"TWO DAYS" in SCRIPTURE
and Other Indications of the Nearness of the Lord's Coming
by Bruce Anstey
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The Lord has promised, "IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS, IF IT
WERE NOT SO I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU. AND
IF I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME AGAIN, AND RECEIVE YOU
UNTO MYSELF, THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO." (John 14:2-3). He
has also said, "SURELY I COME QUICKLY." (Revelation 22:20). The proper
hope of the Christian is to expect the Lord to come at any moment. The
Lord has not revealed a specific date as to when He would come that it
might ever be a present hope for the church throughout the whole period
of its sojourn on earth. The Apostle Paul in his day included himself in
the number that expected to be caught up at the coming of the Lord. He
could say, "WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER.."
(1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:51).
Satan is doing all he can to get the church to settle down in this world.
One of his main ways is to take away from the church the present hope of
the Lord's coming. Many dear Christians today through poor teaching have
given up this hope and are not looking for the Lord to come at any moment.
Instead they are looking for events in prophecy to be fulfilled first.
This is a mistake. Prophecy, properly speaking, is not being fulfilled
today. Prophecy is not to do with the church, but with Israel and the nations
that will populate the Millennial earth. Since Israel has been set aside
presently for their rejection of Christ, prophecy has been suspended (see
Daniel's seventy weeks, Daniel 9, Romans 11) until the fullness of the
Gentiles is come in and the church is taken to glory. We are not waiting
for prophecy to be fulfilled, we are waiting for the Lord to come. There
are, however, certain unmistakable indications that should lift up our
hearts heavenward in fresh expectation of the Lord's near return.
1. THE LAODICIAN CONDITION OF THE CHURCH
REVELATION 3:14-22. In Rev. 2-3 we are given seven successive stages of
decline in the moral state of the church from the Apostles' day right down
to the last days prior to the Lord's coming to take His people to glory
(Rev. 4:1). The seventh and last stage is that of Laodicea in which the
professing church is portrayed in a despicable condition of indifference
to Christ. The Apostle Paul also described the condition of the Christian
testimony in the last days as being in the most awful state of ruin in
which moral and doctrinal evil would prevail. (2 Timothy 3:1-9, 4:3-4).
This condition of things accurately describes the present time in which
we live and should lead us to the sobering conclusion that the Lord is
coming soon.
2. THE MIDNIGHT CRY HAS GONE FORTH MATTHEW 25:1-13.
This passage of scripture shows the revival of the truth of the Lord's
coming (rapture) and other related truths would take place in the church's
history just prior to the Lord's coming. The Midnight Cry has gone forth!
A little more than a hundred years ago God graciously revived this hope
and other truths to the church. With more than a hundred years now having
rolled by and the church still on earth only leads our souls to conclude
"THE LORD IS AT HAND." Philippians 4:5.
3. THE REVIVAL OF JEWISH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
In MATTHEW 24:32-34, MARK 13:28-30, LUKE 21:29-32 the Lord Jesus taught
that when the fig tree (symbol of Israel nationally) would bud again and
shoot forth leaves, His coming would be near. Israel, after many long centuries
without a country, has apparently begun to bud again. In 1948 Israel came
into view again as a nation declaring its independence. With the leaves
of profession only and no fruit Godward, the Jews are ready to receive
their false Messiah, the Antichrist of which prophecy speaks. The Lord
went on to say "AND ALL THE TREES" (Luke 21:29), referring to the other
nations in the Middle East. Egypt and Libya have come into prominence in
recent years. The Arab nations also are busy making agreements with Russia
to supply munitions to them whom we know will eventually be in league with
Russia (Daniel 8:24-25). The nations in Europe too are lining up in the
Common Market which could be the forerunning of the ten nation kingdom
of the Beast (Daniel 7:7 etc.). All these things are only foreshadows and
not the fulfillment of these scriptures, which will take place in the tribulation
after the church has been taken to glory. Again this should cause us to
soberly realize that "THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND." (1 Peter 4:7).
4. THE INCREASE OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE RAPID PACE OF LIFE. DANIEL 12:4.
Daniel was told that the end days would be marked by the rapid pace of
life and the increase of knowledge. Even a cursory look at the history
of man would show that there has never been a day like this for knowledge
in every field whether it be medicine, technology, science, etc. It is
indeed a mark of these times in which we live and would again confirm "THE
TIME IS SHORT." (1 Corinthians 7:29)
5. THE INDICATION OF TWO DAYS FIGURATIVELY REPRESENTING 2,000 YEARS. 2
PETER 3:8, PSALM 90:4. "ONE DAY WITH THE LORD IS AS A THOUSAND YEARS AND
A THOUSAND YEARS AS ONE DAY."
This indication being figurative, only suggests 2,000 years approximately.
To see this more clearly it is necessary to understand something of God's
dispensational ways with Israel. Because Israel so utterly failed in every
way under the Law and rejected the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah,
they have been set aside for a time while God has been sending out the
Gospel of His grace to the Gentile world to take out of it a people for
His name (Acts 15:14, Romans 11:11-27). After this present period of God's
dealings among the Gentiles, He will take up with Israel again to bring
them into blessing according to the unconditional promises made to Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob. There are many references in scriptures where two days
appear suggesting that this present period of grace, when Israel would
be set aside, would be approximately 2,000 years. Although we dare not
set dates as to then the Lord will come, we can see in a general way that
the church has been on earth nearly 2,000 years. Our calendar now shows
1987 years since the birth of Christ (B.C.), but it is common knowledge
that the calendar years have been tampered with and are out some four to
five years. Christ was really born in 5 B.C.--see JND Translation Bible,
page 28 (xxviii) in preface. It is in reality then, 1991 to 1992 years!
If the tribulation period to come of at least seven years could be taken
off (we do not know) the number of 2,000 years, how much nearer we are
to the time when the Lord shall descend with a shout to call us away (1
Thessalonians 4:15- 18). This surely should encourage our hearts to look
for the Lord to come at any moment! The following references are some passages
of the "TWO DAYS" in scripture.
HOSEA 6:1-3.
The repentant in Israel are here speaking in this scripture. "AFTER TWO
DAYS (the present period of grace of approximately 2,000 years) HE WILL
REVIVE US: IN THE THIRD DAY (the coming 1,000 year reign of Christ called
the Millenium) HE WILL RAISE US UP AND WE SHALL LIVE IN HIS SIGHT."
LUKE 10:30-35.
In this scripture "THE CERTAIN MAN" fallen in the wayside by predators
is a picture of the awful condition to which man has fallen through Satan's
operations. In the ditch of sin man is "HALF-DEAD" before God. He is physically
alive, but spiritually dead. The Priest and Levite who wouldn't help show
that religion can't save man in his condition. The Samaritan who appears
on the scene to rescue the man is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the
rejected Saviour. He rescues the man and brings him, not back to Jerusalem
which answers to the old order of things in Judaism, but to an inn, which
is a picture of the assembly, where he receives the help, food and fellowship
he needs. After leaving the man in the care of the host (the Holy Spirit),
he pays for his stay at the inn with two pennies, promising to "COME AGAIN."
This suggests the time that he would be away would be two days. Although
this scripture does not mention "TWO DAYS" directly, there is reference
to it when Matthew 20:2 is applied ("A PENNY A DAY"--i.e. a penny was a
day's wages, hence two pennies would be two days).
JOHN 1:29 -JOHN 2:11.
In John 1:29-51 we have 2 days (vs. 29 and 35 are one day - notice it says
in vs. 35 "AGAIN" linking it with vs. 29). The details found in these two
days are that which characterize the church period. Reference is made to
: Christ being known as the Lamb of God and the Son of God, the Spirit's
descent and baptism, Christ's dwelling place (the assembly), and the Gospel
going out bringing others to Christ. On the third day (John 2:1- 11) there
is a carriage which foreshadows Israel's reunion with the Lord in a coming
day. "IN THAT DAY, SAITH THE LORD, THOU SHALT CALL ME MY HUSBAND." (Hosea
2:16-margin. Isaiah 62:4-5). The Lord then gives the new wine of the Kingdom
to all at the marriage which speaks of the joy that will fill that day.
JOHN 4:1-54.
This chapter opens with the Lord Jesus rejected by the Jews in Judea, the
responsible ones of the nation, (vs. 1-3). This is a foreshadow of the
nation rejecting the Lord and eventually crucifying Him. Being rejected,
He leaves them and goes to the Samaritans, which are a people of Gentile
extraction, and there reveals Himself to a poor sinful woman and her people,
(vs. 4-42). This pictures the church being brought in out of the Gentile
world while Israel is set aside (Acts 15:14, Romans 11:16-20). It is to
her He reveals the passing of the old Judaic order and the introduction
of true Christian worship in spirit and truth. It is also of note that
He did not do miracles in Samaria. He used only His Word to win them, which
is the character of the testimony of the Lord in this Christian era not
marked by signs and wonders. He remains "TWO DAYS" (vs. 40) with the Samaritans
and is known by them as the Saviour. hen, after the "TWO DAYS," He departs
from the Samaritans and returns to his own people, the Jews in Galilee
which picture the poor despised remnant in Israel receiving blessing from
the Lord in a coming day (vs. 43-54). The nobleman that comes to Him suggests
the leaders who have caused Israel to reject Christ will repent first (see
Joel 2:12-17). The Lord then raises up the nobleman's son which is another
foreshadow of Israel's national resurrection (Ezekiel 37:1-28, Daniel 12:1-
2).
JOHN 10:39-JOHN 11:46.
Here the Lord Jesus is again seen rejected by the Jews who tried to stone
Him to death. He escapes out of their hand into a place beyond Jordan outside
the land of Israel where many people believe on Him and are blessed. This
again is a picture of the Lord leaving off His dealings with Israel for
a time on account of their rejection of Him and turning to the Gentiles.
He remains there in that place working among those who believe on Him for
"TWO DAYS" (John 11:6). In chapter 11 Lazarus is seen dead which is figurative
of Israel's condition before God. Mary and Martha in their sorrow are a
picture of the godly Jewish remnant in the coming day that will call for
the Lord to return (Psalm 6:3-4). Then, after "TWO DAYS," the Lord goes
to Lazarus and raises him up and so Israel will be raised up at the Lord's
second coming (Ezekiel 37:1-28, Daniel 12:1-3).
ACTS 20:7-12.
In this passage we have a little picture of the church of God in its proper
order as it was in the early days of Christianity. They were in "THE UPPER
ROOM" (Luke 22:12, John 13-17), "GATHERED TOGETHER" (Matthew 18:20), "BREAKING
BREAD" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), on "THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK." There
is a suggestion here of two days, "THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK" and "THE
MORROW." The happy scene was disturbed by the fall and bringing up again
of Eutychus which tells the story of the church slipping into the world
from the position it once held and then graciously being recovered in a
remnant testimony. The whole meeting, however, did not break up until the
"DAY BREAK" on the morrow, which speaks of the Lord's coming (rapture)
to close up this dispensation.
EXODUS 19:10-11.
Here the Lord is hidden from Israel's view for two days prior to His coming
down in the sight of all the people to make a covenant with them on the
third day. he two days again answers to this present dispensation during
which the Lord has remained hidden from Israel and the world who have rejected
Him. The third day answers to the time of the Lord's public manifestation
at His second coming or appearing (Revelation 1:7, Titus 2:13). Although
Israel failed to keep the law given them in that day, in the day to come
the Lord will make an everlasting covenant with Israel and they will keep
his law (Hebrews 8:10, 10:16-17, Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 11:25-27).
JOSHUA 10:12-15.
In the ninth chapter, Israel failed in their responsibility and consequently
the Gibeonites who were Gentiles were brought in. As a result of the failure
they were called to "SAVE" the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:6). This again tells
the story of the opportunity that has been given to the Gentile world to
be saved in the face of Israel's failure (Romans 11:11-20, Acts 15:14).
After conflict all that day, Joshua seeing that they didn't have time enough
to complete the victory, called for the sun not to go down, and it stood
still over Gibeon for another whole day. Here we have two days, and a lovely
picture of this lengthened out day of grace where the sunshine of God's
grace has stood over this world until the fulness of the Gentiles be brought
in (Romans 11:25). There was "NOT A DAY LIKE IT", and surely there has
not been a day like this present one when souls throughout the world have
been saved by the thousands. After the long day in Gibeon, Israel returned
to "GILGAL" (v.15), the place of self-judgment. Israel, after the day of
grace has run its course, will be brought to self- judgment and repentance
before the Lord, and then into the blessing of the Kingdom (Psalm 51, Zechariah
12:9-14).
2 SAMUEL 1:1-2.
In 1st Samuel David was rejected by his brethren and resorted to Ziklag
which was a place outside the land of Israel's possession (1 Samuel 27:4-6).
David abode there "TWO DAYS" before he moved forward on the third day to
publicly take the throne in Hebron. David in his rejection answers to Christ
at this present time rejected by Israel and the world. The third day answers
to the time when the Lord will come in power and glory to take the throne
in Israel and reign as rightful King over all. (Zechariah 14:9, Isaiah
32:1).
2 KINGS 19:35-20:11.
In this passage we see that after Sennacherib and his Assyrian army were
defeated by the Lord, Hezekiah who was "SICK UNTO DEATH" is raised up on
"THE THIRD DAY" to health again. Sennacherib and the Assyrians are a well
known type of the Russian Hordes (Ezekiel 38-39) who are going to come
upon Israel in their last days. Hezekiah is a picture of the condition
of Israel spiritually before God at the point of death. Hezekiah laid in
this condition for two days before he called upon the Lord the third day
and was raised up. So with Israel when they will call upon the Lord in
their distress, (Joel 2:15-17) at the end of the great tribulation, they
too will be raised up as a nation and their enemies vanquished.
JONAH 1-3.
In chapter one God communicated His mind to Jonah making him a responsible
witness to the Ninevehites. The nation Israel was given a similar privilege
having the oracles of God committed to them (Romans 3:2). They were put
into at responsible place of bearing testimony to the world of the true
knowledge of God (Romans 2:18-20, Isaiah 4310. But Jonah rebelled and went
out from the presence of the Lord refusing to testify to Nineveh. Israel
has also rebelled against the Lord and has failed in every way to render
a proper testimony of Jehovah to the world (Romans 2:23-24). As Jonah was
thrown overboard, Israel in the ways of God has been set aside for a time
being dispersed into the sea of nations (Matthew 21:21, Revelation 17:15,
Leviticus 26:33, Psalm 44:11). After Jonah was thrown into the sea, the
Gentile sailors turned to God. This again is a picture of salvation coming
to the Gentiles through Israel being set aside (Romans 11:11, Acts 28:25-28).
The affliction Jonah passes through in chapter two is another picture of
the awful persecution that has been the Jews' lot down through the long
years of their dispersion. On the third day Jonah comes into view again
and is willingly used as an instrument of blessing to the Ninevehites.
This is a foreshadow of Israel's restoration when they will be brought
into prominence in the Millennium and used of God to the blessing of the
world. (Isaiah 60:1-5, 62:1-3).
LEVITICUS 23.
The two days are seen in a different way here. It is necessary first to
have a simple understanding of the dispensational outline of the chapter
before the two days can be seen. There are seven yearly feasts in the chapter
which give a foreshadow of events from the cross of Christ on to the coming
Kingdom of Christ. They are; (type) (anti-type) 1. The Passover..................The
death of Christ(1Cor.5:7 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread.....Practical
Holiness (1Cor.5:8 3. Feast of Firstfruits..Christ Risen and Ascended(1Cor.15:23
4. Feast of Pentecost.....Church formed into one body(Acts2:1 5.
Feast of Trumpets...Israel Gathered From Nations(Mat.24:31 6. Day
of Atonement........Israel Repents(Zech.12:9-14, Ps.51 7.
Feast of Tabernacles....Millennial Kingdom of Christ(Ps.72 The first four
feasts have been typically fulfilled, the last three are yet to be fulfilled.
All the feasts except the middle two were celebrated on specific Jewish
calendar days and answer to the Jewish order of things observing times
and seasons (Galatians 4:9-10). But there was no calendar date mentioned
for the Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Pentecost which answer to this
present Christian dispensation. They were both simply to be kept on the
first day of the week. These two first days stand out from the rest of
the feast days and mark this present period of approximately 2,000 years.
MATTHEW 15:1-39.
In the first part of the chapter the Lord exposed the apostasy in Israel
at the time of His first coming as being corrupt and gone far from God.
After pronouncing His judgment upon them He departed to Tyre and Sidon
which are Gentile cities of Syria (see Acts 21:3). This was a symbolic
action showing that the Lord's dealings with Israel would be postponed
for a time to visit the Gentiles in this present day with the Gospel of
His grace (Acts 15:14. A gentile woman was blessed there on the principle
of faith, being a sample of the material of which the church would be composed.
After dealing with the woman He returned into Jewish regions taking a place
in Galilee where he administered blessing to all as a foreshadow of His
Millennial Kingdom. All were healed (vs. 29-31), according to Isaiah 35:5-6,
and satisfied with bread (vs. 32-39), according to Psalm 132:15. Here again
it was on the third day (vs. 32) blessing was dispensed.
MATTHEW 17:1-9.
The account of the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ on the mountain
is a preview of His Millennial Kingdom glory. This took place "AFTER SIX
DAYS" figuratively indicating that the Kingdom of Christ would be established
after 6,000 years of man's history on earth have expired. Christ came into
the world after 4,000 years or four days (see JND Translation Bible, page
30 [xxx] in the preface), leaving two days or 2,000 years for this present
day of grace. These unmistakable indications ought to lead us to the sober,
yet happy expectation of the Lord's coming for us at any moment. "YET A
VERY LITTLE WHILE, AND HE THAT SHALL COME WILL COME AND WILL NOT TARRY."
"AMEN EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS." Hebrews 10:37 (JND Trans.), Revelation
22:20.
The world says "WHERE IS THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING?" (2 Pe.3:4) Christendom
says, "MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING." (Luke 12:45.) The believer who is
watching and waiting says, "EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS." Revelation 22:20
"He and I in that bright glory, One deep joy shall share. Mine to be forever
with Him, His that I am there. -"
--B.Anstey
--posted by Arne Herstad, email horse@ix.netcom.com
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