Jesus’ earthly ministry culminated on the Cross at the end of the Passover Age. His 3 1/2 year ministry had fulfilled all that FATHER had instructed. In the first Gospel written by the Beloved disciple John, we find the following passage in chapter 19:
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture (Psalm 22) he said, “I am thirsty.”
29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.
30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.
Jesus proclaimed the closing of an Age when He spoke the words “It is finished!” His only disciple there at the time of His proclamation was the Beloved disciple John to whom Jesus gave charge over His mother Mary. John was the only disciple to be in close proximity to the declaration made by Jesus. There were three Mary’s with him.
After His resurrection, Jesus ministered to the disciples for forty days. He presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of GOD. Fast forward 2,000 years and we are once again at the closing of another age, the Age of Pentecost. Instead of the only begotten Son being raised up to conclude the age, there are the many sons making up His Body. These are the Sons who have been called the “very elect” by Jesus Himself:
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The “very elect” do not rely on other men to show them the Way, the Truth, and the Life for they have a personal relationship with FATHER and know HIS Voice. They dwell with HIM day by day, moment by moment and are ever aware that it is HIS Will to not only flow in them but through them as well. Their focus is on the internal rather than the outward and external. They are sensitive to the Truth- “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” They understand the importance of guarding their heart.
We are now anticipating another declaration of a similar nature to speak the words “It is finished”. Paul revealed to us in Romans 8:
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
The very elect have been in the process of being perfected for the closing of this age. They have understood the necessity of being tried, tested, and matured unto perfection. They have been given choices to judge or submit to FATHER’S judgment… they have chosen FATHER’S Way. Their focus has moved away from the things of this world and have fixed their gaze toward Heaven. They look not at menial tasks as being below them, but instead embrace every task expecting FATHER to be right there to reveal some further Truth or mystery of the Kingdom. Everything is done in gratitude, not disdain. They have become sensitive to the Holy Spirit in all things with the expectation of ministering to the next person they encounter, instant in season and out.
Once this maturing process converges on the endpoint of the age, we will hear the Words “It is finished” just as the Beloved disciple heard these age-ending words.
Revelation 10:7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.
As we have seen over the past several months, the mysteries found in the book of Revelation are a further revealing of the many-membered Body of Christ. Seven denotes the completion of the maturing process and when the “sounding of the seventh angel” occurs, the manifestation of the Sons’ ministry will be at hand. This ministry will mark the end of the age. Prophecy will be replaced by the manifested ministry of Love. When the revelation of Love has been perfected in the hearts of the Sons, we will have a whole new appreciation for what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 13:
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.