The inheritance of Jesus Christ is the nations and the ends of the earth.

We are coheirs with Christ. Therefore our inheritance includes the nations and the ends of the earth.

The entrance of Israel into the land of promise is a picture of Jesus Christ and His coheirs invading and occupying the earth in a long, drawn-out battle.

Until we understand clearly what Canaan represents we have a false vision of the future and of our destiny. Also we do not understand what it means to be saved, because we picture being saved as being admitted to Heaven to live forever.

Since this thought may be new to you I suggest you now turn to the Scriptures and read every relevant passage. I think you will come to the same conclusion that I have. Heaven is a holding area while the army of the Lord is preparing to invade the earth. We will be raised from the dead in order that we may live once again on the earth. The earth is a large part of our land of promise.

Viewing the earth as our final destination represents a considerable change in our thinking, in the way we envision our salvation. Since we are drawing near to the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth, it probably is well that we begin to gain a true understanding of what is taking place. Otherwise we will be living in a fantasy, and the result will be spiritual weakness instead of the conquering strength we will need in order to participate with Jesus Christ in establishing the Kingdom of God on the earth.

"Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in the earth as it is in Heaven." Let this be our continuing prayer.

Where We Are Going

In terms of the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, leaving Egypt and the celebration of Passover are symbolic of our basic salvation in Christ.

Mount Sinai is symbolic of the Pentecostal experience. This is where we have been until recently.

Three events took place at Sinai or thereafter:

The Israelites received the Law.

The Tabernacle of the Congregation was constructed.

The congregation was organized into an army.

These three aspects of the Kingdom are being emphasized today.

The Spirit of God is stressing iron righteousness of behavior, fiery holiness of personality and behavior, and stern obedience to the Father (the giving of the Law).

The Spirit of God is encouraging us to covet earnestly the gifts and ministries of the Spirit so Christ may be formed in His Body. The day of the one-man ministry is passing away (the Tabernacle of the Congregation).

The Spirit of God is proclaiming war. It is time for the saints to be organized into the army of the Lord (the congregation was organized into an army).

What will take place after this?

The Church will be brought to the Jordan, so to speak. Crossing the River Jordan signifies death to our self-will. Also the next generation must be circumcised. The manna will cease because we must eat food grown in the land of promise if we are to have the strength to fight.

To be continued.