Saturday, July 29, 2006

Chapter 7 Part XIII Generations of Noah (Type or Class)

Generations of Noah (Type or Class)

Gen. 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

As we continued on our trip in the Generations of Noah (Status), we discovered through the third meaning of generation, another common qualification of all generations. Not only do they consist of groups of individuals who exist, occur, or originate during the same time. But all generations will contemporaneously have a certain status. This status is generally determined by a generation’s condition in the eyes of the law, position or rank in relation to others, and state or condition with respect to circumstance. Now let us continue by examining the last meaning in the first definition of “generation.”

Definitions (Merriam Webster)
1. Generation: (n) 1 a : a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor b : a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously c : a group of individuals having contemporaneously a status (as that of students in a school) which each one holds only for a limited period d : a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type *first of the new generation of powerful supersonic fighters — Kenneth Koyen*

In the last meaning of the first definition of “generation,” we can see that a generation may also be: a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type. In order to clearly understand these meanings, let us define and rightly divide the key words of “type,” and “class

2. Type: (n)1 a : a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament) b : one having qualities of a higher category : MODEL 4 a : qualities common to a number of individuals that distinguish them as an identifiable class: as (1) : the morphological, physiological, or ecological characters by which relationship between organisms may be recognized c : a member of an indicated class or variety of people d : a particular kind, class, or group *leaders of the new type…did England yeoman's service — G. M. Trevelyan* e : something distinguishable as a variety : SORT *what type of food do you like?*

3. Class: (n) 1 a : a body of students meeting regularly to study the same subject 2 a : a group sharing the same economic or social status *the working class* 3 : a group, set, or kind sharing common attributes: as a : a major category in biological taxonomy ranking above the order and below the phylum or division

Now, from the definitions, we see that as a “type,” a generation; specifically the generations of Noah is: a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament) (type 1a), or a model (type 1b). They have qualities of a higher category (type 1b) and qualities common to a number of individuals that distinguish them as an identifiable class (type 4a). They are a member of an indicated class or variety of people (type 4c), a particular kind, class, or group (type 4d), and distinguishable as a variety or sort (type 4e).

From this information we can now conclude that the generation of Noah who is in the Old Testament is a foreshadow of another generation which is present in the New Testament. Or, One may say that there is a generation of Noah in the New Testament which has evolved or developed from those previous Old Testament models. Since this statement is true, then through the examination of the New Testament, we will be able to locate this newer version. And once located, this new model must possess all of the qualities which we have found to be present in that Old Testament version:

1. They must be comprised of more than one lone individual; or they should be seen as a group, aggregate, or mass. Generations of Noah (Body)

2. This group or body must exist, occur, or originate during the same time. And while existing during this time, they must have the same status as their predecessors. Generations of Noah (Status)

3. They must exist under the same circumstances . Generations of Noah (State or Condition)

4. They must exist in a period that is marked by the visible phenomena of corruption, violence and an abnormal person. Generations of Noah (Period)

5. This body must find Grace in the eyes of the LORD. Generations of Noah (Found Grace)

Through the careful examination of the New Testament One will find all of the aforementioned qualities present in the Elect of God. First, the Elect of God is comprised of more than one lone individual (Mark 13:27). In Mark 13:27 One can find the angels of the Lord gathering the elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. This gathering from these positions is an indication that there is more that one individual involved. This information substantiates the fact that Noah is comprised of more than one single individual.

Secondly, the Elect must exist, or originate during the same time (Mark 13:27, Matt. 24:21-22). And they must also have the same status as their predecessors (Rom.8:33). Through the gathering that is accomplished after the tribulation, the Believer is made aware of the fact that the Elect are in existence during the same time. And because of the justification of God, in Romans 8:33, the status of the Elect is seen as just and perfect.

Thirdly, the Elect must exist under the same circumstance (Mark 13:5-20). Since the circumstances, determine their status the Elect must also live under the same conditions as Noah. In Mark 13:5-20 we are shown that, like Noah, the Elect must also live through the time of great tribulation. And because of the size and intensity of this tribulation, the Lord must shorten these days for their sakes. But during this time, the Elect will remain incorruptible, and therefore are found worthy to escape these things (Luke 21:36).

Fourthly, the Elect must exist in that period which is marked by visible phenomena of wickedness, corruption, violence, and an abnormal person (Matt. 24:5-21, 2Thess. 2:3). As with Noah’s period, the time of the Elect’s is filled with observable wicked and violent acts. It is a time where iniquity abounds, and the hearts of the populace are cruel. And because of this iniquity many of God’s own shall be subject to affliction and violent death.

Fifthly, the Elect must find Grace in the eyes of the Lord (Rom. 11:5-7). In the same manner as those who have preceded them, the Elect will walk faithfully with God. And through their faithful walk and devotion they will build upon the foundation of Grace which God has laid. And by building upon this foundation, they obtain mercy, and pardon. And through the attainment of this Grace, God will allow them to escape that period of great tribulation.

Finally, as many may now see, the Elect are the Generations of Noah, and the Generations of Noah are the Elect. There is no difference between these two groups. Though his people may be numerous, God still sees them as One. This is why Noah is seen as One. If you will examine, you will see that this is evident throughout the Scriptures. Therefore, the body of Noah is not limited to one individual and his family. Rather it encompasses all those who will be saved during that time of judgement. Likewise, the body of Christ is not made up of one individual or one member. Rather it is made up of a collection of many peoples from around the world.

Seventy-two thousand plus Seventy-two thousand = One

Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

Monday, July 24, 2006

Chapter 7 Part XII Generations o Noah (Time and Grace)

Generations of Noah (Time and Grace)

In Generations of Noah (Grace on Stage) we continued our study in regards to God’s Grace and its relation to time. In that section we found out that, since Grace is equipped with a time limit, then it must have the five stages which are present in all things which have limits in time. These five stages are: Beginning Stage or Stage of Conception, Start Stage, Middle or Stage of Accountability, End Stage, and the Last or Finish Stage. We learned that the Beginning Stage is where all things originate. The Start Stage is where all things come into being in the physical world. The Stage of Accountability is where Discovery may be made. The End Stage is where evidence is most evident. And the Last or Finish Stage is where the completion of Judgement is seen. Today, let us continue our examination of Grace‘s involvement with Time. Let us again begin by defining and rightly dividing ‘grace

Definitions (Merriam Webster)
1. Grace: (n) 2 e : a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE

Grace’s limit in time brings us into a seeming contradiction with a previously observed fact. If you will recall, in Generations of Noah (Found) we learned that Grace is part of God’s essential character. And since it is a part of his inherent nature, then it must exist as long as he exists. And since God is eternal then Grace must also be eternal. But from its definition, we have found out that Grace is also temporary. So, the problem that we now have is that, we have two facts which are true but only one Grace. Since both of these facts are correctly established, then this can only mean one thing; Grace is able to occupy multiple positions in time. And through this occupation of time, it is able to have existence while ceasing to exist.

An example of how this phenomenon is possible is witnessed in the story of Noah’s flood. In the Start of that incident, we have all of man present under God’s Grace. In this single group Believers will find the Start and Finish of Grace as One. But as the story progresses to that Final Stage, we see that this group is now seen as two. At the Finish, there is Noah’s group and the group of those who perished in the flood. Noah’s group represents the Start of Grace, while those who perish in the flood represent the ceasing or Finish of Grace. This illustration allows Believers to see that, in the universe, Grace simultaneously occupies multiple positions in time. And due to this occupation, it is able to have existence while simultaneously ceasing to exist.

In Grace’s ability to concurrently occupy multiple positions in time, One is led to a little unknown but very important universal fact: All objects in the universe occupy multiple positions in time. And just as Grace is able to exist while simultaneously ceasing to exist, they too are able to do likewise.

Now, with the further examination of this ability, One will see some fundamental principles which deal with the Start and Finish of all objects. These principles are found throughout the Scripture and they are also common in the known universe.

1. Though it may not be seen, all Starts and Finishes occur simultaneously in the universe. This means that, the Start and Finish of all things will come into being or existence at the same time. Or One may also say that, as an object Starts its existence, it is concurrently starting its Finish. For Example: There are two entities who are present during Noah’s flood. One group represents the Start Stage while the other represents the Finish Stage. As Believers have already discovered, during the Start of the story, there seems to be only one group or action. But by the end of the story we see that there are two groups or actions occupying the same position in time. And through this occupation of time the Believer is able to see that the Start and Finish of all objects is conjunctional.

2. The Start and Finish of all objects will occur and disappear in the same area. This means that, the Start and Finish of all things will come into existence and pass out of existence in a particular extent of space or surface. Or One may also say that, the particular extent of space or surface where an object Starts is also the particular extent of space or surface where it will Finish. For example: In the story of Noah, the Start of wickedness, corruption and violence comes into existence in the earth. And since Start and Finish are simultaneous and occur in the same area, the Finish of wickedness, corruption and violence will come into existence in the earth.

3. Since all Starts and Finishes occur simultaneously and in the same area, One cannot have a Start without a Finish, and visa versa. This means that anytime there is Start, there must also be a Finish. And anytime there is a Finish, there must also be a Start.

4. Before there can be a Start and Finish there must first be a Finish and Start. This means that One cannot initiate a Start and Finish without the existence of a Finish and Start. For example: The Start and Finish of Judgement in the earth cannot be initiated without the Start of wickedness, corruption and violence in the earth. And the Start and Finish of wickedness, corruption, and violence cannot be initiated without the Start and Finish of virtue, moral principles, and justice.

5. The effects of all Starts and Finishes in the universe are transitive. Therefore, they are able to influence, determine and condition other Starts and Finishes in advance. This means two things; First, a Start and Finish has the power to fix the form, position, or character of another Start and Finish before it arises. And secondly, a Start and Finish has the ability to adapt, modify, or mold another Start and Finish before it arises. For example: Hebrews 11:7 states (By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith). From that verse One can see that Noah’s Start and Finish of the ark was transitional. It not only influenced and determined his Start after the Flood, but it also influenced and determined the outcome and Finish for those who perished in the flood.

6. The effects of a Start and Finish are not limited by time. Therefore, they are able to influence determine and condition beyond its immediate time. This means that the ability of a Start and Finish to influence another Start and Finish is not restricted to a certain time. Due to it’s transitive nature, it can go far into the future to effect subsequent Starts and Finishes. For example: The influence of the Start and Finish of previous empires is not restricted to their times. This influence still determines and conditions the Start and Finish of present day countries.

Now that One is able to see the principles of a Start and Finish which are found in God’s Grace, let us examine a common misconceptions about the Finish Stage of time. One thing that many Believers are unable to grasp is the Finish of time. A Finish of time or the End times as so many have incorrectly labeled it, does not mean that time will no longer exist. As long as there are events occurring in the universe, there will always be time. Life is a series of big plays, so when one show Finishes or runs out of time, the next production Starts. Therefore, a Finish of time only means that there is a completion of a final step in a continuing activity or function (2Tim 4:7). Or One may also say that a Finish of time means that there is a completion of a step in the gradual betterment or progressive development of mankind.

Finally, There are many who may have a sense of security in the false perception that an activity which is faraway cannot or will not effect them. Or that an activity which currently does not involve them will not eventually ensnare them. Unbeknownst to many is the fact that, the Start and Finish of one person’s activity is able to change the lives of all those around them. And not only those who are in that immediate vicinity. That activity will eventually reach out and effect the whole world. Distance and time are very deceptive. Therefore, the Start and Finish of every activity is of utmost importance. This is one of the messages that the Holy Scripture has intended to convey through the story of Noah. Those who lived in the earth in the past found out about this truth. Unfortunately, as with many generations, they had to find out the hard way. It seems that those lessons have been lost on today‘s world. So, soon this generation must also learn the hard way.

Without first knowing the known One cannot possibly know the unknown.”

Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

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