Covenant Reformed News – November 2021 • Volume XVIII, Issue 19
This article examines God's departure from apostatizing churches through three biblical images: the removal of the ark from Israel's tabernacle, the departure of God's glory from Solomon's temple, and the removal of the candlestick from congregations in the New Testament era. The author argues that apostasy occurs when a church ceases to proclaim and maintain the gospel of Christ, and thus loses the light of God's Word, illustrating the doctrine of divine abandonment of unfaithful congregations.
Jehovah’s Departure From His Apostatising People The Bible uses especially three images for Jehovah’s departure from His apostatising people. First, in the days of Bezaleel’s tabernacle, the ark of the covenant was taken (I Sam. 4). Second, in the days of Solomon’s temple, the God of glory rode off in His angelic chariot (Eze. 10). Third, in the days of the New Testament church, the candlestick or lampstand is removed (Rev. 2:5). What does it mean when the Almighty declares that terrifying...