Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Here in Acts 2 Peter gives a speech that confirms that the promise made to David has been fulfilled by the resurrection of the Son of God. In verse 29, Peter confirms the soul sleep doctrine and confirms that David is still asleep in his grave. Peter says David is dead which directly refutes the immortal soul doctrine of Christendom. If David were in heaven or some intermediary place as a conscious soul then Peter's statement of him being dead makes no sense. Peter is stating the state that David is in, which is death, in direct contrast to the risen Son of God. Verse 30, David was not only a king but also a prophet as he was anointed with the Messianic Spirit and foretold of the resurrection of the Lord Jehoshua Messiah. Peter refers to 2 Samuel 7:12-13 which was Jehovah's covenant with David that someone of his seed (loins, descendant) would sit on the Davidic throne and establish it forever. Peter ties this covenant promise with the resurrection of Jehoshua. It was the resurrection of Jehoshua that resulted in the covenant promise to David being fulfilled. Peter clearly says that the resurrection of Jehoshua resulted in Him (Jehoshua) being crowned King on the Davidic throne. Verse 31, Psalm 16 is referred to here. David in this psalm refers to the resurrection of the dead and expresses his faith that he (David) will not be left in hell (the grave) and will be raised from the dead on the last day. Psalm 16:8 (KJV) 10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. The reference to the Holy One not seeing corruption is specifically about Messiah as Peter noted earlier that David was still dead and buried hence his body had suffered corruption. Since Jehoshua was only in the grave three days His body did not see the corruption that all dead bodies see after some time. The whole verse is about Jehoshua and only the first part refers to David. Verse 32, Peter makes a distinction between God and Jehoshua by saying that God raised up Jehoshua. God the Father raised Jehoshua by the operation of His (God's) Spirit. Peter and the other apostles were witnesses of the resurrection of Jehoshua. The resurrection serves as the catalyst or impetus for preaching the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:14). Verse 33, Jehoshua was exalted by God to be at His (God's) right hand. Jehovah God's presence in the earthly sanctuary was symbolized and also realized (for real) as being in the most holy place. Likewise in the heavenly sanctuary, Jehovah God's presence and throne is in the most holy place as the earthly sanctuary was a copy of the heavenly. Hebrews 8:1-2 (KJV) 1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. The author of Hebrews says that Jehoshua is at the right hand of Jehovah Gods throne which we know is a reference to the most holy place as that is where His (Jehovah's) throne is. The throne of Jehovah God is in the heavenly sanctuary according to the author of Hebrews (verse 2). The prophet Isaiah confirms that the Father's throne is in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary which is the true tabernacle represented by the earthly copy. Isaiah 37:16 (ASV) 16O Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, that sittest above the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. The cherubim bookend each other on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant which all bible students know is located in the most holy place of the sanctuary. 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. Jehovah's presence in the earthly sanctuary was centralized in the most holy place above the mercy seat which was His throne and between the cherubim which sat upon the ark of the covenant which contained the 10 commandments. Psalm 99:1 (ASV) 1Jehovah reigneth; let the peoples tremble: He sitteth above the cherubim; let the earth be moved. The psalmist David who was a prophet and a man after Jehovah's own heart says that Jehovah's throne is above the cherubim on the mercyseat. The mercyseat is obviously located in the most holy place of the sanctuary. 2 Samuel 6:1-2 (ASV) 1And David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.2And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him, from Baale-judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Jehovah of hosts that sitteth above the cherubim. The ark of the covenant is called by the name of Jehovah of hosts who the author states sits above the cherubim which are on the mercyseat which is the lid of the ark. This again confirms that Jehovah God's throne is in the most holy place as the mercyseat is His throne. 2 Chronicles 5:7 (ASV) 7 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Jehovah unto its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. The most holy place is described as the place where the ark of the covenant belongs. Here in this passage the priests brought the ark of the covenant into the most holy place thereby marking the completion of the temple building. This took place during the feasts of tabernacles. Solomon had finished building the house of Jehovah and had gathered the Congregation of Israel i.e. the Church to commemorate the sacred occasion. Both Solomon and the Congregation made sacrifices before the ark during this sacred feast which also was during the grand opening of the Temple. The ark being placed in the holy of holies sealed the completion of the temple. Now that we have established without a doubt that indeed Jehovah's throne is in the most holy place, we can safely say that if Jehoshua was described as being at God's right hand as early as the time of the apostles, then He (Jehoshua) went right to the most holy place at His ascension and didn't have to wait until 1844. Acts 2:33 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. The second part of verse 33 speaks about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Peter ascribes this outpouring to both the Father and Son which the Father being the source. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit was a public display of Messiah's royal power, as He is exalted at the right hand of Jehovah God. Peter is connecting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with the Kingship of Jehoshua, an alluding to of the two olive trees, with the apostles being the candlestick in which the oil is poured into. The Holy Spirit proceeds out of the Father and into His Son who then sheds forth the Spirit into and onto the Church. The phrase "shed forth" comes from the Greek word "ekcheo" (strongs 1632) and means "to pour forth, to bestow, to gush out, run greedily (out), shed (abroad, forth), spill." Far from being a seperate person or being, the Holy Spirit is something that pours out of the person of the Son of God. This notion of shedding forth the Holy Spirit refutes the tri theist (SDA, Mormon) heresy that the Holy Spirit is a separate being. Although the trinity doctrine acknowledges that the Holy Spirit proceeds out of the person of the Son of God, they teach that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person from the Father and Son. The possessive use of the word "Spirit" in relation to God i.e. the Spirit of God should tell us that the Holy Spirit is not a distinct person but rather the very Spirit (mind, breath, power) of God the Father. The same possessive use of the word "Spirit" is also used in relation to the Messiah i.e. the Spirit of Messiah. We can also say that the Holy Spirit is the mind, breath and power of the Son of God. When we understand the Holy Spirit as the very mind, breath and power of God and Messiah then the phrase "shed forth" i.e pour out (proceedeth) fits perfectly as these qaulities of the Spirit come from their source, (Father and Son), bringing their presence to the Church. When we ascribe the Spirit to a separate distinct person from the Father and Son then it starts to get complicated and we run into other problems that open up a pandora's box of theological issues. Hebrews 1:8-9 (KJV) 8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. This passage in Hebrews is describing the same thing that Peter is preaching in Acts 2:29-36 which is the exaltation as Messiah as King upon David's throne and His receiving the promise of the Father (the Holy Spirit). Revelation 5;6 (KJV) 6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Jehoshua is symbolically pictured as having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God. Seven represents perfection and could be also representative of seven characteristics of Jehovah's Spirit (Isaiah 11) which was given to the Messiah without measure at His baptism. Jehoshua recieved the absolute fulness of the Holy Spirit at His exaltation (Hebrews 1) and this fulness is represented as seven horns and seven eyes in Revelation 5:6-7. Horns represent power and eyes represent wisdom. Power and wisdom constitute the essence of Jehovah's Spirit. In 1st Corinthians, Jehoshua is referred to as the power and wisdom of God: 1 Corinthians 1:24 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. In other words, Christ has the seven horns of God's power and the seven eyes of God's wisdom. See how it all ties together? God the Father's Spirit, which is His power and wisdom, given to the Son without measure. The last part of Revelation 5:6 says that the seven Spirits of God are sent forth into all the earth. This phrase "sent forth" is a little different than "shed forth" as it comes from a different Greek word, however the concept is the same. Also, in both instances, Rev 5:6 and Acts 2:33 the Holy Spirit is being described as coming to the Church directly from the Son of God. The source is the Father, but in the new covenant the Spirit now comes to the Church (Acts 2:33) and to all the earth (Rev 5:6) directly from the risen Messiah. The Holy Spirit proceeds out of the Father's being and pours fully into His Son without measure, who then sheds forth (pours out of Himself) the Spirit into the Church and also to all the earth. The Messiah is the administrator and distributor of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant Church age and beyond. Now back to the book of Acts chapter 2 verses 29-36. Let's look at verses 34 and 35: 34For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. Peter cites Psalm 110:1 and is reiterating that David is dead and not in heaven which refutes the immortal soul doctrine. Neither in the old testament times nor after Messiah rose from the dead had David went to heaven as an immortal soul but rather was asleep in the grave awaiting resurrection day like anyone else who has ever lived this side of Messiah. Psalm 110:1 (ASV) 1Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. This is one of the often qouted texts from the old testament used in reference to Jehoshua as He is the fufillment of this Messianic Psalm. King David prophesied that Jehovah God would exalt his (David's) future descendant (Jehoshua) who he also calls his Lord showing that David's future descendant would be greater than him. David acknowledges that Jehovah's future Messiah would be sovereign over him. "my right hand", a place of supreme honor and authority over all things in heaven and earth (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:34-35; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 1:20-21; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2). This text implies that the earthly kingdom centered upon Jerusalem would be replaced with a universal kingdom, based in New Jerusalem in heaven which will come down to the earth after the second advent. "Enemies thy footstol" complete victory and utter subjection (1 Corinthians 15:24-25; Hebrews 10:13). Jehoshua will come back the second time as a conquering King to claim the earth as His Kingdom. This will be the restitution of all things spoken of in Acts 3:19-21. Jehoshua must be recieved up into heaven until all his enemies are made His footstol and then all things will be restored to paradise here on this earth. David refers to Jehovah as being a distinct entity and being from the "Lord". This is not Jehovah God speaking to Jehovah God, 1st member of the trinity to the second member of the trinity. This is Jehovah God speaking to His anointed one i.e. His Messiah. The ASV translates this verse correctly whereas other translations could be misleading by translating "Jehovah" as "LORD" possibly confusing it with the second "Lord" in the text. The capitalization of the "L" in the second "Lord" could also lead to a misunderstanding of the text to make one read a trinity into the text. Some translations may even render the second "Lord" with all caps such as "LORD". Let's go to the Hebrew to prove that the first "LORD" (Jehovah) in the Pslam 110 passage is a title used of deity i.e. God and the second "Lord" (Jehoshua) is a title used of a supremely exalted human but not deity. The first "LORD" (Jehovah) comes from the Hebrew word "Adonai" which refers to deity. The second "Lord" comes from the Hebrew word "adoni" which is used for an exalted human being but never of deity. All 195 times "adoni" is used in the old testament it is in reference to human "Lord's" never deity. The main point of this Messianic Psalm is that Jehovah God exalted His human Messiah to His very own right hand bestowing upon His anointed one all power and authority in heaven and earth. Peter is saying Jehoshua is the fufillment of this Pslam and and the fufillment of the promise made to king David (2 Samuel 7). This is why Jehoshua is referred to as the Spirit of prophecy in the book of Revelation, because He is the fufillment of the prophecies written about in the old testament. It was this Spirit of prophecy that was in the prophets who foretold of the coming Messiah (1 Peter 1:9-12). Peter also talks about the Spirit of prophecy in Acts 3: 18 But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. The gospel message at it's core is that Jehoshua is the prophesied Messiah that Israel has been waiting for. Verse 36 of Acts 2: 36Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. Jehoshua was predestined and decreed by Jehovah God to be the Messiah and King of Israel before the foundation of the world. This was also prophesied throughout the old testament. Both titles (Messiah and King) were used of Jehoshua during His earthly ministry, however after the Son of God's finished work on the cross the Father manifested the glory of Jehoshua in a far greater way. At His baptism Jehoshua was anointed (Messianic) by Jehovah's Spirit to fulfill the offices of Prophet, Priest and King. It was Jehovah's Spirit that made Jehoshua the Messiah (the anointed one) at His baptism. After Jehoshua's anointing at His baptism, He was a King in waiting and then coronated at His ascension and exaltation into the most holy place (Hebrews 1:8-9). His coronation involved the Father declaring Jehoshua's pedigree as His Son and King (Hebrews 1:5) and then the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit was poured upon Jehoshua in abundance. Hebrews 1:5-9 (KJV) 5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. The coronation of Jehoshua is the ultimate fulfilment of all the "types" during the old testament times most notably David and Solomon. Both David and Solomon were called begotten (pedigree-adoption) son's of God and were anointed by Jehovah to be the King of Israel. Both David and Solomon were exalted by Jehovah God exceedingly yet Jehoshua was even exalted above them: "God, even thy GOD, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows" Jehoshua was called God's begotten (pedigree-adoption) Son and He is God's uniquely (virgin birth) begotten Son. Of course He is also the final King of Israel. Let's look at Solomon's coronation as King of Israel which is a type of Jehoshua's coronation: 1 Chronicles 29:20-25 (ASV) 20And David said to all the assembly, Now bless Jehovah your God. And all the assembly blessed Jehovah, the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped Jehovah, and the king.21And they sacrificed sacrifices unto Jehovah, and offered burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink-offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel,22and did eat and drink before Jehovah on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him unto Jehovah to be prince, and Zadok to be priest.23Then Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.24And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.25And Jehovah magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. It is noteworthy that in Israel not only was Jehovah God to be worshipped but also His anointed King (verse 20). Both of course were worshipped according to who they were in identity and office. Jehovah was worshipped as the living God and the King was worshipped as the living God's representative on earth. In verse 22 of 1 Chronicles we see the reference to Solomon being anointed as king the second time. The first time occured in 1 Chronicles 23:1. From 1 Chronicles 23:1 to the more formal coronation in 1 Chronicles 29:20-25 Solomon was a king in waiting. In verse 23 of 1 Chronicles 29 we see that Solomon after being anointed as King sat on the throne of Jehovah God. When an Israelite king was anointed by Jehovah they were considered to be sitting on the very throne of Jehovah God. This means that the authority of Jehovah God was given to them to administer His (Jehovah's) agenda in the Kingdom of Israel specifically and on the earth generally. This ties in nicely with Hebrews 1:8-9 8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Hebrews 1:8-9 can also be understood to say that the Son's throne is Jehovah God for ever and ever. Verses 23 and 24 show us that all Israel submitted to and obeyed the King. How much more our heavenly King Jehoshua are we to obey? The scripture says He was anointed by Jehovah above His (Jehoshua's) companions. So if Solomon was obeyed by the nation of Israel and Jehoshua was exalted far above him then it stands to reason we must obey the Son of God. Hebrews 5:8'9 echoes the importance of obeying the Son of God. 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Jehoshua is only the Savior of those who obey Him. Modern Christendom says that Christian's don't need to obey Jehoshua in order to have salvation and that if they say a sinners prayer that they are secure forever even without obedience. This type of teaching is antimessiah and actually attempts to dethrone Jehoshua off His Kingly throne. All Kings demand obedience to their Kingdoms laws and if Jehoshua is the promised final King of Israel then it only makes sense that the subjects (Messianic's/Christian's) of His Kingdom are required to obey Him. John 14:15 (KJV) 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. These are the words of Jehoshua. He says that those who love Him will keep His commandments. This goes against what modern Churches teach. Mention the need to keep Jehoshua's commandments and right away you will be labeled a legalist and false teachers. Today's Church would likely kill Jehoshua all over again if He came back and they had the ability to do so. John 14:23-24 (KJV) 23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. Another scathing rebuke to the easy believism crowd and the modern Church. Jehoshua again connects the evidence of loving Him with keeping His words i.e. commandments. Those who say they love Jehoshua but don't keep His commandments are liars and false converts. Jehoshua didn't say, if you love me just say a sinners prayer and have a mental ascent in knowledge that I am the Messiah. In verse 24 of John14, Jehoshua plainly says that those who don't keep His words don't love Him. The words of Jehoshua are not original to Him but come from the Father Jehovah. Those who don't heed the words of Jehoshua actually reject God Almighty. This is why Jehoshua says elsewhere: John 5:22-24 (KJV) 22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. We are to honor Jehoshua as we honor God the Father because all authority and the very words of Jehoshua find their source in the Father. Jehoshua affirms that the Father sent Him meaning that He (Jehoshua) is God's apostle which was "sent one" means. Elsewhere in scripture Jehoshua is called God's apostle: Hebrews 3:1 (KJV) 1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; As Jehovah's apostle, Jehoshua carries all the authority of Jehovah God with Him. As Jehovah's anointed King, Jehoshua has been committed with all judgement given to Him by the Father. In the secular world the same is true, as ambassadors of a certain country represent the interests and dictates of the president of that certain country. The way someone treats the ambassador is in effect the same way as treating the president or leader of the ambassadors country. The same goes for the corporate world, the vice president of a company represents the interests and carrys the authority of the president/ceo of the company. As an employee if you disrespect the vice president of your company it is the same as being insubordinate to the president. Jehovah God is the Almighty creator of the universe and has placed all authority to judge in the hands of His vice-regent which is His apostle, chosen High Priest, Messiah and uniquely begotten Son and anointed King. In the secular world, handed down authority only goes so far, however in the case of Jehoshua He has been given the keys unreserved to His Father's Kingdom which grants Him the authority to judge and execute justice. Jehoshua is called the King of kings and Lord of lords. Unlike any other being in History this sideof God, Jehoshua has the full authority over heaven and earth. Whereas earthly vice-regent's are given a certain measure of authority by their superiors, Jehoshua is granted authority by Jehovah God over all things in heaven, earth and beneath the earth. Only God the Father is His superior and God has placed the trust of the universe in His Son's hands without measure excepting Himself (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
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Jehoshua as King part 2
In verse 31 of Luke 1, the angel tells Mary that she will conceive in her womb. However, unlike the Matthew narrative of Jehoshua's birth, the word concieve isn't rendered from gennao (begotten) but rather from the Greek word "sullambano" (Strongs 4815) and means "to clasp, i.e. sieze (arrest, capture); to aid, to catch, conceive, help, take." The word "conceived" used here in regards to Mary conceiving Jehoshua is not from gennao i.e. begotten. When begotten is used in regards to the birth of Jehoshua it is used only in reference to the work of the Holy Spirit overhadowing Mary. The Holy Spirit is eqauted with the power of God the Father. So clearly it is God the Father that begat Jehoshua not Mary. Mary gave birth to Jehoshua by bringing Him forth in travail (tikto) but God the Father begat/conceived (gennao) Jehoshua in Mary's womb. The Holy Spirit was very careful in how these words were penned in the birth narratives of Jehoshua. The Holy Spirit wants us to know who did the begetting of Jehoshua and make the distinction between begotten (conception) and bringing forth in travail (birthing out process). The Holy Spirit makes it crystal clear that it was the Father who did the begetting and Mary who did the bringing forth. With this understanding of who did the begetting of Jehoshua then we can rightly intepret John 3:16-18 and 1 John chapter 5 in regards to what time frame these verses refer to when talking about Jehoshua being the begotten as the Son of God. Let's look at 2 verses from Luke 1 and see the reference by the angel regarding the fulfillment of the covenant made with David back in 2 Samuel: 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. Most in Christendom has missed out on the significance of this passage and have almost totally made of none effect the most important prophecy about Jehoshua in that He is the prophesied final King of Israel. Jehoshua's Kingship is the most important aspect of His ministerial office and Him being King is His most important identity. Without Him being King, then He can't possibly be our Saviour. Christendom has missed out on this as they have made Jehoshua God Almighty instead of God Almighty's predestined King of Israel. Jehovah God had a covenant relationship with His anointed kings of Israel who were of the line of David. They were His begotten (adopted) son's. Israel was God's national son (Exodus 4:2×; Hosea 11:1). The royal offspring of David was God's Son (1 Chronicles 17:13; Psalm 2:6-7, 12; 89:26-27). Jehoshua's Sonship is twofold as He is from the family descent of David and the prophesied King of Israel making Him God's Son according to the covenant made with David. However, Messiah also possesses a divine Sonship having been uniquely begotten (miraculous virgin birth) by Jehovah God. We cannot seperate Jehoshua's Sonship from His Kingship as they go hand in hand and they must due to the covenantal promise made to Jehoshua's father David. The angel tells Mary in verse 32 that it is Jehovah God that will give Jehoshua the throne of David. This is another passage that Christendom overlooks as they have basically cast God the Father as an afterthought making Jehoshua Himself God Almighty thereby often times failing to acknowledge that everything that Jehoshua possesses (including His Kingship) was given to Him by the Father. Also, the angel connects Jehoshua being the Son of God with His being given the throne of David and hence His Kingship. Later to be echoed in Hebrews 1:8-9, Jehoshua's Kingdom is prophesied to be eternal and have no end. Whereas past kings were mortal and died and their reigns were cut short by sin, Jehoshua has been made immortal by God the Father due to His victory over sin and the world. The angel says that Jehoshua will reign over the House of Israel (Jacob). The House of Israel is the Church as all believers in Messiah regardless of race are grafted into the House of Israel. Those who were gentiles of the faith who put their faith in the blood of the Son of God are now citizens of the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2). One of the other texts that proves that Gentiles who become born again are grafted into the Israelite kingdom of Jehoshua is Colossians 1: 12-13: 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: God the Father qaulified us (once Gentiles) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints which is Israel (Ephesians 2:12; 19; Ephesians 3:6). "Translated" transferred. When Jehovah God redeems a sinner He transfers them from Satan's kingdom to the Kingdom of His Son, Jehoshua Messiah. The bible says that Jehoshua would be King over Israel and no other nation. As King of Israel Jehoshua will rule over all nations but His Kingship is rooted and connected to Israel. So when Colossians says that the Father translated us into His Son's Kingdom, it can only mean that we are translated into the Kingdom of Israel for Jehoshua was prophesied to be King over no other nation than Israel. The Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah is the equivalent to the Kingdom of Israel. Jehoshua is not a King over gentiles but only Israel. He does not have one kingdom for Jews and one for Gentiles. He does not have one kingdom for "Christian's" and one for ethnic "Jews". Jehoshua has only one Kingship of one Kingdom and that is Israel. Luke 1:32-33 confirms that Jehoshua's Kingship is over the House of Israel not something called the "gentile" church and that He sits on David's throne which is the equivalent to sitting on the throne of Jehovah God (1 Chronicles 29:23, 2 Samuel 7:16). Infact, the new covenant that Jehoshua established by His blood which inaugurated His Kingdom was made with the House of Israel and never a gentile Church. Jeremiah 31:31-34 (ASV) 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. This passage is quoted twice in the book of Hebrews and is one and the same as the new covenant that Jehoshua established. Luke says that Jehoshua would reign as King over the House of Israel forever, the same House of Israel that the new covenant was made with. The cry in Christendom constantly is that they are not Israelites therefore they need not keep Jehovah's commandments. Unbeknownst to them, is that by saying this they deny themselves the inheritance of the saints and thus are outside the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. They deny the reign of the Son of God in their lives as by their own profession they place themselves outside of the only Kingdom that He is King of. What does the bible say will happen to those who deny the reign of Jehoshua over them? Luke 19:27 (KJV) 27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Jehoshua is going to have those that refuse His reign (Kingship) over their lives killed. This will happen after His second advent when He comes to establish His Kingdom on earth. Jehoshua is already the King of Israel so those who claim His name must allow Him to reign over their lives. Isaiah 9:6 (ASV) 6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this. This is one of the most famous verses within Christian/Messianic faith. At the beginning of verse 6, we see the prophecy of the virign birth i.e. a child is born (begotten) and a son (Son of God) is given to us (John 3:16, Galatians 4:4). "The government shall be upon His shoulder" refers to the Son of God's Kingdom as He is the final King of Israel. Jehoshua will rule over the world, first in the midst of His enemies (new covenant Church age) and later in the millennium. The knowledge of Jehovah God will spread throughout the new heaven and new earth during the millennium and beyond. Jehoshua will administer the Kingdom of Jehovah God here on this earth from new Jerusalem. The titles Wondeful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace reflect the Son of God's divinity and precious work as Mediator. Wonderful, Counsellor- Extraordinary revealer of divine wisdom (Isaiah 25:1; 28:29) of whom Solomon was a shadow (1 Kings 10:23-24). The Mighty God- this can also be rendered "Divine Warrior". The word "Mighty" comes from the Hebrew word "gibbowr" (Strongs 1368) and means " valiant man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), powerful, warrior, tyrant, champion, chief". The word "God" comes from the Hebrew word "El" (410) and means "strength, mighty, especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): - God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong." The word God (El) in the Hebrew has a flexible meaning and when used it does not automatically refer to the Almighty God but it can also be used for one that is "Mighty" or exceedingly great, the word is also used of any deity whether an idol or angels (fallen or not). In the case of Jehoshua, the use of the word "God" refers to Him being a Mighty One who is divine (divine as a result of the resurrection). The word "gibbowr" in which "Mighty" comes from means "Warrior" hence this title can also be understood as "Divine Warrior". Jehoshua made divine at the resurrection will return to the earth as a Warrior to overthrow the governments of this world and establish His Kingdom on earth in a real physical way. Even now, our Messiah is a Warrior up in heaven ruling in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2). Jehoshua's enemies are on this earth as the rulers take counsel together against Jehoshua's God and against Jehoshua who is the anointed (Messiah) of Jehovah God (Psalm 2:2-3). The book of Revelation culminates in Jehoshua bringing the nations of the earth under submission and some to destruction by force as He will wage war against the nations of this world for their wickedness. Jehoshua will tread the winepress of His Father's wrath (Revelation 19) when He returns to the earth with the armies of heaven to smite the nations and rule over them with a rod of iron. One can say "Like Father, like Son". In Exodus 15, we read that Jehovah is called a "Man of war". Exodus 15:3 (ASV) 3Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name. Part of Jehovah God's character is Him being a "Warrior, Soldier". Jehovah who is the Almighty God uses man to carry out His justice and vengeance. At the end of this age, He will use His glorified Son Jehoshua to execute His (Jehovah's) war plan. King David was one of these men along with others like Joshua, son of Nun and Caleb. He even uses unbelieving pagans to carry out His justice and vengeance. Zechariah 14 details the second advent describing Jehovah fighting on behalf of Jerusalem against the wicked gentile nations. Of course, Jehoshua will be the one doing the actual fighting but He will be doing it as Jehovah God's proxy. Remember the book of Revelation 19 has Jehoshua fighting the war on behalf of the Almighty God (John 17:3). Jehoshua is Jehovah God's agent and vice-regent. Zechariah 14:1-3 (ASV) 1Behold, a day of Jehovah cometh, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.2For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.3Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. This passage describes the second advent in which Jehoshua will land His feet on the mount of olives as foretold by the angel of Jehovah in Acts 1:11-12. Jehoshua as Jehovah's proxy King and Divine Warrior (Mighty God) will represent Jehovah in the battle of Armageddon. Numbers 21:14-15 (ASV) 14Wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Jehovah, Vaheb in Suphah, And the valleys of the Arnon,15And the slope of the valleys That inclineth toward the dwelling of Ar, And leaneth upon the border of Moab. There was a non canonical book called the "wars of Jehovah". Jehovah is a God of war and He uses His agents to execute His war plans. As mentioned before, He even uses unbelievers to do this. At the end of this age He will use His begotten Son Jehoshua to execute His (Jehovah's) war strategy in the battle of Armageddon. Since Jehovah is not a man and is an immortal Spirit, He will not literally land His feet (because He doesn't have feet) on the mount of olives but rather His Son Jehoshua who is a Man will land His feet on the mount of olives representing His Father in the war for Jerusalem. Jehoshua is called the "everlasting father" in Isaiah 9:6 which is another one of His titles. This title does not mean that Jehoshua is God the Father for even the trinity doctrine doesnot teach that. This title can also be rendered as "father of eternity" or "ruler of eternity" as in Hebraic expression the term "father" can also be used as a metaphor for a ruler. Jehoshua is indeed the ruler of eternity which is the future age or the age to come. Many texts in the new testament support this regarding Jehoshua. The title "everlasting father" also refers to the Son of God's benevolent authority and eternal care for His people. Let's look at an interesting verse in Isaiah 22:21-25 which says that Jehovah's servant "Eliakim" will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the house of Judah. Isaiah 22:21-25 (ASV) 21and I will cloth him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.22And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; and he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.23And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a throne of glory to his father`s house.24And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father`s house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the flagons.25In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, shall the nail that was fastened in a sure place give way; and it shall be hewn down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off; for Jehovah hath spoken it. Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, succeeded Shebna to become finance minister for King Hezekiah. Here he is called Jehovah's servant who as finance administrator was the second in command to the king. The language used of Eliakim in verse 21 is similar to language used of Jehoshua. Like Eliakim, Jehoshua was clothed with the righteousness of Jehovah (Jehoshua's baptism) and Jehovah strengthened Jehoshua (girdle) during His life especially during His Kingdom gospel ministry (Hebrews 5:7; Matthew 4). Isaiah prophesies that Eliakim will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the house of Judah (verse 21). Those chosen to be servants by Jehovah in positions of authority, namely King, High Priest and other administrative positions, were like father's to the people they served. They were looked up to as role models for the people and representatives of Jehovah God. The term "Father" can also be a metaphor for "ruler". Since Jehoshua is our King and the author of eternal life (Hebrews 12:2) then the title "everlasting Father" is a perfect fit for Him since He is the King (ruler, father) of an everlasting Kingdom. Hebrews 5:9 (ASV) 9and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; Jehoshua is the author (cause) of eternal (everlasting) salvation. The word "author" comes from the Greek word "aitios" (Strongs 159) and means "causative, i.e. (concretely) a causer: - author". It can also be said that Jehoshua is the Father (cause) of eternal salvation as the term "Father" is also used metaphorically to denote bringing something into existence for example:. The CEO of such and such a company "Fathered" in the 401 K benefits program for the employess of said company. The reference of Jehoshua being the Firstborn of many brethren alludes to Him being the "Father of eternity". Jehoshua is also called the first fruits of them that slept. Romans 8:29 (KJV) 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. The title firstborn is twofold in regards to Jehoshua, for one He was literally the firstborn from the dead as the first person ever to rise from the dead and being given everlasting life and ascended to heaven. Also, firstborn denotes that He is Jehovah God's chosen ruler i.e. Chief in rank. In Colossians 1:15, Jehoshua is called the firstborn of every creature meaning that Messiah has preeminent status (Psalm 89:27). The Son of God is supreme over all creation. Although firstborn can sometimes refer to temporal status, here in Colossians 1, the context is in regards to the new creation and Jehoshua being the ruler of the new creation and the Church. In verse 18, Jehoshua's resurrection is highlighted as the reason why He has preeminence over all things. Paul connects the word "beginning" with Jehoshua being the Firstborn from the dead (verse 18) which is connected with Him being head of the body which is the Church. Jehoshua was predestined and ordained before the foundation of the world to be the Messiah, Son of God and King of Israel (1 Peter 1:18-20). However, it was His resurrection that confirmed that He was the Messiah and affirmed that He is the preeminent ruler over the new creation (the resurrected saints). Paul is stating in Colossians 1:15-18, that as a result of Jehoshua's resurrection, He is the firstborn (preeminent) ruler over all creation notably the new creation (resurrected saints) and the Church i.e. Kingdom of Israel. Psalm 110 comes to mind regarding Jehoshua being granted rulership over creation as a result of His resurrection. Psalm 110:1 (ASV) 1Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. This Messianic Psalm is tied to the resurrection and ascension to glory of the Son of God. Jehovah places and anoints Jehoshua to sit down on His (Jah's) right hand in the most holy place. Jehoshua is installed as the King of Israel and sat on the Davidic throne (Hebrews 1:8-9). In Psalm 89:37, the throne of David is said to be established as a faithful witness in heaven. Peter the apostle confirms that the resurrection resulted in Jehoshua being placed on the Davidic throne fulfilling Jehovah's promise to David (2 Samuel 7). Acts 2:29-36 (KJV) 29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Because Anabaptism is not a denomination and is more of a movement there is a wide variety of beliefs or at least there once was among the various Anabaptist sects. For example, as Seventh Day Anabaptists we keep the 4th commandment of the Decalogue which is the heritage of the Sabbatarian Anabaptists led by Andreas Fisher and Oswald Glaidt. The number of Sabbath keeping Anabaptists were small in comparison to the overall movement and eventually died out. There were also a great number of Anabaptists who believed in the sleep of the dead i.e. soul sleep and Protestant John Calvin even wrote a tract against the soul sleep believing Anabaptists. King James even had two Anabaptists burned at the stake for their belief in soul sleep.
Finally, there were also Anabaptists that abandoned the trinity doctrine. Some were arian, semi arian and even tri theists. However, a greater number of them became “Biblical Unitarian’s”. All three of the above beliefs were the result of the Anabaptist restorationist mindset. While the Protestants were content with bringing back the Church to the times of Augustin i.e the 5th century which meant they still kept many of the “Orthodox” doctrines and practices, even one’s that were clearly opposed by scripture. Most Anabaptists sought to bring the Church back to the time before Constantine which was 325 AD. The result of this was that Anabaptists were able to unload much of the baggage that came with Post-Constantinian Christianity. However, they were still left with some doctrines and practices that were foreign to the 1st century Church. The Sabbatarian Anabaptists wanted to restore the Church beyond then early 4th century and all the way back to the 1st century apostolic faith. This meant a return to Sabbath keeping and abandoning the trinity doctrine. While it is not totally clear if Andreas Fisher and the Sabbatarian Anabaptists were anti-Trinitarian they were accused of it by their opponents. They placed emphasis on the Messiahship and Sonship of Jehoshua which is usually an indication of anti-Trinitarianism and pro Unitarianism. As Seventh Day Anabaptists we hold to the three above noted doctrines of Sabbath keeping, soul sleep and Unitarianism. The restoration of these biblical truths is a hallmark of what the Anabaptist spirit is about which is disregarding the traditions and creeds of man and going back to the simplicity of biblical truth. Unfortunately, most of Anabaptism has conformed to and blended in with the rest of the Protestant/Evangelical Church and stopped restoring. In this paper I will detail the general beliefs of Seventh Day Anabaptists. As Anabaptists we hold to the: The Schleitheim Confession Adopted by a Swiss Brethren Conference, February 24, 1527 Brotherly Union of a Number of Children of God concerning Seven Articles The articles which we discussed and on which we were of one mind are these:
II. We are agreed as follows on the ban: The ban shall be employed with all those who have given themselves to the Lord, to walk in His commandments, and with all those who are baptized into the one body of Christ and who are called brethren or sisters, and yet who slip sometimes and fall into error and sin, being inadvertently overtaken. The same shall be admonished twice in secret and the third time openly disciplined or banned according to the command of Christ. Matt. 18. But this shall be done according to the regulation of the Spirit (Matt. 5) before the breaking of bread, so that we may break and eat one bread, with one mind and in one love, and may drink of one cup. III. In the breaking of bread we are of one mind and are agreed (as follows): All those who wish to break one bread in remembrance of the broken body of Christ, and all who wish to drink of one drink as a remembrance of the shed blood of Christ, shall be united beforehand by baptism in one body of Christ which is the church of God and whose Head is Christ. For as Paul points out, we cannot at the same time drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of the devil. That is, all those who have fellowship with the dead works of darkness have no part in the light. Therefore all who follow the devil and the world have no part with those who are called unto God out of the world. All who lie in evil have no part in the good. Therefore it is and must be (thus): Whoever has not been called by one God to one faith, to one baptism, to one Spirit, to one body, with all the children of God's church, cannot be made (into) one bread with them, as indeed must be done if one is truly to break bread according to the command of Christ. IV. We are agreed (as follows) on separation: A separation shall be made from the evil and from the wickedness which the devil planted in the world; in this manner, simply that we shall not have fellowship with them (the wicked) and not run with them in the multitude of their abominations. This is the way it is: Since all who do not walk in the obedience of faith, and have not united themselves with God so that they wish to do His will, are a great abomination before God, it is not possible for anything to grow or issue from them except abominable things. For truly all creatures are in but two classes, good and bad, believing and unbelieving, darkness and light, the world and those who (have come) out of the world, God's temple and idols, Christ and Belial; and none can have part with the other. To us then the command of the Lord is clear when He calls upon us to be separate from the evil and thus He will be our God and we shall be His sons and daughters. He further admonishes us to withdraw from Babylon and earthly Egypt that we may not be partakers of the pain and suffering which the Lord will bring upon them. From this we should learn that everything which is not united with our God and Christ cannot be other than an abomination which we should shun and flee from. By this is meant all Catholic and Protestant works and church services, meetings and church attendance, drinking houses, civic affairs, the oaths sworn in unbelief and other things of that kind, which are highly regarded by the world and yet are carried on in flat contradiction to the command of God, in accordance with all the unrighteousness which is in the world. From all these things we shall be separated and have no part with them for they are nothing but an abomination, and they are the cause of our being hated before our Christ Jesus, Who has set us free from the slavery of the flesh and fitted us for the service of God through the Spirit Whom He has given us. Therefore there will also unquestionably fall from us the unchristian, devilish weapons of force - such as sword, armor and the like, and all their use (either) for friends or against one's enemies - by virtue of the Word of Christ. Resist not (him that is) evil. V. We are agreed as follows on pastors in the church of God: The pastor in the church of God shall, as Paul has prescribed, be one who out-and-out has a good report of those who are outside the faith. This office shall be to read, to admonish and teach, to warn, to discipline, to ban in the church, to lead out in prayer for the advancement of all the brethren and sisters, to lift up the bread when it is to be broken, and in all things to see to the care of the body of Christ, in order that it may be built up and developed, and the mouth of the slanderer be stopped. This one moreover shall be supported of the church which has chosen him, wherein he may be in need, so that he who serves the Gospel may live of the Gospel as the Lord has ordained. But if a pastor should do something requiring discipline, he shall not be dealt with except (on the testimony of) two or three witnesses. And when they sin they shall be disciplined before all in order that the others may fear. But should it happen that through the cross this pastor should be banished or led to the Lord (through martyrdom) another shall be ordained in his place in the same hour so that God's little flock and people may not be destroyed. VI. We are agreed as follows concerning the sword: The sword is ordained of God outside the perfection of Christ. It punishes and puts to death the wicked, and guards and protects the good. In the Law the sword was ordained for the punishment of the wicked and for their death, and the same (sword) is (now) ordained to be used by the worldly magistrates. In the perfection of Christ, however, only the ban is used for a warning and for the excommunication of the one who has sinned, without putting the flesh to death - simply the warning and the command to sin no more. Now it will be asked by many who do not recognize (this as) the will of Christ for us, whether a Christian may or should employ the sword against the wicked for the defense and protection of the good, or for the sake of love. Our reply is unanimously as follows: Christ teaches and commands us to learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart and so shall we find rest to our souls. Also Christ says to the heathenish woman who was taken in adultery, not that one should stone her according to the Law of His Father (and yet He says, As the Father has commanded me, thus I do), but in mercy and forgiveness and warning, to sin no more. Such (an attitude) we also ought to take completely according to the rule of the ban. Secondly, it will be asked concerning the sword, whether a Christian shall pass sentence in worldly disputes and strife such as unbelievers have with one another. This is our united answer. Christ did not wish to decide or pass judgment between brother and brother in the case of the inheritance, but refused to do so. Therefore we should do likewise. Thirdly, it will be asked concerning the sword, Shall one be a magistrate if one should be chosen as such? The answer is as follows: They wished to make Christ king, but He fled and did not view it as the arrangement of His Father. Thus shall we do as He did, and follow Him, and so shall we not walk in darkness. For He Himself says, He who wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. Also, He Himself forbids the (employment of) the force of the sword saying, The worldly princes lord it over them, etc., but not so shall it be with you. Further, Paul says, Whom God did foreknow He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, etc. Also Peter says, Christ has suffered (not ruled) and left us an example, that ye should follow His steps. Finally it will be observed that it is not appropriate for a Christian to serve as a magistrate because of these points: The government magistracy is according to the flesh, but the Christian's is according to the Spirit; their houses and dwelling remain in this world, but the Christian's are in heaven; their citizenship is in this world, but the Christian's citizenship is in heaven; the weapons of their conflict and war are carnal and against the flesh only, but the Christian's weapons are spiritual, against the fortification of the devil. The worldlings are armed with steel and iron, but the Christians are armed with the armor of God, with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God. In brief, as in the mind of God toward us, so shall the mind of the members of the body of Christ be through Him in all things, that there may be no schism in the body through which it would be destroyed. For every kingdom divided against itself will be destroyed. Now since Christ is as it is written of Him, His members must also be the same, that His body may remain complete and united to its own advancement and upbuilding. VII. We are agreed as follows concerning the oath: The oath is a confirmation among those who are quarreling or making promises. In the Law it is commanded to be performed in God's Name, but only in truth, not falsely. Christ, who teaches the perfection of the Law, prohibits all swearing to His (followers), whether true or false - neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by Jerusalem, nor by our head - and that for the reason He shortly thereafter gives, For you are not able to make one hair white or black. So you see it is for this reason that all swearing is forbidden: we cannot fulfill that which we promise when we swear, for we cannot change (even) the very least thing on us. Now there are some who do not give credence to the simple command of God, but object with this question: Well now, did not God swear to Abraham by Himself (since He was God) when He promised him that He would be with him and that He would be his God if he would keep His commandments, - why then should I not also swear when I promise to someone? Answer: Hear what the Scripture says: God, since He wished more abundantly to show unto the heirs the immutability of His counsel, inserted an oath, that by two immutable things (in which it is impossible for God to lie) we might have a strong consolation. Observe the meaning of this Scripture: What God forbids you to do, He has power to do, for everything is possible for Him. God swore an oath to Abraham, says the Scripture, so that He might show that His counsel is immutable. That is, no one can withstand nor thwart His will; therefore He can keep His oath. But we can do nothing, as is said above by Christ, to keep or perform (our oaths): therefore we shall not swear at all (nichts schweren). Then others further say as follows: It is not forbidden of God to swear in the New Testament, when it is actually commanded in the Old, but it is forbidden only to swear by heaven, earth, Jerusalem and our head. Answer: Hear the Scripture, He who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by Him who sitteth thereon. Observe: it is forbidden to swear by heaven, which is only the throne of God: how much more is it forbidden (to swear) by God Himself! Ye fools and blind, which is greater, the throne or Him that sitteth thereon? Further some say, Because evil is now (in the world, and) because man needs God for (the establishment of) the truth, so did the apostles Peter and Paul also swear. Answer: Peter and Paul only testify of that which God promised to Abraham with the oath. They themselves promise nothing, as the example indicates clearly. Testifying and swearing are two different things. For when a person swears he is in the first place promising future things, as Christ was promised to Abraham. Whom we a long time afterwards received. But when a person bears testimony he is testifying about the present, whether it is good or evil, as Simeon spoke to Mary about Christ and testified, Behold this (child) is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Christ also taught us along the same line when He said, Let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. He says, Your speech or word shall be yea and nay. (However) when one does not wish to understand, he remains closed to the meaning. Christ is simply Yea and Nay, and all those who seek Him simply will understand His Word. Amen. The Seven Articles of Schleitheim Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland, February 24, 1527 In order to be an Anabaptist one must hold to the above confession. An Anabaptist can indeed be a Trinitarian, a believer in the immortal soul or even go to Church on Sunday yet he/she must acknowledge the above confession as the way of the Anabaptist to truly be considered one. This then leaves freedom of thought regarding other doctrines hence the wide variety of beliefs in historical Anabaptism. It’s this freedom that is the spirit of Anabaptism. Unlike Orthodoxy, Anabaptism isn’t systematic theology but rather a way of life focused on following Jehoshua and His teachings. With that said, I will now go over some of the general beliefs of Seventh Day Anabaptists. 1) Predestination - Most Anabaptists today and even historically believed in free will. Balthasar Hubmaier a 16th century Anabaptist leader taught predestination. The original Anabaptists i.e. the Swiss Brethren may have believed in Predestination having been discipled by Ulrich Zwingly. However, we don’t believe in the Calvinistic version of Predestination as that entails the eternal torment doctrine, making it an objectionable version of the doctrine. Of course there will be aspects of Calvin’s version that we agree with. Nonetheless, Predestination is clearly taught in the bible. It’s actually a liberating doctrine for the believer. Nowhere in the bible does it teach we have a free will, free choice yes but all our choices are based on our will either being submitted to God or enslaved to sin. 2) Eternality of the 10 commandments – This is the law that Jehovah wrote with His own fingers on stone. While most of Christendom says the 10 commandments are done away with the bible teaches otherwise. The book of Revelation itself refers to these commandments a number of times and specifically the ark of the covenant in Revelation 11:16-19. The bible also teaches us that the tabernacle built by Moses was only a copy of the one in heaven hence there is a real ark in heaven with the original 10 commandments. One of Jehoshua’s last warnings in Revelation 22;14 makes keeping the commandments of God a requirement for entering the gates of New Jerusalem which is the paradise of God. With this understanding we keep all of them which lead to the next few items: 3) One God who is the Father alone – The bible is clear that there is only One God and most of Christendom will attest to this in their creeds however they believe that God is a trinity of persons in one being who are co eternal and co equal and consubstantial. However, the teachings of scripture outright contradict this most notably by Jehoshua Himself who called the Father the only (alone) true God and that eternal life was based on knowing this (john 17:3). Jehoshua also said that the greatest commandment was to know that God is One and quoted Deuteronomy 6:4 as His creed in Mark 12:28-34. The greek word for “one” is singular in Mark 12:28-34. Jehoshua said that we are to love this One God who He referred to as the Father with all our heart, mind, strengh and soul. 4) Sonship of Messiah – Point 3 naturally leads us to the question of, who is Jehoshua? Most modern Christian’s believe He is God Almighty Himself. The bible contradicts this as noted in belief number 3. The bible actually has a very clear and plain teaching regarding the identity of Jehoshua. Over and over again He is referred to as the Son of God and Messiah of God. When Jehoshua asked Peter for his (Peter’s) statement of faith, the apostle responded with the very simple and straight forward answer of: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-20). Far from correcting Peter, Jehoshua blessed His confession as being revealed to him by the heavenly Father and being the “rock” i.e Jehoshua’s Sonship and Messiahship on which the Church would be built upon. All throughout the new testament Jehoshua is referred to as the Son of God. In the old testament, He is prophesied as the coming Messiah and anointed King of Israel which would be God’s Son. Luke 1:29-35 clearly reveals in which way He is God’s Son which is due to God supernaturally begetting Him in the womb of Mary. 5) Preexistence of Messiah, prophetic not literal – While many verses are used to try and prove Messiah’s preexistence the bible actually teaches that Jehoshua’s conception and birth was His genesis (beginning) (Matthew 1:1). Hebrews 1:1-3 says that God only spoke thru His Son in these last days (first advent and beyond). 1 Peter 1:18-20 says that Jehoshua having been predestined was revealed in these last times (first advent and beyond) echoing the sentiments in Hebrews 1:1-3. 6) The Holy Spirit – We believe that the Holy Spirit is the actual Spirit of God the Father that is now, in the new covenant age, sent through His only begot. ten Son Jehoshua Messiah. The Holy Spirit is referred to interchangeably as the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Messiah and the Spirit (Romans 8:8-11). Jehoshua said that the Holy Spirit proceeds out of the Father and in Luke’s gospel it equates the Holy Spirit with the power of the Most High (Luke 1:35). Matthew 10:20 refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of the Father. Joel 2 refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Jehovah (The Father). Isaiah 11 says that the Spirit of Jehovah (The Father) would rest upon the coming Messiah. Isaiah 11 details the attributes of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very Spirit of God the Father which is His mind, breath (life), power, personality and presence (as detailed in Isaiah 11). Jehoshua breathed out the Holy Spirit on his disciples (John 20:22). The Holy Spirit being a distinct separate person is unbiblical. It is better understood as the Spirit of God denoting possession meaning that it is the Father’s very own Spirit (mind, breath and power). Just like we have a spirit yet it is not another person, the same goes for God, he has A Spirit which proceeds out of Himself yet it is not another person. Since the resurrection God’s Spirit is sent to the Church through the risen Messiah and this is why we now call the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Messiah and the Spirit of the Son (Galatians 4:6). 7) The Law of Moses – Where do Seventh Day Anabaptists stand in regards to the law of Moses. I will quote from the “Westminster Confession of Faith” (1647). Even though this is a Protestant confession, I believe they capture perfectly how new covenant Israel is to supposed to view and apply the law of Moses. “Chapter XIX: Of the Law of God” 1. God gave to Adam a covenant of works, by which He bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it: and endued him with power and ability to keep it. 2. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness, and, as such, was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai, in ten commandments, and written in two tablets: the four first commandments containing our duty towards God; and the other six our duty to man. 3. Beside this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a church age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, His graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated, under the New Testament. 4. To them also, as a body politic, He gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the State of that people; not obliging any other now, further than the general equity thereof may require. 5. The moral law doth bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof; and that, not only in regard to the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the creator, who gave it: neither doth Christ, in the gospel, any way dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation. 6. Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned; yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life informing them of the will of God, and their duty, it directs, and binds them to walk accordingly; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives; so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come, to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin; together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of His obedience. It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin: and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve; and what afflictions, in this life, they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law. The promises of it, in like manner, show them God’s approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof; although not as due to them by the law, as a covenant of works. So as, a man’s doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law; and not under grace. 7. Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the Gospel, but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that, freely and cheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done. 8) The Law of Jehoshua – As Seventh Day Anabaptists, we believe that we are no longer under the law of Moses but rather that we are under the law of Jehoshua. The law of Jehoshua is summed up in the sermon on the mount (Matthew ch.’s 5-7). Unlike many Christian’s, Anabaptists believe that the sermon on the mount is Jehoshua’s instructions for all believers to live by. Those who refuse to acknowledge that the teachings in the sermon on the mount is for all Christian’s are those who abide not in the doctrine of Messiah which means they have not God (2 John 9-11). Jehoshua said that if you love me keep my commandments (John 14:15). The sermon on the mount is the core and essence of Anabaptism and for Seventh Day Anabaptists the sermon on the mount best represents our beliefs and practices. 9) Feast days, tithing and dietary laws – There is a big resurgence in the Christian/Messianic/Hebrew Roots world of the aforementioned practices. It is easy to get caught up in the fervor of these movements that are bringing back the feast days and adhering to the dietary laws of Leviticus. However, are these things required of a believer in Messiah in the new covenant? Let’s address the dietary laws of Leviticus 11 first. There are a few passages in scripture that are debated in regards to the purifying of all foods as indicated in Mark 7:19, Acts 10:15, 1 Timothy 4:3-5, Romans 14:14. There seems to be a strong indication in these verses that the dietary laws as laid out in Leviticus do not transfer from the old covenant to the new covenant. One has to remember that the Levitical priesthood was abolished and that we are now under the Melchizedek priesthood. Combine this understanding with the above verses that seem to support the notion of all foods in the new covenant being made clean and our conclusion is that the dietary laws as laid out in Leviticus 11 were for the old covenant administration under the Levitical worship system. Being that we are now under the law of Messiah, we look to his and his disciples’ counsels in regards to these matters and it appears that Jehoshua, Peter and Paul both support the idea that all foods are made clean under the new covenant Melchizedek worship syste So what about tithing? Many denominations teach that the tithe is still for the new covenant believer, however the law of the tithe was part of the Levitical priesthood system of worship. Remember, we are no longer under that administration (old covenant) of worship which is connected to the Levitical system as it has been abolished. The tithe is nowhere commanded in the new covenant however the principle of the tithe is very much a part of the new covenant system. The giving of one’s first fruits should be a principle that new covenant believers all follow. This type of giving should be done cheerfully and it is not just about money but also time and effort. As followers of the Messiah we should give the first fruits of our time, energy and money to the spreading of the Kingdom. In fact, this will often exceed ten percent. We are now under the Melchizedek priesthood and even though Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek showing the superiority of His (Melchizedek’s priesthood) over Levi’s we would caution against using this as a proof text for the continuing of the tithe law under the new covenant. With that being said, since Jehoshua’s priesthood is so much more superior to Levi’s, it stands to reason that because of our love for the Son of God we will far exceed giving 10 percent of our time, money and energy in advancing Jehovah’s Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 9:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 capture the way a new covenant believer should view giving. Seventh Day Anabaptists acknowledge that tithing is a good principle and if one chooses to follow the ten percent model of giving they are free to do so and will be blessed. However, we don’t see tithing as a hard and fast rule in the new covenant administration and we are careful to grab something from the Levitical system of worship and interpose it to the new covenant system without it being clearly stated in scripture. As Seventh Day Anabaptists, we feel that the ten commandments are rock solid and are God’s eternal law as they are His moral law. When it comes to the Mosaic system of worship, we believe that the ceremonial and ritualistic aspects were fulfilled when the Messiah shed His blood at the cross. Being that the tithe is inherently connected to a system of worship and priesthood that is abolished we don’t adhere to it’s continuing in the new covenant. Also, being that this is one of those things that is outside the Decalogue we must understand it’s ordinance in context i.e time and place. Once we make hard and fast rules from the law of Moses outside the ten commandments then we will be on a slippery slope as there are 603 commandments, statutes and ordinances outside the 10 commandments. Deciding which ones are still valid and which ones are done away could cause a believer to fall into confusion. How about feast days? The feast days have had a huge resurgence in the last several years as many Christian’s have grown tired of the pagan holidays such as xmas and easter. In the new testament we do not see an emphasis placed on the feast days, however we do see Paul the apostle keeping the feast of unleavened bread and the apostles met with each other on the feast of Pentecost. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 Paul said to the Corinthians “let us keep the feast”. Many have speculated whether this was an instruction to keep the entire 8 day feast or to simply observe the Passover meal in memory of the Messiah’s death. In Colossians 2:14-16, Paul tells the Colossians not to let others judge them in regards to the feast days, new moons and Sabbath days. Various denominations interpret this verse in their own way. Mainstream Christendom says that Paul is doing away with any need to observe these days, however this is a faulty interpretation as Paul himself kept the feast of unleavened bread. Also, Isaiah 66:22-23 and Zechariah show that in the new heaven and new earth that the new moons, Seventh day Sabbath and feast of tabernacles will still be kept as worship days. Seventh Day Adventists and reformed denominations teach that Paul is stating that the feast days are abolished along with the new moons but not the seventh day Sabbath. They say that the reference to “Sabbath days” at the end of verse 16 refers to the Sabbaths within the feast days but again that is a faulty interpretation as those days are already covered within the reference to “holyday” so that would then make the reference to Sabbaths at the end of verse 16 applicable to the seventh day of the week. To apply the word phrase “Sabbath days” to the feast day Sabbaths would be redundant and not only that but the Greek word for “Sabbath’ in verse 16 of Colossians 2 is the same word used elsewhere when the seventh day Sabbath is referred to. If this is the case, then what is Paul trying to get across the Colossians believers? It’s actually very simple, he is telling them not to let outsiders judge them in how they observe these days. He is speaking against the letter of the law Judiazers who were still trying to keep these days according to the letter of the law and not the Spirit of the law. Paul makes it clear that these days are shadows of a greater reality which is Jehoshua the Son of God and that these days are good but the point of keeping them is Messiah. Seventh Day Anabaptists make it clear that the feasts are not required to have salvation as that is a free gift from God. Also, if a believer chooses to observe them then they have liberty and freedom in Messiah to do so as the Spirit leads them personally and not according to the letter of the law. The feasts provide a great opportunity for Congregations to have corporate fellowship in an intimate setting, learning the gospel in the feasts. Also, the feasts do not have the taint of paganism that the mainstream Christian holidays have so keeping the feasts fall into the phrase “worshipping God in spirit and in truth”. The feasts can provide a great replacement for believers who have abandoned xmas and easter but yet feel alone during those times as they feel left out. The feats are also much richer in biblical meaning than the aforementioned holidays of Christendom. 10) State of the dead – Seventh Day Anabaptists do not believe in the immortal soul Doctrine. The natural outgrowth of the immortal soul doctrine is eternal torment in hell (as an actual spiritual underworld). Also, the immortal soul doctrine leads to the belief that when a Christian dies they go directly to heaven as a disembodied soul. Most of mainstream Christendom holds to the immortal soul doctrine although more and more Christian’s are waking up to the truth of what scripture really says in regards to the state of the dead. In John chapter 6, Jehoshua says that those in Him (Jehoshua) who die would be raised by Him at the last day. Jehoshua repeats this 5 times in John chapter 6. Jehoshua did not mention once in this chapter that those in Him would immediately go to heaven upon death. Many of the early Anabaptists rejected the immortal soul doctrine, John Calvin even wrote a tract against the Anabaptists because of their soul sleep belief. King James in the early 1600’s even put two Anabaptists to death because of their belief in soul sleep. Even today many Anabaptists hold to the soul sleep doctrine or some variation of it. It is clear from scripture that believers in Messiah have the bodily resurrection hope as opposed to the dying and going to heaven as a disembodied soul upon death hope. In fact, the immortal soul doctrine is a false perversion of the true Christian hope which is that we follow Jehoshua in the resurrection as He is the firstborn from the dead and we are the many brethren that will follow Him in the regeneration. 1st Corinthians 15 is a chapter of scripture that makes it crystal clear that the hope of a believers is the resurrection of their bodies at Messiah’s coming. Until that day, the believers in Messiah are considered as fallen asleep not as disembodied souls up in heaven. In Thessalonians 4:13-18, the apostle Paul comforts the brethren in regards to their dead loved ones in the faith with the resurrection hope. If their dead loved ones in the faith were in heaven as disembodied souls, then surely Paul would have comforted them with that knowledge however he didn’t. This is because they ae not in heaven but rather fallen asleep as Paul mentions in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15. Let me address the other aspect of the immortal soul doctrine which is the teaching of eternal torment. It stands to reason that if immortality of the soul is conditional, meaning it is given strictly to those in Messiah at the last day, then the unbelievers will not exist forever. So what happens to them? According to the bible they will suffer hell fire, but it will not be in some spiritual underworld ran by the devil and his angels but rather it will be an event subsequent to the second advent of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah. So basically, hell is not a place but rather an event. This event will take place in a specific location which could be where the Valley of Hinnom was/is which is outside Jerusalem. Actually, the more proper word for hell fire judgment is the Lake of Fire which comes from the Greek word “Ghenna”. This is the Greek word that Jehoshua used when speaking of hell fire judgment. The bible translators have done a disservice in their translation of what is called “Hades” by rendering it in English as “hell” rather than grave. Hades is the new testament counterpart to the old testament “sheol” which is the common grave of mankind. So Hades is not spiritual underworld where people are tormented endlessly but it is simply the common grave of mankind. When Jehoshua uses the word hades it is never in reference to hell fire judgment But rather the grave. This mistranslation has led people to think that when unbelievers die they go to a place called hell, which in their mind is a spiritual underworld where disembodied souls are tormented. If Hades was translated as grave instead of hell then it would be much more clear that when unbelievers die they are fallen asleep in the grave awaiting the day of judgment rather than being conscious in a disembodied state of being. Peter says that the destruction of the wicked who live ungodly would be similar to the fate suffered by those in Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:4-8). Jude echoes Peter’s statement in Jude 6-7. Jude states that Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the punishment of eternal fire and that they are set forth as an example. Peter says that they are set forth as an example of them which should live ungodly. Note that Sodom and Gomorrah are no longer burning and that they are completely destroyed. This means we have to understand the phrase “the punishment of eternal fire” as meaning that the consequences of the fire poured upon Sodom and Gomorrah are eternal which means they are destroyed and never to be brought back to existence. This is the example of what happens to the wicked on judgment day, they will suffer the vengeance of eternal fire and be destroyed not burn forever as an immortal soul. In John 3:16 it says that those who believe in the Son of God will not perish but have everlasting life. This infers that whosoever doesn’t believe in the only begotten Son will perish. The word “perish” comes from the Greek word “apollumi” (Strongs 622) and means “to destroy fully, to perish or lose, destroy, die, lose, mar, perish”. The truth about the state of the dead helps restore God’s true character in that he is just and does punish the unbelievers on the day of judgment however He doesn’t take pleasure in their destruction and will ultimately destroy them rather than have them endlessly tortured. These are the principles of the kingdom that Seventh Day Anabaptists hold to. 1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;3Who 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;4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:11They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Verse 1, God the Father spoke in the old testament times by the prophets in diverse ways. Verse 2, However in these last days (since Christ's first advent), God the Father spoke to us through His Son. God spoke through Jesus only in the last days not in the old testament times. Jesus was the coming prophet according to Moses and not an already existing angel or god. Verse 3, Jesus is the brightness of Jehovah's shekinah glory. The Majesty of God dwells fully in the Son of God and radiates from Jesus very being. Jesus is the express image of God the Father, meaning He has all the attributes in character that the Father inherently has. He also has the Father's Majesty fully in Him and radiates God's very image tangibly. Jesus purged our sins making full atonement for them by His death on the cross. Verse 4, at Christ's ascension to glory, He inherited a name that was above every name. He is the final word of God to humanity and surpasses the revelation given by angels. Jesus has inherited the name "Jehovah", the name refers to authority and character as Jesus has been given all authority by Jehovah God and perfectly represents His character. In Jeremiah 23:6, the coming Christ is referred to as "Jehovah our Righteousness". Verse 5, Jehovah never said to an angel that he (any angel) was His (Jehovah's) begotten Son. Jesus is not a preexistent angel according to the author of Hebrews. Psalm 2:7 is quoted here and in context refers to Jesus resurrection and ascension to glory. Christ was begotten by the Father miraculously in the womb of Mary, however He was also begotten (born again) at His baptism as in the oldest manuscripts Psalm 2:7 is quoted at Christ's baptism. Christ was begotten from the dead at His resurrection and declared to be the Son of God with power by the Spirit of holiness as it was God's Spirit that raised up Jesus. He also was begotten by the Father after His ascension when He was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Heb 1:8-9). The word begotten can also mean "to declare pedigrees" and the anointing of Jesus in this text is for the purpose of Him fulfilling the offices of King and High Priest. Jesus pedigree in which He was predestined was to fulfill, were the offices of King and High Priest. The Father-Son relationship is one of intimacy, love and union. This is a covenant relationship between Jehovah and His anointed King of Israel. Jehovah was also a son to Saul, David and Solomon as well as any king of David's line who sought to do Jehovah's will. Verse 6, this is a reference to Christ's ascension to glory (Psalm 89:27). The word "world" here is not the typical Greek word referring to the present world but to the world to come (Heb 2:5). In Revelation 5, we see the angels, beasts and elders worshipping the Son of God subsequent to His ascension into heaven. Jesus is superior to the angels including Michael. Verse 7, Jehovah has made the angels to be spirits (incorporeal, without flesh), whereas Jesus is a man who was made a life giving Spirit after His resurrection. Jesus is still a man who is filled fully with Jehovah's Holy Spirit. Angels were/are only minsters of the old and now the new covenant, whereas Jesus is the King of the new covenant. Jehovah God glorified a Man (the man Christ Jesus) above the angels He created. The author of Hebrews again emphasizes that Jesus was never an angel. Verse 8, whereas Jehovah made the angels to be ministers of the covenant, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of the Son of God, who is 100% human and filled with the Godhead fully, over the spirit angels (non flesh, non human). Psalm 45:6-7 is quoted and is a Messianic Psalm which was a double prophecy first in regards to Solomon and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This Psalm is about the inauguration of Jesus as the King of Israel. Unlike the angels (including Michael) which can never sit on the throne of Jehovah, Jesus was appointed and predestined to sit on the Davidic throne for ever and ever. Christ's Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom and not transient in nature as the ministration of angels (Acts 15:16). No angel (including Michael) is from the line of David and thereby is disqualified from sitting on the throne of Jehovah God. Jesus qualifies as He is from the family descent of David having come after David as being a shoot, root and branch of David's family heritage. Quoting Psalm 45, the author of Hebrews attributes this Messianic Psalm in regard to the King of Israel (Solomon) to Jehoshua who is the ultimate fulfilment of all the Messianic psalms and the final King of Israel. The Kings of Israel were Jehovah's vice-regent and had the authority of Jehovah God. They represented Jehovah to the nation of Israel. In Psalm 45, David is speaking about his son Solomon as the future king prefiguring the Messiah Jehoshua as the final King. The Kings of Israel who were anointed and chosen by God were considered "mighty one's", which is one of the definitions of "God, Elohim". When David refers to his son Solomon being called "God" by Jehovah God in psalm 45 it is not saying that Solomon is God Almighty but rather a "mighty one" who was granted God's authority. In effect, the king of Israel was "a god" in the sense of being an anointed mighty one who represented God and executed His authority. This is how we are to understand verse 9 of Hebrews 1 when Jehoshua is called God by Jehovah. Jehoshua is a "Mighty One" who has been granted all authority in heaven and earth by Jehovah God. Jehoshua represents Jehovah God and is His vice-regent as the final King of Israel. Verse 8 can also be rendered as "God is your throne for ever and ever" meaning that the King of Israel has the Almighty God's authority behind his decisions and commands. Verse 9, Jehoshua lived a righteous life fulfilling the law perfectly. Jehoshua hated lawlessness (iniquity). Jehoshua affirmed the most important commandment which is that God is one. The trinity would have been a strange concept for Jehoshua. Jehovah God anointed His Son Jehoshua with the Holy Spirit more so than anyone who has ever lived. "above thy fellows" indicates that Jehoshua has been anointed far above past Messianic figures. This is why Paul says in Colossians that the fulness of the Majesty dwells in Jehoshua bodily. God's radiant shekinah glory proceeds from the risen Messiah. Also, this indicates that the entire fulness of God's character and mind dwell in Messiah. God's Spirit and glory (represented by oil) which produce His mind and character are in the Son of God without measure making Jehoshua the express image of God the Father. Jehoshua here is being anointed by Jehovah God to fulfill the offices of King and High Priest. Whenever an Israelite was made king or priest they were anointed by Jehovah to recieve His Spirit so that they can be effective in fulfilling their kingly or priestly functions. |
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