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Third Woe, Two Covenants, and Everlasting Covenant
What is the third woe, and when did it begin?
What is the third woe
AdventAI
The third woe is identical to the sounding of the seventh trumpet in the Book of Revelation, which commenced in 1844 and signifies a period of significant global calamities, culminating in the end of earthly woe and sin.
Understanding the Third Woe
The Bible describes a series of seven trumpets, with the last three explicitly designated as "woe" trumpets due to the severe events associated with their sounding. The first woe corresponds to the fifth trumpet, and the second woe to the sixth trumpet. The second woe concluded on August 11, 1840, an event that marked the end of the Ottoman Empire's independent existence as prophesied.
Following the second woe, the third woe is prophesied to come "quickly." Revelation 11:14. This term "quickly" indicates a short, ascertainable period between the sixth and seventh trumpets. During this brief interval, the mighty angel of Revelation 10 delivers a significant message globally. Revelation 10:1-11. This angel declares that "there should be time no longer," referring to the end of prophetic time, which concluded in 1844. Revelation 10:6.
Events Under the Third Woe
The seventh trumpet, and thus the third woe, covers all future woes on earth from its commencement. Its sounding is marked by "great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15.
Key events that unfold during the sounding of the third woe include:
God's Wrath and Judgment: The nations become angry, and God's wrath comes, signifying the time for the dead to be judged. Revelation 11:18. This period involves terrible calamities and distress among nations.
Reward for the Righteous: During this time, God rewards His servants—the prophets, saints, and all who fear His name, both small and great. Revelation 11:18.
Destruction of the Wicked: Those who destroy the earth will themselves be destroyed. Revelation 11:18. The seven last plagues, which constitute the third woe, are poured out upon the living wicked, leading to their final destruction.
Opening of God's Temple and the Ark: The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the ark of His testament is seen. This is accompanied by lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19.
The sounding of the seventh trumpet also coincides with the finishing of the "mystery of God." Revelation 10:7. This signifies the completion of all prophecies concerning Christ's kingdom and the full establishment of God's reign.
The Ultimate End of Woe
The third woe extends through significant events, including the pouring out of the seven last plagues and the great time of trouble. It culminates with the second death, where all sorrow and sin are forever vanquished, and the redeemed Earth is made new, a place where affliction will not rise again.
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what are the two covenants
AdventAI
The two covenants, the old and the new, are central to God's arrangement for saving humanity, and they are distinct yet related systems of divine service. These covenants are often discussed in the Bible, particularly in the book of Hebrews, where their characteristics and relationship are clearly delineated.
The Old Covenant
The old covenant, also referred to as the "first covenant," was established with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai after their departure from Egypt. It was formed as a mutual agreement between God and Israel concerning the ten commandments. This covenant was ratified by the blood of a sacrifice. Exodus 24:6-8Hebrews 9:18-19
Key aspects of the old covenant include:
A Worldly Sanctuary and Ordinances: The first covenant was associated with a "worldly sanctuary" and "ordinances of divine service." Hebrews 9:1 These ordinances included various sacrifices, meats, drinks, and washings, which were imposed until "the time of reformation." Hebrews 9:9-10
Dependence on Human Obedience: The old covenant rested on the promises of the people to obey God's law. Exodus 19:5-8 Its promises were conditional, depending solely on the efforts of the people. If they broke any condition, God could not fulfill His promise to them.
Faulty and Temporary: The first covenant was considered "faulty" because its provisions were not ample enough to meet the emergency that arose when the people broke God's law. Hebrews 8:7 It was a "ministration of condemnation" and "death" because it exposed sin without providing a perfect way to take it away. Romans 3:20Romans 6:231 John 3:4Hebrews 10:4 Its services could not make individuals perfect concerning the conscience. Hebrews 9:9
Passage and Abolition: The old covenant "waxed old" and was "ready to vanish away." Hebrews 8:13 Its system, including the Aaronic priesthood and ceremonial law, has passed away, being superseded and abolished by Christ.
The New Covenant
The new covenant is the "second covenant" that God promised to make with the house of Israel and Judah. Jeremiah 31:31Hebrews 8:8 It is established through Christ, who is its Mediator. This covenant is "better" than the first because it is founded on "better promises." Hebrews 8:6
Key aspects of the new covenant include:
Christ as High Priest and Sanctuary: Under the new covenant, Christ is our High Priest, ministering in a "true tabernacle" in heaven, which "the Lord pitched, and not man." Hebrews 8:1-2 This heavenly sanctuary, the "heavenly Jerusalem," is the counterpart to the earthly tabernacle of the old covenant. Hebrews 11:10Hebrews 12:22Revelation 21:1-27
God's Law Written in Hearts: A primary promise of the new covenant is that God will put His laws into the minds and write them in the hearts of His people. Jeremiah 31:33Hebrews 8:10Hebrews 10:16 This signifies an internal transformation, bringing believers into obedience and subjection to God's law through faith. Romans 8:4
Forgiveness of Sins and Grace: Unlike the old covenant, the new covenant offers the remission of sins and provides strength through God's grace. Hebrews 8:12Hebrews 9:15 It secures pardon through the sacrifice of Christ's blood. Luke 22:20Hebrews 9:14-15
Everlasting and Unchanging: The new covenant is called "the everlasting covenant," ratified by Christ's blood at Calvary. Hebrews 13:20 Its validity dates back to Abraham, as it was confirmed in Christ long before the Sinai covenant. Galatians 3:17Hebrews 6:18
Relationship Between the Covenants
While distinct, the old and new covenants are profoundly interconnected. The old covenant served as a "schoolmaster" to bring people to Christ, revealing their need for a Savior due to their inability to perfectly keep the law. Galatians 3:24 The ceremonial law of the old covenant provided types and shadows that pointed forward to Christ's sacrifice and ministry under the new covenant. Hebrews 9:9Hebrews 10:1
The transition from the old covenant to the new is marked by the death of the Testator, Jesus Christ, making the new covenant fully effective. Hebrews 9:15-17
In essence, the new covenant is a fulfillment and development of the Abrahamic covenant, providing the forgiveness and enabling grace that the old covenant, due to human failure, could not.
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Was the everlasting covenant given in Eden
AdventAI
Yes, the everlasting covenant was indeed given in Eden. It was first made with humanity in Eden after the fall, when God gave the divine promise that the "seed of the woman" would bruise the serpent's head, which was the first revelation of the eternal plan of salvation.
This promise of a Redeemer, Jesus Christ, was the initial expression of God's everlasting covenant with humanity. It offered pardon and God's assisting grace for future obedience through faith in Christ, and also promised eternal life on the condition of fidelity to God's law.
Here are some key points about the everlasting covenant's origin in Eden:
Foundation of the Gospel: The everlasting covenant, also known as the covenant of grace, is synonymous with the everlasting gospel. It existed in God's mind from all eternity, indicating that the plan of salvation was not an afterthought but was in place before the creation of the world.
Promise of Deliverance: The core of this covenant in Eden was the promise of deliverance from sin and its consequences through the "seed of the woman," referring to Christ. This promise has been continuously fulfilling throughout history.
Path to Restoration: This covenant ensures that those who believe in Christ will be restored to paradise and have access to the tree of life and immortality, which was lost after Adam and Eve's disobedience.
Basis for Redemption: The death and resurrection of Christ completed and sealed the everlasting covenant of grace, fulfilling every condition necessary for God to freely extend grace, mercy, peace, and love to all of humanity.
The everlasting covenant is a continuous thread throughout the Bible, linking Paradise lost to Paradise restored, and it is through this covenant that all of God's blessings come to fallen humanity.
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