The Bible And Numbers

The Bible and Numbers

http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Numbers.html

The digital age has taken technology to new heights...it’s amazing how much can be done so quickly, and how huge blocks of information can be stored on smaller and smaller chips. And digital info. is basically just 2 numbers: 0 and 1 [nothing and something!]

So, what book of the Bible do you think of for us to turn to for this message? No, not ‘Numbers’! Actually, it’s Revelation.

Rev. 1:20—“7” is a key number in understanding the book of Revelation.

Chapters 2 and 3 talk about the 7 churches

Chapters 4-7 talk about the 7 seals

Chapters 8-11…7 trumpets are revealed

Chapters 12-14…7 persons

Chapters 15-16…7 bowls

Chapters 17-20…7 judgments

Throughout the Bible, but esp. in Rev. numbers mean things!

Have you ever noticed that you find the organized use of numbers all throughout the universe? Yes, we serve a God of order, design, balance, mathematical precision.

Stars and planets—scientists know exactly where they will be in the future…it can be calculated, they move according to mathematical law.

Trillions of cells in the body, yet each has exactly 46 chromosomes

Man did not invent math! Man discovered the principles of math and is still learning how to use them. God built numbers into all He created.

And the authors of the Bible knew that numbers are more than just a science…numbers have a deeper spiritual meaning…God uses numbers throughout the Bible in order to convey deeper spiritual truth. Each number we will talk about has a special meaning, symbolism, significance.

#1—In the Bible, #1 speaks of unity and primacy…it speaks of God.

Deut. 6:4

4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD

Zech. 14:9

9And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Eph. 4:4-6

4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

When it comes to numbers, God is #1!

God is a Trinity, and yet we serve One God! Don’t get the idea that we serve 3, that’s polytheism…that’s idolatry.

#2—Witness and Confirmation

Jn. 8:17

17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

In the OT, it took 2 witnesses to establish a matter, to confirm something was true.

Business mtg.: 1 makes a motion, a 2nd person “seconds” the motion. If the motion is not seconded, it dies for lack of a 2nd. It takes 2 to confirm a motion.

The Bible is divided into 2 parts, the OT and the NT. The OT tells us what is to come, the NT “confirms” it.

Who is the 2nd person in the trinity? Jesus Christ.

Rev. 1:5—“faithful witness”.

When the disciples went to the empty tomb, how many angels were there to confirm he had indeed risen from the dead? 2 angels.

40 days later, Jesus ascended into Heaven from the Mt. Of Olives…how many angels were there witnessing that ascension? 2 angels.

Rev. 11:3

3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

When Jesus sent out the 70 to witness, how did he send them? 2 by 2. That’s God’s method, and it’s still the best method.

By yourself, you’re prone to discouragement / not as bold

More than 2, looks like you’re ganging up on them.

2 is the number of witness and confirmation.

#3—speaks of the Holy Trinity. #1 spoke of the unity of God, #3 speaks of the Tri-Unity of God.

Mt. 28:19

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mt. 3

16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The whole trinity is present! Beautiful!! You say, “I don’t understand!” Me either, PTL!!! Don’t do like the cults and say, I don’t understand, so it must not be true, but rather believe it in faith, and thank God He’s bigger than our finite minds can grasp!

Rev. 4:8

8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Is. 6

1In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.