In
the Old Testament economy, a standard was the identifying colors of
an army or kingdom. It was necessary to be able to identify allies
and enemies. God's promise to Israel was that He would stand with
them against His enemies. This is a necessary principle in our
spiritual warfare today.
God
will set apart (sanctify) and identify as His the believers in His
Kingdom. How is that going to happen? It is happening at this present
moment! God is, by His Spirit, lifting His Standard and His obedient
followers are flowing to it, as the enemy comes in like a flood.
We
are currently living in the time Isaiah described in chapter 59. In
verses 16-21, Isaiah writes by the inspiration of the Spirit of God
concerning the last days restoration of the nation of Israel. God
brought salvation at the first Advent of Christ but Israel rejected
Him. At His second Advent or second coming He will judge His enemies
and restore salvation to Israel. The restoration of Israel is at
hand. The deliverance of the Body of Christ is even at the door.
The
enemy has come in like a river overrunning its banks and causing
great destruction and distress where ever it flows. The flood gates
are open and just as Aaron and the priesthood were co-conspirators in
the disobedience and idol worship of the Israelites at Sinai, the
leadership in Christianity must share the responsibility for where we
are today. The strong emphasis placed on the doctrine of inclusion in
the religious world has lead to a departure from the faith which was
delivered to the saints of the New Testament. This doctrine must be
reversed in the churches.
Instead
of inclusion, separation of the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of
this world must be preached again from our pulpits. Although the
gospel message is one of inclusion and is to all men, there always
has been and always will be the Divine standard to be achieved. God’s
holy standard can still be achieved in the heart of the submissive,
obedient believer through the work of the Holy Spirit living within
us. Jesus said that He (Holy Spirit) will lead and guide into all
truth. John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew
you things to come.” The Truth is the standard but can not be
achieved apart from the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in the heart of
the professed Christian. (continued)
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