It is understandable that one who discovered God's amazing grace might not like James' admonition to do good works to testify to your faith; but what did he have against the apostle John's record of what Christ showed him and instructed him to write and deliver to the saints regarding the time of the end?
We can't say for sure, but it could be that it was just too hard to understand and made no sense to his medieval mind. Just like the prophet Daniel was perplexed with what the angel showed him, the angel's response could be said also to Luther: "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." (Dan 12:9)
Sadly, many churches that spun off from Rome in the Reformation to this day do not like the Book of Revelation. Like the official Roman Catholic teaching, the book is just a metaphor to show that ultimately good shall conquer evil and there will be a judgment of all humans at the end of the world. It would be a demotion for Christ to leave His throne in heaven to rule and reign here on earth -- that's all just metaphorically speaking.
You hear them often say to us prophecy watchers, 'The church through history has not believed in any rapture so therefore there is no rapture.' Or, 'the church has always taught that Christ is present in the eucharist so you can't call it false teaching today.'
But, we do not get our teaching from the 'church.' We get our teaching from the Word of God that was delivered to the saints. Even if those in the church preserved God's Word, that does not make the 'church' the author or their clergy the official interpreter. Truly the Reformers held onto Rome's false authority for themselves.
As events unfold in these end times, the Spirit of God is truly unveiling the Book of Revelation and the Book of Daniel to His faithful servants. God will not add to nor take away from His revealed Word, but as the angel said, we at the end who are wise will indeed have understanding that the reformers did not have in their day.
Abide in the Vine and keep on the lookout so that you can have greater understanding as prophecy plays out. And at the same time, watch out for deceivers -- for they are on the increase even as prophecy foretold.
Keep on the alert!!
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?... 'Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,' says the Lord. 'AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,' Says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Cor 6:14-15, 17-18
“Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand." Daniel 12:10
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