It was shown in the last chapter that God is going to finish his creation in three stages or dispensations. The maturing of the grains of corn is a type of the coming manifested sons of God at the return of Jesus Christ. We also stated that the number three was a very important number. It stands out as a type of God's purposes in Christ Jesus in the natural creation. Beside the stalk of corn, there are many other things in the natural creation that show God's plan to have a family of Sons with Jesus Christ as its head. In scripture the number three represents the just man made perfect in the body of Jesus Christ. It is God's finished creation. The three dimensional state of matter represents the finished state of all matter in the universe. The number three man that we will learn about represents the manifested Sons of the living God. The precious fruit of the earth that God awaits.(Jas 5:7) In the previous chapter we pointed out how the stalk, ear and grains pointed to the three dispensations of God's plan for mankind. In this chapter we will point out other things in nature that portray the three dispensations of God and also how they show the three members of the Godhead. Our awesome, infinitely intelligent God has made matter in such a way that it can only be explained mathematically using three dimensions. These three dimensions demonstrate the three members of the Godhead, and the three dispensations of the creation of the sons of god. Matter in its perfect symmetrical form also demonstrates the oneness of God even though there are three members in the Godhead.
As it was stated above matter can only be explained on the basis of three dimensions. All real objects have length, width, and depth. Why do we have to describe objects by numbers? Matthew 14:28 says: Whosoever doeth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counts the cost whether he have sufficient to finish it? The reason is found right here in this scripture, we must express matter in terms of numbers in order to count the cost of building Something. Jesus was talking about the cross that we must bear in order to enter the kingdom of God. It's not a cross that we wear around our neck as a symbol. It is a cross we bear on our backs that burns out the impurity of sin and death and makes us into a house that God can dwell in. Jesus knew that men have to figure the cost of something they are going to build, that's why he gave this illustration. An engineer must also know exactly how much material to buy so he can purchase the correct amount of construction material to build whatever he is going to build.
The roofer deals with a flat two dimensional surface containing length and width. He must be able to figure how many roofing shingles to buy, otherwise, he might purchase too many shingles and he would have all his money tied up in shingles. On the other hand, if he didn't purchase enough, and it starts to rain late in the day before he finished, he would be in big trouble if the stores were closed. The concrete construction superintendent deals in length, width, and also depth. He must know exactly how much volume there is in the object he constructs in order to mix the correct amount of concrete. If he didn't, he would end up with too much. This would be a costly waste since it hardens up and cannot be reused. If he purchased too little, the concrete might harden before he could purchase more concrete to finish the job. So you see every one must sit down and count the cost whether they are building a spiritual house or a material one. All physical structures whether it be a box, ball, or any other shape must be figured mathematically on the basis of three dimensions. The volume of a ball is 4/3 l l r , where r is the radius. The volume of a box is S , S being the sides of the box. All other structures have their own formula for figuring their volumes. The roof layer or the carpet layer is only concerned with two dimensions, length and width. I find it very fascinating to think that all matter throughout the entire universe has 3 dimensions. It is an amazing fact that no equation in our universe goes past the 3rd power, In our algebra classes we sometimes work with powers higher than 3 but if we tried to apply them to the real world we would find that after we pass the 3rd power equation, equations with higher powers are meaningless.
We are very fortunate that God made things in such wonderful order. The forces of Physics were made in such an orderly fashion that we have been able to apply mathematical laws to describe them. Everything in the entire universe was made in orderly patterns and symmetry. The human hand was made with exactly ten fingers. With them the first people who started to count could compare their results on the basis of the number 10. Imagine the confusion there would have been if some hands had seven fingers, others sixteen, while others had some other number. Our decimal number system is based on the number 10. All the peoples of the earth use the decimal system. How can these atheistic humanists look at the beautiful order in the universe and say; there is no God, it all happened by chance?
The formulas that we have mentioned are derived by a method of mathematics called, the calculus. I will attempt to describe to you what happens when these methods are applied without getting too technical. It is done by a special process of calculus called integration. Since most matter in the universe is in the shape of a ball, we will derive the formula for a ball. Its shape is called a sphere. I will also show how a Cube is created in order to show that all matter is mathematically derived the same way. God is a God of order. To start the process of integration we will start with the 1st dimension. This will be the length of the radius of the ball that we intend to create. The radius is the length measured from the center of the ball to its outer surface. Do you have a picture of the ball in your mind? Do you think that God had everything in his mind even before he spoke it into existence out of nothing? Let me ask you a question; can you picture anything in your mind with only one dimension? Our roof had 2 dimensions, length and width. What would a one dimensional roof look like? Our concrete block had 3 dimensions, length, width, and depth. Every thing has more than one dimension even the most minute hair. When we think about it we wonder if the first dimension really exists.
A calculus professor once told his class to think of the 1st dimension as an imaginary line or the point source. It seemingly doesn't exist yet it must exist in order to explain all matter in terms of numbers. Isn't this a wonderful example of the unseen God who is the point source of all things? The 1st dimension is a perfect representation of the 1st member of the Godhead, Jehovah, almighty God, the point source of all that was created. Like the 1st dimension, he doesn't exist; or does he? We can't see him, we can't prove that he exists, any more than we can prove a one dimensional object exists. But the very creation and the order in it, shows strong evidence that he does exist. Although we cannot see the 1st dimension alone, nor can we describe it, we know that it has to exist because the roof layer has to take into account both length and width when he figures the surface area of a roof. What a wonderful way for God to show us that he does exist.
How do we get to this 2nd dimension that has both length and width? As we said before, we will use a mathematical process called the calculus. The method of obtaining a plane area with 2 dimensions is called integration. If I am going to find the formula for a circle, the first thing to do is to start in the center at the "point source". Then, extend an imaginary line out from the center as far as the radius of the ball we intend to create. Sweep this line around the point source 360 degrees, one turn. We have inclosed a circle, haven't we? The space inside the circle is called the area. If we want to create a square object we sweep an imaginary, straight line, in a forward direction exactly the length of the side of the box. In the illustration below, it shows what happens by the integration process.
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Line swept forward Encloseds the area Of a square
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Area of square swept forward encloses a cube
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Imaginary line swept around encloses the area of a circle
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Area (hoop) swept 360 to enclose the volume of a sphere
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By preforming this operation we have a circle and a square. By the process of integration we find that the formula for the area of the circle is: A= llr .The formula for the area of the square is: A=S . We now have a two dimensional figure (length x width). It makes no difference how far we extend the radius of the circle it would still be a perfect circle. All matter that we see in the universe is in the form of a circle. Notice also that the formula has a square in it. (something multiplied by itself) Length and width is multiplied by itself. It is a flat surface just like a piece of paper. We now have something that is no longer imaginary. It exists! We can see it, touch it, and measure it. This dimensional plane is typical of the 2nd member of the Godhead, Jesus Christ. John said, The word was God. Paul said God became flesh and dwelled with man. Philip said, Show us the father and Jesus answered, Have I been with you all this time and you haven't known me. (John 14:8,9) The pharisees said, You are not yet 50 years old and you say you have seen father Abraham? Jesus answered, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58) Jesus existed, his contemporaries saw him, touched him, he existed in the same flesh that they did. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh! He was not imaginary, he was real.
This two dimensional plane that we can see and touch is the type of Jesus Christ the 2nd person in the Godhead. God has made the second dimension of matter to be the type of his first begotten son, Jesus Christ. We saw in the previous chapter that it was the ear that brought fourth the grains, Without the ear there could have been no grain. The same holds true in this case. You cannot integrate directly from the 1st dimension to the 3rd. The 2nd dimension must be integrated first in order to bring about the 3rd dimension. Why didn't God just stop here? Why didn't he say the creation is finished? Jesus was perfect and he was without sin.. God had pronounced a death sentence on flesh that sins, but Jesus was not a sinner. God had given Jesus the choice to die or not to die for us. God said about him: "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." Jesus said, No man takes my life I lay it down of myself. As far as the Father was concerned Jesus was complete in himself. But Jesus knew from the very beginning, when the Father gave him the creation to preform, that the Father intended to have a family of sons. Jesus gave his life that we might be able to enter into the eternal creation in him. Without his unblemished sacrifice of self there would have been no way for sinful flesh to enter into eternal life. Jesus Christ then is the one portrayed in the second dimensional state of matter.
If you place the circle at eye level and turn it on its edge it disappears. Why? Because it has only 2 dimensions. One dimension of depth is still lacking. We must preform one more integration in order for matter to be complete as God created it. I will try to show you what happens when we integrate. Think of the circle this time as a hoop similar to the one that your mother used to embroidery designs on cloth. Take this hoop and set it on its end. Then turn the hoop 360 degrees (one full turn). It has integrated a space the same size and shape as the hoop. (See illustration above) This is the last step in the creation of the ball. It is now a sphere with the volume equal to 4/3 l l r. The method of this integration process will not be explained here but please take my word, this is the formula for the sphere that is derived from it. Three dimensions, length, width, and depth are all integrated into the ball. The same holds true for the box illustrated above also. The mechanics of integration will allow us to keep right on integrating to obtain equations of 4th, 5th, or higher powers. But no equation higher than the 3rd power can be applied to the real world. Look in a table of formulas, if you have one. You will find that all formulas that apply to things in the science of physics or chemistry go only to the 3rd power, no higher. All matter in the universe has only 3 dimensions. This applies here on earth or on the farthest star. What an awesome and intelligent way that Almighty God has of showing his man the three members of the God head as well as the three dispensations of his creation of the body of Jesus Christ. And, since the iniverse is infinite, it also shows mankind the infiniteness of our God. We hear some speak of other deminsions or levels, but this is only a figment of their immagination. They are only thinking in the sense of deminsions because their minds cannot comprehend the realm of spirit in which God dwells. God's work will be done in this 3 dinensional universe and there is only one door opened into the kingdom of God. That is Jesus Christ!
The plan of God's creation as shown to us in the bible consists of 3 stages. Some people call time allotments in the bible dispensations. The dominant figure in the Godhead that is shown by the 3rd dimension is the Holy Ghost. Jesus said to his disciples; If I go away the comforter (Holy Ghost) will come. whom the Father will send in my name, and he will show you all things. (John 14 : 26) Even though the Lord has gone to be with the Father his spirit is with us. He teaches and shows us the way wherein we should walk. The Holy Ghost is bringing into the kingdom all those who want to overcome the world. These are the seeds of Jesus Christ. The true church. The real creation that God purposed in the beginning will soon be finished. Jesus Christ is coming back to present the kingdom that he bought with his blood to the Father. By this time, I hope that you are beginning to see what the kingdom is. It is the body of Jesus Christ, the sons of the living God! This is the house that Jesus has built. When he said from the cross; it is finished, he was talking about this house in which the spirit of almighty God will abide forever. We don't yet know what we shall be but when he appears we will be like him. We saw a preview of the kingdom on the mount of transfiguration. Praise God; his word will not return to him without accomplishing its purpose. (Isaiah 55:11) His word (Jesus Christ) has returned to him, and he finished God's work! The word IS Jesus Christ and those in him are also going to be word in that day.
For those of you who may not believe in the Trinity of god or the three members of the Godhead, I would like to point out to you something about the finished ball that we have "created". It concerns the oneness of God. Take a good look at the ball. Can you tell which dimension is length, width, or depth? The ball is one unit isn't it? Look at a block that is a perfect square, can you tell which side is length or width or depth? If you take a perfectly square box and pick out the sides you want to be length or width or depth; all I have to do is flip the box over and you can't tell the ones you picked out. The ball, and the box are all one unit. This is true for any other 3 dimensional figure that is symmetrically perfect. The same holds true for the 2nd dimensional figure as well. We can't tell which is length or which is depth can we? Look at a circle, a perfect square. Which is width? Which is length? This signifies that God, the Father, and God, the Son, are one. There is no division or individuality in God. HE is one God. Though the 3 members of the Godhead are manifested as separate figures in each dispensation they are still one. And if you will accept it , it also shows that the finished creation, "the number three man" or the just man made perfect, is also one with God and Jesus Christ. They too will be God. How awesome and intelligent is our God to have shown the three members of the Godhead in the very nature of matter. The oneness of God is represented also in the dimensions of a perfect circle, square, pyrimid or any other perfect figure.
I am going to show you some more things in nature that show the number 3 in the same way as the stalk of corn and the 3 dimensions of matter. These things show symbolically the 3 dispensations of God's creation of the body of Christ. First of all there are three primary tissues in the human embryo during the earliest stages of its development. The first and inmost tissue is the endoderm. This tissue goes to make up the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It is the inmost tissue in the body. The 2nd tissue in the embryo is the mesoderm. Meso is the Latin word for middle. Mesoderm, therefore, is the middle part of the embryo. This tissue goes to make up the blood vessels, muscles and the internal organs such as the heart lungs and kidneys. Then the third tissue is the ectoderm. In Latin ecto means outer, and derm means covering. So ectoderm is the outer covering of the embryo. This tissue goes to make up the "higher" order of tissue in the human body. The brain, skin, nerves, sex gonads, endocrine glands and the pancreas are some of the tissues that are derived from ectoderm. This tissue is the control tissue. It regulates body functions, the immune system, and the reproductive mechanism. Can you see the natural man in the unsaved state as the endoderm, the saved state is typified as the mesoderm, the middle tissue, and the spiritual man in the higher ectoderm tissue? Do you see the Father ,Son and Holy Ghost?
The second thing that shows the number three in nature is matter itself. We have already shown that matter can only be mathematically demonstrated by the concept of three dimensions. But did you know the all matter can exist in 3 different states depending upon temperature and pressure. The whole universe is made up of matter in one or the other of these states. For example, iron is a solid under normal conditions. However, when heated to temperatures above 2000 degrees it turns into a liquid. If superheat is applied to iron it turns into a gas. Nitrogen under normal conditions is a gas. But when it is cooled to a certain temperature it turns to a liquid. If it is super cooled it becomes a solid. Mercury is a liquid under normal conditions but if it is cooled it "freezes into a solid. But if it is heated it will vaporize. ALL MATTER will react with heat, cold and pressure to exist in 3 states.
Carbon is one of the most abundant of the chemical elements found in the human body. It is the "backbone" of compounds made by living things. Carbon can exist in three solid states. The first is charcoal. This is the rough porous primary state of carbon. It is like the 1st stage of the creation, the law and the prophets, or the natural unsaved state of man. Graphite is the next solid state. When charcoal is placed under increased heat and pressure it's rough charcoal state is changed into a flat planer state in the shape of a tetrahedron. These very flat structures slide quite easily over top of one another. This is why graphite is used as a solid lubricant. This is likened to the 2nd dispensation where Jesus Christ is the main figure of the Godhead. If placed under intense heat and pressure, carbon can be changed into a very hard translucent state. This state is the precious jewel diamond. The adverse conditions required to make diamonds is likened to the cross of Jesus Christ that purifies and makes his people perfect. Diamond typifies the "new man" the finished creation, the precious fruit of the earth that God patiently awaits. His precious jewels; the son body that will be manifested at the coming of Jesus Christ.
Water is one of the most common compounds found on Earth. This substance is one of the most essential things for the maintenance of life. In the scriptures water is symbolically used as God given spirit or life. For example, Moses smote the rock and water came fourth. The rock was a type of Jesus Christ being smitten for us on the cross that we might have eternal life. Our bodies are almost all water. The embryo is encased in water in it's mother's womb. Jesus said only those born of the water (water gushes fourth just before the baby is born) and of the spirit will enter the kingdom of God. Spirit beings that already exist will not be called the kingdom of God. Only flesh men are born of the water and the spirit. Water exists in 3 states. It's solid state is ice. (1st dispensation) It's liquid state is symbolic of the 2nd dispensation. Vapor in it's gaseous state represents the 3rd dispensation. The three God given despensations for the creation of the perfect man.
The human brain is divided up into three separate areas according to function. The hind brain controls the autonomic functions such as breathing, regulation of heart beat, and smooth muscle function. An example of smooth muscles are the muscles that regulate the intestines for the elimination of waste. The mid-brain which controls the voluntary functions of the body such as walking and all other voluntary muscle functions that we do when we work or play. Most of these things are done without any conscious thinking. It would be very cumbersome to have to make a conscious effort to walk, wouldn't it? The fore-brain is in control of thinking, creativity, learning and decision making. The fore-brain can control all the other centers, to a certain extent. It can delay the elimination of waste, and the rate of breathing. It can in some cases, control the heart rate. Can you see how these three functions represent the Law, the grace of Jesus Christ, and then the finished creation as the body of Christ. The three dispensations of God.
Thus, we see that the number three is quite common in the natural world. God has stressed this to show to man his plan of redemption through Christ. He is saying; I am going to send out my word to do a work and this word will not return to me without doing what I have proposed for it to do. (Isaiah 55:11) Jesus Christ, the word, has returned to the Father and he has finished the work that it was appointed for him to do. God has shown us by the things that were created that his plan of salvation will be carried out in three stages. Three members of the Godhead have each dominated in His own dispensation. God the Father was the dominant figure in the creation and during the law and the prophets. God, the son, was here 33 years to preform His work and to finish it. God, the Holy Ghost, is here to minister to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything in the entire universe is made up of matter and this matter consists of three dimensions, whether it be a tiny atom or a huge star out in the universe. Matter can also exist in three states. Common things such as water and carbon that are found in all living tissue also exist in three states. Now let us see how God uses the number 3 in scriptures and what it means there.
We know that the 3rd dimension is the finished state of all matter. When the creation was completed all matter existed in a 3 dimensional state. We will find in the scriptures wherever the number 3 is applied it usually refers to the perfect, completed, spiritual man. However, it can also represent the three dispensations or the three members of the Godhead. This complete man are the ones who have overcome the world in Christ Jesus. They are the finished product of the work that Jesus preformed here on earth. The number three man is the just man made perfect; the precious fruit of the earth that God patiently awaits. (James 5:7) Jesus Christ was the first born of many brothers. When Jesus returns these brothers will put on immortality. The Mount of Transfiguration was a preview of this wonderful event. Paul says: (1st Corinthians 15:52) In a moment, in the twinkle of the eye these overcomers who have come into perfection will be changed into the immortal sons of the living God. At that moment, they will be born again. Many believe that we are already born again, but this is not true. We are conceived of the spirit, but not yet born into the spirit of God. The bible shows this very plainly. In Luke 4 :29 and John 8 :59 it says: "Jesus passed through their midst and went on his way"; when they meant to do him harm. This is while he was a flesh man just like the rest of us. However, after the resurrection in Luke 24 :31 "And their eyes were opened and they knew him, and he vanished from their sight." Later in Luke 24 :36, "And as they thus spake Jesus himself stood in the midst of them". Thus we see that after the resurrection he could come and go like the wind. This is the definition he gave in John 3 :6 of those born of the spirit.
But when he appears again, we will no longer be children under tutors and governors ( The Holy Spirit), but then, as full grown Sons, we will inherit all things. (Galatians 4:2) Peter says that we are born into a lively hope. (Peter 1:3) Peter says again in verse 22; that we are born again not of corruptible seed but incorruptible seed. Seed conceives, then that which is conceived must come to term before it is born. John says: that man which is born of God cannot sin. We know that all men sin until that day of the change into Glory. What a great vision! It surely makes us want to run the race to the end in order to win the prize. In that day all the brothers who are asleep in Jesus Christ will put on the same glory that he does. The third dimension finishes the creation of material things. The number three man symbolizes the finished creation of the spiritual man. This man, and his head, Jesus Christ is the sole purpose for the whole creation of God. This supernatural body is the only thing coming out of the natural creation that has eternal life inherent in itself. All the rest is like the stalk of corn it stays in the system of death. In that day, God's intended creation from the foundation of the world will be finished. The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
One of the best examples of the number three in the scriptures pertains to the candlestick. It was to be placed in the ark of the covenant in the most holy place. Exodus 35:30 says: And Moses said to the children of Israel, see. the Lord hath called by name, Bezaleel, the son of Uri, of the tribe of Juda and he has filled him with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all manner of workmanship; to devise curious works of gold, silver, and brass. The types and shadows of the things made to be put into the arc of the covenant were so important that God picked out a man and endowed him with his own Spirit to become a clever craftsman. One of the things he made was the candlestick. The following is scripture pertaining to it. Exodus. 25:30-32: Thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold. Of beaten work shall the candlestick be made; his shaft, his branches, his bowls; his knops. and his flowers, shall be of the same. (pure gold) And six branches shall come out of the side of it; three branches of the candlestick out of one side, and three branches out of the other side. (Exodus. 25: 36) Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all of it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. (Exodus. 30: 29) and Thou shall sanctify them that they be most holy. And whoever touches them must be holy. The significance of this candlestick was to be considered most holy. Read on to see what a high calling God has for mankind in Christ Jesus!
There are many things in this small bit of scripture that is significant of Jesus Christ and those who are made perfect in him. First is the man Bezaleel who was sanctified (set apart) by God and given special power as a craftsman. In this case his work was with one piece of pure gold. The gold in the temple always signifies the glory of God. Just about every thing in the holy of holies; the place in the temple where God abides, is made of pure gold. Only that which is changed into or created of the glory of God can exist in his presence. This candlestick was made of one piece of gold. Not one bit of it was welded or melted on, it all was beaten from one piece. There was one central shaft and six branches. Three branches coming out of one side and three branches coming out of the other. The central shaft signifies Jesus Christ the Holy One of God. There are six branches. Six always signifies the number of a man. It is symbolic flesh. However you will note that three of these six branches come out of one side and three branches out of the other. This is symbolic of flesh that has been made perfect. The number three in the candlestick symbolizes the flesh man who has been made perfect in Christ Jesus. They are beaten out of the same lump of gold that the central shaft was beaten from. They are one. This is symbolic of the manifested Sons of God. Of course the central shaft, Jesus, is the HEAD. You see in this case we have seven candles. Seven is the number that symbolizes God. This body of Christ will be one with God, therefore, it will be God. These are the sons of God. They are the kings and priests of the kingdom of God. The six branches signify flesh, but they were split up into three branches. The number three symbolizes the manifested son, the ones who have truly been born again.
Above is an example of how the Candlestick looked
For the next example of the number three in the scriptures we will move to the book of Daniel. According to the prophesy of Jeramiah, (Jer 4: 2) God sent his holy remnant of Jews right into the kingdom of Babylon, the very seat of satan. This happened 30 years after the prophesy about the good basket of figs. And you can be sure that satan knew about it. They were delivered into Babylonian captivity. His children went right on worshiping God the way they always had. Daniel, of course was one of the remnant that was sent with them. Daniel must have been a prophet even back in Israel because he was put in the same living quarters with all the other religious priests of the Babylonian kingdom. Daniel had three other Jewish companions with him. Their Jewish names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their names were later changed to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego by king Nebuchadrezzar. One night, God caused the Babylonian King to dream a dream concerning the end of time. However, the king forgot what the dream was all about. None of his astrologers and soothsayer could reveal or interpret the dream so the king ordered them all to be killed. When Daniel heard of it he prayed to God about it. God revealed to him the dream and also the interpretation of it. This so pleased the king that he acknowledged Daniel's God to be the most high God and made Daniel the 2nd in command in the Babylonian kingdom. In this way God was able to protect his Jewish remnant while in Babylon. The devil set about immediately to destroy this trust in God's people. Daniel 3: 1 says: Nebuchaerezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits high, and the width thereof was six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Please note the fact that the idol has the number sixty six in it. We will see the significance of this later on in this chapter. Daniel chapter 3, tells us that king Nebuchadrezzar sent out a decree that every one in the kingdom was to fall down and worship this golden image when they heard the sound of his evil music. If they did not, they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. The evil priests knew that Shadrach, Meshac, and Abednego refused to worship the image, and they told the king. This caused the king to be very angry, and he ordered them to be thrown into the furnace of fire. But much to the surprise of the king the fire had no effect upon them. He observed them walking around in it, but not only that, there was another person in the fire with them who had the likeness of the son of God. Then in Daniel 3; 2 it says: Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spoke, and said, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Ye servants of the most high God come forth, and come hither. Then they came forth of the midst of the fire. And when they all gathered around them, they saw that the fire had no power over them, nor was the smell of fire on them. Not one hair on their head was singed nor were their clothes changed by the heat. The only thing burned was their bonds that they had tied them with. We will see the significance of this later. This bit of scripture has great prophetic significance. (Revelation 13: 11:18) And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon, and he does great wonders so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the beast should be killed. And he caused all both small and great rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and no man had the right to by or sell, save he had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
Note in the scripture from Daniel above, it said that Nebuchadrezzar's image was 60 cubits high and 6 cubits wide. Nebuchadrezzar's kingdom represented the number 66. However, the Antichrist kingdom represents the number 666. In the scriptures God says the number six is the number of a man. It is man in his unsaved state, or man controlled by satan. Since there were only two six's in Nebuchadrezzar's kingdom, it means that it had not come into the completeness of evil. The Antichrist kingdom has three six's. This means that it is the completeness of evil, run by a man with satan himself in full control. No known being is more evil than satan.
But this is not all that I want to point out in this. You will note that there were three men in the furnace of fire. They were thrown into the fire because they did not worship the idol that Nebuchadrezzar had made. These men represent the people of God who refuse to worship the image of the beast in the Antichrist kingdom. They will be thrown into a furnace of great tribulation. Some will be killed but some will come out of this tribulation completely without harm. The Lord will be with them during this tribulation period. the only thing that will be burned from them will be the bonds of death. They will be in the likeness of the glory of God. Free of death forever! These three men represent those who will come into the likeness of Jesus Christ right here on the earth. They are the body of Christ, the purpose of god's creation. These are the ones who will put the devil and his evil pagan kingdom under their feet. Note the difference in these feet and the feet of iron and clay that are in the Antichrist body in Daniel; chapter two. This foot company are the ones who will smite the feet of the Antichrist body in the future and destroy the Babylonian system forever. They are the part of the Body that is in contact with the earth. They are the ones changed into the Glory of God right here on this earth. Praise the holy name of Jesus! The scriptures above say that the feet are brass. The brass things in the arc of the covenant, are symbolic of flesh. They are usually found outside of the Holy of Holies. These brass feet look like they have been refined in a furnace. Since brass represents flesh, it is safe to say that these are the people (flesh) in the Antichrist kingdom who go through a furnace of great tribulation. Like the three Jews in the furnace of fire who refused to worship Nebuchadrezzar's golden image, Jesus will be with these people. Some will be killed that they may be made white and clean. But some of them, will come out of this furnace of tribulation unharmed, Jesus will be with them just as he was with Shadrac, Meshac, and Abegnago. These will put on the glory of God right here on this earth. Paul says; we will be changed in a moment in the twinkling of a eye. These are the ones who will enter into the body of Christ without going through physical death. That's why they appear as brass feet. The bonds of death are gone forever.
Our next illustration of the significance of the number three in scriptures is found in Matthew 16:27 to 17:3; also Mark 9:2 has an account of it. Jesus had been teaching his disciples when he said; Some of you sitting here shall not taste of death before you see the kingdom of God come in power: and after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. and, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. Note that Jesus took three men into the mountain with him. This three signifies the overcomers that Jesus will take into the kingdom of god with him. These three men saw a preview of the kingdom of God before they were martyred. Jesus changed into the glorious body that he will come back to this earth in. This is what being born again really means. Peter later on in his epistle speaks about being in the Holy mountain with the Savior. (Peter 1:18) He speaks of being born again into a lively HOPE. (Peter 1:3) Do you see the great vision of what it will be like to be born again? No wonder the apostles faced death for the blessed name of Jesus. Death has no power over the people of God.
There are other things also that show the number three and its significance. Genesis 6:10 says: Noah begat three sons Shem, Ham and Japheth. Here we see the number three again. These men symbolized a new beginning upon the earth. Jesus likened the last days to the time of Noah for he said as it was in the time of Noah so shall it be at the time of the coming of the son of man. Noah's three sons symbolize the sons of god who will make a new beginning on the earth. It will be pure and clean after the antichrist kingdom is destroyed. At this time there will be a new beginning, old things shall pass away and all things will be made new.
Exodus 23:14-16; Exodus 34:18-22; Leviticus 23:6,34,39; These are scriptural references for the things I am about to discuss. They describe three feasts that God commanded the people of Israel to have during the year. The first one was the feast of the passover. It was also called the Feast of Unleavened bread. This of course signified the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His blood was shed for us and is applied to the "door posts" of our hearts by believing on him for eternal life. The 2nd feast was exactly 50 days following the Feast of the Passover. (Leviticus 23: 16) This feast was called the feast of The First Fruits, or the Feast of Weeks. This feast signified the day of Pentecost which came exactly 50 days after Jesus's resurrection. Approximately fifteen hundred years after this feast was instituted by God The Holy Ghost fell upon the little group of apostles gathered together to celebrate it. They were the "first fruits" of the early church. Without them there would be no church today. Read chapter two of the book of acts. Note the number 50. Whenever you see the number 5 in the symbolism of the scriptures it means God's Grace. The third feast instituted by God was the Feast of the In-gathering or it was later called the Feast of Tabernacles. It came at the end of the year at the time of the harvest. This feast signifies the events that will happen in the end times when the overcomers of the Antichrist and the martyrs for the name of Jesus will be gathered into the body of Jesus Christ. These are the precious Fruit of the Earth the God almighty awaits. These are the seed of Jesus Christ. Please remember that these Feasts were instituted many hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.
(Judges chapter 6,7:) This tells of a man named Gideon. God picked him to deliver the people of Israel from the nation of Midian. God used him to show that by his power, he could deliver the people of Israel from any situation and against any odds. Gideon started out with 32,000 men in his army. God told him to tell all those in his big army to go home if they were afraid in their hearts to go into battle. He lost 10,000 men because of this. The Lord said, this is still too many. Take them down to the water and I will try them there. Choose only those who lap the water up with their hands and drink. (Judges 7:6,7) Those who fall down on their bellies and drink like cattle with their mouth, send them home. This writer once heard a preacher say that those who drank from their hands were looking for the enemy up in the hills. They were concerned about the whole group, not just themselves. The ones who fell down and drank with their mouths were concerned only about themselves. They were selfish! Now take note. There were only 300 men that drank from their hands. God took these and divided them up into three companies and defeated an army of thousands the next day. I believe that this number three is significant of the end time army called, JOEL'S ARMY. This great army will rid the world of the Antichrist and his armies forever. (Joel 2: 2,3)
(Kings 7: 4) Elijah stretched himself three times over the widow's child to bring him back to life. The manifested Sons of God are the ones Jesus was speaking of that will have the "double portion" to do the greater things.
(Matthew 13 : 33) Jesus spoke a parable: The kingdom of God is like unto leaven; which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. This indicates the three dispensations of the Godhead.
(Luke 10 :36) Three men passed by the man lying in the ditch in the parable of the good Samaritan. This man signified the human race beaten and wounded and left to die by satan because of Adam's sin. The first man was a priest. he signified the priesthood of the world religions of that day. He passed to the other side. The next one to pass him by was a Levite. He signified the priesthood of Israel. He also did nothing. Then came the good Samaritan (Jesus) , He ministered to him and then said he was going away (return to the Father) but that he would repay anything yet to be paid when he returned. Is this the payment of judgment on the wicked men and demons who have mistreated God's elect children down through the ages?
(Acts 10: 9-19) Peter sees a vision of all manner of unclean things descending from heaven on a sheet. This happened three times. This, of course signified that the gospel of Jesus Christ was to go to the Gentiles. Just after this three men knocked on the door who were sent from the house of Cornelius, a gentile Roman soldier.
(Zechariah 13: 7-9) Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. This scripture speaks for itself.
Genesis 18:2; Is another scriptural reference to the number three found in the bible: Three men came to destroy Sodom. I believe that it will be the manifested sons of the living God who will destroy the evil sodomite anti-Christ kingdom. Here again, these three men are symbolic of the just men made perfect who will put the anti-Christ kingdom under their feet. Thus we have seen the great significance of the number three in both nature and the scriptures. There are many other instances of the number three found in the scriptures. Read your bible see for yourself. Isn't this a wonderful vision? We certainly have reason to run the race to the end, don't we? Remember this vision when the power of hell comes against you. Stand!
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