{"id":432,"date":"2013-03-24T17:49:13","date_gmt":"2013-03-24T17:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ntmu.net\/?p=432"},"modified":"2013-05-17T15:01:07","modified_gmt":"2013-05-17T15:01:07","slug":"the-rock-the-ekklesia-and-the-gates-of-hades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ntmu.net\/?p=432","title":{"rendered":"The Rock, the Ekklesia and the Gates of Hades"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The \u2018Rock\u2019, \u00a0the \u2018Ekklesia\u2019 \u00a0and<\/strong><\/h3>\n

the \u2018Gates of Hades\u2019<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

Jim van Heiningen<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOn this rock I will build my church,<\/p>\n

and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it\u201d<\/p>\n

(Matthew 16:18).<\/p>\n

When Jesus mentions the \u2018gates of Hades\u2019 in the New Testament, He is not coining a new expression or introducing the disciples to a new concept. In the Old Testament they are mentioned some six times (Job, Psalms and Isaiah); God himself speaks about them in Job 38. Now, the seventh time, it is the Son who mentions the \u2018gates of Hades\u2019 \u2013 and it is the only time in the New Testament.<\/p>\n

Should you wonder about \u201cEkklesia\u201d – the word we\u2019re using in this article – it is the actual word used by Matthew for \u201cchurch\u201d. It means \u201ccongregation\u201d, or the \u201ccompany of the called out ones\u201d.<\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Hades\u2019, the Greek name for the realm of death, was called \u2018Sheol\u2019 in Hebrew, and so, in the Old Testament, we read about the \u201cgates of Sheol\u201d or the \u201cgates of death\u201d. That realm of Sheol\/Hades was thought of as a city with gates. Even today we may speak of \u2018death\u2019s door\u2019. And so when Jesus spoke of the \u201cgates of Hades\u201d, there were no raised eyebrows. It made perfect sense to his listeners. They understood that once a person had gone through those gates, he was truly \u2018gone\u2019 \u2013 he was not coming back.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Beyond the Gates\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jesus knew both the \u2018rich man\u2019 and poor Lazarus (Lk. 16) \u2013 He knew them in life and He knew them in death. That is, He not only knew them perfectly before they entered the \u2018gates\u2019, He also knew them beyond the \u2018gates\u2019. His account about these two men makes us realize that they were in two distinct parts of Hades \u2013 two parts which had between them an unbridgeable \u2018gulf fixed\u2019. The part where the believers were confined was called \u201cAbraham\u2019s bosom\u201d.<\/p>\n

Later we learn from Peter and from Paul that our Lord himself \u201calso first descended\u201d into Hades, but then that \u201cHe who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens\u201d \u2013 and that He is the One who \u201cled captivity captive\u201d (Eph. 4). The \u2018invincible\u2019 gates of Hades stopped being invincible – Jesus Christ rose triumphantly from the grave and from Hades (Acts 2:27-31). He had descended there, not as one defeated, but as One victorious. He went in to claim all of the redeemed \u2013 all who had died since Abel, and were confined to Hades, in \u201cAbraham\u2019s bosom\u201d. The Conqueror took them with him to heaven (John 20:17).<\/p>\n

The Conquering Captain\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Solomon tells us that \u201cSheol is never satisfied and never says: \u2018Enough!\u2019\u201d (Pr. 30:15-16). The gates of Hades had swallowed up all \u2013 with the apparent exceptions of Enoch, Moses and Elijah. But, as Hebrews 2 tells us, the \u2018Captain of our salvation\u2019, Jesus Christ, appeared and dealt decisively with \u201chim who had the power (and dominion) of death, that is, the devil\u201d.<\/p>\n

Whoever was going to break the power of the \u2018gates of Hades\u2019, would first have to enter through them. That is what He did \u2013 and then He rose..! He cancelled the power and dominion of the \u2018gates\u2019 over human beings. Any man or woman who swears allegiance to the Conquering Captain is released! The believer\u2019s body may still die, but he will never enter those gates.<\/p>\n

Subject to Bondage\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The gates of Hades represent Satan\u2019s \u201cpower (and dominion) of death\u201d. This cynical and sinister power pervades everything on earth \u2013 death still reigns supreme among those not (yet) released by the Captain. \u201cThrough fear of death [they continue] all their lifetime subject to bondage\u201d. Satan is \u201cthe Prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience\u201d (Eph. 2:2). God\u2019s children too may still experience fear. The apostle John did, but what the risen Lord told him is what He tells us: \u201cDo not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death\u201d (Rev. 1:17-18). The gates of Hades and Death, now without their keys, have been rendered ineffective, i.e. they have lost their grip and control over all who embrace the conquering Captain!<\/p>\n

Intimidating\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The keys were wrested from \u201chim who had the power (and dominion) of death, that is the devil\u201d. Our Lord secured them through his own death and resurrection. All this was perfectly foreseen by him, and so, in Matthew 16, it is in that light that He speaks to the disciples about the coming Ekklesia. Its \u2018building ground\u2019 would be the Rock of his absolute and eternal victory – He himself would be the Builder. But the environment would be hostile and intimidating – to such a degree that Jesus openly speaks of the gates of Hades, in other words, of Satan\u2019s rage and Satan\u2019s determination to prevail against that Ekklesia. Earlier He had already told them: \u201cBehold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues\u201d (Mt. 10:16-17).<\/p>\n

Final Outcome\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the same time, of course, Jesus points to the future: \u201cthe gates of Hades shall not prevail against it\u201d. In all their hostility and determination to wipe out the redeemed and ruin their testimony on earth, Satan and Hades will not succeed. There will be a \u2018day of reckoning\u2019 and a final deathblow. Hades itself will be cast into the \u2018lake of fire\u2019 (Rev. 20:14); \u201cthen shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: \u2018Death is swallowed up in victory.\u2019\u201d (1 Co. 15:54).<\/p>\n

The Other Reality\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ekklesia is thought of as a Building, a Body and a Bride \u2013 as a Building, with special reference to its Foundation; as a Body, with special reference to its Functions; and as a Bride, with special reference to its glorious Future. However, in the context of Matthew 16 we may also see it as a Bridgehead, with special reference to the Frontline.<\/p>\n

A \u2018bridgehead\u2019 is set up by a military force, an advance unit that has crossed the frontlines, invading enemy territory. It is to establish itself there, as firmly as possible, and prepare for the arrival of the main army under its Great Captain. As it defies all the accumulated force and fury of the enemy, in this case the \u201cPrince of the world\u201d, the bridgehead may look extremely vulnerable. Even so, its mission is to extend its hold on more and more territory, i.e. on more and more \u2018souls of men\u2019 (Acts 1:8).<\/p>\n

The Kingdom of Heaven \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Great Captain, on his way with the main force (Rev. 19), is fully aware of the situation. He is also in constant touch with his Ekklesia bridgehead. \u201cNow I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world. I have given them your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world\u201d (Jn. 17:11, 14-15, 18).
\nRight from the beginning of the New Testament the imminence of the main \u2018 Kingdom of Heaven \u2019 force was recognized and proclaimed (Mt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). But then the strategy of the \u2018bridgehead\u2019 was unfolded (Mt. 16:13-27; Acts 1:3, 8).<\/p>\n

Wrestle and Rescue<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even now the Kingdom of Heaven is not yet here – the Ekklesia bridgehead is being given more time to rescue those who are under the spell of the gates of Hades, and in their bondage – \u201con some have compassion..; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh\u201d (Jude 22-23). This is the word from HQ in case we slacken: \u201cFinally.., be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand\u201d (Eph. 6:10-13).<\/p>\n

Being the Lord\u2019s own in this world was never meant to be a sinecure (little work, good pay). As one soldier told another: \u201cendure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier\u201d (2 Tim. 2:3-4). \u201cTill I come\u201d, the Captain said, \u2018be busy!\u2019 (Lk. 19:13).<\/p>\n

The \u2018Local Ekklesia\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

So far we have been applying these things to the universal Ekklesia. What the Lord is announcing in Matthew 16 is the building on the Rock of the universal Ekklesia \u2013 in the face of the gates of Hades. But in Matthew 18 He goes on to the local ekklesia. And it is here in these verses \u2013 from 15 till 20 \u2013 that we find all the basic instructions for those who \u2018man\u2019 the local \u2018bridgehead\u2019 \u2013 that is for you and me in the local congregation! They are imperative instructions:<\/p>\n

1. Crucial contact with the Captain (20);
\n2. Constant consultations with HQ (19);
\n3. Collective concord in the Spirit (19);
\n4. Consistent compliance with the heavenly initiative (18);
\n5. Clearheaded corrections even when acutely painful (17);
\n6. Close conformity to detail (16);
\n7. Caring consideration of every single companion (15).<\/p>\n

Clouding Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conspicuously absent are any instructions about organization, denomination, hierarchy, statutes, sanctuary, pastor, pulpit, altar, ceremonies, traditions, etc. All such concerns, important though they may seem from a religious point of view, really cloud the issues. The whole passage stands or falls on whether the last verse is reality: Jesus Christ in the midst of his followers, however few they may be – communicating to them, blessing them, equipping them and guiding them! \u00a0Nothing less will do!<\/p>\n

None of men\u2019s splendid and \u2018time-honored\u2019 maneuverings will stop the advance of the gates of Hades. That advance has been spectacular in what used to be \u2018Christian Europe\u2019 \u2013 across the board, whether we are thinking of the RC Church, of Lutherans, Anabaptists, Calvinists, Anglicans, Methodists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals… We can now only speak of \u201csecular Europe \u201d, but before very long that looks like changing to \u201cMuslim Europe\u201d. Many of the 15 million Muslims in Europe are already agitating and asserting themselves.<\/p>\n

Hades Marching On<\/strong><\/p>\n

The gates of Hades will never prevail against the universal Ekklesia, but the way they have prevailed against local ekklesias throughout history is astounding! Bridgehead after local bridgehead has been, and is, succumbing! Only just the other day we were told of the only (!) Evangelical church in a big Spanish town, \u201cThe Abundant Life Church\u201d. It was swallowed up by the gates of Hades. Nothing remained! You can probably add your own stories of similar disasters.<\/p>\n

The Captain wrote brief letters to seven local ekklesias (Rev. 2-3). In no uncertain terms does He tell them what is really going on: \u201cI know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead\u201d \u2013 the gates of Death and Hades getting on with the job.
\nThe reality of him being \u201cin the midst\u201d of his local ekklesia is both simple and breathtaking. Yet in stark contrast to that reality, one \u2018bridgehead\u2019 (in Laodicea ) had decided they could go it alone \u2013 so they had him outside the door..! In fact He was crowded out by all their \u2018improvements\u2019. They were now \u2018rich\u2019 and \u2018wealthy\u2019 and \u2018in need of nothing\u2019. Makes you think that even at that time the \u201cprosperity gospel\u201d must have been a useful weapon in the enemy\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Hades-strategies\u2019 are working fine today – more and more bridgeheads being maneuvered into that Laodicea \u2018stage\u2019. It is the \u2018pre-swallow\u2019 stage.<\/p>\n

Bewitched and Bewildered<\/strong><\/p>\n

The once so valiant bridgeheads of Galatia had very foolishly allowed themselves to be bewitched by the enemy; it got them \u201cunder a curse\u201d and they had become \u201cestranged from Christ\u201d (Gal. 3 & 5). Indeed, there is not a bridgehead in the world that can successfully stand up to the \u201cwiles of the devil\u201d, unless it sincerely follows the counsel of Peter: \u201cHumble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world\u201d (1 Pet. 5:6-9).<\/p>\n

The Lord of the Ekklesia will keep the gates of Hades at bay, if and when the men and women of his \u2018bridgeheads\u2019 truly \u201chumble themselves under the mighty hand of God\u201d, and are truly \u201csober and vigilant\u201d, and truly \u201cresist the enemy, steadfast in the faith\u201d.<\/p>\n

Draw Near and HE\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

How\u2019s your \u2018bridgehead\u2019 faring these days? More or less happily trudging along in the familiar church ruts and routines, and not much of a threat to Satan\u2019s dominion in the area? Perhaps already close to shutting down? Or\u2026 truly conscious of these realities: \u201cthe weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ\u201d (2 Cor. 10:4-5)?
\nSays James: \u201cTherefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up\u201d (Jas. 4:7-10).<\/p>\n

Dare to Be a Daniel<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is truly amazing what God can do, and what He will do, when a heart is open to him. Hebrews 11 mentions by name some who have gone before, right from Abel through patriarchs and judges and on to the prophets, \u201cwho through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens\u201d (33-34). The following verses also describe the very high cost of suffering many had to pay for their faithfulness. All these \u201cof whom the world was not worthy\u201d are now a tremendous inspiration to us – chosen as we are and commissioned by the Captain to be part of a local \u2018bridgehead\u2019. \u201cOut of weakness they were made strong\u201d and \u2018out of weakness\u2019 He makes us strong \u2013 strong in Christ!<\/p>\n

Daniel and his three friends were young, they were captives in a pagan country, they were made eunuchs, but their one purpose remained: to be faithful to their God, even if they had to spurn local culture and traditions, the \u2018done thing\u2019, the religious sensitivities, and political correctness \u2013 even if they\u2019d have to lay down their lives. In faraway Babylon they had their earthly masters to tell them what to do, but as far as conscience and moral choices were concerned, these very young men had only God himself! And God was enough for them.<\/p>\n

Would you dare be a Daniel, would you dare to stand alone and go the way of the cross, the way of rejection \u2013 once you have seen the Lord\u2019s way of simplicity in Matthew 18, once you have heard the Lord\u2019s call to gather around HIM, swearing allegiance to HIM alone, even if that would make you part of the very few – of perhaps \u2018two or three\u2019 only?<\/p>\n

For his local \u2018bridgehead\u2019 the Captain does not sound a call to \u2018stand up and be counted!\u2019, rather to \u2018kneel down and be counted!\u2019\u2026 After all, HE is the One who stood up to the Gates of Hades, He is the victorious One. Kneeling down to him now, together with the other few (of the \u201cGideon\u2019s band\u201d if you like), will make you an effective part of the Matthew 18:20 local ekklesia bridgehead.<\/p>\n

The Day Approaching<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every true Christian (and every local ekklesia) has three living links to his Lord and Captain \u2013 whether these are functioning properly may be another matter. They are the links of faith, love and hope. Faith anchors him to the Rock, to the Word of God\u2019s authority, and to the memory of all those who have gone before. Love refers to his ever-growing and intimate relationship with the Captain and with all of the redeemed in the local ekklesia bridgehead, as he continually assembles with them to \u2018stir up\u2019 and be \u2018stirred up\u2019. Hope is the wide-eyed expectation of the \u2018great reward\u2019 put before him, when, after all he has endured, doing the will of God, he will see the Captain – face to face!<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: \u2018For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry\u2019\u201d (Hb. 10:23-25; 35-37).<\/p>\n

By God\u2019s grace don\u2019t let your links be weakened, not for a moment! Do not cast away your confidence, your faith; keep on considering one another in love, and hold fast the confession of your hope \u2013 without wavering!<\/p>\n

\"theroc1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

1 Thessalonians 5:24<\/strong><\/p>\n

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