(Post #14) The Anti-Christ (False Prophet)

(Review)

Isaiah 66:17 “Those who sanctify themselves [to be blessed- as “Mighty God’s”- as the first fruits to God and the Lamb] and [in addition who] purify themselves to the gardens [for ablutions, as ones consecrated and approved- free from sin], behind (each) one [of their supreme gods, are hands given to injustice and oppression] in the midst of eaters of flesh of the swine [symbolizing things that are held as heathenish and abominably wicked rituals] and (are in the midst of) the hateful thing [of desolating abominations], and the mouse [the nibblers, threatening the gain crops and spreading disease- problems in society]- together they are cut off,’ states Jehovah.”

As Gaebelein wrote, “It should be remembered that it is possible to consecrate [dedicate] oneself to a false god.” Knowledge of the true God becomes imperative to avoid such a dilemma. The first order of business is to be fully versed in the doctrine and knowledge of God. The hatred of evil is a major step towards the discovery of the divine will and wisdom underlining the Holy Scripture.
Religion that hopes to offset the consequence of sin through an “iniquitous guilt offerings” is as disgusting to God as rank idolatry. It is not pleasing to God, but is as abhorrent as being spiritually nourished with that which is a deliberate and offensive insult to the holiness and moral purity of a righteous God- and is as displeasing as taking spiritual nourishment from lawlessness and spreading the plagues of sin and moral impurity. “That action of sanctification which should lead to holiness before the one true God can thus be turned into a preparation for the service of the evil.”

“Those who sanctify themselves [to be blessed- as “Mighty God’s”- as the first fruits to God and the Lamb] and purify themselves to the gardens”, are those that are following “one”, i.e., some idol. Following their idol, they lead the rest into performing, heathenish & Abominable rites…in the midst of the gardens.


Oswalt Commentary.- But God’s word- on all of that, is one of unreserved judgment. Far from commending such behavior, God labels it as only one more form of rebellion, the more pernicious because it is so effectively masked.