Pilgrim encounters Self

I’m reading a children’s version of Pilgrim’s Progress to the children. It is a great book! Christian is a pilgrim having chosen to flee from the City of Destruction and to go on a pilgrimage to the Celestial City. On the way he falls into the Slough of Despair, climbs the Hill of Difficulty, loses his burden at the Cross, travels down the Valley of Humiliation and today he travelled through the Dark Valley. On the way he counters various characters. In what follows Christian is threatened by one of the soldiers of the Wicked Prince, Self, who I understand is our sinful nature that threatens to kill us.

"You know you have served Him very badly since you set out. You were so careless that you fell into the Slough, and you let Worldly deceive you and turn you out of the right path. Then you slept in the arbor and lost your Roll, and when you came in sight of the lions you were very nearly turning back for fear of them. And yet, at the Palace Beautiful, you talked as if you were one of the King’s most faithful servants! I don’t know how you can expect Him to do anything for you."

Little Christian knew that all these things were true, and he wondered how Self had heard about them.

"I have been very sorry," he said, “and the King will forgive me. He knows I am only a little boy.”

Then Self could not keep back his anger any longer. He had been speaking gently, because he wished Christian to forsake the King of his own accord, but when he saw that his words were of no use he became fierce with passion.

"I hate your King," he cried, "and everybody and everything belonging to Him! You are my servant, and you shall never go to the Celestial City for I will kill you."

So he held his shield firmly on his arm and caught nearly all Self’s darts upon it, until the wicked soldier became wild with rage, and rushing suddenly at little Christian he seized him in his strong arms. Those darts which Christian had not been able to catch upon his shield had struck him and wounded him in his hands and feet. His wounds were very sore and were bleeding so much that he was beginning to feel faint. Self had seen this, and he flung the child upon the ground, thinking he would now be able to kill him. Little Christian had drawn out his sword from its sheath, but when Self threw him down, it fell from his hand, and as he lay on the path he thought he had now no chance of escaping from his cruel enemy. But just as Self was going to strike his last blow, Christian saw that the sword lay within his reach. He put out his hand and caught it up, and before Self had time to prevent him, he thrust it into the soldier’s body and gave him a terrible wound.

Now the soldiers of the Wicked Prince could not bear the pain of a wound given with one of the King’s swords, and Self cried out when Christian struck him. Then the boy’s courage came back to him, and he thrust the weapon at his enemy a second time, and after that Self fled away across the valley, and Christian was left alone.

He lay for a minute upon the path, and then he got up and looked around. All over the grass lay the sharp darts that had been thrown at him, but Self was gone. Christian could not see him anywhere.

It was the King who helped me, he thought, and his heart was full of thankfulness for his wonderful deliverance.

Source: Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (modified by Helen L. Taylor)

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A Microcosmic View of Revival

I read the following on Saturday night and found it very encouraging and helpful.

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Many years ago, I witnessed revival in its most microcosmic form in a sudden, unexpected, and remarkable work of God’s Spirit on a friend. The work was so dramatic, the effect so radical, that news of it spread quickly to different parts of the country. People were asking, “Just what exactly happened?”

Five things seemed to have happened, and they were still fresh in the memory two and a half decades later:

1. A painful exposure of the particular sin of unbelief occurred. Listening to preaching was a staple of my friend’s spiritual diet, but what came with overpowering force was a sense that God’s Word had actually been despised inwardly. God’s own Word, preaching in the power of the Spirit, stripped away the mask of inner pride and outward reputation for spirituality. There was a fearful exposure of sin.

2. A powerful desire arose to be free from all sin. A new affection came, as if unbidden, into the heart. Indeed, a desire seemed to be given actually to have sin increasingly revealed and exposed in order that it might be confessed, pardoned, and cleansed. Disturbing though it was, there was a sweetness of grace in the pain.

3. The love of Christ now seemed marvelous beyond measure. A love for Him flowed from a heart that could not get enough of Christ, ransacking Scripture to discover more and more about Him.

4. A new love for God’s Word was born—for reading it, for hearing it expounded and applied, and especially for knowing every expression of God’s will, so that it might be obeyed.

5. A compassionate love for others now flowed. It came from this double sense of sin and need on the one hand and grace and forgiveness on the other. Christian witness ceased to be a burden and became the expression of Spirit-wrought and powerful new affections.

source: Sinclair Ferguson ‘One Night Only’ from In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life

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Leviticus and Christ

(Lev 1:3) Sacrifices need to be without blemish foreshadowing Jesus as a sacrifice without sin.

(Lev 1:4) People press hands onto animal’s head in order to associate their sin with animal’s death. Jesus dies as a substitute for sinners.

(Lev 1:1-17) Burnt offerings burn whole animal as pleasing aroma resulting in God’s favor. Jesus suffers destruction so we experience grace.

(Lev 2:1-16) Grain offerings of unleavened flour with oil, frankincense & salt of covenant. Jesus’ body is bread of life and covenant.

(Lev 3:1-17) Peace or fellowship offering of which a portion is eaten by those offering the sacrifice. Fellowship with God c.f Lord’s Table.

(Lev 4:1-35) Sin offerings have blood used for cleansing. The blood and death of Jesus cleanses us from sin.

(Lev 5:14-19) Guilt offerings for unintentional sins re: observing God’s holy things. Jesus is our guilt offering making restitution for us.

(Lev 8) The ordination of Aaron as priest foreshadows the greater ordination of Christ as priest. Unlike Aaron no sacrifice for his own sin.

(Lev 9:22-24) The first sacrifice brings Israel blessing, causes to see the glory of the LORD, fire from God indicates effective sacrifice.

(Lev 9:22-24) Jesus’ work as priest brings blessing, enables us to see God’s glory & is shown effective by an act of God i.e. resurrection.

(Lev 10:10-11) Jesus as priest teaches God’s people to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.

(Lev 11) The distinction between clean Israel & unclean Gentiles is removed by Christ who makes all men clean. c.f. Acts 10.

(Lev 11) Jesus removes the greatest form of uncleanness, that is, death.

(Lev 13) Sin is like a spreading and destructive leprosy or mildew.

(Lev 14) Cleansing from leprosy/sin – sprinkling and applied blood, bathing in water & anointing with oil i.e. cross, baptism and Spirit.

(Lev 15:31) Christ as priest keeps his people from things that make them unclean so they will not die but experience God’s presence.

(Lev 16) The goat sacrificed on the Day of Atonement prefigures the work of Christ on the cross. Blood cleanses and brings sabbath-rest.

(Lev 16:21-22) The goat sent to carry sin away into the wilderness and die also prefigures the work of Christ in removing sin.

(Lev 17:1-9) True worship can only occur at the one place of God’s choosing. The NT place God chooses for his people to worship is Christ.

(Lev 18:25,27) Unclean and unholy living results in being vomited out from God’s presence c.f. Rev 3:16.

(Lev 19) The Law points to the righteousness that is seen in Christ.

(Lev 19) God has compassion of the poor, fatherless, widows, aliens. Jesus demonstrates the same in his saving acts in NT.

(Lev 20:24-26) Separation between clean & unclean animals. Salvation is grounded in God’s separating his people from the nations to be holy.

(Lev 21:16-22:9) Priests are to be without defects and must not be unclean. In this way they foreshadow Jesus as a perfect & sinless priest.

(Lev 22:17-25) Animal sacrifices must be without blemish. In this way they foreshadow Jesus as a perfect & sinless sacrifice that atones.

(Lev 23:3) Jesus gives us our sabbath rest.

(Lev 23:4-8) Passover points to Jesus as our Passover Lamb who brings us deliverance from bondage.

(Lev 23:9-14) Firstfruits points to Jesus as the first fruits of the resurrection.

(Lev 23:15-22) Feast of Weeks i.e. Pentecost is the occasion of God’s pouring out his Spirit on all his people.

(Lev 23:23-25) Trumpets may foreshadow the return of Jesus and the rapture.

(Lev 23:26-32) Atonement may foreshadow the final judgment.

(Lev 23:33-44) Feast of Booths foreshadows life in the kingdom of God. Final expression in new heavens and earth.

(Lev 24:10-23) The death penalty for the one who broke the law of Moses ultimately portrays the covenant curse borne by Jesus.

(Lev 25) Sabbatical years and Jubilees point to the release that Jesus brings. Release from debt, slavery and loss of inheritance.

(Lev 25) Laws concerning redemption point to the redemptive work of Christ from debt, slavery and loss of inheritance.

(Lev 25:49) The redeemer is of one a family member of their own flesh. The Word became flesh & dwelt among us to be our kinsman-redeemer.

(Lev 26) The covenant blessings for obedience – fruitfulness, peace, God’s presence – anticipate the blessings of the new earth.

(Lev 26) The covenant curses for disobedience anticipate God’s wrath and eschatological judgment in the Lake of Fire.

(Lev 27) The importance of keeping one’s vows to the LORD points to the complete obedience of Jesus Christ.

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Holiness isn’t just avoiding evil – obedience and faith

“Though we often think of holiness in a more narrow sense of separation from impurity and moral evil, in its broader sense holiness is obedience to the will of God …

Faith and holiness are inextricably linked. Obeying the commands of God usually involves believing the promises of God.”

source: Holiness and Faith Chapter 15 in ‘The Pursuit of Holiness’ by Jerry Bridges.

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Repentance, promises, threatenings, destruction of enemies

The past judgments of God upon sinners ought to be improved by us as warnings to avoid imitation of their sins. And the view of his almighty power ought to animate us to a speedy and serious repentance. It is happy to have him for a friend, but terrible to have him our adversary.

No pattern ought to be copied in contempt or disobedience to him. And no safety can be expected in obstinate wickedness. No unbelief can falsify God’s word. If we receive not has promises, he will execute his threatenings upon us.

But how closely Jesus Christ cleaves to his people in all their debasement and distress! He is ready to teach his servants, or employ his angels or ministers, for their relief. And while most of mankind remain unconcerned under the curse of God and the power of the devil, seasonably and effectually he intercedes for his people.

Hereby is ensured to his church the destruction of all their cruel and brutal enemies, and comfort and happiness to themselves. And, let Satan find as many and as powerful agents to oppress the church as he will, Christ will find enough to resist and destroy them.

Source: Reflections by John Brown on Zechariah Chapter 1

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Help in the Daily Battle

The Holy Spirit

enables us to see our need for holiness,

creates within us a desire for holiness,

strengthens us for holiness through our dependence on him expressed in:

a humble consistent intake of Scripture (Isaiah 66:2)

prayer for holiness (Ephesians 3:16, Colossians 1:9-10)

 

source: A Summary of ‘Help in the Daily Battle’ Chapter 7 in ‘The Pursuit of Holiness’ by Jerry Bridges.

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… even if not clean …

May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God — the LORD, the God of his fathers — even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.

2 Chronicles 30:18-19

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Exodus and Christ

(Exo 1:8,13-14) God raises up Pharaoh to display his glory c.f. Exo 9:16;Rom 9:17. Bitter slavery ordained by God to wean Israel from Egypt.

(Exo 2:5-6,10) God works providentially in salvation e.g. by moving Pharaoh’s daughter to compassion and causing her to raise the deliverer.

(Exo 2:14) c.f. Acts 7:29 Israel’s rejection of their deliverer Moses foreshadows their rejection of their deliverer Jesus.

(Exo 2:23-25) Salvation proceeds from a cry for help, a groan that is heard by God. God hears, remembers, sees & knows. Basis for salvation.

(Exo 3:2-6) The angel of the LORD appeared in fire in bush. God calls to him from within bush. Jesus! http://tiny.cc/ag_angel

(Exo 3:7-10) God has seen affliction, heard cry, knows sufferings, come down to deliver, sends his servant. Jesus both comes down & is sent.

(Exo 3:12) The sign of a saved people is a worshiping people who know God i.e. they know his name.

(Exo 3:19-21) Salvation is the work of God’s powerful hand, his wonders and his granting his people favor in the sight of their enemies.

(Exo 4:8,9,17,28) Moses performs powerful acts by God’s power that are called signs. Jesus does likewise especially in John’s gospel.

(Exo 4:12,15,16,30) Moses is to be God’s mouth. God will put words in Moses’ mouth. Jesus is God’s mouth. Jesus speaks God’s words Joh 12:49

(Exo 4:31) Salvation begins with an act of divine visitation that results in worship.

(Exo 5:3) The contest with Pharaoh is over the issue of service and worship which is the goal of salvation.

(Exo 6:5-8) God has heard & remembered. He will bring out, deliver, redeem with outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.

(Exo 6:5-8) He will take as his people, be their God,cause them to know him, bring into land and give it to them. Sames acts of grace in NT.

(Exo 7:3; 8:15; 8:32; 9:12; 9:34; 10:1; 10:20; 10:27; 11:10; 14:8) God hardens whom he wills c.f. Rom 9:16-18.

(Exo 7:14-25) Water into blood c.f. Rev 11:6; 16:4.

(Exo 8:1-15) Frogs c.f. Rev 16:13.

(Exo 8:16-19) The gnats restrain the evil magicians & are identified as the finger of God. Jesus driving out of demons is by finger of God.

(Exo 8:20-32) Flies but an act of separation is made between Egypt and Goshen c.f. Rev 9:4.

(Exo 9:1-7) Plague on livestock. Again a separation is made between Egypt and the people of God.

(Exo 9:8-12) Boils c.f. Rev 16:2,11.

(Exo 9:13-35) Hail c.f. Rev 8:7; 16:21.

(Exo 9:16) Pharaoh raised up to show objects of God’s mercy his power and glory. c.f. Rom 9:17,22-23.

(Exo 9:20-21) Salvation comes from fearing the word of the LORD and paying attention to it.

(Exo 10:1-20) Locusts. c.f. Rev 8:7; 9:3.

(Exo 10:21-29) Darkness is a sign of God’s judgement on Egypt, Jesus, Israel and the world. c.f. Rev 6:12; 8:12; Mat 27:45; Luk 23:44.

(Exo 11:7) The plague on the firstborn is an act of both creation and salvation as an act of separation of Israel from Egypt.

(Exo 12-13) Jesus is our Passover lamb. His blood is the sign that causes the wrath of God to pass over us.

(Exo 13:21-22;14:19) God is present with his people i.e. angel (messenger) of God & pillar of cloud/fire. Jesus. http://tiny.cc/ag_angel

(Exo 14:1-31;14:1) Israel standing victorious by the Red Sea singing the song of Moses c.f. God’s people in Rev 15:2-3 Song of Moses & Lamb.

(Exo 15) Salvation themes in the Song of Moses – praise, strength, victory, holiness, covenant love, redemption, temple, kingship.

(Exo 15:26) God is identified as "the LORD your healer from diseases". Jesus likewise comes as the healer.

(Exo 16:3) In the wilderness God’s son, Israel, is hungry and grumbles against the LORD. In the wilderness God’s son, Jesus, trusts & obeys.

(Exo 16:4) God sends manna, bread from heaven to sustain his people. Jesus is the true bread that comes down from heaven. c.f. Joh 6:31-32.

(Exo 17:6) God brings living water from the rock. c.f. 1Co 10:4 they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them & the Rock was Christ.

(Exo 17:14-16) The eternal destruction of Amalek prefigures the destruction of all nations opposed to Christ.

(Exo 19:5-6) God’s people saved to be a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. Single plan includes Church c.f 1Pe 2:5,9

(Exo 19:9) God comes down in a cloud to speak to Moses to confirm the people’s faith. Same occurs with Jesus at Mount of Transfiguration.

(Exo 19:16-19) Israel at Sinai foreshadows our coming before God and Jesus on the heavenly Mount Zion c.f. Heb 12:18-24.

(Exo 20:1-17) Jesus shows the true direction and the maximum application of the ten commandments in the sermon on the mount.

(Exo 21:1-23:9) Laws of justice point to Jesus as the Law-giver, that is, Jesus is the one who will implement justice and righteousness.

(Exo 21:29-30) The law of redemption for the life of an ox owner whose life is forfeited prefigures Christ’s redemptive accomplishment.

(Exo 22:20) The judgment of being devoted to destruction foreshadows the lake of fire.

(Exo 22:21-27) God has compassion of the poor, fatherless, widows, aliens. Jesus demonstrates the same in his saving acts in NT.

(Exo 23:12) God desires to give rest to his people and all creation. Ultimate Sabbath rest comes through Jesus in the new creation.

(Exo 23:20-23) The angel of the LORD in whom is God’s name will guard Israel and give her the land. Angel’s voice is to be obeyed. Jesus.

(Exo 23:25-26) God’s purpose for his people is to take away sickness, remove death & give them long life. Foreshadows Jesus & new creation.

(Exo 24:3) Moses goes to the people and tells them God’s words. Jesus does the same but more fully.

(Exo 24:8) The phrase "blood of the covenant made with you" is used by Jesus of the new covenant in his blood.

(Exo 24:9-11) Moses, Aaron & elders of Israel see God’s glory and eat & drink in his presence. c.f. Lord’s Table and the messianic feast.

(Exo 25:8) God purposes for a sanctuary to be in Israel’s midst that he might dwell among them.Jesus as God’s temple dwelt among his people.

(Exo 25:9) The tabernacle is a copy of the heavenly temple c.f. Heb 8:5 and descriptions of the heavenly temple in the book of Revelation.

(Exo 25:10-22) The ark of the covenant is a copy of God’s throne – guardian cherubim & place God meets Israel and issues commands.

(Exo 25:23-30) Twelve loaves of Bread of Presence on Table in Holy Place represents God’s people enjoying God’s provision in his presence.

(Exo 25:31-40) The Lampstand also represents God’s people in God’s presence like in Revelation 1-3. Also recalls the Tree of Life in Eden.

(Exo 26:1,31) Guardian Cherubim woven into curtains to highlight God’s unapproachableness. c.f. Rev 4:6-8. Also recalls Eden.

(Exo 26:33) The curtain’s presence indicates in the old age the way into God’s presence had not yet been opened by Jesus & cross. Heb 9:3-9.

(Exo 27:1-8) The Altar of Burnt Offering foreshadows the Cross as the place of sacrifice for sin.

(Exo 28:2,5) Clothing for the priests is designed for glory and beauty out of same materials as tabernacle.

(Exo 28:2.5) Foreshadows the way in which Christians are both priests & temple. Also how New Jerusalem reflecting the glory & beauty of God.

(Exo 28:9-12) Two onyx stones on shoulders of priest with Israel’s name. Jesus bears his people on his shoulders before God’s throne.

(Exo 28:16-21) Twelve precious stones with tribes names over heart of high priest. Jesus bears his people. Same stones as New Jerusalem.

(Exo 28:36-38) Crown of gold with words Holy to LORD on forehead. God’s people royal priests, crowned & God’s name on forehead Rev 14:1;22:4

(Exo 29:1-12) Priests are made by washing with water (baptism), being clothed (with Christ), anointed (with the Spirit) & sacrifice (Cross).

(Exo 29:3)) Morning and evening sacrifices point to the need of a better more permanent sacrifice by Christ. c.f. Heb 10:1.

(Exo 29:42-46) repeated emphasis on God’s people being God’s people because of his dwelling with them. In NT Holy Spirit is God’s presence.

(Exo 30:1-10) Altar of Incense represents the prayers of God’s people in his presence being made day and night. c.f. Rev 6:9-11.

(Exo 30:17-21) Priests wash in the Basin. An OT shadow of baptism.

(Exo 30:22-33) Anointing oil makes temple and priests holy. Anointing by the Spirit makes God’s people (temple and priests) holy.

(Exo 31:2-3, 35:34) The tabernacle is made by a man filled with the Spirit and inspired to teach others to join in the work. Shadows Jesus!

(Exo 31:12-18) Sabbath rest is the goal of tabernacle construction. Jesus is God’s temple who brings rest. c.f. Mat 11:28.

(Exo 32:12,14) Moses intercedes an diverts God’s wrath after the Golden Calf incident. A shadow of Christ’s intercession for his people.

(Exo 33:16) God’s people are separated and distinct from the nations by virtue of God’s journeying with them.

(Exo 33:19) I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious & will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Doctrine of election &predestination.

(Exo 34:6-7) LORD, merciful & gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love & faithfulness, forgiving iniquity, transgression & sin.

(Exo 34:29) Moses shone with the glory of Old Covenant. Jesus has a greater glory than the fading glory of Old Covenant.

(Exo 40:16 ,19, 23, 25 ,27, 29, 32 ,33) Moses was faithful in God’s house as a servant. Jesus is faithful as a son. c.f. Heb 3:5-6.

(Exo 40:34-38) God’s glory fills the tabernacle as he comes to dwell with his people. Foreshadows both Jesus and the Church.

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Genesis and Christ

(Gen 1:1-2,4,6,9,11) Both Creation and New Creation are made by Spirit, Word and the activities of separating, gathering & fruitfulness.

(Gen 1:3-4,14-18) Light overcomes the darkness. God-created light to rule both the day and the night. C.f. Joh 1:4-5,9.

(Gen 1:26-28) Ultimately Jesus is the man in the image of God who rules the whole earth as God’s representative. C.f. Col 1:15-16.

(Gen 2:3) God blesses the Sabbath and makes it holy. Sabbath is the goal of both creation & new creation. C.f. Heb 4:9.

(Gen 2:8,15) Man is brought from outside the garden into God’s presence in Eden by grace alone as in the Kingdom of God.

(Gen 2:9) Man not immortal rather life is an ongoing gift of grace from God i.e. access to tree of life. In NT Jesus is the bread of life.

(Gen 2:10-14) A river of life went out from Eden. In NT Jesus is living water and the Spirit is a spring of water leaping into eternal life.

(Gen 2:18,21-25) Leaving, cleaving, one flesh between a man and woman reflects God’s covenant unity with his people.

(Gen 3:6) Adam & Eve in the garden fall for what is good for food and pleasing to the eye. Contrast with Jesus in the wilderness.

(Gen 3:8,10) The ideal is walking with God in the garden. Adam & Eve hide from the LORD as do all men in Rev 6:15-17. End is like beginning.

(Gen 3:13) Satan is the deceiver in Eden c.f. Rev 12:1 "that ancient serpent, the deceiver of the whole world".

(Gen 3:15) The woman’s seed will bruise the serpent’s head and the serpent’s seed will bruise his heal. c.f. Rom 16:20.

(Gen 3:16-19) The curse on creation. c.f. Rom 8:20-21; Rev 21:4;22:3 No more death, mourning, crying, pain, curse, old order to pass away.

(Gen 3:21,7) Man’s fig leaf clothing inadequate. God clothes them. Our clothing as nakedness until we put on Christ.

(Gen 3:24) God drive man from the garden, cherubim with a flaming, whirling sword to guard way to the tree of life. Reversed in Rev 21-22.

(Gen 4:3-5) By faith Abel, along with us, offered God acceptable worship and is accepted by him.

(Gen 4:7) Sin crouches like a wild animal desiring to devour us. C.f. 1Pe 5:8.

(Gen 4:10) Abel’s blood cries out to God for judgment. Jesus’ blood speaks a better word, that is, of grace. C.f. Heb 12:24.

(Gen 4:16) Cain was cast out from the LORD’s presence c.f. Rev 22:15.

(Gen 4:24) Cain’s descendant Lamech calls for vengeance 77 times if he is wounded. Jesus says forgive 77 times.

(Gen 5) The line of the seed of Adam and Eve that will lead to the Christ.

(Gen 5:24) Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. A shadow of Christ.

(Gen 5:29) Noah will bring relief from the curse. Noah is a shadow of Christ. The Christ will bring relief from the curse even more so.

(Gen 6:5) Total Depravity. LORD saw wickedness of man was great & every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

(Gen 6:8-9) In midst of judgment one man receives grace – Noah, righteous, blameless & walking with God. Shadow of Christ.

(Gen 6:14-16,22) Instructions for building ark are similar to building the tabernacle. God provides means of salvation in midst of judgment.

(Gen 7:18-20) Waters portrayed in military language as if rebelling against Creator. Jesus rebukes and subdues waters.

(Gen 8:1) God remembered Noah. Remembering is prelude to God performing a salvation act.

(Gen 8:11) Does the Spirit’s descent on Jesus as a dove recall the new creation evidenced by the olive leaf in this dove’s mouth?

(Gen 8) Noah is a New Adam in a New Creation. A shadow of Christ. Adam & Noah are representative men as is Christ.

(Gen 8:20-21) A sacrifice of a burnt offering removes God’s wrath after the flood. Shadows the work of Christ.

(Gen 9:25-27) Japheth’s descendants to live in Shem’s tents i.e. Gentiles to share in Israel’s blessing.

(Gen 10) Japheth’s descendants will be recipients of the gospel c.f. Isaiah & Acts. Ham’s descendants are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon & Canaan.

(Gen 11:1-9) The rise of Cosmic Babylon. Cosmic Babylon falls in Revelation 17-18.

(Gen 11:10-32) The line of the seed continues to Abram.

(Gen 12:1) Once again God uses the act of separation, this time to begin his creation of a new people.

(Gen 12:2-3) A numerous people and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Prediction of Christ and his people.

(Gen 13:14-16) Promise of land forever & children like sand and stars. Abraham understood this to mean whole earth c.f. Rom 4:13; Gal 3:29.

(Gen 14) Abraham saves the Gentile nations and meets Melchizedek the priest-king of peace and righteousness. Both men shadow Christ.

(Gen 15:6) Abraham believed the word of the LORD and it was counted to him as righteousness. Same for NT believers in Christ.

(Gen 16:11,13) God both hears and sees Hagar in her affliction. God’s hearing and seeing is crucial to salvation.

(Gen 17:1,3) God’s people in NT are called like Abraham to walk before God, be blameless and fall prostrate before him.

(Gen 17:4-6,16) Abraham to become a father of a multitude of nations i.e. of believing Gentiles. C.f. Rom 4:11-12,16-18.

(Gen 17:8) And I will give to you and to your seed all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession. New earth c.f. Rom 4:13.

(Gen 17:10-14) Covenant of circumcision. c.f. Col 2:11 In him you were circumcised by circumcision of Christ Php 3:3 We are the circumcised.

(Gen 18) Abraham’s faith in God’s promise of life from the dead womb of Sarah evidences his faith in God who raises dead. c.f. Rom 4:17-21.

(Gen 18:22-33) Abraham in the role of making intercession. A shadow of Christ.

(Gen 19:24-25,28,29) Sodom & Gomorrah’s destruction by fire is a shadow of eternal judgment. c.f. 2Pe 2:6-9

(Gen 20:6) God is able to keep men like Abimelech from sinning.

(Gen 20:7,17) Abraham, as a prophet, intercedes for Abimelech making him. a shadow of the Christ.

(Gen 21:1) LORD visited Sarah & did for Sarah as he promised. Salvation actions. c.f. Luk 1:68;7:16. In Jesus God visits his people to save.

(Gen 21:9-10,12) The slave woman’s son is cast out and not an heir. Illustrates both election & persecution of God’s people c.f. Gal 4:22-31

(Gen 22:1,5,8,13,14) At Moriah God provides a lamb who dies in place of Israel. The lamb is a shadow of Christ.

(Gen 22:1,5,8,13,14) Abraham believed God would raise Isaac. In other words he believed in the God who raises the dead. c.f. Heb 11:19

(Gen 22:17-18) The gospel will mean God’s people triumph over their enemies, inherit the whole earth and come from all nations.

(Gen 23:17) Strange that possession of the land begins with a burial site and a cave tomb.

(Gen 25:23) Two nations are in Rebekah’s womb will be separated. Evidence of election & predestination c.f. Rom 9:10-13.

(Gen 25:34) Esau despised his birth right. c.f. Phi 3:18-19; Heb 12:16-17 ‘enemies of the cross, god is their belly, glory is their shame.

(Gen 28:12-14) Stairway to heaven, angels ascending & descending! Jacob, intermediary between earth & heaven. Points to Jesus c.f. Joh 1:51

(Gen 29:31-32,33; 30:6,17,22) The LORD saw & heard Leah in her affliction. The LORD remembered Rachel & listened to her. Salvation actions.

(Gen 31:42) God saw Jacob’s affliction at the hands of Laban. God’s seeing the affliction of his people motivates him to save.

(Gen 37:5-11) Joseph is a prophet receiving revelation. Godìs chosen ruler and deliverer for Israel but is rejected. Like Jesus c.f. Acts 7.

(Gen 38:1-30) The line of Judah’s seed is almost wiped out but is saved through the inclusion of Tamar the Canaanite. c.f. Mat 1:3.

(Gen 39-40) Providence, God’s ordering of all things for his glory, sets up salvation e.g. Joseph in Egypt, captain of guard, pit, cupbearer

(Gen 41:14,42-43) Joseph is raised from the pit, glorified &made ruler over Egypt. Shadow of Christ raised from death, glorified, made ruler

(Gen 44:18,33) Judah begins to emerge as leader&offers himself as substitute for Benjamin. Jesus of Judah will substitute himself for others

(Gen 45:4-8) The actions of brothers were subservient to God’s purpose to save lives. Not brothers but God who sent Joseph to Egypt.

(Gen 45:4-8) Judas, Herod & Pilate did what God’s hand & plan had predestined to take place to save lives. c.f. Acts 4:26-28.

(Gen 47:29-30; 49:29; 50:12-13) Jacob desires to be buried in Canaan because he lives in Egypt as a stranger and alien. c.f. 1Pe 1:1,17;2:11

(Gen 48:15-16) Jacob refers to God as "the angel who has redeemed me from all evil" and who can bless his sons. Jesus ? c.f Jude 1:5.

(Gen 48:15-16) Jacob identifies God as one who shepherds & redeems. Shepherd and Redeemer are basic salvation categories fulfilled by Jesus.

(Gen 48:21) God will be with Israel to bring them out of Egypt. It is God coming to be present with his people that brings salvation.

(Gen 49:8) Judah, that is, Jesus, will receive praise, defeat enemies and God’s people will bow to him.

(Gen 49:9) Jesus is the lion of Judah. c.f Rev 5:5.

(Gen 49:10) Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute & obedience of all nations are his.

(Gen 49:11) King shall bind his colt to his choice vine & wash his garments in wine of grapes. i.e the king brings peace, joy, abundant life

(Gen 49:12) His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk. Poetic imagery of the strength and power of the future king.

(Gen 50:20) "You meant evil but God meant it for good, to save lives" c.f. the suffering of Jesus at hands of evil men. c.f. Acts 4:26-28.

(Gen 50:24-25) "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here." Salvation in terms of God’s visitation and presence.

(Gen 50:26) Joseph died & was placed in a coffin in Egypt. c.f. Heb 11:13-14,16,22. Person of faith is an alien and stranger in the world.

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Thomas Manton quotes

Christ doth not work upon a person, unless he be given to him by the Father.

To cleanse the heart is beyond the power of the creature; it can no more make itself holy, than make itself to be.

The sanctification of the Spirit is as necessary as the blood of Jesus.

source: Thomas Manton, ‘The Epistle Of Jude’ v.1

It would seem to impeach the justice and mercy of God, if he should exact the punishment where he hath pardoned the offence … There may be indeed effects of his fatherly anger, but not of his vindictive wrath.

source: Thomas Manton, ‘Christ’s Redemption And Eternal Existence’

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