Posted by Elana Janson on May 02, 2020 at 11:46:11:
In Reply to: Churches posted by Susanne Baker on May 01, 2020 at 02:42:06:
Captivity
I think that you are using the word “captivity” because it is used in Rev.13:10.
Revelation 13:7-10 King James Version (KJV)
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.
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.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
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.
Secular rule of the nations
Rev 13:7
Revelation reveals in chapter 13:7 concerning the rise of “the beast coming up out of the sea” the transition of the rule of nations from the rule of kings to the secular rule of man. Secular rule would ultimately have power over all the nations of the globe (“over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations”).
Rev 13:8
Secular rule would bring with it ultimately a total freedom of mankind to choose. Revelation then warns that those who worship total freedom may find that their names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb. Secular rule would bring with it the slaying of the Lamb, that is undermining of the message of the Cross.
Rev 13:9
Ultimately only those who have not discarded their faith will still have an ear to understand the message of Revelation.
Rev 13:10
The words “he that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed by the sword” are difficult to understand, but when Revelation says “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” it becomes clear.
Secular rule has been established over virtually the entire globe. Those that led the nations into secular rule will face being overcome by it. Also, those fighting for secular rule, face being killed for it. Revelation uses the word “captive” because Revelation has revealed that in this whole process there are the forces of evil at work and will capture souls.
Revelation is ultimately finally informing us about God, the Father and Jesus wishing to save souls from evil until the very end.
God agreed
One must always remember that this transition from the rule of kings to secular rule has been under the control of God: Rev 17:17 “For God hath put it in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.”
“Here is the patience and the faith of the saints”
Therefore, for the last century since the world came under secular rule, those that adhered to the faith had to be patient.
Freedom of faith
Freedom of religion came with the freedom sought by the nations. The church is free. Only those that choose to be free from the teaching of Scripture, Revelation reveals, are actually captive.
Captivity
The faithful must rightly be wary of captivity, for God wishes us all to be ‘kings and priests unto God and his Father’ (Rev 1:6). The faithful will always believe that God will keep them safe; but God has also given mankind the knowledge of science (Rev 13:13).
Science
The movement from the rule of kings to secular rule over the centuries has allowed investigation into the sciences to progress to the point that scientists can now advise how we should avoid contamination of illness. It would be dumb to ignore science because science has produced many cures against illness.
Two or three
We know that Jesus said that where just two or three people gather together in His name, He shall be present (Mat 18:20).
Taking all the above into account, particularly the knowledge of Revelation, present temporary closure of large gatherings is not ‘captivity’ of the churches.