| THE RIGHT TO TAKE UP ARMS? OR THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKING UP THE CROSS? The Martyrs' Mandate mandate: a document giving an official instruction or command |
The prophecies of Daniel, the Gospels, and Revelation advise the Christians of the last days
that they will be persecuted and killed for their faith. The most intense persecution appears
to be of a duration of 3 1/2 years, the same period of time during which God's two "star
witnesses" give their testimony. While persecution has always been the lot of the faithful
servant of God, the persecution of the end times will be the result of a decree issuing forth
from a global government working in conjunction with a false religious system, and will be
so severe that if the Lord Jesus Christ himself does not intervene, no flesh will be saved.
For the sake of clarity in this study, let's note these prophetic utterances:
Daniel:
7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time
came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
7:25
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most
High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and
the dividing of time.
11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the
sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Matthew
24:9
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all
nations for my name's sake.
24:10
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
24:12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this
time, no, nor ever shall be.
24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the
elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Mark
13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the
synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake,
for a testimony against them.
13:10
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
13:11
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye
shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that
speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
13:12
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children
shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13:13
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end,
the same shall be saved.
Luke
21:12
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up
to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's
sake.
21:13
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
21:14
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
21:16
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinfolks, and friends; and
some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
21:17
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Revelation
13:4
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying,
Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
13:5
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto
him to continue forty and two months.
13:6
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them
that dwell in heaven.
13:7
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power
was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
13:8
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
13:9
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be
killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
13:11
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as
a dragon.
13:12
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell
therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13:13
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of
men,
13:14
And deceiveth 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.
13:15
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak,
and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
13:16
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right
hand, or in their foreheads:
13:17
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of
his name.
PERSECUTION IS THE NORM
Those who call themselves Christians now should settle it in their minds that in the future they will suffer
persecution, hatred, deprivation, exposure to the elements, hunger, thirst, homelessness, ostracization, and
quite possibly a designated status as a subversive, terrorist, or enemy combatant for failing to comply with
the new social and commercial order which demands fawning obeisance to the beast and a mark in the right
hand or forehead in order to buy or sell. According to the prophecies spoken by Daniel, Jesus, and the
apostle John, unless they are willing to renounce their Christianity, Christians can expect to suffer these
things.
Hebrews 11:35-37 tells us of the Old Testament martyrs that some were "tortured, not accepting
deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and
scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about
in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
The apostle Paul writes to the first century Christians that they "took joyfully the spoiling of your goods,
knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. " This was while they
"endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used." So we see that
persecution is the norm, rather than the exception, for the true Christian.
A SNARE IS BEING SET
However, a snare is being set for many of the 'remnant', non 501 (c) 3 worshippers. This snare manifests
itself in the form of solidarity with some of the 'patriot' movement, who take a strong stand on the
constitutional right of Americans to keep and bear arms, and feel morally obligated to oppose by means of
armed resistance, government and/or global military/police intrusion.
While this writer is neither opposed to the concept of self-defense or defense of one's home or loved ones,
or the constitutional right to keep and bear arms, the need for clarity arises when the body of Christ yokes
itself unequally with unbelievers based on a shared (and healthy) apprehension of the New World Order
and it's antichrist-headed government. Clarity is also called for when scripture is taken out of context in
order to support armed resistance against either the government or UN troops, whichever it may be. No
matter what issues Christians agree on with others from a moral or legal standpoint, we are forbidden by
God's word to walk in ungodly counsel, and we are exhorted to "rightly divide the word of truth."
THE SCRIPTURE WHERE WE STUMBLE
The scripture most often quoted out of context to legitimize the stockpiling of ammunitions and use of
armed force against government is found in Luke 22:35-38 and Matthew . The setting is at the Last
Supper. The time is just before Jesus goes to Gesthemane to pray before his arrest. The discourse
commences as follows:
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?
And they said, Nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that
hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
The reason for his command is very explicit and time-sensitive and is as follows:
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, (not us) And he was
reckoned (considered) among the transgressors (lawless -- not subject to the JEWISH law--
Strongs Greek 459):
FOR THE THINGS CONCERNNG ME HAVE AN (END) -- a definite conclusion, purpose-
Strongs Greek 5056.
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (Two
were enough.)
The originating scripture Jesus was quoting here from is found in Isaiah 53:12, one we are all very familiar
with...
"he was numbered with the transgressors”. As you already know, Isaiah 53 is the strongest
Messianic prophecy there is, and a thorough reading of the context of the chapter will show the
transgressor issue is tied only to the requirements needed for Jesus to fulfill scripture and
redeem us, within the context of the Mosaic law which was in effect during His tenure on earth.
In other words, that particular scripture is time and event sensitive, because it was
1) a direct fulfillment of a Messianic prophecy
2) Jesus himself stated that was the reason he was giving them those particular instructions, so prophecy
would be fulfilled, and
3) when they pointed out to Him, "Lord, behold, here are two swords...", he responded, It is [enough]
Strongs Greek 2425 -- Ample, sufficient. As in sufficient to satisfy that prophecy so the
scriptures could be fulfilled. As a matter of fact, the same incident, told from the standpoint of
Matthew 26:52 shows us that...when the chief priests and temple guards come to arrest Jesus, he tells
Peter... “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish
with the sword”.
The next two verses state:
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?
WOULD YOU HIJACK A CAR FOR THE LORD'S WORK?
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee:
he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zechariah
9:9
Where is the corresponding fulfillment? Matthew 21:1-7
And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then
sent Jesus two disciples,
21:2
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt
with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. (Took the mother and the baby.)
21:3
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send
them.
21:4
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
21:5
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt
the foal of an ass.
21:6
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
21:7
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
Now, if we took that same scripture and tried to use it in the same way that many try to use
the “cloak and sword” incident today, it would justify commandeering or helping one’s self
to somebody else’s vehicle, under the pretenses that it was “for the Master’s use”, or “the
work of the Lord”, or “Kingdom business”. Obviously that would be taking the scripture
out of context – it is not meant for us as a divine directive in our daily walk, but to fulfill
scripture. And that was accomplished with the Triumphant Entry recorded in Matthew 21:
8-9.
This is what is meant by “rightly dividing the word of truth”. Teachers who lead people in
the way of ‘arming themselves in preparation for the end-times’ are either operating out of
lack of faith and trust in God, or deliberate subversives who seek to yoke the servants of
God with the unbelieving ‘militia’ types who have no love for Jesus, and are building up
arsenals and spoiling for a fight with government forces. These subversives have infiltrated
the underground church, and the scripture tells us in Titus that teachers who turn from the
truth and teach the commandments of men subvert (overthrow) whole houses.
FOLLOW THE MARTYRS' MANDATE
FULFILL SCRIPTURE AS FAITHFUL SERVANTS WHO ENDURE UNTIL THE END
Revelation
6:9
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word
of God, and for the testimony which they held:
7:13
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and
whence came they?
7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our
God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before
our God day and night.
12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not
their lives unto the death.
13:9
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be
killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and
the faith of Jesus.
14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, 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.
26:50
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and
took him.
26:51
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a
servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the
sword shall perish with the sword.
26:53
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve
legions of angels?
26:54
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
26:55
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves
for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
26:56
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook
him, and fled.
Mark
14:47
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
14:48
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves
to take me?
14:49
I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
THE MARTYRS' MANDATE
If we do these things and continue in them during the tribulation,
we will endure until the end.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. James 5:10
that they will be persecuted and killed for their faith. The most intense persecution appears
to be of a duration of 3 1/2 years, the same period of time during which God's two "star
witnesses" give their testimony. While persecution has always been the lot of the faithful
servant of God, the persecution of the end times will be the result of a decree issuing forth
from a global government working in conjunction with a false religious system, and will be
so severe that if the Lord Jesus Christ himself does not intervene, no flesh will be saved.
For the sake of clarity in this study, let's note these prophetic utterances:
Daniel:
7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time
came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
7:25
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most
High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and
the dividing of time.
11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the
sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Matthew
24:9
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all
nations for my name's sake.
24:10
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
24:12
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this
time, no, nor ever shall be.
24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the
elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Mark
13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the
synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake,
for a testimony against them.
13:10
And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
13:11
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye
shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that
speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
13:12
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children
shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13:13
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end,
the same shall be saved.
Luke
21:12
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up
to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's
sake.
21:13
And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
21:14
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
21:16
And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinfolks, and friends; and
some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
21:17
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Revelation
13:4
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying,
Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
13:5
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto
him to continue forty and two months.
13:6
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them
that dwell in heaven.
13:7
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power
was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
13:8
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
13:9
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be
killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
13:11
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as
a dragon.
13:12
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell
therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13:13
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of
men,
13:14
And deceiveth 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.
13:15
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak,
and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
13:16
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right
hand, or in their foreheads:
13:17
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of
his name.
PERSECUTION IS THE NORM
Those who call themselves Christians now should settle it in their minds that in the future they will suffer
persecution, hatred, deprivation, exposure to the elements, hunger, thirst, homelessness, ostracization, and
quite possibly a designated status as a subversive, terrorist, or enemy combatant for failing to comply with
the new social and commercial order which demands fawning obeisance to the beast and a mark in the right
hand or forehead in order to buy or sell. According to the prophecies spoken by Daniel, Jesus, and the
apostle John, unless they are willing to renounce their Christianity, Christians can expect to suffer these
things.
Hebrews 11:35-37 tells us of the Old Testament martyrs that some were "tortured, not accepting
deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and
scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about
in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
The apostle Paul writes to the first century Christians that they "took joyfully the spoiling of your goods,
knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. " This was while they
"endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used." So we see that
persecution is the norm, rather than the exception, for the true Christian.
A SNARE IS BEING SET
However, a snare is being set for many of the 'remnant', non 501 (c) 3 worshippers. This snare manifests
itself in the form of solidarity with some of the 'patriot' movement, who take a strong stand on the
constitutional right of Americans to keep and bear arms, and feel morally obligated to oppose by means of
armed resistance, government and/or global military/police intrusion.
While this writer is neither opposed to the concept of self-defense or defense of one's home or loved ones,
or the constitutional right to keep and bear arms, the need for clarity arises when the body of Christ yokes
itself unequally with unbelievers based on a shared (and healthy) apprehension of the New World Order
and it's antichrist-headed government. Clarity is also called for when scripture is taken out of context in
order to support armed resistance against either the government or UN troops, whichever it may be. No
matter what issues Christians agree on with others from a moral or legal standpoint, we are forbidden by
God's word to walk in ungodly counsel, and we are exhorted to "rightly divide the word of truth."
THE SCRIPTURE WHERE WE STUMBLE
The scripture most often quoted out of context to legitimize the stockpiling of ammunitions and use of
armed force against government is found in Luke 22:35-38 and Matthew . The setting is at the Last
Supper. The time is just before Jesus goes to Gesthemane to pray before his arrest. The discourse
commences as follows:
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?
And they said, Nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that
hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
The reason for his command is very explicit and time-sensitive and is as follows:
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, (not us) And he was
reckoned (considered) among the transgressors (lawless -- not subject to the JEWISH law--
Strongs Greek 459):
FOR THE THINGS CONCERNNG ME HAVE AN (END) -- a definite conclusion, purpose-
Strongs Greek 5056.
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (Two
were enough.)
The originating scripture Jesus was quoting here from is found in Isaiah 53:12, one we are all very familiar
with...
"he was numbered with the transgressors”. As you already know, Isaiah 53 is the strongest
Messianic prophecy there is, and a thorough reading of the context of the chapter will show the
transgressor issue is tied only to the requirements needed for Jesus to fulfill scripture and
redeem us, within the context of the Mosaic law which was in effect during His tenure on earth.
In other words, that particular scripture is time and event sensitive, because it was
1) a direct fulfillment of a Messianic prophecy
2) Jesus himself stated that was the reason he was giving them those particular instructions, so prophecy
would be fulfilled, and
3) when they pointed out to Him, "Lord, behold, here are two swords...", he responded, It is [enough]
Strongs Greek 2425 -- Ample, sufficient. As in sufficient to satisfy that prophecy so the
scriptures could be fulfilled. As a matter of fact, the same incident, told from the standpoint of
Matthew 26:52 shows us that...when the chief priests and temple guards come to arrest Jesus, he tells
Peter... “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish
with the sword”.
The next two verses state:
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?
WOULD YOU HIJACK A CAR FOR THE LORD'S WORK?
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee:
he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zechariah
9:9
Where is the corresponding fulfillment? Matthew 21:1-7
And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then
sent Jesus two disciples,
21:2
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt
with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. (Took the mother and the baby.)
21:3
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send
them.
21:4
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
21:5
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt
the foal of an ass.
21:6
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
21:7
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
Now, if we took that same scripture and tried to use it in the same way that many try to use
the “cloak and sword” incident today, it would justify commandeering or helping one’s self
to somebody else’s vehicle, under the pretenses that it was “for the Master’s use”, or “the
work of the Lord”, or “Kingdom business”. Obviously that would be taking the scripture
out of context – it is not meant for us as a divine directive in our daily walk, but to fulfill
scripture. And that was accomplished with the Triumphant Entry recorded in Matthew 21:
8-9.
This is what is meant by “rightly dividing the word of truth”. Teachers who lead people in
the way of ‘arming themselves in preparation for the end-times’ are either operating out of
lack of faith and trust in God, or deliberate subversives who seek to yoke the servants of
God with the unbelieving ‘militia’ types who have no love for Jesus, and are building up
arsenals and spoiling for a fight with government forces. These subversives have infiltrated
the underground church, and the scripture tells us in Titus that teachers who turn from the
truth and teach the commandments of men subvert (overthrow) whole houses.
FOLLOW THE MARTYRS' MANDATE
FULFILL SCRIPTURE AS FAITHFUL SERVANTS WHO ENDURE UNTIL THE END
Revelation
6:9
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word
of God, and for the testimony which they held:
7:13
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and
whence came they?
7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our
God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before
our God day and night.
12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not
their lives unto the death.
13:9
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be
killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and
the faith of Jesus.
14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, 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.
26:50
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and
took him.
26:51
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a
servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the
sword shall perish with the sword.
26:53
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve
legions of angels?
26:54
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
26:55
In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves
for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
26:56
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook
him, and fled.
Mark
14:47
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
14:48
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves
to take me?
14:49
I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
THE MARTYRS' MANDATE
- Overcome by the blood of the Lamb
- Maintain your testimony
- Love not your life unto death
- Lead none into captivity
- Kill none with the sword
- Exercise saintly patience
- Keep the commandments of God
- Keep the faith of Jesus
If we do these things and continue in them during the tribulation,
we will endure until the end.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. James 5:10
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