God’s Word shows the Lord Jesus Christ forth in His many different offices and titles, as He manifests Himself in the plan of redemption. He is seen as the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world (Jn. 1: 29). He is the High Priest, who entered into the sanctuary with His own blood (Heb. 9: 11–12). He is the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2: 5) — the Advocate, making intercession for us (1 Jn. 2: 1). He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5: 5), the King of kings, the Lord of lords (Rev. 19: 16). He is all in all to the believers, God manifested in the flesh (1 Tim. 3: 16). He is the Son of God, Son of man and Son of David.

The four Gospels describe the life of Christ, His ministry and sufferings, His death, burial, glorious resurrection and blessed ascension. He purchased His own on Calvary by shedding His holy blood. On the day of Pentecost, He returned in the form of the Holy Spirit and took abode in the ones He had redeemed. Since then, He is working through them, performing the same acts as He did during His earthly ministry. He vindicates the preaching of His Word by confirming it with signs following (Heb. 2: 4).

The early Church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2: 42). Can we say the same? They realised that the apostles were inspired to write and speak under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Can the same be said of us as individuals and of the church we belong to?

The epistles describe the functioning and the order in the Church. According to Eph. 4: 11 and 1 Cor. 12: 28, God has set in His Church apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and pastors. Those ministries are God–ordained for the admonition and perfection of the body of Christ. He has also placed the spiritual gifts for the up building and edification of the Church (1 Cor. 12: 4–11). Every true member of the body of Christ bears the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5: 22–26). May it be clearly understood that all the Word of God is still valid.

The Word of God gives us the clear and precise information of all the ministries, doctrines and ordinances in the Church. No one needs to be misled. Anyone desiring to do right, is able to follow the true Bible pattern. Perfection can only be achieved by obeying all the foundational teachings of the Bible. “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection …” (Heb. 6: 1).

The prophetic aspect of Christ and His Church is very important, especially in a time like this when Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. Of course, we could speak about the current chaotic world situation, the signs of the end-time, about Israel and many other topics. We are grateful to Almighty God, who keeps His promises to the Jews as well as with His Church. Every true believer looks upon Israel in favour, regardless of the relationship and outlook of the country he lives in. The nation of Israel and her survival is a miracle in itself. “Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the coasts afar off, and say, He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.” (Jer. 31: 10).

Surely, God will never forget Israel and keep all His good promises to the natural seed of Abraham until His purpose with them is accomplished. Two things are running parallel in this generation — the gathering of the Jews from all nations and the calling–out of the Bride of Christ from amongst all organisations. Everything is now reaching its climax in the fulfilment of prophecies. The final victory will soon come and the Most High will be glorified. It is most thrilling to recognise the way the Bride is being prepared before the rapture takes place. Thereafter the Spirit of the Lord will lift from the Gentiles and the Lord will reveal Himself to His brethren, the Jews (Zech. 13).

To gain an overall view of Christ and His church in prophecy, we must turn to the book of prophecy, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. True Christians always keep their balance in the Scripture and acknowledge every Word in its proper context.

The four Gospels mainly portray the life of Christ from His birth to His ascension. The epistles contain all the doctrines and ordinances of the New Testament Church. Likewise does the book of Revelation show forth Jesus Christ as the Son of man in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. It so pleased the Lord to open the Word of prophecy in our time.

John was privileged to see a preview of all the things which were to transpire until time merges into eternity. We must rightly place all things and see them in their proper perspective in the light of God’s holy Word, as we watch the fulfilment thereof.

The Revelation opens up with a special blessing: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is at hand.” (1: 3). It ends with a most serious admonition, which needs to be considered very, very carefully, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (22: 18–19). These words speak of a complete cut–off from the Lord and eternal life.

Throughout the church ages, people have read the last book of the Bible, but were not able to understand those things, because prophetic mysteries remain hidden until the time of the fulfilment comes. It is sad to say that ministers and others have privately interpreted the things contained in the Gospels, the Epistles and the prophetic Scripture instead of confining themselves to what had been revealed by the Holy Spirit.

As the theologians at the first coming of Christ have given their own views instead of just waiting and watching for the very fulfilment of Bible prophecy itself, so is it happening again in our day. Ministers and churches are so set in their own ways and doctrines, they have no room for spiritual revelation. Explanations and interpretationsof prophetic subjects of God’s holy Word have caused much confusion amongst the believers. Bible prophecy is written to let us know ahead of time what God has purposed to do. It leaves no room for speculations; it must be recognised as it comes to pass.

Let us take heed to the advice Peter gives under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, “… knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Pet. 1: 20).

God’s Word shows the Lord Jesus Christ forth in His many different offices and titles, as He manifests Himself in the plan of redemption. He is seen as the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world (Jn. 1: 29). He is the High Priest, who entered into the sanctuary with His own blood (Heb. 9: 11–12). He is the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2: 5) — the Advocate, making intercession for us (1 Jn. 2: 1). He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5: 5), the King of kings, the Lord of lords (Rev. 19: 16). He is all in all to the believers, God manifested in the flesh (1 Tim. 3: 16). He is the Son of God, Son of man and Son of David.

The four Gospels describe the life of Christ, His ministry and sufferings, His death, burial, glorious resurrection and blessed ascension. He purchased His own on Calvary by shedding His holy blood. On the day of Pentecost, He returned in the form of the Holy Spirit and took abode in the ones He had redeemed. Since then, He is working through them, performing the same acts as He did during His earthly ministry. He vindicates the preaching of His Word by confirming it with signs following (Heb. 2: 4).

The early Church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2: 42). Can we say the same? They realised that the apostles were inspired to write and speak under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Can the same be said of us as individuals and of the church we belong to?

The epistles describe the functioning and the order in the Church. According to Eph. 4: 11 and 1 Cor. 12: 28, God has set in His Church apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and pastors. Those ministries are God–ordained for the admonition and perfection of the body of Christ. He has also placed the spiritual gifts for the up building and edification of the Church (1 Cor. 12: 4–11). Every true member of the body of Christ bears the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5: 22–26). May it be clearly understood that all the Word of God is still valid.

The Word of God gives us the clear and precise information of all the ministries, doctrines and ordinances in the Church. No one needs to be misled. Anyone desiring to do right, is able to follow the true Bible pattern. Perfection can only be achieved by obeying all the foundational teachings of the Bible. “Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection …” (Heb. 6: 1).

The prophetic aspect of Christ and His Church is very important, especially in a time like this when Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. Of course, we could speak about the current chaotic world situation, the signs of the end-time, about Israel and many other topics. We are grateful to Almighty God, who keeps His promises to the Jews as well as with His Church. Every true believer looks upon Israel in favour, regardless of the relationship and outlook of the country he lives in. The nation of Israel and her survival is a miracle in itself. “Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the coasts afar off, and say, He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.” (Jer. 31: 10).

Surely, God will never forget Israel and keep all His good promises to the natural seed of Abraham until His purpose with them is accomplished. Two things are running parallel in this generation — the gathering of the Jews from all nations and the calling–out of the Bride of Christ from amongst all organisations. Everything is now reaching its climax in the fulfilment of prophecies. The final victory will soon come and the Most High will be glorified. It is most thrilling to recognise the way the Bride is being prepared before the rapture takes place. Thereafter the Spirit of the Lord will lift from the Gentiles and the Lord will reveal Himself to His brethren, the Jews (Zech. 13).

To gain an overall view of Christ and His church in prophecy, we must turn to the book of prophecy, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. True Christians always keep their balance in the Scripture and acknowledge every Word in its proper context.

The four Gospels mainly portray the life of Christ from His birth to His ascension. The epistles contain all the doctrines and ordinances of the New Testament Church. Likewise does the book of Revelation show forth Jesus Christ as the Son of man in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. It so pleased the Lord to open the Word of prophecy in our time.

John was privileged to see a preview of all the things which were to transpire until time merges into eternity. We must rightly place all things and see them in their proper perspective in the light of God’s holy Word, as we watch the fulfilment thereof.

The Revelation opens up with a special blessing: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is at hand.” (1: 3). It ends with a most serious admonition, which needs to be considered very, very carefully, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (22: 18–19). These words speak of a complete cut–off from the Lord and eternal life.

Throughout the church ages, people have read the last book of the Bible, but were not able to understand those things, because prophetic mysteries remain hidden until the time of the fulfilment comes. It is sad to say that ministers and others have privately interpreted the things contained in the Gospels, the Epistles and the prophetic Scripture instead of confining themselves to what had been revealed by the Holy Spirit.

As the theologians at the first coming of Christ have given their own views instead of just waiting and watching for the very fulfilment of Bible prophecy itself, so is it happening again in our day. Ministers and churches are so set in their own ways and doctrines, they have no room for spiritual revelation. Explanations and interpretations  of prophetic subjects of God’s holy Word have caused much confusion amongst the believers. Bible prophecy is written to let us know ahead of time what God has purposed to do. It leaves no room for speculations; it must be recognised as it comes to pass.

Let us take heed to the advice Peter gives under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, “… knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Pet. 1: 20).