Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Galatians Chapter 2
1Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.3But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:5To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.6But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;8For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.17But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.18For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Verses 1 and 2, fourteen years after Paul's conversion experience or his first visit to Jerusalem. Paul went up by divine Revelation to Jerusalem to communicate to the apostles the commission given to him and Barnabas by the Church. Paul laid before the pillars John, Peter and James (those of reputation) the gospel that he was preaching. Paul did this privately and not to the supposed apostles that the Judaizers elevated to disparage Paul. Verse 3, Titus would not go along with the Judaizers in being forced into the rite of circumcision. Titus was a Greek, the apostles preached the same gospel as Paul and didn't require circumcision to be brought into the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. Verse 4, Paul calls these Judaizers false brethren, he doesn't even include them in the faith. They came in secretly meaning they didn't openly disclose their agenda. They also came in secretly to spy out with evil intention the liberty that the saints were enjoying in the only begotten Son. Their intention to come into the Church wasn't to edify anyone but to judge the brethren unrighteously and put them back into the bondage of the law. Verse 5 of Galatians 2: "To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you." Paul didn't give the Judaizers even a minute of his time or allow them an audience with the Church. This is an exhortation for us today that we are not to put up with any type of Judaizing doctrines and not even hear their arguments. This because giving the Judaizers our time will hinder the true gospel from going out to the world and being instilled in the Church. Verse 6 of Galatians 2: "But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me" This is referring to those in the Jerusalem Church that had status as apostles who were pillars of the faith as Paul states "who seemed to be somewhat in conference". The phrase "who seemed" indicates that Paul was aware of their authority and leadership within the Church. Paul says that God is no respecter of persons and that the important thing is preaching the true gospel not a persons reputation or status. When he says these ones who seemed to be in conference added nothing to him, he is saying that the esteemed apostles added nothing to his message as he was already teaching the true gospel. Verses 7 and 8 of Galatians 2: 7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;8For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: It was the same God who was operating in Peter to minister to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles as well as the Jews showing no partiality. Verses 9 and 10 of Galatians 2: 9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. The esteemed apostles acknowledged that Paul was preaching the true gospel as they "perceived that God had given him grace (divine favor and influence upon the heart). One of the purposes of grace is that it allows us to labor for the Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV) 10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. True grace produces fruit in our lives and part of the evidence of fruit shows itself in our labouring for the Kingdom. Paul clearly says that Jehovah God bestowed grace (divine favor and influence upon the heart) and that this grace was not in vain (without success) but that the result of this grace was that he laboured more abundantly than others. The acknowledgement by the apostolic pillars that Paul was given grace by God was due to the results of Paul's labour in preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. They didn't perceive that he had grace because of some mystical spiritual goosebumps Paul was feeling due to conversion, but rather because of the fruit of Paul's Kingdom labour. The only command Paul was given to add to what he was already doing was that he remember the poor. Of course, Paul was more than willing to do this. Verse 11 of Galatians 2: "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed" We are now about to witness a confrontation that sheds a lot of light in how we should view "the Hebrew roots" movement. Paul is about to call Peter out for hypocrisy. Verse 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision These Jews were from the Jerusalem church. All we are told in this verse is that Peter feared them or what they would think of him eating with Gentiles. Verse 13 of Galatians: "And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation." "Dissembled" Peter and the other Jews acted hypocritically in departing from the Gentiles once the circumcision party arrived. Verse 14 of Galatians 2: "But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?" This one verse right here truly hurts the cause of the Hebrew roots movement. Peter was not living a Hebrew roots life. What Paul means here by "livest after the manner of Gentiles" is a little unclear but it's obvious that he wasn't keeping the law of Moses. That is the clear inference here. Paul only had a problem with Peter's hypocrisy and not that Peter was living after the manner of the Gentiles. Paul obviously did not teach believers that they had to keep the law of Moses as we further see in the rest of Galatians. Those in the Hebrew roots movement seriously have to consider this passage and its implications. If Peter himself, one of Jehoshua's 12 apostles was not living a Hebrew roots life then why do they compel others to do so. Aren't they doing the same thing that Paul is rebuking Peter for? And yet, unlike Peter most of the Hebrew roots followers are not Jewish. Verses 15 and 16 of Galatians: 15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Paul here is making it clear that his issue is not with Peter not living a Hebrew roots life but rather that He is trying to influence Gentiles to be under the law of Moses i.e. live after the manner of Jews. Paul makes it clear that the Mosaic law does not justify anyone but rather having the faith of Jehoshua Messiah. We as believers are not to go back to the law of Moses but rather to have the same faith that the Son of God had which is basically everything He taught and believed in regarding the gospel of the Kingdom. Certainly, Jehoshua believed in the law of Moses but He was bringing something better, a new covenant. The faith of Jehoshua includes believing that His Father is the only true God and that He is indeed the Messianic King of the Davidic dynasty. It is by the faith of Jehoshua that justifies someone without ever having kept any of the law. True faith will produce obedience to the law of Messiah which is summed up in the sermon on the mount. The sermon on the mount is the new covenant torah. Verse 17 of Galatians 2: "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid." Paul contradicts the Judaizers and says that being justified by the faith of Jehoshua does not lead to sin as Jehoshua is not the minister of sin. This is because the faith of Jehoshua produces righteousness as those who are loyal to Jehoshua are loyal to His teachings which bring eternal life. Verses 18 and 19 of Galatians 2: 18For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. In context here is the law of Moses, so clearly what Paul doesn't want to rebuild is the putting law of Moses back up as a binding covenant. This is another tough scripture for the Hebrew roots movement to get around. The very thing they say we need to keep is the very thing Paul does not want to rebuild. "Dead to the law", in other words Paul is no longer under the law of Moses and is now in the new covenant living unto God who has brought in the new covenant by way of the Son of God Jehoshua. Verse 20 of Galatians 2: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Paul says that he is united to Messiah in His death. Paul is dead to those former things including the law of Moses so that the life he now lives he lives by the faith of the Son of God. This faith is believing that Jehoshua brought in a new covenant with His law summed up in the sermon on the mount. Paul has graduated from the law of Moses i.e. the old covenant to the law of Messiah and the new covenant which indeed did revise things. We cannot keep both covenants, we are either in the old or the new. One is under Moses and the other under the Son of God. Jehoshua showed His superiority over Moses by revising some of the aspects of the Mosaic law. Paul acknowledges the sacrificial love of the Son of God who gave Himself as a ransom for us. The faith of the Son of God also includes having the same faith that Jehoshua had which was that the Father is the only true God and that we are to have trust in the Father and deny ourselves. Faith in who Jehoshua said He was is also what we are to have. This identity is that Jehoshua is the Son of God and King of Israel (John 1:49). Verse 21 of Galatians 2: "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Trusting in the law for salvation and trying to obtain justification by it is going backwards and seeks to undo what Jehoshua did on the cross. If we can be righteous by the works of the law then there was no need for the Son of God to die for us. Jehoshua's ransom sacrifice ended the Mosaic administration, the temple system of worship most notably. Trying to put yourself under the old covenant law is an affront to the Son of God's sacrifice which was the final day of atonement.
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1 John Chapter 2:
1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.7Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.9He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.18Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Verse 1, John the beloved instructs the Church not to sin echoing the words of Messiah who told the woman caught in adultery to sin no more. Forgiveness does not promote sin. "Advocate" a friend who speaks for you before a judge. Advocate also comes from the same Greek word that is rendered "comforter" when speaking of the Holy Spirit. John here calls Jehoshua our comforter and advocate before the Father. John calls Jehoshua the righteous one testifying to the perfect obedience of the Messiah. It is the Son of God's perfect obedience that is the basis of His Father's acceptance of all believers. Verse 2, Jehoshua is the mercyseat (propitiation) for our sins. This is sanctuary language and confirms that Jehoshua absolutely fulfilled the day of atonement at the cross. This can only be true if the Messiah went right to the most holy place upon His ascension into heaven. The mercy seat is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and is the lid of the ark of the covenant. The mercy seat was symbolic of God's divine throne and presence. With the sprinkling of blood on the mercy seat, the judgment of Jehovah is transformed into grace and mercy. On the day of atonement the high priest entered the most holy place and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of Israel including his own. Verse 3, assurance of salvation is possible when we know God and keep His commandments. Jehovah's commandments are summed up in the decalogue but go beyond that which is written on stone as the Messiah taught in the sermon on the mount. To know God and keep His commandments is more than head knowledge, it is heart knowledge leading to acts of justice and compassion, and that is what delights Jehovah God. Jeremiah 22:16 (ASV) 16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Was not this to know me? saith Jehovah. There are to opposite falsehoods concerning the commandments of God (decalogue). One is that they are abolished or optional in the new covenant and the other is an emphasis on ceremonialism. The true keeping of the commandments of Jehovah God is to serve others in love. Verse 4 of 1 John 2, these liars not only express a lack of interest in keeping the 10 commandments most notably the Sabbath, but also have not let the commandments of God penetrate their heart evidenced by showing love to their brethren and their enemies. What does this verse say about modern Christendom who outright teaches against the Sabbath day which is a commandment of love for God and a day of bringing healing and justice to our neighbor. Verse 5 of 1 John chapter 2: 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Whoever keeps/obeys the words of the Son of God is perfected in love because God is love and Jehoshua spoke His Father's commandments when He walked the earth. Let's go back to the sermon on the mount and see the standard for perfection: Matthew 5:44-48 (KJV) 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. The standard for perfection according to Jehoshua is loving our enemies. Jehoshua says that all the law hangs on two commandments which are to love Jehovah God with all our heart, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The call to love our enemies is a call to keep the law perfectly. Verse 6 of 1 John chapter 2 "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." Those who say they abide (live in union with) in Messiah also need to walk as He walked. In context of this chapter, walking like Messiah is to keep His commandments which are summed up in our love for God & love for others especially the brethren in the Church. John 14:15 (KJV) 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. The best proof of love for the Son of God is obedience. Jehoshua taught His disciples to obey the 10 commandments from a heart of love (Matthew 5:17-28; 12:1-13; 15:3-9; 22;37-40). Jehoshua not anyone else is our ultimate example in how to live out our faith as are called Messianic's which basically means "little messiah's". Even how Jehoshua is our model for Sabbath keeping not the way the Israelites kept it under the old covenant although we definitely should learn from the old covenant Israelites some of the principles of true Sabbath keeping (Isaiah chapters 56-58). Verse 7 of 1 John chapter 2: "Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning." John here is referencing the beginning as the start of Jehoshua's ministry. The Son of God was the word made flesh when He was baptized and anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah and then began to preach the word of salvation to the house of Israel. The word is equal to the gospel of the Kingdom that Jehoshua began to teach at the age of 30 after He was baptized in the Jordan river. Luke 3:22-23 (ASV) 22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.23And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, The scriptures are clear that Jehoshua did not teach the word i.e. gospel of the Kingdom until He was baptized at the age of 30. This is the beginning that John is talking about in verse 7. After the 40 days of temptation following His baptism Jehoshua began to teach in the synagogues: Luke 4:13-15 (ASV) 13And when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him for a season.14And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about.15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. Jehoshua need to be anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah before He began His teaching ministry and this passage further proves this as after the temptation from Satan He (Jehoshua) returned in the power of the Spirit and taught in the synagogues. What did Jehoshua teach? The word of Jehovah which is the gospel of the Kingdom. Let's further see proof of this: Luke 4:18-22 18The Spirit of Jehovah is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised,19To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.20And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.21And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph`s son? Jehoshua here quotes Isaiah 61 and says that the Spirit of Jehovah was upon Him precisely because He (Jehovah) anointed Him to preach the gospel. Jehoshua here confirms that His preaching the gospel (word) did not begin until He was anointed by Jehovah with the Spirit also proving that Jehoshua and Jehovah are two distinct beings. In verse 21 of Luke 4, Jehoshua confirms that the fulfillment of the Isaiah prophecy took place on that specific Sabbath day after He had been baptized and anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah God. Verse 8 of 1 John chapter 2 "Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth" The old commandment of love became new when Messiah came and displayed God's love in His death. In Jehoshua, the new era of light has already dawned. Isaiah the prophet spoke of this: Isaiah 60:1-3 (ASV) 1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.2For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.3And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Jehovah's glory comes shining in the Messiah to save and transform His people. Nations i.e. Gentiles shall come. God's redemptive purpose for the world. Malachi 4:2 2But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall. Sun of righteousness, a Messianic reference, since Jehoshua is what makes the difference in the judgment. John 1:14 (ASV) 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. Jehoshua is the glory of Jehovah God and this glory was seen by John, James and Peter at the mount of transfiguration as well as after His resurrection. Jehoshua sits at the right hand of God the Father as the Father's express image and brightness of His glory. Back to verse 8, it says the darkness is past literally "is passing away" present tense. The Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah is a Kingdom of marvelous light: Colossians 1:12-13 (KJV) 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: To be translated into The Kingdom of the Son of God is to partake in the inheritance of the saints in light. Prior to God saving us we were in Satan's kingdom of darkness. Romans 13:11-12 (KJV) 11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. "awake" the dawning day of Messiah should arouse us out of our spiritual stupor. "Salvation" used here of it's completion in resurrection glory. "Night is far spent" the last days began with the first coming of the Messiah. "Armor of light" the life of God's Kingdom that comes to us through Jehoshua, engaging us in fierce battle with the Kingdom of darkness. Verse 9 of 1 John chapter 2: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now" Hatred of fellow Messianic's reveals hypocrisy. Verse 10 of 1 John chapter 2: " He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." When we love our fellow believers we walk in the light of the Son of God's Kingdom, which is the keeping of the commandments of God. If we do this then we will not cause ourselves or others to stumble. Verse 11 of 1 John chapter 2: "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." Hate will blind you and keep you from walking the narrow road of the Kingdom. Whereas love is light and lightens the path to the prize awaiting us in New Jerusalem, hate obscures the path and leads to the lake of fire. Verse 12 of 1 John 2: "I write unto you, [my] little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name`s sake." With our sins forgiven we have no right to hate and not forgive our brethren. John wants to remind the church of this fact. Verse 13 of 1 John 3: "I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father." John addresses the older brethren, the young men and little children, their commonality is that they know the Father and have overcome the devil. To know the Father means you have overcome the devil and walk in the Father's love which are His commandments. Verse 14 of 1 John 2: "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one." John again addresses the men in the church, young and old. John reminds the older brethren that they have known the eternal God and commends the young men that they are strong and that the word of God abides in them and because of that they have overcome the devil. The word is the commandments of God, which in keeping is how one overcomes the devil. Jehoshua modeled this for us when He was tempted in the wilderness: Matthew 4:4 (ASV) 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Jehoshua overcame Satan in the wilderness by quoting the word of God. Jehoshua here definitively upholds the old testament as authority. The mistake of modern Christianity is to relegate the old testament as no longer authoritative for Christian life and exalting the new testament above it. Surely, the new testament is scripture and is authoritative but it in no way minimizes the old testament. Jehovah's law is found in the old testament and is His word i.e. torah. We overcome the devil by abiding in Jehovah's doctrine i.e. His word (torah). Verse 15 of 1 John chapter 2: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Because we abide in Jehovah's doctrine i.e His torah we will not be in agreement with the principles of the world. If anyone loves the principles of the world then the love of the Father is not in Him. What is the love of the Father? His commandments (1 John 5:1-2). The world's morals often go against what Jehovah God's commandments teach. We are to love Jehovah's law. Verse 16 of 1 John 2: " For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." The lust of the flesh and the eyes include sexual fornication as well as greed and covetousness for material gain. The pride of life speaks to man's desire to make a name for himself and obtain glory for himself trusting in his own accomplishments. These have always been the world's morals and they go in direct contrast to Jehovah God's law which is a transcript of His character. Verse 17 of 1 John 2: "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." The world is fading away every day as it's judgment approaches (Isaiah 24). The judgment is coming because of their breaking Jehovah's commandments. Those who do God's will are those who will inherit eternal life. God's will is that we keep His commandments (Revelation 22:14). Verse 18 of 1 John 2: "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." The last time refers to anytime after Jehoshua's ministry started up until His second advent. John identifies both a future anti-Messiah (from his view in the 1st century) and present anti-Messiah's that existed at the time of him writing this letter. We have to understand that corruption and false doctrine were already getting into the church all the way back in the 1st century. The fact that this was happening was proof to John that the last days had already begun. Verse 19 of 1 John 2: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." The anti-Messiah's of John's day were exposed for who they are and left the fellowship of the brethren. John states that true believers will continue in the fellowship of the saints as God causes them to persevere through faith meaning they keep the faith of the Son of God thereby God the Father keeps them in His hand. Verse 14 of 1 John 2: "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one." John again addresses the men in the church, young and old. John reminds the older brethren that they have known the eternal God and commends the young men that they are strong and that the word of God abides in them and because of that they have overcome the devil. The word is the commandments of God, which in keeping is how one overcomes the devil. Jehoshua modeled this for us when He was tempted in the wilderness: Matthew 4:4 (ASV) 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Jehoshua overcame Satan in the wilderness by quoting the word of God. Jehoshua here definitively upholds the old testament as authority. The mistake of modern Christianity is to relegate the old testament as no longer authoritative for Christian life and exalting the new testament above it. Surely, the new testament is scripture and is authoritative but it in no way minimizes the old testament. Jehovah's law is found in the old testament and is His word i.e. torah. We overcome the devil by abiding in Jehovah's doctrine i.e. His word (torah). Verse 15 of 1 John chapter 2: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Because we abide in Jehovah's doctrine i.e His torah we will not be in agreement with the principles of the world. If anyone loves the principles of the world then the love of the Father is not in Him. What is the love of the Father? His commandments (1 John 5:1-2). The world's morals often go against what Jehovah God's commandments teach. We are to love Jehovah's law. Verse 16 of 1 John 2: " For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." The lust of the flesh and the eyes include sexual fornication as well as greed and covetousness for material gain. The pride of life speaks to man's desire to make a name for himself and obtain glory for himself trusting in his own accomplishments. These have always been the world's morals and they go in direct contrast to Jehovah God's law which is a transcript of His character. Verse 17 of 1 John 2: "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." The world is fading away every day as it's judgment approaches (Isaiah 24). The judgment is coming because of their breaking Jehovah's commandments. Those who do God's will are those who will inherit eternal life. God's will is that we keep His commandments (Revelation 22:14). Verse 18 of 1 John 2: "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." The last time refers to anytime after Jehoshua's ministry started up until His second advent. John identifies both a future anti-Messiah (from his view in the 1st century) and present anti-Messiah's that existed at the time of him writing this letter. We have to understand that corruption and false doctrine were already getting into the church all the way back in the 1st century. The fact that this was happening was proof to John that the last days had already begun. Verse 19 of 1 John 2: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." The anti-Messiah's of John's day were exposed for who they are and left the fellowship of the brethren. John states that true believers will continue in the fellowship of the saints as God causes them to persevere through faith meaning they keep the faith of the Son of God thereby God the Father keeps them in His hand. but for Jews only. John identifies these as seducers. No matter how popular a pastor may be if he is not teaching you that Jehoshua's sermon on the mount doctrine is binding on all believers then he is an antichrist seducer. Verse 27 of 1 John 2: "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." Jehoshua gave us the holy Spirit (anointing) and it abides in us when we abide in Him and His doctrine. We need no man to be our teacher and we are to call no man our teacher as Jehoshua only is our teacher. Jehoshua sends His holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of truth, and it teaches us all things. The holy Spirit is the mind, presence and power of the Son of God. The holy Spirit is only given to those who obey the Son of God. Those who have the law written on their hearts are those who have been given the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (KJV) 26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. We see here in Ezekiel that the result of someone having God's Spirit is that they keep His statutes and judgments. In the new covenant these statutes and judgments are the Son of God's doctrine summed up in the sermon on the mount. John says that the holy Spirit only teaches truth and no lie. If we allow the Holy Spirit tp teach us then we will abide in Him (Jehoshua). Verses 28 and 29 of 1 John 2: 28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. John refers to the church as little children denoting their adoption unto God the Father. John says that by abiding in the Son of God we will have confidence when He appears at His second advent. Abiding in the Son of God is the key, those who don't abide (keep) in the Son of God's doctrine will not be granted entrance into the Kingdom as they will be told: Matthew 7:22-23 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. In context is the sermon on the mount, in which if those who profess the name of Jehoshua don't follow will be told they never knew Him. Abiding in Jehoshua is the same as following His teachings, which are His commandments (John 14:15). If we are begotten of God then we will do righteousness and not live in sin. Colossians 1
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,4Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:7As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;8Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;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:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Verse 1, Paul affirms his apostleship of Jehoshua Messiah which is in accordance with the will of the Father Jehovah. Verse 2, Paul gives a greeting from God who he identifies as the Father and from our King who he identifies as Jehoshua Messiah. Verse 3, Paul identifies God as the Father of Jehoshua Messiah. This verse shows us the relationship that Jehoshua has between Himself and God. Jehoshua is the Son of God not God Himself. This statement by Paul is the foundation of the Church (Matthew 16:13-20). Verse 4, word of the faith of the Colossians spread to Paul his fellow labourers. The love of the Colossians was also known to the saints outside Colossae. The bible says we will be known by our love. Verse 5 "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel" The hope of Christians is a heavenly one, Paul says that the heavenly hope is part of the gospel truth. The hope that is laid up for us in heaven is detailed in the letters to the seven Churches in the book of Revelation. Crowns, white stones with new names and fellowship with the bright and morning star Jehoshua are just a few of the treasures we have in heaven awaiting us. Verse 6 "Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth" The gospel was being spread all over the known world at this time and it was bearing fruit meaning people were getting saved and added to the Church. The gospel of truth is also called the gospel of grace denoting the sovereignty of Jehovah God and His calling of those who believe. Verse 7 "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ" Epaphras ministered to the saints at Colossae as Paul's worker. Verses 8 and 9, 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; We should always be praying for the brethren that God would supply them with wisdom and the knowledge of His will for them. Verse 10 of Colossians 1: 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; The result of being filled with God's wisdom and the knowledge of His will is that we will walk worthily of the Son of God bearing fruit for the Kingdom. Verse 11 of Colossians 1: 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; If we devote ourselves in knowing God in an intimate way we will be strengthened with all might according to His power not ours. Zechariah 4 says that "not by might nor by power, but my Spirit saith Jehovah of hosts". Being filled with Jehovah's Spirit produces patience and joyfulness in the midst of suffering. Verses 12 and 13: 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: God the Father has made us "fit" (qualified) for the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah, His only begotten Son. This Kingdom of the Son of God is the inheritance of the saints as the Davidic King is the light of the world. The saints, by being in covenant with the Son of God, are in the light of His eternal Kingdom. Jehovah God delivered us from the darkness of Satan's kingdom and translated (transferred) us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. God did this through Jehoshua's earthly ministry in which the Son of God bound Satan through doing the works of the Spirit. After binding Satan, Jehoshua then stripped (spoiled) Satan's palace (kingdom) of it's goods (subjects) and then God made a transfer of these spoiled subjects from Satan's kingdom which is darkness to the Son of God's Kingdom which is the light of the world. Verse 14 "In whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins: The Son of God redeemed us from the power of death which is the result of sin. His death on the cross provided full atonement for our sins as He fulfilled the day of atonement. Verse 15 "who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" Jehoshua is the visible image of God who is Spirit and invisible. Paul makes this statement about Jehoshua post resurrection so we have to understand this statement within that context. When we read the description of the Messiah in the book of Revelation it is very similar to how the Ancient of days Jehovah is described in Daniel chapter 7. Jehovah God does have a form and a shape but the specifics of what that entails are unclear, since we are made in His image it is possible He has our form. However, He is invisible to man and dwells in light unapproachable thereby we cannot see Him but one day we will. Jehoshua is the express image of God the Father (Hebrews 1). He is an exact representation of the Father both in character and in sight as the shekinah glory of Jehovah God dwells in the body of the Son of God. Verse 16 "for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him" This is one of the most misunderstood verses in Christianity. Many believe Paul is referring to the Genesis creation, however a close look at the passage shows it to be about the new creation brought about by the Messiah's resurrection. How do we know this is not referring to the Genesis creation? Because the things mentioned as being created in Him and though Him and unto Him are not the earth, sea and mountains. The things mentioned are thrones (kingships/kingdoms), dominions (territories), principalities and powers (government structures) both those in heaven (angelic) and those on earth (human and fallen angels). Notice that verse 16 doesn't say that Jehoshua Himself created these things but rather they were created in Him. This can be understood that the Father created and ordered these things with the future intention of placing them under His Son's authority. At the end of the verse it also says these things have created through Him not by Him. Again, this denotes intention by God in that He created these things with His Son in mind and not that the Son literally created them before the world began. It also says these things were created unto Jehoshua. Again, this denotes someone else creating these things for the Son of God, not that the Son Himself created them but that they were created for Him. This someone else is the Father. The concept of things being created in something before the world began and that something not yet existing at the time of the creation of those things is in scripture in regards to us the saints. This will show that my understanding of verse 16 is not a wild theory but actually supported by scripture. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 9who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,10but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, Here Paul says that the grace we now enjoy was given to us before times eternal. We will all agree that we did not not exist in times eternal, so of course Paul is speaking of predestination. This is how we should understand Colossians 1:16 in that those things created in Messiah were done so because He was the predestined Messiah before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-21). This creating in Him does not depend on Him literally existing at the time those things were created, just as us having grace in Messiah before times eternal does not depend on us literally existing in those times. Predestination is in view in both Colossians 1:16 and the above passage in 2 Timothy. This isn't the only verse where we see this concept, lets go to Ephesians 1: 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ:4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:5having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. God chose us in the Son of God before the world began yet we did not literally exist before the world began. God predestined (predetermined) us to be His sons and daughters by way of having faith in His firstborn Son Jehoshua. Again, our predestination and us being chosen before the foundation of the world doesn't necessitate us having literally existed at that time but only that God conceived of us in His plan of salvation. Lets go to 1 Peter 3: 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. This passage in 1 Peter is key in understanding Colossians 1:16. Peter mentions the very things that were created unto Jehoshua in Colossians 1:16 and he says that it was after Jehoshua's ascension into heaven at the right hand of God in which angels, authorities and powers (principalities) were made subject unto Him. In Colossians 1:16, we see these things being created in Jehoshua before the foundation of the world which denotes predestination and then we see them created unto Him which according to Peter was fulfilled at Jehoshua's ascension into heaven. This is why it is better to understand Colossians 1:16 in the context of the Messiah's resurrection and ascension rather than the Genesis creation. Infact, the Genesis creation is nowhere in view here. The context of Colossians 1:16 is indeed about the Messiah's preeminence as a result of His resurrection making Him the firstborn from the dead. Peter confirms Paul's idea here of the angels, powers and principalities being created, or also made subject unto, the Son of God precisely because He is the firstborn from the dead and not because of anything in the Genesis creation. As we will see in the rest of Colossians 1, the resurrection of the Messiah is in view not anything having to do with the Genesis creation account. The things ( thrones and dominions) created in Jehoshua were not made subject unto Him until He ascended to heaven at the right hand of God. This shows that He didn't literally exist before the world began as then those things would have always been subject unto Jehoshua. To the contrary those things were not made subject unto the Son of God until He sat down on the right hand of the Father. The thrones, dominions, powers and principalities were created in Him before the foundation of the world meaning they were literally created by God the Father with Jehoshua in intention. These things would one day be made subject unto His predestined Messiah. This one day was when Jehoshua ascended to heaven at the right hand of God. Ephesians 3:9-11 9and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things;10to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly [places] might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,11according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Here we see predestination, in which the mystery of the gospel was hid in ages past yet existed in God's plan and mind. This plan did not manifest itself literally until His Son Jehoshua came to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. From the time of Jehoshua's ministry until now, the mystery which was only in God's mind has now been revealed in the salvation of many Gentiles into the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2). We see here that something could exist as a concept in God's mind yet not literally exist as being reality until the time appointed arrives. This should help us understand Colossians 1:16 in terms of the powers, thrones, dominions and principalities being created in Jehoshua before the foundation of the world as a concept yet not become a reality until His ascension when He sat on God's throne. In verse 10 of Ephesians 3 notice that Paul says that now (present tense) the powers and principalities would be made known the mystery of the gospel which is the manifold wisdom of God meaning it was not known unto them before but is being made manifest in the last days by the bringing in of the Gentiles into the Commonwealth of Israel. Even though the fulfillment of this mystery didn't start to happen until the arrival of the Son of God, it was already in God's plan back in the ages past. This shows the idea of predestination and that because a thing is predestined does not mean it has to literally exist or be happening during the time it has been predestined. Verse 11 of Ephesians 3 says that the mystery of the gospel was according to the eternal purpose (before the world began) which He (God the Father) purposed in Messiah Jehoshua. Notice that it is God the Father alone that decreed (purposed) the mystery of the gospel in eternity and He did this in Messiah with Him in Intention. There is no need for the Son of God to have literally existed when Jehovah purposed the mystery of the gospel, but rather that He was simply in the plan of the Father in which the mystery would be centered on. Let's now return to Colossians 1: Verse 17 "and he is before all things, and in him all things consist." Before all things should be understood in the context of Colossians 1, which is not preexistence but rather preeminence meaning position of authority rather than length of time. Paul is clear in the remaining verses of Colossians 1 that this preeminence is precisely because of Jehoshua's being the first begotten from the dead. This is why Jehoshua is before (head, chief ruler) all things. All things consist in Jehoshua. This goes back to verse 16 in that all thrones, dominions, principalities and powers were made subject unto Jehoshua at His ascension into heaven at the right hand of God (1 Peter 3:22). Hebrews 1 also touches on this concept of all things consisting in the Son of God: Hebrews 1:1-3 1God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners,2hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;3who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Jehoshua has been appointed heir of all things clearly showing that they weren't inherently under His authority but rather the Father appointed and then put them under His authority. In the context of Hebrews 1, all things were not put under the authority of the Messiah until the last days which the author says began when Jehoshua began to teach the gospel of the Kingdom. The appointment of all things to be under the Son of God's authority took place in eternity as we have read in Colossians and Ephesians. The context of Hebrews 1 is the ascension and exaltation of Jehoshua into heaven receiving the throne of David. This is when the Messiah received the things He was made heir of. This is clearly shown all throughout the new testament. The phrase "through whom also He made the worlds" is better rendered "through whom also He designed the ages" which fits perfectly what i have been discussing re Colossians 1:16 in that Jehovah God predestined all things to one day be put under the headship of His Son. Jehovah God designed the ages with His Son in intention as one day be the ruler over all creation. We see this concept in Ephesians 3:9-11 as the mystery of the gospel was hid in ages past yet now is being made evident ever since the arrival of the Son of God onto the scene beginning at the Jordan river. The ages were designed according to the eternal purpose of the Father which He purposed (designed in intention) in Jehoshua Messiah. In others words, the Father did the actual designing of the ages but they were done so with His Son in mind as one day being the ruler in which the ages culminated in and around. The old testament pointed forward to the Messiah and the new testament was the revealing of the Messiah and the arrival of of the promised Davidic King. Verse 18 of Colossians 1: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Jehoshua is the head of the church as a result of being resurrected from the dead. Jehoshua is actually the first human ever to be resurrected from the dead. This is how we should understand the term "firstborn" meaning it is related to the resurrection not some eternal begetting in heaven or being God's first created angel. Jehoshua is the firstborn precisely because of His being the first human ever resurrected from death. It is His resurrection from the dead that validates His Sonship to the Father (Romans 1:4) and places Him as the head of all creation as He now sits on the throne of David in heaven at Jehovah's right hand. Jehovah God resurrected His Son Jehoshua so that He would have the preeminence over all creation. This verse shows the absolute importance of the resurrection and that it wasn't until the resurrection that the Son of God became preeminent over all of God's creation. Verse 19 of Colossians 1: "For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell" All the glory and majesty of Jehovah God dwells in Jehoshua Messiah. Again, this is a result of the resurrection and ascension of the Son of God. These things are being said of Jehoshua post resurrection and has nothing to do with the trinity or hypostatic union. While the Father dwelt in the Son of God in a mighty way during His earthly ministry, it wasn't until after the resurrection and ascension that the absolute fulness of the Father's majesty dwelt in Jehoshua. Verse 20 of Colossians 1: "and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens" God reconciled all things unto Himself through His Son Jehoshua. The cross was the means in which Jehoshua made peace between sinners and God. Jehoshua's death on the cross provided a final atoning sacrifice fulfilling the day of atonement. The Son of God's blood brings redemption to fallen man. This redemption brings one from certain death to eternal life in the Kingdom of heaven. Verses 21 and 22 of Colossians 1: 21And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,22yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: While man is tempted to glory in his goodness, Paul the apostle makes it clear that we needed a Saviour. It is through the love of Jehoshua sacrificing Himself that we are now reconciled to God, being transferred from being children of the wicked one to being children of Jehovah God. We once were filled with wicked works in our mind to now being new creations. Make no mistake about it, Jehoshua's death on the cross is the key to having peace with God. His flesh being killed and sacrificed as the passover lamb, provided us with the ministry of atonement and presents us as blameless and holy in the sight of God the Father in the holy of holies. Verse 23 of Colossians 1: "if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister" Continuing in the faith is no guarantee but requires diligence and keeping oneself rooted in the gospel once delivered to the saints. We are to keep the hope of the gospel at the forefront of our lives. This hope is centered on the only begotten Son Jehoshua and His cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead. The Davidic King is the mercyseat for our sins and His blood shed on the cross was pure and undefiled. The Son of God provides the only way to God the Father. Any other way is a false way and crooked road. Faith is not merely a mental ascent of knowledge of something but rather a commitment to that thing you say you believe Verse 24 of Colossians 1: "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church" Paul is the example of a true minister of the Son of God. Those who wish to be ministers must be willing to suffer for the church just as Jehoshua did. Not only did Paul suffer but he rejoiced in those sufferings. The Messiah's death was the all sufficient atoning death and there is nothing lacking in the crucifixion of His flesh. Paul is referring to the suffering of Jehovah's people in the last days which started during the ministry of the Messiah. Verses 25-27 of Colossians 1: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: God gave Paul an administration (dispensation) to minister to the Gentiles making known to them the mystery of the gospel. The mystery of the gospel is centered on bringing many Gentiles into the Commonwealth of Israel being partakers of the covenants of promise. This grafting in of the Gentiles into Israel is contingent in them having faith in the Son of God. The Messianic Davidic Branch is the bridge and door in which the Gentiles can gain entrance into the Kingdom of Israel. Once primarily based in the ethnic identity of being Israelites, the nation of Israel is now a spiritual family of Jews and Gentiles who have faith in Jehoshua Messiah the seed of Abraham and David. This mystery has hid in ages past but was manifested in the last days to the saints of God. While there has always been a universal aspect of the Abrahamic promise, the full display of God's purposes in salvation was not clearly seen until the arrival of the final Davidic King Jehoshua. Jehoshua's death, resurrection and subsequent ascension was/is the means in the which Gentiles are reconciled to God and brought into the Kingdom of David. The content of the mystery of the gospel that is now fully revealed is namely that the Gentiles enjoy full participation among the people of God. All those trusting in Messiah enjoy His covenantal presence, namely Messiah in you. Whereas the Messianic Spirit was in the prophets, priests, judges and kings in the old testament, the Spirit of prophecy now abides in believing Gentiles as well as believing Jews. The Son of God in us is the hope of glory, not ritualistic religion. We have graduated from the law of Moses in which we were servants to now having the Spirit of adoption which is the foundation of our hope. The hope of glory is that the presence of the only begotten Son Jehoshua dwells in our flesh causing us to walk in His commandments and displaying His perfect righteousness. The Son of God pours out His Spirit to the church so that they can testify the things pertaining to salvation which is found in Jehoshua alone. Verses 28 and 29 of Colossians 1: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Messiah Jehoshua: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. New covenant believers preach Messiah as He is the Spirit of prophecy. Now that we have Messiah living in us, the hope of glory, we can do nothing but speak of His testimony which is His doctrine, life, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven on the throne of David. We don't preach the law of Moses, we don't preach the land in the middle east which is falsely called "Israel", we preach the cross of Messiah and His wonders and glory. We preach His sacrificial love, kindness and righteousness and perfect character. We speak of His glorious heavenly throne in the holy of holies where He sits majestically on the right hand of Jehovah God. We labour in the power of the Son of God My continued study on the book of Revelation (part 3)
Let's look at verses 9-17 of Revelation chapter 7 9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.11And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The scene is obviously taking place in heaven not earthly Jerusalem. The concept of Christians not going to heaven subsequent to the rapture and resurrection is unbiblical. Also, the event of the rapture and resurrection take place before the seventh seal opens and likely before the sixth seal. Chapter 6 ends at the sixth seal and chapter 8 opens at the seventh seal with chapter 7 in between them, showing that the events of chapter 7 precede that of the seventh seal being opened. Also, as I stated the first few verses in chapter 7 indicate a liklihood that chapter seven takes place right before the opening of the sixth seal as there seems to be a backtracking when reading the first few verses of chapter 7. Angels, the elders and four beasts are seen here in the throne room worshipping Jehovah God before His throne where the Lamb is in the midst thereof. Do we really want to believe that this is in earthly Jerusalem? Revelation 4 and 5 describe the throne of Jehovah with the lamb in the midst thereof as being in heaven as it is stated in the first two verses of chapter 4: 1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. John clearly says that this is heaven where God has His throne set. The description of Revelation 7:9-17 fits exactly with the description of the the throne room in Revelation 4 and 5. Again, John states in Revelation 4:1 that a door was opened in heaven and in verse 2 that he saw a throne set in heaven and that God sat on that throne. Back to the tribulation 13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The elder identifies all these who have white robes as coming out of the great tribulation. While futurists posit the great tribulation as a short 3 1/2 year or 7 year period the context of the elders statement is identifying that all the great multitude came out of this great tribulation since they all are described as being in white robes (verse 9). If the great multitude constitutes the whole of God's people throughout time, then this means that they all came out of great tribulation which shows that the great tribulation is not limited to a brief future 7 year period. Verses 15-17 are also very revealing in terms of when the millennium takes place and whether we enter a earthly millennium after the second advent or do we inherit the new heavens and new earth. Revelation 7:15-17 (KJV) 15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. This passage obviously is taking place right after the second advent of Jehoshua and is taking place in New Jerusalem in heaven not on earth. What's significant about these verses is that almost verbatim they are repeated in Revelation 21 which is about the new heavens and new earth which follows right after the millennium. Let's go to Revelation 21 and look at these verses: 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21 follows right after the millennium and is about the new heavens and new earth which then has the holy city New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. In Revelation 7:15, it is said that God who sits on the throne will dwell among the great multitude and in Revelation 21:3 the same thing is said as God will dwell among men and they will be His people. These people are the great multitude that are seen before the throne in Revelation 7. Verses 2 and 3 of Revelation 21 describe the holy city New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven and that it is the tabernacle of Jehovah God that will dwell among men. This is the promise Jehoshua gives the overcomers of the Philadelphia Church in Revelation 3:12: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name." Jehoshua's promise reward to the overcoming Church is not an earthly millennium centered in earthly Jerusalem but rather New Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven to inaugurate the new heavens and new earth. Both in Revelation 7:15 and Revelation 21:2-3 say that God will be with us and dwell among us and that God's throne in New Jerusalem will be among us. In verse 17 of Revelation 7 it says that God will wipe all tears from our eyes and that the Lamb will lead us to fountains of living waters. In verse 4 of Revelation 21 it says also that God will wipe all tears from our eyes and that there will be no more death, sorrow or pain. 3 verses later it says that God will give us who thirst the fountains of waters of life. Do you see how the last few verses of Revelation 7 are parallel to the first few verses or Revelation 21? In Revelation 7, the verses come right after the second advent, in Revelation 21 the parallel events come right after the millennium. What does this show us? That the age preceding the second advent is equivalent to the millennium because both Revelation 7:15-17 and Revelation 21:1-6 are talking about the same thing. Let's now look at Revelation 8: Revelation 8:1-6 (KJV) 1And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.2And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.3And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.4And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.5And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.6And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. It we take Revelation 7 and 8 to be chronological, then the seventh seal is not opened until the saints are resurrected and translated to heaven. Within the seventh seal are the seven trumpet judgments each carried out by an angel. Verses 3-5 refer to the golden altar and the incense that rises up out of the altar are the prayers of the saints. This alludes to the 5th seal in which the prayers of the saints, who are under the altar of incense, cry out for God to avenge their blood. The prayers of the saints move God to pour out His wrath on mankind in the form of seven trumpet judgments. Verse 5 could possibly allude to the sixth seal which describes a great earthqauke. The earthqauke precedes the opening of the seventh seal. If the seven trumpets represent a cyclical type judgment on the earth in parallel to the seven seals then these judgments are historical mostly and not future. However, it is the opening of the seventh seal that brings about the trumpet judgments so I take these judgments to be future. 7The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.8And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;9And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.10And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;11And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.12And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.13And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! While certainly a case can be made that these judgments can represent historical events but that leads to much speculation and over spiritualization. I believe much of the judgments described above are literal. Let's go to chapter 9 and see the continuation of these judgments: Revelation Chapter 9 1And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.2And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.3And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.4And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.5And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.6And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. Again, these events could be historical but the fact that they are a result of the opening of the seventh seal tells me that they likely are future. Chapter 9 ends with the opening and events of the sixth trumpet. Now on to chapter 10: Revelation Chapter 10 1And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:2And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,3And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.4And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.5And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.8And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.9And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.10And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.11And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. The mighty angel likely is the Son of God Jehoshua as the description of the angel is the same as how Messiah is described. "His face as it were the sun and his feet as pillars of fire" (Rev 1:15-16). This angel (Messiah) possesses God's covenantal glory (Rainbow). This mighty angel roars like a Lion which alludes to Him being from the tribe of Judah. Standing upon the sea and earth swearing to God is likely a reference to Psalm 89:25-26: 25I will set his hand also on the sea, And his right hand on the rivers.26He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation. Jehoshua as the Davidic King is the mighty angel (Messenger) of God who is showm here in all His glory. Verse 6 of Revelation 10 says that there will be time no longer meaning at the seventh trumpet Messiah's Kingdom will be consummated on the earth. Verse 7, the Mystery of God should be finished is a reference to the day of salvation being completed with the final bringing in of the Gentiles into the Commonwealth of Israel. The temple of Jehovah God is completed when the last stone is made lively by faith and added to the Church which is the temple. It appears as though the resurrection and rapture of the Church takes place after the sixth trumpet and right at the seventh trumpet. In verse 11, John is told that he must propeshy before peoples, nations, tongues and kings. He is given the little book which reveals God's purposes for redemption and destruction as this book contains the seven seals. Now on to Revelation 11 where it is said that the two witnesses propeshy for 1,260 days. Revelation 11:1-2 (KJV) 1And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.2But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Remember, that in the new covenant the Church is the temple of Jehovah and the angel is measuring the Church and the altar which represents the Lord's communion table. True worshippers take the bread and the wine of the Lord Jehoshua's communion which represents the new covenant. The angel measuring the temple symbolizes God's protection, presence, and purifying of His people. The court without the temple represents the unbelieving world, those who are not part of the true Church. The world is given unto the Gentiles. Remember, that Gentiles who are converted are now part of the Commonwealth of Israel and are no longer Gentiles but rather are part of the 12 tribes of Israel and with believing Jews are the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). The angel is not called to measure the court without (world) because they are not part of God's covenant people, hence they are not part of the Church (temple). The holy city is the Church which represents New Jerusalem on earth. The Church on earth is a type of New Jerusalem as the city of the living God is the Headqaurters of the Church and the mother of all believers in Messiah (Heb 12; Galatians 4). In verse 2 of Revelation 11 it says that the Gentiles (unbelievers) will tread the holy city (New Jerusalem i.e. the Church) for 42 months. 42 months eqauls 3 and a half years or 1260 days. Like many of the numbers in the book of Revelation, this is likely symbolic. As we will see in Revelation 12, the persecution of the Church begins immediately after the ascension of the Messiah into heaven and here in Revelation 11 it is said that the Gentiles will tread (persecute) the holy city (the Church) for 42 months which eqauls the 1,260 days of Revelation 12. This shows that these two time periods (42 months and 1,260 days) begin right after the Messiah's ascension into heaven. We also know that these can't be a literal 1,260 days because the Gentiles persecute the church throughout the whole new covenant until the second advent of Jehoshua. This is clearly shown in Revelation 11 in particular and in the whole book of Revelation in general as well as the new testament. Basically the Gentiles persecute the holy city throughout the whole new covenant Church age as the 42 months represents that time span from Jehoshua's ascension into heaven until His second advent. Revelation 11:3-4 (KJV) 3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. This passage is very important to understand as we see a reference to the 1,260 days which is the same as the 42 months mentioned in verse 2. So during the persecution of the holy city (the Church) for 42 months (1,260 days) the two witnesses will prophesy clothed in sackcloth. Without going into too much detail, the two witnesses are the two olive trees and two candlesticks that stand before Jehovah God. A study of Zechariah 3 and 4 show that the two witnesses are the office of King and Priest which in the new covenant is fulfilled by one Man who is Jehoshua Messiah. The Son of God operates His priesthood in the order of Melchizedek and His Kingship is of the Davidic covenant. So who are these two witnesses? Obviously it can't specifically refer to Jehoshua as He is in heaven at the right hand of God. 1 Peter 2:9, Rev 1:5-6 and Rev 5:9-10 gives us the answer as we are called kings and priests because of what Jehoshua accomplished on the cross. We operate as priests under the headship of Jehoshua's Melchizedek order. We operate as kings and queens under the headship of Jehoshua's Davidic Kingship. The church is the two olive trees that prophesy during the span of the new covenant Church age. What does it mean that they propeshy? There is nothing mystical with this, prophesy is simply proclaiming the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah (Rev 19:10). It is proclaiming the spirit of prophecy given to the prophets of the old testament who prophesied of the Messiah's arrival onto the scene of history to establish His Kingdom. It is also proclaiming the doctrine of the Messiah (sermon on the mount) and proclaiming the eschatological prophetic events of the day of Jehovah as they lead up to the Messiah's second advent and consummation of His Kingdom. In short, prophesying is proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom i.e. the gospel of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah. This clearly is the mandate given to the Church which is a Kingdom of kings, queens and priests (Matthew 28:19). Revelation 11:5-6 5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. Those who persecute the Church and harm them will in the same way be dealt with by Jehovah God on judgment day. The reference to fire proceeding out of their mouth is likely a reference to the lake of fire the second death. Revelation 11:7 (KJV) 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. This verse seems to speaking of a latter day persecution by the beast that comes out of the bottomless pit. I believe this beast to be Satan as the beasts of Revelation 13 come up out of the sea and earth. Satan inspires both governments and false religion to kill God's people. There appears that there will be one final intense persecution of God's people before the second advent of Jehoshua. We already see evidence of this today as Christians all over the world are dying for their faith. Here in America, we don't suffer violent persecution generally, however anti-Christian sentiment is on the rise in a big way which could eventually lead to physical persecution. In this final war between Satan and the Church the saints are overcome and killed. Let's now go to verses 8 and 9 of Revelation 11: 8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. I believe Sodom and Egypt represent the unbelieving world in which the dead bodies of the two witnesses (the church) lie dead after the final persecution. Sodom represents the unbelieving world's glorification of sodomy and filth including material wealth. Egypt represents false religion. The three and a half days represent a short time of persecution at the very end of days, whereas the 1260 days (3 and a half years) represent the whole new covenant Church age. The general persecution of the saints last the entire church age which is symbolically described as 3 and a half years, whereas the final intensified persecution lasts a shorter 3 and a half days. The hatred of Messianic/Christian believers will be so great that the world will not even bury their bodies. Revelation 11:10 (KJV) 10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. The world, tired of hearing the church preach a message that convicts them of their sin, will celebrate their death and rejoice that those they considered as hate mongers are no longer around to torment them with the word of God. Revelation 11:11 11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. After the brief, compared to the 1260 days, final persecution of the saints Jehovah God's Spirit will enter into them and resurrect them from the dead. This is an obvious allusion to the last day resurrection and rapture. If the two witnesses are the church which I believe is the biblical understanding of Rev 11 then this raising of them to their feet is indeed the last day resurrection. The resurrection leads to the rapture as we see in verse 12: 12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Notice where the two witnesses go after they are raised to life, they go to heaven not remain on the earth. There is a false teaching in many of the Hebrew roots, Messianic and Unitarian churches that we as the saints will never go to heaven but only stay on earth after we are resurrected and translated. This is not a secret resurrection or rapture as the world beholds them being taken up to heaven in a cloud. This being taken up to heaven in a cloud mirrors the Son of God going up to heaven in a cloud upon His ascension from the mount of olives. We will now look at verses 13 and 14 as they give us some key information as to the timeline of the saints resurrection and translation. Revelation 11:13-14 13And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.14The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Its unclear whether this great earthqauke is the same as the one that is part of the opening of the sixth seal. It likely isn't because it appears that the events following are part of the seventh trumpet which is within the seventh seal. The third woe is the seventh trumpet judgment and it appears that the saints get translated to heaven right after the second woe (sixth trumpet) passes and right before the seventh trumpet (third woe) sounds. Remember, we are not appointed to wrath as the apostle Paul says. The seventh trumpet brings God's wrath on the world so it makes sense that we get translated priorto the seventh trumpet being unleashed. Let's now get back to book of Revelation. We are now done looking at the first three chapters which contain the seven letters to the seven churches.
Revelation 4 and 5 feature the throne room in the heavenly sanctuary which appears to be after the ascension of the Messiah into heaven. Let's identify some key things in these chapters. Revelation 4:6 6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. One area that is important to understand is that in heaven before the throne of Jehovah is a sea of glass. This is important because later on in the book of Revelation we see the resurrected and translated saints standing on the sea of glass worshipping Jehovah God. This is important because some premillennialists teach that the saints will never go to heaven and are destined only for the earth after Messiah's second advent and then the subsequent new earth after a thousand years. This will also help us in understanding the timing of the rapture and whether or not God's people will be on the earth when His wrath is poured out. All these tie into the millennium and whether or not it is now or future and also if the hope of the saints is in New Jerusalem or earthly Jerusalem. Revelation 5:5 5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. I just wanted to show this verse to point out the running theme throughout the book of Revelation in terms of the Davidic covenant and it's fulfillment in Jehoshua Messiah. Jehoshua is the seed of David proven in this verse as well as many others. In the beginning of chapter 5 we see that Jehovah has a book sealed with seven seals. John was weeping because no man was found worthy to open the book. This is where Jehoshua comes on the scene after His ascension into heaven. Revelation 5:7 "And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne." Jehoshua is worthy to open the book because He overcame the world and shed His blood for our sins. Also, His Davidic royal Kingship makes Him the only one authorized to open the book. It's important to note that the seven seals are opened right after the Son of God takes the book out of the Father's hand. This is shown in Revelation 6: 1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. This is only 8 verses after Revelation 5:7 in which the Lamb takes the book out of God's hand. Verses 8-14 of Revelation 5 show the angels worshipping both God the Father and His Son Jehoshua. It is fairly reasonable to conclude that when the Son of God opens the seals in verse 1 of Revelation chapter 6 that there is not a 2,000year gap as futurists teach. In other words the opening of the seals happens shortly after the Messiah's ascension into heaven not 2,000 years later. In looking at 5 of the seven seals we can see that the things mentioned in the first 5 seals have been taking place during the whole new covenant church age. Let's look at the first seal: Revelation 6:2 2And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. This first seal symbolizes the Messiah as the Warrior King who rides the white horse and wears the Davidic crown. The going forth to conquer is the gospel of the Kingdom being preached unto the ends of the earth. This has obviously been taking place throughout the whole new covenant church age. Now the 2nd seal in Revelation 6: 3And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.4And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword While futurists dispute that the first seal is about the Son of God and is really about the anti-Messiah, the description of both seals show otherwise. Notice that both seals have a horse which is sat on by someone. Compare the results of the white horse (1st seal) with that of the red horse (2nd seal) and we will clearly see which one is ridden on by the anti-Messiah and which one ridden on by the Son of God. Notice that death does not result from the rider on the white horse conquering. Also, the rider on the white horse has a bow instead of a sword. During Jehoshua's earthly ministry, He did not come to destroy men's lives but save them. He also said those who live by the sword die by the sword. We as His followers are not to bear the sword and are instead to be meek and gentle. Also, the rider on the white horse wears a crown whereas the riders of the other three horses do not wear crowns. We see a similar description of the Messiah in Revelation 19: 11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. At Jehoshua's second advent He comes on a white horse and has many crowns. Of course at His second advent He comes bearing the sword but during the new covenant church age His gospel conquers peaceably with a bow. Nowhere in the description of the first seal is there anything negative but rather we see an already enthroned King conquering the earth through the churches gospel witness. Futurists cannot have this interpretation because it exposes their false doctrine that Jehoshua is not already the King of Israel and sitting on the throne of David. It also supports the Historicist view of the book of Revelation that these seals run concurrent with the new covenant church age. Let's look at the results of the second seal, peace is taken from the earth in the form of murder i..e men killing each other. This of course is the fruit of hell and the devil. This seal symbolizes wars which have obviously been taking place throughout the whole new covenant Church age. A look back at the history of this world since the first advent of Jehoshua shows that indeed the earth has been ravaged by war. There is an absolute contrast between the first and second seal. The first shows a conquering Warrior King that conquers the earth through a bow which does not result in anything negative. The second brings war and killing. Let's look at the 3rd seal now: Revelation 6:5-6 5And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.6And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. The third seal represents poverty and famine and anyone that is honest knows that poverty and famine have been ever present during the duration of the church age. The 4th seal: Revelation 6:7-8 7And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.8And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. The fourth seal brings together the effects of the previous 2 seals which are death by the sword and famine and adds disease (death) and the beasts of the earth as things that will kill men. Again, these are all things that have been ever present during the duration of the church age. Even today disease is a big factor in many people dying in third world countries. The fifth seal: Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV) 9And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?11And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. The fifth seal symbolizes the martyr's prayers and cries for justice. The reference to them being under the altar is symbolic not literal as the altar of incense represents prayer, specifically the prayers of God's saints. These souls are those who have been slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held. That testimony is the spirit of prophecy which is Jehoshua Messiah. They died for their faith. Although this seal specifically mentions the martyr's, I believe it also represents all true believers who have suffered for their faith. If we go back into history, it undoubtedly shows that this seal has already been opened. Millions of Christians were killed by the Roman empire, some figures say about 10 million in the first 3 centuries. During the dark ages of the Papal church, around 50 million Christians were martyred by the Catholic Church. Even today, multitude of Christians are being killed all over the world for their faith. American Churchianity has let their Luke warmness blind them to the reality that the 5th seal has already been opened and that the great tribulation has been going on throughout the whole new covenant church age. Just because the American church has had relative ease doesn't mean that there isn't severe persecution of the church all over the world. The 6th seal has not been opened yet although some say it has and attributes things like the blood moons as part of the 6th seal along with other supernatural events that have taken place in the sky. Even the Lisbon earthquake is attributed by some as a fulfillment of the 6th seal. While it is possible to attribute those things to the 6th seal I hold that the 6th seal to be still be a fully future thing. Now on to Revelation 7, this is a very important chapter in terms of understanding who is true Israel, which then also determines whether or not earthly Jerusalem is the future hope or New Jerusalem which has implications in our understanding of the millennium and whether or not prophecy is historic or futurist. Revelation 7 appears to be speaking about the events preceding the resurrection of the dead saints and rapture of the living ones. There is an angel from the east that is commanded to seal the saints before the winds of strife come upon the earth. It's possible the four winds represent the seven last plagues that are going to be poured out on the earth. Revelation 7:1-3 (KJV) 1And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. The last living saints on the earth will be sealed by the angel with the seal of the living God. It's a seal of ownership and protection. It's a spiritual seal, this is noteworthy because it helps understand the nature of the mark of the beast. Even though this passage is specifically related to the events immediately preceding the wrath of Jehovah God, saints of all time are sealed with Jehovah God's seal of ownership. I believe this passage also helps us determine the timing of the resurrection and rapture. Are the saints being sealed because they will be here on earth to witness the seven last plagues or are they being sealed because they will be part of the great multitude that is translated to glory up to heaven right before these plagues fall? First let's determine the identity of the 144,000. Many American Christians believe the 144,000 are literal number of fleshly Israelites. The problem is that most of 12 tribes are untraceable and have blended in with the nations of the world. Theoretically, we can all have some Israelite in us. Some like myself believe that the 144,000 are Christians. I believe the bible proves this view. Taking the literal view has led the American church to almost idolize Jews of the flesh and the secular nation of Israel. This is the view of dispensationalism and is rather new as traditional premillennialism did not take this view and believed the 144,000 to be the church. Verses 4-8 of Revelation 7 list the 12 tribes numbering 12,000 for each one. We have to remember that the book of Revelation is codified (signified) in symbols. The 144,000 is likely a symbolic number representing the fulness of God's redeemed people. The 144,000 is the spiritual Israel of God. All believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are God's Israel. Even the naming and order of the tribes here differs from the old testament lending support to the symbolic view. However, the new testament actually supports the symbolic view emphatically. Let's go to James 1: 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; In James letter to the brethren, which are obviously fellow believers in the Son of God, he identifies them as the 12 tribes of Israel. James is obviously not writing to the literal 12 tribes as they had long since been dispersed all over the world and many if not most had by this point had never heard the gospel. James is clearly talking to bonafide born again Christian/Messianic's. Peter the apostle also echoes James identification of the new covenant church as the true Israel: 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Peter is applying Israelite covenant language to the church as the new covenant believers are the holy nation of Israel. They are kings and priests solely because of the Son of God's shedding of blood not because of ethnic distinction. Paul agrees with both Peter and James in their identification of the new covenant Church as God's true Israel: Galatians 6:14-16 (KJV) 14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Paul identifies those who glory in the cross of our King Jehoshua Messiah as those who are the Israel of God. He denies that circumcision avails anything. It is solely those who walk according to this rule who are God's Israel. Paul further states this principle elsewhere: Galatians 3:26-28 (KJV) 26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. What makes us children of God is having faith in Jehoshua Messiah not our ethnic identity. It is all about putting on Messiah. Paul is clear that there is neither Jew nor Greek in the body of Jehoshua but the only identification that matters is being in covenant with the Son of God. Paul said that if we are Messiah's then we are the seed of Abrahamic and heirs of the promise. Paul is clear that ethnic identity has nothing to do with being a heir of the promise nor having to do with being a seed of Abrahamic. It is all about Jehoshua the Son of God and whether one has faith in Him. Colossians 3:11-12 (KJV) 11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Again, Paul emphasizes that in the body of Jehoshua there is no such thing as Jew or Gentile but rather the identity that matters is being in Messiah. Paul calls those in Jehoshua the elect of God and again this has absolutely nothing to do with being Jew or Gentile. In the book of Ephesians Paul makes clear who the true Israel of God is: Ephesians 2:11-21 (KJV) 11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. This passage is rarely ever mentioned by dispensationalists because destroys any doctrine that makes a distinction between Israel and the Church. Paul here says that believing Gentiles, who were once foreigners to the Commonwealth of Israel, are now fellow citizens by way of the Son of God's blood shed on the cross. Paul says that Jehoshua made both Jew and Gentile one by abolishing the carnal (temporal) ordinances having to do with the temple system of worship. In verse 16, Paul says that Jehoshua reconciled both Jew and Gentile into One body. This is significant because destroys the false teachers of dispensationalism with their separation of the church and Israel or any fleshly distinctions of Jews and Gentiles. Verse 18 of Ephesians 2 says that both Jew and Gentile have access to God by one Spirit. Verse 19 says that we as believing Gentiles are now fellow citizens with believing Jews in the Commonwealth of Israel. This is a clear statement by Paul that there is no absolutely no distinction between Jew and Gentile or between Israel and the Church. There is only legitimate Israel in the eyes of God and that is the Commonwealth made up solely of those who have faith in the Son of God and trust in His shed blood regardless of ethnic distinction. The doctrine of dispensationalism has caused many Christians to deny their own inheritance in the Commonwealth of Israel and make themselves second class citizens to Messiah rejecting Jews. This Commonwealth is built upon the chief corner stone Jehoshua Messiah and the apostles and prophets as the foundation stones. Only those who break themselves on the chief corner stone are fit to be part of the Commonwealth of Israel which is the holy temple of Jehovah. There is no room for Messiah rejecting Jews in the Commonwealth of Israel unless they repent. John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Jehoshua denied that the flesh meant anything in terms of entering the Kingdom of God. He said one must be begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah. Ethnicity means nothing in terms of salvation. Jehoshua Himself also spoke of the union of both Jew and Gentile in His sheepfold: John 10:16 16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Jehoshua makes it clear that the other sheep (Gentiles) will be in one sheepfold with the sheep that are of Israel. He is their shepherd. Jehoshua says they will be one not two, He doesn't make a distinction between the lost sheep of Israel and the Gentile lost sheep in terms of salvation plans, covenant promises and in terms of being different aspects of the church. Jehoshua makes it clear that these sheep regardless of ethnic distinction will comprise one singular body, church, temple, sheepfold etc. Let's go back to the Jerusalem council of Acts 15: 13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,16After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Circumcision was at the point of controversy at the Jerusalem council. James makes the decision that Gentiles do not need to get circumcised and says that the prophecy was being fulfilled before their eyes in that God was taking out for Himself a people among the Gentiles. James then quotes Amos 9:11-12 in verses 15-17 of Acts 15. James attributes the bringing in of the Gentiles into the faith as the fulfillment of the prophecy that the tabernacle of David would be rebuilt and established. In the Gentile mission, God was restoring the Kingdom (tabernacle) of David through His offspring, Jehoshua Messiah. This proves that in the bringing in of the Gentiles, God wasn't establishing a separate plan or covenant for the Gentiles but rather bringing them into the newly established Kingdom of David in which the believing Jews had already been a part of since the baptism of Jehoshua and more concretely since the day of Pentecost. The Kingdom (tabernacle) of David is the Commonwealth of Israel or the Church of Jehoshua Messiah, they are all the same thing and they are made up of believing Jews and Gentiles who have faith in the Son of God Jehoshua. Now that we have established a foundation on what constitutes the new covenant Israel, let's go back to Revelation 7: The 144,000 represent the fullness of God's people, the spiritual Israel of all believers as the church is referred to as the 12 tribes of Israel in James 1. Some historicists believe that the 144,000 spoken of here represent all of God's people of all time however I disagree with this to a point. What is taking place here is in the new testament as the old testament saints have long died. So the 144,000 here specifically represent the new covenant church where ethnic distinctions are nullified (Romans 2:29). The moniker 144,000 certainly applies to the old testament saints but here in Revelation we are dealing specifically with events transpiring in the new covenant church age. 144,000 of the old testament are included in the great multitude which we will discuss shortly. However, while all the new covenant Church can be identified as the 144,000, Revelation 7 is discussing things that are taking place either after the sixth seal has been opened or it is back tracking right before it has opened. I believe Revelation 7 is backtracking before the sixth seal has been opened because of the language in the first few verses: 1And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. The sixth seal opens and there are severe travails poured out on the earth and this is only the beginning because the seventh seal still remains which is the day of Jehovah's wrath. So the 144,000 appear to be God's people who are living at the very end of this age. Again, the number is symbolic and the 12 tribes of Israel are the church. These verse state that these saints will be sealed before the earth and the sea, the trees are hurt. The four winds of strife are held back on account of the saints. Why is this? The bible tells us why the saints are being protected from these last two seals: 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (KJV) 9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, We as believers are not appointed to endure God's wrath. As much as the pre tribulation secret rapture is false, it doesn't mean the very opposite is true either. Many Christians who are turned off by the pre tribulation secret rapture despise any thought of us being raptured out to escape of the things that God will pour out on the earth. I will touch on the great tribulation in a little bit as we progress through this chapter. Basically the great tribulation began after the ascension of the Messiah and continues throughout the whole new covenant until the day of the resurrection and rapture of the just. So a pre tribulation is false as for it to be true it would have had to taken place back in the 1st century. History proves that the Church has been in tribulation since it's inception and continues even today. American Churchianity often interprets the book of Revelation through their western eyes and comfortable ease thinking that the church isn't going through tribulation. Notice that right after the sealing of the 144,000 there is seen a great multitude in heaven before the throne of God and before the Lamb in white robes holding palm branches. What does this mean? It means the next event to happen are the sealing of the last living saints on earth is the rapture (144,000 living saints) and resurrection (multitude of dead saints). Both of these groups comprise the great multitude as remember the bible says that they are joined together in the air to meet Jehoshua. Once they are joined in the air then there is absolutely no distinction between them. They comprise the great multitude and also the fullness of God's 144,000 both old and new testament saints. So the terms great multitude and 144,000 are interchangeable once the living saints (end time 144,000) and dead saints (the rest of the 144,000) are joined together in the air to meet Jehoshua. Too many people try to make a sharp distinction between these two groups. Much of this of this distinction is a result of the dispensationalism which is a new teaching. There is so much rich truth here in chapter 7 it's unreal. The fact that the saints are seen in heaven shows that we have the heavenly not earthly hope. Our hope is in New Jerusalem not earthly Jerusalem as many teach. This proves that the rapture is very biblical as some even deny this and say we will not be raptured to heaven but rather stay on earth after the resurrection. Chapter seven proves this to be absolutely false. |
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