Thrice Trumpeted Truths

Preface

“Lets look for some threes (triples) in the Bible,” I announced to our senior saints study group (about 30). But no excited looks! So what to do? I put my “life on the line” and began with Genesis 1. Then eureka!! A triple set of triples. We were on a roll. Maybe we can survive three sessions – possibly four. However, the path of discovery was amazing. It became an adventuresome six month journey.

We didn’t find any hidden messages. We didn’t look for any. What we found were awesome, uniquely described thrice trumpeted truths that proclaim many of the key doctrines of Scripture.

It was almost as though secrets were being discovered. Not secret new truths, but an unveiling of unique display patterns. Personally, I was moved to tears by some triples I had never noticed or heard mentioned – such as nine sets in John 18 & 19. They are awesome! These must be shared!

Class members became intrigued and began to identify triples from their own studies. We found so many that we had to end our search before looking at the Prophets, the Epistles, or the Psalms. Might we find some in Revelation? (How about seven sets in chapter one?)

Question: Why three?

If God says it once, that should be sufficient. To say it twice is definite. However, if He says it three times it is evident that He wants to make certain that we both hear and heed. Elihu, with insight into human nature, stated: “For God speaketh once, yea twice , yet man perceiveth it not” (Job 33:14). Evidently a third time is needed for humankind’s slow ear.

Part Two

Redemption

Section IV

Jesus’ Authority

Trumpeted in Three Gospels

It seems that several sections begin with a statement of amazement. Please do not tire of it! Remember our search was to last for 3 or 4 sessions because none of us thought there were sufficient threes or triples for any type of prolonged study. This next section was discovered by accident and we were amazed! Perhaps some readers had put these accounts together as triples of certainty, but I had not and neither had I heard nor read of this connection.

This was amazing! We found seven domains of Jesus’ authority that are verified by a miracle or statement by Jesus with at least one incident for each domain being recorded in all three synoptic Gospels. (There is not an eighth found in all three Gospels.) These domains: authority over nature, over sickness, over blindness, over Satan, over the Sabbath, over the power of sin’s penalty, and most significantly – over death. Also note, a total of twelve of the following accounts are found in all three gospels.

Section V

Jesus’ Last Day

By now it should be evident: we were looking for triples in all types of settings. When our search for triples began to focus on Jesus’ last 24 hours, amazingly they began to leap out at us. The events were the Passover supper, the garden agony, a religious trial, two political trials, His crucifixion, and death.

I have heard many messages based on these accounts, read commentaries, and consulted various authors but none identified the multiple triples. Thus, it was a personal thrill to find these new insights into the certainty of God’s revelation; there were so many that it cannot be a statistical accident. These patterns reflect an amazing, revealed design because we know that “Holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The Lord was so purposeful in His revelation that any reader must pause to ponder its awesomeness.

Section VI

Jesus on Trial

I knew it, but had never put the three trials together in my mind as having the significance of a triple. But here they were, a triple, three ruling jurisdictions each declaring with certainty both the innocence and death sentence of the Redeemer.

There have been “trials of the century” but these were the trials of the ages. Some have said that Jesus’ trials were a battle between good and evil, but they each go beyond a question of ethics. Each trial displayed powerful evidences of the continuing battle between God and Satan.

This battle can be described as a three round battle.

The Epic Battle

Round Three

Did Satan really think this would be the final round? Satan is ready to implement his will and defeat God’s plan. It would seem that Satan hopes this will be the decisive blow.

Jesus was taken captive by wicked men who were determined to kill Him. Little did they realize that their actions were like those of puppets throughout “Round Three” of this epic battle.

Again, we were amazed to find this account to be filled with triples.

As the battle progresses, let’s imagine ourselves as spectators! (Remember the series: “You are there”?) In a sense, we were there as our sins were placed on Him!

Section IX

The Resurrection

Also we must note that the New Testament clearly proclaims the resurrection. Any triples? You know the answer!

Part Four

The Gospel

Section I

Good News: Needed

Question: Why is Good News needed? Are there any triples that answer this question?

Section II

The New Birth

It was Jesus who spoke of the new birth when He said, “Ye must be born again.”

Born again: The term “born again” is used exactly three times in the New Testament.

How can a person become righteous?

Imputed Righteousness

God said concerning Jesus and His death, “For he hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Because of Jesus’ sinless life and death, God will both grant forgiveness of sin and impart righteousness (endow us with Christ’s righteousness). The process is simple. . . .

The example of Abraham’s belief and God viewing him as righteous is cited three times: . . .

What a person does with Jesus Christ is the most important decision that can ever be made; this decision determines eternal destiny.

Section III

The Return of Jesus Christ

The Trumpet Sound

The return of Jesus Christ is a major theme throughout the Scriptures. Associated with this event is the sounding of The Trumpet of God. You may not believe it but there are three New Testament passages that trumpet the truth for the trumpet’s sounding at the return of Christ.

The Final Promise

Here we are at the Scripture’s final thrice trumped truth. This concluding triple was spoken by Jesus Christ Himself. This is a spectacular triple proclamation of certainty.

> I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. . . .

And, behold,

> I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely

> I come quickly. Amen.” (Revelation 22:7-20)