Page 74 - Gods Plan of the Ages

Revelation 3:21-22
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also
overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches.

That which Reuben lost due to his lack of self-control, proved to be Joseph's gain. The
Scriptures similarly warn believers today to not walk carelessly, and thereby let someone
else take the crown that could be theirs.

Revelation 3:11
"I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown."

Joseph stands as a type of those who will obtain glory and honor above their brothers.
He is a shadow of those saints who will receive a double portion and the birthright
belonging to the firstborn.

Genesis 48:21-22
Then Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you, and bring
you back to the land of your fathers. I give you one portion more than your brothers,
which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow."

I Chronicles 5:1-2
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he
defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so
that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Though Judah
prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to
Joseph)...

The struggle for the birthright is seen throughout the Old Testament, for it points to
this most profound issue in the kingdom of God. There is an inheritance in Christ to be
contended for, and only a remnant will qualify themselves for it. Jacob earnestly desired
both the birthright and the blessing. His twin brother Esau was the firstborn, but he showed
little regard for his inheritance. Esau forsook his birthright to satisfy the appetite of his
flesh. For a bowl of pottage, Esau gave his birthright to another. Esau stands as a sign, and
a warning, to Christians lest they too should forfeit their spiritual inheritance by putting the
temporal fulfillment of their natural appetites above the will and pleasure of God.

Hebrews 12:15-17
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God..., that there be no immoral or
godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a meal. For you know that even
afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place
for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

The apostle would not give such a warning to the saints unless there were those in the
body of Christ who stood to commit a similar transgression. When the saints stand in
judgment and see that inheritance that is reserved for the overcomers inChrist, it will be too
late. There will be found no place for repentance though it is sought with many tears. The
honor of being the firstborn of Christ will have passed beyond their grasp.
There are resurrections other than the first. All men will in their own order be