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The Symbolic SWORD opens truth and pierces the mind Revelation is a disclosure of truth that would not have been known apart from a divine unveiling or unfolding directly to man. Inspiration comes when man conveys truth while under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit, making what he writes or speaks what God desired him to say or convey. Since all of the Bible is inspired, it is inerrant and infallible. Peter said, “. . . holy men of God spake as they were moved [borne along] by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. Revelation is demonstrated throughout the whole Bible but is seen in spectacular ways as in Genesis where the origin of this world is revealed. In Daniel, prophetic events are unfolded which will occur shortly, in his day, and others there were partially opened only to be fully disclosed at the very end of time. John was shown events that were to be played out right at the very end of time. Inspiration encompasses all of man’s journeys, his relationship with good and evil, how to conquer sin and preparation for eternal life. Revelation most frequently outlines the waymarks in history, the future or in one’s own experience so we can see the predictability of the journey and not be surprised. Paul captured the essence of God’s openess by stating: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” I Thessalonians 5:4. In the book of Revelation we are given a picture of Jesus with a two-edged sword coming out of His mouth. Paul had already declared under inspiration: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. Jesus, in Revelation, is preparing to give a firm bold testimony of end-time events related to the final conflict between good and evil. His testimony will cut to the right and to the left. From this book, from the unveiling of Jesus, we are to “Make appeals that will bring foolish, wandering minds back to God.”1 That same sword becomes a fatal tool to those who fail to heed the warnings of the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 19:15. How are we to relate to inspired truth and more specifically revealed truth? “Those who stand before the people as teachers of truth are to grapple with great themes. They are not to occupy precious time in talking of trivial subjects. Let them study the word, and preach the word. Let the word be in their hands as a sharp, two-edged sword. Let it testify to past truths, and show what is to be in the future.”2 “The surgeon’s knife cuts deep when it is necessary to remove festering, pestilent matter; so the word of God, sharper than any two-edged sword, must be made to cut to the heart, or the evil will never be removed. When the plain testimony is given, some will say, My hope is gone; I have no religion; I give it all up. Those who really want to be Christ's will receive reproof, put away their sins, and take their stand on the side of Jesus. If any have no real desire for the truth, because it must purify the soul, their withdrawal is not to be regretted. The fewer we have of such the better.”3 “God’s ministers have a most solemn, sacred work to do in our world. The end is near. The message of truth must go. As faithful shepherds of the flock, God’s servants are to bear a clear, sharp testimony. There is to be no perverting of the truth. Divine grace never leads away from mercy and the love of God. It is the power of Satan that does this. When Christ preached, His message was like a sharp, two-edged sword, piercing the consciences of men and revealing their inmost thoughts. The work that Christ did His faithful messengers will have to do. In simplicity, purity, and the strictest integrity they are to preach the Word. Those who labor in word or doctrine are to be faithful to their charge. They are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Never are they to clothe a ‘Thus saith the Lord’ with enticing words of man’s wisdom. Thus they destroy its living energy, making it weak and powerless, so that it fails to convict of sin. Every word spoken by the direction of the Holy Spirit will be full of the deepest solicitude for the salvation of souls.”4 The sharp two-edged sword is of the power of His word.5 It symbolizes the power of Jesus’ testimony embodied in the whole book of Revelation. It is fit imagery of the power that penetrates the heart found in the inspiration of the word. That power, that word, that guidance, those waymarks are divine tools to transform the life and lead one on to victory. Cherish each word. Honor the power of the heavenly tool. Explore the depths of its knowledge, and you will come in direct contact with the Divine. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” Isaiah 55:11. References: 1E. G. White, Review and Herald, 9/12/1899. 2Ibid., 4/19/1906. 3Op cite, White, The Signs of the Times, 5/17/1883. 4Op cite, White, Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library Vol. 1, “Unity and Devotion,” p. 21. 5Acts of the Apostles, p. 582. Christian Heritage Foundation, CS © 2002-2005 – Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D., Director |