[Lesson 49] Figurative Song

by ichthus

This lesson explores the concept of the “figurative song” mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It explains that a “song” spiritually represents the word of sermons or the word that God asks His chosen one to deliver to the people. The “new song” specifically refers to the gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy – explaining what prophecies from the past have now been fulfilled.

The lesson covers the three key “songs” from God’s perspective in Revelation – the Song of Moses (the Old Testament/old covenant), the Song of the Lamb (the New Testament/new covenant brought by Jesus), and the final “new song” about the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Second Coming of Christ.

It emphasizes the importance of being able to “sing” or preach this final “new song” by understanding what prophecies are being fulfilled in the present day, rather than only looking to the past. The lesson warns against being deceived by “Satan’s song” of false words and testimonies. Overall, it stresses discerning where the true, current “new song” is being taught and acted upon.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.

While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.

The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.

Figurative meanings:

Song = The word of sermons, aka the word that is taught when one stands in front of others to teach | Psalms 119:54

New Song = The Gospel of the Fulfillment of Prophecy

To sing = To preach

Review with the Evangelist

Memorization

Isaiah 58:1

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.

Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.

Yeast of Heaven

There is not a single person who can be arrogant before heaven or hell. If Jesus and the spirits of martyrs put their life on the line to gain heaven, [we] must understand that heaven can never be entered with a dull mindset!

 

Our Hope: Be those who know New Song and learn it from the only place it can be learned!



Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Song

 

What is the figurative song? And the new song? This will be very important.

Previous Lesson Review

Review

In our previous lesson, we examined the Figurative Trumpet, and we learned that there were three crucial parables associated with the trumpet.

 

1. The trumpeter or the one who blows the trumpet, is an angel in the spiritual world. Or it could also be a spirit.

 

2. And that angel in the spiritual world or spirit uses or blows the trumpet. And that trumpet becomes the mouthpiece of that angel or spirit. The trumpet will be a person. And that person’s job is to sound the words that the angel or spirit gave them. So, what is the sound that that person must blow?

 

3. The trumpet sound is the word that declares sin and rebellion, betrayal and destruction, or that salvation has begun. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of God. So, a very important job for that trumpet to do.

 

4. An important review in the book of Revelation: there are seven trumpets announced. The first six announce judgment, but the seventh announces salvation. This is a pattern that we’re going to see throughout the Bible as we study, especially at the next level, which we’re very excited about.

 

We’ll start next month, at the end of next month after our test and we’re going to be looking at Bible logic. We’ll go from Genesis to Revelation, looking at God’s fingerprint. 

 

How God has a pattern. One of the major patterns that God has is to take out the old and bring in the new because the old, though it started good, became corrupt and must be swept away to leave enough room and space for something new to take place.

 

One prime example that we know quite well is the time of Noah. The world had descended into deep corruption, as described in Genesis 6. So, what did God have to do? Wipe it all away. But not everything, because God needed a small few people to then start something new with, like Noah and his family. 

 

And so, guess what? This pattern actually repeats throughout the Bible, and we’ll understand this more in detail as we study at the next level. So, I hope you’re all excited about the next level. It’s approaching quite quickly.

 

Please master the test questions now so that when the test comes, it’s easy, and then we’re on to the next level of the course. The first six trumpets at the second coming are announcing the end of an old era and the beginning of a new era. That’s what that seventh trumpet will bring in – the kingdom of the world becoming the kingdom of God. But we’re looking forward to that era, certainly.

 

Okay, so I wanted to go over a passage to help encourage us and strengthen us before we talk about the figurative song. This is something that some of us may be going through, especially now as the course has been going on for a few months. We tend to get tired. Our bodies tend to get sleepy, and many things tend to happen around us that bog us down. That means we’re on the right track. If the journey is getting more difficult, that means that Satan is fighting us harder.

 

Let’s go to the Book of Matthew to see an example of those who also had been striving with Christ for a long time and were getting tired.



Overcoming our Flesh

Matthew 26:36-41

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Some interesting things are happening in the last days of Jesus before his crucifixion. Jesus is going up to the mountain to pray. As he is praying, he tells his disciples to keep watch. And for how long did Jesus instruct his disciples to watch, or how long before he came back down?

 

For 1 hour. Would you not keep watching for 1 hour? How long is the class? Oh! Lessons are about an hour, right? So, what happened as Jesus went up to pray? A deep sleep fell upon the disciples. Was this a natural deep sleep? Or was there someone trying to prevent them from keeping watch with Jesus?

 

That’s why Jesus said, “Pray. Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” What kind of temptation was a threat to the disciples? And what kind of temptation are we under threat from? What is the enemy or the tempter trying to lure us into?

 

And Jesus said something key: “The Spirit is willing.” We know what we ought to do. We know what we want to do. But it is very difficult for us to do it oftentimes. And it’s like we have to wade through muck just to be able to study the word. Where it’s like being in that hallway, and you’re running, but the door keeps getting further away.

 

Man, why is it so hard? Or like you’re coming around, you’re running the 400 meters, for those who ran track. And you’re coming around that last bend, and like a gorilla jumps on your back. It gets harder when we’re getting closer to the end. It’s not an accident. Even the disciples, they struggled.

 

Moments before Jesus was to be arrested and crucified, they were falling asleep. “The spirit is willing, but the body, the flesh is weak.” So we really have to pray to overcome our flesh so that we don’t fall into temptation. It’s much easier to fall into temptation when our body is weak, and we give in. Fight at this time.

 

Especially now that we are learning the open word, Satan is going to be fighting you harder. I’m sure the fight has been increasing. Have we noticed that? Things are getting harder. It’s not an accident. That means we’re on the right track.

 

Stay the course. Don’t be like Peter who did this, looking both ways, right and left when he was trying to walk towards Jesus. All these waves over here. He sank. “Why did you look at the waves, Peter? I’m standing right here.”

 

What’s the equivalent for us today? “Why are you looking at the waves? I’m right here, the word” Stay focused. Keep running towards me like that. The word will be our strength. 

 

Okay, so now let’s look at the new song.

 

There are a lot of things to cover today. A lot of things that help us discern. Especially for today.



Figurative Song

Main Reference

Revelation 15:1-4

1 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.

4 Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name?

For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Very fascinating what we’ve just read. I can’t wait for us to go over this content. We see about seven angels who have seven last plagues. But then we see an interesting group of people – those who have overcome the beast, his image, and the number of his name. They are gathered before the throne, before the Lamb. They’re singing two songs here. What were the two songs that they were singing? According to verse 3, they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the Song of the Lamb. However, there are two other songs mentioned in Revelation.

 

Revelation 14:3 says, “And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.”

 

The third song of Revelation is revealed here, and we’ll talk about the fourth at the end of the lesson. It is not a good song, but there are three songs that belong to God: 

 

  1. the Song of Moses, 
  2. the Song of the Lamb, and 
  3. the New Song. 

 

So then, what do these mean? We’ll discuss them today. Each of these songs is very important for God’s people to understand so that we can sing them too. Right? I want to sing the new song. I want to sing the song of Moses. I want to sing the song of the Lamb. I want to be part of those people.



1. Physical Characteristics of a Song

 Romans 1:20 and Hosea 12:10

When you think of a song, what comes to mind? What are some characteristics of a song? It has lyrics. So, what is a characteristic of lyrics? 

 

In order to sing those lyrics, what must you do? You have to know the words, which means you have to go into a time of study.

 

1. You have to learn the song before you can sing it. This means you have to go into a time of training. You have to learn its different melodies, its structure, the beat, and its timing. There are many things you have to learn in order to be able to deliver that song.

 

2. Oftentimes, songs have a theme or a message that the song is conveying. It could be a love song, or a breakup song, which seems quite common in our times with pop music. “Oh, he was the worst. Right? Put a ring on it.” Right? It could be love songs or songs like that. But there could also be songs of sadness, about losing a loved one, and the song expresses pain. It could be a song of healing or religious songs, a song of praise, or gospel songs. Right, songs have a theme; they have a message behind them.

 

So, you have to learn the song before you can sing it, and songs have a theme. Now, let’s look at this through a spiritual lens, through the lens of the Bible, and explore the ways that songs were used by God. Let’s turn to the book of Psalms.

Reminder:

  1. Learn the song before you can sing
  2. Songs have a theme



2. Spiritual (True) Meaning of a Song

Psalms 119:54

Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.

ONE – Your decrees, your laws, your word are the theme of my song. What words need to be sung at any given time? 

They need to be God’s decrees and His laws. If one sings God’s decrees and His laws, they become embedded in their heart and mind. They can then recite those same decrees and laws. 

So, if the law or the word is in one’s heart, that person can then sing it or speak it to others. 

Song represents the word of sermons, also known as the word that is taught when one stands in front of others to teach. 

Spiritually, when someone is teaching the Word to others who are listening, it is as if that person is singing to them. From God’s perspective, that’s what it looks like. That person is singing to them the words that they had put in their hearts prior.

So then, what about the new song? If the song is the word of sermons, then what is the new song? 

New meaning has never been heard before. Songs are sung throughout, but a new song is sung only at a proper time. When? When things take place. So, the new song is the gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy. Songs are sermons that are taught daily, and the new song is the song that can only be sung at a proper time when prophecy is being fulfilled.

Psalm 119:172

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.

TWO – My tongue will sing of your words, for your commands, your decrees, your law. Your words are righteous. So, let us be those who are able to sing God’s Word. But first, we need to correctly learn it. 

And so, what is the process of God’s Word to reach us? Because there is a process.

Deuteronomy 31:19-21,30

19 “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. 20 When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. 21 And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.”

30 And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel:

.

 

THREE – We observe a significant sequence of events here. 

God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to transcribe the words of this song and recite it to the Israelites. Moses is conveying the words of the law, which were imparted to him, to the Israelites.

 

A crucial flow is occurring here, from God to Moses, and then to the Israelites. 

 

The flow was not directly from God to the Israelites. It was from God to Moses, and subsequently to the Israelites. And the Israelites were often displeased with the manner in which God conducted this process.

 

They frequently asserted, “God speaks to us directly.” But that’s not how events unfolded.

Numbers 12:1-9

1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.

3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:

“When there is a prophet among you,

    I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions,

    I speak to them in dreams.

7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;

    he is faithful in all my house.

8 With him I speak face to face,

    clearly and not in riddles;

    he sees the form of the Lord.

Why then were you not afraid

    to speak against my servant Moses?”

9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them.

This is a very important passage about how God’s Word often flows. 

 

It flows from God to the one whom God has chosen to sing or deliver that song. And God said something really key here: to the others, I speak in riddles, parables, and visions. But to Moses, I speak directly because he is the one I have chosen. How dare you speak against Moses?

 

God was angry. So when Moses was reciting the words, he was not reciting his own words but the words that God had given him directly. Therefore, to lift up arms or be angry at Moses really means that you are lifting up arms or you’re angry against God because God was working through Moses. 

 

Let’s go back to Deuteronomy 31 and look at what God had spoken through Moses to the people, what he warned them about, and what will take place with them.

 

In Deuteronomy 31, let’s look at a few things here. Why did God tell him to write it as a song? 

 

What do we think he did it that way? So that people can remember it. And Moses recited that song in verse 30, and he sang it to them. 

 

He taught them the decrees of God, and he did so in song form.

 

The song was a way to internalize the sermon so that people could remember it, particularly the song that God told Moses about. It was a song about which time? If we go to verse 21, it says, “When many disasters and difficulties come upon them, this song will testify against them. It will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” So what is the essence of the song that is being sung to the people? What is God telling the people?

 

A promise. What’s another way of saying promise? Prophecy.

 

The song that God is telling Moses to sing to the people is actually a prophecy, a promise of what will take place. 

 

So then a new song must be sung later to declare what the song had promised, the reality of that song. 

 

So let’s look at it because now we’re looking at the time of Moses.

 

The song of Moses should actually start to come into a little bit more clarity now. So let’s look at it like this: if the song is the word of sermons, especially prophecy, and the song of Moses would be the words of the Old Testament, the sermons of the Old Testament, the law, what had been declared in the first covenant? And then when Jesus came, Jesus brought a new song, how the Old Testament had been fulfilled. And then Jesus gave a new covenant at that time. So, the Song of the Lamb equals the New Testament.

 

The new song on the first coming, the new song generally, in the contents of the new song. And then we’ll look at the new song at the first coming and the second coming. But the song of Moses? Well, the words that God gave to him to declare to the Israelites contained prophecy and encompassed the Old Covenant or the first Covenant or the first or Old Testament.

 

And Jesus brought a new word at the time of the first coming. He sang a new song at that time, the song of the New Testament or the Song of the Lamb.

Reminder:

  1. God’s decrees word = Song (Pslams 119:54)
  2. Your word = Sing (Psalms 119:172)
  3. Prophesy = Song  (Deuteronomy 31:19-21,30)

Quick Review

Quick Review

We’re examining the figurative song, and we’ve learned that the song represents the word of sermons or the word that God is asking His chosen one to deliver to the people.

 

The new song, which we’ll explore now, is the gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy about what has been fulfilled according to the songs that have been sung. In the time of Revelation, there are four songs, but three on God’s side.

 

Three songs on God’s side must be sung: The Song of Moses, The Song of the Lamb, and the New Song.

 

We’re now looking at each of these different songs. First, we examined the Song of Moses. The song that Moses sang was the decree from God about the future of His chosen people, like a prophecy. Moses would preach that song to them. 

 

So, to sing actually means to preach.

 

“To declare the words that I have given you to the people.” To sing means to preach. Let’s now explore the new song that brought to its conclusion the words of Moses and provided new songs for the time of the first coming. We’ll examine the structure of the new song and then delve into the time of the first coming.



3. New Song

Isaiah 42:9-10

9 See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Song of Praise to the Lord

10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Some very important things are declared here.

 

So, what do we see in verse 9? We see that the former things have taken place.

Hmm, that language should set off alarm bells. What is being talked about here?

 

What are the former things?

And what does it mean that they have taken place?

It means that what has been prophesied has been fulfilled.

Now that it has been fulfilled, people need to hear about it.

 

That’s what the new song is about. Verse 10 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the coastlands and their inhabitants.”

Before they spring up, I will announce them to you. The new things I declare. So the former things have taken place.

 

People need to hear about what has been fulfilled. That is the content of the new song. The former things have been fulfilled, and people need to hear about it.

 

So, sing to the Lord a new song.



4. New Song at the First Coming

Isaiah 9:1-2

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

We see a prophecy in the book of Isaiah 9, which states that the people living in darkness in Galilee will see a great light. If there was a teacher, pastor, or priest during that time, they would preach about this prophecy mentioned in Isaiah. They would open the scroll of Isaiah and read it to the people in the synagogue: “A time is coming when the people in darkness will see a great light.” Even in Galilee, they would roll up the scroll and preach on the prophecy or sing about it.

 

However, if someone were to ask, “Dear priest, what is the light that is to come?” They could respond in a few ways. They might say, “I don’t know,” which could make people question whether they should listen to this person. Instead, people tend to speculate, “Oh, I believe this great light is the light of God. It must come from heaven, and it will be so bright that we cannot see.” The people would then respond, “Oh, okay, got it.”

 

They would continue by opening another prophecy in the prophet Isaiah. But when could the true meaning of that light be known? When it is fulfilled, as described in Matthew 4:12-17, which talks about the one who was the reality of that light. He could then testify to what he had seen and heard, what was given to him by God. At that time, God descended upon his son. Just like Moses, God gave him a word that he was to deliver to the people. “The words I speak are not my own.”

 

He belonged to the Father who sent him.

God would give Jesus the Word, and then Jesus declared that word to many people. If someone wanted to follow God, they needed to follow Jesus. It was no longer enough for people at the time of the first coming to follow the law of Moses, partly because they weren’t even doing it in its original way that the people at Moses’ time did it. But in reality, because an old era had passed away, and a new era had come to replace the old era.

 

 

However, people with the mindset of the old era often rejected what the new era was doing. “I don’t know. That doesn’t make sense. We like the law of Moses. That’s the song that we know how to sing.” And so they denied, oftentimes, the words that Jesus spoke. They rejected, oftentimes, the song that he was giving. But there were 12 who accepted the word of Jesus, as mentioned in Luke 24:44, to truly understand the song that Jesus needed to deliver to the people – that light that came out of Galilee.

Luke 24:44

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

This is what I have told you: everything recorded in the prophets must be fulfilled. These things written about me must take place; they must happen.

 

And when they occur, people need to understand that they have happened because it won’t be obvious to everyone that they have been fulfilled. So, they have to be taught. It has to be declared to them what has taken place.

 

That’s why I’ve been training you for three and a half years. The time we have spent together is not just for you to be filled, but so that you can then turn around and fill others.

 

But the time when Jesus came to speak to his disciples was very concentrated. There wasn’t enough time for fluff. We had to get to work. You have to understand this word I am declaring to you. You have to go through many trials so that you’re ready for the time when I return to the Father, and you’re on your own like that.

 

When I’m not standing here right next to you to guide you, to pick you up when you fall, you have to master this word first.

 

Let’s see how Jesus did the work of explaining the prophecies concerning himself to the people.

Luke 24:25-27,32

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

According to the Bible, what did Jesus say here? He had to explain to them everything concerning himself that was recorded in the law, the prophets, and even in the time of Moses.

 

When the people heard these words of Jesus and truly accepted them, it was as if they were listening to the most beautiful song.

 

Recall an experience when you’ve heard a song that touched you so deeply, it moved you to tears.

 

When someone hears a word like this, they too are moved to tears. I’ve noticed some of you experiencing this during the class, by God’s grace. Or you feel the spirit moving because the word has truly resonated with you, and you’re moved to tears.

 

That’s how the word should feel. That’s how the word should be delivered. When someone understands what has been fulfilled, those who were in darkness now understand the light.

 

The one who came in accordance with the light, when the song is sung correctly. So, the song that Jesus delivered at that time was a new song.

 

And then it became the Song of the Lamb. Now, let’s look at the new song at the second coming.



5. New Song at the Second Coming

Revelation 14:1-3

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

On Mount Zion, where the Lamb is, a new song will be sung, not just by John who witnessed these things but also by a group of people – the 144,000 who have been sealed and redeemed from the earth. They will then perceive that new song.

 

This new song will travel to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. As they hear the song, they will realize that things are finally taking place, and it is time to flee, to come out and gather at the place where that song is being sung – the only place where it can be taught.

 

What differentiates this type of place from all others? 

 

Now is the time to be direct. Am I at a place that delivers the new song? What new song do I need to hear? Not what was fulfilled 2,000 years ago, which we must know to understand today. But if they only talk about 2,000 years ago and have no interest in what is happening today, can I be sealed at that location?

 

Sometimes we might think, “Oh, the place where I am, they know what we’re learning here in the class, though I’ve never heard it before.” But to know something as impactful as the open word and not deliver it to your congregation would be deep malpractice. That person should step down from their position.

 

If we’re hearing this for the first time now, what does that mean about the place where I have been? And can I know this new song continually at that location? Or do I need to be a conduit that God is using to deliver it to them because God chose me at this time?

 

You are not here by accident. You were not called by mistake. You’re here on purpose. You were called. But as Jesus said many times in parables, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Jesus spoke to everyone in parables, but only the disciples listened and understood.

 

What about our time now? Are we here for head knowledge? “Oh, that’s nice. Now I understand the figurative song.” Then I go about my business. Or should I be thinking, “Oh my goodness. I’m learning the new song. It’s time to go. Like that. Things are happening. It isn’t playtime anymore. It’s go time.” How are we reacting to what we’re hearing?

 

“Take notes, okay. Close the book. Now go do other things.” Or “Oh my goodness. Are my hearts burning like the disciples of that time?” So it’s really time to discern.

 

When you look at the time of the first coming when Jesus worked with his disciples, they went about and healed people. They spoke to people. They took care of people. But the most important job they did was to deliver the new word that needed to be spoken. That was job number one. It superseded everything else that Jesus asked them to do. It was their number one purpose.

 

“Make sure people hear this word. Make disciples of me. Help them to live according to the way that I live according to the words of my father.” Not according to the traditions of men for which they were used to, which put them in darkness, not understanding anything.

 

“Teach them the way that I have taught you. And make them disciples like you.” The number one most important factor of discipleship is this: Number one, it’s not volunteering, it’s not mission trips, it’s not concerts. It’s the word. Is the word at that place and not just any word, but the most important word for people to hear at this time.

 

Now! What is God doing today? This is what people need to be hearing.

 

But there are two ways to react when someone hears this word.

Hebrews 3:16 – Hebrew 4:3

16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

 

1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,

    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.

So, what did we observe here? The writer of Hebrews is describing the people during the time of Moses. And what does he say about them? 

These people struggled to comprehend the era they were living in, even though the gospel was preached to them. They did not combine the words they were hearing with faith. They did not value the words that Moses taught them from God. And because they did not appreciate the significance of the events unfolding in their time, they could not enter the rest. Did you know that there are multiple Gospels in the Bible?

 

When we hear “gospel,” we often think only about the first coming.

But “gospel” has a broader meaning: good news that God has fulfilled what he promised. That’s the essence of the gospel. So, every gospel in the Bible falls into that category, that God has accomplished what he had promised.

 

 

Therefore, when we hear in our time today what God has done, as he promised, we should listen and then act swiftly, listen and then flee, listen and then take action. Are we grasping the importance? 

 

How can we comprehend the revealed word today? It cannot be something that can be predicted beforehand. That’s not what “revealed” means. Revealed means explained after it has been fulfilled.

 

Let’s proceed, time is of the essence. Let’s master the new song together because it is being sung. So, where are you hearing that song?



6. Satan’s Song

We must also avoid Satan’s song, as mentioned in a passage similar to the trumpets in Revelation 18:22-24. This passage speaks of Satan’s song, which consists of false words and false testimonies that must be avoided by those who have added to or subtracted from the word. Therefore, we must steer clear of Satan’s songs. At the time of the fulfillment of Revelation 18, these songs will cease to exist. They will be no more, and the true new song will take precedence, becoming the chief song to be sung.



Memorization

Psalm 119:172

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.

 

Instructor Review

SUMMARY

 

Today, we learned about the figurative song. The song represents the word of sermons. The word of sermons and the new song is the gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy. It is what has been fulfilled according to what God has spoken. God’s decrees should be sung.

If I were to sing “papapapaPa” (the McDonald’s tune), what would come to your mind? Would you think about McDonald’s? In the middle of a lesson, right? I sang that song because it’s a song associated with a specific place, McDonald’s.

So when you hear that song, you immediately think of McDonald’s. Similarly, what is the new song that we should instantly associate with Mount Zion? It is the song of how God’s prophecies have been fulfilled. At the time of the first coming, Moses sang to the people God’s decrees. Part of that decree was a prophecy about what would happen to the people in the future. That became the song of Moses, the Old Testament.

Then Jesus came and sang a new song, about how the prophecies had been fulfilled. That was the song of the Lamb, the New Testament.

And so, what is the closing of the New Testament, the new song of our time? It is the song of the gospel of the fulfillment. The fulfillment of what? The prophecies of the Second Coming. That’s the song we need to hear today.

Remember the details: Who? What? When? Where? Why? And how? That is what we need to be hearing. And if we’re not hearing it at a place where we’re receiving spiritual food, we need to think about that place. And truly discern that place. Not because it makes us feel good, but because of what we need to know about what is being fulfilled.

This is not a life, not a game, but life and death, truly. Amen.

Let’s Us Discern

Discernment is still a work in progress ….  Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Analysis

Questions to Self-Reflect

Outline

Unveiling the Figurative Song: Outline

I. Introduction: Setting the Stage

  • This section introduces the concept of the “figurative song” within the context of biblical prophecy and its significance in understanding God’s plan.
  • It draws a parallel with the previously studied “figurative trumpet,” emphasizing recurring patterns in biblical symbolism.
  • A key takeaway is the concept of God replacing the old with the new, illustrated by the example of Noah’s ark.

II. Overcoming the Flesh: A Call to Perseverance

  • This section uses the story of Jesus praying in Gethsemane while his disciples sleep to highlight the spiritual struggle facing believers.
  • It emphasizes the importance of vigilance and prayer in resisting temptation, particularly when approaching spiritual milestones.
  • The message encourages steadfastness in faith, drawing a parallel with Peter’s wavering faith while walking on water.
  • It reinforces the idea that difficulties are indicators of progress and Satan’s opposition.

III. Figurative Song: Deciphering the Lyrics

  • This section dives into Revelation 15:1-4, introducing the three key songs of God: the Song of Moses, the Song of the Lamb, and the New Song.
  • It poses the question of the true meaning of these songs and their significance for believers.
  • It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the spiritual meaning and application of songs in a biblical context.

IV. The Anatomy of a Song: Physical and Spiritual Characteristics

  • This section explores the characteristics of a song, both in its physical form and its spiritual representation.
  • It uses Psalms 119:54 and Hosea 12:10 to establish the connection between songs and God’s word, suggesting that songs represent sermons and teachings.
  • It defines the New Song as the gospel of fulfilled prophecy, sung at a specific time when prophecy comes to fruition.

V. The Flow of God’s Word: From Source to Singer

  • This section delves into the process of how God’s Word reaches humanity, using examples from Deuteronomy 31 and Numbers 12.
  • It highlights the crucial role of chosen individuals, like Moses, who receive God’s word directly and then deliver it to the people.
  • It emphasizes the danger of rejecting God’s messengers, as doing so equates to rejecting God Himself.
  • The section connects the song of Moses to prophecy and the Old Testament, setting the stage for the New Song brought by Jesus.

VI. New Song at the First Coming: The Song of the Lamb

  • This section focuses on the New Song introduced by Jesus, connecting it to Isaiah’s prophecies of a great light dawning in Galilee.
  • It analyzes the fulfillment of this prophecy through the coming of Jesus, as described in Matthew 4:12-17.
  • It highlights the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, symbolized by the transition from the Song of Moses to the Song of the Lamb.
  • This section emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the New Song brought by Jesus, as exemplified by the disciples who learned from him.

VII. New Song at the Second Coming: A Call to Discern

  • This section examines the New Song in the context of the Second Coming, as described in Revelation 14:1-3.
  • It emphasizes the unique ability of the 144,000 sealed individuals to understand and sing this New Song.
  • It challenges believers to discern whether they are hearing this new song in their current spiritual environments and to seek out places where it is being taught.
  • This section underscores the urgency of the time and the need for action based on the understanding of the New Song.

VIII. The Two Responses to the New Song: Belief vs. Unbelief

  • This section draws a parallel between the Israelites’ response to Moses’ song and the potential responses to the New Song today, using Hebrews 3:16 – 4:3.
  • It warns against the dangers of unbelief and failing to act on the revealed word, leading to an inability to enter God’s rest.
  • It emphasizes the importance of aligning faith with the understanding of fulfilled prophecy, leading to action and true spiritual rest.

IX. Satan’s Song: A Warning to Avoid Falsehood

  • This section introduces the concept of Satan’s song, described in Revelation 18:22-24, as a counterpoint to the New Song.
  • It characterizes Satan’s song as a collection of false words and testimonies, aimed at deceiving those who have distorted or rejected God’s word.
  • It emphasizes the need to discern and reject false teachings, highlighting the ultimate victory of the true New Song over all falsehoods.

X. Conclusion: The Urgency of the New Song

  • This section summarizes the key learnings about the figurative song, highlighting its connection to God’s Word, prophecy, and the different covenants throughout biblical history.
  • It underscores the importance of recognizing the New Song being sung today, centered around the fulfilled prophecies of the Second Coming.
  • It leaves the reader with a call to action: to actively seek out and align themselves with the true New Song and act upon its message with urgency and purpose.

A Study Guide

Unlocking the Secrets of Heaven: A Study Guide on Figurative Song

Quiz: Testing Your Understanding

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

  1. What is the primary representation of a “song” in a spiritual context?
  2. Explain the two key characteristics of a song, both in a general and spiritual sense.
  3. Describe the flow of God’s word, as exemplified through Moses and the Israelites.
  4. Why did God choose to deliver His message to the Israelites through song?
  5. What is the core theme of the “new song” introduced in Isaiah 42:9-10?
  6. Explain the connection between the “great light” prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2 and its fulfillment.
  7. Why was it crucial for Jesus to explain the prophecies concerning himself to his disciples?
  8. Who are the singers of the “new song” at the Second Coming, and what makes this song unique?
  9. What distinguishes a place that delivers the “new song” from other spiritual gatherings?
  10. What is the danger of “Satan’s Song,” and how can we avoid it?

Quiz Answer Key

  1. In a spiritual context, a “song” represents the word of sermons, the message that God wants to convey to His people.
  2. The two key characteristics of a song are: a) It needs to be learned before it can be sung, implying a period of study and training. b) It carries a theme or message, conveying a specific idea or emotion.
  3. God’s word often flows from Him to a chosen individual, like Moses, who then delivers the message to the people. This indirect approach emphasizes the authority of God’s chosen messenger.
  4. God chose to deliver His message through song to ensure memorability and internalization. Songs, with their melodies and rhythms, facilitate better retention and understanding.
  5. The “new song” in Isaiah 42:9-10 proclaims the fulfillment of past prophecies and announces new things that God is about to do.
  6. The “great light” prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2 foretold the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus, who would bring light and hope to those living in darkness. Matthew 4:12-17 describes the fulfillment of this prophecy with Jesus’ arrival in Galilee.
  7. It was crucial for Jesus to explain the prophecies to his disciples because the fulfillment of these prophecies wasn’t always obvious. Understanding the connection between prophecy and its fulfillment deepened their faith and prepared them for their ministry.
  8. The 144,000 redeemed from the earth sing the “new song” at the Second Coming. This song is unique because it reveals the fulfillment of the prophecies regarding the Second Coming and can only be understood by those who have been sealed.
  9. A place delivering the “new song” emphasizes the present-day relevance of God’s word, focusing on current events and their connection to biblical prophecy. It goes beyond historical interpretations and highlights the urgency of the times.
  10. “Satan’s Song” consists of false words and deceptive teachings that contradict God’s true message. We can avoid it by remaining grounded in the authentic Word of God and discerning truth from falsehood.

Additional Questions

1. What is the meaning of the figurative song and new song?

– song: word of sermon
– new song: gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy

2. How many songs are there and what are they?

– Song of Moses: words of Old Testament
– Song of the Lamb: words of New Testament
– New Song: gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy
– Satan’s song: Lies/false truth

3. Where should we be to hear the new song?

– Mount Zion

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Figurative Song: A symbolic representation of the word of sermons, conveying God’s message to His people.
  • New Song: The gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy, announcing God’s actions and the unfolding of His plan.
  • Song of Moses: The words of the Old Testament, representing the law and prophecies given to Moses.
  • Song of the Lamb: The words of the New Testament, revealing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus Christ.
  • Satan’s Song: False words and deceptive teachings that contradict God’s true message and lead people astray.
  • Prophecy: A divinely inspired message revealing future events or God’s plan.
  • Fulfillment: The realization or completion of a prophecy.
  • Sealed: Marked by God as belonging to Him and protected from judgment.
  • Discipleship: The process of following and learning from Jesus Christ, embodying His teachings in one’s life.

Breakdown

Timeline of Events

This timeline is constructed based on the interpretation of biblical prophecy presented in the provided lesson.

Old Testament Era (Time of Moses):

  • God delivers laws and prophecies to Moses. These pronouncements cover the future of the Israelites and serve as a covenant between God and his people.
  • Moses teaches these laws and prophecies to the Israelites, using songs and sermons. The song acts as a mnemonic device, helping the people remember the teachings and prophecies.
  • The Israelites struggle to fully comprehend and follow the teachings. They often rebel against God and Moses, failing to internalize the importance of the covenant.
  • The Old Testament is formed, encapsulating the Song of Moses, the law, and the prophecies. This becomes the foundation for the future understanding of God’s plan.

New Testament Era (First Coming of Jesus):

  • Prophecies from the Old Testament, including those spoken by Moses, begin to be fulfilled. This signifies a transition from the old era to a new one.
  • Jesus arrives, fulfilling the prophecy of a light coming to Galilee. He preaches a new song, the Song of the Lamb, which explains the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and introduces the New Covenant.
  • Jesus spends three and a half years teaching his disciples the true meaning of the scriptures and the new song. He prepares them to continue his work after his ascension.
  • Jesus explains how the prophecies in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all point to him. He clarifies the connection between the old song and the new song.
  • The New Testament is formed, containing the Song of the Lamb and the teachings of Jesus. This forms the basis for understanding the fulfillment of the first coming and the anticipation of the second coming.

Present Era (Leading up to the Second Coming):

  • A new song is being sung, revealing the fulfillment of prophecies relating to the Second Coming. This new song is accessible only to those who are receptive to it and seek it out.
  • The 144,000 sealed and redeemed individuals are able to perceive and learn this new song. They gather on Mount Zion, the symbolic place where the Lamb resides.
  • It is crucial for individuals to discern whether they are in a place where the new song is being taught. Staying in a place that clings to outdated teachings or ignores present-day fulfillment will prevent one from receiving the seal.
  • Those who hear the new song must act swiftly and decisively, fleeing from places of spiritual darkness and joining the gathering on Mount Zion. This is not a time for complacency but for urgent action.
  • Satan’s song, filled with false teachings and distortions of the word, continues to be propagated. Individuals must be vigilant in avoiding these deceptive messages.
  • Ultimately, Satan’s song will be silenced, and the true new song will prevail. This signifies the victory of truth and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Cast of Characters

1. God: The central figure and source of all truth and prophecy. He delivers his word through chosen individuals like Moses and Jesus.

2. Moses: The prophet chosen by God to deliver the law and prophecies to the Israelites. He sings the Song of Moses, which forms the foundation of the Old Testament.

3. Israelites: The chosen people of God who received the law and prophecies through Moses. They struggled with obedience and comprehension, hindering their entry into God’s rest.

4. Jesus (The Lamb): The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the bringer of the New Covenant. He sang a new song, the Song of the Lamb, explaining the fulfillment of the old prophecies and ushering in a new era.

5. Disciples: The followers of Jesus who learned directly from him the true meaning of the scriptures and the new song. They were tasked with spreading the message and making disciples of all nations.

6. The 144,000: The chosen individuals sealed and redeemed from the earth. They are able to perceive and learn the new song being sung on Mount Zion, signifying the fulfillment of prophecies related to the Second Coming.

7. Satan: The adversary who seeks to deceive and mislead people through false teachings and distortions of the word. His song, filled with lies, competes with the true new song.

8. Individuals in the present era: Each person faces the critical choice of discerning the truth and seeking out the new song. Their response to the revealed word determines their spiritual destiny.

Overview

Overview: Figurative Song and the New Song

 

Core Concept: The concept of “song” is used figuratively throughout the Bible, particularly in Revelation, to represent God’s word and the preaching of that word. The “New Song” symbolizes the gospel of fulfilled prophecy, marking a transition from an old era to a new one.

Key Themes:

  • Figurative Song as God’s Word: The song is not a literal melody but a metaphor for God’s decrees, laws, and sermons. Psalm 119:54 emphasizes this: “Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.” The act of singing represents teaching and preaching God’s word to others.
  • Flow of God’s Word: The Word flows from God to a chosen individual (like Moses or Jesus) and then to the people. Numbers 12 highlights this, emphasizing God’s direct communication with Moses and his displeasure with those who challenged Moses’ authority.
  • Prophecy as Song: The songs often contain prophecies about future events. Deuteronomy 31 showcases this, where God instructs Moses to teach the Israelites a song that will serve as a witness and a reminder of God’s promises and warnings.
  • New Song as Fulfilled Prophecy: The “New Song” signifies the fulfillment of previous prophecies and the dawn of a new era. Isaiah 42:9-10 highlights this transition: “See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you… Sing to the Lord a new song…”
  • New Songs Across Eras:Song of Moses (Old Testament): Represented the law and prophecies of the Old Covenant.
  • Song of the Lamb (New Testament): Marked the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus Christ and ushered in the New Covenant.
  • New Song at the Second Coming (Revelation): Proclaims the fulfillment of prophecies related to the Second Coming and the establishment of God’s Kingdom.

Importance of Discernment:

The lesson stresses the need to discern the true “New Song” from false teachings. It warns against “Satan’s song” (Revelation 18:22-24), which represents false words and testimonies. Individuals are urged to find a place where the genuine “New Song” of fulfilled prophecy is being taught and to react to it with urgency and action.

Call to Action:

The lesson urges students to:

  • Seek out the true “New Song” being sung today: Identify the location where the fulfillment of Second Coming prophecies is being taught.
  • React with urgency and action: Embrace the message of the “New Song” and act upon it, not merely acquire head knowledge.
  • Prioritize the Word: Recognize that teaching and spreading the “New Song” should be the primary focus, above all other activities.

Key Quotes:

  • “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” So we really have to pray to overcome our flesh so that we don’t fall into temptation.
  • “Why are you looking at the waves? I’m right here, the word” Stay focused. Keep running towards me like that. The word will be our strength.
  • “Now is the time to be direct. Am I at a place that delivers the new song? What new song do I need to hear? “
  • “You are not here by accident. You were not called by mistake. You’re here on purpose. You were called. But as Jesus said many times in parables, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Jesus spoke to everyone in parables, but only the disciples listened and understood.”
  • “This is not a life, not a game, but life and death, truly.”

Q&A

Q&A: The Figurative Song and the New Song

1. What does the “song” symbolize in a spiritual context?

The “song” in the Bible symbolizes the word of God delivered through sermons or teachings. It represents the message that God wants to convey to his people. Just like a song has lyrics, the spiritual song consists of God’s decrees, laws, and words that are to be internalized and shared with others.

2. What is the significance of the “new song”?

The “new song” represents the gospel of the fulfillment of prophecy. It signifies the announcement and explanation of how God’s promises have come to pass. It is a declaration that a new era has arrived, bringing a new understanding and way of life.

3. What are the three main songs on God’s side mentioned in Revelation?

The three songs are:

  • The Song of Moses: Represents the Old Testament, containing God’s decrees and prophecies about the future of his chosen people.
  • The Song of the Lamb: Represents the New Testament, proclaiming the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus Christ and establishing a new covenant.
  • The New Song: Represents the ongoing revelation of God’s fulfilled prophecies, specifically those related to the Second Coming.

4. How was the “new song” manifested at the first coming of Jesus?

Jesus sang a new song by fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and revealing their true meaning. He explained how the law and prophets pointed to him as the Messiah. His teachings and actions constituted the new song, bringing a new understanding of God’s plan and salvation.

5. Who will sing the “new song” at the Second Coming?

According to Revelation, the 144,000 who are sealed and redeemed from the earth will sing the new song on Mount Zion, where the Lamb is. This song will spread to all nations, signaling the fulfillment of end-time prophecies and prompting people to seek refuge in God.

6. What is the danger of “Satan’s song”?

“Satan’s song” represents false teachings and distorted interpretations of the Word of God. It aims to deceive people and lead them astray. Those who add to or subtract from God’s word contribute to Satan’s song, which ultimately leads to spiritual destruction.

7. Why is it crucial to discern the “true” song in our time?

Discerning the true song—the message of fulfilled prophecy—is vital for our spiritual well-being. It helps us understand God’s plan, recognize the signs of the times, and make necessary preparations for the coming events. Failing to recognize the true song can lead to complacency, spiritual stagnation, and ultimately, missing out on God’s promised salvation.

8. How should we respond to hearing the “new song”?

We should respond with urgency and action. It’s not enough to merely acknowledge the message; we must actively seek out places where the true song is being taught, internalize the revealed word, and live accordingly. The new song calls for a transformation of our lives and a commitment to sharing this vital message with others.

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