The Character of Job
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Introduction
We continue with understanding Job’s character and experience. Previously, we established that Job represents God’s people that will be hated by all nations at the end of the world. Also that God declared Job righteous and upright. In this brief study, we examine his character in light of the everlasting gospel.
The Patience of the Saints
From the account in the book of Job, it is evident that Job was patient and waited upon God in the most trying circumstances. The new testament also confirms this in James 5.
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5
God’s true people will suffer affliction and exhibit the same patience that Job had. This will happen while the evil or seducers will become worse in character (more wicked). The wicked will deceive but they are also under the deception of Satan “deceiving, and being deceived”. Any gospel, preaching non-suffering of Christians in this world, is truly a false message.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13
Our patience and faith must be in God’s word that even if we are persecuted, He will vindicate us. God has already sentenced those that will persecute His people. This is expressed in the words, “he that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with a sword must be killed with the sword”. Even though this may be in the future in the time of persecution, God’s people must find comfort in his promise and thus exercise patience and faith in His Word.
The Everlasting Gospel
The everlasting gospel is clearly revealed in Revelation 14. Let us look at Job’s character in relation to the gospel.
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Job 1
Job feared God, which means to depart from evil.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Proverbs 16
In our day, the call to fear God is given in the first angel of Revelation 14. This is the “everlasting” gospel to be preached unto them that dwell on the earth.
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come:and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14
Immediately after the third angel’s message of Revelation 14:9, the scriptures highlight the “patience of the saints” and those that “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus”. In other words, in the mark of the beast crisis, these are the characteristics that will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14
Did Job also keep God’s commandments as in Revelation 14?
11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Job 23
Not only did Job keep God’s way and his commandments but he also practiced temperance, “esteemed the truth more than his necessary food”.
Conclusion
A part of Job’s persecution or affliction was a health crisis brought by Satan in the form of boils. In the most recent health crisis, the unvaccinated tasted a measure of the wrath of the dragon powers (through draconian mandates and persecution) and became “hated of all nations.”
This, we believe, is a pre-figuring of what is to come in the near future for God’s people. It is warning meant to wake up God’s people and get them ready and prepared for the coming crisis. The inspired experience of Job is one of the many examples we can draw courage and spiritual strength from.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Mark 13
The character of Job through a great crisis demonstrates the principles and standard required by those who embrace the everlasting gospel. In similar manner, they must fear God by departing from evil, be patient and endure unto the end.