Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
The truth of the four horsemen is important because it dispells the futurist eschatology and it's fear mongering false prophets. Identifying who the rider on the white horse is sets the tone for the rest of the chapter in terms of a Historcist or Futurist understanding of bible prophecy. Why is this important? Because your understanding of eschatology largely determines how you live out your life in the present, especially your walk in Messiah. It also largely determines how you view the identity of the church, Israel, Mystery Babylon, the anti-Messiah and also salvation.
Historcist eschatology promotes a healthy balanced view of what we is called "the end times", whereas Futurist eschatology promotes a panicking fear mongering escapist mentality. Historcist eschatology views that events of the book of Revelation unfolding from the time of the ascension of the Son of God all the way until his second advent. Futurist eschatology views most of the events of the book of Revelation as unfolding in the last 7 years of earth's history which is a very brief time period. Futurists always believe that the rapture of the church is right around the corner and because of that, things in this life should be viewed as largely unimportant. This view also posits all the calamities of the book of Revelation happening in a very brief time span. This often causes many Christians to have an extremely unhealthy fear of the near future and leads to ridiculous end times scenarios rivaling that of comic books and Sci-fi movies. One of the many errors of futurist eschatology is the identification of the rider of the white horse as the anti-Messiah. Let's now go to chapter 6 of Revelation and put these seals in their proper context and time. Revelation 6:1-2 1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, Come. 2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. One thing to note is that chapter 6 comes right after the Messiah's appearance before the Ancient of Days (Jehovah God). Chapter 5 of Revelation is obviously a picture into the heavenly tabernacle and time wise, it is obviously right after the Messiah's ascension. Revelation 5:7-10 7 And he came, and he taketh it out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood [men] of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10 and madest them [to be] unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth. Jehoshua taking the book with seven seals from Jehovah God is obviously connected time-wise with his death, atonement,. resurrection and ascension as we read in verses 9-10. In fact, this whole scene in chapter 5 is in conjunction with Jehoshua, as the Branch of David, overcoming the world which qualifies him to open the seals (Revelation 5:1-6). The strong angel (Holy Spirit?) asks (likely rhetorically) who was worthy to open the book showing that this scene is right at the time Messiah ascended to heaven otherwise the question would make no sense as in a future context there would have been no need to ask the question. Verses 11-14 of Revelation 5 show that this is the coronation of Jehoshua as King which is connected time-wise with his resurrection and ascension (Acts2:29-31; 13:32-35; Hebrews 1:8-9). So clearly the opening of the seven seals is connected with Jehoshua's death, burial, resurrection and enthronement as King. Now we can look at Revelation 6 in it's proper context: Verses 1-2, Jehoshua opens the first seal and John sees, in vision from heaven, a white horse. White represents purity so it is highly unlikely that this would be the horse that the anti-Messiah rides on. The rider on the white horse has a bow and was given a crown denoting him as the Davidic warrior King. While the anti-Messiah is posited as a king type figure, he is never said in scripture to actually being a king or being given a crown. Since this is right after the throne room scene of Revelation 5 post ascension, then it makes sense that the crown given is for the Messiah and not some future anti-Messiah figure. The end of chapter 5 shows that the Messiah is given the riches of the Kingdom. Also, the word of God is said to be a sword so the Messiah having a bow (weapon of warfare) fits perfectly with the gospel going forth to the nations after his ascension. "he went forth conquering, and to conquer" Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come" Psalm 45:1-5 1.My heart overfloweth with a goodly matter; I speak the things which I have made touching the king: My tongue is the pen of a ready writer..2 Thou art fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, Thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride on prosperously, Because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness: And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5 Thine arrows are sharp; The peoples fall under thee; They are in the heart of the king`s enemies. This is in the context of the coronation of Jehoshua as the Davidic King (Psalm 45;6-7). This fits perfectly with the narrative of the end of Revelation 5 and the opening of the first seal of Revelation 6. Psalm 45 pictures the Davidic King conquering his enemies with the arrows of a bow and also people's will fall under his authority. The Davidic King rides in Majesty and prospers in advancing his Kingdom. He is able to do this because he is clothed with truth, meekness and righteousness all vital characteristics of the gospel of the Kingdom. Revelation 19:11 "And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteous he doth judge and make war" At his advent, Jehoshua will ride a white horse down to the earth as he makes war on Babylon the great. This reiterates that the rider on the white horse of the first seal is the Son of God and not the anti-Messiah. That Jehoshua is seen on a white horse in Revelation 19 shows that he is the rider of the whote horse in Revelation 6. Revelation 6:3-4 3 And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come. 4 And another [horse] came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. The Dragon (Satan) is described as being red denoting his character not his literal color. The Dragon (Satan) works through State governments to foment war and bloodshed. This seal was opened after the ascension of Messiah and we have seen war ever since. Jehoshua warned about this in Matthew 24: 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass; but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines and earthquakes in divers places. Wars, rumors of wars and nations rising up against nations is not a sign that the last day is upon us, but rather signifies the events that will transpire between Messiah's two advents. The false futurist churches use the fact that we have had world wars as a sign that the so called rapture is about to happen yet Jehoshua said the exact opposite. The Son of God said that these will happen but that doesn't mean the end is at hand. He said not to be troubled by these things as they are events that are going to take place during the new covenant church age. This shows that Jehoshua was expecting a long delay between his two advents. It's amazing that Jehoshua said not to be troubled by wars and rumors of wars yet the evangelical churches do exactly that and act like the sky is falling every time there is some conflict in the middle east or elsewhere. They go into rapture mode evey single time. The fact that this earth has been plagued by wars and nations rising up against each other during the whole of the new covenant church age shows that this seal has long been opened. Positing this seal in the future ignores history and causes needless speculation every time a rumor of a new war or conflict springs up. Jehoshua said the opposite in that wars are not a sign that the end is at hand and he said not to be troubled when they do happen. Revelation 6:5-6 5 And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come. And I saw, and behold, a black horse; and he that sat thereon had a balance in his hand. 6 And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, A measure of wheat for a shilling, and three measures of barley for a shilling; and the oil and the wine hurt thou not. This seal speaks of the rise in price of food and wine i.e. inflation. These things have been taking place all throughout the new covenant church age showing that this seal was also opened right after the ascension of Jehoshua and will continue until his second advent. Revelation 6:7-7 7 And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, Come. 8 And I saw, and behold, a pale horse: and he that sat upon him, his name was Death; and Hades followed with him. And there was given unto them authority over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with famine, and with death, and by the wild beasts of the earth. The fourth seal is opened by Jehoshua and the results of the third seal are seen in the fourth seal which is famine. Inflation in food and wine prices lead to starvation and famine. We have obviously seen this all throughout the new covenant church age. The second seal is seen here in the third which is the sword i.e. violence and war. "With death" refers to disease and pestilence as the pale color of this horse of the fourth seal indicates sickness since that is the complexion of those who are seriously ill. Death by wild beasts of the earth could indicate literal beasts but likely refers to certain groups of people. We have seen the influx of migrants into the once Christian nations ravage the native populations through beatings, murder and rape. These are all things that have been happening throughout the new covenant church era. Revelation 6:9-11 9 And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 and they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And there was given them to each one a white robe; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little time, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, who should be killed even as they were, should have fulfilled their course. This is the seal of the martyrs, they are not literally under the altar but this is metaphorical language to denote that their prayers have been heard by Jehovah God. The altar in the heavenly tabernacle represents prayer and their souls being under there represents their prayers to the Father. These martyrs were killed for their testimony. This isn't speaking of their personal testimony but rather the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah which is the spirit of prophecy. All throughout the church age men and women have been killed because they have preached the gospel of the Kingdom and that Jehoshua is the King and Son of God who shed his blood on the cross and was resurrected to glory. It has been this gospel that has caused many followers of Messiah to be killed. Notice that their prayer is not for the salvation of those that killed them but rather that Jehovah avenge their blood. The martyrs ask for Jehovah to avenge their blood on those who dwell on the earth (See Revelation 19). This indicates that Jehovah God will pout out His wrath in a very literal physical way on those who live on the earth. This is imprecatory prayer (prayer against enemies) which is still a righteous concept in the new covenant. They are given white robes showing that this refers to resurrection and not them being immortal souls for a bodiless soul cannot wear a robe. It's the same robes given to the resurrected 144,000 (great multitude) in Revelation 7 which is a last day resurrection text. The martyrs resting a little while refere to their sleep in the grave as death is spoken of as sleep in scripture (see 1st Thessalonians 4). Their is a number of saints who need to be martyred before the end comes and Jehovah sends His Son to tread the winepress of His wrath. All throughout church history there have been martyrs yet the churches still preach their unbiblical futurism. Revelation 6:12-14 12 And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood; 13 and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind. 14 And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. This is the only seal that is yet to remain opened. This is the seal that ushers in the Kingdom of Messiah on earth and ends the current age. There will be a great earthquake throughout the earth and the sun will become black and the moon blood red. Some historcists try to say these things have happened, however this seal indicates that the events of this seal happen roughly at the same time leading up immediately to the advent of the Son of God. They will cite the Lisbon earthquake and the so called blood moons in recent times for proof as well as the falling stars seen in America in the 1800's. The stars of heaven will fall to the earth and the heaven will be rolled up as a scroll. This indicates cosmic disturbances in the sky and a permanent change to the earth's atmosphere. This makes sense since Messiah and the Father are going to usher in a new heavens and new earth thereby necessitating the rolling up of the old heavens and earth. The great earthquake causes the mountains and islands to shift. This seal is clearly future and it is clearly connected to the second advent of the Son of God and the dissolving of the elements in order to bring in the new heavens and new earth: 2 Peter 3:10-13 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in [all] holy living and godliness, 12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Peter connects the day of the Lord (second advent) with the cosmic disturbances outlined in the sixth seal and these disturbances cause the heavens and it's elements to dissolve and the earth to be burned up. Those who posit the events of the sixth seal to historical events ignore that the results of these events lead the coming of Jehoshua, vanishing away of the current heaven and earth and the bringing in of the new. This is why connecting these events to history is error because the subsequent results still haven't happened when the sixth seal inter-connects them as one event. Revelation 6:15-17 15 And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains, and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 for the great day of their wrath is come; and who is able to stand? This is what happens after the cosmic and earthly disturbances of the sixth seal which is the appearance of the Son of man Jehoshua Messiah. In the time of the sixth seal many will seek death and it will be men and women of all social classes. "the great day of their wrath", the sixth seal brings about the wrath of both the Father and the Son. The question of who is able to stand is answered in chapter 7, its the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel i.e. the great multitude. ReplyForward
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The author of Hebrews gives us a window into the ascension of the Son of God into heaven. This is a super important chapter in terms of how we view the times we are living in, the position that Jehoshua has right now in the Kingdom as well as who has the authority over the ekklesia in terms of deciding doctrine. This also shows the nature of the new covenant ekklesia.
Many today ask the question of whether we are in the last days or not, this is a question that is answered in the second verse of Hebrews chapter 1: Hebrews Chapter 1:1-2 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; Notice that in verse 2 it says that they were already in the end times. How did the author of Hebrews know that the last days had begun? Because of the inauguration of the Son of God's ministry. The baptism of Jehoshua brought in the last days as that is precisely when he began to preach and teach. The author of Hebrews wants us to know that the Son of God is the God's final revelation as he is the last days final and true prophet. The above passage in Hebrews shows that Jehoshua is the final authority on God's word. The evidence that we are in the last days is that God spoke to us through His Son, whereas in the old testament times He spoke through the patriarchs and prophets in diverse ways. This shows that Jehoshua fulfills the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15-21. That prophecy was that Jehovah God would put His words in the mouth of that prophet and that if anyone didn't obey God would require it of them. Also, verse 2 says that Jehoshua is the heir of all things appointed so by the Father. This is a very rich statement made by the author of Hebrews in that it entails the covenants Jehovah made with Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David including the new covenant. "made the worlds" better rendered as "designed the ages". The book of Hebrews is essential in telling us what the nature of Jehoshua's Kingdom is and if it is a present tense reality versus a future thing. It also explicitly states that Jehoshua is the final truth, which if we remember will protect is from being decieved by so called new revelation and self appointed guru's and prophets. This statement that Jehovah in these last times has spoken to us through His Son eliminates the need for man made theologians, teachers, experts on the law and so called prophets. In fact, it invalidates the prophetic office of Ellen White, Joseph Smith, the Papacy and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. "Jehovah God designed the ages through His Son", what does this mean? Basically it means that Jehovah planned out everything in the former age (old testament times, pre sinai and post sinai), the current Messianic age (new covenant) and the future age (new heaven and new earth) with the Messiah as the inheritor to rule over His (God's) creation. This is the privilege of the royal offspring of David (2 Samuel 7). The pre-Sinai age was designed through Jehoshua as Adam was a type of Jehoshua in terms of being given headship over Jehovah's paradise. Also, Jehoshua is the final recepient of the Abramahic covenant blessings. Jehoshua is the true Israel and the inheritor of the blessing that Jacob Israel bestowed upon his son Judah as being the lion's whelp. Jehoshua is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, in that he has ascended to the throne of David as we shall see later in this study. He also has been given the eternal new covenant Davidic Kingdom which began at Pentecost. He will consummate that Kingdom here on the earth at the last day fulfilling Isaiah 9:7. Jehoshua currently wears the crown of David and holds his sceptre. The Davidic dynasty was designed through Jehoshua with him as the full inheritor of those blessings (Isaiah 55:1-3). The new covenant age was designed in Jehoshua as the new covenant is in his blood and Kingship. Jehoshua is ruling over the new covenant Davidic Kingdom with his laws (Matthew 5-7) as the constitution. These are the laws that the Isles (Great Britain) waited for during the proclamation of the Kingdom gospel in the apostolic era. Jehoshua is the banner of the new covenant temple of Jehovah, which is the ekklesia. The future age will be the new heavens and new earth with New Jerusalem as the capital city. This future age will be ruled over by the Son of God Jehoshua. Revelation 22:3 "And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him" Both Jehovah God and His Son Jehoshua will be sitting on thrones in New Jerusalem. Revelation 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever" The Lord here is Jehovah God and Jehoshua is His Messiah (Christ) and the Kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of Jehovah and the Messiah. See Psalms 2, 89 and 110 for other verses that show that the Davidic Messiah is going to reign as King in the future age. 1 Peter:18-21 18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, [even the blood] of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. Jehoshua was foreknown before the foundation of the world by Jehovah God to be His lamb. He was manifested (brought forth publicly) in the last days which started at Jehoshua's baptism. This again echoes Hebrews verses 1 and 2 in that the last days were already under way during the apostolic era. John 17:5 "And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" Jehoshua having the ages designed through him does not mean he pre-existed but rather he was predestined by Jehovah God as mentioned above in 1 Peter 1:18-21. Here in John 17;5 we see the same concept of Jehoshua being predestined (foreknown, foreordained) by Jehovah God. We have to ask ourselves what glory did Jehoshua receive at His ascension into heaven? As we go through this outline of Hebrews 1 we will see that it is the throne of David. Did Jehoshua have this glory literally before the world was or was it pre-destined for him? Obviously it was predestined for him as the throne of David had not literally come into existence until David which had long been after Genesis chapter 1. Just as Jehoshua was predestined to Jehovah's lamb that died on the cross i.e. His suffering servant, he was also predestined to be crowned with glorious crown of David. 2 Samuel 7 details the glory the royal seed of David would recieve at the appointed time. The crown, throne, Kingdom and an eternal dynasty of the Davidic house. Also, the privilege of building the temple of Jehovah (the ekklesia) and the Melchizedek priesthood (Psalm 110). These things are the glory that the predestined Messiah had in Jehovah God before the world was. Again, he didn't have these things literally before the world was which is why the prophets always spoke of these things as a future fulfillment. Let's now move on to the next couple of verses: Hebrews 1:3-4 3 who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. Verse 3 describes the resurrected and glorified Messiah, please note this as this verse is often used to prove the deity of Messiah doctrine. The resurrected Jehoshua is the brightness of the Father's glory, see Revelation 1 for a visible description of the Son of God. Revelation 21:23 "And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof [is] the Lamb." This is talking about New Jerusalem as the glory of God lightens the paradise city and radiates off the Son of God Jehoshua. Jehoshua's throne is in the holy of holies where the Father's presence dwells. 1 Timothy 6 describes Jehoshua as dwelling in unapproachable light: "who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen" (verse 16). Stephen saw Jehoshua at Jehovah's right hand and this is what he saw Acts 7:55 "But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jehoshua standing on the right hand of God" If Jehoshua is on the right hand of the glory of God then it makes sense that he himself is partaker of that glory. Paul says that the fulness of the divine nature of Jehovah God dwells in Jehoshua (Colossians 2:9). We also are partakers of the divine nature, however this doesn't make us God. The same is true for Jehoshua as he is filled with the divine nature of Jehovah but he is not Jehovah God. Jehoshua is also the very image of Jehovah's person (substance). This speaks of Jehoshua's character rather than visible or physical attributes. The KJV says in this verse that Jehoshua is the express image of Jehovah God which is an easier to understand version of the passage. Again, this speaks of character as we are also made in Jehovah's image (Genesis 1). Paul says that we are to be conformed to the image of the Son of God: Romans 8:29 "For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren" Jehovah God predestined and predetermined that the saints be conformed to the image of His only begotten Son. This doesn't denote Godship in terms of deity but rather character. This is how the statement that Jehoshua is the express image of Jehovah's person should be taken as a statement that Jehoshua is the exact representation of the Father's character. This is why Jehoshua could say this: John 14:9 "Jehoshua saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father?" We know that Jehoshua didn't mean that he was literally the Father as some claim as that statement makes no sense being that he says that the Father is his God. The meaning here is one of character and moral attributes. Jehoshua even commands us to strive to obtain the character of the Father: Matthew 5:48 "Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" When we reach the perfection of the Father's character then we are conformed to the image of His first begotten Son. "upholding all things by the word of his power" Again, this is a post resurrection statement as Messiah has now been enthroned on the throne of David. As the Messianic King of bible prophecy, Jehoshua rules over Jehovah's Kingdom. He has also been given authority over heaven and earth: Matthew 28:18 "And Jehoshua came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth" This is a post resurrection statement by Jehoshua as he gives the apostles the great commission (verses 19-20). Colossians 1 details the primacy of Jehoshua and his Kingdom and how all things (earthly and heavenly) have been made subject to his Kingship. 1 Peter 3:22 "who is one the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." Both Colossians 1 and 1 Peter 3 along with Hebrews 1 posit Jehoshua's ascension as the point where angels and authorities have been made subject to the Son of God. In verse 3, after the statement about Jehoshua upholding all things by the word of his power, the author of Hebrews states: "when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" This is a direct connection between Jehoshua upholding all things and him being enthroned as King on the right hand of God. The purification of sins signifies the day of atonement showing that Jehoshua completely fulfilled this holy day. "having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they" Many today argue endlessly about the spelling and pronunciation of the name of the Son of God, however the above verse is not talking about as we will see in the next verse. The becoming so much better than the angels has to do with Jehoshua being resurrected from the dead and ascending to heaven as that is the context of Hebrews chapter 1. In chapter 2 it says that Jehoshua was made a little lower than the angels at his birth. The more excellent name that Jehoshua inherited has nothing to do with spelling and pronunciations of greek and Hebrew names but rather its what the name represents. In Hebrew thought someone's "name" represents their character, identity and authority. The great thing is that this more excellent name is revealed in the very next verse: "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son?" The author of Hebrews answers the question about what was the more excellent name Jehoshua inherited. He quotes Psalm , 2:7 which is an Israelite coronation hymm. The begetting of the Son in this passage is not about literal birth but rather spiritual begetting into Kingship. It's a Davidic covenant passage. The second part of this verse quotes 2nd Samuel 7:14 where Jehovah God makes a Father-Son covenant with the royal seed of David. In this one verse, where the author of Hebrews answers the question about what is the more excellent name, we have two Davidic covenant passages quoted. Both of these passages identify Jehoshua as the covenant Son of Jehovah God. The more excellent name that Jehoshua inherited that the angels didn't is "the begotten Son of God" (Psalm 2:7). Yes the angels are called sons of God as we are too but this quotation of Psalm 2:7 shows that Jehoshua is the Davidic Son of God i.e. the King of Israel. He is the only begotten Son of God meaning he is the Son of inheritance, the promised Davidic King of bible prophecy and the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant Jehovah made with David. No angel, Michael, Gabriel, or any others are of the seed of David so they do not have a right to the Davidic throne hence they have not inherited the name "the only begotten Son of God". John 3:18 "He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God" Here we have a direct statement regarding the name we need to believe on in order to be saved and John says that name is the "only begotten Son of God". 1 John 5:5 "And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jehoshua is the Son of God?" It is in believing that Jehoshua is the Son of God that causes one to overcome the world and inherit the kingdom. It is the name "only begotten Son" that one needs to believe on and that Jehoshua is that Son. 1 John 4:15 "Whosoever shall confess that Jehoshua is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God" The identity of Jehoshua being the Son of God is salvationao and proof that one has the spirit of Jehovah dwelling in them. 1 John 5:12-13 12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. 13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. Those who don't believe on the name of the Son of God do not have eternal life whereas those that do have it. John's whole purpose for his Epistles and gospel is that his audience would believe on the name of the Son of God. John connects having eternal life with believing on the name of the Son of God. Again, it would be ridiculous to think John means spellings and pronunciations. Obviously the name is "the only begotten Son of God" as denoted in Hebrews 1:5. John 20:31 "but these are written, that ye may believe that Jehoshua is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name" The name that gives us life is not just the name Jehoshua but the title "Son of God". Just as in the Epistles, the gospel says the same thing that these things are written that we may believe in the name of the Son of God. The actual title "Son of God" is the name we are to believe in and of course that Jehoshua is that Son of God. Hebrews 1:6 "And when he again bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." This is a reference to Jehoshua's ascension into heaven as the title "first begotten" is in regards to his resurrection (Colossians 1; Revelation 1:5-6). Jehoshua became the first begotten from the dead when he was resurrected and then was brought into the "world" where the angels of Jehovah worshipped him. Remember, when he was born he was made a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2) so this cannot refer to when he was born here on earth. When we read this verse in the surrounding context especially verse 4 then we understand that the angels are to worship him because he has been made so much better than them. Again, verse 4 is referring to Messiah's resurrection and ascension because the author of Hebrews says he was made a little lower than the angels at his birth. The word "world" is not the typical Greek word referring to the present world but to the world to come (Hebrews 2:5). Hebrews 1:7 "And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame a fire" The author of Hebrews continues his theme of making a sharp distinction between angels and Jehoshua. It's amazing most churches teach that Jehoshua was an angel in the old testament yet this is throughly refuted in the new testament and especially by this writer of Hebrews. Hebrews 1:8-9 8 but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Here we have another reference to the Davidic covenant as this is a Messianic psalm that exalts the throne of David. It is clear what the author wants to get across to his audience and that is that Jehoshua was enthroned on the throne of David at his ascension. This is a quotation of Psalm 45 which was about Solomon in it's immediate context but is about Jehoshua in it's ultimate fulfillment. Jehoshua is the Son of God because he is the prophesied Davidic King as the Sonship of Jehovah is connected inherently with the throne of David: 1 Chronicles 28:5-6 5 And of all my sons (for Jehovah hath given me many sons), he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah over Israel. 6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Jehovah chose Solomon (David's son) to sit on the throne of Jehovah over Israel and He also chose Solomon to be His (Jehovah's) Son. Notice the direct connection between sitting on the throne of David and being Jehovah's chosen Son? This is a fulfillment and parallel with 2 Samuel 7:13-14 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men. Just as in 1 Chronicles 28, here in 2 Samuel 7:13-14 the throne of David is connected with being Jehovah's Son meaning they go hand in hand. The Son of God Jehoshua is also called God in verse 8. Many take this as proof that Jehoshua is part of the so called trinity god or that he is God himself or part of some type of Godhead. However, being that this is a Davidic Kingship psalm the title of God as applied to Jehoshua has to do with his Davidic Kingship rather than him being part of a Godhead. Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For unto us a child is begotten, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this. Isaiah prophesies of the coming eschatological Davidic King (Jehoshua) and of his titles will be "Mighty God". This title of Mighty God has nothing to do metaphysical concepts concerning the nature of Jehoshua but rather signifies that he will be a "mighty one" which is what the word "God" (Elohim) means. This title of God used in Isaiah 9 is connected to the Davidic throne (verse 7) just as the title "Son of God" is. Jehoshua also says that the judges of Israel were called gods (Psalm 82) because the word of God came from them: John 10:34-36 34 Jehoshua answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? By identifying the judges of Israel as rightly being called gods Jehoshua basically intimated that he had the right to be called god since he was the Son of God. Being the Son of God was a higher position than being a judge as the Son of God was the King of Israel. Also, if the judges of Israel were called gods because the word of God came through them how much more does Jehoshua have a right to that title since he was/is the final revelation of God's word? John 1;18 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jehoshua Messiah" The grace and truth of Jehovah's word came through Jehoshua Messiah. "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" The pro Zionist evangelical churches, Messianic Jews and many Hebrew roots groups deny that Jehoshua currently sits on the throne of David and that the Davidic Kingdom has been restored, however the passage above categorically refutes this. The Messiah in bible prophecy was only ever promised one throne and one kingdom and both of those were Davidic. The verse above clearly says Jehoshua has both at his ascension. This means that the new covenant Davidic throne and Davidic Kingdom were established when Jehoshua ascended to heaven. "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows" Jehoshua again is called God and he himself has a God. This fits perfectly with the old testament where Jehovah was the Davidic King's God. This also shows that Jehoshua is not the Almighty God nor part of the Godhead since God cannot possibly have a God. Jehoshua loved righteousness and therefore was exalted above his fellows i.e. the other Davidic Kings. Hebrews 1:10-12 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail. Trinitarians and Jehoshua is God believers try to say that author is crediting creation to Jehoshua, however this is clearly a passage about the Father. When you back to the Psalm that this was quoted from then you clearly see that the above is crediting Jehovah God with creating heaven and earth. The whole chapter is about Jehovah as he is specifically mentioned. We know that Jehoshua is not Jehovah but is the Son of Jehovah God (Matthew 16:13-20). This passage states that Jehovah will eventually fold up and change the current heaven and earth and renew (change) them. This shows that Jehovah is not going to obliterate or destroy the earth but rather He is going to renew them. Many churches falsely teach that the earth is going to be literally destroyed. Hebrews 1:13-14 13 But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? Again, the author of Hebrews makes a distinction between the angels and Jehoshua. None of the angels were given the Davidic covenant which is for the royal seed of David to sit on the right hand of Jehovah God (Psalm 110:1). Neither Michael or the Angel of Jehovah are of the lineage of David hence they are not qualified to sit on the throne of David. Jehoshua will sit on the throne of David at Jehovah's right hand until his enemies are made the footstol of his feet. This shows that Jehoshua is reigning now on the throne as he is to sit on it before and during the process of his enemies being made his footstool. If Jehoshua wasn't on the throne of David yet then this language would make no sense since it posits him on the throne even while his enemies are not made his footstool. Angels are given a different function, which is to minister to the heirs of salvation. The heirs of salvation as Hebrews 8 states is the house of Judah and the house of Israel. Hebrews 1 is a great introduction by the author to the new covenant gospel as he starts with the foundation of Jehoshua being installed on the throne of David, which is essential to even have a new covenant. |
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