Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
My study on 1 Peter 1:1-11, part 1
1 Peter 1:1-11 (KJV) 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed 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, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Verse1, Peter was an apostle of Jehoshua which means He was commissioned as an ambassador for the gospel of the Kingdom. The office of apostle was invested with an authority that other Messianic offices weren't. Verse 2, to understand the gospel one must understand that the saints i.e. Christian's/Messianic's are elected by Jehovah God to salvation in His Son. The word elect comes from the Greek word "eklektos" (strongs 1588) and means "select; by implication, favorite: - chosen, elect". The meaning of elect shows us that God Himself chose us and selected us to be saved. We were favored by Him so He elected us to be born again. Jehovah God divinely favored us to be chosen for salvation. Understanding this removes any pride one could possibly have in their salvation and walk with Messiah. We weren't chosen or saved because of anything we did or earned but rather simply because Jehovah favoured us. God elected us according to His foreknowledge. The word foreknowledge comes from the Greek word "prognosis" (strongs 4268) and means "forethought, foreknowledge". Some will say that God only elected us because He knew we would accept His Son i.e. foreknowledge. However let's dig a little deeper here regarding the meaning of foreknowledge. Prognosis (foreknowledge) comes "proginosko" (strongs 4267) and means "to know beforehand, i.e. foresee: - foreknow (ordain), know (before)." The above definition of proginosko shows us that foreknowledge doesn't simply mean to know beforehand but also means to ordain beforehand. God's foreknowledge is not just knowing something before it happens but also it means that He ordained that very thing to happen. We can go back to the old testament to verify that Jehovah's foreknowledge is more than a mere "knowing beforehand" but rather a divine ordaining of things: Isaiah 46:10 (ASV) 9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;10declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not [yet] done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;11calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it. Jehovah God knew all the future at the first moment of creation because He had decreed it (my counsel) from eternity. "My pleasure", my will. It is Jehovah God alone who has free will. He accomplishes His purpose declaring the end from the beginning. Declaring means "to announce, to certify". This shows that Jehovah decreed everything to happen all the way from the beginning to the very end of this age and even beyond that. Again, Jehovah's foreknowledge is not simply knowing something before it happens but rather that He actually declared (certified) and ordained it to happen. Jehovah emphasizes that it is His pleasure to ordain the end from the beginning. Many today want to question God and shake their fist at him because of this teaching of predestination however God doesn't owe them an explanation other than to say it is according to His good pleasure. In verse 10 of Isaiah 46, Jehovah makes it crystal clear that His counsel shall stand. The word "stand" comes from the Hebrew word "quwm" (strongs 6965) and means "abide, accomplish, confirm, decree, ordain, establish, strengthen, succeed, uphold, remain, perform, set up, stand". When Jehovah says that His counsel shall stand, He is saying that He has decreed it i.e. ordained it to happen and also that it will be accomplished and it will succeed. Jehovah not only predestinates all things according to His good pleasure but He sees to it that it is accomplished. This eliminates open theism or that God simply has a type of foreknowledge that is only knowing things that happen before they do. Jehovah God's foreknowledge is in reference to Him ordaining and decreeing things to happen before they happen. Isaiah 44:28 (KJV) 28That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Cyrus "My shepherd". The ordained or selected ruler. Jehovah is the Lord of history: past, present, and future. He knows the name of each person and has planned what he will do centuries before he is born. 1 Kings 13:2 (ASV) 2And he cried against the altar by the word of Jehovah, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith Jehovah: Behold, a son shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he sacrifice the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men`s bones shall they burn upon thee. Jehovah knew His name (Josiah) and what he would do hundreds of years before he appeared on the scene (2 Kings 23:14-17). Romans 8:28-30 (KJV) 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Foreknow here is from the Greek word "proginosko" which has the meaning of ordaining beforehand. Foreknowledge in 1 Peter 1 was from the Greek word "prognosis" which comes from."proginosko". Romans 8:29 use of proginosko shows us that God's foreknowledge is more than just knowing something before it happens but rather that God actually ordains those things to happen. This is how we should understand the use of foreknowledge in 1 Peter 1 that it is God's ordaining an eternal decree that will surely stand up i.e. be accomplished. Verses 29 and 30 also use the word "predestinate" which has a similar meaning to election. The word "predestinate" comes from the Greek word "proorizo" (strongs 4309) and means "to limit in advance, i.e. predetermine: - determine before, ordain, predestinate". Predestination means to determine beforehand, to pre-ordain. Back to 1 Peter 1, continuing in verse 2 , God is identified as being the Father who chooses whom will be saved. It is the Spirit that sanctifies us. The Holy Spirit, which comes from God the Father, applies the work of Messiah to the elect predestined children of God giving them a renewed nature. Sanctification means consecration or being set apart. The Spirit's work of sanctification produces obedience in the life of the believer. It was the Son of God who shed His blood that redeemed the elect predestined children of God. The reference to the sprinkling of the Son of God's blood is alluding to the full atonement that Jehoshua's death provided the elect predestined children of God. Each year in the old covenant administration, the Levitical high priest would offer a blood sacrifice for sins and enter into the holy of holies and sprinkle the blood of the goat on the mercyseat 7 times to secure mercy and atonement for the people. This was called the day of atonement and it would provide a temporary covering of sins for the people of Israel. The day of atonement was a day when the holy place (the 1st apartment of the sanctuary) was cleansed as well. This underscored the power of sin and the need for a sinless mediator. Atonement has the same meaning as reconciliation, appeasing, or propitiating (mercyseat). Through the sprinkled blood, God's wrath is quieted into peace. The day of atonement and ministration of the Levitical high priest in the earthly sanctuary was only a foreshadowing of the fufillment of the day of atonement to inaugurate the new covenant. After his death, Jehoshua ascended into heaven and passed through the veil into the most holy place. Many believe that this took place on the day of His resurrection i.e. the fullfillment of the feast of first fruits presenting Himself to God as the firstfruits of the resurrection. Of course, Jehoshua ended up spending another 40 days with His disciples and then ascended to heaven until the appointed time of His return. However, there is reason to believe He initially ascended to heaven on the day of His resurrection. The bible says that Jehoshua is the propitiation for our sins. The word "propitiation" comes from the Greek word "hilasterion" (strongs 2435) and means "an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the ark (in the temple): - mercyseat, propitiation". In other words, we can say that Jehoshua is the mercyseat for our sins. This brings us right into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The mercyseat sits atop of the Ark that contains the 10 commandments. Jehovah's glory sits upon the mercyseat which is His throne. Romans 3:23-25 (KJV) 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; This is a passage that should keep all believers humble. No matter how good one thinks he or she is, all have sinned and fallen short of God's requirements. What justifies us is the grace (divine benefit and favor) of God the Father which He gave us through the redemptive work in the life and death of His Son Jehoshua. God set forth His Son to be a propitiation (mercyseat) for our sins. It is by having faith in the blood of the Son of God that provides us with forgiveness of sins and entrance into the new covenant Kingdom. Verse 23 of Romans 3 says that we have redemption in Jehoshua Messiah. The word "redemption" comes from the Greek word "apolutrosis" (strongs 629) and means "ransom in full, i.e. riddance, or Christian salvation: - deliverance, redemption." Redemption means "ransom in full" which in context of Romans 3 is that Jehovah God purchased us in full by means of His Son's life and death from Satan's kingdom. Jehovah God made a transfer of us from one kingdom (Satan's) to another (His Son's) see Colossians 1:12-14. This is why it is important to understand that Jehoshua is the only way to God, in that He (Jehoshua) was the means by which Jehovah God redeemed His elect children. This is why it goes on to say in verse 25 that Jehoshua is God's mercyseat for those who have faith in His (Jehoshua's) blood. It was through the shedding of Jehoshua's blood that redeemed, reconciled and atoned for the elect's sins. All 3 words noted in the prior sentence prove that this ransom was absolutely completed at the cross. Remember, redemption means"ransom in full" not "ransom in part". Believing in the full atoning blood of Messiah is a non negotiable and without faith in that one cannot be ransomed from Satan's kingdom. The cults love to minimize the full atonement for sins at the cross as this gives glory to Satan when they do and it promotes the heresy of works salvation. The best part of this plan of full absolute redemption and ransom into the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah is that it was an absolute free gift from Jehovah God the Father. Verse 23 of Romans 3 says that we are justified (rendered righteous) freely which means it was nothing of ourselves. This was a gift of God's grace (unmerited favor, divine benefit). God justified you simply because it pleased Him to do so (according to the His good pleasure) being that He loved (predestinated) you before the world began. Now you can understand why Satan hates the cross and the full atoning blood of the Son of God. Because a true understanding of God's free grace and the full redemption provided by means of His Son's blood robs anyone from boasting that they are good and that their works make them right before God. Satan knows he can't fool professed Christian's with obvious false teachings so he sends his ministers who transform themselves as ministers of light and they trample on the blood of the Son of God. How do they do this without being exposed for the wolves they are? They teach that only a partial atonement for sins was made at the cross and that your past sins are not fully blotted out (obliterated) and remembered no more. They teach that the blood of Messiah shed at the cross wasn't/isn't enough and that we must add to our salvation by doing good works or by keeping aspects of the ceremonial law. They teach that our past forgiven sins will be brought back in remembrance to God the Father to see if we are worthy of eternal life even though Jehoshua says that we already have it and will not come into condemnation which means "to pass into judgement" in the Greek. Stay away from these false apostle's of Satan!!! Hebrews 9:5 (KJV) 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. The mercyseat was the lid of the ark of the covenant which contained/contains the 10 commandments. Two cherubim sat atop the mercyseat and extended their wings over it. Again, the mercyseat would be sprinkled seven times with the blood of Jehovah's "goat" on the day of atonement which cleansed the holy place (1st apartment) and also temporarily covered the sinsof Israel. Jehoshua is called the mercyseat for those who have faith in His blood. This language is an obvious reference to Jehoshua ascending into heaven after His resurrection and passing thru the veil into the most holy place to sprinkle His blood on the mercyseat thereby fulfilling the day of atonement. Jehoshua was Jehovah's "goat". The atonement goat was a type and foreshadowed the coming lamb of God that would be the true and final sacrifice for sins. Unlike the blood of animals which could not purge the conscience of sins, the blood of the Son of God perfected us once and for all (Hebrews 10:12-14; Hebrews 9:12, 26). The blood of animals provided a temporary covering of sins, however the blood of God's only begotten Son provided us with eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). This could not be true if Jehoshua did not enter the most holy place upon His ascension into heaven. In order for the goat's blood to satisfy the day of atonement the high priest had to go into the most holy place to sprinkle the blood of the goat seven times on the mercyseat. Over and over again, Jehoshua is talked about as having provided reconciliation, redemption and atonement for us which all have the same basic meaning. If Jehoshua didn't enter into the most holy place to sprinkle His blood on the mercyseat at His ascension then the bible is lying to us about us having received the atonement, reconciliation and redemption. However, we know That the bible is God's purified word and rather it is man that lies. Let's be convinced of God's word and believe that Jehoshua did what the bible clearly says He did and that He provided full ransom for us and full absolute atonement. Hebrews 9:24-25 (KJV) 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; This is an obvious reference to the day of atonement as the Levitical high priest had to enter into the most holy place once every year with the blood of others (goat and a bullock). This was done often (every year). The author of Hebrews makes the comparison with the Levitical High Priest having to do this often which means that the blood of the goat only provided a temporary covering of sins i.e. partial atonement. When the high priest went into the most holy place, he was entering into the presence of Jehovah God as His (Jah's) glory would rest upon and over the mercyseat in the most holy place. Exodus 25:22 (ASV) 22And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy-seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. Exodus 30:6 (KJV) 6And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee. The author of Hebrews is clear that upon the Messiah's ascension that He appeared in the presence of Jehovah God for us (verse 24). In verse 25 we then see the author alluding to the old covenant day of atonement. This shows us that the author is comparing Jehoshua's entering into the presence of Jehovah God for us, as the fulfillment of the new covenant day of atonement. He is comparing this fufillment of the new covenant day of atonement with the old covenant day of atonement. Let's see what the differences are between the typical day of atonement (old covenant) and the antitypical day of atonement (new covenant): -Old covenant day of atonement- *Levitical high priest offers the blood of others often (once a year). *Enter's in The most holy place and sprinkle's blood of Jehovah's "goat on the mercyseat seven times. *Only a temporary covering of sins was provided for Israel (partial atonement). *The Levitical high priest also offered a sacrifice for his and his family's household sins (bullock, sprinkled on the mercy seat seven times). -New Covenant day of atonement- *Melchizedek High Priest offers His own blood once and for all to put away sins. *Enter's in the most holy place and sprinkle's His own blood on the mercyseat seven times. Jehoshua is *a full atonement for sins is provided *Jehoshua was the spotless lamb of God who knew no sin. As verse 2 in 1 Peter says that our election, justification and sanctification are all according to the grace of God. Grace and peace are multiplied to the saints who are divinely favored by Jehovah God. The word "grace" comes from the Greek word "charis" (strongs 5485) and means "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and it's reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy)". God's grace is a free gift that shows us His favour and benefit which is evidenced by our life in reflecting God's divine influence upon our hearts. The grace first manifests itself in our faith and confession that Jehoshua is the Son of God and Messiah of God (Acts 8:37, Acts 9:20, 1 John 4:15). It is God's grace, which is His free gift to us, of divine favour and benefit that places the faith in our spirit to make the confession of Jehoshua's Sonship and Messiahship. Once that faith is placed there by God's grace (free divine influence upon the heart) then we are justified (rendered righteous) due to what the Son of God did at the cross. The Holy Spirit then sanctifies us throughout our life. Realizing this is key as it shows us that salvation is all a work of God and nothing of us. Now back to 1 Peter 1 verse 3, Peter blesses God who He also says is the Father of Jehoshua Messiah. This statement by Peter should eliminate any "Jesus is Almighty God" doctrine including the trinity. According to Peter, Jehoshua is not God but rather God is His Father. 1 Peter 1:3 (ASV) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, The phrase "born again" is one of those often used terms that is rarely even explained or understood by Christian's or Pastors. It is even coined by secular society as depicting a certain steroetype of a fundamental Christian. The phrase "born again" has been watered down and robbed of it's true and deep meaning. Those in the world often use it in a mocking way to describe the sterotypical Christian who is fanatical (in the view of those in the world) and sometimes a holy roller (charismatic or Pentecostal). However, the phrase "born again" has power and real deep meaning behind it. It's also important to understand that Jehoshua was born again. A typical evangelical Christian would scoff at that notion because to them Jehoshua is the Almighty God. Understanding what the phrase "born again" means and symbolizes also highlights the importance of baptism. Many denominations treat baptism as an almost a side ritual and fail to understand it's importance in the born again experience. Jehovah causes those He predestined to be born (begotten) again. To be born again is to be regenerated, to be made a new creation. Baptism itself doesn't do this but it symbolizes and seals those who are already born again of the Spirit of Jehovah. John Chapter 3 1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.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.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.
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Jehoshua the King, part 1 of my study of the most important prophecy about Jehoshua which is His Kingship.
Most of Christendom will readily acknowledge the Kingship of Jehoshua but rarely talk about the significance of it especially in relation to the prophecies concerning His Kingship. Infact, much of Christendom has lost and obscured the fact that Jehoshua is indeed a real King. For most of Christendom Jehoshua being our Saviour is the sole focus of who He is. That and Him being God. Most of the professed Church has lost sight of the importance of Jehoshua's Kingship and that His being King of Israel (the Church) is of primary importance concerning His office and identity. Jehoshua being King is actually more important prophetically than Him being God. Jehoshua is not God but rather the Son of God. Of course, He is our Savior having redeemd us unto God the Father however once we are begotten (born again) into the Family of Jehovah God then Jehoshua is not only our Saviour but just as importantly, He is our King. When the moniker "Lord" is used of Jehoshua it is in reference to Him being the King of Israel. Often times, so called Christian's teach against what they call "Lordship salvation" which means Jehoshua being the Lord of your life. They will say that Jehoshua doesn't need to be Lord of your life and that He only needs to be your Savior in order to have eternal life. What they are doing is denying the Kingship of Jehoshua which is His most important function and ministry. They are denying His right to rule over them as King. Remember the scripture: Matthew 7:22-23 (KJV) 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. The word "iniquity" means "lawlessness". This is a scary proposition for those who teach against "Lordship salvation" as Jehoshua clearly says there will be those at the judgement who professed Jehoshua as Lord yet denied His Lordship over their lives. Denying the Lordship of Jehoshua leads to the working of iniquity as these easy believists teach that you don't have to follow the commands of Messiah in order to have salvation. Let's continue in Matthew 7 and see what Jehoshua has to say about those who do follow His commands: 24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Jehoshua says that those who actually do and perform the commandments He taught will be wise and withstand the trials of life. To the contrary He calls those who don't actually do and perform the commands He teaches are fools and that these foolish ones will have a great fall. This great fall will be seen in the judgement when they are told by Jehoshua that He never knew them. Remember, this passage in Matthew 7 is not talking about professed unbelievers but rather professed believers who were actually doing ministry. In other words, they were active "Christian's". Those who have no guile in their mouth acknowledge the Kingship of Jehoshua. You can't truly acknowledge the Kingship of someone without also acknowledging their right to rule over your life. Look at what Nathaniel confessed upon His meeting Jehoshua: John 1:49 (KJV) 49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jehoshua called Nathaniel an Israelite with no guile in His mouth. Nathaniel acknowledged 3 important identities regarding Jehoshua. 1) Rabbi meaning that Jehoshua is a teacher 2) Sonship meaning that Jehoshua is truly the Son of God in identity which means He is not God. 3) Kingship meaning that Jehoshua is a real King and it is not just a generic title and that as a real King He requires that His Congregation obeys His commandments. Let's look at the covenant promise that Jehovah God made with David concerning Jehoshua as the future King of Israel. 2 Samuel 7:12-17 (ASV) 12When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.13He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.14I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men;15but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.16And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.17According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. The Davidic covenant was a major advance in Jehovah's redemptive message regarding the Messiah (Genesis 49:10). Note the divine initiative (repeated "I will"), the unique relationship (father and son), the everlasting throne and kingdom, and the unconditional gaurantee unlike that given to Saul. Genesis 49:10 (ASV) 10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler`s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come: And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be. In verse 12 of 2 Samuel 7 we see the ultimate fulfilment of this prophecy is when David would already be asleep with his father's in other words "dead". David's son Solomon was inaugurated as king when David was alive. This prophecy does have a near application to Solomon and also a far application to Jehoshua. This prophecy would be fufilled in someone who was of David's seed (posterity, carnally, child). People often forget that this is the number one requirement that the coming Messiah had to meet. The bible never teaches that the coming of the Messiah had to be God, a god or a preexistent angel. The Messiah had to be of David's family line and heritage. David was not an angel or God. Verse 12 also says that the coming Messiah would proceed out of David's bowels. Lets look at the definition of the word "proceed" (Strongs Hebrew 3318). The Hebrew word is "yatsa" and means "begotten, bring forth, issue out, spring out, proceed, grow". So the Messiah would be begotten literally from David's family line. The Messiah would have to born from the womb of a woman who was from the line of David. This was fulfilled in Luke 1:29-35. The Messiah would have to grow up out of David's family tree, this why he is called the Branch and the root and shoot of David. The Messiah had to be a fleshly descendant of David. Let's look at the word "bowels" (Hebrew strongs), the word is "me'ah" and means "the abdomen, the intestines, the stomach, the uterus (or of men, the seat of generation), the heart, belly, bowels, womb". As you can see that the coming King of Israel had to be begotten and brought forth out of either the seat of generation from a male of David's line i.e. the sperm or out of the womb of a woman from David's family line or both. In the case of Jehoshua, He fufilled the propechy by proceeding (brought forth, issued out of) out of the bowels (womb) of David's descendant Mary. Instead of having the seat of generation (sperm) from a male of David's line, Jehoshua was miraculously begotten by Jehovah God in Mary's womb. This is why Jehoshua is the unique Son of God. No one can claim being begotten by God in this way. If you read Luke 1:29-35 closely you will see that in reference to Mary giving birth to Jehoshua the greek word "titko" (strongs 5088) is used and it means "bear, be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail". I believe the use of this word instead of begotten was on purpose to make the distinction that while Mary brought forth Jehoshua by delivering Him out of her womb as "titko" also means to be in travail obviously the phrase "brought forth in Luke 1:31 is specifically in regards to the actual birthing out process of Mary delivering the baby Jehoshua. In Luke 1:35 the word "begotten" is used and it comes from the Greek word for word "gennao" (Strongs 1080) and means "to procreate (properly of the Father, but by extension the mother); figuratively to regenerate: - bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring." As we can see the word "begotten" unlike "brought forth" (titko) has flexibility as it primarily is in respect to a Father procreating a child which is in respect to conception. Of course, only a woman can bring forth (titko) a child by delivery. In the definition of "gennao" (begotten) is the word "conceive". Begotten can also be used for the actual birthing out process, however primarily it used of the Father procreating (conception) a child in the womb of a woman. So Mary birthed out Jehoshua (titko) but God the Father begat (gennao) Him through conception. This shows us two things, first that Jehoshua fulfilled the requirement as the coming Messiah from proceeding forth out of David's family line through Mary. Secondly this shows that, Jehoshua as the second Adam, was directly pro created (begotten) by Jehovah God. Just as Adam was God's directly pro created son, Jehoshua is also God's directly pro created Son albeit through conception (begotten) in the womb of a woman. The two family lineages of Jehoshua in Matthew and Luke also validate His claims to the throne showing that His family heritage is from ancient days (Micah 5:2). Let's go to Matthew 1 for further proof that Jehoshua being begotten was not the result of Mary giving birth to Him but rather it is in reference to Him being conceived by the Holy Spirit of Jehovah God in the womb of Mary. This proves that the begetting of Jehoshua had nothing to do with anything that happened in eternity but rather Him being begotten by the Father has to do with the virign birth. Many SDA semi arians claim that Jehoshua being begotten in respect to the virgin birth had to do with Mary birthing out Jehoshua in travail i.e. labor. They claim this, because if it turns out that Jehoshua being begotten in respect to the virign birth was Him being conceived by God the Father then there whole argument about Jehoshua being begotten by Jehovah God in eternity suffers a significant blow. This also could be true of arians and nicene trinitarians. Matthew 1:18-21 18Now the birth of Jehoshua Messiah was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JEHOSHUA: for he shall save his people from their sins. This passage in Matthew 1 clearly proves the virign birth and also that the begetting of Jehoshua had to do with being conceived by Jehovah and not Mary bringing Him forth in birth. Verse 18, tells us that this is the true story re the birth of Jehoshua. The phrase "on this wise" comes from the Greek word "houto" (strongs 3779) and means "in this way (referring to what precedes or follows): - after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like (-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what." Basically Matthew is saying that "what i'm about to tell you is the exact truth about Jehoshua's birth". What verses 18-21 describe are the fashion in which Jehoshua was conceived (begotten) and subsequently born (birthed out in travail). In verse 18 Matthew clearly says that before Joseph and Mary came together (cohabit, conjugally) meaning basically that they were not married yet hence they hadsexual relations yet as that is what actually compacts (consummates) the marriage. They were only engaged (espoused) at this point. Matthew then says that before Joseph and Mary came together (married hence no sexual relations) that she (Mary) was found with child of the Holy Spirit. The phrase "of the Holy Spirit" denotes possession meaning that the child (Jehoshua) derives His existence (pro created) directly from the Holy Spirit. This is not just metaphorical because we just read in the same verse that Joseph and Mary had not come together (sexual relations) yet. In others words, the conception of this child was a direct result of God the Father's operational power which is the Holy Spirit. In the book of Luke, we read that the Holy Spirit is eqauted with the power of the Most High which of course is the Father. Since God is the Father of Jehoshua it stands to reason that the Holy Spirit is not another person of the Godhead which would make the Holy Spirit the Father of Jehoshua. Simply put, the Holy Spirit is the actual Spirit (mind, presence, power) of Jehovah. Verses 19-20, we see that Joseph was ready to put Mary away privately, thinking she had broken their vow to get married by having sexual relations with someone else. However, the angel of Jehovah appeared to him and revealed to Joseph that the child that was conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit. The angel is cleary saying that the Holy Spirit is directly responsible for the conception of the child that was in Mary's womb. The word concieved is used in verse 20 in regards to the baby that was in Mary's womb. Obviously this conception of the child by the Holy Spirit had nothing to do with Mary giving birth to Jehoshua as that would not happen for another 9 months. Conceived comes from the Greek word "gennao" which is also translated as "begotten" throughout the new testament. Here again is the definition of gennao i.e. conceived and begotten: "gennao" (Strongs 1080) and means "to procreate (properly of the Father, but by extension the mother); figuratively to regenerate: - bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring." Verse 20 absolutely proves that Jehoshua being begotten was a result of the Holy Spirit conceiving Him and not the result of Mary giving birth to Him. The angel of Jehovah clearly says that the begetting of Jehoshua was at His conception and not at his birth. The actual birth of Jehoshua was not until 9 months later. This conversation between the angel of Joseph was at the beginning of Mary's pregnancy and the angel tells Joseph at the beginning of her pregnancy that the child in her has been conceived (greek word gennao which is also translated as begotten) by the Holy Spirit. So now we see that the begetting of Jehoshua by the Father happened in time and not eternity. This hurts the semi arian argument severely about Jehoshua being begotten by the Father in eternity. It also severely damages the eternal generation (begetting) theology of trinitarians. Semi Arians rely on the fallacy that the begetting of Jehoshua in respect to the virgin birth was Him being brought forth out of Mary. They need this to be true so that elsewhere, where it talks about Jehoshua being the only begotten Son of God, they can attribute that (Jehoshua being begotten by the Father) to a time other than the virgin birth. Obviously they make the claim that this took place in eternity. In verse 21 of Matthew 1, we see that Mary was to bring forth a son. Remember bring forth comes from the Greek word tikto which means to bring forth in travail i.e. the actual birthing out process. The phrase here "bring forth" is not begotten as begotten comes from the Greek word "gennao" which is used primarily of the father pro creating a child but could also be in reference to the delivery process. However in this narrative of Jehoshua's birth, gennao (begotten) is strictly used for the conception of Jehoshua in the womb of Mary and not the birthing out process. Obviously, it is the Father by His Spirit that was responsible for the conception (begetting) of Jehoshua in the womb of Mary. Two more times in the birth narrative of Jehoshua here in Matthew 1 that Mary is said to "bring forth" Jehoshua (verses 23 and 25) and both times the greek word "tikto" is used which means "to be delivered, be in travail, bring forth, be born". Again, this shows us that Mary did not beget (gennao) Jehoshua but rather brought Him forth (tikto) in travail. Gennao (begotten) in the birth narrative of Jehoshua is strictly used in regards to the Holy Spirit conceiving Jehoshua in Mary's womb. This presents a problem for the semi arians, arians and Nicene trinitarians because now we have conclusive evidence as to exactly when Jehoshua was begotten by the Father and it was not in eternity. Of course, they may end up conceding this point but then look to other passages to try and prove their doctrine. Just to drive home this point even more, let's go to Luke 1:29-35: 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be.30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.31And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JEHOSHUA.32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: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. As I already mentioned, in verse 31 it is said that Mary will "bring forth" (tikto, deliver in travail) NOT "beget i.e. gennao" a son. So remember Mary "brought forth" Jehoshua as the word "tikto" is the greek word that "bring forth" comes from. As I have repeated "bring forth i.e. tikto" is in reference to delivering a baby in travail in other words the birthing out process. In verse 35, we see that as a result of the Holy Spirit, which is equivalent to the power of God the Father, overhadowing Mary that the child begotten of her shall be called the Son of Jehovah God. Now in verse 35, the word "begotten" (gennao) is used and it is connected with the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary which is in reference to the conception of Jehoshua in the womb of Mary. In fact, it is precisely because of what the Holy Spirit miraculously did in the womb of Mary that Jehoshua shall be called the Son of God. This elminates any prior begetting of Jehoshua in the times of eternity. Luke is telling us that the Holy Spirit conceiving Jehoshua in Mary's womb is exactly precisely the reason He is God's Son. Let's examine the last part of verse 35 to prove this: "wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God." The word "wherefore" comes from the Greek word "dio" (strongs 1352) and means "through which thing, consequently, for which cause, therefore, wherefore". With the definition of wherefore as meaning "consequently" let's look at verse 35 with this understanding: 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: CONSEQUENTLY also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God. The angel of Jehovah tells Mary that as a consequence of the Holy Spirit overhadowing her that the holy thing that is begotten (conception by the Holy Spirit not birth in regards to the context of verse 35) shall be called the Son of God. The angel is saying that Jehoshua shall be called the Son of God as a direct result of the Holy Spirit conceiving (begetting) Jehoshua in Mary's womb. This took place (conception, begetting) when the Holy Spirit overhadowed Mary. My study on the the Kingdom gospel part 4
John 1:18 (KJV) 18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. The use of the word "bosom" indicates the close and intimate fellowship that the Father and Son have. The word declared comes from the Greek word "exegeomai" (strongs 1834) and means "to consider out (aloud), i.e. rehearse, unfold: declare, tell". Jehoshua declared and revealed the Father because of the unique relationship they have. While Moses gave the written law, Jehoshua gave us the law in it's spiritual intent. Jehoshua revealed to us how to keep the law in it's spiritual intent which reveals how the Father wants us to apply it in our lives. Back to 2 Corinthians 3, in verse 9 Paul refers to the old covenant as a ministration of death. Let's not get it twisted, Paul is in no way disparaging the old covenant. Paul actually says it was glorious. However, in comparison with the new covenant it pales and doesn't approach it in glory. There was condemnation in the old covenant for breaking the letter of the law i.e. ministration of death. In the new covenant, those who are grafted into the House of Israel are covered by grace when they fall short of keeping the law. This doesn't mean we purposely break the law but grace is nonetheless freely given when we approach the throne of grace in the time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jehoshua the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Jehoshua can sympathize with our human weakness for He was fully human yet without sin. Because He passed into the heavens at His ascension and went right to the most holy place and now sits down on Jah's right hand we can boldly approach God in His name. This approach is twofold, one is to obtain mercy i.e. forgiveness of sin. Sin is the transgression of the law which in the old covenant could lead to the death penalty. In the new covenant, grace covers the debt of our transgression. It's not that grace wasn't offered in the old covenant however in the new covenant it is manifested in a much more glorious way. The bible says that those who say they have no sin are liars. 1 John 1:8-10 (KJV) 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. When we arrogantly proclaim that we don't sin then we make God a liar as we deny the need for a High Priest whom is His Son. The very gift of God to the saints is His Son as not only our Saviour but our High Priest. The role of High Priest is to intercede for His people to God. We we say we have no sin then we deny the need for an intercessor and hence we deny the Son of God Himself. You cannotseperate Jehoshua from His office as High Priest. Back to verse 9 for a moment, the new covenant ministration is called the ministration of righteousness. This is because it is the righteousness of the Son of God that covers us not our own righteousness. This is why we must approach the throne of grace boldly when we fall because our own good works will not earn us forgiveness. This is trying to be covered in our own righteousness. If we approach the throne of grace to ask for mercy then we will be covered with the righteousness of the Messiah. We will be clothed in the Messiah's robes of righteousness rather than ourown filthy rags of our own good works. This is why Paul calls it the "ministration of righteousness exceed in glory". Brethren, this should all cause us to praise Jehovah God for giving us the precious gift of the spotless lamb who is His uniquely begotten Son. We have a mediator who walked righteously before God and also can sympathize with our weakness. 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Only Jehoshua is our mediator. This is why it is antichrist to set up any other mediator as it attempts to replace Messiah. The Catholic doctrine of Mary as co meditator with Jehoshua is ANTI-MESSIAH. The Jehovah Witnesses have the Watchtower bible and tract society as their mediator which is ANTI-MESSIAH. The Mormons and Seventh day Adventists often make it a requirement to look at their so called Prophets as way to understand God which is also ANTI-MESSIAH. Truly Jehoshua is the absolute ONLY way to God the Father. Any other way is ANTI-MESSIAH. Any Church who puts another person as an avenue to truly understand Messiah and/or God are ANTI-MESSIAH Churches. Jehoshua is the absolute true revelation of God the Father and only He and the inspired word of God are needed for understanding God. Certainly, others can help in our understanding the things of God but when we put that person as a requirement to follow in order to be truly a Christian/Messianic then that is the doctrine of ANTI-MESSIAH. 1 John 2:1-2 1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jehoshua Messiah the righteous:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. John the beloved tells us that the Son of God is our comforter i.e advocate which is the same word used in the Greek for describing the Holy Spirit. The risen Messiah now comes to His Church via the procession of the Holy Spirit which is also called the Spirit of Messiah. Jehoshua is our elder brother who speaks for us (advocates) to the Father. Jehoshua is our defense attorney (counselor, High Priest) who speaks to the Judge (God the Father) on our behalf. John encourages the brethren not to sin which is the desire of Jehoshua who told the woman caught in adultery to sin no more. However, John understands that we are still in battle with the flesh and tells us that if we do sin (an inevitable reality) that we have our advocate Jehoshua who is righteous. The purpose of Jehoshua's counseling ministry is to function as our High Priest and intercede for us so that we can be forgiven for our trespasses. In verse 2 of 1 John 2 Jehoshua is called the propitiation i.e mercyseat for our sins showing that He fufilled the day of atonement after His resurrection. The mercyseat is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and verse 2 proves that Jehoshua indeed had to appear in the most holy place when He ascended to heaven to present Himself as the firstfruits of the resurrection. Although not detailed in the scriptures it is likely that Jehoshua sprinkled His blood on the mercyseat which is the lid that covers the ark of the covenant which contains the 10 commandments. John calling Jehoshua the mercyseat for our sins would make no sense if He didn't go directly to the most holy place at His ascension. Annually the High Priest would sprinkle blood on the mercyseat in the physical tabernacle/temple on earth. This was done to atone for the sins of the people. Then the friendship of God and His people was restored. This was the called the day of atonement which was one of the feasts days of Jehovah. This was a solemn feast though where the people would fast and lament their sins. The beautiful thing now is that Jehoshua fufill the day of atonement after His resurrection and subsequent ascension into heaven. Although He spent 40 days with the disciples and then ascended to heaven He actually ascended into heaven for the first time on the day He rose from the dead which was a Sunday. Part of the gospel of the Kingdom is publishing the beautiful truth that Jehoshua fulfilled the day of atonement subsequent to His death on the cross as stated elsewhere in scripture. This is a very key component of the Kingdom gospel. Without it we have no gospel and we are all deadin our sins Romans 5:10-11 (KJV) 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Paul says that we have already received the atonement in Messiah. Atonement comes from the same Greek word as "reconciliation". Paul is making a past tense statement about having received the atonement. This eliminates any false gospel that teaches otherwise. It was by Jehoshua's death on the cross and resurrection and ascension to heaven that were atoned for and reconciled to God the Father. It was the very death of Jehoshua that brought us into the Family of Jehovah therby reconciling us to Him (Jehovah God). Unlike the false Seventh Day Adventist Church which teaches that Jehoshua only provided a partial atonement at the cross, Paul the apostle teaches that we are to joy in God knowing that we have now (Present tense statement) received the atonement. Paul said this around 57 or 58 AD long before 1844 which is when the Seventh day Adventist church says that the antitypical day of atonement began and when Jehoshua started applying His blood to fully atone for all the saints who ever lived starting with the dead saints first. The word atonement comes from the Greek word "katallage" (Strongs 2643) and means "exchange (figuratively adjustment) i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor: atonement, reconciliation(ing). Paul is saying in Romans 5 that Jehoshua's death provided us with restoration to divine favor with God and have been exchanged from being his enemies to being in relationship with Him as His son's and daughters. Paul is stating this as having already happened (past tense) not as something that will happen (future tense). Paul is very adamant about us understanding this truth and to him it is an essential part of the gospel of the Kingdom. There is no wiggle room here for stating that the atonement was not paid in full at the cross. To teach that the atonement wasn't fully paid at the cross is another gospel which Paul warns about: Galatians 1:8-12 (KJV) 8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Ellen White claims to have been shown by an angel the doctrine of the investigative judgement doctrine altho it was someone else who had first come up with it. The investigative judgement doctrine teaches that the atonement was not paid in full at the cross and that it was only partial. Either you beleive Paul or Ellen White. Ellen White claims an angel verified this doctrine to her. Paul says that his gospel is of God and essential to Paul's gospel is that we have now (past and present tense 57 AD) recieved the atonement. We can never be impressed by those who say they had angels appear to them and gave them revelation. Paul says that any angel who brings another gospel is accursed. So even if an angel did appear to Ellen White that very angel is accursed for giving her another gospel. Paul goes further to say that even a man who preaches another gospel is accursed meaning Ellen White and her followers are accursed for preaching the investigative judgement doctrine which is another gospel. 2 Corinthians 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Essential to the gospel of the Kingdom is that we preach what the apostles preach which is that reconciliation has been made in full by the life and death of Jehoshua Messiah. Paul calls this the ministry of reconciliation. Reconciliation comes from the same Greek word that atonement comes from. When the Lord Jehoshua appears to wicked sinners and turns them unto Himself they are then reconciled to God the Father fully. This is why verse 18 of 2 Corinthians says "hath reconciled" meaning past tense. Once a sinner repents and is brought into the Kingdom they are reconciled as a completed transaction i.e. "hath reconciled". The language is in the past tense not future tense as the Adventists teach. In verse 19, Paul says that God the Father committed to him and the other apostles/disciples the word of reconciliation meaning that we are to teach that God through His Son Jehoshua provides repentant sinners with full reconciliation i.e. atonement and restoration to divine favor with Him (God). Anytime the phrase "word" is used in reference to preaching it is code for the gospel of the Kingdom. To teach that the atonement was not paid in full is to say that we are not truly and completely reconciled to God meaning we are still outside the new covenant hence also outside the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. The word "reconciled" has no wiggle room in meaning anything other than complete restoration. There is no such thing in definition as partial reconciliation. Verse 19 echoes this further with the phrase "to wit" that is imputing. Counting like an accountant reckoning financial debts and obligations (Romans 4:4-8). Amazingly, when God reconciles us to Himself by His Son He doesn't impute i.e. lay up and reckon our trespasses to our account but rather wipes our slate clean completely. The glorious Lord Jehoshua Messiah appears to poor wicked sinners to turn to Him. Ministers must represent Messiah in their earnest appeals for men to come to Him. Our role as ambassadors for Messiah to appeal to sinners to be reconciled to God the Father. The preaching of the Kingdom gospel is a ministry of reconciliation i.e. the word of reconciliation. God the Father through His Son committed this ministry to the Church. It's this ministration that spreads the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah throughout all the earth. Verse 21, God charged His Son the sinless one with the sin of His people, so that Messiah was counted a sinner. God counts sinners as righteous in union with Messiah - the great exhange of the gospel. Jehoshua took our sin and we by grace through faith receive His righteousness (double imputation i.e. reckoning). God charges His Son's righteousness to our accounts after removing our trespasses from our accounts. Let's go back to 2 Corinthians 3 and go to verse 10 and 11, 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Paul is contrasting the old covenant with the new covenant. Paul says that the old covenant was glorious however the new covenant far exceeds it. Paul makes it clear that the old covenant was done away with i.e. the ministration of death. The ministration of the Spirit is more glorious because it brings righteousness and is more permanent. The old covenant as glorious as it was ultimately was a temporary pointer to the perfect Mediator Jehoshua. Now Messiah has accomplished redemption and been given a ministry with a more permanent glory (which remaineth). The word "excelleth" which describes the new covenant in contrast with the old comes from the Greek word for word "huperaballo" (strongs 5235) and means "to throw beyond the mark, i.e. to surpass, exceeding, excel, pass. There should be no covenant confusion in the Church, the old is done away even though it was good and glorious. Jehovah's Church has went from great and glorious (old covenant) to even greater and exceedingly glorious (new covenant). Verses 12-13 of 2 Corinthians 3, because of the great hope of the new covenant promises we can be bold in preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God using plain speech i.e. the words that the Holy Ghost uses which inspired scripture. The judiazers will try to use smooth sounding and complicated arguments to bring beleivers back under the old covenant. For us in the new covenant we simply need to rely on the plain meaning of the scriptures. Moses did not enjoy the same boldness and confidence that Paul now claims, but put a vail over his face so that the Israelites would not see the glory that was temporary and would soon pass away (abolished). 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 (KJV) 14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Many of the Israelites could not see that the old covenant was temporary. Paul notes that the same is the case "even unto this day". When Moses came down from the mount the veil covered his face. Now a veil covers the heart of those who hear but don't turn to Jehovah. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (KJV) 16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. When Jehovah brings a person unto Himself and grants faith, the eyes are opened to see the beauty of God and His Son, so that the Spirit writes upon a soft new heart. Jehovah is that Spirit i.e. the Spirit of Jehovah. The Holy Spirit proceeds out of Jehovah God and it is His actual Spirit which is His mind, power and presence. Jehoshua even said that God is Spirit. Jehovah of course is Holy as well. Here Paul is highlighting the involvement of Jehovah's Spirit in the plan of redemption. New Covenant ministry emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In New Covenant ministry, the Father calls the elect, the Son redeems the elect and the Holy Spirit sanctifies the elect. In the new covenant the Holy Spirit is given to the elect through the risen Messiah thereby the Holy Spirit can be referred to as the Spirit of God and/or the Spirit of Messiah. The Holy Spirit is the indwelling Jehovah as it is His very Spirit (breath, mind, power, presence). Jehoshua the Messiah is also referred to as Jehovah our Righteousness as He is the very righteousness of Jehovah God. By looking at Jehoshua we see the very exact representation of Jehovah God hence He is the very righteousness of Jehovah God. In order for the saints to have the righteousness of God they must have the righteousness of His Son. Jehovah pours out His Spirit upon the Church through His only begotten Son who now since His resurrection is called Jehovah our Righteousness. This is why I refer to the Holy Spirit as the "Indwelling Jehovah". As beleivers experience their union with Messiah and behold Him by faith they are transformed into His image. Transformation is ongoing by means of progressive sanctification. Jehovah God works this transformation in the lives of believers through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. As Messianic's gaze upon the glory of Jehovah in the mirror (glass) of the gospel they are changed into the same image. There is a double benefit of the Son of God: 1) Justification and 2) Transformation. Moses had to be veiled in viewing the glory of Jehovah. Now all believers can view the glory of Jehovah by looking to His Son Jehoshua. The glory of the gospel of the Kingdom far exceeds what the Israelites had in the old covenant. Just as Moses gave the law at Mount Sinai, Jehoshua gave a revision of the law on a mountain (sermon on the mount). Jehoshua is the new and greater Moses, the supreme prophet. Jehoshua's message hold together in Himself as the King of the Kingdom. His Kingdom reign has already begun in His people, transforming their lives by changing their nature. Messiah's standards of obedience are impossible apart from His grace, and His laws constantly presses His people to seek more grace from God. In the sermon on the mount Jehoshua pronounces His humble disciples to be the blessed heirs of the Kingdom of heaven, and teaches the relationship between the moral law and Jehovah's Kingdom. The sermon on the mount is the constitution of the Kingdom. If one wants to know how we are to keep the law in the new covenant then the sermon on the mount is the blueprint. |
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