Join the discussion! Click ----> 
The consummate assembly ...
The Epic Event
Steve Coerper
"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial."
 |
About a year ago, I wrote a critique that discussed, among other things, the misapplication of Hebrews 10:24-25 in the modern church to manipulate people into attending church "services." However, I had never taken a closer look at the verses to see what they were really saying. What follows is that overdue "closer look."
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner
of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see
the Day approaching.- Hebrews 10:24,25
The final clause is clearly in reference to the Day of the Lord; that period of time yet future when the church will be "caught up," the Father will pour out His wrath on the earth, Jesus Christ will return, and a thousand-year kingdom of righteousness will be established.
The phrase I find of interest is the "assembling of ourselves together." While a bit obscure in the English translation, the Greek text is illuminating because the word used — episynagōgē — is only used twice in the Bible. Its other appearance is in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, in a passage that is a clear and unambiguous reference to the Rapture:
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together (episynagōgē) to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first,
and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
In other words, the episynagōgē is not an activity; it is a specific and non-recurring EVENT. The passage in Hebrews is telling us how to prepare for it, and how to avoid being disqualified from participating in it.
We are familiar with the transliterated word "synagogue," which is a Jewish congregation, or the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation. However, the prefix "epi" draws in some surprising new meaning:
episynagōgē (Strongs G1997) - "the assembling together" "gathering together" from three Greek roots:
• "epi" = on, outside, outer, above, over, upon; besides; in addition to; toward; among
• "syn" = together
• "agein" = bring, lead
This can be seen as both the "above-assembly" - the meeting in the air described in 1 Thess. 4:19, and as the "Epic" Assembly - an assembly of the people of God that will certainly extend beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope.
From the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) through Revelation's letters to the seven churches, we learn that the foolish virgins will miss the party, that the promises of Christ are for the "overcomers," and that the bride will have made herself ready. The passage from Hebrews is telling us how to get ready, and it's not by attending weekly church meetings. Rather, we are advised to:
- draw near with a true heart,
- have our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
- have our bodies washed with pure water,
- hold fast the confession of hope without wavering,
- stir up love and good works, and
- exhort one another.
Only those who are prepared will participate. The episynagōgē is for overcomers. Clearly, if we are told to prepare, there is an opportunity for disobedience.
Remember those foolish virgins who were unprepared, and remember Lot's wife, who took her eyes off the leader that God had given her, and foolishly looked back in disobedience (Genesis 19:17).
We are invited and encouraged — but not forced — to prepare ourselves for our "blessed hope." That hope is the "glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," and our gathering together to Him. I am convinced that this will happen very, very soon. Are YOU ready?
(I am indebted to John Fisk of Shalom Peniel Congregation for this insight.)
STUMBLE IT!More Good Stuff:
Christian Apostasy — Nobody became popular by telling the truth. History has recorded what people (especially religious people) did to the prophets of the past. Everything that could possibly point to Jesus's imminent return for His Bride is now pointing. Today's so called Christianity is apostate and idolatrous. Read on...
The Final Fulfillment of Pentecost — It appears extremely likely that the next major war and the rapture of the Church will occur very, very soon. This article explains the scriptures that detail world events from today to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
How To Prepare For the End of the World — Five steps anybody can take to prepare for the end of the world and the establishment of a righteous one-world government under Jesus Christ.
New Wine — No one puts? new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.
The Non-Event on Rosh Hashanna 2008 — There were many reasons for the expectation of the Rapture to take place on Rosh Hashanna/Feast of Trumpets 2008. What happened?
Rapture Flight To Heaven — This is a Pre Trib Rapture forum and all are welcome to share their love for the Lord's imminent return at the Rapture.
Revival School — It is possible to walk before God in a constant state of being ?clean? before Him; to have a pure heart and clean conscience, and enjoy true victory over sin.
23 Minutes in Hell — In 1998, the Lord gave Bill Wiese a vision of hell. Hear his testimony and deepen your understanding of what Jesus Christ really did for you. This presentation is the end of "cheap grace."
Why I No Longer Attend Church — In the first century, without going to church on Sunday, church buildings, professional clergy, Sunday school, and all the other 'advantages' enjoyed by the church in America, those early disciples turned their world upside down. What's our excuse?