Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
My study on the two olive trees part 1
Revelation 11;3-4 (KJV) 3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. Much discussion is made of the identity of the two witnesses who prophesy in Revelation 11. There are a few different theories about who they are. Many believe they will literally be Moses and Elijah resurrected or come down from heaven, some beleive this refers to the new and old testament in regards to the French revolution. Some believe they are a literal 144,000 Jewish male virgins which they get from Rev 7 and 14. However, there is another view which is not talked about much. This view holds that the two witnesses are actually symbolic of the new covenant Church i.e the Israel of God. Your view eschatology will likely influence how you view the two witnesses. Futurists will often take the view of them being Moses and Elijah resurrected or come down from heaven. Some fututists take the 144,000 view. Some Historicists like Seventh day Adventists take the French revolution view. However, most Historicists take the view that I will now put forward in that the two witnesses are symbolic of the new covenant Church. Just a quick recap on the Historicist view on eschatology: The Historicist view teaches that the events prophesied about in the book of Revelation have been unfolding since the ascension of Jehoshua and will continue to unfold all the way through the new heaven and new earth. This is actually the view that much of the Church had throughout history and it is the most balanced and reasonable view. Both Preterism and Futurism take extreme views that are not in harmony within the context of the book of Revelation. For example, the events prophesied about in the book of Revelation could in no way find all or much of their fulfillment by AD 70 such as Preterism teaches. Also the events prophesied about in the book of Revelation could in no way be pushed 2,000 years into the future such as Futurism teaches. Revelation 1:1-3 (KJV) 1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. The above passage is significant in that these are the first 3 verses in the book of Revelation and phrases such as "must shortly come to pass" and "for the time is at hand" elminate the possibility of a Futurist view of the book of Revelation which says that much if not most of the prophesy of the book is to be fulfilled in the last 7 years of this age. Also, one has to do great allegorical violence to scripture to support the Preterist view that all these or even most of these things were fulfilled by AD 70. If we hold to the very biblical and reasonable Historicist view then it helps us identify the two witnesses. So let's begin our quest to understand just who are the two witnesses of Revelation 11. Let's look at the first two verses of Revelation 11: 1And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.2But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. The new covenant temple on earth is not a building but it is the actual Church. Futurists beleive this temple talked about in Revelation 11 to be talking about a physical future rebuilt temple. However the scriptures clearly teach that the Church is the temple of God (Revelation 1:20 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:19-22). Measuring the temple symbolizes God's protection, presence, and purifying of His people. In verse 2, the Gentiles are unbelievers who trample the holy city underfoot for the duration of the new covenant Church age symbolized by the number 42 months (1260 days). The Holy city in the new covenant is the Church not literal earthly Jerusalem. 1260 days were literal time frames in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes when he tread on Jerusalem i.e. abomination of desolation (167-164 BC). Also it was the time frame of the war leading to the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 66-70) by the Roman army. Hebrews 13:14 (KJV) 14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Earthly Jerusalem is no longer the holy city as the author of Hebrews says we seek the one to come (New Jerusalem). Galatians 4:25-26 (KJV) 25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. Paul says that earthly Jerusalem is in bondage and that it is New Jerusalem that is our mother which is the true holy city. Hebrews 11 also makes it clear that even the old testament saints looked forward to the city built by God's hands (New Jerusalem) not the earthly one. Infact in verse 8 of Revelation 11 we read: "And 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." Far from being a holy city, modern Jerusalem is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt. The Church on earth is representative of the New Jerusalem in heaven. So it is the Church that is tread upon by the Gentiles. Remember, Gentiles of the flesh who are born again are no longer Gentiles but are now fellow citizens in the commonwealth of Israel. So if you are a beleiver in Jehoshua as the Son of God and Messiah of God then you are no longer a Gentile but rather you are a bona fide Israelite. In the new covenant, Gentiles are Messiah rejecters and Israelites are those who are born again into the Kingdom of God by their faith in the Son of God. For the duration of the new covenant Church age (42 symbolic months), the Gentiles of the spirit persecute Spiritual Israel (the Church). Let's look at verses 3 and 4 of Revelation 11 again: 3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. In verse 3 we 1260 days mentioned which is identical to the 42 months of verse 2. The 1260 days are symbolic of the Church age. Jehoshua gives power to His two witnesses to prophesy for the duration of the new covenant Church age. Jehoshua gives this power by sending the Holy Spirit to them. Just as on the day of Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is available to the saints of all ages. The word prophesy comes from the Greek word "propheteuo" (Strongs 4395) and means "to foretell events, speak under divine inspiration, excercise prophetic office, prophesy, divine. When any beleiver who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks the words of scripture, which is the word of God, they are speaking under divine inspiration. Every beleiver is called to be a preacher of God's word. In Revelation 12:17, the remnant Church is characterized by having the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah. In Revelation 19:10, we learn that the testimony of Jehoshua is the Spirit of prophecy. Unlike what Seventh day Adventists teach, the Spirit of prophecy is not primarily given to one person for the benefit of the Church but rather the whole Church has the Spirit of prophecy as the scripture clearly says in Revelation 12:17. In order to be in the Church you must have the testimony of Jehoshua. So every single beleiver has the testimony of Jehoshua which is the Spirit of prophecy. The Church which has always been a remnant (Revelation 12:17) has prophesied during the whole Church age. Their prophesying was in declaring the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah which is the whole counsel of God as He the Word of God. When we preach the gospel of the Kingdom we are declaring the testimony of Jehoshua as the Kingdom is also called "the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah" and "the Kingdom of God's dear Son". Let's go to verse 4 now, the two witnesses are called the two olive trees and two candlesticks that stand before the God of the earth. Revelation 1:20 (KJV) 20The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 2:5 (KJV) 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Here we see that the candlesticks are referred to as the Church. Remember the Church testifies as witnesses of Jehoshua Messiah: Revelation 2:13 (KJV) 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. The Pergamos Church was faithful unto death in holding fast to Jehoshua's name and not denying His faith hence they were faithful witnesses of Jehoshua. Revelation 1:5 (KJV) 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, Jehoshua Himself is called the faithful witness. When the Church proclaims the gospel of Jehoshua Messiah they are witnesses of Jehoshua Himself. Deuteronomy 19:15 (ASV) 15One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established. Two witnesses were required for legal conviction of guilt in the old covenant. When the world rejects the Church's witness of the gospel of the Kingdom of Jehoshua they will be found guilty on judgement day. The Church is anointed with the Spirit (olive trees and candlesticks; Let's go to Zechariah 4: 1And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.2And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have seen, and, behold, a candlestick all of gold, with its bowl upon the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are upon the top thereof;3and two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.4And I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?5Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord.6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts. Jehovah God supplies the Church with His Spirit to ensure the completion of the Temple which is the Church. Regardless of opposition and discouragements, the Church will continue to be given the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great commission. The candlestick- the Church and it's ministry to bear witness: the two olive trees- the Messiah from whom the Spirit proceeds. The seven pipes to the seven lamps represent the inexhaustible supply of the Holy Spirit. Verse 6 is a reminder to us as Messianic believers to rely on Jehovah's Holy Spirit for the work of the ministry. The Holy Spirit accomplishes success in God's work not man. Too often the modern Church substitutes administrative skills or seminars in an effort to advance the Kingdom. The lampstand (candlestick) is a wonderful picture of the Messianic's ministry to bear witness to Messiah while in union with Him. The lampstand was all of one piece, and the lights from the six branches represent the Church and the six branches shone toward the center shaft (symbolic of Messiah). Jehoshua is the light of the world, and beleivers are lights. These lamps burned with oil, which represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables beleivers to glorify Messiah in their service. Zechariah 4:11-14 (ASV) 11Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?12And I answered the second time, and said unto him, What are these two olive-branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that empty the golden [oil] out of themselves?13And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord.14Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Once again Zechariah asks the angel what are the two olive trees. He first asked this question in verse 4. The angel had answered basically saying that the olive trees provide the Spirit of Jehovah by procession. Here in verse 14 of Zechariah the angel describes the two olive trees as the "two anointed ones" that stand by Jehovah God. When rendered in Hebrew the phrase "two anointed ones" means "two sons of oil". This typically points to the true Son of oil or anointed Messiah who unites in one Person each of the meditorial offices, two of which are in view in Zerubabbel and Joshua, the central figures in visions in chapters 4 and 5 in the book of Zechariah. Zerubabbel was govenor (possibly promoted to kingship) and He was from the kingly line of David. Joshua was the high priest. They are described as the two sons of oil prefiguring the one who would come to unite both offices into one. Zechariah 3:1 (ASV) 1And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. Joshua the high priest stands before Jehovah as one of the olive trees. The high priest was the representative of men before God. Zechariah 4:7-10 (ASV) 7Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel [thou shalt become] a plain; and he shall bring forth the top stone with shoutings of Grace, grace, unto it.8Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,9The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you.10For who hath despised the day of small things? for these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; [these are] the eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro through the whole earth. Zerubabbel is here seen as the other olive tree that is standing before Jehovah God. Joshua and Zerubabbel were not the olive trees per se but rather the offices that they performed were the olive trees. These offices were King and High Priest. It is the office of being the King of Israel and High Priest of Jehovah that are the two olive trees. Both Joshua and Zerubabbel prefigured the begotten Son of God Jehoshua. Let's go back to chapter 3 and see this being prophesied: 7Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou also shalt judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee a place of access among these that stand by.8Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee; for they are men that are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.9For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; upon one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.10In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, shall ye invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig-tree. Jehovah promises Joshua the right to judge the House of Israel and a place of access among the heavenly attendants in His (Jehovah's) sanctuary. This is contingent upon Joshua walking in Jehovah's commandments. This prefigures exactly what transpired with Jehoshua. Because Jehoshua kept His Father's commandments He was the authority to judge all men. Jehoshua was also given access to the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary at His ascension because He overcame the world and despised the shame and ensured the cross knowing the glory and joy that awaited Him in the most holy place by sitting on the throne at the right hand of Jehovah God. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. In verse 8 of Joshua 3, we see that Joshua and his fellow priests were symbolic of Jehovah's servant "the Branch", a Messianic title meaning "shoot" or "sprout", "that which (where) grew (upon), spring (-ing)." Jehoshua was called the Branch because He grew up out of His place as the sprout, shoot, root and offspring of David not an angel or a god. Jehoshua had to be of the lineage of David to be the Messiah. This means He had to sprout as a Branch from the seed of David not the seed of an angel such as Michael. This means He had to come into existence after David. Jehoshua is before David in the sense of preeminence i.e. rank. Also, Jehoshua is uniquely God's dear Son in a way no one else is in that He was directly begotten by God in the womb of Mary. The Branch is seen as King in Jeremiah 23: 5Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.
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Since Messianic's have died with the Son of God and therefore have been freed from obeying man made rules in an effort to please Messiah, why then live in a way that subjects one to self effort. Do not live in subjection to those things from which Messiah set you free (John 8:36). "Shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility." Relying on external religion and obedience to man made rules may appear to be wise and spiritually mature.
"Not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." While it appears to be wise, it cannot defeat the sinful longings of the flesh. You cannot curtail sin with asceticism. Colossians 2:20-23 (KJV) 20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,21Touch not; taste not; handle not;22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. word "huparxis" (Strongs 5223) and means "proprietorship, wealth, goods, substance". The saints have wealth and goods awaiting them in heaven, this is why we can rejoice at the plundering of our goods in this life knowing we have a proprietorship in heaven where moth and rust don't destroy. The author of Hebrews says that we will be requitted of these eternal rewards of inheritance, heritage, wealth and goods if we don't lose our confidence (boldness, bluntness) that indeed we will receive these things at the coming of our King. Hebrews 10:36-37 (KJV) 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Messianic's must have patience and do the will of God in order to receive the promises of the rewards spoken of earlier i.e. inheritance and substance (wealth, goods). Even though we are in a waiting period for the Messiah to come He will not tarry. This calls for us to persevere and to be ready at any moment for the second advent of the Son of God. Hebrews 10:38 (KJV) 38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. The author of Hebrews prepares for chapter 11 by introducing the doctrine of faith. Unbelief will cause one to perish whereas faith leads to eternal life. Hebrews 10:39 (KJV) 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. The author gives a positive statment to encourage the people to persevere. Much like the better things (6:9), the author expresses confidence that his readers will persevere to the salvation of their souls. Salvation is both instantaneous and a life long experience reaching consummation at the second advent of Jehoshua. The gospel of the Kingdom part 2
Many today in Christendom have confused the identities of the Father and Son, they have made Jehoshua the Lord God Almighty rather than the simple testimony of scripture which is confirmed by Simeon that Jehoshua is the Lord God Almighty's "Messiah" i.e. anointed one. In verse 30, Simeon calls Jehoshua Jehovah's salvation which is exactly what the name Jehoshua means "Jehovah is salvation or the salvation of Jehovah". This also shows us that just because Jehoshua is called our Savior and is our Savior, that it doesn't mean that He is Jehovah God Almighty Himself. Trinitarians use Isaiah 43:11-12 as a proof text for their "Jehoshua is Jehovah God Almighty" doctrine as the text says: 11I, even I, am Jehovah; and besides me there is no saviour.12I have declared, and I have saved, and I have showed; and there was no strange [god] among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and I am God. As you can see in context of this pasaage, Jehovah is not ruling out that He can use men as instruments of His salvation such as he did with Moses, Joshua, David etc. but rather that there was no other god who can save and that He (Jehovah) was the only true God and the only God who saves. The bible is full of examples where Jehovah used men to be His horn of salvation (saviour) for Israel. Infact, Joshua was a savior for Israel hence His name "Joshua" is the same name as the Son of God Jehoshua and means "the salvation of Jehovah". Joshua's name was Jehoshua and wa later shortened. Obadiah 1:21 (ASV) 20And the captives of this host of the children of Israel, that are [among] the Canaanites, [shall possess] even unto Zarephath; and the captives of Jerusalem, that are in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the South.21And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be Jehovah`s. "saviours shall come up" to judge. This is reminiscent of the time of the judges when Jehovah raised up Spirit-empowered persons to deliver the people from oppression. All of the lesset saviors point to the ideal Savior Jehoshua who accomplishes the ultimate deliverance for His people. This is one of many texts that refer to Spirit anointed men as saviours proving that just because someone is called a savior doesn't necessarily mean that they are Jehovah God. It simply means they were human instruments of Jehovah God who is the only God who saves. Jehoshua then is the final and ultimate instrument of Jehovah God's salvation and hence is our Savior. My heart hath exulted in Jehovah, my horn is exalted in Jehovah, my mouth is enlarged against mine enemies, because I have been glad in Thy salvation. Jehovah will give strength unto His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed (1 Sam. 2:1, 10); Verse 31, Simeon says that Jehovah has prepared Jehoshua before the face of all peoples. This goes along with the following passage in 1 Peter chapter 1: 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you Jehoshua was foreordained by Jehovah God to be the Savior, Messiah, Prophet, Apostle and King before the faces of all the nations. Peter says that Jehoshua was foreordained and Simeon above in Luke 2 says that Jehoshua was prepared which in the greek "hetoimazo" means "prepare, provide, make ready". Jehoshua was prepared for His ministerial office before even being born according to Simeon. Also, according to Peter, Jehoshua was foreordained even before the foundation of the world to be the Messiah. Foreordained comes from the Greek word "proginosko" and means "to know beforehand, i.e. forsee: - foreknow (ordain), know (before)." Simeon and Peter are basically saying the same thing. In verse 32, Simeon says that Jehoshua will be a light to the gentiles and glory to Israel agreeing with what Jehoshua later said in regards to making the two sheep folds (Jew and gentile) into one fold. Also, Paul in Ephesians 2 explains this beautifully: Looking at Ephesians 2 is important in order to understand the gospel. It ties in with what Simeon says in verse 32 of Luke 2 in that Jehoshua is a light to the gentiles and also a glory of the people of Israel. Why is this important? Because there are two false gospels out there today called replacement theology and dispensational theology. Replacement Theology says that the Church i.e Catholicism/Protestantism replaces Israel and inherits the promises made to Israel. Dispensational theology teaches that the Church i.e. Protestantism/Evangelicalism is a separate entity from Israel. Both of these doctrines are antigospel and antisemitic in their own way. Paul and Jehoshua both teach the opposite of those doctrines which is that both beleiving Jews and Gentiles comprise one fold i.e one Church which is called the commonwealth of Israel. Protestants, Evangelicals etc. do not replace Israel but are rather grafted into Israel. Gentile beleivers do not have a separate Church from Israel or believing Jews but are rather unified comprising one not two bodies. Let's now look at Ephesians 2 and John 10: Ephesians 2:11-22 (KJV) 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. Gentiles of the flesh before coming to Messiah were aliens of the commonwealth of Israel. John 10:14-16 (KJV) 14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I 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 there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Jehoshua makes it clear that there is to be no separation between Jew and Gentile in the Church. This destroys the false dispensational theology of much of the evangelical world. In Ephesians 2, Paul says that we Gentiles, before we came to faith in Messiah, were aliens to the commonwealth of Israel (verse 12). He says that we were strangers to the covenants of promise which includes the new covenant. Many Protestants and Evangelicals forget or ignore that the new covenant was made with the House of Israel not something called the "Christian Church". Hebrews 8:8-13 and Hebrews 10:16-17 both qoute from Jeremiah in regards to the new covenant that was inaugurated at the cross. Hebrews confirms that the new covenant that Jehoshua established is the very same one in Jeremiah Jeremiah 31:31-34 31Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32not 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 a husband unto them, saith Jehovah. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:34and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. The book of Hebrews quotes the above passage in Jeremiah 31 in reference to the new covenant instituted at the cross. In verse 31 of Jeremiah 31 Jehovah clearly says that the new covenant would be made with the House of Israel. This passage destroys any talk of the Christian church replacing Israel. In order to be part of the new covenant one must be grafted into the House of Israel, joining a Protestant/Evangelical Church is not required to be part of the new covenant. Now, those believers in those Protestant/Evangelical churches are grafted into the House of Israel but the Church denominations themselves aren't the House of Israel nor do they replace it. Back to Ephesians 2, according to verse 12 it is only the House of Israel that has hope and has Jehovah God and Gentiles are without both as long as they remain strangers. However in verse 13, we see that all is not lost for Gentiles as the arrival of Messiah Jehoshua and the offering of His blood gives us the oppurtunity to become citizens of the House of Israel. This citizenship makes us partakers of the covenants of promise namely the new covenant. In verses 14-16 Paul says that Jehoshua is our peace who made both Jew and Gentile one echoing the statement of Jehoshua Himself in John chapter 10:14-16. The teaching of dispensationalism that makes a separation of Jew and Gentile to where they have seperate covenants and even churches is blasphemous. It tries to undo the exact thing that Jehoshua Himself said He came to do through His blood which is to unify Jewish and Gentile believers in one body (ekklesia). However, replacement theology is just as blasphemous because it seeks to undo the new covenant agreement that Jehovah made with the House of Israel and make the Jews second class citizens who need to be grafted into Protestant/Evangelical Christianity. In other words replacement theologians are usurpers of the new covenant and have made their own new covenant which does away with the very laws that Jehovah wants to write in our hearts and replace them with Greco-Roman Church traditions. Verses 17 and 18 of Ephesians 2, Paul said that Jehoshua preached to those far off (Gentiles) and them that were nigh (Jews). Jehoshua never preached in Ephesus but in His Spirit, the risen Lord speaks wherever the gospel is preached (John 10:16). Both Jew and Gentile have access through the risen Lord by the Holy Spirit to the Father. There is absolutely no separation between Jew and Gentile, we are to worship together in one Church under one covenant. Dispensational theology undermines the work of Messiah and what His mission was in going to the cross which was to bring the two folds (Jew and Gentile) into one single fold i.e. total absolute unity. Now in verse 19 Paul ties in the results of Messiah's work in repsect to the converted Gentiles standing in the Household of Israel. He says that we are no longer strangers or foreigners in the commonwealth of Israel but instead we are fellow citizens in the commonwealth which makes us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints (Colossians 1:12-14) which means we belong to the Household of Jehovah God and are transferred into the Kingdom of His dear Son Jehoshua. The House of Israel, the commonwealth of Israel, the Household of Jehovah God and the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah are all one and the same and they comprise beleiving Jews and Gentiles. Jehoshua Himself said a house divided cannot stand, therefore dispensational theology which is a theology that creates a division in the Household of Jehovah seperating Jew and Gentile, is patently false and an offense to God and His Son. Let's continue in Luke 1: 33and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.34And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God. Again, essential to the gospel is the begotten Sonship of Jehoshua. Mary is told by the angel, that precisely because of the Father's Spirit causing her to conceive child, that her child will be called the Son of God. Let's prove this from scripture: In verse 35, the angels says "wherefore also that holy thing shall be called the Son of God". The angel says this after telling Mary that the power of the Father's Spirit will overhsadow her causing her to conceive. The important word here is "wherefore" which comes from the Greek word "dio" (strongs 1352) and means "through which, i.e. consequently: - for which cause, therefore, wherefore". The angel is telling Mary that Jehoshua will be called the Son of God "consequently, because of" the Holy Spirit of the Father overshadowing her. He is not going to be called the Son of God for anything that happened in eternity but consequently i.e."wherefore" because of the virgin birth caused by the power of God the Father hence Jehoshua is God's ONLY begotten Son. As a consequence of what happened by the power of God the Father overshadowing Mary, the holy child Jehoshua was begotten and for that reason "wherefore" He shall be called the Son of God. It was God the Father's own Spirit that begot Jehoshua in the womb of Mary. Now let's go back to Luke chapter 2: 34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed Simeon prophesied of the fall and rise of many in Israel. This denotes that many Jews were cut out of the olive tree (Israel) due to their rejecting Jehoshua as the Messiah hence they fell notably much of the religious leadership. The rising of many alludes to many of the humble Jews most notably the apostles becoming leaders in New Covenant Israel as they spread the Kingdom gospel throughout the earth. Even the names of the 12 apostles are written in New Jerusalem. Simeon also prophesied of the heartache Mary would endure due to what her Son would go through. Luke 2:21-22 (ASV) 21Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Now we go to the beginning of the ministry of Jehoshua which starts at His baptism. Here he is baptized by John the Baptist. In fufillment of Isaiah 11, the Holy Spirit of Jehovah God descends into Him. The designation of the Holy Spirit descending into him as opposed to merely upon Him is important. Why is this? Well in Luke 4:1 it says that Jehoshua: "And Jehoshua being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness" So the Holy Spirit didn't just descend upon Jehoshua but descended into Him with fulness of power. Prior to His baptism the bible says that Jehoshua was waxing strong in the Spirit. The word "waxing" means to "increase" in other words as Jehoshua was learning obedience to the Father He was increasingly being filled with the Holy Spirit. It was until Jehoshua's baptism that He was given the Spirit without measure. This is why His ministry didn't start until after His baptism. Luke 1:80 (KJV) 80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. Luke 2:40 (KJV) 40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2;52 (KJV) 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Prior to Jehoshua's baptism, He was increasing in the Spirit and at His baptism He was given the Spirit without measure. Isiaah 11:1-2 (ASV) 1And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.2And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah. (The seven Spirits of God, see Revelation 1 and 5). Back to Luke 3 and the baptism account. The importance in understanding the true significance of Jehoshua's baptism is also found in what some scholars beleive is the original manuscripts that record it. These scholars cite that some of the ante nicene church Fathers when qouting Luke 3:22 have the Father saying: "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" rather than "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." So apparently in the original account of Luke 3:22 the Father qoutes Psalm 2:7. This is key to understanding as it gives us a true picture of the gospel and what actually took place at Jehoshua's baptism. It's important to understand that Psalm 2 not only is prophetic of Jehoshua the coming Messiah but it also applies to king David who wrote the psalm. Remember David is a type of Jehoshua as David was Jehovah's anointed (Messiah) king of Israel. David was also considered Jehovah's firstborn son (psalm 89:27). David's son Solomon was also considered Jehovah's son. Jehovah chose both David and Solomon to be His anointed (messiah's) sons and kings. These titles are all ultimately fulfilled in Jehoshua exceedingly above anyone who ever lived. In reference to verse 7 and David being begotten by Jehovah, what does it mean? Remember the word begotten doesn't always mean being literally brought forth from the womb, it also can be figurative. One of the definitions of "begotten" from the hebrew word "yalad" is "declaring pedigrees". In other words David was declared to be God's son in Psalm 2. You might ask how is this being that David unlike Jehoshua was born of natural generation of man with woman. Well lets go to the new testament for an example of being begotten in a way that doesn't have to do with literally being brought forth out of another being. 1 John 5:1 (KJV) 1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. Here is a perfect example of being begotten outside the concept of a literal being brought forth out of another being. We as Messianics are considered begotten sons and daughters of God because of our faith in the Sonship and Messiahship of Jehoshua. This would be a spiritual begetting as the greek word for begotten is "gennao" (Strongs 1080) and one of the definitions of gennao is "figuratively to regenerate". So clearly from the meaning of the word "begotten" and the obvious meaning of 1 John 5:1 we as beleivers have been spiritually begotten by God the Father. John 3:3 (KJV) 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Here is another example of being begotten spiritually by God as the word "born" in the above passage comes from the Greek word "gennao" which is also rendered "begotten" elsewhere. In verse 5 of John 3 Jehoshua clarifies to Nicodemus how one becomes born again without the natural generation process of sexual intercourse as Nicodemus was confused at Jehoshua's statement in verse 3 thinking Jehoshua may have been alluding to reentering the womb of a woman. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 3 times in the above passage Jehoshua refers to being born (gennao - begotten) of the Spirit. For us believers, we have the new birth experience of being begotten in the Spirit due our faith in the Sonship and Messiahship of Jehoshua (1 John 4:15, Mathew 16:13-20, Acts 8:37). Also, we will experience the new birth and our spirtual begetting in the Spirit in full at our resurrection from the dead. Right now, we have the pledge and down payment of our new creation experience. 1 Peter 1:3 (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, Peter says that God the Father begat (being born of the Spirit) us through the hope of our future resurrection by resurrecting His Son Jehoshua. The word begotten here is anagennao (strongs 313) and means to "beget or (by extension) bear (again): - beget, (bear) x (again)." So as we can obviously see that being begotten does not just mean being literally brought forth from another being but also can be in reference to being anointed with the Holy Spirit which for us as beleivers first happens at our new birth experience. 1 John 4:15 (KJV) 15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. Here is the moment a person is begotten by the Spirit to be a son of God which is when they confess Jehoshua as the Son of God. God dwells in us by His Spirit. We also dwell in God becoming Consubstanial in the Spirit with Him. Let's go to back to the book of Luke now, so Jehoshua was anointed with the Holy Spirit in it's fulness at His baptism. When we understand Jehoshua's baptism in this way then it really magnifies the importance of baptism. Much of Christendom has replaced or minimized the importance of baptism with it's cheap counterfeit called "the altar call or sinners prayer". Being baptized is an essential part of the Kingdom gospel as it is the event in the believers new birth experience that grants them entry into the Kingdom. Let's look at some pasaages about baptism in order to understand the importance of it. In Luke 3:3 it says John the Baptist preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. When we confess our sins we are forgiven, however this doesn't minimize the importance of baptism. Baptism is an outward symbol of the inward faith that we have in Jehoshua being the Son and Messiah of God. Baptism also symbolizes our death to this world and entrance into the present Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. Baptism doesn't in and of itself save, but someone who refuses to get baptized shows that they have not truly been born again. We truly cannot begin to partake in the ministry or preaching of the gospel until we have been baptized. This is the example that Jehoshua set for us and we are told to walk as He walked. Baptism for a believer is their entrance point into the Kingdom of Jehoshua. Their profession and confession of faith in the Sonship and Messiahship of Jehoshua along with repentance (changed of mind and turning away from) gives them the privilege of being baptized into the Kingdom. Baptism denotes a change of citizenship for the beleiver. Baptism is the beleivers green card of citizenship in the commonwealth of Israel. Acts 2:38 (KJV) 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism involves the imparting of Jehovah's Holy Spirit. Notice the progression here in Acts 2:38, repentance, which means to think differently, and then baptism which then results in the remission of sins. The word "remission" comes from the Greek word "aphesis" and means "freedom, pardon, deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission." Although baptism in and of itself doesn't provide us pardon of sins, it is indeed part of the new birth experience otherwise it wouldn't be commanded to us right after our repentance (change of mind) and confession of faith in the Sonship and Messiahship of Jehoshua. You cannot seperate baptism from the born again experience. Baptism seals us as new creations, whereas repentance and confession starts the new birth experience. My continuing study on the priesthood of Jehoshua:
Let's go back Hebrews 10, verse 5, the author of Hebrews qoutes Psalm 40:6 referring to the incarnation of Jehoshua. God prepared a body for Jehoshua and His body would be the perfect once and for all sacrifice. The sacrifices and offerings in the old covenant were only neccessary because of sin. Psalm 40:6 is a reference to obedience to the law. It was due to Israel's disobedience to the law that the old sacrifices were needed. Verse 6, when presented in a God ordained way, sacrifices were a fragrant aroma to God. This statement in verse 6 is a comparative statement. Sacrifices and offerings were secondary to true, proper and perpetual obedience. Verse 7, citing Psalm 40:6-7, Jehoshua was truly, properly, and perpetually obedient to God (John 6:38). Verses 8-9, "taketh away the first" A reference to the Levitical sacrifices. "Establish the second". Messiah's obedience that He offered to Jehovah. Jehoshua offered the last needed sacrifice for sins (His body and blood) which was His body thereby instituting the new and better more glorious testament. Jehoshua's mission on earth was to do the Father's will not His own. This shows that the Father is the God of Jehoshua as stated elsewhere in scripture. Verse 10, it is God's will that we are sanctified through the sacrifice of Jehoshua's body once and for all. The emphasis here is only the consecration Messiah's work effects for His people. "Offering of the body" one of the purposes of Messiah's incarnation was for His atonement. "Once for all". Jehoshua's sacrifice is final. The Investigative judgement denies that Jehoshua made full atonement when He offered His body up as a sacrifice. They say that the work of atonement continues starting in 1844 until the "close of probation" where our forgiven sins have been transferred to the most holy place. The book of Hebrews categorically refutes this nonsense and says that we have received the atonement without qualification hence the wording "once for all". Verse 10 clearly says that the offering of His body sanctifies His elect. The elect don't need to wait for further sanctification in a future investigative judgement i.e. antitypical day of atonement. The elect are already sanctified when they have faith in the sacrifice of the Son of God. The word "sanctified" comes from the Greek word "hagiazo" (Strongs 37) and means "to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:- hallow, be holy, sanctify". Either we are sanctified or we are not. Either Jehoshua's sacrifice was sufficient or it wasn't. It was Jehoshua's very sacrifice on the cross that made us (God's elect) holy and sanctified. The key is that it is God through His Son that sanctifies us and nothing of our own doing. The Investigative judgement places the responsibility of one's own behavior as the means for sanctification. There is a huge emphasis of getting rid of one's own character defects during the alleged "time of their probation" here on earth. This is a false gospel. The bible says that it is Jehoshua's death on the cross that makes us holy and sanctifies us as a present tense reality for the beleiver. As a result of the faith placed in the ransom sacrifice of Jehoshua, a believer will experience the new creation hence becoming a new man/woman. This is the born again experience which comes from above, being begotten of Jehovah by the Spirit. This is all the work of God the Father through His Son Jehoshua by the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing we did or do sanctifies us but only what Jehoshua did on the cross. Someone truly begotten of the Spirit will bear fruits fit repentance. John 1;12-13 (KJV) 12 But to those who received him, he gave them power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe that believe in his name, 13who were begotten, neither of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Jehoshua gave us power to become the sons of God through our faith in Him. Faith in Jehoshua encompasses His whole misson which here in Hebrews 10 is about His death on the cross sanctifying us. Verses 11-13 of Hebrews 10: 11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. Here in verses 11-13, we see the contrast being made between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood appointed to Jehoshua which is the Melchizedek priesthood. The Levitical priesthood was a standing priesthood which ministered daily in the holy place offering continual sacrifices that themselves couldn't take away sins. The old testament priests stood, we read of Messiah that He sat down. Why the difference between the two? The text above tells us. The daily ministry in the holy place didn't satisfy the taking away of sins, so there was a need for the priests to do daily ministry. Jehoshua, who is described as "this man" proving that the ransom sacrifice didn't have to be God but rather it had to be a Man, made the final and absolute sin offering that takes away sins forever. This is something the Levitical priesthood could never do hence the need for daily standing ministry on their part. Because Messiah's offering of Himself was final, there was no need for Him to do daily standing ministration in the holy place. Rather, the Son of God's perfect once and for all sacrifice granted Him direct entrance into the most holy place as Jehovah's sitting high priest. As confirmed all throughout scripture, God's throne is in the most holy place which then confirms that Jehoshua when told to sit down on the right hand of Jehovah God on His throne it was in the most holy place. Verse 13 solidifies the nature of Jehoshua's Melchizedek priesthood as He is told by Jehovah God to sit down on His right hand until His (Jehoshua's enemies) are made His footstol (second advent). Hebrews 1:3 also confirms this: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" The evidence is irrefutable in that Jehoshua went directly to the most holy place at His ascension and exaltation to sit down on Jah's right hand until the second advent. Even Zechariah the prophet foretold this: Zechariah 12:12-13 (ASV) 12and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah;13even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. It was Jehovah God Himself that spoke through Zechariah about the coming Branch (Messiah) re His dual office of King and Priest. Versr 13 of Zechariah confirms that the Branch (Jehoshua) would SIT and rule (Kingship) upon His throne and that He would also be a Priest (Melchizedek) upon His throne. The counsel of peace would be between Jehoshua's dual office of King andPriest. Notice that Zechariah says that Jehoshua's Kingship and Priesthood would be operated from His throne as sitting down not standing up. As His throne in heaven is in the same location as God the Father's throne then obviously it's in the most holy place. The dilemna for Seventh day Adventists is, do you believe the author of Hebrews, Jehovah God, the prophet Zechariah or do you believe Ellen White? By teaching that the atonement wasn't made in full at the cross and that Jehoshua had to perform the functions of the Levitical priesthood in the holy place (daily ministry), Adventists had reduced the blood of the Son of God to the blood of animals. They are therefore saying that like animals blood, Jehoshua's body and blood wasn't enough to for ever take away sins. This is called trampling the Son of God's blood underfoot (Hebrews 10:29). 14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. In verse 14 of Hebrews 10, we further read of the absolute completion of the atonement via the once and for all perfect sacrifice of Jehoshua's body. In verse 15 of Hebrews 10, the Holy Spirit is a witness to what the author of Hebrews is testifying to which in context of the previous verses has to do with Jehoshua's entrance into the most holy place at His ascension sitting down at the right hand of Jehovah God. That Messiah's priesthood is not a standing priesthood like the Levites doing daily ministry in the holy place with continual sacrifices. That Jehoshua will remain on the throne until His second advent alluding to His sitting priesthood. Also, that Messiah's body offered on the cross provided the full atonement for sins and made us perfect forever thereby sanctifying us at the cross. The Holy Spirit is a witness to the above truths. Ellen White contradicts all of the above that the Holy Spirit of Jehovah witnesses to. Who do you believe? In verses 16 and 17 we see more truth that the Holy Spirit witnesses to which is that part of the new covenant the law of Jehovah will be written in our hearts and in our minds. Also, that our sins will be remembered no more. Again, Ellen White contradicts exactly what the Holy Spirit witnesses in respect to our sins no longer being remembered. The Investigative judgement teaches that our confessed sins get transferred to the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in order to be reviewed again during the Investigative judgement. This contradicts the very terms of the new covenant and the witness of the Holy Spirit which proceeds from God the Father Himself. Ellen White and the Investigative judgement doctrine teaches that God will remember our sins during the Investigative judgement yet the Holy Spirit of Jehovah God says the exact opposite which is that our sins will not be remembered. Again, who do you believe? The word "remember" comes from the Greek word "mnaomai" (Strongs 3415) and means "to recollect, to come into remembrance, to bear in mind". This matches what is said elsewhere in repsect to the new covenant which is that our trangressions will be blotted out i.e. obliterated. This understanding of the terms of the new covenant destroys the false investigative judgement doctrine which teaches that our confessed sins get transferred to the most holy place for reveiw at the Investigative judgement. You cannot transfer something that is obliterated. Ellen White's investigative judgement doctrine blasphemes the witness of the Holy Spirit. Verse 18: "Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin." Remission comes from the Greek word "aphesis" (strongs 859) and means "freedom, pardon, deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission". Verse 18 says that we have received (remission) liberty, freedom and pardon of our sins, which in this context is speaking of Jehoshua's offering of His body on the cross. The Investigative judgement teaches the exact opposite of what we just read in verse 18. The author of Hebrews speaks of the finality of the atonement by clearly saying that there is no more offerings needed for sins. Jehoshua's once and for all sacrifice on the cross gave us pardon, liberty and freedom. The Investigative judgement doctrine teaches that the saints are on probation and still have to pass a future review to see if they are worthy of eternal life. Do you see how demonic the Investigative judgement doctrine is? Satan will do anything to keep the saints in bondage to doubting their salvation and the finished work of the cross. Satan wants the saints to look at themselves on probation rather than free and having liberty. Freedom and liberty are the exact opposite concepts of probation. You cannot both be free and be on probation, they don't mix. It's basically being a child of a family whether they are born into or adopted versus being a foster child. Begotten and adopted children are members of the family they are born or adopted into and withinrelatively healthy families the begotten or adopted child doesn't have to worry about being disowned even in times where they may not be the most perfect or obedient child. They have a natural ingrain confidence that there parents will be there for them through even the toughest of times. On the flip side a foster child has no certainty and realizes any day could be their last day with their foster parents. Also, their performance and behavior will also hinge on whether they eventually get adopted as they know that any serious or semi serious trangression of their foster parents rules could spell the end for them. Your average begotten and adopted child will have more confidence and security and actually bear fruits showing that. Even with the carrot of eventually being adopted if they behave well, foster children many times will not behave and bounce from family to family. It's usually the secure child that will bear better fruit even though there is not risk of losing the family ties to keep them in line. Even though the foster child has more of a motivation to behave well as their performance will determine their future, surprisingly this often doesn't pan out that way. Seventh day Adventists reject being secure in their salvation and giving that security to their members, because they think somehow that will make them get too comfortable and be too worldly. The leaders of the Church feel that they can't let members get too cozy in their salvation lest they become lest zealous for the Church. However, the opposite effect has happened as the Seventh day Adventist Church is plagued with serious abominable sins such as allowing homosexuals to be members, in ministry and they even have a transgender elder in their Hollywood church. This is not a small issue in the Church as the world church is increasingly endorsing and/or tolerating this wicked abominable sin. Besides their heavy involvement in politics they are hugely ecumenical notably with the Catholic church. Women pastors are increasing in the Church and number of other apostate teachings and practices plague the Church. This is what happens when you teach a false gospel based on works and performance and deny your members the security of salvation. The exact results that they were in fear of, if they had given their members security of salvation, have happened. Verses 19 and 20 of Hebrews: 19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; This is another passage that refutes the Investigative judgement doctrine. The author of Hebrews says that we now can enter the holy of holies with the blood of Jehoshua as our passport. This was written almost 1800 years before 1844 which is supposedly when Jehoshua first went into the most holy place. There would be no way for us to have access to the holy of holies via Messiah's blood if Messiah didnt actually go there by the time this was written. The author of Hebrews even tells us to have boldness to enter the holy of holies via the Son of God's blood. Holiest comes from the Greek word "hagion" (Strongs 39) and means "holiest, a sacred thing, sanctuary, holy place." Obviously the author of Hebrews uses the word holiest to denote the most holy place. Of course, Seventh day Adventists will twist scripture to say this is only the holy place to perpetuate their 1844 lie. Verse 20 of Hebrews 10, Jehoshua gave us access to the most holy place in a new and living way through the sacrifice of His body (flesh). The author compares Messiah's flesh with that of the veil that seperates the holy place from the most holy place. Again, it is obvious that the author is making reference to Jehoshua entering the most holy place upon His ascension to heaven. The author uses Jehoshua's flesh as a type of the sanctuary veil, basically saying that the veil is no longer needed in the temple because Jehoshua through His veil (body) tore the sanctuary veil apart thereby entering in the throne room where the mercyseat is, sprinkling the blood of His flesh to fulfill the day of atonement. Jehoshua is called the mercyseat for our sins and also symbolically called the veil which consecrated the way of access for us to be in the presence of the Father. Verse 21 and 22 of Hebrews 10 21 And having an high priest over the house of God;22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Jehovah appointed Jehoshua as the High Priest over His (Jehovah's) House (the Congregation) see also Hebrews 3:2. In Hebrews 3 verse 4, it says that Jehovah builds all things including His house (the commonwealth of Israel) and He appointed His Son to be the Master builder and over (preeminent) over Israel (verse 6). Hebrews 3 verse6 also says we are the House of Jehovah. In the old covenant the people of Israel were the House of God. Hebrews shows that New testament beleivers have continuity with God's redemption plan of the old testament. The problem with the Investigative judgement is that it confuses the old covenant glory of Moses with the new covenant glory of Jehoshua. The Investigative judgement doctrine teaches that upon Messiah's ascension He had to perform daily ministry in the holy place for 1800 years before entering into the most holy place. The daily ministry of the Levitical priesthood in the holy place was part of the old covenant glory of Moses. Let's see how Hebrews 3 makes the comparison between the glory of Moses (old covenant, Levitical priesthood) versus the glory of Jehoshua (new covenant, Melchizedek priesthood). Hebrews 3:6 (KJV) 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. The author of Hebrews says that Jehoshua being over the House of Jehovah is counted worthy of more glory than Moses as Jehoshua is the builder of Jehovah's House (Zechariah 6:13). Because Jehoshua is over His Father's House He does not have to perform the functions of the Levitical priesthood in the holy place. This is because Jehoshua is not just a high priest but also the King of Israel (the Church). Jehoshua like Melchizedek is a King Priest. For proof that Jehoshua didn't have to perform the functions of the Levitical priesthood upon His ascension let's go to Hebrews 7: 26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Jehoshua being made higher than the heavens alludes to His glorious ascension and absolute authority over heaven and earth given to Him by the Father. Verse 27 proves the point that Jehoshua because of His superiority over Moses and the Levitical priests, doesn't need to daily standing ministry in the holy place continually offering sacrifice for sins. His once and for all sacrifice of His own body satisfied the sin problem (blotted out) for His people purging us forever. Unlike the Levitical priests who stand daily in their temple ministry, The Son of God sits at the right hand of Jehovah God in the most holy place as a Priest upon His throne (Zechariah 6:13). The glory of Moses included daily ministry in the holy place by the Levitical priests yet these daily sacrifices couldn't take away sin thereby the need to offer them daily. The glory of Jehoshua includes His once and for all satisfying the debt of sin against us which was done when He offered His body up as a sacrifice on the cross. Elsewhere Jehoshua is called the mercyseat for our sins showing us that He bypassed the daily ministration in the holy place and went right to the mercyseat to sprinkle His blood to atone fully for us (Romans 5:9-11). Every Adventist should know that the reference to daily ministry by the high priests in verse 27 of Hebrews 7 is regarding the daily ministration in the holy place. |
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