I agree that when we overcome the mark of the beast, we do enter into Christ's rest; we are now seated with Him in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). But this referring to our renewed state of mind and spirit (Rom. 8:6). Compare this with those who worship the image of the beast - they have no rest day or night (Rev. 14:11). But scripture convinces me that the seventh day will not begin until all enemies have been subdued and God is all in all (I Cor. 15:28). The number seven denotes completion. And God's plan will not be completely fulfilled until every knee bows and every tongue confesses His Son (Php. 2:9-11). It is also worth mentioning that the phrase "all in all" is exemplified by the primary Greek preposition en (Strong's G#1722), which denotes a (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of REST.
"For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." (Rom. 8:19-25)
Peace
Hello Enigmoxical,
Since there seems to be difference of opinion in your beliefs/comments compared to the papers and studies that Ray has done, have you emailed him to ask about it?
Marques
P.S. I saw your last comment right before posting. I don't entirely get what you're saying but maybe another member of the forum can help in that regard.
I don't believe Ray and I are in disagreement about this at all, Marques, especially after watching the videos from the Nashville Conference. In one of the sessions he explained that the creation was finished even BEFORE there was a first day: "
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." And THEN God said... (v 3). Also, what does John tell us about Christ? That He was the Lamb slain
from the foundation of the world. The works ARE finished; God has already purposed to do what He will. It is now just a matter of time before they are fulfilled.
Here is further evidence that we are still in the sixth day:
"And God said, let Us make man in Our image..." (Gen. 1:26)
Now, were Adam and Eve created in the very image of God way back in Genesis? Fundamentalists say yes, absolutely! But even Ray teaches that they were not. The creature [man] was first made subject to vanity (Rom. 8:20). The first vessel [again speaking of man - see Rom. 9:20] was marred [by design] in the hand of the Potter (Jer. 18:4). So what does God do? He creates ANOTHER one. And this is the same point Paul makes in I Cor. 15:
"It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." (v. 42-44)
We will not be fully created in God's very image until this corruption puts on incorruption, and this mortality puts on immortality (v. 53). And all of this is happening on which day? Day six.
Peace