MICHAEL. (MEANING: WHO IS LIKE GOD). The name given to the heavenly existence of the Firstborn Son of God before he became flesh, and after his return to heaven, was and is the Archangel Michael (Chief Angel). It was also prophesied that at his fleshly birth the maiden Mary would call him Immanuel, which means: "With us is God". (See Isaiah 7:14) (See Matt 1:22,23). Joseph was instructed to call this First Christ, Jesus. (Christ means Anointed, and is a title). (Matt 1:1 & 20,21). Jesus Christ was the First-born Spirit anointed one of many to follow him (144,000 anointed members of his Spirit "body"). (Rev 7:4. 1 Cor 12:12,13. 1 John 2:27). The Christ Michael is also known as "Wonderful Counsellor" and "Prince of peace." (Isaiah 9:6,7). Of paramount importance is that the Archangel Michael the "great prince" will soon stand up in authority over all nations. (Dan 12:1. Rev 19:11-16). The chief indicators of this will be the fulfilment of the prophecy of God through Daniel in 11:44,45 and 7:13,14. Events before the appearance of the Archangel Michael have just taken place in Russia and China: "Then rumours from east and north will alarm him (satan), and he will depart in a great rage to destroy and to exterminate many. He will pitch his royal pavilion between the sea and the holy hill, the fairest of all hills; and he will meet his end with no one to help him. At that moment Michael shall appear". (Dan 11:44 to 12:1 NEB). Well, "rumours" did take place, and many were exterminated after Russian and Chinese citizens demonstrated their will to be governed not by dictatorship, but by demoncracy. Both forms of rulership are demonic, leading to demonstrations and deaths. Before our Lord Michael arrives, servants of God must see to it that they are found by him "spotless and unblemished and in peace." (2 Peter 3:14). For to people of the nations waging war against the Spirit of God and leading Godless lives, their faithlessness means that his arrival will be a time of tribulation to them, just as it is written: "This takes into account that it is righteous on God's part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you, but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus." (2 Thess 1:6-8). Among those who "do not know God" and those who "do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus" are the sectarian religions of "Babylon the great". That is why it is written: "Get out of her, My people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues." (Rev 18:4). A sect is a body of persons who unite in holding religious views that deviate from the exercise of true faith. That is why faithful servants of God do not belong to a sect. What sect did the Son of God belong to? None. How did our Lord and his followers refer to themselves? As servants of God. But in order to receive glory from others, glory-seekers give their sect a name. As for beloved people of God, they are walking toward the "Way of Holiness" and everlasting life, and can be identified by their spirit "fruitage" and accurate Spirit knowledge. (Isaiah 35:8-10. Galatians 5:22,23) (Col 1:9,10). (Cont. on Page 22/6/89).
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