Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Revelation 14:13
13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Those united to Jehoshua in this life will enter into a blessed state of rest when they die and will rise at the last day to receive rewards for their obedience (their works do follow them). Revelation 16:15 (KJV) 15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. This verse calls for us to vigilance (watcheth) and perseverance in hope and holiness (keeper his garments). Revelation 19:9 (KJV) 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Believers can rest with absolute confidence upon this promise that we have been elected by God to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb as we are the bride and He is the bridegroom. Revelation 22:7 (KJV) 7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. When we keep the words of this book of prophecy without adding or taking away, we are blessed because it will keep us from being deceived by those who would pervert and lead others to perdition. False interpretations of prophecy lead people astray. In the very end days it could lead many to wondering after the beast and receiving his mark. Revelation 22:14 (KJV) 14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city As kings and priests of Christ's Kingdom we are blessed in this present are when we keep the Father's 10 commandments. Jesus promises that His obedient servants will enjoy eternal life in the Father's Kingdom. Right now we are enjoying the blessings of the Son's Kingdom. We are citizens of Christ's Kingdom and will continue to be in the eternal state if we keep the commandments. Ephesians 2:4-6 4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: God's power saves us as He supernaturally resurrects us from the dead (spiritually) by union with the Son of God (quickened us together with Messiah). The believers union in and through Jehoshua Messsiah implies that he already shares the Son of God's exaltation in heavenly places and one day will experience that glory in it's fullness in the new heaven and new earth . In this world the saints suffer and are murdered by the wicked rulers of the world for their refusal to participate in it's idolatry. Yet those faithful unto death still lived as priests and kings in this life because of the Messsiah's death for them. Revelation 2:10 10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. The crown of life awaits those who overcome and are faithful unto death, however even in this life believers wear spiritual crowns as kings of the Son of God's Kingdom. Isaiah 61 6But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. "Priests of Jehovah", in the new covenant there would no longer be a priestly class in the line of Aaron, but all of Jehovah's people would be priests (1 Peter 2:5,9; Rev 1:6; 5;9-10). Revelation 1:5-6 5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. John the beloved is speaking in the present tense and that due to the Son of God washing us from our sins in His blood shed at the cross, we as the saints have been made kings and priests. According to John, as a result of the Messsiah dying on the cross we are already kings and priests in this life. "hath made us unto kings and priests" John is speaking in past tense, meaning that from the time Jehoshua shed His blood for us the saints have been kings and priests. He is also speaking in the present tense. While many scoff at Christian's being kings and priests during the present age, due to them usually being not being in a favorable position in society, John considered Christian's to be that very thing during a time period of severe persecution for the Church. This destroys the fallacy of premillenialists who say we can't be kings and priests now because we aren't ruling over anyone. Back to Revelation 1:5-6, Jehoshua is the preeminent Son raised from the dead (Psalm 89:26-27; Col 1:18). "Prince of the kings". Rulers over the kings, supreme King over all emperors. "Unto him" Beginning of a doxology to Messsiah. "Washed us from our sins in His own blood". Priest and sacrifice (Hebrews 9:13-14), who cleansed His people from the guilt of their sins (Psalm 51:1-9, 1 Cor 6:9). Revelation 5:9-10 (KJV) 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. This passage in Revelation 5 parallels Revelation 1:5-6 that we just went over. We see here just as in Revelation 1 that it was the Son of God shedding His blood and redeeming us that made us unto God kings and priests. Notice that verse 10 says "and we shall reign on the earth". Some today teach that we will reign only in a future millennium whether on earth or in heaven, however this passage along with Rev 1:5-6 clearly states that it was Jehoshua's death on the cross that began the saints reign on this earth as kings and priests which further proves that Jehoshua's Kingdom is now and has been here since His first advent. So if the Kingdom of Messiah is now in this life and we (the Church) have been reigning since His death on the cross, then it is becoming clearer that we are currently in the millennium. To subscribe to premillennialism one would have to conclude that Jehoshua's Kingdom really didn't get established at Pentecost and that he failed in His mission. The Son of God clearly stated that the Kingdom of God was high at hand during His earthly ministry. Nigh at hand means it is "right there". Are we really to believe that high at hand means 2,000 years later? These passages in Revelation and elsewhere clearly show that the saints don't have to be in an advantageous position in this life in order to be kings and priests. Also, Jehoshua clearly stated that His Kingdom was not of this world and yet we are said to already be in His Kingdom upon being born again (Colossians 1:12-13). This shows us that Jehoshua's Kingdom is now and it is a celestial angelic Kingdom not a earthly governmental kingdom. Back to Revelation 5;9-10, the Redeemer is honoured as the conqueror and emperor over all for His sacrificial death (blood) has purchased (redeemed) some people from every ethnic (kindred), linguistic (tongue), and cultural group on earth so that they will share in His victory and reign (Rev 20:4) and His adoring access to the Father (kings and priests). Back to Revelation 20 now, let's look at the verses we are reviewing again: 4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. We have established that as believers in the Son of God we reign now in this present age. Throughout the Church age, many believers have suffered martyrdom for the gospel hence John saw those who were beheaded for the witness of Jehoshua. While there is definitely an end time application regarding the mark of the beast, in reality the beast system has been around throughout all the Church age. It has taken on various outward forms. In the early Church, it was the Imperial Roman Empire. In the dark ages, it was the Roman Catholic church. For those Christian's in the middle East it has been the countries under Islamic political rule. For us today, it could be a combination of the Roman Catholic church and the ever increasingly anti Christian, United States and United Nations. The main point is that the beast system has been around since the early Church and will continue until Jehoshua comes back. Messianics of all ages have had to make a choice between loyalty to the Son of God thereby receiving the Father's seal and loyalty to man thereby receiving the mark of the beast (666) which is means number. For some Messianics, the choice has been very clear and distinct due to clear anti-Messiah attitudes by those in power. For some, especially in our times in America, the choice hasn't been as distinct due to favorable views of Jehoshua by the society in general . However, no matter the position Messianics have found themselves in any given society, they have always had to make the choice to give loyalty to Jehoshua rather than man. American Messianics today suffer very little persecution from the State as compared with other time periods, however we still have to make the decision to be loyal to the Messiah over man in terms of issues like homosexual marriage and abortion. Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Paul says that upon a believers conversion that they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Paul says that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit which is at conversion (Eph 1:13) and this sealing lasts unto the day of redemption (second advent of Jehoshua). I believe this is the seal that we have that gives us the seal of ownership right before the day of Jehovah's wrath (Rev 7:3). Unlike what some Churches teach, we are already sealed at salvation and that the seal of Revelation 7:3 doesn't determine who will be saved but rather it is a mark of protection of who is already saved. The Revelation 7:3 seal is a seal of ownership of those who are already sealed by the Holy Spirit which they got at salvation and were preserved until the end (1 Peter 1:5). Revelation 14:1 (KJV) 1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. The 144,000 represents the Church of all ages (old and new testament) now in their redeemed state and John sees them with the Father's name written on their foreheads . The sealing by the Holy Spirit at salvation is a seal of ownership which gives us the Father's name in our foreheads. Name represents having the Father's character being imparted to us. Also, having the Father's name represents the authority that the Father gives us as being kings and priests of His Son's Kingdom. Name also represents identity and for us having the Father's name identifies us as His children. We are sealed with the Father's name at salvation and preserved until the end when we will be sealed with the Father's protection before the day of His wrath. The seal at salvation and the seal at the very end for the end time saints are both seals of the Father's name. Isaiah 43;6-7 (ASV) 6I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth;7every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yea, whom I have made. Jehovah elects and calls us, we are His inheritance. We have an inheritance in Him as joint heir's with His only begotten Son Jehoshua. We are sealed with His name even before the foundation of the world. As Spiritual Israel, the Lord Jehovah has called us out of the world (Egypt) to be a people called by His name and to be His inheritance as joint heir's with His only begotten Son Jehoshua. 1 Kings 8:53 (ASV) 53For thou didst separate them from among all the peoples of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord Jehovah. Ephesians 1:3-4 (KJV) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Before we chose God, He chose us. God made the Messiah our representative in the covenant. Jehovah's election produces holiness not hypocrisy. The above passage proves that Jehovah God is the literal Father of Jehoshua. This is a designation used in the Messiah' s preexistent state, incarnated State and resurrected and ascended state. Jehovah God chose us for salvation before the foundation of the world. He chose us before the foundation of the world to be saved. We are the elect whose names have been written in the lambs book of life from the foundation of the world (Revelation 17:8). Isaiah 43:7 (KJV) 7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. We are called by the Father's name even at birth as He has elected us to be His inheritance . 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ASV) 14if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. The Father calls us His people and says as His people we are called by His name. Many of the old testament saints had the Father's name incorporated into their name. Brethren, before the foundation of the world we have the seal of our Father's name assigned to us. We are even called by His name in the womb. At salvation we are sealed by the Holy Spirit with the name of the Father. True saints are preserved by the power of God unto the end. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (KJV) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Again, God is clearly identified as the Father of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah. Peter the Apostle is stating the truth of His foundational confession that is the rock of the Church. This confession is that Jehoshua is the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:13-20). Notice how this is the recurring theme of the new testament, the Father-Son relationship of Jehovah and Jehoshua. God the Father caused us to be born again (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:3-5). It was strictly according to the Father's abundant mercy that we were given the new birth experience. The lively hope that we have is due to the resurrection of God's only begotten Son. We as believers have the resurrection hope and not a disembodied soul going to heaven at death hope. It is only because of Jehoshua's resurrection that we have this hope, otherwise we are of all men the most miserable. Heaven is reserved for the believer and the believer is preserved until he enters the Kingdom of God the Father after the second advent. Both of these preservations are based on the power of God. The seal of God is something believers are given at salvation and even before that they are called by the Father's name in the womb and written in the lambs book of life from the foundation of the world. It was having God's seal that enabled the martyrs of old and even today to endure torture and torment and not love their lives unto death. It seems to be unrealistic to appoint the seal of God merely to the very end. It's this seal that protects us throughout our life especially spiritually. This is the seal that gave the martyrs of the early Roman Empire strength to endure unto the end. The same goes for the saints during the Papal persecutions of the dark ages. Whether it was the Waldenses or the Anabaptists or today's martyrs, the seal of God was His mark that these faithful saints were His people and His inheritance. What about the mark of the beast? Is this just something that happens in the very last days? If we believe that the Papacy is the beast then his mark would be loyalty to him. During the dark ages, those who were loyal to the Papacy over the Son of God had the mark of the Papal beast. Remember, just as the seal of God is a mark of loyalty to the Father and Son, the mark of the beast is a mark of loyalty to the Papal beast. For example, the Walden had the seal of God and their Catholic persecutors had the mark of the beast as they were loyal to the Papacy. The same could be said about the Imperial Roman Empire. An early application of the mark of the beast would have been loyalty to emperors such as Nero and Domitian who brutally persecuted the Church. The seal of was loyalty to His Son even in the face of death. In a general sense, the mark of the beast is loyalty to man over God. In a more specific application, the early Roman emperors and the Papacy come into view. Of course, the Messianics who live in the predominant Islamic countries can say that the mark of the beast is loyalty to Islam over the Son of God. In these very last days, I believe that the mark of the beast is applied primarily to the Papacy and secondarily to the overall government beast system which is increasingly becoming hostile to the Church . Verse 5 of Revelation 20: 5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. The first resurrection is the believers born again experience in this life . The second resurrection is the bodily resurrection for believers who have fallen asleep (Rev 20:12-13). This happens at the Messiah's second advent: John 5:24-29 (KJV) 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Just as the second death is the ultimate punishment of hellfire (Rev 20:14), after the first death of the body, so the first resurrection is a gift of spiritual life before the second resurrection of the body. A spiritual resurrection precedes the physical resurrection as Jehoshua taught above. Believers are united to the Messiah who is the resurrection and the life. John 11:25-26 (KJV) 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? Even after we die, we aren't truly dead as we merely fall asleep awaiting to hear the Son of God's voice on resurrection day. We are given eternal life now, however the full realization of it comes on resurrection day as that is the blessed hope for believers. Colossians 3:1-4 (KJV) 1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. The above passage proves that we receive resurrection in this life, it is a spiritual resurrection. This is when we become born again. Paul tells the Colossians that if indeed we are risen (spiritual resurrection), then we need to be heavenly minded not earthly minded. This spiritual resurrection takes place when we have faith and confess that Jehoshua is the Son of God (1 John 4:15, Acts 8:37). This coincides with repentance (a change of mind and turning away from our life in sin, Acts 2:38) and baptism which is the seal of our faith (Romans 6, Acts 8:37) and also symbolizes the Messiah's resurrection from the dead. Matthew 22:28-32 (KJV) 28Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.31But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,32I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. The Messsiah's statement in verse 32 that God is the God of the Living speaks to the eternal life given to the saints in this life which is a spiritual resurrection. Even though the saints fall asleep and go to the grave they are not dead in the spiritual sense of the word. Their spirits go up to the Father in heaven and are made perfect (Hebrews 12:23) so that when it's time for resurrection those perfect spirits will be breathed back into their bodies for regeneration. Revelation 20:6 (KJV) 6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. For those who are born again in this life which is the first resurrection, the second death will have no power. This highlights the truth that the day of salvation is today and that the teaching of a second chance in a future earthly millennium is error. This scripture hearkens back to the words of the Son of God in John chapter 5: 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. The words of Jehoshua trump what any preacher says. He said that if we believe on the Father and hear His (Messiah) words that we have eternal life now! How do we know this? Because Jehoshua also says that we will not come into condemnation which translated in the Greek means "pass into judgement". He then says that upon belief in His words and His Father that we are passed from death unto life. This is a present tense reality for the Messianic as scripture elsewhere confirms that we receive eternal life now in this world upon being born again (Colossians 1:12-13, John 3:16-18). John 3:16-18 (KJV) 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This passage in John 3 ties in perfectly with John 5:24 and verse 6 of the book of Revelation. Per the Messiah's words, it's all about belief. While many today scoff at belief being enough to inherit eternal life the fact is that the Son of God says that it is. However, unlike what many of the Churches today teach, belief is not a mere mental ascent in knowledge but rather a total allegiance to the person or thing you say you believe on. Many today teach that we are not saved in this life even when becoming born again yet that would mean that both the Father and Son failed in the plan of salvation. Jehoshua says that the Father sent Him to the world that it might be saved. He follows by saying that those who believe in the Father are not condemned meaning they will not "pass into judgment" at a later time. Back in verse 16 of John 3, Jehoshua intimates that whosoever doesn't believe in Him will perish obviously this is concluded by the opposite which is that whosoever believes in Him has everlasting life. So the opposite of everlasting life is perishing. Why is this important to note? Because it shows the nature of the second death mentioned in verse 6 of Revelation 20. The nature of this second death is that they who are subject to it will perish rather than live forever in torment. This is why it is life saving to have part in the first resurrection which is in this life which takes place for us when we are born again into the Kingdom of Messiah. We have already gone over the truth that we as Messianics are kings and priests in this life ruling with the Son of God and this reign takes place during the thousand years. If our reign with Jehoshua is in this life as kings and priests as scripture shows then the thousand years must be a symbolic time frame which spans the ascension of Messiah to His second advent. Remember, that the book of Revelation is a book codified in symbols (Rev 1:1) "signified" by signs. Numbers are often symbolically used in the bible for denoting a greater time period or for symbolizing qualities of a certain subject whether it be a person, place or thing. Revelation 20:7-10 (KJV) 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. At the end of this age (thousand years), when the Church has completed It's mission, Jehovah will grant the devil a short time to rally the wicked to attack God's people. While many ascribe the 1,000 years to the future, if we compare scripture we see parallels with the end of this age. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-11 1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: These verses in 2 Thessalonians cover a big space of time during the Church age however there is also a specific application to the very end of time. As Revelation 20 says that Satan will be loosed for a season to deceive the nation's, here in 2 Thessalonians we see that there will be a strong delusion sent by God right before the Lord comes because people loved not the truth opening them up to the devils last days deceptions. This goes along with Revelation 20:7. Also, in the above passage we see that the arrival of antichrist accompanies lying signs and wonders inspired by Satan. The deception is so great that it is described as all deceivableness of unrighteousness. Again, even though part of this applies to the dark ages (538 AD-1798 AD), it definitely applies to the very end of time. Although Satan's deceptions have been around since time began it is at the very end when he can deceive the nation's (Gentiles) the way he once did. During the Church age Satan's deceptions have been held at bay although he has been active. It is right before the Lord comes that the Devil can decieve the nation's with all deceiveableness of unrighteosness, basically the enemy will throw out all that He has in his arsenal at the very end of time. These verses in 2 Thessalonians fit perfectly with Revelation 20:7 as both speak of a end time strong deception of Satan. True believers will not be decieved by Satan during this time as Revelation 20:7 says that the nation's will be deceived meaning Gentiles which is another way of saying unbelievers. People without sincere love for the truth of God's word will be swept away by the lies of the man of sin who is inspired by Satan. The same conditions that are spoken of in Revelation 20:7-8 are seen here in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. These conditions are that of strong deception by the Devil . Revelation 11:7-13 (KJV) 7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.13And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Here in Revelation 11, we see another parallel with Revelation 20:7-10. The book of Revelation is a cyclical book rather than a book that is written as a continuous chronological story. The Church in union with Jehoshua is depicted as sharing in the sufferings and resurrection of It's crucified Lord. In this vision, unbelieving Jerusalem merges with Babylon as a symbol of the wicked world including all nation's. This goes hand in hand with Revelation 20:7-8 as all nation's who are deceived by Satan's last assault on the Church make up Gog and Magog (the wicked world depicted in Revelation 11:7-13). In Revelation 20:7-10, we see Gog and Magog, which are said to be the nation's deceived by Satan, March to battle against the Church which is symbolized by Israel in the wilderness (camp of the saints) and as Jerusalem (the beloved city). Remember, in Galatians 4:26 we are told that New Jerusalem is the mother of the Church. New Jerusalem on earth is symbolized by the Church. So when Revelation 20:9 speaks of the beloved city on earth, it speaks of the Church which represents New Jerusalem. The Church is a type of New Jerusalem which is in heaven. Back to Revelation 11, we see that as the Church finishes it's testimony of Jehoshua, it is assaulted one final time by the world (Gog and Magog). While many are trying to ascribe Gog and Magog to literal end time nations, Revelation 20 calls them the nation's that are in the four quarters in the earth numbered as the sand of the sea. This alludes to a world wide confederation of nation's not just two literal countries . This end time assault of the Church symbolized by the two witnesses is persecuted and many believers are martyred. This appears to last for 3 and a half days which could be symbolic for 3 and a half years. Those in the world will celebrate the death of the believers in Messiah and won't even bury them properly . This end time attack fits Revelation 20:7-9 as the nation's will surround the holy city (the Church) to battle them. However, not all the saints will die during this persecution as Revelation 20:11 says that the Spirit of life from God will enter the dead and living saints and they will be caught up in the clouds to be with Jehoshua. The dead saints will be raised having the Spirit of life breathed into them, this is the resurrection. The living Saints will also have the Spirit of life entered into them to receive translated bodies. Revelation 20:9 follows the resurrection and translation of the Church as fire comes down from heaven to devour the wicked . This is very similar to Sodom and Gomorrah and how those cities were destroyed. It will also involve the two Jehovah's, Father and Son doing the destruction just as it was in Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:23-24 (ASV) 23The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot came unto Zoar.24Then Jehovah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Jehovah out of heaven; Two Jehovah's, Father and Son worked together in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It will be the same at the destruction of this system of things however on a world wide scale. 2 Peter 2:6 (KJV) 6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is et forth as an example of how the wicked in the last days will be destroyed. Jude 1:7 (KJV) 7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. The world will suffer the vengeance of eternal fire when the Son of God comes to tread the winepress of His Father's wrath. 2 Peter 3:12-13 (KJV) 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. According to Peter, the new heaven and new earth arrive right after the burning of the old heaven (sky, space) and old earth. Notice that Peter mentions no interim millennial period between the fiery destruction of this system and the arrival of the new system. This passage in 2 Peter goes hand in hand with Revelation 20:9 where it says: "and fire came dowm from God and devoured them" Were seeing that when we compare scripture with scripture that Revelation 20 is a recapitulation of the Church age rather than a continuation of the Messiah's second advent. Revelation 16:12-16 (KJV) 12And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.13And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.16And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. The sixth bowl. This collage of symbols points to the supernatural victory of Jehovah's people over this persecuting world. The drying up of the water of a river refers to the destruction of Babylon and the salvation of Israel (the Church), just as God once dried up the Jordan river for Israel to invade Canaan. The kings from the east represent Jehoshua's forces that will destroy Satan's world system, like the Parthian threat to Rome from beyond the Euphrates, and Cyrus, the king "from the east" who conquered Babylon and decreed Israel's return to the land.
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Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. This is one of the most profound texts found in scripture. Paul is addressing those who are trying to be justified by the law and he says that he himself is dead to the law and that the life he now lives is by the faith of the Son of God. He explains that he can do this because the Messiah lives in him. This is the beauty of the new covenant which is that we have the Son of God Himself living in us when we crucify the flesh. This crucifying of the flesh is done when we die to the things of this world. Our baptism into Jehoshua signifies this, in that we are dying to the world and the lusts associated with it and rising in newness of life with Jehoshua Messiah. This is the believers first resurrection, the second being the bodily resurrection at the Messiah's advent. This is why it is folly to try and justify yourself with the works of the law because the Father has provided us with much something much better. Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV) 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: In the old testament, the Son of God was seen and also was the one who spoke on the Father's behalf. His identity as God's only begotten Son and the truth that He was the one who was in the prophets when they prophesied, was not fully revealed. In fact, it was very well hidden from not only the gentiles but even the Israelites. Although, it was understood by some of the Israelites that Jehovah God had a divine Son who was also His Word, the full revelation of God's Son was hidden from most. Paul calls this mystery of the Messiah being in us the hope and riches of glory. This is why Paul takes such a strong stance against those who are putting themselves under the law and trying to put others under the law. Paul is not against the law as he says that he upholds the law (Romans 3:31). What Paul is against is believers trying to justify themselves through the law and also putting themselves under it as something they have to keep in it's entirety as of the manner of the Jews. If the Son of God in us, is hope and riches in our spiritual life, then we will not need to focus on the mechanics of keeping the law. The law will not be to us a checklist of do's and don'ts, but rather the law will be naturally lived out in our daily life because we have the one who kept the law perfectly living in us through His Spirit. Romans 8:1-10 (KJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. When we have the Spirit of the Messiah living in us then we will naturally have the righteousness of the law fulfilled in us. The key is having the Son of God in us as this allows us to follow after righteousness having the law written on our hearts. In fact, that is the beauty of the new covenant is having the law written on our hearts and inward parts. Jeremiah 31:31-133 (KJV) 31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. When we become born again into the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah, the Father through His Spirit puts the law in our hearts and inward parts. The great thing is that when we receive the Spirit of the Father we automatically get the Spirit of His Son also. This is why in verse 9 of Romans 8, the words Spirit, Spirit of God and Spirit of Christ are used interchangeably. Verse 2 of Romans 8 says that the law of the Spirit of life in Messiah makes us free from the law of sin and death. When we get the Spirit of Messiah, we automatically are filled with the righteousness of the law because we get the life of Messiah in us (Romans 8:2). In other words, we receive the living Word in our inner man rather than focusing on the letter of the law. 2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Whereas the old covenant could at times have a focus on the letter of the law, the new covenant emphasizes the Spirit of the law. This is why the new covenant is so much better than the old as there are better promises. Many today are going back to the letter of the law which Paul says kills. These people are forgetting that the law was a school master to bring us to the Son of God and now that we have the reality and substance are focus is on the Spiritual aspects of the law rather than the letter. This is why you often see a lot of legalism and confusion in the Torah and Hebrew roots communities because they have substituted the Spirit for the letter. If you are trying to live out the law by the letter it could be a never ending back and forth situation where you are trying to figure out what is to be kept and what is not to be kept. In the meantime, you left the Spirit behind which means you have not the Spirit of Messiah and you are none of His (Romans 8:9). This is why Paul takes such an adamant stand against those who are putting themselves back under the law and worse yet trying to get others back under the law. Paul actually calls these people false brethren bringing in a false gospel (Galatians 2:4-5). Paul knows that once someone falls into the trap of trying to be justified by the law ,they have left the Messiah behind and have frustrated the grace of God the Father. Trying to be justified by the law is putting the cart before the horse and trying to do something that cannot be done unless one seeks righteousness by the Spirit. The Spirit will lead us to all truth and thereby we will keep the righteousness of the Spirit of the law which is the life of Messiah. When the Messiah conducted His earthly ministry, He showed and taught us to how to live the law out in our daily life. The sermon on the Mount is the blueprint for living the law out in our lives. It is a heart matter. As said before, we can only do this when we have Jehoshua living inside us. This is the key to the new covenant and why it is so much superior to the old one. So, how do we get to have the Messiah living in us? First off, God the Father in His rich mercy calls us to be reconciled unto Himself through His Son. Ephesians 2:4-6 (KJV)4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: God the Father quickens us to newness of life uniting us with His Son whom He raised from the dead. It is through God's grace that we can exercise saving faith in His Son. In fact, it is in confessing and believing (faith) that Jehoshua is the Son of God that one has either received or receives the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:15 (KJV) 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. When we make the above confession it is the proof that God dwells in us through His very own Spirit. We receive the gift of the Spirit when we truly believe that Jehoshua is indeed God's only begotten Son. This isn't merely a belief in a metaphorical or adopted Sonship but rather in a literal pre-existent begotten Sonship as the bible teaches. This was the confession that allowed the Ethiopian eunuch to be baptized: Acts 8:36-37 (KJV) 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 (KJV) 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? The above passage ties in our born again experience with having faith that Jehoshua is the Son of God. The proof that one is born of God is if they overcome the world. Those who overcome the world are those who have the faith of victory. Not just any faith though but having faith in Jehoshua being the Son of the living God. Those who possess this faith will overcome unto the end and receive the crown of eternal life. Martha lived by the faith of the Son of God: John 11:25-27(KJV) 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. In context of the passage above in John 11, Martha expressed faith that her brother would rise again at the last day. She also expressed faith that whatever Jehoshua asked the Father it would be granted to Him. What was her faith based on? Verse 27 tells us, Martha believed that Jehoshua was the Messiah and that He was the Son of God which should come into the world. This passage reveals that the expectation of the Jews in regards to the coming Messiah was that He would also be God’s Son. Notice that Martha’s expectation was that there was a Messiah who would also be God’s Son that would come into the world, meaning that He existed as God’s Son prior to coming into the world. If Jehoshua wasn’t God’s Son in His pre-existence then Martha’s statement makes no sense because something can’t come into the world if it already didn’t exist. This shows that Jehoshua’s pre-existent identity is as the Son of God. God couldn’t send His Son into the world if He didn’t have a Son to send. Martha’s faith was rooted in the Sonship of Jehoshua and it was this faith that gave her hope of the last day resurrection for her brother. It was Her faith that Jehoshua was God’s Son that gave her hope that her brother would be brought back to life even at that day. Peter lived by the faith of the Son of God: Matthew 16:13-17 (KJV) 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. In one of the most important passages in all of scripture, Jehoshua ask His disciples who do they say that He (Jehoshua) is in identity. Peter makes a confession that is approved by Jehoshua as the rock that the Church would be built on. Jehoshua also says that it was the Father in heaven who revealed this to Peter. This is supposed to be the confession that the Church of all time adheres to in terms of Jehoshua’s identity and also the confession that determines whether one has the Spirit of God in them and hence are born again. Notice that Peter doesn’t confess a trinity or that Jehoshua Himself is the Almighty God but rather that Jehoshua is the Son of the living God. Peter’s faith was in the Son of God. John 1:47-51 (KJV) 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Nathaniel was an Israelite that had no guile in his mouth according to Jehoshua. This Israelite that had no guile in his mouth identified Jehoshua as the Son of God. The Son of God affirmed Nathaniel’s confession as He did Peter and Martha’s. If we want to be known as believers that have no guile in our mouths, then we must truly believe like Nathaniel that Jehoshua is indeed the Son of God. How many professed Christian’s can say this? For many Christians, Jehoshua being the Son of God is just a metaphor or role play rather than an ontological truth. Jehoshua truly is the literal begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18King James Version (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. How do we know God loves us? Because He gave His only begotten Son. Many miss the beauty of this passage. Why is that? Because they have turned the Sonship of Jehoshua into a metaphor or role play, which obscures the important truth that God really loves us so much that He was willing to send us His literal Son and see Him suffer so that we can be reconciled unto Him. This is the most famous verse which is often posted at sports games, yet most Christians totally miss the truth of what this verse is saying. This verse is saying that God indeed had a Son to send to us in the first place. God could not send us a Son if he didn’t already have a Son to send. This verse speaks to the Messiah’s preexistence and that in His preexistence His identity is as the only begotten Son of God. Our salvation depends upon believing in this very truth, that indeed in identity Jehoshua is the Son of God. This is the faith that we are supposed to live by. Those who believe in this truth will have everlasting life, those who don’t will perish in the lake of fire. They will perish because they didn’t believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The word “name’ in Greek means identity, character and authority all of which are tied into the fact that Jehoshua in identity is the Son of the Almighty God. Paul’s first sermon was that Jehoshua is the Son of God: Acts 9:17-20 (KJV) 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Just think of what this passage is saying for a few minutes. Paul just had the most radial conversion experience recorded in the bible. He experienced the brightness of Jehoshua’s glory. He was subsequently filled with the Holy Ghost and then baptized. Scales then fell from his eyes, these were not only physical scales but spiritual ones also. Paul then preached right away in the synagogues that Jehoshua is the Son of God. Brethren, this is who Jehoshua is in identity. Paul didn’t preach that Jehoshua is the second member of the trinity or that he is the Almighty God but rather that He was the Son of the Almighty God. This was the faith that Paul lived by, how about you?
The Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus is all over the epistles of the beloved disciple John. I want to show the truth that the Godhead is a Family not a committee of 3 independent God's. The best part of this is that we as believers in Christ are adopted into this real celestial family. So here is my first study on 1 John chapter 1. 1John :1-10 (KJV) 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;2For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. The beloved Apostle John states the truth that Jesus is from the beginning (John 1:1, Genesis 1:1). The Word that was from the beginning is the begotten Son of God. Jesus came forth from the Father's bosom in the ages of eternity before anything else was created. Jesus however isn't created but rather begotten meaning to be born from God the Father. Verse 1, John's testimony is reliable and solid as he saw Jesus, heard Jesus and handled Him, meaning he fellowshipped with Jesus. John refers to Jesus as the Words of life. Jesus is called the Word of God elsewhere and He is eternal life. His words bring life to those who heed the Saviour. Verse 2, Jesus was manifested to the world due to his virgin birth and earthly ministry. John and the disciples bear witness that Christ is that eternal life which was with the Father, denoting the preexistence of the only begotten Son. John says that Christ is eternal life making it clear that only through God's Son can one have this eternal life. This is a indication of the divinity of Jesus. Jesus was in heaven before coming to the world and when He came into the world, He was manifested to His disciples. Verse 3, John offers the right hand of fellowship to the recepients of this letter if they receive the declaration of the Apostles doctrine. This doctrine they witnessed with their own eyes and heard with their ears. This doctrine is the truth that Jesus is the literal begotten Son of God. Why do I say this? Because John then says that "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." The basis of fellowship is the apostolic doctrine teaching (we declare unto you) about the incarnate Word of life who is the pre-existent begotton Son of God, His deity and His distinct personality from the Father. The Father-Son is the foundation of the apostles doctrine and John says that they (the apostles and other brethren) declared this truth from the beginning and are still declaring it. John says that they are declaring this truth to the recepients of this letter so that they (those who John is declaring to) can have fellowship with John and the other brethren. John lets them know that he and the other brethren are in fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. John says "truly" meaning that this is a foundational doctrine (the Father and Son) and that any deviance away from this is false. John makes it clear that Him, the apostles and other brethren are in fellowship with a real Father-Son. No mention of the Holy Spirit because John likely knew the truth that the Holy Spirit is not a being. Verse 4, when we read or hear of the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jesus it should bring us joy. When we hear that the Son of God was manifested to the world and that He is eternal life and that through Him we have eternal life, our joy is full. Verse 5, the passage speaks here about the Father, identifying Him as God. We know this is about the Father because in verse 7, it says we have fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ. Back to verse 5, John says that God is light and in Him is no darkness. 1 Timothy 6:16, it says that the Father dwells in light unapproachable to man. Revelation 22:5 says that the Lord God giveth the light to the saints in New Jerusalem as there will be no night there. Revelation 21:23 says the glory of God lightens New Jerusalem and the Lamb (Christ) is the light thereof. The Father has only righteousness as a part of His being and not one ounce of anything impure. Verse 6, if we say that we have fellowship with God the Father yet walk in darkness, we are liars and not of the truth. The works of the flesh are darkness. What a contrast to what is taught in the Churches of Christendom. They decieve their members into a false sense of security thinking they can disregard God's commandments without consequences from the Almighty. Verse 7, here is the positive though, if we walk in God's light as He is in the light, we will have fellowship with each other as brothers and sisters. Also, if we walk in God's light the blood of His Son Jesus Christ cleanseth us from ALL sin. There is an "if" in this scripture, meaning we are only cleansed by the blood of God's Son if we walk in the light of God. In other words, keep God's commandments which is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Do you see how this scripture contradicts Christendom's Pastor's who say you don't have to keep the commandments and you don't have to be obedient in order to have the favor of Jehovah God? They teach that you can live a compromised life and still be on that magic carpet ride to heaven. Verse 8, if we say that we have no sin, we are liars and no truth is in us. By saying and thinking this, we deny the need for Jesus Christ as our High Priest. It's a slap in His face to say such a thing. Those who make such statements are like the pharisees in Jesus day. Verse 9, however, if we are humble and confess our sins, Christ is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jesus blesses the humble just like the publican who beat his chest over his sin. The humble will be justified, the prideful rejected. Christ blood cleanses us if we come to Him in humility. When we deny we have sin, we deny the blood of Jesus. Verse 10, by saying that we have not sinned, we make Jesus a liar and His word is not in us. No one Christian can read God's Word and not see how short, we as man fall in measuring up to the standards of the Father and Son. The good news is that both the Father and Son love us and the plan of redemption was made for us, so that we can walk in the Father's light and receive forgiveness of sins through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. The shed blood of the Son of God was a great sacrifice not only by Christ but His real Father as well who is the one true God. In part 1 of the deadly wound study, we left off at showing that the Papacy's deadly wound was healing in regards to it's civil/political authority. We noted that this began in 1929 and has been increasing it's healing since then. The fall of the Soviet Union demonstrated the influence that the office of the Papacy has on world affairs. I truly believe the healing of the papal wound is not limited to any one time event but rather a progression of events. Let's fast forward to 2015, in September of that year, a very significant visit took place by Pope Francis:
On September 23rd, 2015 Pope Francis met with the President of the U.S. at the White House, being just the third Pope to ever visit the White House. Pope Francis delivered a speech at the event and also met privately with President Obama. Here is an excerpt from the Pope’s speech at the White House: “Mr. President, together with their fellow citizens, American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination. With countless other people of good will, they are likewise concerned that efforts to build a just and wisely ordered society respect their deepest concerns and their right to religious liberty. That freedom remains one of America’s most precious possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it." While the above message from the Pope seems good and in line with our constitutional right as Americans, let’s keep in mind this verse from the book of Daniel: Daniel 8:25 “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Even though the above passage has a direct application to Antiochus Epipihanes IV, it also prefigures the end time antichrist. It’s important to note that the end times according to the bible do not just apply to the time right before the second advent of the Son of God but they apply to any time after the resurrection of Jehoshua (Acts 2;17, Hebrews 1:1-13). As noted in part 1, the reign of the antichrist began in 538 AD which is when the Papacy received full authority over Christendom by the Roman emperor Justinian (the Justinian Code). However, even before the Justinian Code proclamation, the see (office of Bishop) at Rome started showing signs of preeminence all the way back to the end of the 2nd century. Research the Easter controversy from the late 2nd century. During this controversy between the Churches of the east and the west concerning the date that the resurrection of Jehoshua was to be celebrated, the Roman Bishop Victor thundered excommunications for those who didn’t go along with the Sunday Easter date as opposed to the 14th of Nisan. Back to the Pope’s visit to the U.S. in 2015, there was also a parade for the Pope on the day he met with the President and gave his speech. On the very next day (9/24/2015), Pope Francis spoke with a joint session of Congress, please see the below quote from a Catholic site that chronicled the Papal visit to the U.S. “The event is considered historic and is the first time a reigning pontiff has ever addressed Congress.” Brethren, let’s not overlook the significance of this. We are seeing an increase of influence being given to the Pope by the leaders of our country. Whereas the Pope once ruled Europe and then lost that power (1798 AD), he is now being given increasing authority by the U.S. and the United Nations. Speaking of the United Nations, Pope Francis addressed them on September 25th, 2015 a day after his address to Congress. The U.N. has 193 member States which gives the Pope a huge stage to exercise his influence. It happened to be the 70th year anniversary of the U.N. on the day which Pope Francis spoke. Revelation 17:12-13 (KJV) 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. Revelation is a very symbolic book and many of the numbers in it are symbolic. 10 represents completeness and very well could be a picture of the U.N. who had not existed at the time John had this vision. The beast of course representing the Papacy. “On Friday, September 25th, 2015, Pope Francis formally addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. With the assembly celebrating its 70th anniversary, the attendance and address of Pope Francis was guaranteed to make it a special one. This year’s assembly also involved huge decisions for its members concerning sustainable development and climate change. In addition to Pope Francis’ address to the assembly, the pontiff also held bilateral meetings with the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly, and participated in a town hall gathering with United Nations staff.” The above is from the website that I noted above “popefrancisvisit.com”. As you can see, the Pope’s influence among the leaders of the U.S. and U.N. is real and he is being granted an audience with them that even surpasses his papal predecessors. Pope’s have met with Presidents before (2 times at the White House prior to this visit) and have visited the U.N. before (4 times prior to this particular visit) but it’s the combination of these visits along with the address to congress that makes this time unique and unprecedented. You can find the contents of the Pope’s U.N. address on line but the overall sentiment of the speech was world peace and universal love. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 (KJV)1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Peace and safety seems to be the overarching theme of the Papacy and the leaders of the U.N. The Pope is speaking the language of the world with his concerns for the environment and the world’s poverty stricken. While these are noble concerns to have, there is a deeper and darker agenda to all of this, it’s called the “Millennium Sustainable Development Goals” and it is a United Nations agenda that is wicked to the core. It includes population control, promotion of legalized abortion worldwide along with worldwide acceptance of homosexual marriage. Of course, both of those wicked practices contribute to population control. What is notable is that an otherwise hostile media to all things Christian salivated over the Pope’s arrival to the States. He was treated like a rock star or a king, media and politicians alike could not get enough of the Pope. Much of the public was also stirred by his visit to the States. Revelation 13:3 (KJV) 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. I believe that the Pope’s visit to the U.S. in 2015 was a foreshadowing of the above scripture. The world started to wonder after him in 2015 in a big way and his popularity has only increased as he is saying and doing all the right things. In part 3, we will cover more of the Pope’s visit to the States and show how this man of sin is gaining advantage in these perilous times. Micah 4:1-3 (KJV)4 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. The above passage in Micah corresponds with the first few verses of Isaiah chapter 2. This is speaking of the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom at Pentecost. Matthew 21:42-44 (KJV)42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. Jesus was the stone that shattered the Roman empire. This relates to the prophecy in Daniel Chapter 2 (verses 34-35, 44-45). The prophecy was that the Kingdom of God would smite the Roman empire and that the stone (Jesus) would become a great mountain and fill the whole earth. Psalm 2:6-9 (KJV)6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. “set my King”. Rebellious opposition cannot frustrate God’s plan and purpose which He will fulfill through the Son of David. “hill of Zion”. Location of Jerusalem for the old covenant kings and for the new covenant King, this speaks of heavenly Zion in New Jerusalem where Messiah was crowned. Jehovah’s shekinah presence is in the heavenly temple as it was in the old earthly temple and is also in the temple of our bodies. New Jerusalem is the headquarters of God’s Kingdom. The Church on earth represents New Jerusalem and is thereby the Kingdom of God. New Jerusalem, Mount Zion, The Church, the Temple are symbols of God’s Kingdom. “this day I have begotten thee” Christ’s eternal glory as God’s Son, infinitely above the angels, was publicly declared when God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him as King. “ask of me” The Father willed that Christ intercede for His redeemed, so that they will become His inheritance and possession. ”heathen”…uttermost parts. Christ will save people from all nations. “thou shalt break” He conquers either by grace or by force (Rev 19:15). He should deal severely with those who, in unbelief, refuse to submit to Him (Matthew 21:44). The church (Kingdom of Jehoshua) will never be destroyed (the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: Matthew 16:13-20 (KJV)13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. Jehoshua’s Kingdom is built on the rock of Peter’s confession. This confession is that Jehoshua is the Son of the Living God. Entrance to the Kingdom of Jehoshua is via baptism, which is done after one confesses that Jehoshua is the Son of God (Acts 7:35-38, 1 John 4:15). Much of Christendom has either forgotten this confession as the Rock of the Church or they have downplayed it or some outright deny it. The Church is the Kingdom of Jehoshua and the very foundation of this Kingdom is Peter’s confession that Jehoshua is the Son of God. This confession speaks to the real Fatherhood of God as well. We can safely say that the foundation of the Kingdom is the Father-Son relationship of Jehovah and Jehoshua. It is this Kingdom, which is built on the Sonship of the Messiah, which will not be overcome by the gates of hell. That means that the Kingdom of Jehoshua, which is the Church founded on the Sonship of Messiah, will last to the end of time. The Church need not fear any enemy as Jehoshua prophesied that we will not be overcome by our enemies as they represent hell and death. We can trust in this promise as long as we hold on and stand fast in the truth that indeed Jehoshua is God’s only begotten Son from the ages of eternity. This speaks to the literal begotten Sonship of the Messiah before the world began. In fact, those of us who hold to the literal begotten Sonship if the Messiah are privy to having the keys to the Kingdom and the power to bind and loose. This gives us the right to establish Church discipline. Let me remind you that only if you stay from in the truth of Jehoshua’s literal begotten Sonship can you have this privilege. From Jehoshua’s fist advent and beyond He started to build His Church (Kingdom) on the foundation of His literal Sonship. This building of His Kingdom will continue until His second advent. His Kingdom was established on this earth at Pentecost. When we become born again we are translated into His Kingdom, which is called the Kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13). Ephesians 3:21King James Version (KJV) 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. There will be glory given to God in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Therefore, the church is the kingdom of God which shall never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44, Hebrews 12:28) The kingdom of God is entered into by baptism, The church is entered into by baptism, Therefore, the church is the kingdom of God. Luke 7:29-30 (KJV)29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Matthew 21:31-32 (KJV)31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. Luke 16:16 (KJV)16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. The church is entered into by baptism, Therefore, the church is the kingdom of God Acts 2:41 (KJV)41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. The Apostles ate and drank at Jehoshua’s table in His Kingdom Luke 22:29-30 (KJV)29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. The Lord's table is the communion table which is found in the church 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (KJV)16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:21 (KJV) 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. The Lord's supper (eating and drinking with Jehoshua) is the communion service which is observed in the church 1 Corinthians 11:20-25 (KJV) 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Therefore, the church is the kingdom of God where we eat and drink with Jehoshua at His table. The church is the true Israel. The nation of Israel was a chosen people whom God had singled out from all the nations of the earth Amos 3:1-2 (KJV)3 Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, 2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Psalm 147:19-20 (KJV)19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. As long as they were obedient and kept His covenant, they were to him a peculiar people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation Exodus 19:5-6 (KJV)5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Israel was God's church/congregation Acts 7:38 (KJV)38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: Exodus 16:2 (KJV)2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: Israel was a congregation of people who assembled at specified times and places to worship God according to the law He gave them. If that's not a church, what is? When Christ came, He reformed the OT church Hebrews 9:10 (KJV)10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Jehoshua built His new covenant Church Matthew 16:18 (KJV)18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Those who believe in the literal begotten Sonship of Messiah are part of the Church The NT church began as a Jewish church, but didn't remain so very long. Prior to the gospel going to the Gentiles, they were outside of the commonwealth of Israel and of the covenants God made with them. The blood of Christ brought the Gentile near to God, and Messiah made both Jews and Gentiles one and broke down the middle wall of partition between them Ephesians 2:11-14 (KJV)11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Jehoshua made peace between both believing Jew and Gentile uniting them in one body unto God. Ephesians 2:15-16 (KJV)15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: The Gentiles then ceased to be strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with Israel and of the household of Jehovah, being part of the church which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets and Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-20 (KJV)19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; The church, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, then became referred to by the identical terminology as Israel was in the OT: a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculiar people. 1 Peter 2:5-9 (KJV)5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Exodus 19:5-6 (KJV)5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. True Jews are all those who are in Christ, whether they be racially Jews or Gentiles Galatians 3:7 (KJV)7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Galatians 3:29 (KJV)29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. True Jews are those (Jew or Gentile) who are circumcised in the heart and spirit, not merely in the flesh Romans 2:28-29 (KJV)28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. True Jews are those who worship God in the Spirit and have no confidence in the flesh Philippians 3:3 (KJV)3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. It no longer matters whether one is a Jew or a Gentile, but whether one is a new creature in Christ, and those who walk according to that rule are the Israel of Jehovah. Galatians 6:15-16 (KJV)15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. |
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