Day of Atonement—2013

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Greetings, everyone! Welcome to the Day of Atonement, 2013! Time just keeps going on and on. It helps us learn a lesson, which is never set dates! Everything that God has given to us to understand is framed on events. Those events are keyed to the Holy Days.

That does not necessarily mean that we know the year in which these things take place. Likewise, when we get to the end, when things are in turmoil—as in the book of Revelation—we see the events transpiring. The earth is shaken, the sun and the moon don't shine the way that they should, and with the earth being shaken, it's shaken out of its orbit, so it's not in the place it needs to be.

That's why no one but the Father knows the hour or the day, because only God will know what time it really it is when these events take place, even though they're pictured by the Holy Days.

Here we are on the Day of Atonement, a key pivotal axial day in the history of mankind, and in the history of God's plan. We have the beginning of it in Lev. 23. Let's see why God has us fast on this day. It is a required fast. Everyone is to take it; everyone is to not eat food and not drink water on this day. There's a reason for it that we will see.

Let's read the commands concerning the Day of Atonement, and there are many things that Leviticus 23:26 tells us: "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Also, on the tenth day of this seventh month, is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a Holy convocation to you. And you shall afflict your souls and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.'" (vs 26-27). Those were the regular offerings that were to be done. Today we take up an offering on every one of the Holy Days.

Verse 28 is a key verse, and the reason that we are to be fasting is because this day shows the power of God, and only God alone—with His angels—can accomplish this task. That's what this whole Day of Atonement is all about.

• it cannot be done by human strength

• it cannot be done by human will

• it cannot be done by politics, finance, economics, religion or education

This involves the end of a great spiritual battle that this earth and all human beings from Adam and Eve until us have experienced.

Verse 28: "And you shall do no work in that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement…"—to be atone with God. The truth is this: We can never be at one with God while Satan the devil is around!

• there is always the antagonism

• there is always the fight

• there is always the instigation of sin

"…in order to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God, for whoever is not afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people…. [you lose contact with God] …And whoever does any work in that same day, the same one will I destroy from among his people" (vs 28-30). This doesn't mean to kill them. People can be destroyed in many different ways.

Verse 31: "You shall do no manner of work. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be to you a Sabbath of rest, and you shall afflict yourselves. In the ninth day of the month at sunset, from sunset-to-sunset, you shall keep your Sabbath" (vs 31-32).

This also tells us that every day of God begins at sunset, and ends the next sunset. This also specifically defines the tenth day of the seventh month. This day is so important that God does not want anyone bringing their own interpretations into when this day begins and when it ends. Some of the Jews think that the ending of the day begins about three in the afternoon. Others believe that it is when the sun begins to decline from its noon position. Others believe it is sunset. Others believe that it is 'wait until you can see three stars at night,' and that's when the day begins.

God made it very clear, and this needs to be taken for all of the other Holy Days and the Sabbath, as well.

Since this day is a Holy Day and is important, and it is so important because this is the key day that is one of the most signal things in the plan of God. We will see that that is removing Satan the devil!

First, we'll take up an offering, and remember that the offerings that we give, we give from our substance and according to the blessings of God.

God is able to watch over us and take care of us, and give us sufficient in all things, in whatever circumstances we are in.

(pause for offering)

Also in the book of Leviticus, chapter 16 gives a very detailed account of the sacrifices and rituals that were to be taken care of during the Day of Atonement at the temple. The most important one was that there were to be two identical goats that were to be brought before Aaron the priest. Aaron was to cast lots over the goats. One would be for the Lord; one would be for Azazel, another name for Satan the devil.

Aaron gave all the offerings that he was to give for himself and for the priesthood so he could go into the Holy of Holies, and remember, the high priest only went in there on the Day of Atonement.

The goat for the Lord :

Let's take that and see what he was to do with it, Leviticus 16:15: "Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people, and bring its blood inside the veil. And he shall do with that blood as he did with the blood of the young bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. And he shall make an atonement for the sanctuary because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel and because of their transgressions in all their sins…. [this was a sin offering] …And so he shall do for the tabernacle of the congregation which remains with them in the midst of their uncleanness" (vs 15-16). After he did that, then he would come out.

The goat for Azazel:

People have asked: Why was this necessary? Some people say, 'This was Christ; He took our sins to heaven with Him when He ascended up into heaven. This was a type of Christ.' Not so! They fail to realize, and here is the biggest lesson we're going to learn today:

Lesson #1:

Man cannot tell the difference between the true God, the true Christ and Satan the devil, the false god and his false christ!

Only God can make that determination!

Lesson #2:

Until Satan is put away, there will always be sin!

Verse 21: "And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the sins of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away by the hand of a chosen man into the wilderness." We will see that the fulfillment of this is putting away Satan the devil by the hands of a strong angel.

All sin comes back Satan the devil. Remember, he was the one who, when he came into the Garden of Eden and talked to Adam and Eve, said, 'If you eat of this fruit, you shall become like God to decide good and evil.' In other words, you will do it your way, but he didn't tell them 'under my deception!'

Let's see something that's very important; let's see that there are many forces of evil that are available with Satan the devil because of his angels who became demons. Let's understand something very important concerning this: This actually tells of a time before the creation of man. This tells us of a time perhaps when God first made the earth, and then revealed His plan to all the angels. That's when Satan the devil rebelled!

In the prophetic language of Revelation 12:1, we see God's plan: "Then there appeared a great wonder in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and having the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." That's God's plan, right there!

Verse 2: "And being with child… [now it comes down to Mary] …she cried in travail, and was in pain to deliver." That' goes from God's plan, has to be with Christ; He had to be born of the flesh; He had to live without sinning.

Now we introduce Satan the devil, v 3: "And another sign was seen in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns on his heads; and his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth…." (vs 3-4). That's when Satan was cast down to the earth, and those stars represent angels. These angels became demons. That's why the earth ended up in the terrible mass destruction that it had, and the first flood that covered the earth (Gen. 1:2).

Now then, fast forward to the time when Jesus was to be born. Also, it is a type of the things that went on at the birth of Jesus. As we will see, Jesus Christ is the only one in the flesh Who ever overcame Satan the devil and did not sin!

"…And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to deliver, so that he might devour her child when she gave birth" (v 4). You find that in Matt. 2: What happened after Jesus was born? Herod wanted to kill Him, because Herod didn't want any competition of another king! They knew that the One Who was going to come as the Messiah would be born, and that He would be King of the Jews.

Verse 5[transcriber's correction] talks about the whole life of Christ and His preaching and His crucifixion, and His resurrection. "And she gave birth to a man child, Who was to shepherd all the nations with a rod of iron… [that has to be only Christ] …and her child was caught up to God and His throne."

Verse 6 jumps forward to when the Church had to flee into the wilderness.

Verse 7 talks about when there's going to be war in heaven again; a very type of the one that occurred when Satan drew a third part of the stars. "And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels warred against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels warred. But they did not prevail, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, the ancient serpent who is called the Devil and Satan… ['who is a liar from the beginning,' as Jesus said] …who is deceiving the whole world…" (vs 7-9).

Today we are locked into the deception that is coming over the whole world! We're going to see that Satan the devil operates against:

• individuals

• those who are God's people

• the world

• against God

But we can know that we will overcome!

Verse 10: "And I heard a great voice in heaven say, 'Now has come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ because the accuser of our brethren has been cast down, who accuses them day and night before our God. But they overcame him…'" (vs 10-11).

That's why we are here, and this is why we keep the Day of Atonement: to overcome Satan the devil! That's why with the goat that was Azazel, all the sins were put on him after they have been forgiven by God, because he is the author of sin; he is the one who caused it to be. Just like it began with Adam and Eve. What happened to that world before the Flood? Every human being's imagination was only evil continually! It was corrupt and violent, just like it is today! Satan's great finale has yet to come!

Verse 12: "'…Woe to those who inhabit the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, having great wrath because he knows that he has only a short time.' And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had brought forth the man child" (vs 12-13).

Then some were taken to a place of safety. Those who remained behind Satan came against them to make war against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (vs 14-17). Quite a chapter! Let's see some things on how Satan works on individuals. And he likes to get to the leaders, yes, indeed!

I couldn't find that Ezra—who wrote 1st and 2nd Chronicles—put in there of the account about David and Bathsheba. But surely Satan the devil was there doing that—don't you suppose? Yes, indeed!

Ezra wrote this concerning the numbering of Israel, 1-Chronicles 21:1: "And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel." God always gives a warning. God just doesn't turn us over to Satan the devil. Look at your life! Look at the things that you have done that turned out to be sin. Did you not have your conscience or someone tell you, 'don't do that, that's not right'? That happened with David.

Verse 2: "And David said to Joab… [the leading general] …and to the rulers of the people, 'Go number Israel from Beersheba to Dan. And bring the number of them to me so that I may know.'"

Notice Joab's advice. When someone tells you something that looks very good, that looks right, that's how Satan comes; he gives you a benefit; he gives you something against God, but it will bring you a benefit. There's pleasure in sin for a season, but it will bring you a penalty, as well! He doesn't tell you that; God tells you that: the wages of sin is death! Satan says that the wages of sin is fun and excitement and enlightenment, and 'I will be with you.' yes! To lead you into the depths of degradation of sin! He doesn't tell you that because he's a liar.

Notice that David had warning, v 3: "And Joab answered, 'May the LORD add to His people a hundred times, but my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? Why then does my lord require this thing?…. ['lord' is in lower case, so he's talking to the king] …Why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?' But the king's word prevailed against Joab…." (vs 3-4). David went and numbered them, and you know what happened. God came and answered David. He had a warning. Stop and think about these things. A warning always comes!

After he found out how many there were—over a million that had swords, that could fight—v 7: "And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel. And David said to God, 'I have sinned greatly because I have done this thing…. [David repented!] …But now, I beseech You, remove the iniquity of Your servant for I have done very foolishly'" (vs 7-8). Isn't it foolish to sin? Yes, indeed!

Verse 9: "And the LORD spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, 'Go and tell David, saying, 'Thus says the LORD: "I offer you three things. Choose one of them so that I may do it to you.' And Gad came to David and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD, "Choose for yourself: Either three years of famine, or three months to be swept away before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, even the plague in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the border of Israel.' And now say what word I shall bring again to Him Who sent me"'" (vs 9-12).

The consequences of sin are very serious. This plague killed 70,000 of the children of Israel. How God made His judgment on those, we don't know, but we do know that it happened. David was really grieved and he repented and cried out to God, and God stopped it.

Let's see how Satan wanted to get to Peter. Matt. 16 is very interesting because of the things that occurred. God had just revealed to Peter that Jesus was the Christ. Let's see what Jesus told them a little while later:

Matthew 16:21: "From that time Jesus began to explain to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, and to suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and to be killed, and to be raised the third day." We saw the summary prophecy in Rev. 12.

Notice what Peter did. Peter thought that this was the Messiah, and God just 'revealed it to me.' We don't want anything to happen to Him, so I'm going to let Him know, and this is a good thing for me to do.' Satan puts things into the minds of people that seem good, that seem right, that seem like it's the proper thing to do.

Verse 22: 'But after taking Him aside, Peter personally began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Godwill be favorable to you, Lord. In no way shall this happen to You.'"

Notice Jesus' answer, because this becomes very revealing. Remember, not every thought is a good thought. Not every inspiration comes from God.Remember:Satan is always there! We will see another thing that Jesus revealed to Peter, and then we will see the final outcome of what Peter learned.

Verse 23: "Then He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, because your thoughts are not in accord with the things of God, but the things of men.'" Peter rebuked Jesus because of Satan's inspiration, Satan putting the thought into his mind. Some people say that Satan can't inspire. Yes, he does! He can put it into the heart of people.

Think on this because He gave the solution to all of these supposedly 'good, lofty' thoughts that came from Satan the devil who is a liar form the beginning.

Verse 24: "And Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and let him take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it; but whoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?'" (vs 24-26). It gets down to life and death questions.

Let's see what else Jesus said concerning Satan, concerning Peter and all the apostles. This was just after the last Passover of Jesus:

Luke 22:31: "Then the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon, listen well. Satan has demanded to have you…'" In the Greek this means you all, or all of you. Satan desired to have all 12 of the apostles. Think about this for just a minute, because we'll see a pattern here that follows.

Satan always likes to get at the first one, or the ones who are to be leaders, or the ones who are going to teach the way of God. That's why we need to pray every day: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver—or rescue—us from the wicked one—or the evil one!

Yes, Satan is there and he's got millions of helpers with all the technology, with all the people, with all the demons that are with him to carry out his plan, and he's going to bring it together.

"'…Satan has demanded to have you… [all of you] …to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and when you [Peter] are converted, strengthen your brethren'" (vs 31-32).

Peter didn't learn the lesson from Matt. 16 about trying to rescue Christ from the crucifixion, where Jesus said, 'Get you behind Me, Satan.' No! He didn't learn that lesson!

Verse 33: "And he said to Him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death.' But He said, 'I tell you, Peter, the cock shall in no wise crow today before you have denied knowing Me three times'" (vs 33-34). That happened—didn't it? Yes, it did!

Let's see that Peter learned the lesson, and he also gives a warning. He ought to know! Look at the experiences that he went through. Add in there Gal. 2 where he was separating from eating with the Gentiles. Yes, indeed!

1-Peter 5:6: "Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt you in due time; casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you. Be sober! Be vigilant! For your adversary the devil is prowling about as a roaring lion, seeking anyone he may devour" (vs 6-8). He wrote this to the elders (v 1). This is why all of us need to be alert! Need to be yielding to God! Satan is the adversary!

Verse 9: "Whom resist, steadfast in the faith…" Not with any ideas of men, not with any strength of your own. It says that in Rev. 12 that we 'overcome Satan and his accusations

• through our testimony

• through the blood of the Lamb

• through Christ's forgiveness

• through Christ being with us

That's why this day is important for us to keep. That's why this day, in its final fulfillment, is going to be a great day of rejoicing for the whole world that will be in wreck and ruin because of everything that transpires with the return of Christ and the wars that take place.

"…knowing that the same afflictions are being fulfilled among your brethren who are in the world."

• after you've gone through a trial

• after you overcome difficulties

• after you have been rescued by God from Satan the devil

—because that's the whole purpose of the Gospel; to rescue us from Satan the devil and to prepare us to rule and reign with Jesus Christ; to rule the world after Satan has been put away.

Verse 10: "Now, may the God of all grace, Who has called us unto His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, Himself perfect you, establish, strengthen, and settle you." That's the lesson that Peter learned!

Now let's see how the same thing applies again. Let's understand that Jesus had to go into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Here is the official confrontation. Satan would love to do anything he could to cause Jesus to sin!

With the book that has been written, and Carl Franklin did great research in figuring out many things concerning the 70-weeks prophecy, what we have here is the very beginning of Jesus' ministry. This was actually in 26A.D. and this was on a Day of Atonement. This was not just the annual Day of Atonement; this was the Day of Atonement of the 50th year, the Jubilee! Here is this great battle for the whole universe between Christ and Satan.

Luke 4:1: "And Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil…. [it had to be the extreme test] …And He ate nothing in those days; and after they had come to an end, He hungered" (vs 1-2). Jesus in the flesh could not rely upon any of His physical attributes to try and overcome Satan the devil. He had to rely totally on God. It had to be totally according to the Word of God, totally according to the power and Spirit of God.

Notice how the devil approached Him, because he always gives you something that is a benefit. If you haven't eaten for 40 days and 40 nights, wouldn't a little bread be of benefit for you? Yes, it would!

Verse 3: "Then the devil said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God… [he's saying 'You prove it to me.'] …command that this stone become bread.'" Could Jesus do that? Of course! He fed the 5,000 and the 4,000!

Jesus is answering as a man, v 4: "But Jesus answered him, saying, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God."'" This also tells us another thing that's very important. It tells us the very purpose as to how we can live properly: By every Word of God! Not just by the physical things, God can always provide those.

Go back and read the parable of the sower and the seed. Look at how people were enticed. Look at how people gave up. And especially look at the one where it says that the one who received the seed in the shallow ground, Satan came and took that out of him.

Satan wants to get those things out of us today, just like he wanted to get Jesus to make that stone into bread. All of these things that Satan suggested, and wanted Jesus to do, would then be—if Christ obeyed them—serving another god! We are told: have no other gods before you. Who is 'the god of this world,' who has many, many, many gods? Satan the devil! Let's see what else, because

• Satan knew that Jesus was going to be the Messiah.

• Jesus knew Who He was!

• Jesus knew that He had to resist Satan the devil!

  • Satan knew that Jesus was going to inherit and rule the world!

Here he is, he's the 'god of this world' and now he's going to offer it to Jesus ahead of time. Yes, 'you do it this way and you'll rule the world.' NO!

Verse 5: "Then the devil led Him up into a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, 'I will give You all this authority, and the glory of them all; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I desire. Therefore, if You will worship me in my presence, all things shall be Yours'" (vs 5-7). Satan has always wanted to be God! What a coup that would have been? To have the Son of God worship him?

Verse 8: "But Jesus answered and said to him, 'Get behind Me, Satan; for it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve."'" As a man He answered that! Satan will never worship God, nor serve Him! Jesus answered that as the requirement of every man. That's why He came in the flesh, so that He could do it for every man and woman. Yes, indeed!

You're only to serve God, love and obey Him. When you go back and examine the things in the Bible, you see—beginning with Cain: Cain wanted to come along and improve on God's way and bring an offering that wasn't the way that God desired it to be. God didn't accept it, and Cain was angry about it. That was inspired by Satan the devil, and God is not going to accept any of that. That is the lesson here.

Another thing that all human beings like to do: they love to live in their sin and demand the blessing of God.

Verse 9: "Then he led Him to Jerusalem and set Him upon the edge of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here; for it is written, "He shall give His angels charge concerning You to keep You; and in their hands they shall bear You up, lest You strike Your foot against a stone."'" (vs 9-11). Offering a way out. 'Yes, use God, put Him in your hip-pocket, take the name of Jesus. Yes, use that, but do it my way.' That's what's happened to the Christianity of this world.

Verse 12: "But Jesus answered and said to him, 'It is clearly stated, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."'" That's how Satan works!

• he wants to come

• he wants to take

• he wants to get

those who love God, to get them off course—just a little, just a tiny bit. Then he'll bring another benefit, and another benefit. You can see how that happens in the lives of people who go into the depths of Satan the devil.

Track 2: or Download

Let's come to 2-Cor. 4. This is very important for us to understand and realize, because at Corinth there were many problems and difficulties because of the sins in Greece.

Greece was under Satan the devil, just like the whole world is under Satan the devil today. We'll see that, and also when we get the book of Revelation we need to always be alert and be on guard. This is why we need the Word of God, the Truth of God, and this is why things have happened in the past in the Churches of God. God is not going to put up for very long any minister who is going to exalt himself above the brethren, who is going to put himself first.

That's the opposite of what Jesus said. The one who serves the most is the one who is the greatest! People have been use to hierarchy in the past. Well, hierarchy is from God to the individual, and the elders are to teach and help and we all go up to God as it were with our lives, with our prayers, with everything that we do, and God's Spirit flows to us! False ministers like to use the name of Christ, like to merchandise people, etc.

Notice Paul in 2-Corinthians 4:1: "Therefore, having this ministry, according as we have received mercy, we are not fainthearted. For we have personally renounced the hidden things of dishonest gain, not walking in cunning craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully…" (vs 1-2).

Those who are ministers of Satan the devil handle the Word of God deceitfully. Some may appear to be more righteous than others. There are some who may use the Word of God quite well, until they come to the Sabbath and then it is like they are high-hurdlers and go right over it as if it never existed. Well, that's a counterfeit close to the real thing! "…but by manifestation of the Truth…" (v 2).

• Truth in the Word of God

• truth in our lives

• truth and understanding the Word of God

"…we are commending ourselves to every man's conscience before God. But if our Gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing" (vs 2-3).

Paul is explaining, in his defense, before the king, that he was sent on specific commission by Christ to go the Gentiles, to go to the nations. Here's what Christ was telling Paul:

Acts 26:17: "I am personally selecting you from among the people and the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes… [to the Truth of God] …that they may turn from darkness to Light… [the Light of Christ] …and from the authority of Satan to God…" (vs 17-18). God has to open your mind; you have to answer the call of God; He rescues you from Satan the devil! We all have to be rescued from Satan the devil. Paul did!

Did he not think he was doing the will of God when the high priest sent him out to bring the people back in chains and put them in prison, or to kill them? Yes, he did! That was under the authority of Satan the devil.

"…so that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified through faith in Me." (v 18). When King Agrippa heard this he didn't like it very well. Satan the devil is there to:

• always corrupt the Gospel

• to always try and corrupt the Word of God

• to always try to get into the Churches of God to cause them trouble

We will see how he comes to do that. Let's understand something very clearly: we have all experienced that kind of thing.

2-Corinthians 4:3: "But if our Gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing, in whom the god of this world… [Satan the devil] …has blinded the minds of those who do not believe…" (vs 3-4).

How does Satan blind? Very simple! The only way you can have your eyes opened is when you learn something from the Word of God, you obey and you do—then your eyes will be opened. Not completely, but starting to open. Then we have to continue so that we come to the point of repentance and baptism, and now we are ready to really grow in grace and knowledge:

• to develop the mind of Christ

• develop the fruits of God

• develop the character of God

Satan doesn't like that, so we'll see that he's going to try and come and interfere with that. We need to always be on guard. That's why we are told in Prov. 24: Guard the door of your mind!or your heart!

"…lest the Light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we do not preach our own selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake, because it is God Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, Who shined into our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (vs 4-6).

That is a tremendous and wonderful thing, brethren! God has done it to us and for us. Let's see how that was accomplished.

John 12—here we find some very interesting material, and some things concerning Satan the devil and how it was that Christ—through His perfect life, death and crucifixion, overcoming Satan the devil—made it possible for the Light of God to shine to us.

John 12:23: "But Jesus answered them, saying, 'The time has come for the Son of man to be glorified.'" Understand that as gruesome as the crucifixion was:

• it was to the glory of God

• it was to overcome Satan the devil

• it was to pave the way for salvation for all those who have been called from the time of Christ until His return

Verse 24: "Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Showing the whole process of how we are to change, grow and overcome.

Verse 25: "The one who loves his life shall lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world shall keep it unto eternal life."

• hating the sin

• hating the motives of carnal nature

• hating the things driven by the flesh

but

• loving God

• loving Christ

• loving His Word

• loving His Truth

Verse 26: "If anyone will serve Me, let him follow Me…" Follow Him in everything that he does. Satan is there with a detour here and detour there, and a 'lookie-lu' over here, and another great scene over here. He wants to captivate you subtly. Then later he will bring his onslaught.

"…and where I am, there shall My servant be also. And if anyone serves Me, him shall the Father honor. Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this very purpose I have come to this hour" (vs 26-27). He knew what was going to happen.

This becomes a very particularly important part of the things leading up to the Passover. If you will recall, God gave the instructions in Exo. 12 that on the tenth day of the first month, they were to select the lamb for the Passover. Well, it just so happens that the events on this day occurred on the weekly Sabbath before the Passover.

Verse 28: "'Father, glorify Your name.' Then a voice came from heaven, saying, 'I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.'" This was the Father officially selecting Jesus as the Lamb of God, to take away the sin of the world.

Verse 29: "Then the people standing there, who heard it, said, 'It thundered.' Others said, 'An angel spoke to Him.' Jesus answered and said, 'This voice did not come because of Me, but because of you'" (vs 29-30). So that you can be saved from your sins.

Verse 31, through the crucifixion: "Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out." That is a prophetic perfect thing which has not yet happened completely.

Verse 32: "'And if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to Myself.' But He said this to signify by what death He was about to die" (vs 32-33). But the people did not understand that.

Let's see what Jesus told His disciples, John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it fear. You have heard Me say to you that I am going away, and that I will come to you again. If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I said, 'I am going to the Father' because My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you may believe" (vs 27-29).

That is everything concerning the crucifixion, and understanding that this was for the sins of all mankind—every man, woman and child. Just like the atonement sacrifice was for all the sins of all the children of Israel, but they had to be put on the head of Satan the devil.

Verse 30: "I will not speak with you much longer because the ruler of this world is coming; but he does not have a single thing in Me. Yet, he comes… [because he was the force and the power behind the crucifixion, starting with Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus] …so that the world may know that I love the Father… [under all circumstances, and that's what we are to do] …and that I do exactly as the Father has commanded Me. Arise, let us go out" (vs 30-31).

After Jesus was resurrected He said to 'go into all the world and preach the Gospel' to the whole creation. That is the work that Christ has been doing from His ascension until His return, and is still doing.

Now let's see how we need to really adhere to the Word of God, and not be taken back by all of those… A lot of people say, 'Well, you know, a lot of those good Sunday-keeping folks are wonderful people.' I'm sure that they are, because anyone who will follow some of the teachings of Jesus will be better than the renegades who don't. They use the name of Jesus and praise His name.

Does that mean that they have salvation? No! They have a close counterfeit. They will undoubtedly be in the second resurrection. A calling to the first resurrection is a special calling. Satan likes to come along and interfere. Satan likes to come along and make out as if he is an apostle or minister, or, yes, even Jesus Christ Himself.

They were troubling the Church at Corinth. I imagine the Apostle Paul many times—it's not written down—probably wondered: 'O God, what about those people in Corinth? Look at all the problems that they have! Look at how carnal they are! They are so susceptible to these ministers of Satan coming out and preaching another Jesus.'

So, this is what Paul wrote, 2-Corinthians 11:1: "I would that you might bear with me in a little nonsense; but indeed, do bear with me. For I am jealous over you with the jealousy of God because I have espoused you to one husband, so that I may present youas a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness…" (vs 1-3). Satan uses the same thing.

• Who were these who were coming, bringing another Jesus?

• Were they some of those who followed Jesus around when He was in Judea and Galilee, and seeing the healings and hearing Him preach, but didn't follow Him?

• But decided that they wanted to go preach in the name of Christ?

It says a little later, 'Are they Hebrews? Yes! Are they Israelites? Yes! So am I!' It had to be some of them!

"…so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For indeed, if someone comes preaching another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive… [Satan's spirit of self-righteousness] …or a different gospel…" (vs 3-4). Yes, they even had the problem that some were preaching there was no resurrection. How is that a different gospel? Our souls are going to heaven!

…a different gospel, which you did not accept, you put up with it as something good…. [wonderful] … But I consider myself in no way inferior to those highly exalted so-called apostles" (vs 4-5). This had nothing to do with the other apostles, but those who appointed themselves as apostles.

Verse 13: "For such are false apostles… [those highly exalted] …—deceitful workers… [twisting and turn the Word of God] …who are transforming themselves into apostles of Christ." Amazing, isn't it?

But Paul said not to be amazed at this, 14: "And it is no marvel, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." Don't we have that even more and more on television? We have more and more satanism; more and more of the occult. Even a program concerning a 'medium' who is telling wonderful things to people. We have ghost-seekers, ghost-hunters, all of the occult movies, cannibalism, Draculaism, and so forth. All out there abundant and in force!

Yes, Satan is taking over this world, and we'll see how far it's going to be, where it is going to end, and why we need this Day of Atonement, why we need to rejoice that God has set aside a day that pictures getting rid of Satan.

"…who are transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And it is no marvel, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his servants also transform themselves as ministers of righteousness—whose end shall be according to their works" (vs 13-15). Yes, indeed! It's exactly what happens.

Did that take place? Yes, it did! It surely, surely did! You can read in the book of 1-John about the antichrist. You can read about those who came into the Church and forced out different ones.

Let's see that Satan the devil is always—never relenting one second—trying to get people in the Churches of God to believe false doctrine. He brings several things: calendar things, Passover things, Sabbath things—yes, indeed! Some of them are so clever, and some of them are so satanic and stupid, that if anyone falls for them, you're in deep trouble!

Church at Ephesus:

Let's see how this begins. The Church at Ephesus started out really well, because that's where all the Truth resided, especially after the book of Revelation with the Apostle John. In the seven letters we find a flow of how things come, and it's very interesting. We're not going to go into all the Scriptures with every one of them—that would be an in-depth study—but here in the Church at Ephesus they are commended for all their works, especially trying those who said that they were apostles and were not and found them liars.

They also hated the works of the Nicolaitans, which is a hierarchical form of church government. But they had one fault. They got so busy doing things that they lost their first love. The first love is not necessarily just how you feel right after you're baptized, or how you feel when you're beginning to understand the Truth. The first love is loving God first with all your heart, mind, soul and being. They got wrapped up in doing things that were not serving God. Jesus said that 'you better repent or I'm going to remove your candlestick.

On the other hand:

Church at Smyrna:

They had persecution, were even thrown in jail. I imagine that some people said, 'Well, you know, if you're thrown in jail you deserve it.' Well, they were faithful.

Then things progressed:

Church at Pergamos:

Notice their circumstances and how similar that is today. Revelation 2:12: "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write: These things says He Who has the sharp two-edged sword." What is the sharp two-edged sword? The word of God is like a sharp two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12).

What happened to them? They didn't use the Word of God! Christ says, 'I'm going to come against you with My Word!' It's also a sharp two-edged sword of correction!

Verse 13: "I know your works and where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is…" If you were living in a part of the world—city or whatever it is—where Satan has more power, you're going to be affected by it, because everything is run according to Satan's way.

Look at some of the cities of this world. Look at what they do. Look at their religion; look at their civil things. Just take a look at Rome and New York. They were faithful for a while, but they got worn down. When Antipas died, then things happened.

"…but you are holding fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells" (v 13). Right there where Satan dwells! Oh, what a thing!

He had a few things against them because they offered things sacrificed to idols and followed the works of the Nicolaitans. What did Jesus tell them? This is why we need to always be alert, always be ready, because there are those who appear righteous, who appear good, who want to come in and change things from the Word of God to their own false interpretations. So, here's what Jesus said:

Verse 16: "Repent! For if you do not repent, I will come to you quickly, and will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…." (vs 16-17).

Now then, this answers the question as to why churches disintegrate:

• because of false doctrine

• because of wrong leaders

• because of those who are following Satan the devil

and the they think they're doing the will of God!

Church of Thyatira:

They let Jezebel, the prophetess, who tells you all the doctrines that are coming from Baalism. Notice how far some of them fell. He tells them to repent, because He's the One Who searches the hearts and the reins!

Verse 24: "But to you I say, and to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine… [not all were affected by it] …and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak…" Did Satan have a successful time in Thyatira? Yes, indeed! So, they had to repent! What was the result of that?

Church of Sardis:

Christianity became so bland, so blah that the Church of Sardis had a name that it lived and died and they didn't have the complete works of Christ. Christ was merciful to them and said, 'Strengthen the things that remain and I won't blot your name out of the Book of Life.' Very interesting—isn't it?

The spillover from Thyatira into Sardis had the same effect—didn't it? Yes, indeed!

Church of Philadelphia:

Again, a run-in with Satan the devil! Revelation 3:9: "Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who proclaim themselves to be Jews… [the true believers of God] …and are not, but do lie—…" They are of the synagogue of Satan; Satan is right there, ready all the time, but notice how he is resisted. Not by gimmicks, not by human reasoning, but by the Word of God! That's why Jesus says:

Verse 10: "Because you have kept the word of My patience, I also will keep you from the time of temptation which is about to come upon the whole world to try those who dwell on the earth." We will see what that is in just a little bit.

Verse 11: "Behold, I am coming quickly; hold fast that which you have so that no one may take away your crown." All of those agents of Satan the devil are crown-thieves and snatchers!

Church of Laodicea:

The last church, living in a time when everything is so convenient and everything is so nice, everything is so good, and they become lukewarm, and Christ has to 'spew them out of His mouth.' They are as good as not converted! He tells them to repent!

All of this is a result of the society that we are living in today. Let's see how far this is going to come, because this is going to affect us. We are going to live in the world, and see that it is transpiring, continuously being built up, bit-by-bit-by-bit.

Let's see what the world is going to be, already nearly is. It is quite a thing! Here is this beast that comes up out of the water, out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns:

Revelation 13:1: "And I stood on the sand of the sea; and I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and his feet like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne and great authority" (vs 1-2). Remember what Jesus was told by Satan the devil? If you will worship me, I will give You all this authority!

Verse 3: "And I saw one of his heads as ifit were slain to death, but his deadly wound was healed… [came back to life] …and the whole earth was amazed and followed the beast." Look at the days ahead that we are facing, which we're entering right now.

Verse 4: "And they worshiped the dragon [Satan the devil] who gave his authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who has the power to make war against him?'" Think of this: It's going to be a worldwide power that's coming! This is what is coming upon the world as the temptation. The mark of the beast is coming upon the world as the temptation!

This is why we need to remain faithful to God, because all of this is of Satan the devil, and this is coming about to try and suck as many out of the Churches of God as he can!

• he blasphemed God

• he made war against the saints

Verse 7: "And he was given power to make war against the saints, and to overcome them; and he was given authority over every tribe and language and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him…" (vs 7-8). The beast is going to come into the temple of God and proclaim himself (2-Thess.). The Jews will build that temple and he will come in and say, 'I am God' and the whole world will worship him.

The next beast, the false prophet, is going to say, 'Yes, he is God manifested in the flesh. Yes, he is the savior. Yes, look at the miracles that I am doing. Look at how God substantiates all of these things for me.' These are the works of Satan the devil!

Then it will unleash the Great Tribulation. Only after the coming of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the saints shall Satan's reign come to an end. He's going to have one last ditch fight; that's when the seven last plagues are poured out (Rev. 16).

The last ditch attempt is going to be Revelation 16:12: "And the sixth angel poured out his vial into the great River Euphrates; and its waters were dried up, so that the way of the kings from the rising of the sun might be prepared. Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet; for they are spirits of demons working miracles, going forth to the kings of the earth, even of the whole world, to gather them together to the battle of that great Day of the Almighty God" (vs 12-14). The Battle of Armageddon.

That is Satan's last stand! He will be destroyed by the return of Jesus Christ and the saints. The beast's and the false prophet's armies will be disintegrated. They will be taken and cast into a Lake of Fire! Then the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement takes place. Look at everything that Satan is going to do in this world, all the things that he has caused:

• all the sins

• all the destruction

• all of the death

• all of the mayhem

• all of the martyrdom of the saints

all of those things, all of Great Babylon is going to have to be destroyed. We are going to have to start all over again with the Kingdom of God. It will be a new heaven and a new earth, physically, for the kingdom.

As we started out, you can never have true righteousness when Satan the devil is around. He's always going to try and come and undo it.

• we saw that with Adam and Eve

• we saw that with King David

• we saw how Christ defeated Satan

• we saw how it is only through the power of God that these things can be overcome

• we saw that how that even within the Churches of God Satan is there, also depicted by the tares (Matt. 13) to come and to infiltrate and get the Churches of God to follow along with some of these nice sounding things

It's going to end in total disaster of this world.

So, Satan must be put away! Here is the fulfillment of Lev. 16 with the goat that was for Azazel. Every sin in this world that has ever been is going to be laid upon him, and he and the demons are going to be removed!

Revelation 20:1: "Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan and bound him for a thousand years. Then he cast him into the abyss, and locked him up, and sealed the abyss over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer until the thousand years were fulfilled; and after that it is ordained that he be loosed for a short time" (vs 1-3).

When Satan is loosed, what is the first thing that he causes? War! That's why Satan has to be removed!

• at the beginning of the Millennium, he is removed and restrained in the abyss

• at the end of the Millennium he is let out

• after the war he causes, he is cast into the Lake of Fire and banish to the utter darkness and blackness forever

That's why we have the Day of Atonement! Satan must be gotten rid of! There can never be the full righteousness of God as long as Satan is around.

This is the meaning of the Day of Atonement!

Scriptural References:

1. Leviticus 23:26-32

2. Leviticus 16:15-16, 21

3. Revelation 12:1-5, 7-13

4. 1 Chronicles 21:1-4, 7-12

5. Matthew 16:21-26

6. Luke 22:31-34

7. 1 Peter 5:6-10

8. Luke 4:1-12

9. 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

10. Acts 26:17-18

11. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

12. John 12:23-33

13. John 14:27-31

14. 2 Corinthians 11:1-5, 13-15

15. Revelation 2:12-14, 16-17, 24

16. Revelation 3:9-11

17. Revelation 13:1-4, 7-8

18. Revelation 16:12-14

19. Revelation 20:1-3

Scriptures referenced, not quoted:

• Genesis 1:2

• Matthew 2

• Revelation 12:6, 14-17

• Galatians 2

• 1 Peter 5:1

• Exodus 12

• Proverbs 24

• 1 John

• Hebrews 4:12

• 2 Thessalonians

• Matthew 13