Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Verses 26 27 of Rev 2:
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. Jehoshua gives a promise to those who overcome and endure to the end. The above two verses are often associated with a future millennial reigning over the nations however it should be understood as the saints sharing in the reign and judgment of the Son of God (Daniel 7:22; 1 Cor 6:2-3). The power over the nations that the saints will be given is in reference to judging the world. Here in Revelation 2 it says that the saints will rule the nations with a rod of iron which leads to the false understanding of the futurists in which we will literally rule over the nations in a political type setting. Verse 27 of Revelation 2 is a reference back to Psalm 2 verse 9: "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel." Here in Psalm 2 it says that the Messiah will break the nations with a rod of iron. Both "break " and "rule" fit the context since the iron rod was used by shepherds to strike and crush the enemies of the sheep. "Dash to pieces like a potters vessel." Indicates complete and irreparable destruction. Psalm 89:23 makes it clear that the ruling/breaking of the nations with a rod of isn't a literal political type ruling over them but rather literally breaking as in destroying them: Psalm 89:23 23And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. The shepherds used the iron rod to crush the enemies of the sheep, they didn't use it to rule over the enemies of the sheep as their new master. This language indicates a total destruction of the enemies of the Messiah and His Church at His second advent not a new age where we as the Church literally rule over our enemies in a political millennium. The bible teaches that the Church's enemies will be destroyed at the Messiah's return not live on into a Geo-political millennium. Paul removes any doubt as to the fate of those not in the faith of Messiah when He returns: 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Those who know not God nor obey the gospel of our King Jehoshua Messiah will be destroyed with everlasting fire from the presence of Jehoshua. He is coming back to take vengeance on those who are not in the faith in flaming fire. Notice that Paul doesn't say that Jehoshua is coming to literally rule over these people that don't know His Father nor obey His (Jehoshua's) gospel but rather He is coming to annihilate them. Rather than live on in some earthly millennium the bible says ALL those who don't know the Father i.e. every unbeliever and all those who obey not the gospel of the Son i.e. professing believers will be destroyed from existence. Revelation 19 also connects the ruling with a rod of iron with the destruction of the nations: 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.17And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. This is the description of the second advent of Jehoshua Messiah, the vesture dipped in blood is either that of the enemy or His atoning blood. Verse 14 shows that the second coming is the Son of God coming to make war against the nations as He is accompanied by a heavenly army. Many in Christendom have watered down the second advent into a Disneyland production but the bible teaches that it will be a day of trembling for those in the world and that Messiah is coming to kill all unbelievers not give them a second chance. The Church's rarely talk about the killing and destruction that the Son of God will execute in His Father's name. This is because they have created a false PG version of the second coming that leaves out a lot of the harsh reality of it. They don't like to talk about Jehoshua as the Lion of Judah who will roar from New Jerusalem when He makes His descent to the earth. Verse 15, "sharp sword", "rod of iron" are terms which describe the manner in which Jehoshua will return and His dealing with the nations upon His return. With this sword, Messiah is going to smite (strike) the nations basically wipe them out not rule over them in a political kingdom. Remember "rule over the nations with a rod of iron" could also be rendered "break the nations with a rod of iron". The context of the second advent and Revelation 19 supports that "rule over the nations with a rod of iron" is understood as destroying them with a rod of iron as the shepherds of Israel would destroy the enemies of their sheep with the rod not rule over them as their new master. The Son of God's striking of the nations will be a violent one not one where a remnant of them will survive into some earthly millennium. The wording strike and smite further support the notion that in the context of the second advent "rule over them with a rod of iron" is a reference to the absolute destruction of the nations not a survival of them in a future Geo-political kingdom. Incorporated into this ruling over the nations with a rod of iron is the judgment of these nations by the Son of God and His saints. Verse 15 of Revelation 19 also connects the ruling with a rod of iron of the nations with the Messiah treading the winepress of His Father's wrath. The two go hand in hand. To rule/break the nations with a rod of iron is equated to pouring out the Almighty God's wrath on them. Let's go to Revelation 14 and see further proof of the total destruction of the nations upon the Messiah's return: 17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. The vine of the earth represents the wicked unbelievers and they are cast into the great winepress of the wrath of Jehovah God. This is the harvest i.e. the end of the age. In the previous verses of chapter 14 the Son of God raptured His Church and now it is time for the unbelievers to receive the cup of God's wrath. There is no way in reading this passage that one can come to the conclusion that there will be anyone left to rule over in a Geo-political type kingdom. The angel coming from out the altar is a reference to the altar of incense which is symbolic of the prayers of the saints that cry out for their blood to be avenged on those who dwell on the earth (Rev 6:10). Here in Revelation 14, their cries for justice are being fulfilled. Verse 20 of Revelation 14 says that the winepress will be trodden without the city. This means that the Church (the city of God) will be exempt from Jehovah's wrath which will fall outside the covenant people. This is because, as verses 15 and 16 say, the Church has been raptured (Harvested) out of the earth as the first fruits unto God and the Lamb. Blood will gush out of the winepress signifying the total destruction of the unbelieving world. "By the space of 1600 furlongs" symbolizes the fulness (4x4x10x10) of peoples from the whole world. 1600 furlongs (184 miles) is the length of Israel from north to south. It would take the death of all humanity to make a river of blood 184 miles long, 5 feet deep, and 250 feet wide. Back to Revelation 19, verses 17 and 18: 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. Verses 17 and 18 in Revelation 19 match perfectly with verses 17-20 in Revelation 14. This angel in verse 17 stands in the midst of the sun whereas the angels in ch. 14 are without the temple of Jehovah. It's possible that this angel in verse 17 of Rev 19 is one of the angels in ch. 14 of Rev. Either way the event is the same and that is the wrath of God being poured on the clusters (unbelievers) of the vine (Satan's kingdom) of the earth. The day of Jehovah is connected with the winepress of His wrath being poured out on the unbelievers and this day of wrath is also called the great supper of God. Rather than these unbelieving nations being ruled over by the Messiah in some political Kingdom, they will actually be literally devoured by the birds of the air. The angel calls the fowls of the air to eat of the flesh of the unbelieving peoples of the world. The birds enjoy the spoils of the Son of God's victory over the wicked and eat the very flesh of those who are not saved. Contrary to some teachings, it will not only be the mighty men of the earth who fought against the Messiah at His second advent that will suffer this fate but even the unbelieving poor and the small men and women of low estate. Even the poor nice old janitor and the dedicated preschool teacher will have their flesh eaten by the fowls of heaven because they rejected the only begotten Son of God. So not only the leaders of governments and military will suffer under Jehoshua's doom but all sinners even the slaves (bond). There will be no political correctness at the great supper of God but an equal opportunity devouring of flesh of all economic, racial and ethnic groups who are not followers of the Messiah Jehoshua. There are only two classes of people according to the bible, the righteous in Messiah who are children of God and the unrighteous who reject Him and are children of wrath. Verses 19-20 of Revelation 19: 19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. The anti-Messiah and false prophet will be cast alive into the lake of fire at the second advent of the Son of God. Also, the kings of the earth and their armies will also suffer the fate of being eaten by the birds of the air (verse 18 of Rev 19). Verse 21 of Revelation 19: 21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Not to leave out the regular citizens verse 21 says the remnant, meaning those besides the kings of the earth and their armies, will also be slain with the sword of the Word of God Jehoshua. The fowls of heaven will also eat the flesh of this remnant which consists of the small (men and women of low estate) and bond (slaves of sin). This means the Son of God will have no pity on the poor and those whom society looks upon as humble and oppressed social classes. If they have rejected the Messiah of Israel they will have their very flesh eaten inside out. Verses 28 and 29 of Revelation chapter 2: 28And I will give him the morning star.29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The Messiah is the morning star, Jehoshua is the radiant King of Israel: Numbers 24:17 17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. A prophecy of the Messiah, the great Seed of Abraham and true Israel. He will be the promised King and Light of the World. 2 Peter 1:16-19 (KJV) 16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Peter was an eyewitness of the majesty (glory) of the Messiah at the mount of transfiguration. God the Father gave the Messiah honour (Kingship and a Kingdom) and glory (the divine nature) and declared/confirmed the Sonship of Jehoshua. God the Father who is the excellent glory (shekinah) poured His glory into His Son at the holy mount letting Peter, James and John see the shekinah of God in Messiah, a foretaste of the Kingdom to which God calls all believers. This glory was given to the Messiah at His baptism as the fulness of the Father's Spirit.(shekinah) dwelt in the body of Jehoshua. However, this glory had to be veiled so that the disciples could withstand the presence of the only begotten Son. Here at the mount of transfiguration, three of the disciples got a taste of the glory of the only begotten Son of God. As John the beloved says, they beheld His glory as of the only begotten Son.(John 1:14). The disciples again witnessed the glory of the Messiah after His resurrection but it wasn't until the Messiah ascended to heaven and was enthroned as King that Jehoshua was glorified into the express image of God being of the substance of the Father. It was at His ascension that Jehoshua was glorified without measure and given unveiled radiance. During His earthly Jehoshua received a taste of the glory He would receive at His ascension albeit more than anyone had ever had before Him including king Solomon. King Solomon at his enthronement as king of Israel was anointed by the Spirit of Jehovah and received majesty and glory. How much moreso is this true of Jehoshua when He was baptized and anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah to be Messiah and King? 1 Chronicles 29:23-25 (ASV) 23Then Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.24And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.25And Jehovah magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. The throne of David was equated with the throne of Jehovah God because the king of Israel had Jehovah's authority behind him. Jehovah magnified Solomon exceedingly and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him including David. If this was true of Solomon how much more was it true of Jehoshua when He was anointed as the King of Israel at His baptism? 2.Peter 1:19 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Peter here refers to the second coming of the Messiah. Revelation 22:16 16 I Jehoshua have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Jehoshua testifies that He is the seed of David and the bright and morning star. Jehoshua is a man descended from David according to the flesh meaning He is a descendant of David's family line through seed (sperm). This requires that Jehoshua be brought forth out of the seed of David through a male descendant of David. Romans 1:3 (KJV) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; In other words Jehoshua was made of the sperm of David which can only be through a male descendant of David as women do not have seed (sperm). The terminology of "Christ" and "Lord (King)" can only apply to a true flesh and blood descendant of David through the male line i.e. fruit of David's loins and bowels of David i.e. male sexual organs and seed i.e. sperm. Jehoshua affirms that He is the bright and morning star whose coming to reign as King of Israel signaled the dawning and inauguration of a new age of glory: Daniel 12:3 3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever This passage began it's fulfillment on the day of Pentecost which was the inauguration of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. It continues to be fulfilled every time someone is led to the righteousness of the Son of God. Verse 29 of Revelation 2: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." "He that hath an ear" the one whom God has granted the spiritual ability to understand the truth. The Holy Spirit speaks through the Son of God as the Spirit proceeds out of the Messiah. Jehoshua is the two olive trees that produce the oil of the Holy Spirit into the seven branch candlestick which is the Church.
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Revelation 2:12-13
12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. Jehoshua identifies Himself as the one who bears the sword which is the word of God. The word of God is the double edged sword which both convicts and comforts. Jehoshua's name is the Word of God: Revelation 19:13 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Revelation 1:16 says that the double edged sword comes out of the mouth of the Messiah. The word became flesh at Jehoshua's baptism and He preached this word to Israel: Acts 10:36-38 (ASV) 36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)37That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. The above passage in Acts 10 clearly identifies the beginning of "the Word", insofar as being connected to Jehoshua, at His baptism in the Jordan. That word began from Galilee after the baptism of Jehoshua. Jehoshua adresses the Church at Pergamos and commends them for being faithful to His name. The Church is standing firm despite being located in the midst of severe satanic activity (Satan's seat). These faithful Messianic's have not denied the faith of Jehoshua, which not only includes Jehoshua as a person but also what He taught meaning His doctrine. They even saw their brother in Messiah Antipas slain in front of them. Rather than being discouraged to give up the faith they remained steadfast. Jehoshua reiterates that Satan is dwelling in Pergamos which means this must have been a place known for it's wickedness, error and cruelty. Today in America, in what are comfortable times for believers, there is a epidemic of a denial of the faith. How so? Unlike the Church of Pergamos, the doctrine (teachings) of Jehoshua are largely ignored. Let's read from the apostle John and see how serious it is to not teach the Son of God's doctrine: John 2:9-11 9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.10 If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:11 for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works. The apostles and those Churches under them did not budge an inch when it came to the Messiah's doctrine i.e. instructions. John instructs believers not even to receive those who bring not Messiah's teaching into their homes nor bid them "god speed". Now we can understand how the Church of Pergamos took the faith (doctrine) of Jehoshua seriously even in the midst of intense satanic activity and the murder of their brother. Verse 14 of Revelation chapter 2 "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication" Despite the overall faithfulness of the Pergamos Church they were not faultless. Here Jehoshua reveals the nature of the double edged sword. At first He commended the Church for their faithfulness and now He is chastizing them for their putting up with those in their midst that hold to false teachings. There were those in Pergamos, who like Balaam, were casting stumbling blocks before the brethren enticing them to eat things sacrificed to idols and bowing to their false gods. Fornication meaning whoredom with unbelieving women who led the men of the Congregation into worship of their (unbelieving women) false gods. This is also called prostitution. These who held this doctrine were being tolerated in the Church. Jehoshua rebukes the Church for allowing these false brethen to remain in communion with them. This is a swift rebuke to today's lukewarm milquetoast Church which teaches that it is unloving to kick people out of Church even if they are involved with pagan practices which is idolatry. Jehoshua wants us to kick the false brethren out and having nothing to do with them. Who do you believe in terms of Church discipline, Jehoshua or todays institutional churches? Verse 15 of Revelation 2 "So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner." Many believe that the doctrine of the Nicolatians was a clergy/laity distinction type teaching that leads to ab over lording of authority. If so, this is definitely something our Lord hates. Let's read what Jehoshua says about the type of leadership that the Nicolatians may have been advocating: Luke 22:25-27 (KJV) 25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.26But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.27For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Jehoshua condemned the type of leadership that the Nicolatians were teaching. Jehoshua said the Gentiles (unbelievers) are those who lord their authority over the ones they lead. The Son of God made it clear that in His Kingdom those who are greatest are those who serve others. This runs contrary to Nicolatian leadership which teaches a sharp clergy/laity seperation and that the laity is there to benefit the clergy. This type of leadership is evident in some denominations and is often justified by tradition and sometimes by scripture. Jehoshua wants the Church in Smyrna to deal with those who hold to this Nicolatian doctrine. He doesn't want them to put up with those who are teaching this doctrine. The Son of God is serious about the Church exposing and keeping out false doctrine and those who teach it. Most Churches today call those who want to keep out false teachers and their teachings as unloving and unmessiah like. These watered down false Churches don't know the real Messiah but have substituted Him for a watered down effiminente hippie Jesus. Look at what Jehoshua tells the Church at Smyrna next in the context of them putting up with the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolatians: Verse 16 of Revelation 2 "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." Jehoshua Messiah wants the Smyrna Church to repent (change their mind) in regards to the false teachers. If they don't deal with it, then He Himslef will judge the heretics. This warning is very appropriate for today's Lukewarm Churches who allow many false teachings and think it is unloving to call them out. If the Churches of today don't repent then Messiah Himself will judge those false teachers with the sword of His mouth i.e the Word of God. Verse 17 of Revelation 2 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." The Holy Spirit which proceeds out of the Father is speaking to the Churches through the divine Son of God and those who are in covenant with the Son of God will heed His words as His sheep know His voice: John 10:27 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: Only the sheep in relationship with Jehoshua will hear the words of His Revelation exhortations. The false brethren and false believers will not heed the voice of the Messiah. John 10:26 26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. Jehoshua promises the believers the hidden manna which is the bread that comes out of heaven. The Son of God is that bread, that manna from heaven from which believers eat: John 6:31-35 (KJV) 31Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.32Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.33For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. Jehoshua is that manna that nourishes and feeds the Church. Verse 18 of Revelation 2 "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;" Jehoshua now adresses the Thyatira Church and identifies Himself as the Son of God which is His true identity. Today's Church has largely done away with the Sonship of Jehoshua and instead consider Him the Almighty God. Here Jehoshua just as during His earthly ministry cements His true everlasting identity in that He is the Son of God. Jehoshua Himself said that the foundation of the Church would be built on His identity of being the Son of the living God. This shows that much of the institutional church is built upon a false foundation which has exchanged the truth (Jehoshua's Sonship) for a lie (that He is the Almighty God). The description of Jehoshua's eyes and feet describe His resurrected glory. Verse 19 of Revelation 2 "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first." Jehoshua commends the Thyatira Church for their love and works as well as faith and patience. The false teaching that works in terms of being a true follower of Messiah don't matter is contradicted by the Son of God. Jehoshua commends the Churches for their good works. Verse 20 of Revelation 2 "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." However, like the previous Churches not all is perfect according to our King. Jehoshua rebukes the Thyatira Church for their tolerance of Jezebel female teachers. This rebuke by Jehoshua is also a rebuke to any Church that allows female pastors or teachers. Invariably most if not all female pastors preach a perverted version of the gospel. Why is this? Because they already left the safety of Jehovah's ordained covering for a woman and thereby His Spirit has left them. Because these female teachers have rejected God ordained authority they are subject to be used by Satan to bring lies and false doctrine into their Congregations. These women like the Jezebel of old cause their listeners to commit fornication (spiritual adultery). How so you might say? Many female pastors and teachers mix the gospel of Jehoshua Messiah with new age doctrine and practices. This is why you see many of the female Pastors in the charismatic movement because this movement is heavily entangled in new age philosophy. Not only the charismatic movement but also the prosperity false gospel movement as well. Both the charismatic and prosperity gospel movements are known for having unbiblical displays of worship during their services that are often times downright satanic. Again, women pastors/teachers have a prominent role in these false movements. False is akin to spiritual fornication and these female pastors lead their Congregations into new age harlotry. One example is the false speaking in babbling tongues that are pagan or yoga or the kundalini like shaking that members will exhibit during the services that these Jezebels conduct. Just as the old testament Jezebel persecuted Jehovah's prophets the modern day Jezebels persecute the God ordained men who speak out against their ungodly rebellion. These female Pastors will speak ill of any Pastor who calls them to account for their false teachings and disobedience to the commands of Jehoshua's apostle that women are not to teach or have authority over a man. Let's see what the Lord's apostle has to say about these Jezebel: 1 Timothy 2:12-14 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.13For Adam was first formed, then Eve.14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Pretty clear isn't it? Yet headstrong women will outright twist these simple words and condemn others who hold them to account as sexist, mysoginistic etc. Paul makes it clear that it was the woman who was decieved not the man. This is one of the reasons who are not to teach or have authority over a man because they are more prone to being decieved. The emotional makeup of a woman subjects them more to falling into deception. The argument many will use is that there are a lot of men who get decieved and this is true however it's also true that women are more prone than men to be decieved by Satan's temptations. Paul destroys egalatarianism with one verse 1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV) 3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. God has placed man has head over women in terms of headship i.e. leadership. Paul leaves no room for women to take office as a leader in the Church: 1 Corinthians 14:32-40 (KJV) 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.40Let all things be done decently and in order. Paul makes his case for orderly worship in stating that Jehovah God is not the author of confusion. Part of orderly worship is that women were not to stand in judgment on prophecies or interrupt the worship. The women according to Paul were to be under obedience as saith the law i.e. torah. Certainly women were to have a part in the church services including prophesying but ultimately they had to be under obedience to the male leadership i.e. the bishops and deacons. It is actually a mark of confusion according to Paul when you see women running the Church services or even interrupting them. The word confusion comes from the word "babel" which is where we get the word "babylon". So these churches that install women pastors or deacons are Babylonian by definition because they have made confusion out of God's divine order. The specific women Paul seems to be admonishing are those who are new to the faith or possibly aren't in it yet. Either way, these women don't seem to have a mature understanding of the faith as they seem to be interrupting the services. Again, Paul isn't saying are not to speak at all in the Church but rather that it needs to be done in order and that they need to be under the authority of the male led church leadership. In verse 37, Paul says that anyone who thinks himself or herself to be spiritual must acknowledge what he says about women as a commandment of Jehovah God. This statement outright disqaulifies every single female pastor as unspiritual and carnal and unsaved. Also those who agree with female pastors are in the same boat as being carnal, unspiritual and unsaved. Verses 21 and 22 of Revelation chapter 2 21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.22Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The Jezebel teachers are given time to repent, this shows that it is possible for them to repent of their ways and be in right standing with the Son of God. If she doesn't repent then a sick bed and tribulation await her. The scary thing is that not only will she be cast into a sick bed but also those who heed her teachings and doctrine i.e. commit adultery with her i.e. spiritual adultery. This gives no excuse for those who claim to be Christian to listen to and support these false teachers. Many Christians excuse away listening to teachers they know are off by saying they take the good and leave the bad but scripture nowhere supports that mindset. Infact, the Messiah is saying the opposite which is that those who partake of the adulterous doctrine of these Jezebel teachers will suffer the same fate which is a sick bed and tribulation. Just by listening to these Jezebels makes one guilty of spiritual harlotry. 2 John 9-11 rebukes the false notion that we can just listen to the good stuff of a particular false teacher and throw out the rest. We as Messianic's are commanded to have absolutely nothing to do with false teachers including listening to even 2 minutes of one of their sermons. 2 John chapter 2 9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. This passage here in John's second epistle fits perfectly with verses 21 and 22 of Revelation chapter 2. According to John we are not to even verballly bless those who trangress the doctrine (teachings) of Jehoshua. If we even verbally bless those who teach contrary to the instructions of the Messiah then we are considered as having partaken of their evil deeds. This is considered as harlotry. However, there is hope for the Jezebel teachers and their adherents and that is repentance. The consequences for not repenting is severe: Revelation 2:23 (KJV) 23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Notice here that Jehoshua says that He will kill Jezebel's children with death. He doesn't say that He will kill Jezebel with death but her children. Obviously it is a given that He will actually kill her but it's noteworthy that her children i.e. those that sit under her teachings are the ones identified as being killed by Jehoshua. This death spoken of by Jehoshua is a reference to the second death in the lake of fire. The day of judgment will be a stunning revelation to the Churches, in that many so called popular pastors, preachers etc. will be exposed as frauds. It will be in that day that the Churches will understand that outward religiousness may fool man but it doesn't fool the divine Son of God. Jehoshua isn't impressed by 10,000 member Churches or fancy lifestyles by so called Pastors or by so called scholars and their pedigrees or celebrity. Jehoshua searches the hearts of men and women to see if they are sincere in their love for Him which includes teaching His doctrine and not perverting it. Revelation 2:24-25 (KJV) 24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. Jehoshua encourages the faithful brethren to keep fast in the faith in which they hold which is the faith of the Son of God. Jehoshua says that the doctrine of Jezebel is the depths of Satan. Todays institutional churches frown on those who expose these false Jezebel teachers yet Jehoshua says the exact opposite. Who do you want to be in compliance with? To know the doctrines of Joyce Meyer, Marilyn Hickey, Bianca Jaurez, Cristine Caine is to know the depths of Satan and to sit under these Jezebel's is treason against the only begotten Son Jehoshua. Matthew 16:28 (KJV)
28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Jehoshua speaks the truth and thereby the above passage has to be 100 percent truth. So what does this mean? Obviously this verse tells us that the Kingdom of the Son of God was not merely a futuristic one but a soon coming one. Unlike the futurists, Jehoshua knew that His Kingdom was soon to be established. Although verse 27 speaks of the second advent, Jehoshua's reference in verse 28 to some present not tasting of death is obviously not about His second advent as He clearly taught that He didn't even know when that was. So what was the Messiah talking about in verse 27? I believe He is referring to a sequence of events. Let's look at the next few verses: Matthew 17:1-5 (KJV) 1And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.3And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Peter, John and James witnessed the transfiguration of the Messiah and the vision of the glory that would be His Kingdom. The Father affirmed His unique relationship with Jehoshua by declaring the Messiah's Sonship. This vision also shows the Son of God's superiority over Moses (old covenant) and Elijah (prophets) and that He came to fulfill both. This is only one aspect of the Son of God coming in His Kingdom with His disciples witnessing it. It was actually only a taste of it in vision. Acts 1;1 -3 (ASV) 1The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,2until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen:3To whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God. In Jehoshua's resurrected state the disciples witnessed another aspect of the Son of God's Kingdom. Jehoshua taught the disciples many things concerning the Kingdom during the 40 days between His resurrection and ascension. Jehoshua's resurrection was another aspect of Messiah coming in His Kingdom as the title "Son of God" is a title of Kingship. Let's read what Paul says in Romans 1: 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2 which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures,3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord, The resurrection was a glorious display of the Sonship of Jehoshua and thereby His Kingship as confirmed by Jehovah God. The resurrection was the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in which one of David's seed (sperm) would be raised up to sit on his throne. Peter the apostle confirms this very thing: Acts 2:29-32 29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Peter connects the resurrection of the Messiah with the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant which Jehovah made with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The promise of this covenant is that while David slept in the grave, Jehovah God would establish David's seed (sperm) to sit on David's throne which is the throne of Israel and Jehovah God. Jehoshua's installment on David's throne inaugurated His Kingdom which is the Millennium. Peter connects the resurrection of the Messiah with His enthronement as King of Israel. Let's further prove this with by going to the book of Hebrews: Hebrews 1:5-9 (KJV) 5For 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?6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows Hebrews 1 is about the exaltation of the Messiah into heaven which is obvious from the context. What's notable is that Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 45:5-6 are qouted here and applied to Jehoshua in the context of His ascension to the right hand of God the Father. What's notable about these Psalms is that they are coronation passages about the installment into office of an Israelite King. Psalm 2:7 in it's immediate context is about David but could apply to any of His royal descendants but of course it's ultimately fulfilled in Jehoshua. Psalm 45:5-6 in it's immediate context is likely about Solomon who is David's son but the ultimate fulfillment of this passage is about the only begotten Son Jehoshua. It's plain to see that if two coronation Psalms of an Israelite King are being attributed to Jehoshua in the context of His ascension into heaven, then He is being enthroned as that very thing i.e. the King of Israel. Hebrews 1 fits perfectly with what Peter preached as the first sermon, after the Messiah's resurrection, in that the oath made to David by Jehovah God was fulfilled by the resurrection of the Messiah. The oath was that David's seed would be raised up to sit on his throne i.e. the throne of Israel and Jehovah God. Both Peter and the author of Hebrews connects this fulfillment with the resurrection and ascension of Jehoshua. Jehoshua coming in His Kingdom at His ascension into heaven Revelation 12:5-10 5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. The woman who brought forth the man child is Israel also known as the church (Isaiah 54:1-5), encompassing Jehovah's people under both covenants. The 12 stars represent the 12 tribes of Israel which are identified in the new covenant as the Church (James 1:1; Rev 7; Gal 6:16, Eph 2:19). The woman's labor pains represent her sorrows (travailing in birth; Isaiah 26:17) as she waits for her Messianic King (Micah 5:2-4). Verse 5 says the man child would be caught up to God's throne, this took place when the Son of God ascended to heaven to the right hand of the Father. Hebrews 1 details this extraordinary event. The ascension of the Messiah into heaven fulfilled the Psalm 110:1 propechy: "Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool." It was as this precise moment when Jehoshua was enthroned as the King of Israel. The throne of David was also recognized as Jehovah God's throne: 1 Chronicles 29:23 (ASV) 23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. The throne of David was the same as the throne of Jehovah God albeit on earth. However we see that Jehovah said that David's throne would eventually be a heavenly one in the future when the Davidic covenant would be fulfilled: Psalm 89:35-37 (ASV) 35Once have I sworn by my holiness: I will not lie unto David:36His seed shall endure for ever, And his throne as the sun before me.37It shall be established for ever as the moon, And as the faithful witness in the sky. This passage from Psalm 89 is a prophecy that when the seed of David arrives to fulfill the covenant that He will sit on a heavenly Davidic throne that will be a faithful witness in the sky (Heaven) before Jehovah God. Hebrews 1 and Acts 2:29-36 confirm this as fact. Even though the devil attempted to destroy Jehoshua, the Son of God triumphed and ascended to reign as the anointed Warrior-King (Psalm 2:6-9). Lets go to verse 6 of Revelation 12: "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days" The verse proves that the Church almost immediately went into the wilderness after the King Messiah ascended to heaven. Many falsely teach that this wilderness experience of the Church is during some future 3 and a half year period. Remember, the book of Revelation is codified (signified) in symbols. That the 1260 days begin with the Messiah's ascension into heaven shows the number to be figurative. Since the ascension of the only begotten Son, the Church has sojourned and suffered in the wilderness but is still under the care of Jehovah. Verses 7-9 of Revelation 12: 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Michael the great prince of the church stands up for them and leads his angels into war against Satan and his angels. This standing of Michael for the children of God is so that Satan cannot accuse the brethren any longer before Jehovah God. Michael applies the outcome of the Messiah's victory over Satan by expelling the enemy and his angels from the courts of heaven. The war of the angels symbolizes the effect of the Messiah's exaltation upon Satan and his forces. Satan's defeat relates especially to his work as the accuser of our brethren in the court of heaven. The word "accused" means "brought legal charges against them". The archangel Michael was assigned to fight the demons on behalf of God's people (Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9) and thus leads the holy angels as God's instruments to implement the results of the Messiah's victory. Verse 10 of Revelation 12 "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." As a result of the Son of God's ascension into heaven, the devil and his angels were cast down to the earth and a loud voice in heaven proclaims that salvation and the Kingdom of God and His Messiah has "NOW COME"!!!!! The voice from heaven is making a present tense statement in relation to the Son of God's ascension into heaven and that statement is that the Kingdom of God and the power of His Messiah has come, meaning it has arrived and been inaugurated on earth. The coming of the Kingdom is in direct relation to salvation being available to men. The ascension into heaven of Jehoshua fulfilled His statement in Matthew 28:16 that there would be some of his disciples standing there that would see the coming of His Kingdom. Jehoshua has taken up His Kingdom and power and has bound the devil and cast him out. Jehoshua's binding of Satan took place during His earthly ministry and finally at His death and resurrection. The Son of God leads the Church to conquer the Devil (Rev 2:7) and destroy his kingdom (neither was there place found; Dan 2:35, 44). Satan's symbolic fall from heaven is realized as the Church proclaims the gospel (the word of their testimony). The teaching that we are waiting for some future millennium in which Jehoshua will for the first time sit on the throne of David and be anointed as King of Israel for the first time and His Kingdom will be inaugurated is foreign to the scriptures. The new testament teaches that the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah started nearly 2,000 years ago when He ascended to heaven at the right hand of God the Father. Every time someone receives salvation, it is the Kingdom of God coming to them as clearly stated in verse 10 of Revelation 12. The power of the Messiah comes to the people who receive salvation and hence this is Him coming in His Kingdom as it is the Spirit of the Son of God that the Father sends to us in which we cry out "abba". My study on the Israel of God part 2
Colossians 3:8-11 (ASV) 8but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:9lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings,10and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:11where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.12Put on therefore, as God`s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; Paul is emphasizing the importance of the new creation i.e. put on the new man. This is in reference to walking in holiness and not in the sins of the flesh. Paul is saying that as new creations in Messiah we are being renewed unto knowledge after the image of God (verse 10). Paul is not calling the believers to focus on being Jewish but rather to be focused on being renewed in the image of Jehovah God the creator. This is the emphasis of the new covenant i.e. being a new creation which Paul then states: "where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all." Paul makes it crystal clear that the Jewish-Gentile distinction is over with in the new covenant. He actually says it is not even possible to have such a distinction "where there cannot be". The teaching among many today, that there is still a Jewish-Gentile distinction in the new covenant, are going directly against the words of Paul not to mention Jehoshua Himself. Paul says that our focus whether we are a Jew or a Gentile is to be recreated after the image of God the Father. Paul tells us how we can be renewed in the likeness of the Father's image: Colossians 3 12Put on therefore, as God`s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;13forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye:14and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. This is continuing from verses 8-11. Notice that Paul doesn't identify the Jews of the flesh as the elect of God but rather those who have put on the new man where there cannot be Jew and Greek or any such distinction. Paul then gives us a list of things that make us qaulify as the elect of God. The overriding theme is to put on love which makes one perfect just as the Father in heaven is perfect. Many today, rather than focusing on these things that Paul mentions, are focusing on putting on Jewish customs as if that somehow makes them holy and has any regenerative qualities. Many of these Jewish customs are traditions of man rather than biblical principles. While there are blessings in returning to many of the holy days and new moons those do not make us new creations in the image of the creator God. What makes us a new creation is putting on compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving each other. It is by doing this that we become perfect not by trying to be more Jewish. At the end of verse 11 of Colossians Paul says: "Messiah is all and in all" The Spirit of Jehoshua lives just as much in the Gentile believer as He does in the Jewish believer with absolutely no distinction or favoritism: "where there cannot be Greek and Jew" Paul obviously has no regard for any type of Jewish-Gentile distinction in the Church. He obviously isn't promoting two ways of salvation or two different segments of the Church. To Paul, the doctrine of dispensationalism whatever sort it is, doesn't exist and would be foreign to him. Actually Paul says that the new covenant truth of the Messiah dwelling in the Gentiles was the mystery of the Church which hath been hid in the old covenant times to the nation of Israel. Colossians 1:26-27 (ASV) 26even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,27to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: The content of the mystery of the gospel that is now fully revealed is described in verse 27, namely, that the Gentiles enjoy full participation among the people of Jehovah God. All those trusting in Messiah enjoy His covenantal presence, namely, Messiah in you. This again alludes to a disappearing of Jewish-Gentile distinctions in the Church i.e. Israel. Ephesians chapter further highlights the removal of ethnic distinctions in the new covenant Israel. Ephesians 2:11-22 11Wherefore 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;12That 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:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15Having 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;16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Verse 11, Paul is addressing the Ephesians noting that at one time they were "Gentiles in the flesh" being called the uncircumcision by the circumcision in the flesh made by hands. Paul is making it clear that mere externals are not true religion in his reference to circumcision. Paul also is making a point to the Ephesians that there identification as Gentiles is something of the past. Verse 12, the Ephesians were considered Gentiles when they were without Messiah and thereby because of that, aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel. This means they were strangers to everything given to Israel by God. Notice what Paul is saying, which is that the determination of whether one is part of the Commonwealth of Israel has nothing to do with ethnicity but rather whether one has a relationship with the Messiah Jehoshua. This means that ethnic Jews who don't have a relationship with Jehoshua are aliens to the Commonwealth of Israel and strangers to their covenants most notably the new covenant. We see now more clearly how the ethnic distinction of Jew-Gentile in terms of being part of the Commonwealth of Israel has no more bearing in the new covenant age. Verse 13, Paul then tells the Ephesians that although in the past they were foreigners to the nation of Israel they now, by being in relationship with Jehoshua, are brought into the Commonwealth (made nigh) by the blood of the Son of God. Do you see the inference Paul is making? He is saying that the requirement to be part of the Commonwealth of Israel is to have the blood of Messiah as your citizenship card. There is no other criteria that grants one entrance into the Kingdom of Israel whether it's ethnicity, nationality, race, family heritage etc. We see very clearly that the doctrine of dispensationalism falls apart when one reads the simple statements of scripture. Verse 14 of Ephesians 2, Jehoshua came to break down the barrier between Jew and Gentile making both ethnic groups One in Him. This was one of the express purposes of His ministry, let's look at John chapter 10 for Jehoshua's own teaching on this: 14I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me,15even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. Jehoshua is the good shepherd, He is the Bishop of the Church. He knows those who are His and they know their shepherd's voice. In verse 16, Jehoshua references "other sheep" who are not of the Commonwealth of Israel (this fold) which are the Gentiles. Jehoshua said that He must bring these other sheep (Gentiles) into this fold i.e. the Commonwealth of Israel. Notice what He says: "They shall become one flock, one shepherd" Jehoshua knows nothing of dispensationalism where there is a distinction between Israel and the Church but to the contrary says that there will only be one single flock made up of both Jews (this fold) and Gentiles (not of this fold). Both these groups will constitute the one flock that the Messiah of Israel shepherds. This teaching by Jehoshua Messiah is the foundation from which Paul the apostle works off of, in clearly teaching that there is absolutely no distinction in the new covenant between Jew and Gentile. This clearly goes against the false teachings of any type of dispensationalism. Back now to verse 14 of Ephesians 2: "For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition," This verse fits perfectly with John 10:15-16 as Jehoshua's expressed desire in John was fulfilled at the cross when He shed His blood instituting the new covenant. His death broke down the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile making us one flock eliminating any type of separation. The reference to the wall of partition refers to the diving wall in Herod's temple that excluded Gentiles from the inner courts. In Messiah it has come down. Gentiles are to be accepted in the Commonwealth of Israel as full partners with their Jewish brothers and sisters. This false teaching that believing Gentiles are not apart of Israel and thereby cannot rightly identify as Israelites is from the devil. These false teachers are doing the enemies work in trying to undo what Messiah's purpose was in dying on the cross, which was to remove any Jewish-Gentile separation. These dispensationalists heretics are trying to erect that dividing wall up again that Messiah explicitly tore down once and for all, as that was His primary objective during His earthly ministry. Verse 15 of Ephesians 2 "having abolished in the flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace" These laws and commandments contained in ordinances are in context related to the temple worship system "wall of partition".The book of Hebrews clearly outlines what these ordinances were. In Hebrews they are called "carnal" meaning "temporal" ordinances and they are in respect to the Levitical priesthood system and the animal sacrifices along with meat, drink and burnt offerings. This understanding fits perfectly with the context when it refers to the middle wall of partition in Herod's temple that kept the Gentiles from the inner courts. Only the Jews had access to the inner courts of the Temple and had access to participate more fully in the old covenant worship system. The 10 commandments are not dependent on an erected temple or tabernacle or Levitical priesthood as they could be kept anywhere in the world. This does however mean that the whole system of OT law, insofar as it was used to separate Jews from Gentiles, has come to an end. "One new man" Jehoshua's death forever removed Jewish-Gentile distinction in terms of what constitutes the Church. Messiah's work on the cross creates one new man out of the contrasting parts of the human race - Jews and Gentiles - in His Church which is the Commonwealth of Israel. This principle extends today to all tribes, nations, ethnic groups, and social classes. Verse 16 of Ephesians 2: "and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" Messiah reconciled (atoned for) both Jew and Gentile to God the Father to constitute one body i.e. one Church. Again, it must be stated that Paul knows nothing of a distinction between Israel and the Church as both Jews and Gentiles who are in Messiah are one singular body which is identified as the Israel of God or the Commonwealth of Israel. In order to bring both ethnic groups into one body i.e. temple He had to kill the enmity that existed between the two groups. This Jehoshua did at the cross by shedding His blood providing the reconciliation ministry or atonement. What was the enmity that existed between the two groups? We read in verse 15 that it was the middle wall of partition in the temple that denied Gentiles access to the inner courts. This middle wall also represented the Levitical priesthood system with the animal sacrifices along with meat, drink and burnt offerings. Basically it was the old covenant temple worship system that helped foster this separation and denied access to the inner courts of the Temple to non Jews. Jehoshua abolished this system of worship making it outdated and removing the ethnic barriers within the temple. This means that Jehoshua destroyed the dividing wall and gave full access to the Gentiles, who believe in Him, to the inner courts of the Temple even the most holy place which no one but the high priest of Israel had. This temple that the Gentiles now have full access to is not the old earthly temple in Jerusalem but the heavenly temple in New Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22 (ASV) 22but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, The above verse written to the Hebraic Messianic's also pertains to the grafted in Messianic's who were formerly Gentiles. It is the heavenly Zion and heavenly Jerusalem that we approach to. It is the holy of holies in the heavenly sanctuary that we now have full access to as the one body of believers whether Jew or Gentile. Paul is making it clear that Jehoshua put to death any type of separation of the two people groups. Yet many today in the Church are trying to erect that middle wall of partition again basically trying to undo the very thing that Messiah came to do. Versed 17 and 18 of Ephesians 2 17and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh:18for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father. Jehoshua preached during His ministry to those that were near i.e. the Israelites of the flesh and through His Spirit after the resurrection to the Gentiles of the flesh. Those of both groups who believed in His name were made into one singular body called the Church. Both Jew and Gentile through the Son of God have access to God the Father by one Spirit. Verse 18 shows the absolute oneness of the Church which is made up of those who were near (Israelites of the flesh) and those who were far (Gentiles of the flesh). There is only one Holy Spirit that leads God's Church and God is not the author of confusion. The dispensational teaching that God has two different plans and salvation programs, one for the Church and one for Israel is unbiblical and contrary to the fact that God is not a God of confusion. The Spirit brings unity not division and dispensationalism of any sort promotes a spirit of division in the Church. Verse 19 of Ephesians 2 19 So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, Paul is writing to the Ephesians who were once Gentiles in the flesh. He categorically tells them that although they were once foreigners and strangers to the Commonwealth of Israel, that they are now fellow citizens of the Commonwealth. The Ephesians by way of their faith in the blood of Jehoshua, are now fellow citizens with the saints of Israel in the same Commonwealth i.e. the nation of Israel. They are part of the household of Jehovah God which is equated with the Commonwealth of Israel in verse 19. The next verse will prove that the Israel of God is no longer a Geo-political nation but rather a spiritual one. The saints are those who believe in Messiah and their country in which they are citizens is called the Commonwealth of Israel which is Jehovah God's house i.e. His set apart nation. Gentiles in the flesh who put their faith in the Son of God cease being strangers and sojourners to the Commonwealth and then become citizens along with the other saints. These once upon a time Gentiles are now bonafide Israelites having their citizenship papers signed by the blood of Jehoshua Messiah. The household of Jehovah God at one time being an earthly temple and Geo-political nation is now a spiritual temple i.e. the Church and a heavenly nation centered in New Jerusalem. Let's look at verses 20-22 of Ephesians chapter 2: 20being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone;21in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;22in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. The household of Jehovah God is built upon a spiritual foundation especially in the new covenant. This foundation is the prophets, the 12 apostles and the only begotten Son Jehoshua as the chief cornerstone. The denial of God's Son prohibits one from being part of this household. Even the denial of the apostles prohibits one from being part of this house. Even the great city New Jerusalem has the 12 apostles of the Lamb as part of it's foundation showing that New Jerusalem is the true House/Temple of Jehovah God not earthly Jerusalem. "Each several building" is a reference to the individual believer who is a lively stone and is part of the of the structure of God's house which is the Church. The building is fitly framed together as one unified structure. There is no room for a second Israel as the Commonwealth of Israel is God's fitly framed house/Temple. The Commonwealth includes those Gentiles who were once far off from being citizens of Israel and those Israelites were near the Commonwealth. Again, there is no room for a second Israel or separation between something called "the Church" and something called "Israel". The requirement for citizenship is to believe in the name of the only begotten Son Jehoshua. Jehovah God has a new Israel in the new covenant and this Israel isn't about the ethnic identity of the flesh but rather it is those who are Spiritually begotten as sons and daughters of God being added to the structure through the blood of the Son of God. Verse 22 of Ephesians 2, we as the temple of Jehovah God are where He dwells. Jehovah God no longer dwells in brick and mortar structures insofar as He once did during the1st and 2nd temple period. The Father now dwells in His called out nation which is called by Paul "the Commonwealth of Israel" which is made up of Gentiles and Jews who are fellow citizens where there is no distinction made between them concerning their ethnic identity. God through His Spirit dwells in the fitly framed building known as the Church i.e. the New Jerusalem. 1 Peter 2:9-11 (ASV) 9But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God`s] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:10who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Peter applies titles used of Israel to Christians (Exodus 19:5-6; Deut 4:20; 7:6; Isaiah 43:20-21). "Chosen generation". Connects them with Messiah (v. 4,6). "Pecuilar people". A treasured people. "Were not a people of God, but are now the people of God." Alludes back to Hosea 1:6, 9-10; 2:23. Peter uses exilic language to refer to God electing His people. James the Lord Jehoshua's brother also uses titles used of Israel to apply to Christians: James 1:1-3 1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting.2Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;3Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. James was the Lord Jehoshua's brother and leader of the Jerusalem Church. He sends a greeting out to the 12 tribes of Israel scattered throughout the world. By this point in time, 10 of the 12 tribes had been lost so James here is obviously using this Israelite title and applying it to the Church which at the this time still had a large Hebrew contingent. Paul in Ephesians 2 solidifies that the 12 the tribe of Israel designation applies also to Gentiles as he says they now have been given full citizenship in the Commonwealth of Israel by way of the shed blood of Jehoshua Messiah (Eph 2:11-22). James is directing this letter to what He consideres His brethren which is an obvious reference to anyone in Messiah. Remember, according to Paul there are no more Jewish/Gentile distinctions in the Commonwealth of Israel i.e. the Church. The only requirement is that you have faith in the Son of God. This further proves James greeting isn't to literal tribes of Israel, 10 of which are lost, but rather to the Israel of God who walk by the rule of faith in Messiah Jehoshua (Gal 6:14-16). Just as Peter did, James applies Israelite titles to Christians. Paul categorically states that the Jewish-Gentile distinction is over in the new covenant and infact incorporates Gentile believers into the nation of Israel as full fellow citizens. They all taught this because the Messiah Himself taught the bringing in of the Gentiles into the sheepfold of Israel and the merger of both Jew and Gentile into one new man (Ephesians 2). John 10:16 16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. The other sheep are the converts from the Gentile world. These sheep will hear the voice of the Son of God through the preaching of the gospel which is the Word of God. "One fold" Jehoshua will not build two Churches, one for Jews and one for Gentiles (Eph 2:14-15), respectively, but unites saved sinners from all nations into one Church ruled by the Son of God who is the King of Israel. This teaching by Jehoshua Messiah that there will be one fold which will consist of the lost sheep of the house of Israel and the other sheep who are the Gentiles destroys the dispensational doctrine that teaches there is a distinction between Israel and the Church. It also refutes the heresy that there are two different salvation plans, one for Jews and one for Gentiles. Both groups must heed the voice of the Good Shepherd Jehoshua into order to be brought into the one sheepfold. There is no separate way of salvation for one group and one for the other. Keeping the commandments of the Son of God is the requirement to be in the Church i.e. the sheepfold (John 14:15). Ephesians 4:4-6 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;5one Lord, one faith, one baptism,6one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. Paul makes it exceedingly clear that there is only one body not two. He says there is only one faith not two. He says there is only one baptism. His teaching that there is only one body fits perfectly with Jehoshua saying that there is only one sheepfold. Lets now go to the book of Revelation and the passage that speaks of the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel: Revelation 7 1And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.4And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.5Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.6Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.7Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.8Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.11And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The listing of 12,000 from each of the Israelite tribes has caused many to take this literally in that these saints are fleshly descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel. There are many problems with this view, one is that 10 of the tribes are lost and untraceable as they have been integrated with the nations thay they were dispersed among. Also, the new testament clearly teaches that the Jewish-Gentile distinction is abolished in the new covenant. Let's go to Romans 2:29: "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 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." Being a true Jew has nothing to do with outward forms and ethnic identity but rather being begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah i.e a new creation and having the law written on your heart. Here Paul identifies who true Jews are which is the born again Christian/Messianic regardless of ethnicity. So being a Jew according to Paul has nothing to do with the flesh but rather the Spirit. This destroys the teaching that these 12 tribes in Revelation 7 have to be ethnic Israelites. Romans 11 also says that Gentiles who believe in the Messiah are grafted into the olive tree which is the Commonwealth of Israel: 16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree. Paul says the same thing in Ephesians 2 in that believing Gentiles are grafted into the Commonwealth of Israel making them fellow citizens with the believing Jews and partaking of the covenants of promise. As believing Gentiles we are not second class citizens but partakers of the fatness (covenants of promise) of the olive tree i.e. the Commonwealth of Israel. Paul later echoes this exact sentiment in Ephesians 2 which already covered. I believe we have already established enough truth about the Israel of God that we can read Revelation 7 with new covenant eyes. Let's go back to Revelation 7 and break this down: The first three verses are key in understanding the symbolic nature of who comprise the 144,000. 1And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. These verses depict the protection of God's saints from His wrath. The angels seal the saints with the name of the living God in their foreheads so that they would be not hurt by the plagues that come down from heaven. While many say that this is strictly about the period of time right before the Messiah's second advent and that these 144,000 are end times ethnic Israelites, we must interpret scripture with scripture. Remember that the bible identifies the last days as beginning with the ascension of the Messiah into heaven. Also, we have already established that there is no longer a distinction between Jew and Gentile as it has been abolished in the new covenant. The verses that follow the sealing of Jehovah's saints identify the 144,000 as the ones who are sealed who escape His (Jehovah's) wrath. Remember also, what Revelation 1 says that the prophecy of the book of Revelation is signified meaning codified in symbols which we can see all over the book of Revelation. The number 144,000 could very well be a symbolic number representing the fullness of God's people of all time (12x 12 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 144,000). The numbers 12 and 10 have symbolic meanings denoting fullness and completeness. The 12 apostles, 12 tribes, the dimensions of the great city New Jerusalem that has 12 gates and 12 foundations. Revelation 21:15-17 (KJV) 15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. The symbolic measurements of New Jerusalem continue to repeat the number representing God's people, multiplied in their fullness (12,000 or 12 x 10 x 10 x 10, and 144 or 12 x 12). The wall of New Jerusalem is 144 cubits. The city of New Jerusalem is12,000 furlongs in measurement. 12,000 is the number from each of the 12 tribes of Israel listed in Revelation 7. The wall of city is 144 cubits which is the number of the totality of the 12 tribes in the thousands i.e. 144,000. The Church is called New Jerusalem showing us that the 12,000 from each tribe comprising 144,000 in Revelation 7 is likely symbolic of the Church which is the New Jerusalem which is measured 12,000 furlongs which has a wall that is 144 cubits. The similarity in the numbers are a huge clue to the symbolic nature of the 144,000. |
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