Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Romans 8:28-39 (KJV)
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We as believers in the Messiah were called according to the Father's purpose. This passage shows the absolute Sovereignty of Jehovah God Almighty. Remember, He loved us first and had a purpose for our lives from the foundation of the world. We are the election and everything that we go through in our lives works together for good because we love God. How do we know that we love God? By keeping His commandments (1 John 5:2-3). Jehovah God foreknew us, we are not accidents and we were not born by chance. The Almighty God of Heaven and earth predestinated us meaning "appointed us beforehand" to be conformed to His Son's image. Again, the Sovereignty of Jehovah cannot be denied. He had an ultimate purpose for us before the foundation of the world. Do you know how much the Father loves you? You were a thought in His mind and not only just a thought but every aspect of your life was before Him and He from the beginning had a purpose for every part of your life. Did you know that the Father called you unto salvation, it was not of your own doing? Romansn8:30 (KJV) "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called" Brethren, when you gave your life to the Messiah, you were simply responding to the call of the Father. Verse 30 also says those whom He called, He also justified (to render just or innocent, free, righteous). Isn't that amazing? The Almighty Father Jehovah regards you as innocent, just and righteous. Brethren, this isn't future, this is now! That is not all though, not only does our perfect Father in heaven justify us but He also glorified (to esteem glorious, full of honour, magnified, glory) us. Wow! The Father Almighty esteems us as His glorious children full of honour. Never let anyone tell you different including any of the Pastor's in Christendom (SDA included). The conclusion of the matter in Paul's eyes, is that if all this is true then who can be against us? If Jehovah God is for us then we are to fear nothing or no one at all. Verse 32 of Romans 8, here we see the security of knowing that the Father loves us. This secure knowledge of the Father's love is in that He sacrificially gave us His very own Son begotten from the bosom of His love. This is why the trinity doctrine of any kind is downright blasphemous as it attempts to destroy the beautiful truth that the Father loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die for us. This would be the teaching of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference churches. The Roman Catholic/Protestant trinity while not as evil eventually obscures this beautiful truth of a real Father and a real Son. It is only by this knowledge of a true Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jehoshua that we can have the assurance of freely being given all things by the Father and Son. Verse 33 of Romans 8, with all this beautiful truth of the Father's purpose and love for us, we can now rightly understand that no one, including any Pastor or Church denomination, can lay any charge against us. It is only God Almighty Jehovah that justifies us. Many Church goers are deceived into thinking their Pastor's and denominational leaders can shut them out of the Kingdom of Heaven just because they no longer wish to go to their stated meetings or be part of their denomination. I REPEAT ONLY JEHOVAH GOD JUSTIFIES US!!! Verse 34 of Romans 8, Paul asks the rhetorical question, who is he that condemneth? Paul now turns our attention to the Son of God. If a Church leader or a denomination condemns you because you don't agree with their doctrines they will answer to the Messiah as they are trying to usurp His authority as our High Preist. Jehoshua paid the price for us, we belong to Him and His Father alone as they purchased us. For any man to condemn us is a reproach to the Son of God. It is Jehoshua who makes us right before the Father of Heaven and never any man. Jehoshua is alone our intercessor. Verse 35 of Romans 8, Paul gives the most comforting words a believer can hear. Paul emphatically states that no one, and that includes any man or woman who has ever lived, can seperate us from the love of Messiah. This verse exposes the false teachers in the General Conference and even some Present truth preachers, that try to condemn you if you leave the Church or disagree with their doctrines, creeds and prophesies. Let Jehovah be true and every man a liar!! Paul says that no circumstances can separate us from the love of Messiah, whether it be natural disasters, persecution by sword, disease, lack of food, lack of clothing etc. Next time someone condemns you for being sick, give those pharisees this verse. Verse 36 of Romans 8, Paul says we are sheep being led to the slaughter in this world. The heritage of true bible believing followers of Messiah is one of death by sword, death by stake, death by wild animals, torture, imprisonment. For an example read Hebrews 11. No Joel Osteen best life now scenarios for the true saints of the Most High but rather being suffering servants like our Messiah. Now that is being Christ like!! Verse 37, however in all these tribulations, persecutions and sufferings we are more than conquerors through the Son of God that loved us so much as to lay aside amd empty Himself of the glory that He had with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5). Too many Christians believe that in order to be a conqueror that they have to be successful in the things of the world such as business, social standing etc. However in Jehovah's economy success is not measured in earthly accomplishments or treasures. Success in the Kingdom of Jehovah is enduring hardships and trials while still upholding the faith in the Son of God. Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV) 5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. John the beloved makes a present tense statement in verse 6 that Jehoshua has made us King's and Priests unto God and His Father. Remember, John was a prisoner on the Island of Patmos and had also suffered immense persecution being dipped in hot oil. Yet even with all this He still looked at himself as a King of the Most High God. Brethren, what makes you a King unto God is not outward material success but rather suffering hardship as a good Soldier of Jehoshua Messiah. Verse 38 and 39 of Romans 8, if the previous verses weren't enough to cement the Father and Son's love for us, Paul makes a final declaration that there is not any circumstance or person living in this green earth or even an angel in heavn that can seperate us from the love of Jehovah the Father which is in Jehoshua Messiah. If that isn't enough to convince you, I leave you with the Messiah's words: John 10;27-30 (KJV) 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.30I and my Father are one. Jehoshua makes a declaration that is unbreakable by any man including any so called Church leader. He says that we as His sheep hear His voice as He is the good Shepherd. The Son of God then says He gives us eternal life, my brethren this is a present tense statement not just a future one. Be assured of your salvation brothers and sisters. You are adopted into the Family of Jehovah. We are not illegitimate children, we are sons and daughters of the Almighty Jehovah and Jehoshua His Son is our elder brother. See brethren, what the Churches of Christendom don't tell you, is that they do not have authority to say whether you are saved or not saved or whether you are getting eternal life or whether you are not. Jehoshua says that no man can pluck us out of His hand or the Father's hand. Oh, but your Pastor says you are lost because you left the Conference! Nonsense, these false shepherds speak lies, Jehoshua says that His Father is greater than all and that the Father gave us to the Messiah His Son. Any man that tries to condemn you because you left his denomination or Church will answer to the Almighty Father as they have absolutely no power to remove you from the Father's strong hands. The Father who is greater than all (elder, larger, more, greater especially in age) including His Son is one with His Son meaning of the same Spirit and purpose. The Father and Son will never allow any man to condemn you or take you out the Lamb's book of life. When someone tells you that you are not in God's will anymore because you left their denomination or you keep the feasts, know that the Father and Son have your back and will hold the accuser accountable in the day of judgment.
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Psalm 118:22- 28 (ASV) 22The stone which the builders rejected Is become the head of the corner.23This is Jehovah`s doing; It is marvellous in our eyes.24This is the day which Jehovah hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.25Save now, we beseech thee, O Jehovah: O Jehovah, we beseech thee, send now prosperity.26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of Jehovah: We have blessed you out of the house of Jehovah.27Jehovah is God, and he hath given us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.28Thou art my God, and I will give thanks unto thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee.29Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever. Psalm 118 likely composed by king David is also prophetic concerning the only begotten Son of God. Jehoshua is the chief corner stone that was rejected by the Jewish religious leaders, It was Jehovah's will that this be so. "The day that Jehovah hath made" specifically in reference to the royal entrance of the King Jehoshua as qouted in John 12: 12On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,13took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.14And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,15Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass`s colt.16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. Psalm 118 prophetically points to this day which is the triumphal entry of the King of Israel Jehoshua. This passage proves that Jehoshua had already been anointed as King of Israel at His baptism. The crowd cried out: "Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of Jehovah" fulfilling Psalm 118 to it's full. The crowds proclamation proves that they already considered Jehoshua as the King of Israel. This could only be true if Jehoshua had been previously anointed as King. Jehoshua's baptism gives us the exact precise moment of His anointing for Kingship similar to how David was anointed by Jehovah to be king. Verse 15 of John 12 gives us the sign of the coming of the humble King, "sitting on an ass's colt" qouting Zechariah 9:9: "9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass." Israel understood this prophecy to be about a Messianic King that would bring salvation to them. The crowd that greeted Jehoshua believed Him to be a fufillment of this prophecy as being the King and Savior of Israel (Acts 13:23). These Messianic believers already considered and acknowledged Jehoshua as the King of Israel. Even the disciples had a hard time grasping what exactly was taking place here but Jehoshua's death and resurrection affirmed everything that Jehoshua claimed to be which was His claim of Sonship, Messiahship and Kingship. The disciples then remembered that this triumphal entry was the celebrating of Him as the rightful King of Israel as prophesied by the psalmist. Romans 1:3-4 (ASV) 3concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,4who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord, Jehoshua's resurrection was a confirmation of who He claimed to be. The triumphal entry of Jehoshua was understood by the Messianic Israelites to be a day of salvation and prosperity (Psalm 118:25). In verse 27 of Pslam 118 we see that the triumphal entry of the King of Israel was a time to praise Jehovah God for giving Israel light meaning that the anointed King was the light of Jehovah God. Jehovah who is the true light sheds forth His light in the person of His anointed King. Jehovah glorified His anointed kings exceedingly and magnified them. We see this concept of Jehovah God being the light and His Son Jehoshua the King being the light thereof in the book of Revelation, chapter 21: 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof.23And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb. The glory of Jehovah God radiates from His only begotten Son as the fullness of the Father dwells in Him. In the old days of the Israelite kings they were a light to the people as they represented Jehovah God. The kings ideally were supposed to lighten the path for Israel by ruling them rightly according to Jehovah's law. So, Jehovah God who is the true light displays that light in the person's of His anointed kings who are supposed to display the character of the Almighty. Also, these kings would often be indwelt by Jehovah's Holy Spirit thereby they were the light of Jehovah God as the Spirit of God produces a glorious countenance at times in those who have it. Ultimately, the light of Jehovah was to be reflected in His anointed kings by how they ruled the nation. Jehoshua Messiah was the ultimate fufillment of being the light of the Almighty Jehovah. His light shone brightly to the people as He perfectly displayed the character of God to them. The Son of God's life was a true testament to the nature of who God is in character. His selfless love and character truly shows us the heart of the Father. Verses 28 and 29 of Psalm 118 show us that the arrival of the King in triumph was a day of appreciation and worship for the God of Israel. Back to verse 13 of John 12, the Messianic Israelites used palm branches in their worship of the King Jehoshua reminding us of the throne room scence in Revelation 7 as well as the feast of Tabernacles. "Blessed is He that comes in the name of Jehovah" Contrary to much of Christendom, the Son of God did not come to glorify His name but rather came in the Father's name showing us that He is the agent and representative of God the Father. With so much focus on earthly Jerusalem by much of the mainstream Church, it is easy forget that New Jerusalem is the focus and center of the Church according to the new testament. Here is part 1 of my study of New Jerusalem. Galatians 4:25-26 (ASV) 25Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother. Paul says that earthly Jerusalem is a city of bondage and those that count her as the center of worship, i.e. the mother of the Church, are also in bondage with her. This is because earthly Jerusalem rejected Jehovah's Son and held on to the old ceremonial system of worship centered around the temple in Jerusalem. In contrast, Paul says that New Jerusalem in heaven is free as our those who look to New Jerusalem as the center of worship i.e. the mother of the new covenant Church. What is this heavenly Jerusalem free from? The old ceremonial system of worship with it's temporal ordinances. Hebrews 11:8-16 (ASV) 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.9By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a [land] not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:10for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.11By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised:12wherefore also there sprang of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable.13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.14For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own.15And if indeed they had been mindful of that [country] from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.16But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. While much of Christendom's hope is in earthly Jerusalem, the bible teaches that our hope is in heavenly Jerusalem. Even Abraham sought out a city not made of man's hands but instead Jehovah God's hands (verse 10). Those who confess that they are pilgrims on the earth make it clear that they seek a heavenly country, a country of their own. The hero's of the faith talked about in Hebrews 11 sought a better country that is heavenly not an earthly one (verses 14 and 15). The author of Hebrews is making clear that the Jerusalem in heaven is better and superior to earthly Jerusalem. He is agreeing with Paul's statement in Galatians 4. Today's Christian has been hoodwinked to look to earthly Jerusalem as the holy land and the inheritance of future Kingdom age. Even the men and women of old sought out heavenly Jerusalem not the earthly one. Earthly Jerusalem served only as a type of the real one which is in heaven. The type is never as good as the antitype. In verse 16 of Hebrews 11, the author says that Jehovah God has prepared for the saints a city. In context of the previous verses we know that this is a heavenly city not an earthly one such as modern Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:18- 18For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,19and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them;20for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;21and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:22but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels,23to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel. Here in Hebrews 12, the author is making the contrast between Mount Sina which represented the old covenant with it's mediator Moses and it's former glory with the new covenant Mount which is Zion in heaven. Those who are in the new covenant with the mediator of that covenant Jehoshua do not approach Mount Sina but instead look to Mount Zion in heaven. We know the author is talking about heavenly Zion as he states it is the city of the living God and then goes on to state directly that the city of God is the heavenly Jerusalem. Remember Paul said that Sina which represents earthly Jerusalem is in bondage and that true new covenant believers don't look to it, but rather they look unto New Jerusalem in heaven which is free. This mirrors what Hebrews 12 says, which is that we as new covenant believers don't approach Mount Sina in earthly Jerusalem but rather we approach the heavenly Mountain which is Zion, the city of Jehovah God (Jehovah Shammah). Moses was the mediator of the old covenant which was centered in earthly Jerusalem and given on Mount Sina thereby the author of Hebrews says that we as new covenant believers have our own mediator which is Jehoshua Messiah (verse 24). In verse 23, we see that headquarters of the new covenant Church is in heavenly Zion which is called the Church of the firstborn Son of God Jehoshua. The membership books of the Church are in heaven i.e. the lambs book of life. This is why it is not neccessary to sign up to be a member at any Church organization as all true believers are enrolled in heaven as members of the one true Church. Do you see that earthly Jerusalem has no more significance for the new covenant believer? The General assembly which constitutes all members of the Church have their names written in the true Jerusalem, the heavenly. In a sense even the angels are part of the Church insofar as they serve the Son of God and minister unto us. Part and parcel of the new covenant mediated by Jehoshua and compacted by His blood is that we also have a New Jerusalem and a heavenly Zion rather than the earthly one's that are connected with the old covenant mediated by Moses. Hebrews 13:10-14 (KJV) 10We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.11For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. The author of Hebrews continues to contrast earthly Jerusalem of the old covenant with my New Jerusalem of the new covenant. He says that the Messiah rejecting Jews have no right to eat at the altar of the Church (verse 10). The point of the author saying this is that the priests of the old temple system were still holding on to an outdated sacrifical system not realizing that the once and for all sacrifice has been made in Jehoshua. Unless you believe in the full atonement for sins at the cross then you have no right to eat at the communion altar of the Church. These priests of the old covenant were still offering animal sacrifices whereas the new covenant Church was offering spiritual sacrifices. Jehoshua suffered outside of the religion of the Pharisees being perescuted and died outside of the temple worship system as He was rejected as Messiah by many of the Jews. We also as his brethren must bear the reproach of Jehoshua and turn away from the Messiah rejecting religion of the Jews and have nothing to do with any temple or sacrificial worship system that is tied to the old covenant. This includes looking to earthly Jerusalem as the center of worship for the Church. The early Church's testimony of Jehoshua Messiah put them at odds with the Jewish religion and thereby they were cast out of the synagogues and temple. The author of Hebrews is encouraging the brethren to leave the old covenant worship system and he states that the Messianic's have no continuing city here meaning in a broad sense the world as a whole but specifically he is talking about earthly Jerusalem. We see that both the author of Hebrews and Paul emphasize the new Jerusalem as the hope of new covenant believers now let's look at the very words of Jehoshua. John 13:31 - 14:3 (ASV) 31When therefore he was gone out, Jesus saith, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him;32and God shall glorify him in himself, and straightway shall he glorify him.33Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.34A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.36Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.37Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.38Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. John 14 1Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.2In my Father`s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. As Jehoshua is nearing the cross He prepares the disciples for the reality of His departure from them. Jehoshua tells His disciples that where He is going they cannot come. Here Jehoshua is referring to His resurrection and ascension as in verse 31 He speaks of God glorifying Him referencing His resurrection and ascension. He mentions 3 times that God will glorify Him in the context of Him departing from the disciples and going to a place where they cannot go. Jehoshua is obviously at the doorstep of His death as this is the night of the last supper and Judas leaving the disciples to betray Jehoshua. The context of this passage in John 13 and 14 is regarding Jehoshua's death, resurrection and ascension . Jehoshua will depart from the disciples via His death however He will then go to a place where they cannot go speaking of His ascension into heaven. The Son of God gives the solemn words to His disciples that, like He told the Jews, they cannot go where He is going to be. The place Jehoshua is talking about is obviously heaven (new Jerusalem) which we know to be true as that is exactly where He ascended to be at the right hand of God the Father. This is why the disciples and the Jews will not be able to go where He is going. This statement by Jehoshua wouldn't make any sense if the Messiah was speaking about earthly Jerusalem as the Jews and the disciples had access to that city before and after Jehoshua's death and resurrection. In verse 36 Jehoshua gives hope to Peter and His other disciples by saying that although they cannot follow Him now to where He is going they will follow Him (Jehoshua) afterwards. What is this "afterwards" that Jehoshua is referring to? Let's go to the book of Matthew ch.19 for the answer: 28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Here in Matthew, Jehoshua tells His disciples that in the regeneration (resurrection of the dead) that they will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. As they followed Jehoshua during His earthly ministry they will also follow Him in the resurrection and also inherit thrones. The disciples then have the same hope that Jehoshua had during His ministry which is to be resurrected and sit on the right and left hand of Jehoshua Messiah. Jehoshua's hope was to be resurrected and then sit on the right hand of God. As Jehoshua sat on His throne in New Jerusalem, the disciples will also sit on thrones in New Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:2 (ASV) 2looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The same joy and hope that was set before Jehoshua is set for us. That hope is to obtain the throne promised to us in heaven i.e. New Jerusalem. Jehoshua makes this promise to those who overcome as He did in Revelation 3: 12He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. Jehoshua's promise to the saints here in Revelation 3 has nothing to do with inheriting anything in earthly Jerusalem but rather the heavenly Jerusalem which is called "the city of Jehoshua's God". Jehoshua says that New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven. Clearly the hope of the saints in the world to come has nothing to do with earthly Jerusalem but rather New Jerusalem which is the only city of Jehovah God. The Sonship of Jehoshua is the foundation of the Messianic Church. This is confirmed by Jehoshua in Matthew 16:13-20 where He tells Peter that his (Peter's) confession of Jehoshua's Sonship and Messiahship would be the rock that the Church would be built upon. Infact, it is only this Church that would overcome the gates of hell and also be given authority by Jehoshua to loose and bind on earth and heaven.
It is the belief in Jehoshua's Sonship that grants one to receive the indwelling of Jehovah God's Spirit and also grants one to be in covenant with Jehovah God (1 John 4:15). Those who have faith that Jehoshua is truly the Son of God overcome the world (1 John 5;4-5). Paul's first sermon after His encounter with the risen Messiah and subsequent conversion was that Jehoshua is the Son of God (Acts 9:20). The required belief that the Ethiopian had to have in order to be baptized by Phillip was that Jehoshua was the Son of God and Messiah of God (Acts 8:37). John the beloved thought it was anti-Messiah to deny the Father-Son relationships between Jehovah and Jehoshua ( 1 John 2:22-23). John penned his account of the gospel so that his readers would know that Jehoshua is the Son of God and Messiah of God (John 20:31). Paul says that the whole purpose of ministers was to bring the saints into the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:11-12). We see above the prominence given to the Sonship of Jehoshua by the apostles and Jehoshua Himself. These are only a few passages, there are an abundance of texts that speak of the Sonship of Jehoshua. No one in their right mind could come to the conclusion that Jehoshua in identity is not the Son of God, however it is in determining what makes Jehoshua the Son of God that must be investigated. This is important because a wrong understanding of how Jehoshua is the Son of God leads to having "another Jehoshua" that disqaulifies Him from being the rightful Messiah. Unfortunately most of Christendom has substituted the true meaning of "Son of God" for a gnostic pagan version of it's meaning. Traditonal Christianity's teaching of Jehoshua as Son of God is based off the Nicene creed which posits that Jehoshua was eternally begotten from the substance of God the Father. There are variations of this doctrine such as semi-arianism that teaches that at some point in eternity Jehoshua was begotten from the Father's substance. Arians believe that Jehoshua was created out of nothing by God the Father in eternity and that is how He is the Son of God. Some other beliefs such as Binitarianism and Tri theism deny any type of eternal begetting or creating of Jehoshua and attribute Him to being begotten by God at the virgin conception. These systems still hold to the preexistence of Jehoshua as God. Some of those who hold the above beliefs will acknowledge that it is Jehoshua being from David's line and His inheritance as the Davidic king that also makes Him Son however their view of Messiah's preexistence overshadows the Davidic connection to Jehoshua's Sonship. Many Christian's don't even know that it is the Davidic covenant that truly makes Jehoshua the Son of God and many have not even heard that there is such a thing as a Davidic covenant. They also don't realize that the anointed kings of Israel were considered God's sons and His messiah's. Let's go to the ultimate authority which is the bible and find out what truly makes Jehoshua the Son of God. Psalm 2:1-12 (ASV) 1Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?2The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, [saying],3Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.4He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.5Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:6Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.7I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. 8Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter`s vessel.10Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.11Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.12Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him. Psalm 2 is an explosive passage of scripture that sheds light on the meaning of the title "Son of God" as applied to Jehoshua. The first few verses are about the trials of Jehovah's anointed king as the rulers of the earth conspire against Jehovah and His Messiah. David penned this psalm and it applies to him as an immediate application and any of the Davidic kings who would face similar opposition however it was to be ultimately fufilled in Jehoshua. The apostolic church attributed verses 1 and 2 of Psalm 2 to the persecution of Jehoshua by the Gentiles and Jews along with their rulers Pontius Pilate and Herod. Acts 4:23-28 (ASV) 23And being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said unto them.24And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:25who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things?26The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed:27for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together,28to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass. The apostolic church attributes this persecution as being subsequent to the anointing of Jehoshua which took place at His baptism. We can then say the first 5 verses of Psalm 2 took place during the earthly ministry of Jehoshua . Let's look at verses 6-7 of Psalm 2: 6Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.7I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. We need to determine when the above took place in Jehoshua's existence. Since this is an exaltation passage this could only have taken place at Jehoshua's baptism or His ascension into heaven. The context of this passage is in regards to the conflict that Jehoshua faced from the kings of the earth after His anointing and His exaltation to Kingship in relation to that. This passage in Psalm 2 cannot have anything to do with preexistence or the birth of Jehoshua as it was only after His baptism that verses 1 and 2 apply to Him as qouted by the apostolic church. While some Christian's attribute Pslam 2:7 to the resurrection and ascension of Jehoshua let's look at another strong possibility. Let's look at a qoute from Origen who was one of the "church fathers" 230 AD AD (est.), Origen The same verse also once apparently existed in John’s gospel. In Origen’s Commentary on the Gospel of John, section 32, Origen (died 254) writes evidently quoting John’s gospel upon which he was commenting: “None of these testimonies, however, sets forth distinctly the Savior’s exalted birth; but when the words are addressed to Him, ‘Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee,’ this is spoken to Him by God.” (Early Christian Writings) Apparently Pslam 2:7 was once a part of John's gospel. Below is account of Jehoshua's baptism as how it likely originally read in Matthew: -Baptismal Account in Hebrew Matthew In the Hebrew Matthew of 38 AD, there is a variant to the baptismal account which is different from a much later Greek text tradition. This earliest variant has God say from Heaven to Jesus at His baptism: "This Day I have begotten thee." As we shall see below, this earliest variant is validated by two quotes from the Epistle to the Hebrews in the NT, including Hebrews 5:5. This variant is also confirmed as originally present by numerous quotes by the early orthodox commentary of preachers. They relied upon the earliest Greek New Testament, but it was evidently changed later as these words were contrary to the "eternal son" doctrine that emerged in the 300s. So what did the Hebrew version of Matthew say -- the original version of our Gospel of Matthew? This Matthew, Jerome later explained, was translated into Greek. (Jerome in 393 AD explained the Ebionites-Nazarenes still maintained custody of that copy in a library at Caesarea.) Epiphanius recorded near 400 AD that this original Hebrew Matthew had God speak from heaven at the baptism "today I have begotten thee." - There is much more historically regarding the words uttered in the Matthew baptism account that prove the quotation of Psalm 2:7 to be the orignal words spoken by the voice from heaven. However, we will proceed with looking at Matthew 3:16-17: 16 After the people were baptized, Jesus also came and was baptized by John. And as Jesus came up from the water, Heaven was opened, and He saw the Holy Spirit descend in the form of a dove and enter into Him. 17 And a voice from Heaven said, ‘You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.’ And again, ‘Today I have begotten thee. This is how Matthew 3:16-17 original read according to Epiphanius Panarion 30.13.7. - Luke 3:22 In Old Manuscripts The baptismal account of Jesus in Luke 3:22 in old manuscripts likewise had this account that the Father spoke from heaven to Jesus: "This day I have begotten you." A modern study Bible comments on Luke 3:22: "Other ancient authorities read You are my Son, today I have begotten you." (Wayne A. Meeks, Jouette M. Bassler, The HarperCollins Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version (HarperCollins: 1997) at 1962.). Even many modern study bibles footnote the baptism accounts of Matthew and Luke with a reference to Pslam 2:7 showing us that many bible scholars acknowledge Pslam 2:7 to be originally the words spoken by God at Jehoshua's baptism. This is huge as it sheds light on the meaning of Jehoshua's Sonship especially in regards to Him being God's only begotten Son. As stated by the Church in Acts 4:27, Jehoshua was anointed by Jehovah prior to His being persecuted by the rulers of the earth. Scripture cleary says that this took place at His baptism in fufillment of Isaiah 11: 1And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.2And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah. First came the sprouting up of the Branch out of David's family heritage i.e. the stock of Jesse which refers to the Messiah's birth from the seed of David and then His subsequent childhood and young adulthood in which He beared fruit waxing (increasing) in the Spirit. Second came the anointing (without measure) of the Branch which was the Spirit of Jehovah God resting upon Him and entering in Him. This is when Jehoshua was endowed with all the qaulities of Jehovah God's perfect Spirit. Biblically, when a royal descendant of David was anointed by Jehovah with the Holy Spirit it meant that they were now installed into office as king of Israel. Should it be any different with Jehoshua? Take note that David was anointed three times as king, after the first time David did not sit on the throne right away and was actually persecuted by the sitting king of Israel named Saul. The second time David sat on the throne of Judah, the third time He finally sat on the throne of all Israel. Solomon was anointed twice to be king so we shouldn't think it strange that Jehoshua was also anointed twice as King, once at His baptism and also at His ascension. Psalm 2:7 is not only quoted twice in reference to Jehoshua's baptism but also twice in regards to His ascension. Psalm 2:7 is also qouted in Acts 13 which could be a reference to either His baptism or His ascension. The Kingdom of Jehoshua appears to have begun at His enthronement in heaven after His ascension (Hebrews 1:8-9). However, we can learn from the story of David that the anointing of the king often happened prior to the king being sat upon the actual throne. Let's look at 1 Samuel 16:13 "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah." The oil was symbolic of the Holy Spirit, who empowered David for his service (1 Samuel 10:6). The Spirit of Jehovah came upon David. The Hebrew has the idea of rushing upon. Here David was anointed by Jehovah to be the king of Israel. His being anointed by Jehovah was when the Holy Spirit mightily came upon him. Now let's look at a parallel event in the life of Jehoshua which is His baptism. Matthew 3:16-17 16 After the people were baptized, Jesus also came and was baptized by John. And as Jehoshua came up from the water, Heaven was opened, and He saw the Holy Spirit descend in the form of a dove and enter into Him. 17 And a voice from Heaven said, ‘You are my beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.’ And again, ‘Today I have begotten thee. Jehoshua here is being installed into office as King of Israel as the word "begotten" as used in the Hebrew, the language that Pslam 2:7 was originally written in, has the meaning "to declare pedigrees" or "to be installed into office. It doesn't always mean literal birth. If Psalm 2:7 is originally the words spoken at Jehoshua's baptism then it is crystal clear that He was anointed King of Israel at this event and was begotten by God the Father at His baptism. Does this mean Jehoshua wasn't already God's Son prior to His baptism? No it doesn't mean that. Psalm 2:7 is the declaration of one who is already God's Son and that this Son's pedigree is being declared i.e. begotten. It's a pedigree of Sonship and Kingship that Jehovah is declaring for His anointed one. It's an installation into office which also carries the meaning of being begotten. When a king was installed into office he was anointed by Jehovah with the Holy Spirit as confirmation of his kingship. The king then entered into a covenant relationship with Jehovah God as His son. Here in Psalm 2:7, Jehovah is initiating Jehoshua into the Davidic covenant relationship of Father-Son. Jehoshua already the Son of God prior to this now enters a deeper phase of Sonship as Jehovah's covenant (begotten) Son. It is post baptism where we read of Jehoshua being the only begotten Son for the first time. It is post baptism where Jehoshua speaks of oneness with His Father. The phrase "only begotten Son" applies to the baptism of Jehoshua which is when He was anointed with the full measure of the Father's Spirit and when He was begotten into the office of King and begotten into covenant relationship with Jehovah God per the promise made to David. Let's look at John 1:14 for proof of this: 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. Here in view is the baptism of Jehoshua. Many say this verse has to do with the incarnation, however chronologically this verse follows the ministry of John the Baptist. Also, John didn't behold the glory of Jehoshua until after His (Jehoshua's) baptism. John did not know the Messiah until after His baptism so verse 14 is a post baptism account of John the beloved's viewing the glory of the only begotten Son. All the verses that refer to Jehoshua as the begotten Son of God are post baptism references. We will go through those verses later in the study. Shortly after Jehoshua's baptism, He has an encounter with an Israelite named Nathaniel. Let's read a part of the discourse between them: John 1:49-50 (ASV) 49Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel. 50Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. Unfortunately, Ellen Gould White attributed the giving of the Mosaic law by the hands of Jehoshua Messiah as it's administrator yet scripture absolutely contradicts this. The bible teaches that angels were the administrator's of the covenant and they were the messengers used by Jehovah God to give the law. Of course, Jehovah God wrote the 10 commandments with His own finger i.e His Spirit.
Acts 7:52-53 (KJV) 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. Here in verse 52, Stephen refers to Jehoshua as the coming Just One who the old testament prophets prophesied of. Notice that according to the prophets Jehoshua was to come in the future thereby discrediting that He already existed as a preexistent divine being. In verse 53, Stephen mentions the angels who administered the giving of the law as completely distinct entities from the Just One who is Jehoshua Messiah. Remember the key verse in Hebrews 1:1-3 Hebrews 1:1-2 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, because of whom also he made the worlds; It's only in the last days that God the Father spoke to His people by the Son of God Jehoshua. This clearly flies in the face of Ellen White's assertion that Jehoshua was the administer of the Mosaic law and 10 commandments. To give something as detailed as the law Jehoshua would have to communicate it's precepts which would mean that God spoke through Him prior to the last days which Hebrews obviously refutes. Hebrews 1:4-8 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. The main theme of Hebrews 1 is to make the strong and solid distinction between Jehoshua and angels. Hebrews outlines the absolute truth that Jehoshua is not nor has ever been an angel. Infact, Jehoshua is now far superior to the angels including Michael. The angels worship the Son of God who sits on the throne of David (verses 8 and 9). Ever wonder why in Acts 7:38 Stephen mentions the angel of Jehovah without even hinting that it is the preexistent Son of God? Acts 7:37-38 (KJV) 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: In verse 37, Stephen mentions the Messiah Jehoshua who is the future prophet that Jehovah God raised up. In verse 38, Stephen mentions the angel of Jehovah as a separate distinct entity from the prophet mentioned in verse 37 who we know to be Jehoshua Messiah. Galatians 3:19-22 (KJV) 19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. The Mosaic law was added until the arrival of the seed which is Messiah. Paul here indicates that the seed was not here during the time of the old covenant but that it would come at the end of the old covenant dispensation. In the end of verse 19 Paul reiterates Stephen's statement that the angels were the administrator's of the Mosaic law. In one verse Paul makes a sharp distinction between the seed Jehoshua Messiah and the angels. Jehoshua during the time of the old covenant dispensation had not arrived yet as the seed of David. He was to come and Paul makes absolutely no connection between Jehoshua and the angels who he says were the administrator's of the law. The mediator of the old covenant law was Moses. In verse 22, Paul mentions the promise of faith of Jehoshua Messiah without connecting Him in any way to the angels mentioned in verse 19 who ordained the law. Luke 20:36-38 (KJV) 35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.38For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. This is another damaging passage to Ellen White's claim that Jehoshua was the angelic messenger who administered the old covenant law. Jehoshua mentions Moses experience at the burning bush regarding his communication with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Notice that Jehoshua does not even hint that He was present at this awesome event. As we have already read, Stephen in Acts 7:38 said that it was Jehovah God's angel who was His representative at Sina. Acts 7:30 (KJV) 30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. Ellen White claims that the preexistent Son of God was this angel who appeared to Moses as a flame of fire at Sina. What does scripture say about this false claim? Lets go to the book of Hebrews for the answer: Hebrews 1:7-8 (KJV) 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. The author of Hebrews eliminates any possibility that Jehoshua was at Sina as the angel of Jehovah. The author says that angels are spirits and a flame of fire and that Jehovah God never told any angel: "Thy throne, O' God is for ever and ever" This Jehovah told to His only begotten Son Jehoshua. The obvious conclusion is that the angel of Jehovah that was present at Sina could not possibly have been Jehoshua because the author of Hebrews says that no angel who ever appeared as a flame of fire was given the throne. Obviously from reading verses 8 and 9 of Hebrews, God gave His Son the throne of David and an everlasting Kingdom. The author of Hebrews makes a clear and strong distinction between angels who appear as spirits and flames of fire and the only begotten Son who is the anointed King of Israel. Hebrews 1:13-14 (ASV) 13But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? Remember, in verse 7 of Hebrews angels are said to be spirits and flames of fire. It was these angels that God never said: "Sit thou on my right hand". If that's the case, how in the world was Jehoshua the angel that appeared to Moses as a flame of fire at Sina? The answer is simple, He wasn't!! Also, Jehoshua was not a preexistent spirit being according to the author of Hebrews as angels are exactly that. If He was a spirit being, then the author of Hebrews wouldn't have said "Unto which of the angels hath He said at anytime, Sit thou on my right hand" as that would be a false statement. A preexistent angel or spirit being does not meet the qaulifications to be the Messiah and King of Israel. To meet these qaulifications, one must be a human being and be from the family stock of David (2 Samuel 7:12-14). Psalm 2:7 (ASV)
7I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. This is one of the most well known passages of scripture and the meaning and implications of this passage are often misunderstood by much of Christendom. Some teach that this passage refers to the eternal generation of Jehoshua. This would be a trinitarian understanding of this passage. Not all trinitarians hold to the eternal generation of the Son, however those that do believe Psalm 2:7 alludes to that doctrine. Others teach that Psalm 2:7 is a reference to Jehoshua being begotten from the Father's substance at some point in eternity past. This is taught by those of the semi-arian camp namely Pioneer Seventh day Adventism. Another school of thought on this verse is that it is speaking of a time in eternity where Jehoshua was created out of nothing by God the Father. This would be an Arian understanding of the Messiah. Some biblical Unitarian's (BU's deny preexistence) ascribe Psalm 2:7 to the virign birth. Many however, both of Unitarian and trinitarian (non eternal generationalists) persuasion believe Pslam 2:7 to be about the resurrection and ascension to glory of the Son of God. So what does the bible say about this verse in regards to when this took place? As always we need to let scripture interpret scripture: Acts 13:30-37 (ASV) 30But God raised him from the dead:31and he was seen for many days of them that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people.32And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers,33that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.34And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.35Because he saith also in another psalm, Thou wilt not give Thy Holy One to see corruption.36For David, after he had in his own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:37but he whom God raised up saw no corruption. Psalm 2:7 is qouted by Paul as being directly connected to the baptism of Jehoshua as that is squarely the context of the above passage. The virign birth is nowhere mentioned in this passage nor is any type of eternal begetting of the Son of God. Paul is stating that the baptism and ascension of Jehoshua is a fufillment of Psalm 2:7 which was the promise made to the Father's that Paul references. Verse 34 of Acts 13 then moves to the subject of the resurrection. There is no need to put the virign birth as the object of discussion in verse 33 as that would be out of place in context of the passage. Verses 35-37 continue to make mention of the resurrection of Messiah. There is no place for sneaking in an eternal begetting of Jehoshua into this passage, the same goes for the virgin birth. Sneaking either of those things into Acts 13:30-37 is robbing from the context of the aforementioned verses. The resurrection in is clear view all through the above verses. We will come back to verse 34 in regards to "the sure mercies of David". Romans 1:1-4 (ASV) 1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures,3concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,4who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord. In verse 4 of Romans 1 Paul connects the declaration of Jehoshua's Sonship with the resurrection. Paul is alluding to Psalm 2:7 here in verse 4. Jehoshua's resurrection was not when He became God's Son but it was when His pedigree as God's Son was declared with power. This was done by the agency of Jehovah God's Holy Spirit though the the event of the resurrection. Jehoshua had made His claim of Sonship long before the resurrection, this He did at 12 years old and also during the life of His earthly ministry. However, without being resurrected Jehoshua's claim of Sonship would have been empty. It was the resurrection event which validated His claim of Sonship hence Paul uses the word "declared". This word "declared" has a direct link to the word "begotten" as used in Psalm 2:7. The word "begotten" as used in Hebrew comes from the word "yalad" (Strongs 3205). The meaning of "yalad" has the traditional understanding of it's Greek counterpart "gennao" both are translated as "begotten" in the old and new testaments respectively. However "yalad" also has as it's meaning "to declare pedigrees", also another meaning is "to show lineage". Remember that Pslam 2:7 was likely written by David about himself directly and by extension any of the Davidic kings having it's full fufillment in Jehoshua. So when the psalmist writes: "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee" The psalmist is not making a reference to literal birth saying that Jehovah's is literally giving birth to a son. The context of Psalm 2 shows that this is an exaltation passage very similar to Hebrews 1 which qoutes Psalm 2. Jehovah is exalting His anointed son to Kingship and setting him on His (Jehovah's) holy hill of Mt. Zion. So this passage has nothing to do with literal birth but rather Jehovah declaring His anointed son's pedigree (yalad strongs 3205- begotten) as king and son in other words begetting His son to kingship and affirming their Father-son covenant relationship. Jehovah here in Psalm 2:7 is declaring the pedigree of his anointed (chosen one), basically affirming his sonship and kingship. It's not that the anointed one is becoming Jehovah's son when the declaration is spoken but rather it is an affirmation from God that indeed this anointed one is His son and His chosen proxy king. Romans 1:4 parallels Psalm 2:7 "who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord." Paul 3 times in scripture connects Psalm 2:7 with the resurrection and not with the virgin birth or any type of eternal begetting. Paul's words above in Romans 1:4, which parallels Psalm 2:7, where he states "who was declared to be the Son of God with power" proves that Psalm 2:7 has nothing to do with Jehoshua (or any of the Davidic kings) becoming the Son of God when the declaration is spoken but rather that His (as well as the other Davidic kings) already existing Sonship is being affirmed by Jehovah God. Jehoshua had obviously claimed Sonship much earlier than His resurrection so Pslam 2:7 which Paul connects to Romans 1:4, which is specific to His resurrection and ascension, cannot possibly be referring to a beginning of Sonship. So Pslam 2:7 cannot in any way be used for the virign birth or any type of eternal begetting. The power of the resurrection and ascension of the Messiah was Jehovah God's declaration that Jehoshua's claim of Sonship was valid. Jehovah declared an already existing truth which is that Jehoshua was the Son of God. All Jehoshua's claims were vindicated by the resurrection. Matthew 1:18-21 and Luke 1:29-35 give us the origin of Jehoshua's Sonship which is the virign birth. In Psalm 2:7, Jehovah God is declaring the pedigree of Jehoshua's uniquely begotten Sonship i.e. the virign birth. Jehovah declared this with action which was Him raising His Son from the dead. Jehovah also declared the pedigree of Jehoshua's rightful Kingship at the ascension and exaltation of Jehoshua which followed the resurrection. The Davidic kings in the time of the old testament were adopted by Jehovah God as son's due to covenant relationship made with David (2 Samuel 7). So Psalm 2:7 applies to the resurrection of Jehoshua which declared His pedigree as God's Son and it also applies to the ascension of Jehoshua which delcared His pedigree as the King of Israel. How do we know that Pslam 2:7 also applies to a declaration of Kingship since only Sonship is mentioned? Let's look at the verse at the previous verse in Psalm 2: Psalm 2:6-7 (ASV) 6Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.7I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. In connection with the begetting (declaring the pedigree) of Jehovah's anointed as His Son is the setting of the Son as King upon Zion (verse 6). The two go hand in hand, the Son being begotten by Jehovah God is equivalent to the Son be set as King upon Zion. This begetting then obviously has nothing to do with literal birth but as said before, a declaration of the pedigree of Jehovah God's Messiah. It's a coronation begetting of His Son into Kingship. The word "set" used in verse 6 in reference to "I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion" comes from the Hebrew word "nacak" (Strongs 5258) and means "to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king: - cover, melt, offer (cause to) pour (out), set (up)." Obviously the appropriate understanding of "nacak (set)" as used in verse 6 is in regards to "anointing a king" as described in the meaning of the word. That is the context of the whole chapter, Jehovah establishing an Israelite King. Nacak can be understood to mean "to install into office", here denoting the installation of the new Davidic King. This word "nacak" is used elsewhere only in Proverbs 8:23 Proverbs 8:22-23 (ASV) 22Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old.23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. The word "possessed" as used above in verse 22 is best rendered as "begotten" and used in the sense of "installation" similar to Psalm 2:6-7. In verse 23 of Proverbs 8 the word "set" (nacak) is used meaning that wisdom is established or set up. This is parallel to the announcement that the Son is begotten in Psalm 2:6-7. Here in proverbs 8:22-23, wisdom is "begotten" meaning installed and established i.e. set up. 1 Corinthians 1:24 24 but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Jehoshua is called the wisdom of God and as the very embodiment of Jehovah's wisdom He was set up (established) and begotten into office as King (Hebrews 1:5-9; Psalm 2:6-7). Proverbs 8:22-23 is a Messianic passage that prefigures the coming Son of God. In the Proverbs passage, Jehovah begets wisdom meaning He installs it, sets it up and establishes it into office for the purpose of creation. In Psalm 2:6-7 and Hebrews 1:5-9, Jehovah is begetting the manifestation of His wisdom, which is Jehoshua, into the office of King. Jehovah's begetting of wisdom in Proverbs 8 and His begetting of Jehoshua in Psalm 2 have nothing to do with literal birth but rather is a declaration of pedigrees installing His wisdom into office. In the case of Proverbs 8, wisdom is being installed (begotten) into the office of being the agent of creation. In this case wisdom is being spoken of poetically. In the case of Psalm 2 and Hebrews 1, Jehoshua as God's manifested wisdom is being installed (begotten) into the office of King. Wisdom in both cases is being "set up" i.e established by Jehovah God. One is being established as the agent of the Genesis creation and the other is being established as King and the agent of the new creation. Psalm 2:7 is also qouted in Hebrews 5 in reference to Jehoshua being established as the Melchizedek High Priest, again showing that Psalm 2:7 has nothing to do with literal birth but rather the pedigree of the Son of God's Priesthood being declared and thereby the establishment and installation of it. Hebrews 5:5-6 (ASV) 5 So Christ also glorified not himself to be made a high priest, but he that spake unto him, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee:6as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews is making a direct connection with Jehoshua being begotten and being installed into the office of High Priest. This declaration establishes Jehoshua as the heir of the throne of David. As such, He receives the office of High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek". Psalm 110:4 (ASV) 4Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek. Jehovah's oath establishes the Messiah as King-Priest. Jehoshua's unique combination and function. He did not glorify Himself to this position but rather God ordained Him to the Melchizedek priesthood. The two offices of king and priest were never united in Israel's history; They were kept separate. This Psalm only refers to Jehoshua Messiah as this qouted in Hebrews 7 and applied to the only begotten Son of God. Hebrews 7:1 (ASV) Hebrews Chapter 7 1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, Melchizedek was both king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He was a king priest. Melchizedek forshadowed Jehoshua, who is King of Salem now called Jerusalem which is the new covenant Church. Jehoshua is also High Priest of Jehovah God. Hebrews 7:14-16 (ASV) 14For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.15And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,16who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life: The author of Hebrews says that Jehoshua is after the likeness of Melchizedek meaning that He is both a King and a Priest and that His priesthood is of an eternal commandment (endless life through resurrection) and not of a carnal (temporal) commandment like the Levitical priests who's service ceases at death. Hebrews 7:3 (ASV) 3without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually. Jehoshua's priesthood is without genealogy meaning it is not of the Aaronic and Levi family line which was only a temporal priesthood. Jehoshua's priesthood is eternal and continues forever as a result of His resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven in the most holy place. Back now to Psalm 110:4, we see that Melchizedek is a fitting type for the Son of God, having a double role of king and priest (see Genesis 14:18). In ZECHARIAH 6 we see a prophecy of the future union of the offices of King and Priest: 9And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,10Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, whither they are come from Babylon;11yea, take of them silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;12and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah;13even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. |
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