Music

Music

1. Music is not an earthly invention, it was created by God.

a. There is music in heaven.

1). Revelation 15:2, 3 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

b. Angels sing and praise God.

1). Job 38:4-7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

2). Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

2. There are millions of angels, but there are only three that are named in Scripture.

a. Gabriel: messenger angel.

1). Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

b. Michael: warring angel.

2). Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

c. Lucifer: anointed covering cherub, minister of music.

3. There are two important passages of Scripture that shed light on Lucifer and his status in heaven. Both of the passages discuss his fall and both involve music.

a. Ezekiel 28:11-19 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

1). Although it is addressed to the king of Tyrus, it is clear God is speaking to the being behind the king, a cherub or cherubim.

2). workmanship [4399 * mela’kah] [Strong: from the same as 4397; properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor):--business, + cattle, + industrious, occupation, (+ -pied), + officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship).]

a). The workmanship could refer to level of artistry used in the creation of these items, or it could refer to its use, ministry and purpose after they were created. I believe it is both.

3). tabrets [8596 * toph] [Strong: from 8608 contracted; a tambourine:--tabret, timbrel.]

4). pipes [5345 * neqeb] [Strong: a bezel (for a gem):--pipe] [Gesenius: a socket for setting a gem, others understand it to be a “pipe” from the root word meaning ‘to bore through’ but this is not suitable to the context.]

5). There are two schools of thought on Ezekiel 28:13. One school of thought leans toward “settings and mountings” in respect to precious stones of Lucifer’s covering. The following translations are cited.

a). Ezekiel 28:13 [NIV] You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire,* turquoise and beryl.* Your settings and mountings* were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.

b). Ezekiel 28:13 [NASB] "You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your *settings and *sockets, Was in you. On the day that you were created They were prepared.

c). Ezekiel 28:13 [RSV] You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, carnelian, topaz, and jasper, chrysolite, beryl, and onyx, sapphire, carbuncle, and emerald; and wrought in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared.

6). The other school of thought leans toward “tabrets and pipes”, a musical meaning to the words.

a). Ezekiel 28:13 [ASV] Thou wast in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was in thee; in the day that thou wast created they were prepared.

b). Ezekiel 28:13 [Young’s Literal Concordance]  In Eden, the garden of God, thou hast been, Every precious stone thy covering, Ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle, and gold, The workmanship of thy tabrets, and of thy pipes, In thee in the day of thy being produced, have been prepared.

c). Ezekiel 28:13 [Darby] thou wast in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was thy covering: the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the chrysolite, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the carbuncle, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of thy tambours and of thy pipes was in thee: in the day that thou wast created were they prepared.

7). If both schools of thought are revealed in the in Hebrew words than perhaps both are meant, the craftsmanship of the musical instruments and the settings of the stones.

b. Isaiah 14:9-15 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?

 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

1). Isaiah 14:11 not only ties music to Lucifer, it ties music to the fall of Lucifer. The Hebrew definitions reveal this.

a). noise [1998 * hemyah] [Strong: from 1993; sound:--noise.] [Gesenius: sound of musical instruments.]

b). viols [5035 * nebel] [Strong:  from 5034; a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like form):--bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol.]

2). In the school of thought that holds the musical instruments, we see all three musical instrument families represented, percussion-tabrets, stringed-viols, and wind-pipes. At least there is no doubt about tabrets and viols as being musical. The conclusion is music was included in Lucifer’s creation and ministry,  and music was involved in Lucifer’s fall.  

1 Peter 1:6

1 Peter 1:6

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

a. NLT: So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

b. NIV: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

c. YLT: In which ye are glad, a little now, if it be necessary, being made to sorrow in manifold trials,

d. Amplified Bible Classic: [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations,

e. Worrell Translation: In which ye exhult, though now, for a little while, if necessary, made sorrowful in manifold temptations.

f. Wuest Translation: In which last season you are to be constantly rejoicing with a joy that expresses itself in a triumphant exuberance, although for a little while at the present time if per chance there is need for it, you have been made sorrowful in the midst of many different kinds of testings.

1. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice…”

a. Wherein [Strong: 1722 en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

b. [Strong: 3739 hos hos, including feminine he hay, and neuter ho ho probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc.]

c. [ye] greatly rejoice [Strong: 21 agalliao ag-al-lee-ah'-o from agan (much) and 242; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult:--be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).] [Thayer: to exult, rejoice exceedingly, be exceeding glad.]

1). Rejoicing of course in our salvation, the “salvation” of the previous verse. As believers we are to rejoice always.

a). Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

2. “…though now for a season, if need be…”

a. though now [Strong: 737 arti ar'-tee adverb from a derivative of 142 (compare 740) through the idea of suspension; just now:--this day (hour), hence(-forth), here(-after), hither(-to), (even) now, (this) present.]

b. [for a] season [Strong: 3641 oligos ol-ee'-gos of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:--+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.] [Thayer: little, small, few of number: multitude, quantity, or size, of time: short,  of degree or intensity: light, slight.]

c. if [Strong: 1487 ei i a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether.]

d. need [Strong: 1163 dei die 3d person singular active present of 1210; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):--behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should.] [Thayer: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper, necessity lying in the nature of the case, necessity brought on by circumstances or by the conduct of others toward us, necessity in reference to what is required to attain some end, a necessity of law and command, of duty, equity, necessity established by the counsel and decree of God, especially by that purpose of his which relates to the salvation of men by the intervention of Christ and which is disclosed in the Old Testament prophecies, concerning what Christ was destined finally to undergo, his sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension.]

e. be [Strong: 2076 esti es-tee' third person singular present indicative of 1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.]

1). The need of course is the spiritual growth in the work of patience in our relationship with God.

a). James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

2). The Greek definition for patience sheds much light on our text.

a). patience [Strong: 5281 hupomone hoop-om-on-ay' from 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:--enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).] [Thayer: steadfastness, constancy, endurance, in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings, patiently, and steadfastly, a patient, steadfast waiting for, a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance.]

3). We as believers need to develop the ability in our lives not be moved away from our loyalty to God, from our purpose, and what we are believing God for, even in great temptation and trial. We must realize the trials are only for a season. The ideal is that we can not only believe God through them, but we can believe God to be delivered victorious out of them.

a). Hebrews 6:11-15 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

3. “…ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:”

a. ye are [Strong: 1510 eimi i-mee' the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist (used only when emphatic):--am, have been, X it is I, was.]

b. [in] heaviness [3076 lupeo loo-peh'-o from 3077; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad:--cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow(-ful), be (make) sorry.] [Thayer: to make sorrowful, to affect with sadness, cause grief, to throw into sorrow, to grieve, offend, to make one uneasy, cause him a scruple.]

c. through [Strong: 1722 en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

d. manifold [Strong: 4164 poikilos poy-kee'-los of uncertain derivation; motley, i.e. various in character:--divers, manifold.]

e. temptations [Strong: 3986 peirasmos pi-ras-mos' from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:--temptation, X try.] [Thayer: an experiment, attempt, trial, proving,  the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy, an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances, an internal temptation to sin, of the temptation by which the devil sought to divert Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand.]

1). There seems to be a contradiction between two inspired writers of the New Testament. Peter writes, “…if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations”, while James writes , “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”. There is no contradiction, because they actually complement each other. When we are in the midst of manifold temptations or trials, there is the temptation to give into sorrow, but the need is as James writes, Count it all joy, don’t give in to the sorrow, the sadness, and the grief. Count it all joy, and don’t not be moved away from your loyalty to God. Rejoice in the midst of it. The reward for this faithful, obedience to Scripture behavior is shown in the next verse.

a). Luke 6:22, 23  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

2). World Outreach Church 4/29/11: Though you’re not of this world, you still live in this world so tests, trials, and temptations are bound to come your way. Many people think, Tests and trials come to make me strong. Some have even written songs with that message. These folks may even have been taught that sickness and disease come to teach them lessons or make them more pious. But the truth is, sickness, tests, trials, and temptations will never make you strong. If they did, you’d be Mr. or Mrs. Universe by now. No, it’s what you do with tests and trials that makes the difference. Think in terms of weight lifting. A weight lifter wants to develop his muscles, but he’ll never reach that goal unless he actually lifts weights. He certainly won’t turn into Charles Atlas sitting in an easy chair reading weight lifting books and thinking, I’m strong! I’m strong! And when he lies on the workout bench, the 100-pound weight lying across his chest won’t help his muscles gain strength unless he lifts up the weight and starts pushing it away. The same is true with tests and trials. You won’t be strong in faith unless you exercise your spiritual muscles. Every time you push problems away in Jesus’ name you gain strength. Strong faith only comes by exercising the faith you have against something that’s contrary to God’s Word. So when problems arise we can say, “Glory to God, here’s one more opportunity to develop my faith muscles and prove God’s Word works!”

1 Peter 1:5

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

a. NLT: And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

b. NIV: Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

c. YLT: Who, in the power of God are being guarded, through faith, unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time,

d. Amplified Bible Classic: Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.

e. Worrell Translation: Who are being guarded by God’s power, through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time;

f. Wuest Translation: For you who are constantly kept guarded by the power of God through faith for 

1.  “Who are kept by the power of God through faith…”

a. Who [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

b. are kept [Strong: 5432 phroureo froo-reh'-o from a compound of 4253 and 3708; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect:--keep (with a garrison).] [Thayer: to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight, metaph., under the control of the Mosaic law, that he might not escape from its power, to protect by guarding, to keep, by watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of something.]

c. by [Strong: 1722 en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

d. the power [Strong: 1411 dunamis doo'-nam-is from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.]

e. of God [Strong: 2316 theos theh'-os of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

f. through [Strong: 1223 dia dee-ah' a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.]

g. faith [Strong: 4102 pistis pis'-tis from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.]

1). What a powerful word picture we have here. The Scripture says we are “kept”, we are protected by a military guard, a hostile invasion is being prevented, by the power of God through faith. We as believers are guarded by the power of God, we are protected and a hostile invasion is being prevented by the power of God through faith. What is the power of God? It is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

a). Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

b). 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

2). The gospel of Jesus Christ is everything the New Covenant covers and everything provided for in our redemption and  inheritance, it is also the provision of access through faith of the strength, ability, and power of the throne of God, the omnipotence of God. We have the awesome privilege to bring the power of the throne of God to bear on any need, but it is only accomplished through and by faith. Everyday we should be believing and confessing , I am seated in heavenly places, far above all angelic and demonic powers, all of these things are under my feet. I am guarded by the power of God, there is a garrison of military guards surrounding me, preventing a hostile invasion, Hallelujah!

2. “…unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

a. unto [Strong: 1519 eis ice a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

b. salvation [Strong: 4991 soteria so-tay-ree'-ah feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally):--deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.] [Scofield Reference Bible: “The Hebrew and Greek words for salvation imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing and soundness. Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes…”

1). It is the New Covenant, all the promises in our inheritance are included in this word.

c. ready [Strong: 2092 hetoimos het-oy'-mos from an old noun heteos (fitness); adjusted, i.e. ready:--prepared, (made) ready(-iness, to our hand).]

d. [to be] revealed [Strong: 601 apokalupto ap-ok-al-oop'-to from 575 and 2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal.] [Thayer: to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up, disclose, make bare, to make known, make manifest, disclose what before was unknown.]

e. in [Strong: 1722 en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

f. the last [Strong: 2078 eschatos es'-khat-os a superlative probably from 2192 (in the sense of contiguity); farthest, final (of place or time):--ends of, last, latter end, lowest, uttermost.] [Thayer: extreme, last in time or in place, last in a series of places, last in a temporal succession, the last,  last, referring to time, of space, the uttermost part, the end, of the earth,  of rank, grade of worth, last i.e. lowest.] [D.C. This is where we get the term eschatology, the study of the last days.]

g. time [Strong: 2540 kairos kahee-ros' of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time:--X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while.] [Thayer: due measure, a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence: a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for, opportune or seasonable time, the right time, a limited period of time, to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time.]

1). According to the wording of the writers of the Old Covenant, whether it was Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Hosea, Daniel, it really doesn’t matter, they all use the wording, ‘last days’, ‘latter times’, when speaking of the times of the Messiah, whether it is His birth, death, or Kingship. The last days in the second chapter of Isaiah refer to the Millennial Kingdom of Christ.

a). Isaiah 2:1, 2The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

2). The whole chapter of Isaiah 11 refers not only to Christ’s first coming during His earthly ministry, but also mentions the Millennial Kingdom. In Isaiah 11:10 it mentions the Gentiles seeking the Messiah.

a). Isaiah 11:10  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

3). Now Isaiah used the term “that day”. In the book of Romans the Apostle Paul referred to that prophecy in Isaiah and included it with four other prophecies concerning the Gentiles praising and seeking God.

a). Romans 15:8-12 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

4). What Paul was saying is “that day” includes  not only the total ministry of Christ but also the establishing of the New Covenant in this time. Another example is in the book of Joel where Joel writes of the pouring out of the Spirit.

a). Joel 2:28-32 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

5). Peter declares that the fulfillment of this prophecy was “the last days.”

a). Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

 6). In light of this Scriptural evidence I am fully persuaded the “salvation” Peter refers to in 1 Peter 1:5 is the New Covenant. Another factor pointing to the Church age is the salvation is to be “revealed” in the last time. It is God’s will and plan for the New Covenant to be revealed during this age. Jesus taught the secrets of the Kingdom, the nuts and bolts of the New Covenant. He also taught these truths were hidden from before the creation of the earth.

a). Matthew 13:34, 35 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

7). We must keep in mind Peters words in 1 Peter 1:5, he said, “ready to be revealed”.

a). ready [Strong: 2092 hetoimos het-oy'-mos from an old noun heteos (fitness); adjusted, i.e. ready:--prepared, (made) ready(-iness, to our hand).]  ] [Thayer: prepare ready, of things, ready at hand,  opportune, seasonable, of persons, ready prepared, to do something, to receive one coming.]

b). The salvation of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the New Covenant has been prepared to be revealed Hallelujah.

8). In light of that we must look at what Jesus  also taught his disciples, that those who were hungry to find out the truth would find it.

a). Mark 4:21-25 [Amplified Bible]  And He said to them, Is the lamp brought in to be put under a peck measure or under a bed, and not to be put on the lampstand?

4:22 Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation. For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything temporarily kept secret except in order that it may be made known.

4:23 If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend.

4:24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure of thought and study you give to the truth you hear will be the measure of virtue and knowledge that comes back to you--and more besides will be given to you who hear.

4:25 For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away by force.

b). As these verses show, it will only come to those who diligently search it out. If we do not get it, it is because of our neglect, our laziness, or our letting the things of the world get in the way.

9). It is God’s will that the New Covenant be revealed to the church during this time. The Apostle Paul prayed that the church would receive this revelation.

a). Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.