Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
This passage of scripture teaches us that truth is progressive in nature, for new revelations of God, truth, and duty will always be revealed to finite beings, both in the here and now and also in the great hereafter. When the numbers are finally tallied, and God makes up the subjects of His kingdom, then a whole new set of revelations about God will begin and will continue throughout eternity, for anytime we reach a point where there is nothing else to be learned about God, then He ceases to be God. In lieu of this sacred truth of ongoing revelations, it becomes necessary for our mindset to be of such that we can continue to learn of God's will, and not get stuck in stereotypes that have no relevance, meaning, importance, or application for our generation. This attitude is of critical importance for those who are living in the evening shadows of earth's history, when according to the Bible, the earth will be lightened with the glory of God.
In ancient times God permitted certain practices, and even gave instructions concerning them, of which He was never ever in agreement with, yet He tolerated it because of the gross idolatry and spiritual darkness which had engrossed the earth as a pall of death. Polygamy was very early introduced to the human family, and even amongst those who were true followers of God, the practice had taken such deep root, that for a time it seemed as if God went along with it, and according to what is written in certain verses of scripture, some people have even erroneously concluded that it was actually countenanced by God. Let's read:
2nd Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
Now some people have pointed to certain verses of scripture such as these as proof that God approved of polygamy, when in fact He hated the practice so much that it was given as one of the reasons why He brought the flood of waters to cover the entire earth, destroying both man and beast in the process. Furthermore, Jesus Himself clarified God's will by stating explicitly that the practice was never intended to be a part of the fabric of society, and thus, whatever might have been said or done, or permitted by God in the past, the buck now stops with Jesus Christ, who has the final word. Let's read:
Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
In our own experiences, we should also remember that truth continues to be progressive, even in our day, for there are cherished concepts contained in the Bible that may need to be addressed by the Holy Spirit, and therefore it's very important for us to cultivate the attitude of a learner in the school of Christ. One of the main points to remember as we grow, is that God's audible voice trumps anything that is written, if there is, or seems to be a conflict of ideas, for God is never to be confined or restricted to doctrines, interpretations, and limitations of man.
When Christ walked this earth His disciples were found plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath day, and a so-called valid complaint of disobedience was made to Christ. But in Christ's response He showed that He is The Lord of the Sabbath, and therefore if His disciples were with Him, and He had no problem with what they were doing, then whatever might be written in the old Testament concerning the issue would have to take a back seat, because The Lord of the Sabbath has the final say.
Let us therefore be willing to be led by God, for in the last days of earth's history, those of us who hear and obey His audible voice will have the joy of taking the last message of salvation to a dying world, and when that time comes, His literal voice will be heard and obeyed by those who have cultivated the habit of listening. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and let's remember that it was not God's original will for His word to be written, but rather spoken. Let's read:
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. 6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. 8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
He that hat an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. "Good night" and God bless!