E02.05.89.htm

(Cont. from Page 30/4/89).

HOW JEHOVAH PROVES HIS HOLINESS
BEFORE THE NATIONS AT THE EXPENSE
OF GOG IN THE FINAL PART OF THE DAYS.
(Ezek 38:16 NEB & NWT. See 2 Esdras 13:25-38 NEB).

HOW JEHOVAH SANCTIFIES HIMSELF WHEN JUDGING GOG IN "ISRAEL".
The strongholds of Gog on earth are collectively described as a numerous "military force". (Ezek 38:15). Recently, after each incident of harassment or personal attack upon individual members of spiritual "Israel" on earth, a series of calamities have followed in one place after another, as Jehovah promised: "I will do to them as they are doing to My chosen people even to this day; I will pay them back in their own coin." (2 Esdras 15:21 NEB). What they "are doing" is described in 2 Esdras 16:68-73 (NEB). These events are to be understood spiritually, as Jehovah uses events of the past to describe spiritual fulfilments. (See Col 2:16,17).

How Jehovah sanctifies Himself in Gog when bringing Gog against His spiritual "land" is to be understood as follows: If anointed sons of spiritual "Israel" being sanctified by God were guilty of the same offences as those of Gog's crowd brought against them for Judgement (for which "Gog's crowd" are judged to death. Ezek 39:11), Jehovah could not justifiably "prove My holiness at your expense, O Gog" by bringing Gog against His spiritual "land". (38:16 NEB). But in implementing His perfect Spirit Law, Jehovah weighs in the balance the level of righteousness of the congregation of spiritual "Israel" against the congregation of Gog. The outcome of His perfect Judgement is that the sins of Gog's crowd far outweigh the righteousness of anointed sons of God and their proven fidelity.

With reference to the calamitous event symbolically described as an "earthquake", this too is to be understood spiritually. (38:18,19). The "earthquake" in the spiritual "soil of Israel" that caused a tenth of those called to the heavenly "City" of God to fall for having acted unfaithfully in His service, killed seven thousand men (their names and glory). (Rev 11:13). The basis for Judgement is the "Little Scroll". (Zech 5:1-4). What led to this event was the worldwide removal of faithful anointed sons of God from their God-given congregational "homes" by apostate members of Gog's crowd during the "2,300 evenings and mornings". (Dan 8:13,14) (2 Esdras 16:68 73 NEB). It was brought about through the apostate congregation of Gog called the "man of lawlessness". (38:7. 2 Thess 2:3-12). Further harassment and attacks were endorsed by police forces of Gog and those with the political "mark" of the "wild beast". (Rev 13:6,7 & 16,17).

But Jehovah has promised: "when Gog comes in upon the soil of Israel… in the fire of My fury, I shall have to speak." (38:18,19). This Spirit "fire" of His Judgement administered through our Lord Michael* "whom the Most High has held in readiness through many ages" is directed against congregated 'houses' of Gog meriting His fury. (38:15,16). On hearing his "voice",* Gog's crowd "unite in a countless host... with a common intent to go and wage war against him." Our Lord Michael will "take his stand on the summit of Mount Zion" (144,000 Spirit created anointed sons of God) and will pour out "storm", "flame" and "fire" upon the advancing hordes of Gog contemptuous of the Spirit Law of God and waging war against Him and His beloved people. (2 Esdras 13:25-38 NEB). After Gog and his crowd are weighed in the balance against faithful anointed members of "Mount Zion" and adversely judged by Almighty God: "On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your bands and the peoples that will be with you." (Ezek 38:16. 39:4).

2/5/89.