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Is Your Birth Control Biblical?

 

by Brother Billy Ball  / Blog Owner Victor.S

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. (Proverbs 16:2 KJV)

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The Sin of Onan - The Doctrine of Modern Day Birth Control

Genesis 38: 8 - 10 KJV - And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

I'm constantly amazed to see just how thorough our Bible is when it comes to dealing with the modern day problems that arise in these last days. The subject that I will be dealing with in this brief study is one that I myself was thrown into by a personal family question posed to my oldest daughter when she was making preparations for her wedding.
Last year, while preparing to take the required blood test for marriage, my daughter was confronted with a question that, frankly, neither her, her husband to be, nor I had considered at that time. The question was, "Will you be using birth control?" Upon arriving from the doctor's office, my daughter asked, "Daddy, is there anything wrong with taking birth control?" Having never really studied it, I said, "Well, I really haven't thought about it, but let me study a while and see."
The more I thought about it, the more I was reminded of my own decision some fifteen years ago to use the birth control option in my own marriage. I guess the only time I had mentioned it since that time was in an occasional reference from the pulpit about the mistake my wife and I felt we had made after our fourth child was born.
Then of course it was off to the Bible to see if God had anything to say about the subject. Just as I thought. There was a strange silence in the Scriptures for any such teaching. That is, the approval of the Scriptures concerning this idea that man is to in any way attempt to control the natural, God-given order of human birth.
My thoughts went immediately to the fact that birth control use was so common. Even among God's people it seemed as if it was just something that we, as Christians, had simply assumed was alright with God. But is it? I also was reminded of all the arguments and ideology which I had succumbed to as a young, married man. Arguments and ideology used to persuade me that it was the obvious thing to do for the best interest of my family's future. I began to recall the rational reasoning for birth control at that time in my own life and have since found that the reasons are still basically the same.
Let's look at some of the most common reasons given to use birth control, then and now:
"Well, common sense teaches us to plan for our future."
"Since the Bible is silent, it must be in the realm of personal liberty."
"If you can't afford them, don't have them!"
"That's the reason we have so much welfare now!"
"Couldn't it be the Holy Spirit leading us to do this?"
"What if I only want a certain number of children?"
"If God wants us to have them, then we can't stop it anyway."
"It's my body, so it's my choice."
"What about the advice of the doctor? health problems?, etc"
"There's a big difference between what Onan did and birth control."
The above are just a few, but probably the most common, so called justifications for the birth control movement of today. I'm sure that there are many other similar, and some even well intended, arguments for this last days doctrine.
I will address this subject in three ways in this short booklet. First of all, in part one, we will take the above reasons for supporting birth control and look at them in the light of God's word. Secondly, in part two, we will bring a Biblical outline from Genesis chapter 38, which was first preached to my own congregation. This is the clearest text in the Bible concerning this issue. In the third and final part will be some closing remarks regarding my own personal dealings with those who support and teach this heresy.
Part 1 - Reasons Given For Using Birth Control
Reason # 1

"Well, common sense teaches us to plan for our future."

Do you remember when there was very little difference, if any, between common sense and what the Bible had to say? Well, today the phrase "common sense" seems to be a means of justifying ourselves in satisfying our own selfish plans and living a lifestyle contrary to the life of faith!
The above statement at face value is innocent. As a matter of fact, it is very true in some areas of our lives. There are many things in life for which we should certainly plan, and I believe the Scriptures would even support us in doing so. However, there are also some things in life which God wants us to trust Him with totally. His plan for bringing human life into this world would certainly be placed in this category, if anything would.
Now, let's think for a moment about this thing called birth control. Even the term itself sounds odd to the ear. Birth control, controlling birth, no matter how you say it, the key word is still control. You will find as we continue on with this study that, Scripturally, the only control that God gives a man or woman concerning birth is the decision to marry or not to marry. Beyond that, the Bible teaches that birth control belongs to God.
I challenge you to search the Scriptures for this ideology that man is to control birth. The only person who ever made an attempt in the Scriptures to control birth was judged in doing so. Other than that one example, the Bible is silent concerning others who held this belief.
In the Bible, children were considered a blessing, not a burden. As a matter of fact, Psalms 127: 1 ? 3 teaches us that: "A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward". In other words, children are a gift from God. How do you plan for a gift unless you simply plan to receive it or reject it?
There was a time when people understood that when you got married, you expected children to be the normal, natural result of this union. As a matter of fact, marriage itself was considered by most people to be "starting a family". So, yes, plan, if you are a Christian! Plan to get married and receive God's gift of children. Or, on the other hand, plan to stay single if you do not desire children at this time. As far as I see in the Bible, there is no other legitimate way of controlling birth.
(Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV) Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Reason # 2

"Since the Bible is silent, it must be in the realm of personal liberty."

Much has been said recently about personal liberty. It seems that about everything that we can't find spelled out as sin in the Bible falls under this category. I would remind my readers that personal liberty always dealt with subjects that usually fell under a general guideline in the Bible. Never do we have liberty to do things that are contrary to the light already given us in the word of God.
For example, if the Bible teaches that it is right to tithe, then can we not tithe and do so in the name of personal liberty? In other words, can we claim personal liberty as a legitimate reason to disobey something that we already have clear light on?
So then, if the Bible teaches us that children are a gift from God, and a reward from Heaven; and if we know that God killed the only Scriptural example of those who support this heresy. And if we also understand the fact that if a man knoweth to do good and doeth it not, it is a sin unto him. James 4:17, KJV "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin". Then based on the above argument alone, can we honestly say that birth control falls under the realm of personal liberty? Please explain how and where, by any stretch of the imagination, that any Christian can use the Bible to justify birth prevention as a personal liberty that is acceptable to God.
Reason # 3

"If you can't afford them, don't have them!"

I guess the first verse in the Bible that comes to my mind when I hear this excuse is Romans 1:17, which teaches us that "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith". Let's look at just the population in Bible times and apply this argument there. If it's a good argument for today, then it should be valid in any given era.
Do you really think that people in those days actually sat down to count the cost before they got married? Or before they had relations with their husband or wife? Doesn't it seem, by reading the Bible, that people back then just trusted God and left that decision to the One who knew best?
(Philippians 4:6 KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
It's funny to me that most of the people who use this argument never bother calculating until children are mentioned. They never mention affording it when they buy their new four-wheeler, their new deer rifle, their new golf clubs, or any of the other items that fill their wish list.
On the other hand, why is it that we can trust God for the new car, for the insurance, the groceries, and even trust Him to clothe us adults, but then wonder if God will be concerned enough to meet the needs of a child that He is responsible for giving life to in the first place? Can you imagine discussing pills or condoms with any real Christian in the Bible?
What about the millions of children born during famine and war? What about those born during the great depression in our own country? Most of these people were lost, but God obviously cared for them. How much more is God concerned with those who are of the household of faith?
Last of all, the simple fact remains that most of the expenditures a young couple have are the same with or without children. There is usually a lot of other areas we could cut out of our budget without taking the blame for our financial woes out on the children.
Before we go much further, maybe those of you who believe in this heresy should ask yourself a question. If children are a blessing from the Lord, then why are they not a blessing to me? Well, let's continue on with our next reason.
Reason # 4

"That's the reason we have so much welfare now!"

Yes, believe it or not, that is one of the common statements made by the modern day birth control advocates. However, this statement is actually a copout for not talking about the real issue regarding a lot of the welfare problems, which is abstinence. A good portion of those people should not be having sexual relationships anyhow! Sex, in the Bible, was reserved for those who were legally married. All other sexual behavior was, and still is, forbidden by the Scriptures.
(Hebrews 13:4 KJV) Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
We are so used to implementing our "plan B", while knowingly disobeying God's "plan A". So, instead of using man made birth control to solve the unwanted expense of unwanted children across this country, we should repent of the fornication and adultery that refers us to our "plan B" in the first place. That, my friend, will drastically reduce the dollars spent on those who don't want to take responsibility for their lifestyles.
But to blame the welfare problem on those who let God decide how many children they have in a responsible Christian way is at best ridiculous! This is the same argument used for fixing your pet!
Reason # 5

"Couldn't it be the Holy Spirit leading us to do this?"

I guess I could probably answer this one with one simple word. Why? Why would God say that children were given as a gift from Him, and then lead you to try and prevent them from being conceived? Why would God teach us to trust Him for our needs, and then warn us against having children? Maybe it's just me, but the more I think about this whole pro-birth control argument, the more absurd it sounds. By the way, even in birth control you're either pro-life or pro-choice! Which are you?
As a matter of fact, this is the type behavior the Lord had in mind when He told the Apostle Paul to pen down the following words: II Timothy 3:3 - 5 KJV "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away". The spirit that motivates the birth control movement is a selfish, humanistic spirit, and not the Holy Ghost. I often hear people say, "No, we're not going to have children for a couple of years so we can get to know each other better, and spend some time alone." What are these young couples so afraid of? I look back now, after twenty-two years of marriage, and realize that our children were a great blessing to us as a young married couple. Actually, they brought us closer together.
(I Corinthians 2:11 ? 16 KJV) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
There is a certain joy that is brought into a home by a baby that nothing else could ever match. In Bible days a woman prayed for children. They wanted to be fruitful. And they actually mourned because of a barren womb. These were not the modern day mothers who hope and pray that they are not pregnant, but women who were led by the Holy Ghost.
Reason # 6

"What if I only want a certain number of children?"

To me, that's like saying, "I'm going to plant a tomato plant, but I only want it to produce three tomatoes." Maybe you should either not plant it at all (not get married) , or plant it and let God decide what He wants you to have. Of course, when it comes to the garden, we would be upset if God didn't make us fruitful! God said in Psalm 127, "happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them".
What was his quiver full of? "Children of the youth." You see, the whole question revolves around one decision: who will decide when, and how many, children you have? You or God? God said in Romans 12:1 that we are to present our bodies to Him a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service. So, to answer your question, I propose to you another: what if the number God wants is different from the number you want? That's the real question!
The appropriate prayer for children should be as follows: Matthew 26:39 "nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Note 1 Tim 5:14: "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."
Reason # 7

"If God wants us to have them, then we can't stop it anyway."

I guess this would be the easiest statement to respond to. It actually proves my point! If one believes that God is going to give them children regardless of what they do, then why would they try to interfere in the first place? You do know, however, that many of God's richest blessings are conditional. Many of the Christians who would be quick to make the above statement would also be the first to tell you that a man has a choice in salvation. Likewise, I believe that God is sovereign in bringing children into this world. But just as a man can reject God's plan for salvation, man can also reject God's plan for children.
To say that we can't stop God, and then attempt to do so, is nothing short of tempting God! Don't they understand that when they admit that God can overrule them, they are also confessing that they are wrong? This example goes back to my original point that many do not want God's will to be done concerning the size of their family in the first place!
The abortion crowd, or any murderer, could simply use the same argument. But the fact is that God puts many important decisions in our hands. So, if you really believe that God is a sovereign God, why not do away with all forms of birth control and let God have His perfect way? It is called faith.
Matthew 13:58 KJV) And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
(James 1:22 KJV) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Reason # 8

"It's my body, so it's my choice."

Now we really begin to see the thinking behind the birth control movement. If this statement sounds all too familiar, it is because you've heard it before from the abortion crowd. You see, the driving force behind the abortion proponents is this humanistic idea that we are our own gods and that we have the right to make our own decisions about our life and how we use our body. However, as Christians, our attitude should be that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price. I Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price:". The rest of that verse says "therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's". Preventing children can never glorify God!
Now, please tell me how birth control, by any stretch of the imagination, can glorify God? You will say, "But preacher, we're not talking about a baby, but a seed!" Exactly! But, did you know that the Greek word from which we get the word seed is the word sperma? This is where we get our word sperm. So, if the baby is a gift from God, according to Psalms 127, then the sperm also is God's gift. God gave you the sperm to be used to bring offspring into the world. Now, we do know that there is a difference between the sperm and the baby after conception. But we must also realize that the potential for life is found in the God-given seed. Therefore, this shows that it is a very serious thing to interfere with His seed in any way.
I challenge you Christians to use the same argument against birth control that you use against abortion. You will see that the debate is basically the same. You are not your own! You have no scriptural right to use God's seed as you please.
(I Corinthians 10:31 KJV) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Reason # 9

"What about the advice of the doctor; health problems, etc?"

To start with, there are a couple of questions that I would use to answer that question. First of all, is the doctor who is giving the advice a Christian? Secondly, does this particular doctor have a large family? And thirdly, does this doctor believe in abortion under any circumstances whatsoever? It seems that Christians have simply assumed over the years that we should believe what any doctor prescribes solely because he or she has a medical degree, and a license to practice medicine. Let us not forget that this is the same profession that recommends and performs the murderous act of abortion thousands of times each day.
What if a doctor told you, like others have been told, that you need to drink a couple of beers each day for your health? Would you begin to drink beer against your conviction because a doctor said you should? My argument against birth control would be the same as when abortion is recommended for the sake of the mother's health. If it is wrong, it is wrong. However, in situations where the couple has normal relations but health problems on the part of either partner prevent them from having children, then this would be the providence of God. In such acts of providence there would be no need for birth control.
I wonder what would happen if we put as much confidence in the word of God as we did in the medical profession?
(Psalm 1:1 KJV) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
(Proverbs 3: 5, 6 KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Reason #10

"There's a big difference between what Onan did and birth control."

Some would say that God judged Onan for disobeying Him and not for the act of birth control. But you cannot separate the two. Onan disobeyed God by using the original and most primitive act of birth control. Notice that Onan, like all other birth control advocates, enjoyed the pleasure of the sex act, but did not want the responsibility for it. If that's not the case, then why didn't he just refuse to have relations with the woman? Because, like all who use birth control, he wanted the pleasure but not the baby.
Onan forever stands as a reminder of God's displeasure with those who choose birth control over His will for their lives. I'm sure that if Onan could have used a condom, or some other form of modern day birth control, he would have! Thank God for His mercy and longsuffering toward the modern day Onan's of Christianity.
It is obvious to any honest reader of this Bible story that there is no difference between what Onan did and what they are doing, if they are practicing modern day birth control. The choice is not yours, but God's!

(James 4:17 KJV) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

I thought it might be interesting at this point to show you a small chart I drew up which shows some of the basic differences between God's birth control and man's birth control.

God's Birth Control	Man's Birth Control
Blessing	Judgement
Life	No Life
God's Perfect Choice	Man's Choice
Natural	Unnatural
Biblical	Unbiblical
Faith	Works
Prayer	No Prayer
Spiritual	Carnal
Christian	Worldly
Children	No Children
Responsibility	Pleasure
Will of God	Will of Man
God's Body	Your Body
Right!!	Wrong!!

Part 2 - Message that I preached to my congregation on Modern Day Birth Control

Birth control, or conception control, is a man made doctrine which is totally contrary to the clear teaching of the Bible concerning God's orderly method of giving children. It is also contrary to His way of propagating the human race and subsequently His divine will for reproduction. (2-4-99 B.B.)
(1) The Story of Onan - Genesis 38: 1 - 10
(Genesis 38:1- 10 KJV) And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her. And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him. And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did. . .
His name means "effort, ability, or power". How fitting that name is for this man because the definition of his name is basically what birth control is all about! Man, in his own effort, ability, and power, trying to thwart the plan of God. For a better understanding of the following message I suggest reading the entire thirty-eighth chapter of the book of Genesis.
We will look at three aspects of the story in this passage of Genesis that will give us a better understanding of the situation at hand.
First of all, let's look at "the Command of Onan's Father". You can read the story for yourself and follow the outline that I will be giving in this sermon. Onan's brother has been judged by the Lord for some wickedness, which the Bible remains silent about. According to the Jewish custom, he (Onan) is then commanded by his father to marry his sister-in-law. The purpose being that he may continue the family line in the place of his deceased brother.
Secondly, notice "the Contempt of Onan's Folly". He then attempts to partially carry out the command of his father. He obey's his command to go in to his brother's wife, but then makes the fatal decision to take matters into his own hands by performing the first, and only, birth control act recorded in the Bible. By this very act, he brings God's wrath upon himself.
Thirdly, I would like for you to consider "the Completion of Onan's Family Line". Despite his willful disobedience, God providentially continues the seed-line through circumstances that only an all knowing, all powerful God can. In doing so, He proves that man only hurts himself when he puts his way above God's way.
(2) The Sin of Onan - "And the thing which he did displeased the Lord"
The word displeased here means "to spoil, make good for nothing, or to be physically, socially, or morally bad". You see, Onan's sin was the intentional disobedience of God's commandment. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what all sin is: knowing to do good and doing it not.
Now notice three clear truths from this text.
First of all, we see that his sin was rebellion. Onan understood clearly what God wanted him to do through the command of his father. But despite his knowledge of God's will, he decides to go through with his own plan and to reject God's. That is exactly what you are doing every time you participate in the act of birth control.

I know that the Bible teaches that to the married the "bed is undefiled". However, that does not mean we could perform an abortion in the privacy of our bedroom just because we are married. This verse does not give us liberty to commit sin in the name of marriage. You know what's right, you know what God wants. But, like Onan, you're going to do things your way. This is nothing else but willful, premeditated sin. By the way, Onan was apparently killed in the privacy of his bedroom. (Gen 38:9 KJV) And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.

Secondly, we see that his sin was revealed. The Scripture teaches us to be sure your sin will find you out. Little did Onan know that he would go down in history in the Bible as the first and last man to practice birth control. Notice that God did not judge his wife. That's because the decision to disobey God was totally his own. You will also notice that most of the time it's not the woman who has a problem with letting God decide about how many children, but the man.
Normally, a woman, despite all of the pain and hardship she must bear, wants the children and is willing to pay the price to bring them into the world. But daddy, who should lead the way by faith, is afraid to trust God concerning His gift of children. Your unwillingness, sir, to allow God to have His way in this matter causes others to mark you as a real hypocrite when it comes to talking about and teaching about faith!
Little did Onan know that what he thought was a private matter of personal liberty, would be revealed to the world as a faithless act of selfish disobedience.
Thirdly, Onan's sin was reproved. We think it to be a small thing to act against revealed light in these days. People often will make the statement that all of this is just my opinion, totally disregarding the clear teaching of the word of God. But let Onan be a reminder to us modern day Christians that God does not take this sin of birth control lightly. Obviously God has been merciful to us as compared to Onan, but I can't help but think that God was also using him, as an example to others, to show His displeasure in this matter.
Onan missed the opportunity to see God's will carried out in his life through his seed line, which, we see, eventually brought to us our Lord. God wanted to use him and bless him in ways that he could not possibly perceive! However, he became an example of God's judgement upon the sin of disobedience. I wonder what God had in store for all of us who took this matter of controlling birth into our own hands? I wonder what blessings we have forfeited by going our own way instead of trusting God with our lives? How has God judged us?
(3) The Seed of Onan - "He spilled it (the seed) upon the ground, lest he should give seed unto his brother"
The word seed is very important here in this story. This is the issue of the entire text. Onan wasted the God-given seed which was meant to continue his family and literally threw it away. His idea was, "It belongs to me so I can do what I wish with it." This is the same argument that the abortion proponents use.
If the Bible teaches that children are given by God, then we must conclude that seed is also the gift of God. If you will study the many times that the word seed is mentioned in the Bible, you will find that God must bless the seed in order for a man to be able to bring forth children into the world. God must also open the woman's womb in order for her to conceive. Remember back when we didn't have to be told this kind of thing? We've come a long way, haven't we? It was God who would make Abraham's seed as the stars in Heaven.

(Genesis 15: 1 - 6 KJV) After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

First of all, God bestows the seed of men. I don't have time or space to study each verse that has to do with this word seed. But I know, and you can find it out if you are interested, that without God bestowing man's seed, He would not be able to bring forth children into this world. I challenge you to read the creation story once again and see how many times the word seed is mentioned. The seed which was given for the grass, the herb, the fruit tree, and also the seed which was given to man, was given by God.
Jacob knew this in Genesis 30:1 when he answered his desperate wife with a question, "And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?" He knew that unless God bestowed, there would be no children. One of the things that is so disturbing is while some couples are on birth control, the many others who are not on it desire children. But God has not blessed them in this area. If God has bestowed you seed, then He has a purpose for the children which He will give you. If He doesn't want you to have children, don't worry, you will not. But shouldn't He decide?
Next, we see that God builds with the seed of men. If you go back to our text and follow the seed line through the Bible, you will see that God used the progenitors of the family in due time to bring forth our Savior. That's the one lesson we learn by reading the begats in the Bible. Through these genealogies, we see God systematically building the human race.
When you think about your own family tree and the limb you find yourself on, don't forget that this was no accident. What it is, however, is a sovereign God building a people who would be used to carry out His divine purpose. After Noah had finished his journey, God used his seed to populate the new world. We later would identify them as the primary races of the earth. Galatians 4:4 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law". We see that God brought forth His Son in the fullness of time. Though He was not born of the seed of man spiritually, God used the seed of man to bring us to the fullness of time.
The Greek word for seed is the word sperma, where we get our English word sperm. It means something sown, offspring, or remnant. It comes from the word spiero, which means to sow. The word sow comes from the word spao and means to draw out. Did you know that when the seed is planted within that it literally races to fertilize the waiting egg? That is because it has God given life which our Creator used to build the human race. You say, "Preacher, aren't you going a little to far?" No my friend. You who defend birth control are the ones who are going too far.
Finally, we see that God blesses the seed of men. It seems like we believe that because we come together as husband and wife, we will automatically have children. But that is not the case at all. I'm thinking about Abraham when he is now about a hundred years old. God tells him and Sarah that they are going to have a child. Nowadays, we would say this would be impossible. But not if God blesses the seed. I wonder if all these young couples who are on birth control now realize this principal. And what about all of the people who never used birth control, but after 20 years of marriage only have one or two children?
Now they say, "Well, we're going to wait a couple of years before having children, and then maybe after we've prepared a few things we're going to have a baby." Is that right? Well, what if God decides to remove the blessing from the seed? Remember, children are an heritage (gift) of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is (His) reward. Since when does man decide whether he will be fruitful or not?
I would encourage you young couples to decide this issue before marriage, and decide to let God control when and how many children you have. You can trust Him! He will not do you wrong. I promise you, according to God's word, that every child He gives you will be a blessing from God. A child will make your life richer and fuller, and will become as arrows in the hand of a mighty man. Present your bodies a living sacrifice unto God and let Him use your family for His glory. Please don't commit the sin of Onan.
Some Final Thoughts About Birth Control
I know that there will be many who disagree with the contents of this booklet. However, as with any literature which I have written, I challenge any and all to take a King James Bible and Scripturally refute it. I'm still waiting!
In these last days, I have come to the place where my best response is that of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth. 1 Corinthians 14:38 "If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant". It is disturbing to see the extent to which humanism has entered into our congregations. The sad part is, however, that many so called preachers will simply discount this teaching as "much to do about nothing."
Anytime some of these hirelings are confronted with new light from God's word, they use the standard procedure of putting a finger in the wind and then following the path of least resistance. But for those of you who are willing to be led by the Spirit and to "let every man be a liar and God be the truth", maybe this message will open the door for the Holy Spirit to give you some very important direction for your life. Or maybe you can help someone like my daughter who really wants to know God's will for their life.
Finally, let me say that our church and my family have personally suffered for our stand on this clearly taught Bible issue. We know, however, that sound doctrine is about the only thing some men will not endure in these last days.
In closing, I would like to dedicate this booklet to all those Christian couples who are willing to trust God to bless and build their families according to His will rather than bowing to the self god of humanism. I would also like to dedicate it to those preachers who, after reading it, will know deep down in their heart that it is right, but don't have the guts to preach it! My message to you, sir, is summed up in this verse: "The hireling fleeth because he is a hireling and careth not for the sheep". John 10:13 KJV

Thank you for your time and prayers.

Bro. Billy Ball

Added by Blog owner verses to considered  Victor.S
Biblical support is missing: birth control puts a Christian in the shaky
position of Onan, who was killed.
 
I Corinthians 7:3-5 gives the only reason for abstinence in marriage
--Prayer and fasting, not to avoid childrenObviously, we shouldn't base our position on whether or not
 

OTHER people practice birth control, but if the non-use of birth control has been a
universal trend for the vast majority of Christian history, we should
not lightly dismiss it, but rather examine WHY.

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
⁴³ It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body



.
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9Who hath ears to hear, let him hear

 

Psa 139 :1-18

 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
⁵ Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
⁷ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
¹² Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
¹³ For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
¹⁵ My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
¹⁷ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.God is Sovereign in birth. He opens & shuts the womb; He blesses
with children. (The following verses are NOT an exhaustive list.)

It is GOD Who opens and shuts the womb: Genesis 20:17-18;
29:31-33; 30:1-2,6,17-18, 20, 22, 23; I Samuel 1:6, 11, 19, 20;

God helps and participates in the process of bringing forth children:
Genesis 4:1, 25; 21:1-2; Ruth 4:13; I Samuel 2:20-21; Psalm 139:13, 16;
Luke 1:21-25, 57-58

God multiplies children: Genesis 16:10; 17: 2,20; 22:17; 26:4, 24;
28:3; 41:52; 48:4; Exodus 32:13; Deuteronomy 1:10,11; 28:63; 30:5,
Joshua 24:3; I Chronicles 27: 23; Psalm 105:24; 107:38; Isaiah 26:15; 51:2;
Jeremiah 30: 19; 33:22; Ezra 36:10-11, 37; 37:26

The Bible nowhere encourages Birth Control, but everywhere condones fertility!

Pro-child verses: Psalm 127:3-5; 128; I Chronicles 20:4-5; Exodus 23:25-26; Proverbs 17:6
Children are a blessing that comes from obeying God: Leviticus 26:9; Deuteronomy 28:1-4; 6:3;
7:13; 13:17 ff

Pro-Fertility verses: Leviticus 20:18 (abstaining during monthly periods increases chance of fertilization after period);
Genesis 1:27-28 (The command to be fruitful has never been revoked); I Cor 7:3-5 (Not compatible with "Natural Family Planning")

Anti-Infertility Verses: Infertile manners of intercourse were condemned: Beastiality (Leviticus 20:15, 16), Homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), Withdrawal (Genesis 38:6-10, Deuteronomy 25:5-10). In fact, all of these things incurred the death penalty. There was no death penalty for improper manners of intercourse which were yet fertile (Fornication and polygamy).

Semen is referred to as offspring even before it joins the egg: Hebrews 7:9-10; Job 10:8-11
Childlessness sometimes was considered  a curse : Leviticus 20:20-21; Hosea 9:10-17 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

¹⁵ And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
¹⁶ Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
¹⁷ And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
¹⁸ But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
¹⁹ After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
²⁰ And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
²¹ His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²² He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
²³ His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
²⁴ Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
²⁶ His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
²⁷ Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
²⁸ Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
²⁹ For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
³⁰ And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   




 

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Dear sinner friend, please stop and think for a moment about your future.  Do you realize that according to Luke 16:22-23 that if you died today without being born again you go immediately to Hell?  Only God knows when that time will come, but he has given you plenty of time to repent and turn to Christ.  Think of all God has done for you so far in your lifetime.  The Bible declares that “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance”, Romans 2:4.  God love us enough to send His Son to die for our sins, John 3:16, but you must repent and trust Christ in order to be saved, Luke 13:3,5, Romans 10:9-13.  Do not procrastinate, humble yourself, repent of your sins, call on God and ask Him to save you.  Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help

The Numbers in the Scriptures!

(Do they Carry any Spiritual Significance?)

by Tony Warren

    There are many Christians who think that when God put numbers in the Bible there was no spiritual significance to it, and neither should we apply any meaning to it other than the number itself. But even if we were to look at this issue superficially, we can readily see that there is some method and certain numerical symbology to the use of numbers in scripture. The consistency in their signification in certain situations testifies to this. There is most certainly a great Spiritual defining in the application of many of these numbers. We are often inclined to underestimate God and what He has planted within His Holy Word. There is far more in the scriptures than can be understood in one man's lifetime, and we can only glean the surface of this storehouse of information. For we see through a glass dimly and know only in part. In this brief study we will look at some of the numbers that carry spiritual or symbolical significance, and examine many of the passages where they are found. Our hope is that this study might help you discern some of the truths which God has ordained that these numbers should illustrate.
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The Number 2
    When we look through the scriptures we find that God often uses the number two as a signification for agreement, and by implication, truth. And because God has declared that the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1st Timothy 3:15), this number is also often used in association with it. It's the numerical symbolism of a faithful (truthful) witness or testimony. i.e., one being in agreement or a "confirming" witness of another. For example, the two witnesses spoken about in the book of Revelation chapter eleven. They are the Lord's faithful witnesses who bear testimony to the truth! Therefore are they spoken of as "two" witnesses, signifying that they come with the truth. In fact, we can readily see that the designation of two witnesses has always been the guide post that God has used for "establishing agreement of truth." From scripture we see that from the very beginning God instituted this number as the guide post for truth. Numbers 35:30

• "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."

Here God is using the minimum number of "two" witnesses to Illustrate the corroboration of what is the truth (Deu. 17:6). One witness could not by God's law establish it as the truth. It took at least "two" witnesses to establish any accusation true, that a man could be put to death. This number two signified the agreement or corroboration that established truth. That is precisely why Revelation chapter eleven uses the phrase "two witnesses". It is to signify that these are the truthful or faithful witnesses of Christ who went forth declaring God's Word! The Lord does nothing by coincidence and that phrase establishes that their testimony is the true witness. Again, we can see this same principle illustrated when Jesus reiterates this law of God in Matthew. Matthew 18:16

• "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."

A minimum of two witnesses would establish the truth. Note it says there "that every word may be established". In other words, a witness to verify the truth of what's been said. Two witnesses symbolize that what's being said is verified true by law. The concept that God ordained from the beginning. John 8:17

• "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.."

God's law prescribed that the Testimony of "two" men is a truthful testimony. That number two illustrates God is using the number as the establishment that what is said is the truth. Likewise, when Jesus Christ sent the Seventy out to witness or testify to the truth, not coincidentally, he sent them out by two. Luke 10:1

• "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them Two and Two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come."

He sent them out by two and two (two witnesses) and told them that he who hears you, hears Me! In Other words, they went with the unadulterated truth which was God's Word! Indeed, they were the truthful witnesses to it! And he who heard them, heard God's Word of truth, at their mouth! This is the Church sent out "the Two Witnesses." Jesus sending them out by two established in scripture the numerical symbology that they went with the power of the truth of God's Word. Likewise, Jesus did the exact same thing with the twelve disciples because God wants us to know assuredly that His Church declares His word in truth. Indeed, it is the pillar and ground of it! That is what is illustrated by this number two. Mark 6:7

• "And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits."

The truth of these things becomes self evident when we compare scripture with scripture. The testimony of the Old Testament is that God would often send two angels or messengers to His prophets in order to reveal some truth of His Word to them. Even as Jesus ascended to heaven there were two Messengers there to signify of a truth He would return in like manner. We read, Acts 1:10

• "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel:

Or again, God illustrates truth with this number in Hebrews six. Hebrews 6:17-18

• "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, Confirmed it by an oath:
  
• That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to LIE, we might have a strong consolation..."

He confirmed it with an oath that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible to lie. That means the absolute truth! All through scripture we see the number two used to illustrate truthfulness or faithfulness. Whether it's the Spiritual signification of the two candlesticks, or the two fishes that feed thousands, or the two brothers (The sons of Thunder), or when the Disciples said, "Lord, Here are two swords" (Luke 22:38) and Jesus said, it is enough, etc., etc. The symbolism of the number two in scripture for the truth or the faithful witness is clear. This being so, it's no wonder we see this number used many times in relationship to the body of believers, which is God's true church, and the Word of God which is the truth of scripture! Truth and God's church go hand in hand as they are the witnesses of it. 1st Timothy 3:15

• "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth".

The Church is identified with the number two because it is the Pillar and ground of the truth. The faithful servant and witness of God.
The Number 3
    Another of the numbers where we can readily see God use it in a spiritual sense to signify something, is the number three. It is found over 466 times in the Bible. It is used of God to signify His Purpose or His Will! For example, when God sent the three messengers to Abraham to tell him that Sarah would conceive in her old age (Genesis 18), by the use of the number three we see in this an illustration that they came with God's "purpose and will" to Abraham. i.e., it was by the will of God and for His own purposes that Sarah should conceive so that God would make a great nation of Abraham through it. The same illustration is seen as God brought a thick darkness upon the land of Egypt (exodus 10:22-23) for three days. In this, God's purpose and sovereign will of judgment was worked out. The number three illustrated that it was for God's purposes that they were in darkness, while all the Children of Israel received light in their dwellings. This prefiguring the darkness of three hours during Christ's judgment on our behalf (Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33), that Spiritual Israel might receive light. Luke 23:44-46

• "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
• And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
• And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."

From the sixth hour to the ninth (3 hours) the darkness was a sign of the will and purpose of God in the judgment of Christ on our behalf, in the deliverance of spiritual Israel from bondage. The purpose of God seen in the fulfillment of the type, wherein Israel was set free from Egypt. We can see this in the three times in a year God commanded that the men of Israel were to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14,17 Deu. 16:16). This illustrated the will and purpose of God in the feasts Laws, which all pointed to Christ! In 2nd Samuel 21:1 the Lord sends famine in the land for three years, and says it was because of Saul and his bloody house. In other words, it was God's will that this happen, and the purpose of God in doing this was to bring judgment because of Saul's bloody House. Another example is in 1st kings 17:21 as Elijah stretches forth his body over a dead child three times, and the child lives again. This signified that it was God's will and for His own purpose that the child should yet live again, a type or spiritual "shadow" of things to come. Again, as the Lord said His servant Isaiah walked naked and barefoot three years as a Sign (signification) and a wonder upon Egypt (Isaiah 20:3), once more indicating God's will and purpose for Egypt. Even when we look at the three men who were cast into the furnace of fire, and a fourth who was there like the Son of God (Daniel 3:24-25), we see that it was God's will and purpose that these three men would not be harmed by the fire because of the presence of the Son of God. This was demonstrating that by the presence of Christ, the will and purpose of God that His people not be harmed in the fire, will be accomplished. These are just a few of the examples, and we could go on and on about this. These places where the number three is found is numerical symbology which is putting forth spiritual truths, that we can learn from as we consider them. For in three, God works out His purpose and His will. As Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so it indicated it was for God's purpose, and that His will would be worked out in this (Again, a type of Christ). If I could use an earthly analogy of a Biblical principle, It's somewhat like asking someone three times whether they really want to sell their house for a certain fee. After they say yes the third time, it's established that this is their will and purpose or intention. That, of course, is a bad analogy, but one which makes the point. That is the way the number three is often used in scripture. It signifies the establishment of God's will and His purpose. The three days and three nights Jonah spent in the fish established that God's purpose and will would be worked out in that. In Acts, the Lord smote the Apostle Paul with blindness for three days:     Acts 9:9

• "And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."

Was the fact that he was blind "three" days just a number picked out of a hat, as if any number would do? No, the number was God breathed. He was Blinded three days not by coincidence, but "by divine fiat or decree". It was God's purpose for him to be blind and to neither eat nor drink for those "three" days because He was bringing Paul to the light! Why not four days? Why not two days? Because those are numbers God uses to signify other things, and He wanted to indicate by the number "three" that it was for His own good purpose and by His sovereign Will that Paul be blind. And that is what the number three signifies. The exact same principle in Acts Chapter 10, when a voice from heaven told Peter to rise kill and eat the beasts of the earth that were on a sheet descending from heaven. And Peter says No, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. Then the voice says, "what God has cleansed, don't call it common". And we read, Acts 10:16

• "This was done thrice (3 times): and the vessel was received up again into heaven."

Why was this done "three" times, and then the sheet received up again into heaven? When we study scripture in context, we find that these passages were to indicate that the gospel was going out to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. And that is why it is meticulously pointed out by God that this was done three times and "then" received up again unto heaven. It is to signify this is the purpose and will of God that Salvation go to all the world. It's not just any number, it's the number that signifies God's purpose and will that Salvation go to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. The "three" times it's done, gives us this spiritual signification that it is established by God for His purpose. Christ spoke a parable which was about a fig tree in a vineyard in Luke 13:6 (Symbolizing Israel) and the man of the vineyard came "three" years seeking fruit and found none, and so said cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground. Why didn't God in this parable say cut it down after one year, or after two years? It was because the "three" years he came seeking fruit is symbolizing the purpose of God. He gave it "three" chances before he said cut it down. (Remember the analogy I made of three times asked makes it established?) The establishment of God's purpose and will is seen in this number three. One of the greatest places to see this numerical symbology is in that there is only one God, and yet there are three in the Godhead. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. 1st John 5:7

• "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one".

The purpose or will of God the one God, is worked out in these three. Read the Bible with wisdom and understanding. Because these things were put there for just that purpose. The purpose and will of God is worked out in the three of the Godhead. When Paul sought God to remove the thorn in the flesh, but it was for God's own purpose that Paul retain this thorn (it wasn't God's will to remove it) He illustrates this by the number three. Consider what we read in, 2nd Corinthians 12:8:

• "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice (three times) that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee.."

Here we see it again "three" times Paul besought the Lord! Why not once, or twice? Why didn't God tell him after the first time or the second? Why did God wait for the third time? It's because God deliberately wants to indicate in scripture by this number 3, that it is not His purpose, or His Will that this thorn be removed. He says to Paul after being asked the third time, "My Grace is sufficient for you." In other words, My Grace is enough for you. i.e., After the third time asking, it was established as God's will that this was not to be removed. Grace was enough for Paul. So again we see clearly that the number three here was an indication to us that it was not God's will that this be removed. There are just so many indications of the number three being used to symbolize the will and Purpose of God. None more "God Glorifying" than the atonement that the Lord made at the cross. The Atonement has the number "three" all around it and we can readily understand why. That's because though Christ was Crucified, it was God's will and for His purpose that Christ went to the Cross. For example, Jesus sat with the elders in the Temple three days being about His father's work, there were three Crosses, there were three men crucified, there was writing in three different languages on the cross, Jesus prayed three times that if it was possible could this cup pass from me, three Apostles went into the garden to pray with Him, Peter denied Our lord three times, Pilate sought three times to let Jesus go, it was the "third" hour when they crucified Him, Jesus was in the heart of the earth "three" days and "three" nights, When Jesus was risen He asked Simon three times loveth thou Me, and on, and on. The number three is everywhere indicated in the atonement that Christ made for us because it was God's will and purpose. Are these all just coincidental references? The scoffers will tell you that, but the Spirit tells another story. Christ had to go to the cross in order for us to be Saved. It is a Gift of God. It was His will. The number three being used this way is a coincidence like the sheep being used as an indication of a believer is a coincidence. No Possible Way! They were both put there by God to give us a great Spiritual, or symbolical picture that we can learn from. Unfortunately, there are many in our day who choose to remain spiritually ignorant in these things. It's not curious then that the number three is sometimes used in conjunction with the number two (which signifies the agreement of truth) when making statements about God's purpose. Because His will and purpose go hand in hand with the truth. For example, in relationship to the Church. For the Church is the pillar of truth, and it is also doing God's Will, and working to accomplish His purposes. Jesus says in: Matthew 18:19-20

• "Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
  
• For where two or three are gathered in My name, there Am I in the midst of them."

There we have the establishment of the truth (2), and the Purpose of God (3) in the definition of the Church. Where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, there is the truth and the will of God being done, and Christ in their midst. That's the two or three witnesses of God. That's the Church with Christ in the midst (remember the two witnesses of revelation chapter 11?) There is the "definition" of the Church! Two or three witnesses gathered together in the name of Christ! The two is illustrating established truth, and the three illustrating the purpose and will of God.
The Number 4
There are many other numbers which carry great spiritual significance, just as the numbers two and three does. The number four for example illustrates the universality of something. Derived from the four compass directions being all points, all directions, or everywhere. Ezekiel 7:2

• "Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God unto the land of Israel; an end, the end is come upon the four corners of the earth."

The earth of course doesn't have four corners, but God uses this language to show that the end is come universally upon the all the land. On every compass direction, on every part. The number four illustrates this universality. Acts 10:11, 11:5

• "And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth."

And of course, with further study we come to understand that this was to show us that Salvation was going to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. I.e., there would be universal Salvation! Salvation to all parts of the earth, to every nation and kindred and land. Again, Revelation 7:1

• "And after these things I saw four Angels standing on the FOUR corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree."

Again, four angels, four corners of the earth, four winds of the earth. Universal judgment over the earth everywhere, being held back by the angels of God. The Earth, universally is kept from this "until" God seals His servants in their foreheads. Then and only then will this universal judgment occur. The number four (Winds, Angels, Corners of the earth) signify this is a worldwide judgment. It is everywhere present. Revelation 20:8

• "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, God and magog, to gather them together to battle..."

The nations from the four quarters of the earth is again a picture illustrating universality. I.e., all the nations of all parts of the world. Jesus uses the same type language as he speaks of his return, declaring, Matthew 24:31

• "And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another."

In other words, all the Elect (chosen) universally will be gathered together from all parts. This symbolism is seen consistently in scripture. We see the same principle demonstrated in scriptures about the four carpenters, the the four horns of the Altar, the four Spirits of Heaven, the four beasts, etc., etc. They are all illustrative of the universality of whatever is in view. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it was giving us a picture of the resurrection wherein we all (believers) would be made alive. John 11:17

• "Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already".

Lazarus here was representing the universality of the called in Christ. The whole of all those who would be raised up in Christ. That's why when Martha said, "I know he shall rise in the resurrection of the last day", Christ corrected her, saying "HE was the resurrection and the life" and then raised Him up! In Christ, is the resurrection from the dead, and in Him is the Life! Not all the dead, but all the dead who shall be resurrected to life, will be resurrected in Christ! And that resurrection is for people from all time, a universal resurrection of the dead! There is none other name whereby men may be saved. They universally lay dead (four days) till Christ came to raise them up. The resurrection of Lazarus illustrated that all who were dead (universally) who would rise, would rise by the Word of Christ! lazarus, come forth! The number four signified the universality (throughout time) of all who are raised.
The Number 6
   One number which there has been a couple of popular ideas about what it might represent, is the number 6. Some Theologians say it's the number of man, some say it represents something else. But the problem is, there is generally no solid biblical foundation that would substantiate these claims. We must have solid scriptural reference before we can say that we believe a number seems to indicate a certain thing. Sound Biblical hermeneutics demands it! I'm sure that many think that they have justification, but when their proof texts are examined carefully, it doesn't really hold up. For example, the popular belief that six is the number of man or mankind. This belief is chiefly based on the fact that man was made on the sixth day (along with a few other ambiguous references). But so were cattle made on the 6th day. Does that give us the justification to say that the number 6 signifies the number of cattle? Not at all! Birds were made on the 5th day, does that give us justification to say the number 5 is the number of birds? No! We must be careful in the applying meanings to numbers, and we have to take the "whole Bible" into consideration when searching for meaning, not just a couple of verses. Jumping upon a popular theological idea is not the way to come to truth. When we look at the number six in scripture, it most often deals with the application of "work" in the world. In fact, even in the chapter of Genesis that many use to claim it represents man, it clearly signified the completion of work days. i.e., in six days, work was complete, and on the seventh there was Rest! The emphasis was on the number 6 being days of work, not on it being the day man was created (which was a work of God). And this theme of work is what is usually seen being illustrated by the number six all throughout scripture. It was the time that God spent doing His Work, and it is the time we are likewise told to work! Through much consideration and study in the scriptures, I have also come to believe that ultimately it is a representation of our sojourn (work) in the world, on our way to the ultimate Sabbath of rest. From the very beginning God used the number six to illustrate a period of work. Genesis 1:31 - 2:1

• "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
  
• Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
  
• And on the seventh day God ended His WORK which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made."

Note carefully God tells us when He ended his work. i.e., He did all his work, made Heaven and earth and all that is therein, in six days, and then rested on the seventh. The number six is the example to us, who were commanded to do the same. We work for six, and rest on the seventh. For example, in telling Israel when to work and rest, God says: Exodus 20:9-11

• "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
  
• but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord Thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
  
• for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."

The "six" was the length of time that God assigned Himself to work to create the world, and it is the length of time He assigns to Man to work in this world. That's an important fact. We can see this representation of the number six "for working" holds true right down the line as it's not only illustrated in six days, but in "six years" as well. A consistent use of the number throughout scripture as an illustration of Work. For example, we read that God had made a Covenant with the children of Israel, and that bondmen were to serve or work six years. Yet on the seventh year, were to be set free. Jeremiah 34:13-14

• "...I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,
  
• at the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee..."

Again the emphasis of the working for the length of the number "six". This time it is in years instead of days, and on the seventh, being set at liberty. God doesn't do these things just by coincidence. God knows what He is doing, even when we do not. The number six is in use in far too many places of scripture, showing our work in the world, to simply be a coincidence. Likewise, God didn't choose to create all in six days just because it's a nice round number. It's a God breathed number signifying His work time. And it signifies our work on this earth before we ultimately enter into our Sabbath of Rest. That's why the previous verse spoke of the Covenant, and being brought out of Bondage in Egypt when it spoke of the man serving six years and being set free. Christ is our freedom from Bondage, our Sabbath of Rest from Works. Six illustrates work. Likewise, our work in this world is illustrated by the number six. We work in this world "the six," and then we enter into our Sabbath of Rest when Christ Returns. This is not idle speculation, but is backed up with scripture as God Himself in His Word indicates that we are in fact "laboring" to enter into His rest, and He uses the seventh day Sabbath (after the six days work), as a picture of that Rest. Now, of course, truly we enter into that rest the moment that we are Saved, because the works were accomplished before the foundation of the world (Hebrews 4:3) in Christ. But those works are "worked out" in our lives. Christians labor in the world to bring the gospel, because Christ has finished the work for us. Hebrews 4:11

• "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after that same example of unbelief."

This is also seen in verses like, Revelation 14:13

• "...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may REST from their labours; and their WORKS do follow them."

You see, our work in the world is equated with the six, and our rest with the seventh or Sabbath of rest in God. Remember when Jesus gives the parable of the sower in the field? It was a picture of our laboring in the world. Is it coincidence that Israel was commanded literally to sow in the field six years, and rest on the seventh? Does God's word deal in coincidences? Exodus 23:10

• "And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor and the needy shall eat."

The six is signifying the time of work we do in the world. The seventh, the Sabbath of rest. Sometimes the meaning of the number 6 is less conspicuous. For example in a verse like Ezekiel 46:1 when talking about the Sanctuary,

• "Thus saith the Lord God; the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened."

Again, the six "working" and the opening of the gate to the Sanctuary on the Sabbath. These things are Spiritual pictures. The seventh is the Rest. Revelation chapter 11:15 speaks of the seventh trumpet sounding, and the end of the world, and in verse 19 we read the Temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Covenant seen. That's the sanctuary being opened! God doesn't just say things like this or place numbers like this by chance. They are here for our learning. Six working days, and on the seventh the sanctuary shall be opened! It's the sabbath of rest! This also confirmed by the number seven which illustrates the totality (more on that later). Again, in, 1st Kings 10:19

• "The Throne had six steps, and the top of the throne round behind:...."

Are we to believe that God just arbitrarily picked the number six here just because six steps to the throne is a nice round number? No! There is a reason God says there are six steps to the throne. The six steps to the throne are a picture of something, and Blessed are those who God gives the knowledge to discern it. It's our "walk" to God! Our walk translates to our work in this world on our way to God! There are many, many verses like this to show that the number "six" is often illustrative of the time of our walk, or work or labour in the world. And at the end of that six, is our rest on the seventh (the Totality of it all). At the end of our work here on earth, is our Sabbath of rest. Deuteronomy 16:8

• "Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord Thy God: thou shalt do no work therein."

This is the prevailing illustration of the number six in scripture. It's the time that God has assigned in the world for work. Whether it be us, or God Himself. The number six signifies working.
The Number 7
    Another number which I believe is widely misinterpreted is the number seven. Many Theologians say that the number seven illustrates perfection. I have studied this conclusion and I must say that I fail to find sufficient biblical justification for this interpretation. If anyone knows of any sound Biblical explanation, I'd be delighted to read about it, but I have received no strong Biblical references concerning it. While it is true that perfection can be represented in completeness (1st Corinthians 13:9-10), it is not consistently represented that way. I believe it is the other way around. When the completion is come, then that which is in part (partial knowledge and prophecy) will be done away with. In other words, the number seven rather than representing the perfection is often numerical symbology illustrating the 'totality or completeness' of whatever is in view. It is the 'all inclusiveness' of a thing. For example, the seven Churches of Asia (Revelation 1-3) represent the 'totality' of God's congregations (nothing to do with dispensationalism). This can be clearly seen as God says Christ stands in the midst of the seven candlesticks. This signifies that Christ stands in the midst of all Churches 'which are represented by these seven Churches' of Asia. Likewise, they are called seven golden candlesticks signifying that they are to be what the Old Testament called the [tamiyd], the 'Continual' or the 'Daily.' They are to be the light of the world shinning continually. This can also be seen in the seven stars of the seven candlesticks (Churches) which are the seven messengers of the Churches, and they are in God's right hand. These are all the messengers of the Churches whom God holds securely and who do His will (the right hand). The truth is, when God talks to these seven Churches, He is not talking to just those, He is talking to all believers and to all Churches. The totality of them which spans throughout time. We today are part of the seven (totality) Churches to whom God gives these warnings and encouragements. Revelation 2:7

• "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches: To Him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."

God is talking to us, and that is why these things found themselves recorded on pages to become scripture. To think that these messages were only to the seven Churches of that literal place in asia is foolish. They are directed to 'he who hath an ear to hear.' That is all true believers. The totality or complete Church throughout time. And the number seven signifies this totality. It is a Blessing to the faithful Church, and a warning to the unfaithful church. Overcome, and live, forsake God, and He will remove your Candlestick out of it's place. The seven Churches of Asia stand to represent all the Churches. The complete Church from then until our day. Another place to see this symbolism is in the episode of the seven baskets full of fragments that was taken up when Jesus did His miracles. Matthew 15:37

• "And they did eat, and were filled, and they took up of the broken that was left, seven baskets full."

This is not the perfection of baskets taken up, it is the totality of baskets taken up. The number seven illustrates that these baskets were 'completely' full. Upon careful consideration of the example it illustrates there was still enough left over for the totality of all who are to eat of the leftover crumbs of bread. The baskets left were still totally full. Sufficient to the task. This of course is the spiritual 'signification' that there is enough crumbs left over for the Gentiles also. Remember the parable of the dogs eating the crumbs from their master's table? Mark 7:28

• "And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs".

..it is enough! The crumbs from the children's (Jews) table is enough to feed the 'totality' of the dogs (gentiles) who come after. The seven baskets of crumbs signify that totality. i.e., the miracle of Christ feeding Israel was both enough for them, and enough crumbs left over for the totality of those Gentiles who would eat the leftovers. It would feed both the First, and the Last. This is just part of the magnificent spiritual pictures that God incorporates into His Holy Word. The number seven signified the completeness of what is being spoken about. Likewise, we can see the exact same application of the number seven in the opposite of Christ. As in the totality of authority in the kingdom of Satan. This is illustrated in the seven heads of the dragon as revealed in Revelation chapter twelve. Revelation 12:3

• "And there appeared another Wonder in Heaven, and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads."

The seven heads are seven mountains (revelation 17:9) which are symbolic of kingdoms. Seven equals the totality of authority (heads) of this dragon and of his rule throughout time. The crowns signify that it is a kingdom, and the seven his complete rule throughout time in it. Thus we see in this symbolism a picture of the totality of the dragon's (satan's) rule. That is why it says (revelation 17:10) that five of the heads of this beast had already fallen at the time of the writing of Revelation. Those rules of Satan were over. It said, one is, and one is yet to come, and there was a final 8th (which was part of the seven). i.e., it's part of 'this totality,' and he would rule a short time near the end of the world when Satan is loosed. The Seven illustrates the totality of the time of rule of this beast. God uses this number in this way to show us certain Spiritual truths. It's not the perfection of Satan, but illustrates the totality of his authority (heads) and rule. He is the prince of the power of the air. When the seventh king falls, that will be the end of him, the finish of the totality of his rule and authority. Related to this is the ten horns of this Beast that signifies a rule for 'a short time.' The number ten here illustrates the fullness of time while not being the complete (totality of) time (more on this in the study of the number 10). So we see seven as the totality of his time, and the number ten as a short period he reign in within the totality. The very context and content of Revelation Chapter seventeen also confirms this. As the ten kings had received no kingdom as yet, but would reign later, one hour with this beast. Earlier in this number study we looked at the number six and we saw that it was the number of work. In looking at that number we also saw that the number seven was the Sabbath of rest. Even in that, we see that number 'clearly' illustrated as the totality of the week. It signified the completeness of time as it relates to coming to the Sabbath of Rest. Seven is the complete (finished) week. This is the same principle with this number. The whole Bible is replete with the numerical symbology of the number seven. There were seven seals to the book that is opened by the Lamb, which were indicating that it is completely or totally secure in these seals. No one could open it but God. Likewise, the seven trumpets are indicating the totality of God's judgments. From start to finish, when we reach seven, it is finished. Or in the seven vials which are the totality of the Wrath of God that is to be poured out upon the earth. All these things show this spiritual signification of the number. Even when Mary Magdalene was healed: luke 8:2

• "And certain woman, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called magdalene, out of whom went Seven Devils."

Mark 16:9

• "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared unto mary Magdalene, out of whom went Seven devils."

Jesus cast out of her seven devils to signify the totality of the rule of Satan in her. When we are saved, we are made free from Satan where he no longer has rule over us. The number seven signified the total removal of Satan from within her, and now God would make His abode there. And what agreement has the Temple of God with the temple of idols? None. Satan is totally cast out. The Number seven illustrates his total rule in the unsaved. But by Grace of God he is totally cast out when we become Saved. Leviticus 4:6

• "And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary".

There we see that the blood was to be sprinkled seven times, which signifies that the person is 'totally' forgiven and made completely clean. Likewise: Matthew 18:22

• "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven".

In these verses God is illustrating that the number of times we should forgive someone is 'seventy times seven.' In other words, we are not to forgive just some sins, or even literally four hundred and ninety sins (70x7), but by the use of seven it is illustrating that we must forgive in totality. We must have complete forgiveness as often as we are sinned against, just as Christ has forgiven 'all' our sins. Seven is multiplied by seventy (10x7) to emphasize total fulness and bring home the point that we must love as we are loved, unconditionally. As Christ continues to forgive us all our transgressions, so we are likewise to forgive in 'totality.' Another example is in Revelation, where the Holy Spirit of God is signified by 'Seven spirits, and seven eyes.' Revelation 3:1

• "And unto the Angel of the Church at Sardis write, these things saith He that hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the Seven stars; I know thy Works, that thou hast a name which thou liveth, and art dead."

Revelation 4:5

• "And out of the Throne proceedeth lightnings and Thunderings and voices; and there were Seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."

Revelation 5:6

• "And I beheld, and lo in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures,, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having Seven Horns, and Seven Eyes, which are the Seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."

Horns in scripture 'Signify' Power. As you can see in Revelation chapter seventeen, the ten horns that were on the Beast were said to be ten kings which had received no power (when it was written) but would receive power to rule with the beast. i.e., Kings symbolize Rule, and Horns symbolize Power (horns of an animal are a figure of his power). Likewise, these horns here in Revelation chapter five signify God's Power. Unlike Satan's rule in power, God's rule in power is omnipotent. The seven horns signify the 'totality' of his rule and power, and the seven eyes illustrate the 'totality' of the watch of the Holy Spirit. Eyes equate to seeing/knowing. There is one Holy Spirit, but the number seven here is numeric symbolism illustrating His presence over the totality of the world. And the same application with the Seven eyes. It illustrates his 'total' watch over the earth where He sees all. The Holy Spirit of God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. The number seven illustrates the magnificent totality of this.

(7 horns - Omnipotent) The totality of His Power!
(7 spirits - Omnipresent) He is all (totality) Everywhere!
(7 eyes - Omniscient) He is all (totality) knowing/seeing!

Psalms 12:6

• "The Words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified Seven Times."

Seven times illustrates 'complete' Purity. In other words, there is no impurities found God's word anywhere. Total infallibility of the Word. The spiritual significations of the number seven are seen all throughout scripture. Revelation 5:1

• "And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with Seven Seals."

This book was sealed totally so that none could open it but God. The number seven again signifying this total sealing. Revelation 10:3

• "and He cried with a loud voice, as when a Lion Roareth, and when He cried Seven thunders uttered their voices."

Seven thunders signifies the totality of God's voice. His Word will be complete, finished. The mystery is over. When that which is complete or perfect is come, we will then know, even as we are known. We see the same principle as it speaks of the seventh trumpet sounding. It's the 'last' trumpet, the 'totality' of the trumpets accomplished. Revelation 10:7

• "but in the days of the voice of the Seventh Angel, when He shall begin to sound, the Mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the Prophets."

Again, the totality being illustrated by the number seven. It's finished, ended, all fulfilled, all complete! The Sabbath of Rest is Come. The labours in this world are over. This is how the number seven is used in scripture to illustrate this spiritual significance. It shows us the totality of whatever is in view. This is also seen in multiples of the number such as seventy, seven hundred or seven thousand. A good example is when Jesus sent the seventy out two by two. They represented the totality of the Church. Much like the seven Churches of Asia do.
The Numbers 10, 100, 1000
The Numbers ten and it's multiples (100, 1000) often illustrates the Fullness of whatever is in view, without it "necessarily" being the totality. As a practical illustration, monday would be a full day, but not the totality of the week. Likewise ten would represent the fullness or completeness of that particular day, but not necessarily the totality of the whole week which that day is part of. A perfect Biblical example is the Beast of Revelation chapter 12 and chapter 17, with it's 7 heads and 10 horns. The number seven illustrates the totality or total length of time of Satan's authority (heads) and rule (crowns), while the ten horns illustrates His rule only near the end of the world. i.e., as said in Revelation 17, the ten horns had no kingdom as yet (when revelation was written), but is prophesied to reign one hour with the Beast. The ten horns signified the fullness of time (10) that these kings would have power (horns) to reign with the beast. It's called a short season, but it is the fullness of time within the time context of the rule of this Beast! That number ten signifies that fullness of time. Likewise, the multiples of ten, as ten times ten (100) or ten times one hundred (1000) illustrate the completeness or fulness of whatever is in view, without it necessarily being the totality of it. As an example, look at the parable of the silver money. Luke 15:8

• "Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?"

Here in the parable of the ten silver pieces, a woman loses one of the ten. She searches for it until she finds it. This is numerical symbolism which shows the believer's search for lost souls representing those who are to be Saved. When we have found what was lost, the batch will be a full or complete treasure. The number ten signified the fullness of believers there. We are the silver which is found by the lighted candle. This is just like the parable of the one hundred (multiple of 10) sheep, Luke 15:3-5

• "And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
  
• What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
  
• And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing".

The same principle applies. If we lose one of them, we search till we find it. The fullness of them must be found. The number one hundred there signified the fullness of believers which are shepherded over. Likewise in the multiple of 10x100, it signifies the fulness of whatever is in view. Isaiah chapter seven speaks about the First coming of the Lord (verse 14) and says, Isaiah 7:23

• "And it shall come to pass in THAT DAY, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns. With arrows and with bows shall men come hither; because All he land shall become briers and thorns."

Are we to suppose this is a literal number. Were there literally one thousand vines and one thousand silverlings (not 1001 or 999)? When we look at the verse carefully we see that God is using numerical symbology to signify that where there was the fullness of vines, there will be briers and thorns. The number one thousand is not to alert us to the exact literal number of vines, or the exact literal number of one thousand silverlings (pieces of silver money), rather it is to illustrate where the fullness of vines once were, and where the fullness of treasure was, it is changed to briers and thorns. Not literally every place where one thousand pieces of silver were of one thousand vines were. The word thousand is merely being used to signify a very long time, but not literally a thousand. Deuteronomy 7:9

• "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;"

1st Chronicles 16:15

• "Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,"

Psalms 105:8

• "He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations."

This is a thousand used figuratively to illustrate the fullness of time, not literally a thousand generations. His Word is commanded to all generations, not just literally one thousand. But God is using the number thousand here to show spiritual consistency in representing the fullness. Likewise in Revelation chapter 20, where it speaks of the one thousand year millennial reign of Christ. It is the perfect example of this numerical symbology. It signifies the fullness of time of the reign of Christ, the binding of satan, and the rest of the dead live not again, before the second Resurrection. Not the totality of time from the beginning, and not literally one thousand years, but the fullness of time between events spoken of there.
The Number 12
    The number twelve is another prime example of spiritual significance. In other words, God uses this number to show us some spiritual truth in it's application. Would we be prudent Bible students in thinking that it has no meaning besides a count, and it's mere coincidence the places which it is found? No, we would be negligent to think so. In my studies I have found that the number twelve spiritually points to the Congregation of God. A good example would be the twelve brothers, the twelve sons of Jacob who were the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the Old Testament congregation, or Children of God. The number twelve spiritually signified this! These twelve sons were not a coincidental number of births, they were God ordained! Likewise, the significance is passed on after the cross as the twelve apostles became the New Testament representative of the congregation or Children of God. The exact same spiritual number attached to God's congregation on both sides of the cross. We can see this brought forth Gloriously as in Revelation 21, the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem (Thee Church) comes down from Heaven. Revelation 21:12

• "And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the Twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel:"

Revelation 21:14

• "And the wall of the City had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the Twelve Apostles of the lamb."

The twelve gates signify the entrance to the City. And note that the Old Testament congregation is represented as well as the New. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel at the gate, and the names of the twelve Apostles in the foundations. Why would anyone make the assumption that this number twelve is not spiritually significant, or that it's just some coincidence that there were twelve tribes, twelve Apostles, twelve gates, the City measuring twelve thousand furlongs, having twelve precious stones, etc. No, it is obviously not coincidence. And if it's not coincidence, then the number twelve has special meaning there. God "specifically" made sure there were twelve sons, and twelve Apostles, twelve gates, twelve fragments of food left over, etc. That means He did it for a reason. And the reason is to show us some spiritual consistency in where He is using it. To say that the number twelve has no special significance, is to not fully understand that God's inspired Word, is not just words, they're numbers also! When we look at the miracle that Jesus did for the damsel who was twelve years old in raising her from the dead, we see it was a signification that the Church would be raised from the dead. This is why it is meticulously pointed out that the woman was twelve. There is no other reason for God pointing out her age except this spiritual signification. Mark 5:42

• "And straightway the damsel arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. and they were astonished with a great astonishment."

Likewise, the Church (The woman 12) would be raised from the dead by Christ. This miracle signified this arising from the dead, and the woman is 12 not by coincidence, but to indicate this. As the 12 stars of the woman in Revelation Chapter 12 are also pointing to the Congregation of the Lord. Things that might appear coincidental to the average or carnal reader are brought out spiritually by God to His people. They are not understood by natural man, they are spiritually discerned. Another example is when the wicked men came to take Jesus away, and His Apostles were going to fight for Him, and Jesus told them to put away their swords, Matthew 26:53-54

• "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve Legions of Angels?
  
• But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"

You see, He equates His army who would do battle with Him as twelve legions. Coincidence? Not when you understand that the Church is the Army of the Lord, which have on the whole armour of God and the Breastplate of righteousness, and carry the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. i.e., (blog owner Victor my understanding of this is that Christ actually meant Angels from Heaven in it's first meaning)His father has presently given him twelve legions of Messengers, and we do fight with Him. Not in a literal war with literal swords, but in a spiritual warfare with the Word of God as our sword. And this is how it must be. as it's all a matter of discerning the things which God has placed in His Holy Word. Another example would be the woman who had suffered many things of Physicians, and none could heal her. God meticulously points out that it was for twelve years.. Mark 5:25

• "And a certain Woman which had an issue of blood twelve years.."

This woman touched but the hem of Jesus garment, and was made whole. I.e., what was unclean for 12 years was now clean. The garment of Christ is signifying the Righteousness of Christ. Just as scripture says we are clothed in the Righteousness of Christ. This Woman had been made righteous, by the virtue of Christ! Mark 5:30

• "And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Him about in the press and said, who touched My Clothes."

You see, this is signifying that we are made whole by Christ's virtue, by Christ's righteousness, and by Christ's garment. And the fact that this woman had this plague twelve years and "none" could heal her, signifies our predicament before we receive the virtue or the righteousness of Christ. But when we receive the virtue of Christ, we are made whole by his garment. I.e., we are Clothed in the righteousness of Christ! So we understand the number twelve is used all throughout scripture in many different ways to signify the Church!
The Number 40
The number forty in scripture often illustrates a time of trial or testing. For example as the Lord tried/tested Israel in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 8:2

• "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments or no."

The Lord tried (proved) them forty years in the wilderness. The word proved means to test! It was God's testing program to see if they would keep His commandments and be faithful. The number forty signified this. we see the same testing as Jesus Christ was tried of Satan forty days in the Wilderness. Mark 1:13

• "and He was there in the Wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan."

That word translated tempted is the word tried or tested, not tempted as we might use the word in our day. Christ was never tempted to Sin, he was tried by Sin. Or in other words, by sin He was proved or tested. likewise, after Christ was killed, He proved Himself forty days. Acts 1:3

• "to whom He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."

Again, Moses was in the mount forty days and the Children of Israel were tried, and they failed the test making themselves an idol. Again, many scriptures show this spiritual significance.
Conclusion     All these numbers, and more, have spiritual significance. God puts importance on every Jot and tittle in His Word. He says in Luke 16:17 that it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. That means (in the literal) even down to the least particle of the scriptures! Down to each and every jot or letter of the word. And that would "include" down to the last number. The Word of God is divinely inspired and so the numbers written in the Word are equally divinely inspired. Just as we can take a word in scripture like Sheep, and look at every place in the Bible where it is found and come to some spiritual understanding of the word sheep, So we can also look at certain numbers wherever they are found in scripture and come to some spiritual understanding of what it is signifying. This is not to be confused with numerology. This is simply called scriptural study. The same that we would do for every word in scripture. Numerology is the belief in the occult influence of numbers upon the life of an individual. This of course is both unbiblical and an offense to God. But the study of numbers (like words) in scripture is Bible study. If we were to listen to some people (and many of them may mean well, nevertheless they are in error) who say leave the numbers alone, then we would have to disobey God Himself, as He Commands us who have understanding to "count" the number of the beast (666). Do we simply ignore that command because we have some phobia against studying numbers in scripture, or do we "count it" as God commands? Who hath wisdom and understanding? REVELATIONS 13:18

• "Here is Wisdom. Let him that hath understanding COUNT the number of the beast: For it is the number of MAN; and his number is six hundred threescore and six."

How do people who say it's improper to interpret spiritual significance in numbers, get around this verse? Do they turn to the right hand and to the left to avoid it, or simply ignore it all together? We cannot do that, we must put God's commands in our hearts as a permanent fixture, that we might not sin against Him (Ps 119:11). Perhaps then the Spirit of God will cause some to take down that wall of Spiritual ignorance and start listening to the Word, and not man's conclusions. It says count the number six hundred and sixty six! When many are told that, they often reply with something like, "Oh, that's talking about a computer debit card, or a mark to be electronically scanned on the skin", or some other "flavor of the month" interpretation. But when you query, "please direct me to the scripture where it indicates that," they suddenly don't like the subject anymore. They don't want to hear that because they have no real scriptural basis for saying it. There are "only" two ways to understand scripture. The right way of understanding it by searching it out "in" scripture, and the wrong way of coming to some conclusion based on our own understanding or what "seems" right in our own eyes. Shall We call God a numerologist because He commands us to count this number in scripture, and he tells us that it is the number of man? Is He telling us to dabble in Numerology? Of course not! What He is telling us here (in plain language) is to count the number that He has placed there. Search the scriptures to find exactly what "He" means by the number when counted. That is how those who have wisdom and understanding count the number and come to the truth of scripture. It doesn't go unnoticed that God says here is wisdom, let he who has understanding count it! God knows everyone does not have the spiritual understanding (for it is God who gives it) and that everyone will not receive what His Word says. But He also knows that His people are wise to things Spiritual, because He has given them that spiritual discernment (1st Corinthians 2:14-16). Everyone does not read His word with an eye to keep it, or to surrender to it. That would be wisdom! That's the wise in Christ! Many read His Word with an eye to be inclined to make it fit into whatever they were taught or already believe. Even to force it to conform to what they "want" to believe. The sad truth is, few in the Churches today go to the Word looking for truth. Most go to the Word seeking their own justification. Those who say that there is no Spiritual significance assigned to numbers, don't seem to be looking to follow scripture, they are trying to lead it. What is the lesson learned in Revelation 13? It tells us that there is some spiritual significance assigned to the number 666. What is the Spiritual Significance? God says we are to count it (the number 666) to find out. Let me reiterate, I am in no way endorsing wild numerological ideas about computations of numbers in scripture, or of codes, or other unbiblical schemes. Nor the assignment of letters to numbers to reach some untenable conclusion. What I am talking about is simply looking at the numbers God has put here, and seeing how God Himself uses them elsewhere "IN" scripture, to see if He has placed some spiritual significance there. Nothing more! Eyes to see is a gift that is not in any man's power, it is up to God who discerns things spiritually. One man will read a scripture quoted "word for word" and say, "..You're right, I see it does say that", while another will read the very same scripture and say, "...You're wrong, that's just your interpretation and in no way does God says that!" What's the difference? The Spirit of truth (John 16:13) is the difference. One will (by the Spirit of Truth) receive the truth of scripture, another will reject it because he cannot discern it without that Spirit. The same thing with seeing the big Spiritual picture. Comparing the Spiritual with Spiritual (1st Corinthians 2:13), and scripture with scripture. One sees, and another mocks. Ones humble and another is prideful. That's just the way it is! It's the difference between the righteous, and the unrighteous. The numbers are in the Bible as a count, and also to symbolize, or give a spiritual significance to certain things. There is no Biblical validation for coding or applying letters to numbers. But comparing scripture with scripture, word with word, number with number, passage with passage, we can come to the truth of God's Word in God's Word. We are not to ignore numbers in scripture any more than we are to ignore the letters alpha or Omega! They all have a story to tell. It is not wise, but foolish to think otherwise. Not one jot or tittle is there without the Lord's knowledge of it. Not one number is there that the Lord didn't put there. So why would man think it insignificant other than the amount it literally states. That's like arbitrarily saying that the word sheep has no significance in scripture except as it relates to an animal. We can't do that because we are to follow scripture, not lead it! As the Lord hath said. Here is Wisdom! Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast.. He didn't say Change it, He didn't say, match it up with the IBM in Copenhagen. He didn't say see it on a magnetic strip on a card, He didn't say it was the address of a man in Rome. He didn't say match it to letters and see what you get, He said "count" the number! There, hidden in plain sight, lies the Key. It is the key which so many in looking for wild fanciful interpretations, miss!
Peace, Copyright ©1993 Tony Warren
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Created 5/13/93 / Last Modified 11/14/99
 

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