one more time; giving the greatest example possible. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” Did Christ suffer for saying; doing or being wrong? No! He died for His belief and He went willingly; this is what we’re asked to do, in the much broader spiritual sense of course. We are told others and those among us have died and will die for their faith but I believe the Christian God does not ask His subjects (Christians) to do stupid things in His name that get them killed; seeking or being given some kind of Martyr status. Running up to an idiot who doesn’t believe in Christ; screaming “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” and getting killed is not dying, for your faith. This is simply dying; while attempting to achieve some higher status with God but even the knowledgeable Christian reads & forgets “[For there is no respect of persons with God] or [But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons] or [Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons]” for the self-righteous; these can all be dismissed as only being the writers’ personal opinions.  

                One of the most misunderstood words in the Bible is generation. Through the ages; people have tried to nail a specific number of years. Precedents are given and reasons searched to examine any number of verses trying to set up the once and for all rule of “This is how long a generation is according to scripture” Let’s look at 2 examples.

            Generation here comes from the Greek word “Genesis” which means a book of lineage, ancestry or chronology. Matthew then goes on to list Abraham to Christ in verses 2-16 and then adds this in verse 17 “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations”

            The word “Generations” here all come from the Greek word “Genea” which simply refers to each successive descendant from Father to Son as a single generation. From Abraham to Christ, we find 42 generations. Matthew shows that generation is not specifically tied to a definite number of years but is rather representative of the time elapsing between each individual’s birth & death; each individual’s lifespan is one generation with the total number of people mentioned comprising 42 different but successive generations.

            Here; Matthew is quoting Christ’ words but we notice here that he also uses the same Greek word “Genea” where we see the word “generation” As is demonstrated in Matthew 1:17 to be referring to a single generation of people; all living at the same time, one’s contemporaries if you will: wouldn’t this definition also lend itself to what Matthew is quoting Christ as saying in 24:34? Isn’t Christ saying that within the same generation of people He is speaking to, all these things would come to pass before the last of them died? What would be our precedence for believing it to relate to anything else? 

            Consider this example from Matthew 12:38-39 “then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas” Scribes & Pharisees asked Christ for a sign; for which He replied “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign” Again; generation here comes from the same Greek word “Genea” Those people living then asked Christ for a sign; which generation do you think Christ was referring to in His answer? Them, then! Why would Matthew 24:34 be any different?

Shortly is yet another misunderstood word in Scripture: in particular,

within the following verses.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise

Satan under your feet shortly.

The grace of our Lord

Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Revelation 1:1

the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John

Revelation 22:6

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

            Although a simple understanding of a word such as “shortly” is readily present in any situation outside the confines of Scripture; (You will finish reading this paragraph shortly) it is seriously questioned and/or doubted to mean just that within Scripture. Why? Because of the obvious implications that these things were to happen shortly or soon and not over 2,000 years later as the majority of the “Church” teaches!

            These 3 uses of the word “shortly” all come from the same original Greek word “Tachos” which is given the following meaning according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

Shortly, Quickly, Speedily

            Rather than accept that these things were to be accomplished within the same generation of those that received these prophecies, the futurist Church wants us to believe that they simply refer to the speed with which they are to come about, when they do happen. Many attempt to equate this “timing” to that of Christ’s return; citing verses such as Matthew 24:27 “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” a lightning strike happens in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye and is visible for miles but how long does it last? Were the events between Revelation 1:1 & 22:6 all too occur within that same split second time frame? What would this belief do to the long anticipated 7 year tribulation period? 

            There is one other use of the word “shortly” in Scripture that was translated from the same

Greek word “Tachos”

Acts 25:4-6