Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
Revelation 13:3 (KVJ) 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. Ask most people in Christendom what the healing of the deadly wound concerning the antichrist is and they will tell you that is a future political figure that gets shot in the head and then is miraculously healed. This has been the common understanding of the deadly wound over the last few decades. This new definition of the deadly wound of antichrist is a result of dispensationalism which teaches that much of bible prophecy is future. This doctrine rose to the surface of Christendom in the 1800's and came to prominence in the Church in the 1900's especially in the second half of that century. John Darby and C.I. Schofield are the two most well known names who promoted this doctrine in the 1800's and early 1900's. Part and parcel with this doctrine is the teaching of a secret rapture of the Church and a heavy emphasis on ethnic Jews and a national state of Israel for the end times. This teaching also reintroduced to the Church the teaching of a future earthly millennium. This is just some background on where the new understanding of the deadly wound comes from within Christendom. The understanding of a future political antichrist that would one day receive a literal head wound and then somehow be miraculously healed is an inevitable child of dispensationalism. Fast forward to the last 35 years or so, and a sort of a rapture mania has ensued in the world of Christendom. Whether it was false prophecies from Hal Lindsey or Chuck Smith concerning the rapture or a plethora of books and movies produced to entertain and scare people all a the same time, this rapture madness has captured the imagination of much of the Church world in America. The most noteworthy books and movies are the fictional "Left Behind" series of Tim Lahaye fame. Never mind that Tim Lahaye had connections with Rev. Sun Myung Moon of the Unification Church, which is a dangerous cult as Moon claimed to be a Messiah, the evangelical world ate up the Left Behind series. Influential Christian Kirk Cameron was in at least one of the movies. Even many of the Hebrew Roots and Messianic groups have gotten into the futurism sweepstakes. While not all of them subscribe to a secret rapture they still have been deceived by the futurism that gives birth to other false ideology such as an emphasis on earthly Jerusalem, a rebuilt Temple, a future 1,000 year millennium on earth and also a future political antichrist. Why is futurism such a dangerous deception? Because the very thing that these secret rapture folk and future antichrist folk are looking for is already happening right under their noses. Having a proper understanding of prophecy in terms of time fulfillment is important because it sets the tone for how we will view everything else concerning prophecy. Up until the rise of dispensationalism in the 1800 and 1900's, most of the Church believed in the Historicist view of prophecy which teaches that the book of Revelation has been unfolding since the time period it was written and that it will continue to unfold until the New Heaven and New Earth. This view is crucial in being able to identify the antichrist. If we go strictly by a futuristic view of bible prophecy then quite simply the Pope does not qualify as the antichrist. However, with the Historicist understanding of prophecy there is no other option but to conclude that the Papacy is the antichrist of bible prophecy. Most who hold to the Historicist view of prophecy believe that the 3 1/2 years (1260 days i.e. years, day for a year principle) of the antichrist reign began in 538 AD which was the time of Justinian's decree (534-538 AD) giving the Papacy full authority over the Churches of Christendom. The Papacy conquered the last of the three horns it was prophesied to pluck up in 538 AD. The three horns were Arian Christian tribes/nations. Revelation 13:4-5 (KJV) 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. With the reign of the Papal antichrist beginning in 538 AD, and if the reign was prophesied to be 42 months or 1260 days (years in a day for a year principle), the end of this reign brings us to 1798 AD when the French army captured the Pope who ended up dying in captivity. Revelation 13:10 (KJV) 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. This time prophecy is significant because it helps us to discern the nature of the deadly wound and the timing of it. If the reign of the Papal antichrist ended in 1798 AD then it makes sense that this is when the deadly wound occurred. It was at this time that the Papacy in particular and the Vatican in general lost it's civil power and authority. However, I would submit that the deadly wound consist of not only a loss of civil power but also a loss of religious authority. Most bible students acknowledge that the Protestant Reformation which began in 1517 accomplished such a loss. This is the very reformation that is being celebrated by Protestants and Catholics alike on October 31st of this year. The Protestant Reformation opened the floodgates for many people to come out of the dark superstitions of the Catholic Church. The once invincible Catholic Church lost a good portion of it's authority in Western Christendom. The end result of this reformation was the formation of hundreds of denominations and sub groups of those denominations. Those who came out of the Roman communion disavowed allegiance to the Papacy and that the Roman Holy See had any authority over Christians. The Catholic Church would never be the same in terms of absolute power and authority within Western Christianity. From a numbers standpoint the Catholic Church is as strong as ever due to their missionary efforts in the Americas but percentage wise they don't have control over Christendom in general. So if the deadly wound happened in a two stage process, first religious and then political/civil, it makes sense that the healing of that wound will also be two-fold. Student of bible prophecy acknowledge that the civil/political aspect of the Papacy's deadly wound was healed in 1929. It was in this year (1929) that the Latern Concordat was signed between the Italian government and the Vatican re-establishing the political power and diplomatic standing of the Catholic Church, which had been lost when Italy seized Rome, the last of the Papal states, on September 20th, 1870. The news headline of this treaty is pictured below. It is not just the 1929 treaty that has given the Papacy back civil/political power, it is also an increasing influence in world affairs given to it by the United States of America and the United Nations. For example, Pope John Paul II joined forces with Ronald Reagan to take apart the communist Soviet Union which was an atheistic government. This is not a conspiracy theory as even the mainstream Time magazine covered this and put both the U.S. president and the Roman Pope on their cover with the title "Holy Alliance" (pictured below). Hopefully I have shown in this article how the office of the Papacy is starting to look like it fits the seat of the antichrist thereby being the one that receives a deadly wound which then is healed. In Part 2, we will look further at the healing of the Papacy's civil/political power during Pope Francis regime.
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Hebrews 7 (KJV)
7 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Verses 1-3, Melchisedec of the old testament was a picture of Messiah who would be a divine priest and remains a priest perpetually. Just like Melchisidec of the old testament, Jehoshua is a Priest of the Most High God Jehovah. Jehovah is Jehoshua‘s Father. Melchisedec of the old testament was called King of Righteousness and King of Peace and was also made like unto the Son of God. All of the above three descriptions fit Jehoshua perfectly. Jehoshua is called Jehovah our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). He is also called the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Jehoshua is referred to as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jehoshua is the only begotten Son of God who was made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance as a true Son, obtained a more excellent name “Jehovah”. Melchisedec was King of Salem, meaning Jerusalem, before David conquered it. Jehoshua is the King of Jerusalem today as He was enthroned as such on the day of Pentecost shortly after His ascension to heaven. Jehoshua fulfilled the oath sworn to David by Jehovah that someone after his seed would be established as the everlasting King on the Davidic throne (2 Samuel 7, Acts 2). Jehoshua inherited the crown of David and the scepter of righteousness (Zechariah 6). As such, Jehoshua was given a Kingdom shortly after His ascension on the day of Pentecost. This Kingdom was not earthly Jerusalem but rather New Jerusalem which is headquartered in heaven but is also on earth in the form of the Church. New Jerusalem is the mother of the Church on earth (Galatians 4:26). The Church on earth is equivalent to the Kingdom of Messiah. Unlike other earthly Kingdom’s, the Kingdom of Jehoshua is spiritual not geo-political and our King’s throne is in heaven not on earth. Let’s go to Genesis 14 to get a better understanding of Melchisedec’s priesthood. Genesis 14:18-20 (KJV) 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Verse 18, note that Melchisedec brought bread and wine to Abram. This was not a sacrifice but a meal of thanksgiving. As king and priest, he foreshadowed Messiah. The bread and wine foreshadowing what would become known as the Lord’s supper representing the blood and body of Messiah (Psalm 110:4). Melchisedec in verses 19 and 20 blesses Abram acknowledging that it was Jehovah that gave him the victory. In this verse Melchisedec also acknowledges that Jehovah is the creator and rules over heaven and earth. Abram gave Melchisedec tithes of the spoils from his victory over the kings which was a sign of honor. This fact is key in understanding that Melchisedec’s priesthood is far superior to the Levitical priesthood. Now let’s go back to Hebrews 7 and look at verse 3: Hebrews 7:3 (KJV) 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. “Without father…nor end of life”. Melchisedec’s lineage is not recorded in Genesis, a book of genealogies. Nor did Genesis record his birth or death, as it often does major figures. In this way, from a literary perspective, Melchisedec is portrayed as similar to the Son of God who was begotten of the Father before time began and is in essence eternal (Proverbs 8:22-31, John 1:1-3). Verses 4-10 of Hebrews, that Melchisedec was far superior in his priestly office than the Levites is made evident that Levi through Abraham tithed to Melchisedec. This also foreshadows the greatness of the Messiah in His person (divine nature). Due to being the Son of God, Jehoshua as Melchisedec is superior in His person than any of the Levitical priests ever were. Having shown that Melchisedec’s priesthood is eternal, and thus Messiah’s priesthood is according to His human and divine natures, the author turns to consider the subordination of the Levitical priesthood to Melchisedec’s priesthood. The Levitical priesthood is only according to the flesh, and thus was necessary for Messiah’s priesthood to be after a different order. Verse 4, Abraham’s high tribute to Melchisedec reveals how great this man was. A tithe or tenth part of belongings or wealth. Verse 5, “verily, truly. Sons of levi’. The genealogical principle that the Levitical priesthood depended on one’s relationship to Levi. “have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law”. The law provided for the provisions of the Levites, but they were only permitted to collect a tithe from their brethren. Jehoshua is far more than a brother because He is over the House of Jehovah (Hebrews 3:1-6). Verse 6, “descent is not counted from among them”. Genealogies were of the utmost importance to the Levites. “blessed him that had the promises”. Abraham was to bless the nations (Genesis 12;3) but he was blessed by Melchisedec. Jehoshua is the source of all blessing. This shows the superiority of the Melchisedec priesthood to that of the Levitical priesthood. The idea that Jehoshua’s Priesthood in heaven has to follow the pattern of the Levitical priests in the earthly sanctuary is error and completely ignores the contrasts between the two priesthood’s talked about in the book of Hebrews. According to a genealogical principle, Levites were present in Abraham when Abraham paid a tithe to Melchisedec. The Levites who were descendants of Abraham, could not rise above Abraham’s status in the house of God. Again, this shows us the absolute superiority of the Melchisedec priesthood over the Levitical Priesthood. Jehoshua said that before Abraham was “I Am”, making Him above Abraham being that He is Jehovah the Son. It’s important to understand the truth that Jehoshua does not need to perform the Levitical priestly functions as He is superior to them in every way. Whereas the Levitical priests were only priests, Jehoshua is a King Priest. The Son of God doesn’t perform His priestly functions standing up like the Levitical priests but rather He performs His mediation sitting on the throne at the right hand of the Father. Here is the scriptural evidence: The mercy-seat over the ark of the covenant symbolizes Jehovah's throne. This means His throne, symbolized by the mercy-seat in the earthly sanctuary, was in the most holy place. This is also true in the true tabernacle in heaven that Jehovah pitched. His throne in heaven is in the most holy place. When Jehoshua ascended into Heaven, he sat down on the right hand of God on His throne. Long live the King and High Priest Jehoshua who performs the Melchizedek priestly duties from His throne as King and not standing up as the imperfect Levitical priests. After His ascension, the Father told Jehoshua to SIT THOU AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I make thine enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 110:1). Enemies are made Jehoshua's footstol right before the second advent! (1 Corinthians 15:25) Zechariah 6:13 (KJV) 13Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and HE SHALL BE A PRIEST UPON HIS THRONE: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. Jehoshua's Priesthood is conducted from His throne not standing up like the earthly Levites! Jehoshua is a King Priest not subject to performing the Levitical priestly functions. Hebrews 10:11-12 (KJV) 11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, SAT DOWN on the right hand of God; Jehoshua said it was finished at the cross and scripture affirms this over and over as we have received the atonement! Jehoshua sat down at the right hand of God after His ascension to receive His Kingdom and start His Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. No biblical record of Him performing His priesthood standing up like the Levites. Jehoshua is a priest after a much better perfect order – Melchizedek. “And every priest standeth daily ministering daily”. The Old testament Priests stood (Deuteronomy 18:5); Of Jehoshua we read that He sat down (Hebrews 1:3). Psalm 99:1-5 (KJV) 1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.2The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.3Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.4The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. Hebrews 1:1-3 (KJV)1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: “brightness of His glory”. Unequivocally divine, true God in every way (Colossians 1:15). “express image”. Like a kingly seal being imprinted in wax. Jehoshua is truly begotten from the Father’s substance possessing all the Father’s divine attributes. “upholding all things”. The only begotten Son providentially governs all creation by the word of His power and is bringing history to a final and glorious end or purpose. Hebrews 7:7-28 (KJV) 7And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.8And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.9And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.10For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.11If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.13For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.20And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:21For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Hebrews 7 Verses 7-10, according to genealogical principle, Levites were present in Abraham when Abraham paid a tithe to Melchisedec. The Levites, who were descendants of Abraham, could not arise above Abraham’s status in the house of God. This passage again shows the absolute superiority of the Melchisedec priesthood in comparison with the Levitical preisthood. As the Levites were limited in respect to their position in the house of Israel, the Son of God is Lord over the House of Israel. It stands to reason that Jehoshua's Priesthood also isn't limited to the Levitical functions. Jehoshua is Lord over the whole House of Israel and of the sanctuary. He surpasses the limitations imposed upon the Levites of having to stand and do daily ministration in the holy place. Jehoshua being a divine King Priest and far superior to any Levite that ever lived, went right into the most holy place to start His ministration sitting down on the throne not standing up. Verse 11, here Paul makes a clear distinction and difference between the imperfect Levitical preisthood after the fleshy line of Aaron and the perfect Priesthood of Jehoshua who is after the divine order of Melchisedec. Trying to make these two priesthoods similar in function is error and it diminishes Jehoshua's Priesthood to that of an imperfect fleshy ministry. However, this is exactly what Adventists do with the investigative judgment. They reduce Messiah to a Levitical standing preist instead of a King Priest that minister's sitting down upon His throne. The implications of the investigative judgment are serious and spiritually dangerous. Verse 12, Paul is very clear that the Priesthood changed with the arrival of the new covenant and thereby the functions of the Priesthood as well. The way the Priesthood is conducted has been changed (Psalm 110:4). This change is in respect to the ceremonial law. Because of this, Jehoshua as High Priest need not offer daily sacrifices in the holy place and He has made the ultimate once and for all sacrifice on the cross and thereby gained access to the most holy place right away sprinkling His blood on the mercy-seat. It is here in the most holy place, that the Son of God began His Priestly ministry sitting upon the throne of David. Verse 13-14, a reference to the Messiah who came after the order of Melchisedec. If Jehoshua were of the tribe of Levi and was a priest after their order then it would make sense that he would start His ministry in the holy place. However, Jehoshua is a Priest of a divine order and is not subject to the regulations and functionality of the human imperfect Levitical preists. This is why He can rightfully go directly to the most holy place at His ascension, because He is a priest after the order of an endless life noting His absolute divinity. Verses 15-17, the passage above notes the positive implications of the comparison between Jehoshua and Melchisedec. Even more clear the perfection was not possible under the Levitical preisthood. "after that the similitude" Since according to the likeness or pattern set by Melchisedec. "Carnal commandment". The Levitical preisthood was based on fleshy descent, and with fleshly ordinances. Remember, the Melchisedec priesthood is of a divine ordinance and need be subject to the regulations and functionality of the human imperfect Levitical preisthood. This means that Jehoshua as High Priest need not do standing daily ministration in the holy place for 1800 years before He has access to the most holy place. As we have shown, the Son of God's priesthood is conducted from His throne as a King not a human priest. "power of an endless life". Both eternal duration and powerful application are needed for an effective priesthood. Jehovah the Father testified that His Son Jehoshua is a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec, Paul quotes from Psalm 110:4. This is an irrevocable decree. The Messiah having risen from the dead, has no successor, but intercedes through the ages for His people. Jehoshua's intercession for us never ends. This contradicts the Adventist teaching that we will be without an intercessor for a time period right before the Messiah's return. Even when the Messiah leaves the most holy place, the Spirit maketh intercession for us and we know that the Spirit proceeds out of the Messiah. Melchisedec means "King of Righteousness". Jehoshua is called "Jehovah our Righteousness". He is called King of kings and Lord of lords. Melchisedec was King of Salem and a Priest of the Most High God before David's Kingship and Aaron's priesthood, and thus a type of Messiah. Jehoshua unites the offices of priest and King in one person, implying that the Aaronic priesthood would become obselete. This is why it is a huge mistake in thinking that Messiah's preistly ministry has to emulate the old Levitical preistly ministry. That old covenant Levitical preistly ministration has been completely done away with forever. The Son of God's priesthood being one which unites with His Kingship is far superior to the Levitical preisthood. This obviously follows sound logic that the functionality of the Melchisedec priesthood must also be far superior to the Levitical functions. One of the aspects of the Levitical functions was to do daily ministration in the holy place standing up for the entire year before they can even enter the most holy place (once a year). Adventists, by teaching that Jehoshua has to follow the same pattern as the Levites, miss the entire point of the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews says that Jehoshua has a more excellent ministry than the Levitical preists. The bible over and over again says that at the Son of God's ascension that He went directly to the most holy place. If so, then that means Jehoshua bypassed the daily ministerial functions of the Levitical preisthood and started immediately minstering in the most holy place. After, the resurrection Jehoshua had to appear to the Father presenting Himself as the firstfruits. It is likely at this point that He sprinkled His blood on the mercy-seat in the most holy place. After this, the Messiah spent 40 days with the disciples before ascending to heaven. It is after His ascension that He sat down on the right hand of God being enthroned as the Davidic King and also being anointed as High Priest according to the order of Melchisedec. With the sprinkling of blood on the mercy-seat, Jehovah's judgment is transformed into grace and mercy. This perfectly aligns with the narrative of the new covenant in which we are given an abundance of grace by the Father. Even Jehoshua says that we are given eternal life and do not come into condemnation meaning "pass into judgment" (John 5:24). This means that there is no future investigative judgment for the believer in Messiah as we have already been made righteous by faith in Jehoshua. Our judgment will consist of rewards for what we did with the gifts given to us. In times past, our failure to adhere to strict obedience to the law would mean a fearful expectation of judgment. In the new and better covenant, we ask for grace and forgiveness in the time of need boldly going to the throne of grace. The throne of grace is in the most holy place. With the Adventist teaching of 1844, we would have to conclude that believers up until 1844 didn't have access to the throne of grace. They could only have this access if indeed Messiah went directly to the most holy place. If Jehoshua only went to the Holy place at His ascension, then believers were still in a time of judgment. This of course goes against the whole concept of the gospel and refutes the investigative judgment doctrine. The day of atonement did not begin a duration of a time of judgment, it concluded it. The warning of judgment starts with the feast of trumpets and ends on the day of atonement which is when the priest would sprinkle the blood on the mercy-seat for his and the people's sins. Jehoshua by going to the most holy place after His resurrection to sprinkle the mercy seat with His blood, ended the time of judgment for those who would be cleansed by it. Once we are born again into the Messiah's Kingdom, our judgment ends and we have received the full atonement for sins. This means for the believer that the day of atonement is over. The teaching of a period of a day of atonement for believers is anti-gospel and contradicts scripture. Romans 5:9-11 (KJV) 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Does this mean we still don't ask forgiveness of sins, of course not! However a believer in the Messiah does not come into condemnation and has received the atonement at His new birth. The thing that will cause a believer to pass into judgment, is a denial of the Son of God. The very core of the gospel denounces any such doctrine that teaches that believers will come into a investigative judgment after they have fallen asleep or alive. John 3:17-18 (KJV) 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Verse 18 of this passage destroys the investigative judgment doctrine as it says plainly "He that believeth on him is not condemned". The investigative judgment doctrine says that we pass into judgment which in the greek can also be rendered "condemnation". The above passage in John clearly teaches that only those who don't believe in the only begotten Son of God are condemned also meaning to "pass into judgment". So if anything, there is an investigative judgment but it will strictly be for unbelievers. Believers have been granted access to the most holy place since the resurrection of the Messiah after He sprinkled His blood on the mercy-seat. Now back to Hebrews Chapter 7: Verses 18-19, "disannulling" canceling by God, the giver of the law. "weakness and unprofitableness". The law here is linked to the insufficiency of the Aaronic priesthood. "law made nothing perfect". The types and shadows of the ceremonial law were not effective in themselves to bring men near (nigh) to God; only in as much as they pointed to Jehoshua were they sufficient. "better hope". The Messiah's preisthood, the object of our hope (Hebrews 6:18-20). If the Messiah's preisthood has to follow the same pattern as the Levites then we don't have much better of a hope. What makes the Messiah's preisthood a better hope is that now we have access into the most holy place through His flesh. Also, it's a better hope because we have been forgiven in full because of what was done at the cross. We have received the full atonement. Our sins that are forgiven are remembered no more according to Jehovah God. The question is, do you believe Jehovah God or the preachers in Adventistism who say that our life record including our sins are kept for further review in the investigative judgment? Let's go to Jeremiah 31 for the Father's precious words of hope: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (KJV) 31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jehovah says that in the new covenant that was to be made with the House of Israel, the sins of His people would be forgiven and remembered no more. Do you see what this means brethren? Once we are born again, all our sins are remembered no more. They are not kept on our life record pending a future investigation. As we walk our faith out, we come daily to the Father through His Son our High Priest and ask forgiveness of sins. This should be a daily and continual thing. The Investigative judgment also teaches that any unconfessed sin, even if it is something that we forget, will be held against us in the future judgment. Brethren, this is not supported by scripture in regards to a believer who endures to the end having kept the faith in the Son of God. As noted in John 5:24, we do not come into condemnation meaning to pass into judgment. Back to Hebrews 7, verse 20, Jehoshua has a superior priesthood in order to show that a change in the law has occurred, and the Messiah has ushered in a better covenant. Part of this better covenant is that we have received the full atonement through the once and for all sacrifice of Jehoshua's body and blood. There is no more need for animal sacrifices and daily ministration in the holy place. We now have direct access to God the Father in the most holy place through His Son. And we didn't have to wait until 1844! We don't have to wait unti our names come up in review in a future investigative judgment to receive the full atonement, we received when we became born again. Also, our sins are not transferred to the holy place when we become born again but rather they are remembered no more cast into the deep part of the sea and as far as the east is from the west. All this is because the Melchisedec priesthood blows the Levitical preisthood out of the water in terms of being better and superior. This also leads to the beautiful truth that in the new covenant we are all priests and that as new covenant priests we aren't restricted to the Holy place and we don't ever again have to offer an animal sacrifice. As new covenant priests, we have direct access to the most holy through the Son of God and our sacrifices are now praising God's name, doing good, sharing with others, we now offer spiritual sacrifices. Hebrews 13:15-16 (KJV) 15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 1 Peter 2:5 (KJV) 5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. The teaching of the investigative judgment says that we don't have full atonement yet and that our sins are not forgotten but rather kept on record for further review. Also, it teaches that Jesus had to do daily ministration in the holy place for over 1800 years thereby meaning believers did not have access to the throne of grace which is in the most holy place for that amount of time. It also teaches that for 1800 years that believers didn't have direct access to the presence of Jehovah God because His Son was allegedly still in the holy place rather than the most holy place. The teachers of this doctrine will play around with these particulars to try and make their doctrine work but scripture doesn't support this blasphemous investigative judgment teaching. In order to try and make this doctrine work, they will say that Jehovah's throne is a moving throne or that the table of shewbread also represents that there is a throne in the holy place because of the crowns engraved on it. These are desperate attempts to make their false doctrine work as they know that the bible clearly teaches that the throne and presence is represented as being in the most holy place and that scripture teaches without controversy that the Son of God went directly to sit on the throne at the Father's right hand after His ascension. Back to Hebrews 7, verses 20-21, "not without an oath" Jehovah appointed the Levites as priests by His divine word. The Messiah's preisthood was far greater, for He was made a Priest by divine oath. "The Lord sware and will not repent". Paul cites Psalm 110:4. An allusion to Jehovah's revoking of Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 2:30). Verse 22, "surety" legal term for a person bound to perform the obligations of another. The oath makes Christ a surety of a better covenant (testament). In chapter 8 of Hebrews we will see the author discuss the greatness of the new covenant. Verse 23, "suffered" Allowed. The earthly priests did not have a perpetual ministry, because death ended their priesthood. This again denotes the absolute superiority of the Melchisedec priesthood over the Levitical preisthood. The Melchisedec priesthood of Christ is a divine priesthood and it never ends as the Son of God ever liveth to make intercession for us. This point refutes the Adventist teaching that the Priesthood of Jesus has to mirror the Levitical preisthood in function and also refutes the Adventist notion that the end time saints will be without a mediator before the Father for a time. The Melchisedec priesthood is a more excellent ministry than the Levitical preisthood in that there is no need for the Messiah to do the daily ministration in the holy place as He is a King Priest. Jehoshua conducts His Priesthood from His throne in the most holy place which began after His ascension. Verse 24, Jehoshua received an incorruptible life, namely in His resurrection, and thus His Priesthood continueth forever. "Unchangeable" Jehovah's faithfulness is the foundation of the unchangeableness of the priesthood - to change this oath, the death of God would be necessary. The Son of God never stops being our priest hence "unchangeable" is described for His Priesthood. This means that He can never stop making intercession for us as by oath He is bound to do so. Verse 25, "able...to save them." Not a mere possibility but a reality. The Messiah is mighty to save. "to the uttermost". Jehoshua fully and finally saves His people to all eternity. Perfection has come through Messiah. "come unto God by him" In and for the sake of Jehoshua, sinners can come into the very presence of God. "ever liveth to make intercession" The Son of God's work continues even now and forever as effective intercession on behalf of His people. There is so much meat in verse 25. Those who come to the Father through the Son are saved completely. There is no conditonal salvation. The Adventist doctrine of the sanctuary teaches that we only receive conditional pardon and partial atonement through Jehoshua's sacrifice at the cross. However, Paul contradicts their false teaching by saying that Jehoshua is able to save us to the uttermost when we go to the Father in His name. The Greek word for "uttermost" is "panteles" (Strongs 3838) and means "full ended, i.e. entire (completion), uttermost." Brethren, the teaching that we only receive a conditional pardon of sins and partial atonement is a blasphemy from Satan and diminishes Jehoshua's death on the cross and His blood. Clearly as you can see from the meaning of the word uttermost, there is no doubt that Jehoshua's blood provided us with full pardon and complete atonement. Also, we read in this verse that Jehoshua ever liveth to make intercession for us. In Adventistism they teach that right before the Son of God makes His return, He will stand up from the most holy place and then henceforth we will be without a mediator before the Father. Again Paul contradicts this false teaching. He says that Jehoshua's intercession for us is forever. On the surface, it may make sense that we will be without a mediator for a short time as Messiah will leave the most holy place to redeem His people but when we look a little deeper this scenario falls apart. So, how does Messiah still intercede for us if He has to leave the presence of the Father for a short period to come get us? Let's go to Romans 8: "26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." As you can see brethren, the Holy Spirit also makes intercession for the saints. Remember, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son of God. So it is the very Spirit of Jehoshua that makes intercession for us. So even when the Messiah leaves the most holy place to come get His saints, the Holy Spirit that eternally proceeds from Him will still intercede for us even though His bodily presence will not be in the most holy place. The Adventists leave this important detail out in their investigative judgment teaching. John 20:22 (KJV) 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: This is just one of the verses that shows that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the substance of Jehoshua. This is good news brothers and sisters, when the very end of time arrives and the saints are tried in persecution, we don't have to worry about not having a mediator for us before the Father. The Holy Spirit which proceedeth from the Son of God will meditate on our behalf as the Jehoshua descends to earth to redeem us. Rather than the bad news of the investigative judgment, Paul the apostle paints an encouraging and empowering picture of the surety we have in Jehoshua as we see below in Romans 8. Romans 8:34-39 (KJV) 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Contrary to the false doctrine of the investigative judgment, Paul says that Jehoshua is at the right hand of God making intercession for us. This was long before 1844. Adventists will say that this is in the holy place but anyone who knows about the sanctuary knows that the Father's throne is in the most holy place. Again, the Adventists are refuted by scripture. Also, Paul says that nothing can seperate us from the love of Messiah. Neither tribulation, persecution or famine or sword can seperate us from His love. Yet Adventists would have us believe that during the most trying time in human history, we will be without our Lord and Saviour interceding for us. This is downright demonic. Again, Paul the apostle refutes the heretical Adventist doctrine of the investigative judgment. In verses 38 and 39 of Romans 8, Paul reiterates that absolutely nothing and nobody can seperate us from the love of God the Father which is in Messiah Jehoshua our Jehovah. The investigative judgment doctrine leaves believers without assurance of salvation and without assurance of Fatherly and brotherly love from Jehovah and Jehoshua. It also leaves believers without an intercessor before the Father during the most difficult time in human history. Only Satan himself could come up with such a blasphemous scenario. Now back to Hebrews Chapter 7, vwrse 26, "high priest became us" The Messiah is suitable and fitting for His people. "Holy" purity and devotedness to God. "Harmless" not touched by any defection or evil, but is perfectly morally qualified to serve as His people's priest. "Undefiled" Jehoshua's moral integrity. "seperate from sinners, and made higher than the the heavens" Morally seperated from sinners and physically lifted up from this world. Again, the Son of God unlike the Levitical preists was perfect and absolutely Holy who needs not to have His sins atoned for as He was the spotless Lamb of God. This is why it is an error to compare Jehoshua's Priesthood with the Aaronic priesthood. The Levitical preists were mere humans who had to daily offer sacrifice for their own sins also. This is also why they were only allowed to go to the most holy place once a year. On the other hand, Jehoshua has never sinned and He is the divine Son of God thereby He has by inheritance the right to go directly to the most holy place to start His ministration as High Priest. He need not offer daily sacrifices for His sins. His blood is so pure and white that it even cleansed us sinners so that we also have access to the most holy place through Him. The abominable investigative judgment doctrine not only keepsJehoshua out of the most holy place for over 1800 years but us also who the Son of God redeemed. Again, this is objectionable teaching from hell. Verse 27, unlike the Levitical preists, the Messiah has no need to offer sacrifice for His own sin (Leviticus 16:6-10). "For this he did once" The finality of Jehoshua's sacrifice plays a prominent role in the author's understanding of the Son of God's sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12, 26, 28; 10;10). "Offered up Himself" Jehoshua was active in His role of being sacrificed (John 10:18). It's very important to understand the absolute finality of the Son of God's sacrifice. The investigative judgment teaches that His sacrifice was not final but rather a down payment for our atonement. Paul refutes this satanic heresy and says Jehoshua's sacrifice was made once when He died on the cross. Oh, the Adventists will say all the right things about Jehoshua's sacrifice being final but in reality they teach a partial atonement. They say that our sins are still kept on record for further review in the investigative judgment. However, as note before we don't come into judgment (John 5:24; Romans 8:1). Who are you going to believe? The Son of God and His apostle or Ellen White and her disciples? Verse 28 of Hebrews 7, "infirmity weakness" the word of the oath stands in contrast to the law and guarantees a better priest who remains a priest for ever. One priesthood (Levites) was carnal meaning temporal according to the Mosaic administration and the other priesthood is divine according to the oath of the Almighty God under a new and better covenant. Do you see why it is ridiculous to even compare Messiah's preisthood with the Levitical preisthood? To say that Jehoshua's Priestly ministry has to follow the same pattern as the Levites is missing the whole point of the book of Hebrews which is that the Levitical preisthood, including it's functions, is far inferior to the Melchisedec priesthood which is of a divine order and is perfect. Long live the Melchisedec priesthood and thank Jehovah for giving us His Son as not only our High Priest but also our King and our God. Hebrews 8 studyHebrews Chapter 8 1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.4For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:11And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.13In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. Verse 1, again we see that Jehoshua as our High Priest was set on the right hand of the throne of God the Father and that it took place at His ascension. Where is God the Father's throne pictured in the old testament earthly sanctuary? Exodus 25:17-22 (KJV) 17And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.18And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.19And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.20And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.21And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.22And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. Jehovah's shekinah glory would dwell above the mercy seat between the two cherubim which was placed above the ark. All Adventists know that the ark of the covenant was located in the most holy place in the earthly sanctuary. Remember, that the earthly sanctuary was patterned after the original in heaven. Numbers 7:89 (KJV) 89And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him. Jehovah spoke to Moses from off the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony. We will show conclusively from the following scripture where the ark of the covenant was located within the tabernacle. Exodus 26:33-34 (KJV) 33And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.34And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. Verse 34 of Exodus is absolute evidence that the mercy-seat which sat upon the ark of the testimony was in the most holy place. Exodus 25:22 and Numbers 7:89 show that right above the mercy seat upon the ark would be where Jehovah's presence would dwell via His Shekinah glory. This is where He would speak to Moses from. The mercy-seat was symbolic of God's divine presence. With the sprinkling of blood on the mercy-seat, the judgment of God is transformed into grace and mercy. The mercy seat was made of pure gold. The two winged cherubs facing each other with their wings outstretched towards each other were on it. The mercy-seat was beaten or hammered from one solid piece of gold. It was placed above the ark. So in regards to verse 1 of Hebrews 8, if Jehovah's throne was symbolized as being in the most holy place in the earthly sanctuary and the earthly is patterned after the heavenly, then we know for an absolute fact Jehovah's throne in heaven is in the most holy place. When Jehoshua ascended into Heaven and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty Jehovah God, there can be no other conclusion than that He went right into the most holy place at His ascension. The bible crystal clear on this absolute fact. God's throne didn't make a change of location all of a sudden after Messiah's ascension. Jehoshua is a King Priest and thereby is not subject to the Levitical preists functions, which allowed access to the most holy place only once a year after ministration in the holy place for the rest of the year. Messiah is a King Priest who has returned to the glory of God. Unlike what Adventistism teaches, Jehoshua went directly to the most holy place at His ascension. Verse 2, Messiah's priesthood in heaven surpasses the typical tabernacle/temple at which the Levitical preists served. The true tabernacle is in heaven and was not built by man but by the hand of God Himself. The book of Hebrews keeps showing us the superiority of the Messiah's preisthood over the Levitical preisthood. When we say that Jehoshua as High Priest has to perform the Levitical preistly functions in heaven, then we actually diminish His person (divinity), His Kingship and His priesthood. We lower Him down to a common priest rather than the Heavenly King Priest that He really is. Verse 3, Every high priest was required to offer something to God. Jehoshua offered up Himself to God on behalf of the sins of His people. Verse 4, the exaltation of the Messiah to heaven qualifies Him for a different priesthood. The Son of God's priesthood if it had remained on earth, would have been a priesthood that was not sufficiently greater than the Levitical preisthood. Verse 5, the Levitical preists served a temporary and typological ministry. The old testament witnesses to the surpassing greatness of the Son of God, for He is the substance of the shadowy mystery of the priesthood. This is why it is a huge mistake to reduce Jehoshua's priestly ministry to the level of the Levitical preisthood, when we do so we inadvertently attack His person and Kingship. The functions of the Levitical preists were merely a shadow pointing to the substance of Messiah's preisthood. The substance is the real thing and the substance was Jehoshua's body that only needed to be offered once for all time. This is why Jehoshua could go right into the most holy place and sprinkle His blood on the mercy-seat. He as God’s Son and King was allowed by inheritance to skip the typical Levitical daily ministration in the holy place and therby enter through the veil into the most holy as He had made the atonement in full at the cross. Verse 6, "more excellent ministry" The form in which it is ministered. This statement here by Paul continues to illustrate the superiority of the Melchisedec priesthood, of which Messiah is a priest, over the Levitical preisthood. Adventists relegate the Son of God on an eqaul level with fallible men when they say that His priesthood in heaven has to be patterned after the Levitical preisthood in the old covenant. What makes Jehoshuas priestly ministry more excellent than the Levitical preisthood is the very thing Adventists deny, which is that Messiah went directly to the most holy place at His ascension and bypassed the holy place and it's daily ministration. If Messiah paid the debt at the cross and if His sacrifice of Himself is a once and for all sacrifice then there is absolutely no need for Him to do daily ministration in the holy place. His blood ushered in the new covenant and is able to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. 1 John 1;6-7 (KJV) 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Repentant sinners are counted clean and have fellowship with the Church, no longer shut out of Jehovah's holy presence. Where does Jehovah's presence dwell? In the most holy place! If we have had access to Jehovah God all the way back Messiah's ascension and His throne is in the most holy place, then that means the Son of God had to go right into the most holy place at His ascension. If the Son of God didn't go right into the most holy place at His ascension then we wouldn't have access to God the Father and we would still be in our sins and lost. Certainly we aren't above Jehoshua so if He didn't go to the most holy place at His ascension, the none of the saints could have access to the most holy place thereby meaning no access to the Father. Hebrews 10:10-12 (KJV) 10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; It was Jehovah's will that we are sanctified through the offering of the Messiah's body. The emphasis here is the consecration Jehoshua's works effects for His people. The Son of God's incarnation was for the purpose of His atonement. "Once for all" the Messiah's sacrifice was final! This refutes the huge error that the atonement was only begun at the cross and that it continues in the heavenly sanctuary. Romans 5:11 also refutes the heresy that the atonement was not completed at the cross. Romans 5:9-11 (KJV) 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Paul moves from the present reality to a ceratin future. Being justified in the present by His blood, summing up the benefit of the Messiah's atoning sufferings. Believers can be sure of safety from the wrath to come. When we were enemies we were reconciled (restored from wrath to a relationship of friendship); now the future is sure because of our living Savior's endless intercession on our behalf (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:24-25). Not only is the future secure, but we exult and rejoice in Jehovah now because we already have atonement made in full in the Messiah. Remember, the Son of God said it was finished at the cross. Those who deny that Jehoshua finished the atonement at the cross tread dangerous ground as they count the blood of the Son of God as a common thing and thereby trample it under foot. John 19:28-30 (KJV) 28After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.29Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. Verse 28, Jehoshua knew this was the time when "ALL THINGS WERE NOW ACCOMPLISHED". This verse leaves no doubt that what was about to transpire with the Messiah would finish His earthly ministry (John 17:4). Remember, one of the main purposes of His ministry was to reconcile the elect back to His Father. He could only do this by atoning in full for the elect. (Romans 5:9-11). Verse 30, "It is finished". The Son of God had completed the work of fulfilling Jehovah's purposes (John 17:4) that He announced in Scripture (the same verb as "finished" is translated "accomplished" in verse 28. The full price is paid for the elect (John 10:14-15; Mark 10:45) and the wrath of God appeased toward believers (John 3;17, 36; 18:11). It is serious error to deny that Jehoshua finished the atonement at the cross. Jehoshua confirms this in the passage above and Paul also leaves no doubt that the atonement has been made in full in Romans 5:9-11. The investigative judgment is predicated on only partial atonement made at the cross or they say a down payment atonement. This teaching is also predicated on Jehoshua not going to the most holy place at His ascension as they know this would destroy their doctrine. To support their doctrine they need Messiah to emulate the old covenant Levitical preistly functions. They say Messiah at His ascension, began His daily ministration in the holy place standing up. They teach that He didn't go into the most holy place until 1844 when He started cleansing the sanctuary beginning the antitypical day of atonement. This is when the investigative judgment starts for professed Christians of all time, the dead first then the living. They teach that the professed believer has his or her life record come into judgment in order to determine if they are worthy of Jehoshua's blood and eternal life. This doctrine teaches that any unconfessed sin, even if it is something that was forgotten by the believer, will damn a professed believer to the lake of fire. As you can see from the scriptures we went over, this doctrine is contradicted by the bible and is outright blasphemous and demonic. It's an attack on the cross, Messiah's priesthood, His Kingship and ultimately on His divinity. Luke 22:69-70 (KJV) 69Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.70Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. God's appointed King over all things for ever to sit at the right hand of the Father, the position of supreme Lordship, reigning with God's power (Psalm 110:1). Daniel 7:13-14 (KJV) 13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. This took place after Jehoshua's ascension as He received His Kingdom which was inaugurated on earth on the day of Pentecost. Jehoshua received an everlasting Kingdom. He was anointed to have dominion over all tribes, tongues and nations. The gospel went out to all the world after the day of Pentecost and many people from various tribes, tongues and nations received it and were translated into the Son of God's Kingdom (Colossians 1:12-14). We see from Luke 22 and Daniel 7, that the Son of God at His ascension would be brought to the Ancient of Days which is the Father. Jehoshua would be given His Kingdom by the Father and sit on the right hand of the Father's power These two passages fit together like a glove. Clearly, the Father's throne is in the most holy place so we can safely conclude that the Son of man (Jehoshua) was brought to the most holy place. Luke 22 confirms that this would happen shortly after the Messiah's resurrection and ascension. This passage in Luke also confirms that the Son of God would dit down on the right hand of God after being brought to the Ancient of Days Jehovah. Luke 20:41-44 (KJV) 41And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?42And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit tou on my right hand,43Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.44David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? This is another passage confirming from Jehoshua's own mouth that He was to sit on the right hand of God the Father. Jehoshua quotes Psalm 110;1-2. The Son of God is to sit at the right hand of God until His enemies be made his footstool which will be right before the second advent dispelling the myth of Him having to be a standing priest in the holy place. Jehoshua conducts His Priesthood from His throne (sits on the right hand of God until enemies are His footstol) in the most holy place (right hand of God, upon mercy-seat-ark-throne). This happens at His ascension not 1800 years later (Hebrews 1). This was the Messiah ultimately answering the scribes questioning of His authority. Jehoshua affirms His superiority over David implying His divinity and also affirms His coming Kingship. Now back to verse 7 of Hebrews 8, many today are seeking to go back to a faulty covenant. Jehoshua came to earth and ratified the new covenant with His blood. God did not make a mistake with the old covenant but intentionally made it unable to take away people's sin. Those saved under the old covenant were saved by looking to Messiah, who was to bring in the new covenant. Verse 8, the people were at fault for not being able to keep the old covenant and the Levitical preisthood was not sufficient to deal with their sin. The new covenant is a renewed covenant, not brand new however in it's substance. "House of Israel and House of Judah", not national houses of Israel and Judah but a spiritual house of those who by faith are the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:28-29). Verse 9, National Israel continually broke the old covenant. This verse proves that the new covenant is different than the old and that while the substance is the same, the form of administration is different and far better. In the new covenant, the emphasis is living according to the Spirit of the Law. In the new covenant we offer spiritual sacrifices and have a King for our High Priest who already offered up Himself as the once and for all sacrifice. We now have access to the most holy place through the Son of God. We have received the full atonement and our consciences are clean due to the final sacrifice of Jehoshua's body and blood. Our sins are forgiven and cast into the deep part of the sea as far as the east is from the west. The investigative judgment undermines all this and is a confusing mix of old covenant priestly functions, only a partial atonement made and supposedly still acknowledging justification by faith. The book of Hebrews by itself destroys the investigative judgment doctrine. Verse 10, this refers to an internalization of the law. "I will be to them a God", this is standard covenantal formula from the old testament applied to the Church of the new testament (Genesis 17:7; Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12; Psalm 50:7; Jeremiah 7:23). There is continuity of substance between the old and new covenants. Verse 11, though Jehovah has ordained preachers and teachers under the new covenant (Ephesians 4:11), all the new covenant people of God have an experiential knowledge of Jehovah by the Holy Spirit's work through the Word (John 17:3; 1 John 2:3-4, 13, 27). Verse 12, "their sins and iniquities will I remember no more", there will no longer be any need to offer anything for sins because the Son of God has finally and fully offered Himself and atoned for sins. Do you see this? Jehovah God doesn't remember our sins anymore once we have become born again into His Son's Kingdom. The Investigative judgment teaches that our sins are kept on record for further review in the future (investigative judgment). This is heresy and contradicts the word of God. Jehovah Himself says that He will remember our sins no more as a result of the new covenant which was ratified by His Son's blood. Those who teach that we don't have full atonement at the cross and that our sins are not fully forgotten by the Father are calling Jehovah a liar. As the scripture says, "Let God be true and every man a liar"!! Verse 13, the old covenant was decaying and waxing old at the time of this writing. It had already been made old and invalid by the Son of God's ransom sacrifice but many of the Jews were still holding on to it. Paul said that it was ready to vanish away. Many place the book of Hebrews to be written in the AD 60's which would be shortly before AD 70 when the temple was destroyed by the Roman armies thereby for ever sealing the fate of the old covenant sacrificial ceremonial system. The new covenant supercedes the old covenant by establishing better promises. The old covenant gave us an imperfect human priesthood with animal blood sacrifices that cannot clean the conscience. The new covenant gives us a Divine Priest that is perfect and gives us access to the most holy place (since His ascension) as He operates His Priesthood from the most holy place upon His throne. His sacrifice of Himself was once for all and His blood cleans our consciences clean as snow. The investigative judgment doctrine seeks to take us back to the old covenant with a priest that has to stand up and do daily ministration in the holy place therby limiting our access to the first apartment of the sanctuary. The new covenant gives us a Priest that goes directly to the most holy place, performing His ministration upon His throne as King, thereby giving us direct access to the second apartment of the sanctuary. There are so many doctrines out there in today's world of Christendom. How does one who is on a search for truth actually obtain it, being that there are many voices saying they have the truth?
The frustration of many within the Church system has led them to find truth in such places as the Hebrew roots/Torah and Messianic movements. Many who follow this route often cite the antinomianism of the Churches within Christendom. They lament the Churches celebration of pagan holidays and disregard for Jehovah's Sabbath and even feast days. What starts out as a noble search for truth often leads to a repudiation of much of what is called "traditional Christianity". The baby gets thrown out with the bathwater and eventually the searcher for truth sometimes will end up professing a religion that bears almost no similarity to the one he or she left. Often, these Hebrew roots groups cease using the name "Jesus" and "Jehovah" and titles such as "God" and "Lord" denouncing them as pagan. The inevitable result of this is a lessening of the King James Bible's authority and infallibility. These things eventually lead to conspiracy theories regarding the names of the Father and Son being removed from a supposed original "Hebrew" new testament and the current names being added by hook and crook. These conspiracies also extend to overall infallibility of the bible and accusations ensue against men who have long been dead in that they have corrupted the bible to promote a more Greco-Roman centric version of Christianity. Some of these folks have even attacked the character of King James himself in order to discredit the absolute authority of the KJV bible. These conspiracies often lead to wild scenarios where they say Christianity went through a complete overhaul early on to remove the Hebraic aspects of the faith. Some of the these ardent Hebrew roots/Torah groups even profess that "Christianity" is a pagan religion that is the "Great Whore of Babylon". While it is true that certain aspects of the Hebraic faith were changed to accommodate a more Greco-Roman flavor of Christianity, we must be careful not to get carried away with this notion. Personally, I have no issues with someone getting more acquainted with the Hebraic aspects of the faith. I myself love to use Jesus Hebrew name "Jehoshua" and even refer to myself as a Messianic often. However, I also embrace the name "Jesus" and the term "Christian." Having said this, I think there is a danger to the Hebrew roots movement that is rearing it's head in the world of Christendom. In their zeal to return to a more biblical based faith, the adherents of this movement are often heard trampling on historical Christianity and the gospel that has been emphasized by the Church for two thousand years. The end result of some these groups is a move away from the traditional gospel which focuses on Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension and focuses more on the Law, the land of Israel and usage of the Hebrew language. Even the return to the feast days by some of these groups leads them into focusing more on the mechanics of these days and making the days themselves the heart of the gospel rather than the Messiah Himself and His life, death and resurrection. Let me be clear, I have no problem with Christians celebrating the feast days. I myself have celebrated them and I still intend to do so in the event there is a group that keeps them in a manner that honors Christ and His gospel. My issue isn't the feast days themselves, but rather the focus on them being the heart of the gospel and pushing aside Christ and what He did on the cross. Just to be clear, there are groups that keep Christ centered feast days and that is awesome when it is done like that. However, there is a multitude of these feast day groups that get caught up in the granular mechanics of the day and will divide over minute details. These groups would do well to heed the apostle Paul and His Holy Spirit inspired counsel. Colossians 2:16-17 (KJV) 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Titus 3:9 (KJV)9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. The very thing Paul warns against is what many of these Hebrew roots/Messianic groups fall into. They are constantly striving about pronunciations of the Hebrew version of God's name and Christ name. They strive about calendars and exact dates and times of the feasts. They argue about how to keep the feasts and about the minutia of the various Torah statutes. Could it be that the devil, playing on the frustrations of disgruntled Christians, has taken many to the other extreme? Is everything we learned in our Churches to be thrown out? Many in these movements have even labeled the reformers of the 16th and 17th century as false teachers because they didn't uphold all of the Torah as still binding on Christians. While some of the reformers of the past were very flawed men, they nonetheless were used by Jehovah to bring about a revolution doctrinally in Christendom. The gospel during this time (1500's-mid 1900's) did a great work throughout the world. This was without the preaching of the feasts or teaching that all the Torah was binding on Christians. One must wonder, what has happened? The reason I believe the gospel converted many in these centuries as because of it's simplicity and it's utter focus on the cross and Christ being the Son of God sent by the Father to die for us, Thousands upon thousands of people are coming into the Hebrew roots/Messianic Torah communities, most are Christians and some are new believers. Often, these communities very insular and somewhat isolated from other groups and the world in general. Is this what Jesus called us to do as His followers? Matthew 5:16 (KJV) 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Christians for the last few hundred years have believed that we are to be a light in the midst of darkness, however the sentiment in these Torah communities is often a isolationist mindset. There is a fear of being contaminated by worldly principles and even a fear of the dangers in the communities of the general populace. Did Jesus tell us to fear these things though? Matthew 10:28 (KJV) 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. The beauty of Christianity throughout the ages has been the willingness of believers to not love their life until death. The Christians of old had this mentality because they counted the souls of the lost precious and worth more than their own safety. I see this mentality rapidly disappearing in American Christianity and it is not just in the nominal Churches but also in these Hebrew roots/Messianic Torah communities. Read what Paul the apostle says below: 2 Timothy 2:8- (KJV) 8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: This is the heart of a true evangelist, Paul didn't count his own life as something to preserve but rather for the elect's (the Church) he was willing to endure all things so that they can obtain salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul even says that if we suffer with Christ we will also reign with Him. This is a mindset that is rapidly being lost in American Christianity. While the Torah keeping groups may criticize the mainstream Christian Churches for being lukewarm, they themselves don't show the fervent willingness to suffer for the gospel at the risk of their own safety. Why do I say this? Because these groups often promote an isolationist/insular communal mentality. Brethren, the concept of Christian's isolating themselves and becoming insular is not biblical, at least from a new covenant perspective where the Kingdom is not physical but spiritual. Colossians 1:23 (KJV) 23 If 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; If the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven in Paul's time then we know for sure that the early Church did not have an isolationist mentality. We are told to come out from among them (the world), however this has more to do with coming out from the principles of the world not the world itself in the sense of isolating oneself. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (KJV) 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. Paul makes it clear that we are not to altogether separate ourselves from those who are in the world as he even intimates that it's okay to have some type of relationship with them. We are just not to be yoked with them. Matthew 5:15King James Version (KJV) 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Jesus Christ Himself said that we are not to hide our light but to shew unto all men. How can we do this if we isolate ourselves from the world? Unfortunately, many of these Hebrew Roots/Messianic Torah groups have traded in the glorious gospel of the Cross for the Law. They have also traded in "being a light to the world" for monastic isolationism. Now I believe that the Law is just, holy and good but like Paul, I glory in the cross of our Jehovah Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:14 (KJV) 14 But 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. When we preach the cross, we lift up the Savior which draws all men unto him. John 12:32 (KJV) 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. The gospel has not changed with time, it is still the same tried and true formula for salvation which is the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jehovah Jesus Christ. So, what is doctrinal truth? I would say that no one group has it all figured out, but one thing I counsel all is to not throw away the precious truths we learned in the Churches we grew up in. There are many "Johnny come lately's" that are trying to reinvent the wheel, but there are too many men and women who have labored and ploughed the ground for the great harvest that we have seen over the centuries. Were they perfect in doctrine and practice? No, but neither are we! For me, I glean from the Protestants of the Reformed persuasion and their creeds as well as the Anabaptists such as the Swiss brethren and the Sabbath keeping groups led by Andreas Fischer and Oswald Glait. These are all people who have fought the good fight and even spilled blood for the precious gospel. I would be a fool to discount the heritage of these faithful pioneers. I also glean from the early Church ante-Nicene brethren. Of course, everything has to be measured according to scripture but it's also helpful to see what others who were faithful to Christ believed. For me, I believe in the applicability of Jehovah's moral law summed up in the 10 commandments and the faith of His Son Jesus Christ and His gospel summed up in His life, death, resurrection and ascension. Blessings from your brother in Christ, Solomon Jah I have chosen the name Seventh Day Anabaptist to represent my beliefs. I have a couple brothers in Christ who also hold to the faith of Seventh Day Anabaptism. My goal is not to start a denomination as that would be contrary to how the Anabaptists viewed the Church. From the name, it is obvious that we believe in keeping the Seventh Day Sabbath.
There were Sabbath keeping Anabaptists in the 16th century and also at the turn of the 17th century. The pioneers of this Sabbath keeping Anabaptist movement were Oswald Glait and Andreas Fischer. These men believed much like their Protestant rivals that the decalogue still applied to the new covenant Christian. The difference being that the Protestants had a Sunday Sabbath and the Anabaptists of Glait and Fischer had a Saturday Sabbath. Unlike some other Sabbath keeping groups, we hold no division with our Sunday keeping brethren. We firmly believe that they like ourselves are saved by grace through faith. We do however believe that Jehovah is concerned about the violation of the 4th commandment by much of the Church as He said to remember the Sabbath day. We also believe that the Sabbath could be a prominent issue in the end times. However, we also believe that we are to judge nothing before the time so we seek to have an attitude of love towards our Sunday brethren and consider them exactly that "our brethren". We choose the name "Anabaptist" as it represents the principles of the faith that we stand for. You can look on this blog and get a more detailed description of Anabaptist beliefs. Here are a few: 1) Separation of Church and State 2) Local Church concept over the universal Church concept 3) believers baptism 4) No involvement in military or civil government, we are peacemakers in this world according to the Son of God's gospel. 5) Priesthood of all believers 6) the "ban", meaning Church discipline. 7) the two kingdoms, one of this world and one of Christ. We are loyal and have allegiance only to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. We live in His Kingdom and separate ourselves from the principles of the world's kingdom. 8) The Sermon on the Mount is our core theology These are the basic Anabaptist principles. We choose this name because we believe in historical Anabaptism. Much of modern day Anabaptism has apostatized into ecumenicalism and/or isolationism. As historical Anabaptists, we are not ecumenical with false denominations or Church movements. We are also not isolationists, we are evangelistic as were the Anabaptists during the reformation. We seek to be a light in the midst of darkness. Seventh Day Anabaptist statement of end time beliefs We believe that when Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, he was established as the King and sat on the Davidic throne instituting the millennium which lasts until His second advent. We believe that when Christ comes back that the dead saints will resurrect with glorified bodies and then we which are alive will be caught up to be with Jesus. We believe that after this harvest of the righteous, Christ will immediately pour fire and brimstone out on the wicked from heaven as those on the earth will be destroyed. We believe that after Jesus fights and destroys the nations that came against Jerusalem (The Church) that He with all His saints will descend upon the Mount of Olives and making it cleave into a great big valley. We believe that after the destruction of the living wicked, that the resurrection of the unjust will take place which will consist of unbelievers of all ages. We believe that the White Throne Judgment will take place in this great big valley called the “Valley of Jehoshaphat” which means Jehovah judges. This is where Jehovah the Son will judge the nations and separate them “goats and sheep”. For believers this will be a judgement of rewards, for unbelievers this will be a judgement of condemnation. Believers will take part in judging the wicked, including the fallen angels. The judgment of the believers likely will be first and possibly right after we are resurrected and caught up in the clouds. We believe that the goats will be cast into the lake of fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. The devil will also be cast into the lake of fire where the beast and false prophet will be also. Death and hell (the grave) with it’s minions (unbelievers) will be cast into the lake of fire and destroyed. This called the second death where the unbelieving will be burn and suffer torment each according to their works and they will be finally annihilated. The last enemy will have finally been defeated. We believe that this earth and heavens will then be recreated by Christ, hence a new heaven and new earth. We believe that after this, Christ will turn over the Kingdom back unto the Father and New Jerusalem will descend to the new earth (on the land where earthly Jerusalem was). The Father will dwell with His saints and be their God and they will see His face. We believe that the Passover (at least once), new moons, feast of tabernacles and weekly Sabbath will be kept in the new heaven and new earth. Eschatological terms and our understanding of what they mean 144,000 – We believe that this number is symbolic, representing the Church of all ages (Old testament and New testament). In Revelation 7:1-8, we believe this number represents the end time Church. In Revelation 14, we believe the 144,000 represents the Church of all ages in their redeemed state. In part 3 we left off at Daniel 2:44-45, let's continue from the end of part 3
Daniel 2:44-45 (KJV) 44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. The indestructible and everlasting Kingdom designates the rule of God Himself and particularly the medatorial rule of Christ, the stone cut without hands. Christ's medatorial rule began when He ascended into Heaven and sat down on the right hand of God the Father. Remember, it was the event (Christ's ascension) that initiated Him being enthroned as King on David's throne. It was the same event which inaugurated Jesus millennial Kingdom. While Christ was coronated as King in heaven after His ascension, the Holy Spirit that He was anointed with from the Father, overflowed to the waiting disciples on earth. This was the day of Pentecost. On the same day Christ was given His Kingdom by the Father with the ceremony in heaven, the overflowing Spirit poured out on the disciples which inaugurated the Kingdom of Christ on earth. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that Jehovah has revealed to him the summation of history from his time until the end (the end being the time of the Messiah’s first advent). “the interpretation thereof is sure”. It is trustworthy; the word “amen” is from the word “sure”. In the days of the fourth kingdom (the Roman empire) the God of heaven would set up a kingdom which would never be destroyed, but would break in pieces and consume all the kingdoms and would stand forever The kingdom came right on time. In the days of the Roman empire, John the Baptist and Jesus came preaching that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God were "at hand." At hand - Within easy reach; near; close by. Luke 3:1-3 (KJV) 3 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Matthew 3:1-2 (KJV) 3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17 (KJV) 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mark 1:15 (KJV) 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Jesus said that "the time is fulfilled"; the days of the Roman empire were present and the promised kingdom was within easy reach. As a letter fulfillment of the prophesy of Daniel which said that "the God of heaven [would] set up a "kingdom”. The kingdom was called the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. There is absolutely no doubt that the kingdom of God was set up at the first coming of Christ. Luke 11:20 (KJV) 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are the same thing. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is exclusively used in the Matthew's gospel. The phrase "kingdom of God" is used a few times in Matthew and John, and extensively in Mark and Luke. A simple comparison of parallel verses in Matthew, Mark, and Luke show beyond question that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are interchangeable terms. For example: The mystery of the kingdom of heaven/God. Matthew 13:11 (KJV) 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Mark 4:11 (KJV) 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: Luke 8:10 (KJV) 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. The parable of the mustard seed. Matthew 13:31-32 (KJV) 31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Mark 4:30-31 (KJV) 30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: Luke 13:18-19 (KJV) 18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. The parable of the leaven Matthew 13:33 (KJV) 33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Luke 13:20-21 (KJV) 20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. It is obvious that these are two different names for the same kingdom: God is in heaven; therefore it is called the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. John the Baptist published the Kingdom in advance of the Messiah who would bring the Kingdom nigh at hand i.e. within reach to those He and His disciples encountered and the surrounding region. Jehoshua’s earthly ministry would bind the devil. Jehoshua’s death, resurrection and ascension would destroy the devil and spoil the principalities of darkness paving the way for the establishment of the Kingdom and His coronation as King on the Davidic throne on the day of Pentecost shortly after His ascension to Heaven. Let’s look at this passage in Isaiah 2 that shows the arrival of the Messiah’s Kingdom. Many mistakenly attribute this to a future earthly reign of Jehoshua in earthly Jerusalem after His second advent. However, we will see that the chronology of this passage proves that the Kingdom spoken of is the current age we are living in meaning that the Church age from Messiah’s ascension to the second advent is the millennium. Isaiah 2:1-22 King James Version (KJV) 1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. 6 Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. 7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: 8 Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: 9 And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not. 10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, 16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. 17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. 18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish. 19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ? Verses 1-2, many mistakenly think the last days refers solely to the very end of time, however we know from scripture that the last days began at the exaltation (resurrection and ascension) of Jehoshua Messiah beginning in the new testament era. Acts 2:17 (KJV) 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: This was the day of Pentecost and Peter referred to this time period as the last days. Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV) 1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Old testament revelation, though spoken through a variety of means, originated in Jehovah. His revelation in the old testament spanned several thousand years. “last days” Everything after Jehoshua’s resurrection and ascension are the last days. With the understanding that we now have of the last days and that they began at the exaltation of Messiah, we can better understand Isaiah chapter 2. Let’s go back to verse 2, Isaiah says that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains and exalted above the hills. Now does this refer to a future earthly millennium in earthly Jerusalem or does it refer to the Church age? Remember the prophecy in 2 Samuel chapter 7 given to David? Let’s revisit this promise by going to the chapter: 2 Samuel 7:11-17 (ASV) 11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I [d]will cause thee to rest from all thine enemies. Moreover Jehovah telleth thee that Jehovah will make thee a house. 12 When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; 15 but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. The above passage describes the sure promise given to David by Jehovah God that out of his seed, a King would arise and would be given a Kingdom and throne that would be established forever. David is also told that this King would come out his bowels would establish Jehovah’s House. This passage is referring to the Son of God Jehoshua. We have already shown that the fulfillment of this prophecy took place at Jehoshua’s ascension into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. This then proves that the building of His Father Jehovah’s House started at the time of His ascension just about coinciding with the day of Pentecost. Let’s go to some new testament scripture that prove that we as individuals and as a Church body comprise the House of Jehovah: Corinthians 3:16King James Version (KJV) 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Paul says that we individual members of the body of Messiah are the temple of God. Remember, the Temple of Jehovah is His house. 1 Corinthians 6:19King James Version (KJV) 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? Paul says that our body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, again this is a reference to individual members of the Church. The Temple of the Holy Ghost and the Temple of the Father (God) are one and the same because the Holy Spirit is the Father’s actual Spirit. The Spirit if the Father dwells in believers. Again, Jehovah’s House is His Temple. In the old testament, it was the earthly tabernacle and also the two temples that were built for Him. In the New testament, we are seeing that the Temple/House of Jehovah is not made of a brick and mortar structure but rather made of people. Remember that in 2 Samuel chapter 7, David had a desire to build a house for Jehovah in order to have a dwelling place for the ark which symbolized His throne. This house that David had a desire to build in one sense was fulfilled by his son Solomon. This house was the temple. So we can see that Jehovah’s House equates the Temple. This is important to understand in regards to Isaiah chapter 2 and also what constitutes the Temple of Jehovah in the new covenant. Of course, the ultimate fulfillment of David’s desire would be realized in Jehoshua the only begotten Son as after His ascension He was enthroned as King. Every King has a Temple and David was promised that his seed after him would establish Jehovah’s House forever. This wasn’t fulfilled in Solomon nor the temple he had built. Even the temple that was around in Jehoshua’s time came to ruin as Jehoshua had prophesied. As we are now seeing that Jehovah’s temple is the Church individually and collectively, we can for certain say that Jehovah’s promise to David regarding His house being established forever was fulfilled in the Church and is still being fulfilled as the elect get added to it on a daily basis. Let’s go to more scripture to prove that we as the Church individually and corporately are the Temple of Jehovah God. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18King James Version (KJV) 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Paul again states that we are the Temple of the Living God, and as God’s Temple we are to have nothing to do with idols. God dwells in us because we are now His Temple. He walks in us as His spiritual shekinah dwells in us as His literal shekinah dwelled in the old earthly sanctuary in the most holy place. When Paul says “what agreement hath the temple of God with idols” he is referring to the individual believer as the temple of God. When Paul refers to the Temple of God he is meaning the Temple of the Father who is the one true God and the living God. We know this because in verse 18 the person speaking is the Father who refers to Himself as the Lord Almighty. The living God and the Lord God Almighty in the book of Revelation refer to the Father. Verse 18 mentions specifically that the Father is the one speaking in reference to this admonition by Paul. The admonition is that if we stay away from the unclean thing, that we will be sons and daughters of the Father who will dwell in us as we are His Temple i.e. the Temple of the Living God. Remember, it is the Father that is the Living God (Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 26:53, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Revelation 7:3, 14:1). Paul cites Isaiah 52:11-12. Ephesians 2:19-22King James Version (KJV) 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Paul is speaking to Gentiles here in this passage and says that once they became converted that they became members of the Household of God. In verse 21, Paul equates this household with being the holy temple of God. Earlier in Ephesians 2 (verse 12), Paul refers to the household of God as the commonwealth of Israel that Gentiles were once aliens of. In verse 19, Paul says that converted Gentiles are now fellow citizens with the saints (Israelite believers) of the household of God. Obviously, from this passage we see that Paul is saying that both Israelite and Gentile believers make up the household of God which is also called the commonwealth of Israel and the holy temple of the Lord (Jehovah). Is this house built of brick and mortar as so many suppose in an alleged future earthly millennium? No! Paul says that the House of God is built upon the prophets and apostles, the last prophet before Jehoshua was John the Baptist. Jehoshua Himself was the last prophet (Hebrews 1:1-3) and is above all other prophets as he is the chief corner stone of the building. Notice that the House of Jehovah is His people not a pile of sticks on a pile of dirt. The beautiful thing is that we are also part of this building as Paul says in verse 21, that we are fitly framed together growing unto the temple in the Lord. Growing because every time someone is born again into the Kingdom they are added to the temple of Jehovah making it a little bigger in size. In verse 22, Paul says that we are builded together which speaks to our unity in the body of Messiah as scripture says there is one body not many. Also, Paul says that we as the Church are God’s habitation in which He dwells in through His Spirit which is His Holy Spirit. Clearly, the Church is the House of God not a geo-political nation or a brick and mortar building. 1 Peter 2:5King James Version (KJV) 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Whereas the apostles and prophets are the foundation of Jehovah’s House and Jehoshua the Chief corner stone, we as the saints are the lively stones who complete the built up House. We are a holy priesthood which offer up spiritual sacrifices to Jehovah God by Jehoshua. Do you see the pattern here in the new covenant? The emphasis of the new covenant is spiritual not physical. The Church is Jehovah’s Spiritual Temple whereas the old earthly temples were His earthly physical dwelling place. 1 Peter 2:9King James Version (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 says that we as the Church are a holy nation. He applies titles used of Israel to Christians (Exodus 19:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:20; 7:6, Isaiah 43:20-21). “Chosen generation” connects then with Jehoshua (v.4,6). “Peculiar people” a treasured people. “were not a people, but are now the people of God’ alludes to Hosea 1:6,9-10; 2:23). Peter uses exilic language to refer to God electing His people. Acts 7:48-50King James Version (KJV) 48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? 50 Hath not my hand made all these things? Ultimately Jehovah doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands such as brick and mortar buildings. In other words, even though His shekinah glory would dwell in the most holy place of the Temple Jehovah’s presence and Spirit is not limited to man made buildings. Jehovah’s Spirit is omnipresent and He now dwells in human (believers) temples not brick and mortar temples. His Church is the new covenant temple. Hebrews 12:28-24King James Version (KJV) 18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. In context, this passage in Hebrews is contrasting earthly mount Zion with the heavenly Zion where Jehoshua sits as the king on a heavenly throne. Countless angels are seen dwelling in heavenly Zion. Just as Solomon replaced the temporary tabernacle service, symbolic of the far greater service of Jehovah in Jehoshua Messiah in replacing the earthly temple service with the heavenly temple service. In verse 18 of this passage in Hebrews, earthly Mt. Sinai is contrasted with heavenly Zion to compare the old covenant with the new covenant. The Mosaic covenant had a strictness and bondage about it compared to a glory and boldness belonging to the new covenant. Mt. Sinai had a physicality that the Hebrews had a hankering after. In the new covenant, true believers look to heavenly Mt. Zion. This is the mountain of Jehovah’s house that Isaiah 2 talks about as being established in the top of the mountains. While many think Isaiah 2 is talking about a future earthly millennium we are seeing that it is actually talking about this present Church age as the Church represents heavenly Zion. The spread of Christianity throughout the Church age has been glorious despite the false system in Rome bringing reproach upon the name of Christ. As the Church grows, heavenly Zion is glorified and it is established at the top of the mountains (earthly kingdoms). Remember Psalms 110:2 says that the Messiah would rule in the midst of His enemies. Because Messiah rules in the midst of His enemies and not just when His enemies are vanquished, His Mountain which is Heavenly Zion is established in the top of the mountains which represent earthly kingdoms which are often the enemies of the Son of God. The Church on earth represents heavenly Zion which is the Mountain of Jehovah. Let’s make a comparison of the old covenant with the new covenant: Old covenant – earthly temple which is a physical brick and mortar building; New covenant – earthly temple which is the individual believer and the Church as a whole. Old Covenant – earthly sanctuary service and animal/drink/grain sacrificial system with earthly Levitical priesthood as the mediators; New covenant – heavenly sanctuary service with heavenly priest of the order of Melcisedec, once for all sacrifice made at the cross via the body and blood of Messiah. On earth, priesthood of all believers who offer up spiritual sacrifices to the Father through the heavenly mediator Jehoshua. Old covenant – earthly king and earthly throne in earthly Jerusalem and earthly Mt. Zion; New Covenant – Heavenly King and Heavenly throne in heavenly Jerusalem in heavenly Mt. Zion. Old covenant – Israel is an earthly geo-political kingdom; New covenant – Israel (the Church) is a Spiritual Kingdom which is ruled from heaven and is present on earth in the individual Messianic and in the local Church. Brethren, There are many today who want to go back to the Old covenant system and are looking forward to this in the present age and also in the age to come. These people completely ignore Hebrews 11 which says that even the patriarchs and heroes of old had hope in a coming heavenly city and country built by God’s hands not man. These people are totally wanting to undo everything Jehoshua did at the cross to bring in the far better hope of a new covenant which is a spiritual covenant which is far more glorious that the old covenant. Hebrews 13:13-14 (KJV) 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Paul makes it clear that we as new covenant believers do not have ANY continuing city here and in context this is especially speaking of earthly Jerusalem. Paul says that we seek one to come which is heavenly Jerusalem. This confirms what even the old covenant saints sought (Hebrews 11). Galatians 4:24-26 (KJV) 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. Paul says here that the old covenant lends itself to bondage and is represented by Mt. Sinai and earthly Jerusalem. He goes on to say that the new covenant is represented by new Jerusalem in heaven which brings freedom and is the mother of us all. New Jerusalem is the mother of the Church which is made up of believing Jews and Gentiles. There is only one Church not two (Ephesians 4:4-6). There is no separate dispensation for the Jew and Gentile. Back to Hebrews 12, In verse 23 “general assembly and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven” denotes that the Church is headquartered in Heaven where the redeemed have their names registered in the book of life. The Greek word for general assembly here is used nowhere else in the bible. It carries with it the meaning of a festive joyous assembly whereas Sinai was a place of dread and heavenly Zion is a joyful festival. It makes you wonder why so many today are wanting to return to Sinai and the old covenant. When a name gets added to the Church registry in heaven, Zion rejoices as Satan’s kingdom has been spoiled of another subject (Colossians 1:12-14). This how Zion i.e. the Mountain of Jehovah (The Church) is established above the mountains of the earth (earthly nations). The Kingdom of Jehoshua (Mountain of Jehovah) marches forth in victory every time someone gets translated into it’s marvelous light. Jehoshua established His Kingdom here on earth at Pentecost and it continues to conquer as the good news of the gospel goes forth spoiling Satan’s kingdom of it’s subjects and adding another lively stone to the Temple of Jehovah. The Church of the Firstborn denotes the true begotten Sonship of Jehoshua. He is the eternal Son of God who is Jehovah’s firstborn Son begotten from His very substance (Proverbs 8:22-31, John 3:16, John 5:26). Verse 23 says that God is the judge of all. The spirits of just men made perfect is a reference to those who have died in Messiah and are awaiting their resurrection. This shows that believers eternal destinies are settled at death as these just men are already made perfect a they endured to the end. They are awaiting their resurrection where they will then stand before the judgement seat of Messiah to receive their heavenly rewards. A believer’s destiny is settled at death where they will fall asleep only to await the coming of the Son of God to bring them to life. They have already been given eternal life at conversion and the bible says that believer’s do not come into condemnation which means they do not pass into judgment. The only judgment awaiting a believer will be for rewards not whether they go to heaven or the lake of fire (John 5:24). Their spirits have already been made perfect due to their faithfulness unto death as they did not deny the Son of God. Verse 24 of Hebrews 12, Jehoshua sprinkled his blood on the heavenly mercy seat in the most holy place when he went to heaven after His resurrection. The Messiah’s blood bridges the heavenly and temporal age. He is the mediator of a new covenant “blood of sprinkling”. Back to Isaiah chapter 2, we have shown how the last days referred to here in Isaiah verse 2 refers to the time of the Messiah’s exaltation and ascension, beginning in the new testament era. All nations flowing to the mountain of Jehovah (The Church) was and is being fulfilled in the gospel being preached unto the Gentiles and them being added to the Kingdom of Jehoshua. In verse 3, we see that many will up to the Mountain of Jehovah to learn His ways as His law goes forth out of Zion and Jerusalem. This has and is being fulfilled as people get added to the Church (Jehovah’s Mountain) as the Church on earth represents Zion in heaven. The ultimate source of Jehovah’s law comes from heavenly Zion and heavenly Jerusalem. In verse 4, the gospel of the Son of God is called the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). As the gospel has gone out into all the world, those who have received it among the different nations have turned their weapons of war into the weapons of the Holy Spirit. Only the Son of God’s gospel has been able to bring men and women of all nations, tribes and tongues into unity with each other. Where they have formerly been at odds with each other due to geographical borders or being of a different ethnic group, these people now love each other and consider each other brother and sister. Verse 5 of Isaiah 2, the prophet calls Israel to live in the light of Jehovah, this light is His Son Jehoshua. Verses 6-22 speak of apostasy and the coming day of Jehovah at the end of the age. The progression of Isaiah 2 supports the amillennial position. The first few verses speak of the spread of Jehoshua’s Kingdom throughout all the earth which we have are showing began on the day of Pentecost and will continue until the second advent. Next we see apostasy for Israel (The Church) in verses 6-9 (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1-4). These verses also speak of a general decline in spirituality in the world as a whole (2 Timothy 3:1-9). Verses 10-22 speak of the great and terrible day of Jehovah God which most acknowledge is the second advent of Jehoshua Messiah. This fits perfectly with the amillennial position as the Kingdom is presently now as it is established in the top of the mountains meaning Jehoshua the King rules from heaven over the mountains which symbolize the nations of the earth. Remember, in Psalms 110:2 it says that the Messiah rules in the midst of His enemies. Psalm 110:2 (KJV) 2 Jehovah shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. The Son of God is the rod of Jehovah and He rules in the midst of the nations of the earth, this is why we can rightly say that His Kingdom which is the Mountain of Jehovah has been established above all other kingdoms of the earth which are spoken of as mountains in Isaiah 2. In verse 10 of Isaiah, we see similar language to Paul’s description of the second advent (1 Thessalonians 1:9). In verse 12, we see the term “day of the Lord (Jehovah)” A technical term referring to the direct and manifest interventions of God into the affairs of time for the purposes of judgment and salvation (Isaiah 13:6,9, 34:8; Joel 2:31), culminating in the great day at the end of the age (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). Verses 13-15 of Isaiah 2, cedars…mountains…every Hightower. Symbols of every way in which man lifts himself up in pride and self-reliance instead of honoring Jehovah (2 Corinthians 10:4). Verses 20-22 of Isaiah 2, when God’s judgment begins men’s idols are useless. “cease ye from men” Stop depending on mortal men (Psalm 146:3; Jeremiah 17:5-6); salvation is only found in Jehovah. Psalm 48:1-2 (KJV) 48 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. 2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. Therefore, the church is the kingdom of God which is the great mountain which fills the whole earth. As we saw in Hebrews 12:28-24, the Church is called Zion. The city of our God (New Jerusalem), His Mountain of Holiness (Zion) and the Church are all interchangeable terms. It is obvious that the two different names for the same kingdom i.e. Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are describing the same thing. God is in heaven; therefore it is called the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. If it was suspected that these were two different kingdoms, the fact that they are described in parallel passages demands that they are the same kingdom. (vi)Things that are both equal to something are equal to each other. (vii) This is a classic "double horn" argument, in that it proves that the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are the same kingdom, whether it is at first conceded that the terms are synonymous, or whether they are at first held to be two different kingdoms which are then shown to be identical.Matthew himself uses the terms interchangeably. Also compare Mat 19:23-24 with Mark 10:23-25 and Luke 18:24-25. Stay tuned for part 5 The Priesthood of Jehoshua is one of the most overlooked aspects of our Savior. Most believers take Messiah's priestly ministry for granted. Some ignorantly make His priesthood of none effect with their false once saved always saved doctrine. If it were possible that we can never lose our place in the Lamb's book of life then there wouldn't be a need for a High Priest.
The purpose of Messiah's preistly ministry is to give His brethren grace in the time of need in order to resist temptation and also to plead our forgiveness to the Father when we come to the throne of grace. This is all done after we have come to the cross and were born again. The cross does not give believers a free pass to sin thereby break the law. However, we know that as imperfect beings we will fall at times and this is where Jehoshua's preistly ministry comes in the picture. The "Our Father" is the model prayer that Messiah gave to us. This prayer tells us to ask for our trespasses to be forgiven. Also, we are told to examine ourselves daily to see if we be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). If we are to examine ourselves and daily ask for forgiveness of sins then there must be an ministerial office that attends to these prayers. This cannot be the cross solely as most Christians teach, remember the ministration of the cross was to reconcile us back to the Father. The cross nailed our debt and provided us forgiveness of sins so that we can be born anew. Romans 3:25 (KJV) 25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; It is past sins that the cross forgives for the new believer. For sins committed after one becomes born again, the Priesthood of Jehoshua in the most holy place facilitates this ministration. After one becomes born again and then sins, he or she must go in prayer to the Father in the name of the Son to ask for forgiveness. The Father and Son are both in the most holy place. The cross is in the courtyard (altar of burnt offering) but still has a vital role in our walk with Messiah. We dare not minimize the cross. Don't get me wrong, the cross of Messiah is still a vital component of our walk. Too many in the Adventist denomination minimize the continuing importance of the cross in the believers life. Why is the cross still important in a believers life? Because, it is the very ministration that even allows us access to the most holy place. The cross was where the once and for all sacrifice took place. The shedding of blood on the cross provides forgiveness not only for the new convert but also for the experienced believer. However, the Most Holy place is now where we go to receive forgiveness of sins. I must emphasize that the sacrifice on the cross is what gives Jehoshua as High Priest the authority to plead our forgiveness to the Father. Unlike what some Adventists teach, the cross and the priestly ministry of Jehoshua go hand in hand. The Messiah does not reapply His blood over and over again in the most holy place. His sacrifice on the cross took care of this once and for all. The purpose of Messiah's preistly ministry is simply to intercede for us and provide us with the forgiveness of our sins committed after we have become children of Jehovah. The blood was already applied once and for all, it does not need to be reapplied every time a believer sins and ask for forgiveness. I'm afraid many Adventists have over complicated the Priesthood of Jehoshua and have come to many faulty conclusions. In this study we will determine if the Son of God's priesthood needed to emulate the old covenant Levitical preisthood. We will also determine whether or not the Messiah immediately went to the Holy place upon His ascension or if He had to wait until 1844. We will investigate (pun intended) the teaching of the investigative judgment as taught by Adventists. Do the Father and Son need to review the cases of dead saints, who already endured to the end, to determine whether or not they are fit for eternal life. Psalms 110: (ASV) 1Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.3Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.4Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.5The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his wrath.6He will judge among the nations, He will fill [the places] with dead bodies; He will strike through the head in many countries.7He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head. In this passage Jehovah is the Father and the Lord is His Son. The Father grants the Son Kingship and to sit on the throne with Him until His (the Son) enemies are made His footstool. This is not to say that Jehoshua in His pre-existence wasn't already a King, however His Kingship would now encompass so much more due to His victory over sin and death. This is why Messiah during His earthly ministry was proclaiming the Kingdom of Jehovah as it was nigh. The Kingdom of Jehovah refers to both the Father and Son. The Father is referred to as Jehovah in verse 1, the Son is referred to as Jehovah in verse 5 as "Lord" should be rendered "Jehovah" in this verse. Once the Son's enemies are made His footstool, He will then strike through kings in the day of His wrath. This passage alludes to the Son of God's ascension to Heaven and we see that He is granted Kingship by the Father. In verse 4 Jehoshua is made a Hig Priest after the order of Melchizedek. The Messiah obtains the throne as King and High Preist upon His ascension into Heaven. Jehoshua qouted this passage in the gospels (Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43). Peter also qouted this in reference to Jehoshua in Acts 2:34-35 following this up with his statement in verse 36 of Acts 2: "Therefore let all the House of Israel know assuredly, that God made this same Jehoshua, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Messiah." In context of Acts 2-34-36, Peter is referring to Jehoshua being made Lord (Jehovah) and Messiah in connection with His resurrection/ascension albeit Jehoshua was both these things prior to His resurrection/ascension. Jehoshua's victory over sin and His subsequent resurrection and ascension solidified His Lordship (Kingship), His Messiahship and His never ending Priesthood. Just to confirm that Jehoshua was made King at His ascension, Psalms 110 is qouted in Hebrews 1: 13But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? The context of this passage in Hebrews from verse 8-14 is in respect to the Son of God's ascension to Heaven. Hebrews 10:12 (KJV) 12but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Paul confirms that it was after Messiah offered up His body on the cross that He sat down on the right hand of God. The key phrase in this passage is "one sacrifice for sins for ever". It was because this sacrifice provided full atonement for sins that Jehoshua was made King and High Priest. Right after (40 days) His sacrifice on the cross, Jehoshua sat down on the right hand of God. If Jehoshua's sacrifice for sins was for ever and this sacrifice granted Him to sit on the right hand of God then we can safely conclude that He is still sitting on the right hand of God and has been since His ascension. Jehoshua's sitting on the right hand of God is for ever and it was never required of Him to vacate Himself from the right hand of the Father for any period of time unless He and the Father so chose. The Adventist teaching of the sanctuary and investigate judgment leads to the inevitable conclusion that at some point Jehoshua legally had to vacate His throne which is situated at the right hand of the Father to perform a priestly work similar to the old Levitical preisthood. They teach that Jehoshua didn't have access to the most holy place until 1844. Brethren, this outright false and it is an attack on Jehoshua's Kingship, Divinity, and even His Priesthood. As we go through this study, I will elaborate on why this teaching attacks all three the above functions of the Messiah. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Clearly our Savior was set down on the right hand of God after His ascension. He didn't have to wait until 1844. Likely Adventists won't deny this verse but they will say that God's throne in this instance isn't in the most holy place as He has a moving throne. While it is true that Jehovah's throne is a moving throne, we will see that the Son of God did indeed go right into the most holy place at His ascension. Although Jehovah has a moving throne, we will see from this study that the primary place for His throne is in the most holy place. The truth that Jehoshua went to sit down on the right hand of God after His ascension is undeniable. Acts 7:55-56 (KJV) 55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Brethren, ask yourself this question, where does Jehovah's shekinah glory shine from in the tabernacle? Obviously in the most holy place. Is there any reason to think otherwise in this account of Stephen? Stephen saw the glory of God and Messiah standing on the right hand of Jehovah's shekinah glory. The Shekinah glory of Jehovah was primarily associated with the most holy place in the earthly tabernacle, should it be any different in heaven? The Shekinah glory isn't just confined to the most holy place to be sure, however that is where it originates from. Remember, the earthly sanctuary was patterned after the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 8:5 (KJV) 5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. Exodus 25:22 "There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel. Ezekiel 9:3 "Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case." Ezekiel 10:18 "Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim." Hebrews 9:5 "and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail." Leviticus 16:2 "The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat." 2 Samuel 6:2 "And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim." As we can see clearly the throne of Jehovah God in the earthly sanctuary where His Shekinah would shine was in the most holy place. Remember the earthly sanctuary was patterned after the heavenly sanctuary, the one that Jehovah pitched. We have to ask ourselves, why would it be any different in heaven? The scriptures are clear that at His ascension, Jehoshua went to be seated on the Davidic throne at the right hand of God. The obvious conclusion is that Messiah went right to the Holy place at His ascension and didn't have to wait until 1844. Jehoshua's Kingship and Priesthood are inherently connected. Hebrews 2:9 (KJV) 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Jehoshua was crowned with glory and honour at His resurrection and ascension. This is when He was enthroned as King and also made a HighPriest after the order of Melchizedek. Believers have a derived sonship in Messiah. Jehoshua is the captain of our salvation. The Son of God leads His people into the salvation He has secured (perfect),Complete and entire. Messiah's suffering was the means of completing the work the Father had given Him. Brethren, because of the Son of God's substitutionary death we are assured of salvation as it is made perfect by Jehoshua. The teaching of an investigative judgment where believers records will pass in review before the Son of God to see if they are worthy of His atoning blood is unbiblical. The believer has already been justified i.e. rendered righteous. The believer then needs to abide in the Messiah and trust in His merits for righteousness. Believers that endure to the end and do not deny Jehoshua in word or in lifestyle go to sleep (death) awaiting the resurrection of the righteous. How can I say such a thing? Because eternal life is something the believer already had by the time he/she died and didn't need to earn it. A believers walk in Messiah isn't one where he/she spends their life trying to earn eternal life as they already have it. Once a believer has eternal life by confession of faith in the Son of God, they then follow the Lamb of God and walk out their faith as a king and a priest. John 5:24 (KJV) 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Brethren, the above scripture is one of the most damning scriptures against the investigative judgment. Those who believe the words of the Son of God have (present tense) eternal life and shall not come into condemnation. They have already (at the moment of belief) passed from death to life. Do you see the significance of this passage? It says that those who believe in the Son of God will not come into condemnation. Let's look at what the word condemnation means in the greek. The greek word for "condemnation" is "krisis" (Strongs 2920) and means "decision, by extension a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment. Wow! Jehoshua says that those who believe in Him and His words will receive eternal life at that moment and will not come into condemnation meaning they won't come before a tribunal and they won't be accused, condemned or come into judgment. My beloved brothers and sisters, the Investigative judgment teaches the exact opposite. It teaches that no matter if you were a believer during your earthly life, that you will have to pass an investigative judgment where every single unconfessed word and deed will be held against you and likely cause you to lose in the judgement. This is not what the bible teaches. Jehoshua Himself says that believers will not come into judgment (condemnation). Don't get me wrong, believers will go before the judgment seat of Messiah but by that time their cases for eternity will have already been decided and it will be a judgment of rewards for them. Their cases were decided when they became born again. By the time believers appear before the judgment seat they will have already been resurrected and translated to meet Jehoshua in the air. The only thing in doubt for the believer by that point will be amount and substance of their rewards. Isn't that good news!! Let's go to scripture to prove that the resurrection and translation of the saints precedes the judgment seat of Messiah. Revelation 11:12 (KJV) 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. Many bible students believe this passage refers to the resurrection and translation of the saints at the second advent. Revelation 11:18 (KJV) 18And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. The time of the dead that they may be judged follows shortly after the resurrection and translation of the saints, The rewards for the saints are already prepared. If the judgment is after the saints resurrection and ascension to glory then it obviously can't be an investigative judgment and rather is a judgment of rewards. Revelation 20:9-12 (KJV) 9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Historically the Christian Congregation has believed this passage in verse 9 to take place at the end of this age. The judgment in verse 12 is after the saints have been resurrected and translated to glory as verse 9 was the consummation of the end of this age. So obviously the white throne judgment for Christian's is not investigative butter for rewards. Why doesn't a believer need to be judged in a pre advent investigative judgment? Because they have already been translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son at the time of their confession in Him. Let's show this in scripture: Colossians 1:12-14 (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:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: This is another passage that destroys the investigative judgment doctrine. This harmonizes with Jehoshua's statement in John 5:24 that once we have faith in Him we pass from death to life. Verse 12 of Colossians 1 says that the Father made us meet which means He qualified us to inherit eternal life, this is a present tense statement by Paul. The word translated means transferred. When God redeems a sinner He transfers them from the power of darkness (satan's kingdom) to the Kingdom of His Son, Jesus Christ. Brethren the above passage in Colossians 1:12-14 would make no sense if we still had to pass a future investigative judgment in order to be granted entry into the kingdom. We have in this life received eternal life and entrance into Jehoshua's Kingdom all present tense realities not merely a future hope. The believer has eternal life through belief in the Son of God and will not lose it as long as he/she holds the beginning of their confidence unto the end (Hebrews 3:14). It has to do with belief. Only unbelief which is the source of all other sins will cause one to lose eternal life. If one keeps their faith unto the end then the eternal life they received at their profession of faith never left them. Let's now go back to the Priesthood of Jehoshua. Hebrews 2:11 (KJV) 11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, There is a corporate solidarity or untiy between Messiah and His people. Jehoshua willingly identifies Himself with and takes to Himself sinners as His brethren. If Messiah already calls us His brethren once we believe in Him then the teaching of a future investigative judgment to determine if we can go into heaven is false. Hebrews 2:17 (KJV) 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Messiah subjected Himself to the law of Jehovah God and to the frailty and weakness of humanity for the purpose of redeeming them. Jehoshua was fully human and able to sympathize with our weakness and frailties. It was necessary for Messiah to be made like us so that He would be merciful and faithful knowing the trials that we have to go through in the flesh. Jehoshua is able to relate to us and extend us mercy. "make reconciliation" propitiate or appease the wrath of God by satisfying divine justice with payment for the sins of the people (Romans 3:25-26). Brethren, this was all done at the cross, the payment for sins and satisfying Jehovah's wrath. The word reconciliation means "to atone for", this is a past tense phrase as it was during the time that Jehoshua was made like unto us that reconciliation was made. After His resurrection and more fully His ascension, Messiah was glorified and no longer fully like us. The reconciliation had to be made while He was like us with full human frailty. Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV) .14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 7:25 (KJV) 25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. "able also to save them" Not a mere possibility but a reality. Christ is mighty to save. "To the uttermost" Christ fully and finally saves His people to all eternity. Perfection has come through Christ. "come unto God by Him" In and for the sake of Christ, sinners can come into the very presence of God. "ever liveth to make intercession" Christ's work continues even now and forever as effective intercession on behalf of His people. Hebrews 3:1-3 (KJV) 1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. Verse1, Solidarity with Messiah is not only one of brotherhood, but it sanctifies those united to Him. Jesus is the High priest of our profession. He is the One we confess as our Mediator with God. Jesus took part in flesh and blood so that we can become fellow heirs and partakers with Him, the call to sonship comes from heaven. Jehoshua is called an Apostle meaning one sent by God. Verse 2, Jehoshua's faithfulness to Jehovah is not contrasted with Moses unfaithfulness but rather to the position of Jehoshua's compared to Moses. Moses was part of the House of God as a servant. Verse 3, Jehoshua builds the House of Jehovah, He does not merely serve in it like the Levitical preists did. Hebrews 5:1-10 (KJV) Hebrews Chapter 5 1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Verse 1, the priests role in the old testament was to be Israel's representative in the presence of Jehovah. God's Son is a greater high priest than the Levitical preisthood under Aaron in the old testament. Verse 2, High priests could have compassion because they were subject to the same weaknesses as those they ministered to. Verse 3, the high priests did not condemn sin but offered sacrifices on behalf of sins. Taken from among men, high priests needed to sacrifice for their own sins. Verse 4, High Preists were appointed by God, though in the time of the second temple, the preisthood was sold and bought by political powers. Verses 5-6, the Messiah's Sonship and Priesthood are closely connected citing Psalm 2:7, 110:1. As God’s King and Priest, Messiah was the fufillment of Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 6:9-15). Messiah was appointed as a Priest by God the Father. Jehoshua's Priesthood is closely connected to His Sonship and so is divine. The exalted Son is also the exalted Priest over His people in fufillment of Old Testament prophecy. Verse 7, the Levitical preists offered the blood of animals. Messiah offeres up Himself in prayers "strong crying and tears". Jehoshua has wrestled in prayers and is able to sympathize with His people. "and was heard". Jehoshua was not heard in the sense that he evaded death, but was heard in the sense that the Father would give Him ultimate victory over death in the resurrection. Verses 8-9, Jehoshua experienced true suffering. This is what qualifies Him to be a High Priest and have compassion on His people. "Perfect", not moral perfection but the idea of maturity or completion of a mission. "The author of eternal salvation" Jehoshua has a perpetual priesthood that secures a perpetual salvation for His people. Obedience is not a prerequisite for salvation but is the fruit of genuine salvation. Verse 10, God spoke directly to Christ and appointed Him to this position. Christ was not after the order of Aaron because He was from the tribe of Judah. Hebrews 6:18-20 (KJV) 18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Christ sat on the throne of God at His ascension and this is the anchor of the soul for a Christian. Our connection with Christ gives us the confidence we need in the face of tumult around us. We have a King on the throne who ministers to us as High Priest not of the Levitical functions but rather a better Priesthood. "The veil" The high priest would enter once a year behind the veil into the most holy place to approach the mercyseat (Hebrews 9:24, 10:19-21). Our High Preist who is of a superior order didn't have to perform the functions of the Levitical preists but rather went right to the most holy place at His ascension. The bible says Jehoshua is the mercyseat (propitiation) for our sins. In order to be enthroned on David's throne, Jehoshua had to go to the most holy place where the Father's throne is. "Propitiation" that by which God is rendered propitious, i.e., by which it becomes consistent with his character and government to pardon and bless the sinner. The propitiation does not procure his love or make him loving; it only renders it consistent for him to execise his love towards sinners. In Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:5 (A.V., "mercy-seat") the Greek word hilasterion is used. It is the word employed by the LXX. translators in Exodus 25:17 and elsewhere as the equivalent for the Hebrew kapporeth , which means "covering," and is used of the lid of the ark of the covenant ( Exodus 25:21 ; 30:6 ). This Greek word (hilasterion) came to denote not only the mercy-seat or lid of the ark, but also propitation or reconciliation by blood. On the great day of atonement the high priest carried the blood of the sacrifice he offered for all the people within the veil and sprinkled with it the "mercy-seat," and so made propitiation. In 1 John 2:2 ; 4:10 , Christ is called the "propitiation for our sins." Here a different Greek word is used (hilasmos). Christ is "the propitiation," because by his becoming our substitute and assuming our obligations he expiated our guilt, covered it, by the vicarious punishment which he endured. (Compare Hebrews 2:17 , where the expression "make reconciliation" of the A.V. is more correctly in the RSV "make propitiation.")" Romans 3:25 (KJV) 25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Propitiation comes from the Greek word hilasterion (Strongs 2435) and means "an expiatory (place or thing), an atoning victim, or the lid of the Ark (in the Temple): - mercyseat, propitiation." This refers to the propitiatory cover of the ark of the covenant on which blood was sprinkled to cover sins. In the septuagint, the greek word hilasterion is used for the mercy seat in Exodus 25:17 Exodus 25:17 (KJV) 17And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. Mercy seat comes from the Hebrew word "kapporeth" (Strongs 3727) and means "a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred Ark): - mercy seat." The mercy seat (atop the ark) was where the High Priest sprinkled the blood seven times on the day of atonement to make atonement for all Israel. The word for mercy seat is the Hebrew word "kapporeth", root "kaphar" meaning, "to cover or purge in the sense of reconciliation or atonement. With this understanding of the word propitiation being equivalent to mercy seat, it becomes clear that Jehoshua went right to the Holy place at His ascension and didn't have to perform the Levitical functions. Romans 3:25 says that Jehoshua is the propitiation in other words "mercy-seat" for us meaning He had to go right into the most holy place to sprinkle His blood seven times. Did Jehoshua make full atonement for us? Romans 5:8-11 (KJV) .8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. The bible is crystal clear in that we have already received the atonement being made reconciled to God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ blood. The scriptures above says that we have been made justified (rendered righteous) by Jehoshua's sacrifice on the cross. The word "atonement" comes from the Greek word "katallage" (Strongs 2463) and means "exchange (figuratively adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor: - atonement reconciliation. Jehoshua's death on the cross reconciled us to the Father and restored us to divine favor. He provided atonement for us. Was this atonement for us made in full once for all at the cross? John 19:30 (KJV) 30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. "It is finished" Christ had completed the work of fufilling God's purposes (John 17:4) that He had announced in Scripture (the same verb as "Finished" is translated "accomplished" in verse 28. The price is paid in full for the elect (John 10:14-15, Mark 10:45) and the wrath of God toward believers (John 3:17, 36; 18:11). The full atonement was made at the cross for us and the scripture says that Jehoshua was the mercy-seat for our sins which proves that He had to go right into the holy place after His resurrection to sprinkle the mercy seat in the most holy place. The throne of Jehovah in the earthly sanctuary was symbolized as being in the most holy place where the real Shekinah of Jehovah would dwell. Just as in the type, the real sanctuary in heaven has Jehovah's throne in the most holy place and scripture clearly states that Jehoshua sat down on the right hand of God at His ascension and remained there afterwards. Jehoshua was even told to remain on the throne until His enemies were made Hisfootstool 1 John 2;1-2 (KJV) 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. The greek word for propitiation here is "hilasmos" (Strongs 2434) and means "atonement, expiator: , - propitiation." Scripture clearly says that Jehoshua made atonement for us and not only that full atonement "it is finished". Jehoshua is the mercyseat for us (Romans 3:25) meaning that His death provided us access into the most Holy place via His blood, as He went right into the most holy place first to present Himself before the Father after His resurrection and then again at His ascension. If Jehoshua is our mercyseat and this was done at the cross providing the atonement in full, then He did not have to perform the Levitical functions by ministering in the holy place standing up. Jehoshua went directly to the most holy place after His resurrection to sprinkle His blood on the mercy-seat and then at His ascension He went directly to the most holy place to sit down (not stand up) at the right hand of God to receive His Kingdom, throne of David, His crown, His right sceptre and His Priesthood. Jehoshua's Priesthood operates from the throne sitting at the right hand of God. His Priesthood doesn't operate standing up as the Levitical preists did standing up. 1 John 4:10 (KJV) 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Jehoshua was made the propitiation (atonement). The tense of the verse is past tense "sent His Son to be the propitiation". The atonement was done when Messiah was on earth, that's why He said "it is finished". After His resurrection, He had to go see the Father: John 20:17 (KJV) 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. In fufillment of first fruits, Jehoshua presented Himself before the Father on the same day as the firstfruits of the spiritual harvest. The Father's throne is in the most holy place and this is likely when Messiah sprinkled His blood on the mercy-seat. Colossians 1:12-14 (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:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: This passage in Colossians is clear scriptural evidence that we are currently in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Paul says that the Father qualifies and makes us sufficient (meet) to partake of the inheritance of the saints. The inheritance is the Kingdom. Paul wrote this in the first century, obviously making the Kingdom a reality all the way back to first advent. While many denominations teach a future millennium, Paul is clear that Jesus Christ Kingdom is a present reality for believers. Verses 13 and 14, when God redeems a sinner He transfers them from the power of darkness (Satan's kingdom) to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ His dear Son. The word translated can also be rendered "transferred". This speaks to our assurance of salvation and that once we are redeemed that we are effectively members of the Son of God's Kingdom. Only those who have eternal life can be members of this Kingdom (John 5:24). Jesus Christ Kingdom does not have unbelievers or those who are not part of the Family. Only those who have been given eternal life by the Son can enter into this Kingdom and only unbelief will get one kicked out. We are justified by faith in the Son of God. True faith will produce fruits worthy of repentance. Matthew 13:41 (KJV) 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; Notice that Jesus says that the unbelievers will be gathered out of His Kingdom. Being that the unbelievers will be on earth at the time of Jesus second advent, this shows us that Jesus Kingdom was here on earth. The unbelievers once living in the midst of His Kingdom (here on earth) will be gathered out of it at His return. The unbelieving were never part of the Kingdom but lived here in the midst of Christ's Spiritual Kingdom. The unbelievers were part of Satan's kingdom. Jesus said that His Kingdom comes not with observation but rather is within the heart. Many Christian's today don't realize that we are already living in Christ's millennial Kingdom as He is reigning from heaven on the throne of David. The Kingdom is Spiritual as it is not a Geo-Political kingdom. Visibly, the Kingdom is seen on earth in each believer individually and collectively in the local Church. Matthew 11:12 (KJV) 12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Many people from the time of John the Baptist Elijah message were striving to enter the Kingdom of Jesus Christ through repentance and faith. John the Baptist announced the coming of the Kingdom, Jesus was bringing it nigh unto the people (at hand) and His resurrection destroyed the devil and spoiled His kingdom. At Jesus ascension, He bound the devil and cast him into the bottomless pit after warring with him and his angels. He then went directly into the most holy place to receive His Kingdom, David's throne and crown and also His Priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek. Acts :1-8 (KJV) 1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Verses 3 and 4, After Jesus resurrection, he spent 40 days with His disciples speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Notice that Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the promised Holy Spirit that comes from the Father. This was part of the plan to bring the Kingdom in power to the Church so that they can spread it to the uttermost parts of the earth. Verses 6-7, "restore the Kingdom to Israel". The Kingdom promised to David was coming already in Christ's heavenly reign through the preachingof the gospel (Acts 2:29-30, 34; 5:30-31; 13:22-23, 32-39; 15:14-17). Thus Jesus responded to the disciples question by reminding them that they cannot know the times of His return (Matthew 24:36) but should focus on being gospel witnesses throughout the whole earth, by which the Kingdom is built. Verse 8, the commission Christ particularly gave those of His apostles who had personally seen His earthly ministry and resurrection. This is the itinerary for preaching the gospel in Acts and spreading the Kingdom of Jesus Christ as the Father would translate the redeemed into His dear Son's Kingdom. The inauguration of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah, the day of Pentecost Acts Chapter 2:1-5 1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. "every nation under heaven" The passover had drawn thousands of people from all over the known world. The miracle of Pentecost signified a reversal of Jehovah's curse on the tower of babel, which had confused and divided humanity for it's pride, whereas the gospel of Christ unites the nations to glorify God. Yet it was also a sign of judgment upon those who reject the gospel ,as much as Israel had done. The day of Pentecost inaugurated Jehoshua's Kingdom as on this day He was enthroned on David's throne and established as the everlasting King. The miracle of Pentecost help spread the gospel of Jehoshua's Kingdom throughout the earth as the Father translated many into His dear Son's Kingdom. Luke 17:20-21 (KJV) 20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. The Kingdom will not come in the flare or pomp the Pharisees are seeking. Though this may mean that the Kingdom will be manifested among Christ's disciples, it more likely signifies that God's Kingdom is initially and decisively manifest within the hearts and souls of those who are regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Jehoshua's Kingdom is not an earthly political military Kingdom but rather a Spiritual Kingdom that is present now on earth visibly seen in individual members of His Church and also collectively in local Church fellowships. Daniel 2:34-35 (KJV) 34Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.35Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. In context, this passage is about Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great image. Each section of the image represented a different kingdom. In verse 34, Daniel describes a stone cut out of a mountain without hands. This stone is the Son of God. The reference to being cut out of the mountain without hands is a reference to Jehoshua being begotten from the Father's substance and not crested. In the days of the Roman empire, Christ came to this earth and smote it. He destroyed the grip that the Roman empire had on the populace. While the Roman empire continued to exist and even thrive for awhile, eventually Christ's Kingdom overtook it as the Church grew and thirved under immense persecution from the pagan Roman emperor's. Eventually the Roman empire had to take a "if you can't beat them join them attitude". The edict of Milan lifted the ban on Christianity in the empire. The plain fact is that the Church wore out the Roman empire because the saints stood firm for their faith and the persecution of the Church only caused it to grow. This is where the part of verse 35 applies: "and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the earth" The Christian Church is equivalent to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Christ's Kingdom became a great mountain throughout all the earth even though it was severely persecuted. Just look at the Church today, over 2 billion people claim the name Christian. This large number fufills the prophecy of the the stone (Christ and His Kingdom) filling the whole earth. Even as far back in those early Church days, Christ's Kingdom had filled the whole earth. We can be certain that Christ's millennial Kingdom is now and has been since His ascension into Heaven. We are not waiting for a future 1,000 reign with Christ in His Kingdom, we are experiencing it now and have been since the day of Pentecost. The Roman empire soon broke up into different little kingdoms. Even as early as the 4th century, the Empire had weakened somewhat and was divided into east and west. Never again has the Roman empire revived. Christ's Kingdom effectively wore it out. Even though Constantine comprised the Church, Christian's would never again suffer persecution from the Imperial Roman empire. Daniel 2:44-45 (KJV) 44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. The indestructible and everlasting Kingdom designates the rule of God Himself and particularly the medatorial rule of Christ, the stone cut without hands. Christ's medatorial rule began when He ascended into Heaven and sat down on the right hand of God the Father. Remember, it was the event (Christ's ascension) that initiated Him being enthroned as King on David's throne. It was the same event which inaugurated Jesus millennial Kingdom. While Christ was coronated as King in heaven after His ascension, the Holy Spirit that He was anointed from the Father with to crown Him, overflowed to the waiting disciples on earth. This was the day of Pentecost. On the same day Christ was given His Kingdom by the Father with the ceremony in heaven, the overflowing Spirit poured out on the disciples which began the Kingdom of Christ on earth. My study on the millennium part 2
Acts 2:32-36 (KJV) 32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. God the Father raised up Jesus from the dead through the Eternal Spirit. Christ's divinity did not die while in the grave. The Godhead Family was at work in the resurrection of Christ. The Apostles were witnesses of this. Just as Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism in it's fullness, He was also anointed with the Father's Spirit in it's fulness at His ascension being exalted to the right hand of the Father. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit was a public display of Christ's royal power, as He is exalted at the right hand of God. It is noteworthy that Peter cites Psalm 110:1 to show Christ's supreme exaltation as Lord and enduring Kingship until His enemies were destroyed, just as Jesus had used this reference to declare His divinity (Luke 20:41-44, 22:69). This alone proves that the fufillment of Christ being established as the everlasting King who sits on the throne of David was fufilled at His ascension and Pentecost. In verse 36, Peter says that God the Father made Jesus both Lord and Christ, titles that were used of him on earth. The Lord a title referring to Jesus Kingship and Christ referring to being the anointed of Jehovah. After Christ finished work on the cross the Father manifested the glory of the begotten Son in a far greater way. Jesus is not a future King of the Davidic line but was made one during His earthly ministry and received His throne, sceptre, crown, Kingdom at His ascension. Philippians 2:6-11 (KJV) 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. To have the form of something is to have the very essence of the thing. Jesus Christ, being in essence God, did not view eqaulity with God as something to be stolen, robbed, or snatched because He already had it. The Son of God emptying Himself should not necessarily be taken to mean He set aside all of His divinity but rather highlights His humility. The begotten Son of God, who did not view eqaulity with God something to be grasped, in mercy took hold of the form, or essence of man as a servant. Christ was exalted at His ascension. The pathway to Christ exaltation was marked by suffering and just as He was glorified and exalted after His suffering, so too will God's children. God the Father exalted His Son because the Son's suffering was successful and the result is salvation for all those given to Christ and the glory of God the Father. One day all will know that Christ is the undisputed King and will confess as such to the glory of God the Father. Let's now go to the passage Peter refrenced in Acts 2: Psalm 110:1-7 (KJV) 1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.3Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.5The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.6He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.7He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head. David affirms the duality of the Godhead and the pre existence of the Savior. Jehovah God says to His Son "Adonai" meaning Sovereign "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." This scripture was qouted in Hebrews 1:13 which we know in context is about the exaltation of Christ to the Davidic throne after His ascension into Heaven. In verse, we read that Jehovah will send the rod of His strength out of Zion to rule in the midst of the enemies of, in one sense David, but in a greater sense the Son of God. A rod can also be interpreted as sceptre which takes us back to Hebrews 1:8-9 as this sceptre was given to Christ as the installed King on David's throne. Christ rules the earthly Kingdoms as He is the rod of Jehovah's strength that comes out of Heavenly Zion where His throne is. He rules with a right sceptre. Christ's medatorial Kingdom invades the kingdoms of this world overcoming them by His Word, Spirit, providence, and return in glory. Back to verse 1 of this passage, David calls refers to the Son of God as "Adonai" meaning Lord. David who was the ruler of God's earthly Kingdom, acknowledged, that His descendant, Christ would be Sovereign over him (Matthew 22:42-45, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44). The place of supreme honor and authority over all things in heaven and earth cited in (Matthew 26:64, Colossians 3:1, Luke 22:69, Acts 2:34-35, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20-21, Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10;12; 12:2). This implies that the earthly kingdom, centered upon Jerusalem, would be replaced with a universal Kingdom, based in heaven itself. "enemies thy footstool" denoting total victory and utter subjection (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, Hebrews 10:13). Christ's enemies will be made His footstool right before and at His second advent. In verse 4, Jehovah makes an unrevocable decree to His only begotten Son (Hebrews 6:17-18). Christ having risen from the dead, has no successor, but intercedes through the ages for His people (Hebrews 7:16-17, 24-25). Christ is a Priest of the Melchizedek order. The name means "King of Righteousness" (Hebrews 7:2). Melchizedek was the King of Salem and a Priest of the Most High God before David's Kingship and Aaron's priesthood, and thus a type of Christ (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7). Christ unites the offices of priest and king in one person (Hebrews 5:6, 10: 7:17,21; Zechariah 6:13), implying that the old covenant and Aaronic priesthood would be obselete (Hebrews 7:11-12). In verse 5, David says that the Lord (Christ) who sits at Jehovah the Father's right hand will strike through kings in the day of his wrath which is a reference to AD 70 and His second advent. It is significant that the word "Lord" in this verse is not the same as the word "Lord" used in verse 1. In verse 1, the word Lord means Adonai or Lord. In this verse the word "Lord" should be rendered as the divine name "Jehovah" (Hebrew Strongs 3068). Unlike what Jehovah Witnesses teach, the Son of God is Jehovah. This passage can also read: "Jehovah the Son at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath" Verse 6 speaks of the judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:14) as Jehovah the Son will sit on the white throne and judge the heathen nations after He has destroyed the wicked at His second advent and strewn their dead bodies all across the earth before the resurrection of the unjust. Psalm Chapter 89:1-4 (KJV) 1I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.3I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,4Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. Jehovah made an unbreakable covenant with David. The sworn promise was that David's seed would be established for ever as well as His throne. This was fulfilled in Jehoshua Messiah, God's only begotten Son. The question is, where will the Thone of David be established with Jehoshua as King? Also, when was this promise fulfilled? Psalm 89:20 20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: Jehovah chose David's family line to bring forth Jehoshua (Acts 13:22-23). Just as David was designated King by anointing with oil (1 Samuel 16:13); Jehoshua was anointed by the Father's Spirit as oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah 61:1). Psalm 89:26 (KJV) 26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Just as Jehovah adopted Israel as His Son (Exodus 4:22), Jehovah adopted the royal line of David (2 Samuel 7:14), making it a type of the eternal Son of God in His resurrected Kingship (Psalm 2:7). Jehovah the Father and Jehovah the Son are the rock of our Salvation. The Father is the mountain and the Son is the stone cut out of it without hands. Psalm 89;27-29 (KJV) 27Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.28My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.29His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. Verse 27, "Firstborn", not necessarily about birth although the Messiah is the firstborn of heaven (Colossians 1:15). In context of this passage, firstborn denotes a designation of rank and privilege (higher than the kings). This was fufilled in Christ (Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15, 18, Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 1:5). In verse 28, we see that the Father's covenant with David which prophesied of Christ being the everlasting King on David's throne was an everlasting covenant. Verse 29, Jehovah promises David that His seed will endure forever (fufilled in Christ), and his throne as the days of heaven, an everlasting throne which is fufilled in Christ. Even though Jesus will vacate the medatorial Davidic throne at His second advent and turn the Kingdom over to the Father, He still will sit as King on an everlasting throne in New Jerusalem on the new earth. Psalm 89:34-37 (KJV) 34My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.35Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. 36His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.37It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah. Verses 34 and 35 shows the surety of Jehovah the Father's words. His promise to David about his seed inheriting the throne and the Kingdom are unbreakable and immutable. Jehovah's commitment to exalt the Son of David forever is sealed with a solemn oath, communicating His unchangeable nature. The prophecy of Jesus being the everlasting King on David's throne was a covenant between Jehovah and David. Verse 36, Davids seed will last forever, this is fufilled in Christ. David's throne will be as the sun before Jehovah denoting that the future home of David's throne was to be in Heaven. Verse 37, David's throne is to be established forever as Christ is the eternal King of glory. And notice the second part of the verse says: "as a faithful witness in heaven" Christ will not rule on the Davidic throne from earthly Jerusalem in an earthly millennium but rather as the text says His throne will be a faithful witness in heaven before Jehovah God. A faithful witness denotes the justice and righteousness in which Christ will rule from the Davidic throne. As the scriptures make clear, Christ reign on the Davidic throne began at His ascension into Heaven (Hebrews 1:8-9, Acts 2:32-36). Acts 2:29-31 (KJV) 29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Peter tells the men of Israel that David is dead and buried in his sepulchre. This is significant because this is when the propechy was to be fulfilled regarding Christ inheriting the Davidic throne. Jesus could not be established as the King on David's throne while David was still alive. So in effect, Christ could not be enthroned as King while David was alive on earth or after David is to be resurrected at the end of this age inaugurating some earthly millennium. Jesus could only be installed as King on David's throne between the time of David's death and the last day resurrection. Peter then hearkens to the unbreakable covenant Jehovah made with David (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Notice that Peter says that Jehovah's promise to David would be fufilled at the raising up of Christ meaning the Son of God's resurrection and ascension. Peter says that it would be the raising up of Christ that would immediately precede His (Christ's) be sat on David's throne. Psalm 16:10 (KJV) 10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. David knew Jehovah's covenant to give him a descendant who would reign over his Kingdom forever and was enabled by the Holy Spirit to foretell Christ's resurrection. "thou wilt not leave my soul in hell". Thou will not abandon me to the grave, a reference to resurrection from the dead. David was able to forsee that Christ would not see corruption in the grave and that He (Christ) would gloriously rise from the dead. David also knew that his body would not be left in the grave and would ultimately also rise from the dead. However, he doesn't say that he won't see corruption. David only said this of Christ. Psalm 2:1-12 (KJV) 1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.11Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Verses 1-2, this opposition found climatic expression in the days of Christ (Acts 4:25-26). The nations raged and plotted vainly against Jehovah and His Christ during the Son's earthly ministry. Jesus is the divinely chosen and empowered King from the line of David. Psalm 18:49-50 (KJV) 49Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.50Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore. David as a type of Christ, calls the nations to worship Jehovah for His great salvation (Romans 15:9). "mercy, faithful love, anointed. Chosen as King. "to David and to his seed. As Jehovah promised in His covenant that was ultimately in Christ as He sits on the throne of David being established at His ascension as the King of glory. Now back to Psalm 2, verse 3, this speaks of the nations rejection of divine control and restraint. Verse 4, the Lord here mentioned is Jesus Christ, as He will have the nations who rage and plot vain things in contempt and mockery. No matter how rebellious the nations get towards the Father and Son's principles, they will be laughed at by the united Godhead Family. Verse 5, the Lord Jesus Christ will roar like the Lion of Judah that He is and strike terror in the hearts of the rebellious nations. Let us not think that Jesus Christ is anything but a Warrior King who will deal swiftly with the wicked when He sees fit to do so. Verse 6, "set my king", rebellious opposition cannot frustrate Jehovah's plan and purpose which He will fufill through the Son of David (Christ). "hill of Zion", location of Jerusalem and God's special presence in the temple - a symbol of Jehovah's Kingdom. David's immediate offspring would rule on the throne in earthly Zion and Jerusalem whereas his later offspring (Christ) would rule from Heavenly Mount Zion in heavenly Jerusalem. This was fufilled at His ascension and is in progress now. Jehovah set His Son Jesus Christ as the King of the Church (Kingdom of God) in the heavenly sanctuary in heavenly Jerusalem at His ascension leading to the day of Pentecost. Verse 7, Jehoshua's eternal glory as God's Son was declared with power at His resurrection and subsequent ascension when He was exalted as King (Acts 13:32-33; Hebrews 1:5-6; Romans 1:4). Verse 8, the Father willed that Christ intercede for His redeemed, so that they will become His inheritance and possession. "Heathen...uttermost". Christ will save people from all nations (Psalm 22:7, 72:8,11: Daniel 7:14). Verse 9, Jehoshua either conquers by grace or force. He should deal severely with those who, in unbelief refuse to submit to Him (Matthew 21:44). Verse 12, "kiss" an expression of honor and submission. This is an appeal to all peoples to submit to the Messiah who is the Son of God. Zechariah 6:9-15 (ASV) 9And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,10Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, whither they are come from Babylon;11yea, take [of them] silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;12and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah; 13even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.14And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah.15And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God. The coronation ceremony was an actual enactment to be a picture prophecy of the priestly and Kingly offices of the coming Messiah, the only one in whom these offices could unite. After the object lesson, Joshua had to vacate the throne. Verse 11, "crowns" a magnificently splendid crown. The Hebrew uses the plural to intensify. Verse 12, the Branch, a Messianic title, "he shall grow up. Literally, "he will sprout", the same root as Branch. Jesus was to begin to build the temple of Jehovah at His first advent as He had told Peter (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus has been building His Father's temple ever since. Those who repent and are born again are little stones added to the temple of Jehovah. Verse 13, Zechariah repeats that Jesus the coming Christ will build the temple of Jehovah. This was to begin being fufilled in Christ at His first advent and will continue until His second advent. "rule...be a priest. Uniquely fufilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is a Priest and King at the same time ruling on the throne of David. "Between them both", the counsel of peace is between Jehovah God and His Son Jesus Christ who sits at His right hand as the King. Verse 14, after the symbolic coronation, the crown was taken away from Joshua and kept in the temple as a reminder of the promised Royal Priest. It is noteworthy that the name Joshua, shortened form of Jehoshua, is the equivalent of Jesus. Remember, that Jesus is the promised seed of David to inherit the Kingdom and throne. The crown was taken away from Joshua after the symbolic coronation and laid in the temple awaiting the eternal King which would be Joshua's namesake "Jesus (Jehoshua) Christ". Verse 15, Zechariah's conclusion to his first message (ch.5). Widespread work on and completion of the temple would confirm his prophetic authority. |
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