THE NUMBER FIVE IN SCRIPTURE:
I am fearful in the writing of this number, since it speaks of grace. Who can attempt to explain or define it? It defies comprehension. Man-made definitions are so inadequate. The simplest, I suppose, is this, "Grace means pure unrecompensed kindness and favor." The easiest to remember - GRACE, God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
But let us now examine further this divine usage of our number in study. Truly there is nothing in us to call forth the divine favor of God. This was true in the case of Abraham. But God called him and made a covenant with his seed forever. When God made that covenant it was stamped by number FIVE.
Five animals were slain - Gen. 15:9. When God called unworthy Abram, He manifested His grace by changing the fifth letter and substituting the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet - AbraHam. The numberical value of this letter is five. The same thing was done in the changing of Sarai to SaraH.
The Tabernacle in the Wilderness is marked with number five. God's grace to helpless sinners is seen throughout the structure. The pillars of the outer court, supporting the fine twined linen, were five cubits apart and five cubits high. The brazen altar, where the sacrifice was offered, was five cubits by five cubits in construction; again manifesting the grace of God where the substitute was offered, and pointing forward to Calvary to the vicarious suffering of the sinless One. This altar was, however, three cubits high speaking of Divine approach, for our Saviour is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
There were five pillars at the Eastern end of the Holy Place. This was called the Tabernacle door, and reminds one of the five great names given our Lord is Isa. 9:6 -
1.) Wonderful,
2.) Counsellor,
3.) The Mighty God,
4.) The Everlasting Father,
5.) The Prince of Peace.
Jesus looked out upon the hungry multitude and said, "What shall we do?" The disciples said, "Send them away." The Lord said, "What have you?" The answer was "Five loaves." The Lord Jesus took the five loaves and fed five thousand. Out of that five came abundance, enough for the whole crowd.
In Eph. 4:11 we are told of five ministries -
1.) Apostles,
2.) Prophets,
3.) Evangelists,
4.) Pastors,
5.) Teachers.
Through these five outlets went forth the Gospel of the grace of God.
When God wanted to picture the earth-life of Christ, He did in the four Gospels; but when He wanted to picture His grace, He did so in the five offerings of Leviticus, chapter 1-7. Offerings for sins of omission, sins of commission, our sinful nature, and our sinful deeds that we might have peace.
Perhaps the most difficult verse in the Bible to be understood by Christians under trial is Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." But did you ever notice God's goodness and grace in the five-mentioned truths following this verse? Did foreknow, did predestinate, has called, has justified, will glorify. And these, all of grace, not because we deserve them.
Paul says (I Cor. 14:19): "yet in the Church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." If one expects power and fruit-bearing in his preaching, God's grace and power must be manifested. Many there be today who sound forth with ten thousand words but say little. With an educational background and power in delivery, they have forgotten the text: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of Host."
We suggest here the Greek word "Parakletos," which means, "one called alongside to help." It is used five times, occurring in John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7. It is translated "Advocate" in I John 2:1.
"Agalliasis" meaning "exceeding joy or gladness," occurs in Luke 1:14, 44; Hebrews 1:9; Acts 2:46; Jude 24. In Luke, Zacharias is told by the Angel that many shall rejoice at John's birth. The name "John" means "Grace of Jehovah." How glorious then that "Agalliasis" (used FIVE times) should first be used here, in showing the joy and gladness to be expressed at the birth of one whose name means GRACE of Jehovah.
In the Dispensational study we see that that Fifth dispensation is the DISPENSATION OF LAW.
From Sinai to Calvary - the Exodus to the Cross - 1491 years. Man's condition at the beginning of this dispensation - Ex. 19:1-8. Trusting in his own strength instead of depending on God's grace "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." It was the grace of God that brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, God has told them not to go down into Egypt and after they went anyway, He still showed grace by bringing them out.
Man's responsibility - Exodus 19:5, To keep the law; includes 10 Commandments and all laws, social and civil. These were given to the people of Israel only - Rom. 2:12; 9:4.
Man's failure - II Kings 17:7-17, 19; Acts 2:12-23. They failed to keep the law, and the only One who did keep the law was crucified by them, herein is grace again after they failed God sent his Son and they crucified Him.
Consequences of man's failure - II Kings 17:1-6, 20:25:1-11.
Moral condition - fallen.
In our research of the number FIVE we must now turn our attention to the FIVE VESSELS OF GOD, the Christian experience is also stamped by the number Five just as Abraham was stamped, here God points out the different levels of Christianity.
(V.21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
In our study on the first vessel, we see that it is a vessel of honor and we need to find out what one needs to do to become a "vessel of honor," but first lets find out what not to do.
Our verse tells us to, "therefore purge" yourself from these, so we will look at what we are to purge ourselves from.
As I stated before, every scripture must be rightly divided and this verse is found to be the most important scripture so far, that God looks for a vessel that can be used and God must have a vessel He can use, or, that vessel becomes good for nothing to Him if it is not able to be used, it becomes a wasted vessel.
Therefore purge yourself from:
(1) Youthful lust (V.22),
(2) Foolish and unlearned questions (V.23),
(3) The snare of the devil (V.26),
(4) Profane and vain babblings (V.16),
(5) Iniquity (V.19).
Purging yourself from these can assure one of becoming a "Vessel unto Honor," as we look at these five things one must not do, lets also see what they mean, that they will not manifest in our life.
As we look at "youthful lust," we can understand why one must purge himself from this, for we find that it has been man's failure for many years, it was man's first and his last failure.
In the book of Genesis, we see lust taking its first step into the heart of Eve (Gen. 3:6), where the woman that God had given man had been talking with the serpent and now, she is thinking it over and "Lust" steps in and gives her a helping hand, notice the FIVE steps of failure:
(1) She looks at this tree,
(2) Then she notice it is good for food,
(3) Now she takes pleasure in looking at it,
(4) And taking pleasure she now has a desire for it,
(5) So from the desire she takes from the tree and eat.
If you were to go through the scriptures, you would notice that just about every time the people failed to serve God "Lust" had a great part in it, therefore God said, "That His people would not hearken to His voice so He gave them up unto their own hearts Lust:" and they walked in their own counsel (Psalm 81:10-12).
Also we see that we are to purge ourselves from, "Foolish and unlearned questions," for these are some of the things that people tried to do to Jesus. Such as the Sabbath Day, the Pharisees tried to see what Jesus had to say about the Sabbath, but Jesus told them about how David hungered and entered the House of God and did eat show bread that was not lawful for Him to eat and how that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day (Matt. 12:1-8), we find that the Pharisees were often asking "foolish and unlearned questions."
These are just a few ways that the snares of the devil (V.26) bring most of us down, but Peter said in (I Peter 3:15), "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" and by doing this, you will avoid the foolish, unlearned questions that the devil tries to snare you with which covers our next verse (V.26).
Now, lets look at (V.16), "Profane and vain babblings," but if you will notice this falls back to, foolish and unlearned questions (V.23), and this is the way that the devil gets you snared (V.26), but we must keep everything in their right place:
Foolish and unlearned questions are directed at you but Profane and vain babblings are what you direct at someone else, so in other words Profane and vain babblings is something "YOU" do.
Which in this case are empty sounds and Paul tells us to give a distinction in the sounds (I Cor. 14:7), this is what (I Peter 3:15) is talking about, putting a distinction to the sounds we make so that others may hear what is being sounded (I Cor. 14:8).
Now as we come to "INIQUITY" in (V.19), we must understand that "Iniquity" is found almost in every book of your Bible and it is something that the Lord hates.
Iniquity is merely wickedness.
But as becoming vessels of honor, we must first remember that we were shapen in iniquity (Psa. 51:5), and once we know this we can see ourselves as God sees us and turn to God to pardon our iniquity (Psa. 25:11).
This first vessel is of one who loves the Lord in such a way, that they are faithful unto death and the Lord has promised them a crown of life (Rev. 2:10), for these must be:
(1) Departed from iniquity (V.19),
(2) Prepared unto every good work (V.21)
(3) Follow righteousness (V.22),
(4) Faith (V.22),
(5) Charity (V.22),
(6) Peace (V.22),
(7) A Pure heart (V.22),
(8) Gentleness (V.24),
(9) Apt to teach (V.24),
(10) Patient (V.24).
If we will notice, that all of these things that it takes to be a vessel of honor, is that they must have the fruit of the Spirit, which is (LOVE), for Love worketh all of these things, Paul said in (Phil. 4:8), to think on these things:
"WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE -
TRUE, HONEST, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, OF GOOD REPORT, OF VIRTUE, OF PRAISE,
AND THE GOD OF PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU," this is a vessel of honor.
These are vessels of -
GOLD, SILVER, and PRECIOUS STONES.
REFERENCE: I Sam. 2:30; Psa. 15:4-5; Prov. 3:9; 13:18; Isa. 58:13; John 5:23; I Pet. 2:17.
II. VESSELS OF MERCY:(Rom. 9:23)
(V.23) AND THAT HE MIGHT MAKE KNOWN THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY ON THE VESSELS OF MERCY, WHICH HE HAD AFORE PREPARED UNTO GLORY.
The vessels of Mercy is a vessel prepared unto glory, that the riches of God's glory might be made known.
Now this really tells us all we need to know about this vessel, but lets find out what the scriptures reveal about becoming a "Vessel of Mercy."
This vessel, is a vessel as we said, prepared unto glory and not all can make it to be a vessel of mercy, these are specially called vessels, for we see as it was with "Rebecca," that she was carrying two children and Rom. 9:11 tells us, (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth;) also (V.26) lets us know that this vessel is called, "the children of the Living God," as we read (Hosea 2:23) we see that the Lord said, "AND I WILL SOW HER UNTO ME IN THE EARTH; AND I WILL HAVE MERCY UPON HER THAT HAD NOT OBTAINED MERCY; AND I WILL SAY TO THEM (Vessels of Mercy) WHICH WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, THOU ART MY PEOPLE; AND THEY SHALL SAY, THOU ART MY GOD."
This Vessel is a vessel of:
(GLORY).
This vessel will receive the "Crown of Glory" which God will give to Pastors, Evangelist, Teachers, Ministers, Deacons, Elders, as with all leaders of the Church.
REFERENCE: Ex. 34:7; Psa. 18:25; 37:26; 67:1-7; 103:8, 11; Prov. 11:17; Isa. 57:1-2; Jer. 3:12; Matt. 5:7; Psa. 41:1-13; Matt. 6:14; Mark 11:25; Heb. 6:10; James 2:13.
III. THE CHOSEN VESSELS OF GOD:(Acts 9:15).
(V.15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the Children of Israel.
This is a personal vessel unto the Lord, and has a personal calling from the Lord Himself, one can say, this is the Apostle calling, but it is and has a little more then this.
As we look at this chosen vessel, let us keep in mind what the Lord said to Saul, "ARISE, AND GO INTO THE CITY, AND IT SHALL BE TOLD THEE WHAT THOU MUST DO." If you will notice, this is a personal calling made to Saul and the thing for him to do now is obey, also not everyone received this calling.
Obedience is very important, but one that lets himself be led of the Spirit, will obey anyway, for the Holy Spirit will keep them in remembrance of this and their calling (Acts 13:2), a chosen vessel is bound by an obedience that separates them from all other believers (I Cor. 15:10).
The Chosen Vessel is a vessel of GRACE.
The chosen vessel will receive the "Crown of Rejoicing" (I Thess. 2:19-20) The crown of rejoicing is the soul winner's crown, the greatest work you are privileged to do for the Lord is to bring others to a knowledge of Christ as personal savior, the degree of your joy in heaven will be determined by the souls you have had part in bringing to Christ. Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that they are his hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing now and when Jesus comes.
REFERENCE: Acts 9:6, 11, 15, 16; 13:2; 22:21; 26:17; Rom. 1:1; I Cor. 15:10; Gal. 1:15; Eph. 3:7; I Tim. 2:7; II Tim. 1:11.
IV. VESSELS OF RESTORATION:(Isa. 66:20; Jer. 51:34).
(V.20) And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations upon horse, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my Holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord.
This vessel, is one of a copy of the real one, such as the case of Adam in his first state, unfallen, clean, or as Jeremiah put it a empty vessel (51:34), but when Adam became fallen, the whole human race became fallen - but in the last Adam (Jesus), we can be reinstated as the first Adam before his fall.
NOTE: We do not become the first Adam, or the last Adam, we only become a representation of the original form. This is the case of an unbeliever becoming a believer - THE ACT OF RESTORING, OR THE STATE, OR, FACT OF BEING RESTORED.
Therefore, it can be said, that this is the vessel of a new beginning, the vessel of restoration is a renewed vessel.
This vessel will receive the "Crown of Righteousness" (II Tim. 4:5-8) the crown of righteousness is a reward, and it is not to be confused with the righteousness of God, which the believer receives when he becomes a Christian: for at that time, the believer is made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21) reads like this "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knows no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." This saying righteousness is a gift to be accepted by the lost, the crown of righteousness is a reward to be earned by the saved. If the believer looks for and loves the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. It will affect his whole life, look at the dynamic impact this truth had on the life of the Apostle Paul in (II Tim. 4:7) also (I Cor. 15:32).
REFERENCE: Lev. 10:10; II Kings 5:12; Job 17:9; Psa. 24:4-5; 51:10; prov. 16:2; 20:9; Isa. 1:16; 52:11; Matt. 8:2-3; 23:26; John 13:10, 11; 15:3; Rev. 19:8.
V. VESSELS OF DISHONOR:(II Tim. 2:20).
(V.20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of Gold and Silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor and some to dishonor.
This vessel, is one of shame, when one magnifies himself as if he can do anything or everything without help from God, or anyone else (Ps. 35:26).
This is a vessel of, pride, selfishness, ego, ungodliness, erred in the truth, unpure hearts, foolish - (II Tim. 2:16-25) - lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, and others - (II Tim. 3:2-9).
Therefore the vessel of dishonor is a self-appointed vessel.
This vessel is building with:
WOOD, HAY, and STUBBLE.
This vessel, is unworthy of a reward or crown if you are looking for a vessel to become, be sure you choose one that builds with the right things, GOLD, SILVER, and PRECIOUS STONES so that when it is tried in the fire, it will come out without lose, pure, and ready to be used by the Lord. Paul said, "If it shall make you free, than rather use it."
REFERENCE: Psa. 35:26; 69:19; Prov. 6:33; Rom. 9:21; I Cor. 15:43; II Cor. 6:8.
In studying the number FIVE we have covered the five vessels of God, while looking into those we also saw that attached to each vessel was a crown, all but the last one, but there are also five crowns which the believer will receive according to what vessel he or she is, so lets take a look at the five crowns.
I.) THE CROWN OF LIFE: (James 1:12)
The crown of Life, is found in (James 1:12) "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him."
(A) This reward could be called the lover's crown, after the examination of (V. 12) I discovered that the believer finds strength to over come temptation and endure trials, through the love of God, Paul said, "We glory in tribulation also," the question is do we today glory in tribulation? We can only if the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:3-5) without the love of God in the heart of the believer, trials can cause him to become bitter and loss the crown. Now all believers might have eternal life according to (John 3:15-16) but not all believers will be rewarded with the crown of life. This crown will be given to those who are faithful unto death.
(Rev. 2:10) to receive the crown of life the believer must love the Lord more than his own life. "Whosoever shall save his life (LIVE FOR SELF) shall lose it, but whosoever lose his life for my sake shall save it" (Mark 8:35), this reward will be given to those who live for Christ, and endure temptation in the power of the love of God (I Cor. 10:13).
II.) THE CROWN INCORRUPTIBLE: (I Cor. 9:24-27)
(V.24) know ye not that they which run, in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize, so run, that ye may obtain.
Paul makes use of the Greek games to illustrate the spiritual race of the believer that they ran to win a "corruptible crown:" but we an "incorruptible crown," no young man could contend in the game unless he was a Greek citizen, born of Greek parents, no unsaved person can participate in the service of the Lord for rewards: only the born of God are eligible (John 3:3). Just as the athlete must keep under his body and bring it into subjection or he will lose the "incorruptible crown."
The Greek games had hard and fast rules for all participants, the New Testament contains the rules for believers who would enter the spiritual race to win the (INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN).
(1) THE BELIEVER MUST DENY SELF, of anything that would weigh him down and hold him back (Heb. 12:1).
(2) THE BELIEVER MUST KEEP HIS EYES FIXED ON CHRIST, and not look to the right or the left (Heb. 12:2).
(3) THE BELIEVER MUST FIND HIS STRENGTH, in the Lord (Eph. 6:10-18).
(4) THE BELIEVER MUST PLACE HIS ALL UPON THE ALTAR, of the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).
(5) THE BELIEVER MUST BY FAITH, refuse anything that would impede spiritual progress (Heb. 11:24-29). DON'T BE A SPIRITUAL SPECTATOR, ENTER THE RACE TO WIN THE:
(INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN).
III.) THE CROWN OF REJOICING: (II Thess. 2:19-20)
(V.19) For what is our hope or, joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
The crown of rejoicing is the soul winner's crown, the greatest work you are privileged to do for our Lord is to bring others to a knowledge of Christ as personal savior, the degree of your joy in heaven will be determined by the souls you have had part in bringing to Christ.
Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that they are his hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing now and when Jesus comes.
(1) IT IS WISE TO WIN SOULS TO CHRIST (Prov. 11:30).
(2) IT IS A WORK AGAINST SIN TO WIN SOULS TO CHRIST (James 5:20).
(3) IT IS A CAUSE FOR JOY IN HEAVEN TO WIN SOULS TO CHRIST (Luke 15:10).
(4) EVERY SOUL WINNER WILL SHINE AS THE STARS FOREVER (Dan. 12:3).
HOW CAN YOU WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST?:
Witness with your life; live that others may see Christ in you. (II Cor. 3:2) reads like this - "Ye are our epistle written in our heart of commendation from you." also (Gal. 2:20), "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Witness with your mouth, trusting the Holy Ghost to give power to the spoken word (Acts 1:8) Witness by tithes and offerings that others may preach Christ and you will have fruit (REWARD) that may abound to your account (Phil. 4:15-17) also God has promised that your labor will not be in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
The soul winner will not rejoice alone - all of heaven will rejoice with him when he receives the crown of rejoicing (John 4:36).
IV.) THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS:(II Tim. 4:5-8)
(V.5) But watch thou in all things, endure affliction, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
The crown of righteousness is a reward, and it is not to be confused with the righteousness of God, which the believer receives when he becomes a Christian: for at that time, the believer is made the righteousness of God in him (II Cor. 5:21) reads like this - "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knows no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." This saying righteousness is a gift to be accepted by the lost, the "crown of righteousness" is a reward to be earned by the saved. If the believer looks for and loves the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. It will affect his whole life, look at the dynamic impact this truth had on the life of the Apostle Paul that he could say -
(1) I have fought a good fight (verse 7 of II Tim. 4:7) also (I Cor. 15:32) He fought a spiritual battle through out his Christian life, and won, he never surrendered to the enemies of righteousness (Eph. 6:12).
(2) I have finished my course, He had a course to travel and he did not detour the hard places: neither did he look back (Luke 9:61-62) he finished his course with his eyes fixed on Christ (Phil. 1:6).
(3) I have kept the faith, he preached all the counsel of God never betraying any of the great doctrines, (Acts 20:24-31) the Apostle looked ahead to the judgment seat of Christ, where the crown of righteousness will be given to those who love his appearing, how important it is for the believer to look with a heart of love for the second coming of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ that he may receive the crown of righteousness (V.8).
V.) THE CROWN OF GLORY: (I Peter 5:2-4)
(V.2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of ready mind.
The crown of glory is a special reward for the faithful, obedient God-called pastors, he will receive this reward when the Chief Shepherd shall appear. It is eternal, it fadeth not away, every believer may share in the pastor's crown of glory. He that receiveth a prophets' reward (Matt. 10:41) support your faithful God-called pastors by praying for his ministry and encouraging him in the work of the Lord, undergrid him in his ministry with God's tithes and your offerings (Mal. 3:10) giving freely of your time to the service of the Lord. And God will reward you for your time and for your supporting his chosen servants by allowing you to share in your pastor's reward, the pastor will earn this crown of glory by:
(1) FEEDING THE CHURCH, he is to proclaim the word of God without fear or favor, and when necessary, he will rebuke, reprove, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine (II Tim. 4:2-5).
(2) TAKING THE SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT OF THE CHURCH, the pastor is responsible to God for the message preached to his people, no pastor should preach to please the people, he is to please his Lord (Gal. 1:10).
(3) BEING AN EXAMPLE TO THE CHURCH, he is not to serve for the reward of money, yet, the Church is responsible to care for his every material need (I Tim. 5:18) he is to be a spiritual leader, and not a dictator, he is to walk with God by faith and when the Chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Which crown are you going to get? Jesus is coming back and His reward is with Him, to give every man according to his works shall be, don't miss out on your reward, standing in faith is what it is all about so stand, and after you have done all to stand,
STAND!
In our study of the number FIVE we see that this number is very important in the scripture, therefore it most have a very important purpose in the life of the believer, now last but not least we come to the Judgments of God, there are FIVE Judgments spoken of in scripture that we would like to point out.
In the first Judgment, the sins of the believers have already been judged in Christ on the Cross: In the second judgment, the believer is to judge self, Or be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ and disciplined, in the third judgment, all believers must appear at the "Judgment Seat of Christ" where their works are to be judged. In the fourth judgment, all the nations are to be judged at the second coming of Christ: In the fifth judgment the wicked dead are to be judged at the "Great White Throne."
