The Seven Kingdoms Of Daniel 2

As the end-time countdown begins, I have become increasingly interested in the study of prophecy — especially as it relates to “what’s next” on the prophetic calendar. In recent posts I have demonstrated that the next great event will be the descent of our Lord into the lower heavens to set up His tribunal over the earth. At that time, there will be a selective rapture of saints who have been “watching and waiting,” in accordance with our Lord’s admonitions to the seven Asian churches (Rev. 2 and 3). The rest of disciples will be left to “ripen” under the hot suns of tribulation. Those slain for their testimony will be raised as martyrs at the close of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 20: 4).

But anyone who studies prophecy will see that prior to the parousia (i.e., our Lord’s stationary presence in the lower heavens) there will also be great commotions among the nations of the world. Our Lord intimates as much (Luke 21: 25-26); and the book of Daniel confirms that great political changes must occur before Antichrist is revealed in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week.

In Daniel 2, the prophet mentions seven kingdoms; and not, as is often thought, four or five. Our analysis of the mechanics of the endtime governmental system will be borne out by typology, which looks backwards from Daniel; and the book of Revelation, which looks forwards, and whose prophecies are yet future to ourselves.

When interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel listed the various components of the great “colossus” in order, starting with the head of gold, which typified the Babylonian empire (Dan. 2: 37-38). This is followed by a description of the arms of silver (Medo-Persia), the belly and thighs of brass (the Graeco-Macedonian power), and the legs of iron (Rome). The feet of iron and clay are a subsequent power that constitute the final form of the Roman empire. Thus we have five kingdoms so far.

The sixth kingdom will be the reconstitution of all the previous world empires under the authority of Antichrist, who arises out of the fifth kingdom. For when the “stone cut out without hands” comes from heaven, the iron, clay, brass, silver, and gold are broken to pieces together (Dan. 2: 34-35). That means that the colossus will be standing when Christ comes the second time.

So here are the kingdoms in order:

1): Head of gold = Babylon

2): Breast and arms of silver = Medo-Persia

3): Belly and thighs of brass = Greece

4): Legs of iron = Rome

5): Feet of iron and clay = Revived Roman empire.

6): All components reunited = Antichrist’s universal kingdom.

7): Stone from heaven = The kingdom of Christ.

The typology of the Old Testament confirms our view. For Goliath, an acknowledged type of Antichrist, is stamped with the number 6. His height was six cubits and a span; his spear’s head weighed 600 shekels of iron (1 Samuel 17: 4, 7). When he stood on his feet and defied the God of Israel, all were put in fear (1 Sam. 17: 24). But Daniel, a type of Christ, went out to meet him, to take away the reproach of Israel. Instead of using Saul’s armor, however, David gathered smooth stones out of a brook, one of which, when slung from afar, smote the Philistine giant. It was not man’s weapons, however well crafted, that killed Goliath, but a “stone cut out without hands.”

The antitype of the battle between David and Goliath will occur in connection with the Great Tribulation, when Antichrist, comprising not only the leader of the fifth world empire, but the head of the sixth, stands upon his feet to defy the God of Israel. It is evident that this cannot take place until all the previous world empires are united. While Antichrist will arise out of the revived Roman empire, his power will climax in a universal kingdom that comprises all the components of Nebuchadnezzar’s colossus.

The teaching that there are only four empires preceding Christ’s kingdom, or at the most five, comes from an attempt to harmonize Daniel 2 with Daniel 7. But we see no contradictions in the two visions. In Daniel 7, the prophet describes the same progression of hostile world powers, except he only sees five. The sixth is an amalgamation of those contained in Daniel 7, and was not seen by Daniel himself, but by John when on the island of Patmos.

Comparing Daniel 2 with Daniel 7, it is easy to recognize that the first beast like unto a lion, represents Babylon (Dan. 7: 4). The second, like unto a bear, represents Medo-Persia (Dan. 7: 5). The third is a leopard, which stands for Greece (Dan. 7: 6). The fourth “dreadful and terrible” beast with iron teeth, is the Roman power (Dan. 7); the ten horns representing the empire in its final form; and the little horn prophetic of Antichrist, the leader of this revived Roman empire. Seen in this light, the fourth beast is actually an amalgamation of the fourth and fifth powers.

What John saw in Revelation 13: 1-5 was not the fourth beast of Daniel, but all of Daniel’s beasts combined, with the horns of the fourth beast intact. This is the sixth empire, which will arise during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week. For the beast is like unto a leopard (Greece), but it has feet like a bear (Medo Persia), and a mouth like a lion (Babylon), while the ten horns indicate the Roman power revived. It is a universal kingdom of Antichrist, which will challenge the Living God. And the beast will be cast alive into the lake of fire, along with his coadjutor the false prophet (Rev. 19: 20).

The “seven heads” seen in John’s vision indicate that Antichrist, as the little horn of the fourth beast, will enter into struggle with the remaining kingdoms not absorbed by the revived Roman empire. After the establishment of the fifth kingdom under Antichrist, there will be certain world powers that have yet to be subdued. The conquest and absorption of these powers will probably occur prior to the first half of the 70th week. Five of these world powers will fall before a sixth actually assumes dominion (Rev. 17: 10). The sixth will be displaced by Antichrist. Antichrist is the eight, but is of the seven (Rev. 17: 11). He is the seventh head, who shall put down all opposition and head up all world government as the “eighth.” His incarnation as the eighth head fills up the last half of Daniel’s 70th week.

Thus, interpreting the visions of Daniel and John, we have:

1): First beast, like a lion = Babylon

2): Second beast, like a bear = Medo-Persia

3): Third Beast, like a leopard = Greece

4): Fourth beast = Rome

5): Ten horns on fourth beast = Revived Roman empire.

6): John’s composite beast = Antichrist’s universal kingdom.

In agreement with the vision of Daniel 2, John’s beast points us back to Goliath. For Antichrist is depicted as opening his mouth to blaspheme God (Rev. 13: 6) and those who tabernacle in heaven (that is, those saints who have been caught up to the throne as the “manchild” of Rev. 12: 5. With these facts in mind, it should be clear that John’s beast is in all respects parallel with Daniel’s colossus, and that both represent and illustrate that final form of Satanic and anti-Christian opposition to Jehovah Elohim, which will manifest itself before the coming of Jesus Christ with all His saints.  Then will the seventh, or perfect, kingdom be established.

The Anti-Preterist’s Toolkit (2009 Deluxe Edition)

Well, here we are at the close of another year! In retrospect, I am pleased with my 2009 output, which you’ll find gathered together on this page. 2009 saw a significant increase of interest in these materials, and I pray that the Lord continues guiding people to this blog. All of the articles, podcasts, and videos archived here have been dedicated to the public domain, so feel free to use them. I only ask that you credit the author (Brian Simmons), and when possible link back to this site or page.

Now, here’s news from the front. During 2009, Preterists upped the ante in their fight against Biblical orthodoxy. New books were released by major speakers, new websites launched, and new plans hatched to move the game to a higher level. It is important that Christians realize the nature of the oft-unseen spiritual warfare being waged between real evangelicals and pseudo-evangelical rationalists. Preterism becomes all the more prevalent when it is ignored. Hence, the main thrust of my ministry is to provide a body of theological and exegetical witness against their teachings.

As the reader will see, this past year I have focused largely on matters of exegetical criticism. The Lord willing, 2010 will see me expose Preterism more along lines of strict canonical relevancy. This will be more challenging, as I’ll have to answer critical concerns with nothing more than the “Sword of the Spirit” and the wisdom that God gives me. But I am confident that God will vindicate me, as He vindicated Elijah against the prophets of Baal.

If anyone wishes to contact me, I can be emailed at bsimmons@basicisp.net. May the Lord keep and bless you all, and may 2010 may yield an abundant harvest to those who remain in faithful serrvice to their Lord, as the age grows darker in apostasy, unbelief, and evangelical compromise.

“The night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9: 4).

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50 ‘Failed Predictions’ For Fools Who Say Christ Returned In A.D. 70 – Turning the tables on Preterism! This article shows all the things that didn’t occur at the imaginary A.D. 70 parousia.

“A Little While, and Ye Shall See Me” — This study approaches a key time text from a consistent “grammatical, historical, and contextual” standpoint, displaying the inherent foolishness of Preterist teaching.

Allies of Infidelity, The – How Preterists and Hyper-Preterists utilize a “scorched earth” policy in arguing their system. This entails all kinds of rationalistic (and even atheistic) nonsense.

Apotelesmatic Truth (Part 1) — Explores the concept of parousia postponement (not ‘delay’) through a study of the 40 year wilderness typology.

Apotelesmatic Truth (Part 2) — Another exegetical article unfolding truths connected with the postponement of the Messianic Kingdom in A.D. 70.

Apotelesmatic Truth (Part 3) — A key Dispensational study. Demonstrates in what manner the kingdom was “at hand” in the first century, and why it was postponed.

Basis Of Our Expectation, The – Proves that the doctrine of the ’soon’ second coming is inseparably connected to Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death on Calvary’s cross.

Biblical Meaning Of “This Generation” — 12-minute audio podcast which examines the true meaning of the N.T. phrase “this generation,” showing that it denotes the nation of Israel.

Biblical Study of The Parousia, A – Gives all 24 instances of the word “parousia,” proving that the term undeniably refers to the second advent of Christ.

Bitter Fruit Of Replacement Theology, The – Brand new Hyper-Preterist book “A House Divided” showcases the vicious feud between Full and Partial Preterists.

By What Authority? – What happens when Christians overemphasize the importance of creeds and confessions.

Christ’s First Century Return Was Conditional – Shows how promises of a speedy return of Christ made during the Acts period were conditional, because placed in the context of the Mosaic covenant.

Coming In Clouds, The: Literal or Figurative? — Is the imagery pertaining to Christ’s second advent to be taken in a mystical or allegorical sense? Or should it be understood literally?

Conditional Deferment of Christ’s Parousia Required By Use of the Greek Particle ‘An’ – Explains the use of conditional clauses in some key time-texts, offering lexical and grammatical support for the concept of prophetic postponement.

Council That Never Was, The – Will a church council really be needed to prove Hyper-Preterism wrong?

Covenant Creation Fiasco, The – Brief expose of this new system of doctrine which is beginning to dominate the Hyper-Preterist scene.

Creation And The Fulness Of God – Don’t miss this 46-minute audio podcast, which totally destroys all Preteristic teachings on eschatology as it relates to “heaven and earth.”

Cultic Behavior of Hyper-Preterism, The – Some of the nuttier Hyper-Preterists we’ve dealt with over the past year.

Daniel 12 & The Partial Preterist Dilemma – Are Preterists servicing orthodoxy or heresy when they endorse an A.D. 70 fulfillment of Daniel 12: 1-2? This 7-minute video tackles the issue from a Biblical perspective.

Death And Resurrection Of Christ, The – What thinkest thou of Christ? Whose Son is He? Nothing refutes Hyper-Preterism better than a Biblical exposition of the Gospel. Don’t miss this 7-minute video.

Deceitful Poison of Preterist Theology – We’ve said it many a time, and will keep on saying it: Preterism is liberalism!

Did The Apostles Understand What Christ Was Talking About? — How did Christ’s original audience understand the Olivet Discourse? Certainly not like Preterists do!

Doctrinal Significance of Tisha B’Av – Deals with the (often downplayed) fact of the first and second temples being destroyed on the exact same day of the Jewish year. What this means for Preterism.

Do Dispensationalists Employ A Hyper-Literal Hermeneutic? — Answers the all too common accusation leveled against Dispensationalism by proponents of an allegorical hermeneutic.

Does Dispensationalism Produce a Pessimistic Worldview? — This 9-minute video addresses the issue of whether Dispensationalism produces a pessimistic worldview which “paralyzes” the church.

Firmament, The – Fixes the geophysical nature of the Genetic account. Companion study to “The Overthrow of the World.”

Firstfruits And Harvest – Essential study on the timing and nature of our resurrection — which didn’t happen in A.D. 70!

Full Preterism: A Building On Fire – Brief history of the Hyper-Preterism movement during the last two years. Its rapid disintegration is apparent.

Fulness of The Gentiles, The – Exegetical study of Paul’s teaching in Romans 11. Did Israel stumble that they might fall? God forbid!

Gary North: The Man Behind The Curtains – Article showcasing one of the most important proponents in the modern academic push to preterize Christian eschatology.

Great Sola Scriptura Challenge, The – The debate challenge that nobody took up.

Hocker Response, The — The long-awaited reply to Hyper-Preterist/atheist/ Matthew Hocker’s infamous “70 Questions Dispensationalists Can’t Answer.” Apologetics is no joke, people.

How A Full Preterist Became a Dispensationalist – Explains how I shifted away from Preterism to where I am now.

How To Leave Hyper-Preterism (Without Losing Your Shirt) – In order for anyone to leave Hyper-Preterism, he/she must have a valid theological alternative.

Hymeneus and Philetus – An attempt to ‘reconstruct’ exactly what Hymeneus and Philetus taught. Our study shows that they were the very first Hyper-Preterists.

Hyper-Preterism’s Resurrection Error – This article points out why Hyper-Preterism is such a grave heresy: because it leads to radical revision of doctrine regarding Christ’s atonement.

In Heavenly Places – The sphere of blessing which Christ’s church occupies in the present parenthetical period of the Mystery.

Is Preterism A Solution For Atheism? – Explains why Preterism is not (as R.C. Sproul and others contend) a valid alternative to skepticism and liberalism.

Is The Parousia A Personal Coming? — This 12-minute audio briefly addresses the question of whether the parousia of Matthew 24 is a personal or providential “coming” of Christ.

Israel’s Lo-Ammi Periods – For Preterists who want to know WHY gaps are in prophetic time, this is an essential study.

It’s a Funny, Silly, Goofy Old World (That Hyper-Preterists Live In) — Showcases Hyper-Preterist inconsistencies regarding “audience relevance.”

Jesus Christ Refutes Hyper-Preterism – Demonstrates the physicality of Jesus Christ’s return through a study of details involving His ascension.

Lapsed Or Apostate? — Is there a difference between Christians who are truly apostate, and those who are merely “lapsed?” This article offers insight through a study of Hebrews 6: 4-6.

Lesson From The Prophet Amos, A — Shows how James’s quotation of Amos’s prophecy in Acts 15 is spiritual application, not fulfillment.

Like A Flash of Lightning! — Why did Christ compare His second coming to a flash of lightning? Was it so nobody would know when it happened? That’s what Preterists say. But we think differently!

Manifold Wisdom of God, The – How Christ’s wisdom is revealed during the present parenthetical economy made known by the aspostle Paul.

Matter of Interpretation, A – More on the subject of “Sola Scriptura.” A much misunderstood topic, hence this study.

Matthew 24 & Luke 21 Are Two Different Discourses – This 25-minute audio study investigates some key differences between the “Olivet Discourse” and the “Temple Discourse.”

Maybe It Ain’t Quite Like They Thought It Was – Do Preterists ever rethink their paradigm? How the first and second advents of Christ must both be literally fulfilled.

More Hyper-Preterist Bloopers – Were the “remnant” of Rev. 19: 21 really slain in A.D. 70? If so, how did 97,000 Jews escape the lake of fire?

Moses Spanks Preterism – Would the Lord forsake Israel during the Great Tribulation? Not according to Moses and the prophets!

New Covenant Was Ratified On The Cross – Article proving that the New Covenant was in force upon the death and resurrection of Christ (as contrary to the claims of Hyper-Preterism).

Old Testament Timing Texts – This study gives every one of the timing texts found in the Old Testament, showing that perhaps Preterism is mistaken.

One Hope Of The One Body, The – This video helps debunk the Preterist notion that the church of today has a different “hope” than that revealed in the New Testament.

Overthrow of the World, The – Why the phrase “foundation of the world” should be rendered “overthrow of the world,” as it refers to the disruption of Genesis 1: 2.

Preterism And The Rapture – This 40-minute audio study demonstrates the fallacies of Preterist eschatology by investigating the timing of the rapture in relation to Christ’s return.

Preterism Exposed! Who Is The “He” of Daniel 9: 27 – This 9-minute video offers irrefutable evidence of the errors of Preterism.

Preterism’s God-Ordered Holocaust – Preterists endorse a genocidal eschatology, claiming that the Jewish nation was wiped off the board in A.D. 70.

Prince That Shall Come, The – Short study dealing with the coming Antichrist, and his relation to the Jewish nation. Good study of Daniel 9: 26-27.

Promises Made To The Fathers, The – Details every one of the promises made to the Fathers in Genesis, proving that fulfillment must entail something more than what happened in A.D. 70.

Prophecies of Balaam, The – Did God ever mean to curse the nation of Israel? And what would be their “latter end?” Balaam the prophet, moved by the Spirit of God, gives us a peek into God’s program for Israel.

Right Of The Firstborn, The – Was Israel permanently put away in A.D. 70? Not according to the law!

Should Hyper-Preterists Be Treated As Christians? — We offer our opinions on a much-disputed theme. And we answer that, no, Hyper-Preterists are most emphatically NOT Christian. Big surprise, eh?

Should Preterists Keep The Lord’s Supper? — Couldn’t Christ’s injunction “Until I come” really refer to some A.D. 70 ‘judgment coming?’ How Preterists fail to consistently apply their own terminology and definitions.

Sola Scriptura And The Hyper-Preterist Dilemma – One of a number of key studies dealing with the Sola Scriptura controversy. Recommended.

The Word Alone Is Sufficient! – Why the Bible is our ultimate authority in all matters of doctrinal controversy.

They Came To Elim – Short article illustrating some oft-ignored typology from the Book of Exodus.

Time Is Short, The – Interesting “grammatical, historical, contextual” study of 1 Corinthians 7: 29.

Top 10 Parallels Between Preterism And Atheism – What we’ve observed, and perhaps you haven’t.

Up or Down? That Is the Question! — Is the “coming” of Matthew 24: 30 really a ‘going up?’ Or is it actually a ‘coming down?’ This is considered one of our best studies against Preterist theology.

Value of Sola Scriptura, The – Continues the sometimes heated dispute on the subject of whether tradition or Scripture is our final authority.

Was Matthew 25 Fulfilled in A.D. 70? — We disagree with the Preterist notion that Matthew 25: 31-46 was fulfilled in A.D. 70. In this article we explain why.

Was Satan Really Destroyed In A.D. 70? – Proves why Satan could not have been cast into the lake of fire in A.D. 70. Lots of details on the timing and mechanics of the Millennium.

What Death Did Adam Die? – Totally devastates the Preterist theory that Adamic death is not physical. To date, our arguments have never been refuted.

What Hyper-Preterists Don’t Want You To Know – What consistent Hyper-Preterism actually teaches — the cessation of the Gospel message in A.D. 70.

What Imminency Entails – Short study on the concept of prophetic imminency, from an “apotelesmatic” perspective.

What Is The “Image of God”? – Shows why the “image of God” must include the physical body, as contrary to the convictions of false teachers and would-be ‘philosophers.’

What Is Truth? – The question posed by Pontius Pilate is all too prevalent in our present age. But beware! Pilate represents that secular Gentilism which is now oozing into the church via Replacement Theology.

What Moses Saw From Mount Nebo – The very land that God would give to the fathers (who were at that time dead) was shown to Moses before his death.

What Wright Represents – N.T. Wright is a zealous proponent of Preterism. But is he correct? Or are his teachings fueled by a Romanistic agenda to get Israel off the prophetic board so that “mother church” can control the kingdoms of this world?

When Wright Equals Wrong – A brief interaction with N.T. Wright’s “Farewell To The Rapture.” We say, farewell to Wright’s rationalistic nonsense.

Who Are The Holy People of Daniel 12: 7? — Are they the Jews who were allegedly wiped out in A.D. 70? We believe otherwise. The holy people are the witnesses whose power will be broken during the reign of Antichrist.

Who Is ‘Holy Mother Church?‘ — In this piece, we interact with the ecclesiastical notion that the church is a visible organization. Rather, our adminstrative center is not on earth at all, but in the heavenlies.

Why Christ Didn’t Return In A.D. 70 – One of our most popular articles, this one give clear and unanswerable proof why Christ did not return in A.D. 70.

Why Hyper-Preterism Teaches A Different Gospel – This is probably the most important paper we have ever written concerning “Full” or Hyper Preterism. Read it to find out why.

Why I Don’t Invest In Religious Utopias – Is dominion theology the answer to all the world’s problems? Or is it just a replay of effete religious utopianism?

Why I Love R.C. Sproul – Demonstrates how rationalism will make fools of even the best of us.

Why Matthew 24: 14 Wasn’t Fulfilled In The First Century – A classic Dispensational response to Preteristic theology.

The Morning Star

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star” (Revelation 2: 26-27).

Contrary to the claims of many modern prophecy teachers, the epistles to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation contain conditional promises and warnings, addressed to the professing church during the closing days of the present dispensation. Each church is given a promise, and all but one are threatened with judgment. The epistles are to be read as a unified message to the visible church.

If one would take the time to arrange the promises and the warnings in parallel columns, he would see that the resultant list forms a didactic version of Christ’s parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13). The wise virgins are promised deliverance from a coming time of trial, whereas the foolish virgins will be cast into “great tribulation.” The deliverance and the punishments are to be levied at the same time.

These facts are exemplified in the above passage, where Christ says that he that endures unto the end will be given power to rule over the nations. The Greek word here translated “end” is “telos.” The same word is found in Matthew 24: 15, where Christ mentions the abomination of desolation as the sign of the telos. The AOD is the image of the beast that will be set up in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9: 27; 11: 31; 12: 11; Rev. 13: 5).

Consider again what Christ saith unto the churches. Disciples that endure unto the telos will be saved (see Matt. 24: 13). And they will be given power to rule over the nations.

In Revelation 12: 5, John records a vision of a manchild caught up to heaven immediately prior to the 1,260 days that comprise the Great Tribulation, or last half of Daniel’s 70th week. It is said of this manchild that he is to rule all nations with a rod of iron. The identity between Revelation 2: 26 and 12: 5 can hardly be ignored. Compare with Isaiah 66: 7, and you will see that John is depicting a deliverance which takes place prior to the time of travail (Great Tribulation). John is describing the fulfillment of Christ’s promise in Revelation 2: 26!

Our Lord also declares that to them who overcome will be given the morning star. The morning star precedes the rising of the sun. Christ is called the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4: 2), and He will arise in a twofold manner: to bring healing to the nation of Israel when He comes the second time (cf. Zech. 12: 10); and to burn up the wicked. He will inaugurate a new day of righteousness (Zech. 14: 6-7), even the Day of the Lord. Christ’s coming as the Sun of Righteousness occurs after the tribulation (Matt. 24: 29).

But before the tribulation, Christ will descend into the lower heavens and become the “morning star” to those who endure unto the telos. They who keep the word of His patience will be kept out of the hour of temptation which will try the entire habitable world (Rev. 3: 10). Those who fail will be cast into the tribulation, to be purified and made white and tried (see Daniel 12: 10; 11: 35). Many of them will fall.

To be delivered out of the hour of temptation it is needful to remain in prayer (Luke 21: 36). For none who have not prayed unto the Son of Man for deliverance will be accounted worthy to attain unto the blessed promise of being caught up to the throne of God before the tribulation. When the telos comes, some will be taken and others left (Matt. 24: 39-41).

The same message is taught in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. At the midnight cry, those who are prepared go into the wedding chamber, while the unprepared are shut out (Matt. 25: 10). There is a time during which they knock fervently at the door for entrance, but they are refused. This is their hour of trial. Those who withstand Antichrist will be beheaded for their faith (Rev. 20: 4).

As Christ’s coming as ‘morning star’ precedes the full-orbed Millennial day, so Antichrist must also make his appearance around the same time. Antichrist is called the ‘morning star’ in Isaiah 14: 12, for he is Christ’s counterfeit. He will be manifested to the world in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week. His parousia marks the telos, at which the true Morning Star, Jesus Christ the Son of God, will snatch away the faithful ones into heaven.

“I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star” (Rev. 22: 16).

Lot’s Religion

In these darkening days of evangelical compromise, we need to remember one thing: that there is an ineradicable difference between real religion and the make-believe. I am not suggesting, of course, that all who endorse sham religious views are necessarily unregenerate — though that may be the case (as witnessed by the story of Cain and Abel). What I am saying, is that we must strive to make our Christianity a Biblical one; one that is founded firmly, not on guesswork, but on the inspired and infallible Scriptures of truth.

The story of Abraham and Lot presents to us a case of contrasts. On the one hand, we have a perfect example of unwavering faith. On the other, we have just as perfect an example of one who, while believing God as ardently as can be supposed, preferred to meet Him “half way” on certain issues relative to true religion.

Bluntly put, Lot was a compromiser. Instead of living by faith, he lived after the sight of his eyes (Gen. 13: 10-11). Instead of separating from the children of this wicked age, he pitched his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13: 12). The Biblical narrative finds him later “sitting in the gate” of the city (Genesis 19: 1) — that is, taking part in its civic activities. And all the while the place was fast ripening for judgment.

Although the evidence is not conclusive, I believe it is safe to say that Lot was a “religious reformer.” While the unrighteousness of the Sodomites repelled him (2 Peter 2: 8), he yet thought that by his presence he might succeed in reforming the city — perhaps by initiating better laws, and by taking positions of social prominence whereby his influence would be felt by the populace. If this be the case, then, as subsequently history shows, Lot was wrong — for the city grew worse and worse.

When it finally came time for God to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, it was too late for reform. All of Lot’s social betterment schemes went up in smoke. It wasn’t, however, until the Sodomites assailed his own household, that Lot realized his mistake. When he spoke to his sons-in-law of the impending judgment, he seemed unto them as one who mocked (Genesis 19: 14). Let this fact arrest our attention.

Lot should have been preaching hell and brimstone from the beginning. Instead he chose to sit in the gates of the city, hoping to leaven Sodom with righteous laws and moral precepts. What they needed, though, was not laws — but life. They needed not reform, but regeneration. Lot’s testimony failed because when it came time to preach repentance, nobody took him seriously. So he fled with just himself and his household.

When Lot’s wife turned to look back (Genesis 19: 26), perchance she knew that she was leaving behind a position of social prestige and prominence. Perhaps the chiefest ladies of Sodom had welcomed her into their midst and made her feel at home. Her turning back was a sure sign that while her body was on the hustle, her heart was still in the city.

And here’s the interesting fact. Instead of leavening Sodom with civic righteousness, Lot’s actions backfired, and his household was leavened by Sodom. Whether Lot was responsible for the death of his wife is a matter for debate. But regardless of how we answer, we must concede that, as head of the household, he had a responsibility that he failed to meet. That responsibility was to keep himself and his family “unspotted from the world” (James 1: 27).

Now, anyone reading this blog can see that Lot’s story contains practical lessons of immense value. There are many Christians today, who instead of following Abraham’s example, and living by faith, choose to follow Lot, pitching their tents toward Sodom. They think that by taking over the world’s social and civic institutions, mankind will eventually be lifted out of the mire and saved “en masse.” Lot’s story, however, serves as a warning for those who follow this path.

As it was then, so it is today. The world is not interested in better things based on the Cross. Social reformation and reform are futile, at best, for they seek to paint the outside of the platter, while leaving the inside just as dirty as before. The only reformation the Bible knows of, is the individual kind that comes by regeneration, through personal faith in a crucified and risen Messiah. Any attempt to sidetrack the church from its duty to preach the Gospel, and to bring in an alternate program based on mere worldly reform, will end as disastrously as Lot’s program did when the Lord rained fire and brimstone upon the ungodly city.