Today, we unpacked the deep doctrinal truths found in Matthew 7:6, 15-23. Jesus used metaphors of dogs and swine to describe false teachers and truth rejectors. He says, Do not share holy things with these people, they will only turn against you and trample the truth that was delivered to them.
David, in Psalm 22, prophesied of the crucifixion of Christ. In v.12-16, David introduces the bulls of Bashan along with the familiar term of dogs (the assembly of the wicked). Bulls were used many times in the ancient world to depict the gods they worshipped. Bulls are metaphors that represent the demonic / satanic forces that rule this world under the prince of the power of the air, the devil himself.
The wicked spiritual kingdom described in Ephesians 6:10-13, is the kingdom we wrestle against. The sons of God in Genesis 6, the bulls of Bashan in Psalms 22, and the princes of this world described in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (Daniel 10:13) were gathered around the cross rejoicing in the death of Messiah King Jesus. The physical participants were the religious leaders (dogs) and the thieves and the crowd represent the swine – the truth rejectors. The bulls of Bashan are the invisible, spiritual forces, including Satan himself, all in attendance to make sure of the death of Christ.
Paul warns us to steer clear of dogs / false teachers in these last days. The gradual downward spiral from pure doctrine to teachers who will tickle itching ears is a long journey through this dispensation of the grace of God, bringing us to these last days described below. 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 12-13, 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Peter also speaks of false teachers in the end times using the same metaphors – dogs and swine, in 2 Peter 2:18-22.
What judgment is awaiting dogs and swine? In Matthew 7:21-23, they will plead their cases when Messiah King Jesus sits on his throne of judgment at the 2nd Advent, his visible, physical return described in Revelation 19:11-21. They will cry, Lord, Lord, and describe all the wonderful works they did for the Messiah. He will reply, I never knew you. Depart from me ye that work iniquity. Revelation 22:14-15 gives the final destination of the false teachers. They will be left out of the eternal kingdom of righteousness forever in the lake of fire.
It doesn't matter what the plans of Satan and his kingdom of wickedness are, they are already defeated by the King of kings and Lord of lords. The victory secured in the cross, was hidden from the princes of this world, and we are the beneficiaries – salvation by grace alone, not by the works of the law.
