Warning to Church
Figurative language is used in various ways in both the Old and New Testaments and is an integral part of Biblical literature. The most common and most important forms of figurative language are parables, allegories, and types. Although there may be some overlap between these language forms there are also important distinctions, particularly in the function they perform.
We must realize that the Bible not only uses the above “figures of speech” but also includes much prophecy and symbolism. It is important for us not only to know the difference but use this knowledge as we interpret Scripture.
The seventeen books of the Prophets were not just general prophecy, but all contained a specific prophecy of an opportunity to repent, but if not, repentance there would be a coming Judgment. Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount uses many metaphors and parables to communicate a similar truth, for example, the parable of “The Builder of the House on Rock or Sand”
Paul in First Corinthians chapter ten uses the typology of the exodus of Israel from Egypt for examples/warnings for the church.
1 Cor 10:5 “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”
Is God well pleased with the church today? How about the seven churches in the book of Revelation? When we think of the Children of Israel, and their blessings, we are amazed that they should ever have grieved God. God led them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. He did marvelous things in their sight. He divided the sea. In the daytime, He led them with a cloud and at night with a light of the fire. He gave water from the rock and manna from heaven.
Yet, despite all of this, they tempted God in their heart. They turned back. They were always wanting to go back to Egypt. They “kept not His Testimonies.”
We wonder if today we are much better than they. Is the Church not walking, unmindful of the great things which God has done for us? Have we not forgotten Him, days without number? Have we not trusted in the arm of the flesh?
Do we not have in our midst those who hold to the doctrines of the world? Are we not like the seven churches? Do we not say that we are rich and increased with goods, whereas, in truth, we are wretched, poor, blind, and naked?
God overthrew Israel in the wilderness. Will God overthrow us in the wilderness? Out of all the adults who left Egypt, only two entered Canaan. The bodies of the rest were all left in the wilderness.
Those events are surely written as types unto us. Is it possible that the God who refused to let Israel enter into Canaan, will refuse to let us who sin, as they sinned, enter into His Celestial City?
In 1 Cor 10:6,11, God warns the church by saying these things happened for our examples!
The purpose of the study “Our Pilgrimage” is that we will learn from God’s examples and not die in the wilderness but make it to that Celestial City.