June 07, 2003(28)
FROM EZEKIEL TO REVELATION. There can be no question but what these two men saw identical visions. However there is a very obvious difference. Ezekiel saw the river with an orchard, not only many trees but a great variety of fruit trees growing on its banks. These trees Eze. 47:2 John saw a single, united tree. Ezekiel saw the church catholic, universal and cosmopolitan, the many faceted church of a great variety of doctrines and religious practices. Claiming to worship Christ which may or may not be the fact. The great house containing many vessels, some with the great value of gold, others but mere earth. Those of honor and some to dishonor. The difference being that of preparedness, which is in this case, sanctification and a readiness to do the will of the Lord. 2 Tim. 2:20 To have a part in the tree of life it is necessary to purge or separate oneself from that which is not of true faith in Christ. 2 Tim. 2:21
THE TREE IN ORDER TO BEAR FRUIT MUST BE TRIMMED. Perhaps not a pleasant experience for the one being pruned but a vital step in the production of a good crop. Pruning is the work of the husbandman. Every nonfruit bearing branch is lopped off. Not all who claim to be a portion of the tree will actually be in the tree seen by John. Being religious is not enough, there must be fruit brought to maturity. John 15:2 We are likewise informed that not all who call out Lord, Lord will find their way into the kingdom of the Lord, much less into the bride of Christ. Mt. 7:21. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Jer. 23:28 Up to and until thrashing time, the chaff is very necessary. Then, through severe beating and pressure the chaff is separated and does not have much value, compared to the grain. Trials and persecutions will quickly indicate what is grain and what is chaff. For a surety the bride will come out of much persecution. Anyone who tells you that life will be but a bowl of cherries for the Christian in these last days is not being truthful. One of the signs of the last days, seldom mentioned is that Christians will be afflicted, killed and hated of all nations for professing and declaring the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mt. 24:9 At that time, many, will be offended or be trapped and enter into apostasy. Brother will betray brother and hate one another. Mt. 24:10 The grain will be thoroughly tested and tried. Many false prophets will appear deceiving many. Prophesying nothing but good things and blessings without trials and difficulties. Many are deceived already and more will follow in the same pattern. Mt. 24:11 Because of a let down in the standards of holiness the love of many will become exceedingly cold, sin and apostasy will abound and many will fail in the test and flailing of the grain. Mt. 24:12 Those who withstand the temptations and continue steadfast unto the end will be saved. Mt. 24:13 Yes, more than just being saved they will become part and parcel of that glorious and wonderful Bride of Christ. No one wants to go thorough hard times but lets be realistic, the early church expected to face persecutions but they persevered. Acts 14:22