Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
1John Chapter 1
1That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life2(and the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare unto you the life, the eternal [life], which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us);3that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ:4and these things we write, that our joy may be made full.5And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the 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 his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Verse 1, what beginning is John talking about? He gives us the answer, it's the beginning of Jehoshua's ministry right after He was baptized. How do we know this? Because John identifies the beginning as when he and the other apostles beheld and handled and their eyes seen the "Word of life". John and the apostles did not know Jehoshua until after His baptism. Verse 2, "the life was manifested" to the apostles after Jehoshua's baptism, as said before they knew not Jehoshua until after His anointing by the Holy Spirit. John calls this life "the eternal life" which was with the Father. This eternal life is also called the "Word of life" in verse 1. The manifestation of the Word of life was not until Jehoshua's baptism when the apostles began to hear, handle and see Him. The question now is, what was this Word prior to Jehoshua's baptism? Remember, scripture interprets scripture: Psalm 33:6 (ASV) 6 By the word of Jehovah were the heavens made, And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. Here scripture clearly tells us that the Word is actually the spoken word of Jehovah God that creates and the Word is the breath (Spirit) that comes out of His mouth. Notice that the Word of Jehovah God is not described as an actual person or being. So when John refers to the Word of life or eternal life that was with the Father, he is referencing that actual spoken Word of Jehovah which is the breath (Spirit) that comes out of His mouth. That is the Word that was manifested to the apostles in the person and ministry of Jehoshua Messiah. Jehoshua was not that Word prior to His baptism but rather that Word became manifest in Him when that Word came upon Him at His baptism and literally dwelt in Him. Jehoshua even acknowledged that the Word's He spoke were not His own but rather His Father's: John 7:16 (ASV) 16Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. Doctrine means instruction, teaching or word. Jehoshua rather than identifying Himself as "the Word" says that the words or "Word" that He speaks are not His own but rather the Father's. So the word of God is actually the very words that come out of the Father's mouth as stated in Psalm 33:6. Jehoshua spoke the actual words (commandments) of God the Father not His own. This affirmed by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-21) and John the Baptist (John 3:33-36) in addition to Jehoshua Himself. Jehoshua is what the Word of God became when that very Word through the Holy Spirit came upon Him and entered into Him at His baptism and then began to be preached and taught when He was 30 years old. The bible teaches that the Word of salvation went forth to Israel after Jehoshua was brought unto them as Savior. When was the Word of salvation made flesh, let's read what Paul says on the subject: Acts 13:23-26 23Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jehoshua;24when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, What suppose ye that I am? I am not he. But behold, there cometh one after me the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.26Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. In Verses 23 and 24 of Acts 13, Paul connects Jehoshua being brought unto Israel as their Saviour with the preaching of repentance by John the Baptist. This obviously identifies the baptism of Jehoshua as the very moment He was brought unto Israel as their Saviour. In verses 25 and 26, Paul identifies that the Word of salvation was sent forth to Israel as John was finishing his course in conjunction with the Messiah coming after him. Again, the baptism of Jehoshua is in clear view here as that is when Jehoshua came after John and then John baptized Him at which time Jehoshua was anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah to begin preaching the gospel of the Kingdom i.e. the Word of God. So the bible is clear when we let scripture interpret scripture that the Word became flesh at Jehoshua's baptism as that is the precise moment in time that He started preaching the Word of God. Scripture elsewhere confirms this: Luke 3 22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.23And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age, Do you see the progression here? Jehoshua was baptized with the Holy Spirit and then began to teach the Word of God. As Jehoshua stated in John 7:16 the Word that He spoke wasn't His but the Father's. Moses and John the Baptist also confirm that the words Jehoshua spoke were God's. When 1 John 1 refers to that Word of life or eternal life that was with the Father and then manifested to us, he is not talking about a pre existent divine being as the Word who then became manifest via the virgin birth. Rather, John is saying that the Word which was with the Father as the Father's very own spoken word and breath (Psalm 33:6) became manifest in the flesh of Jehoshua through His (Jehoshua's) teachings. This is crystal clear when we compare scripture with scripture rather than trusting in man made orthodox Church traditions. As stated in Luke 3, Jehoshua began to teach the Word of God after His baptism at the age of 30 years old. It was at Jehoshua's baptism that the Word of God became flesh. Isaiah 11 really highlights this fact: Isaiah 11:1-4 (ASV) 1And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit.2And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.3And his delight shall be in the fear of Jehovah; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears;4but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:1-4 is a clear prophecy of the baptism of Jehoshua, compare "Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him" in Isaiah with the "Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him" in Luke. The attributes of Jehovah's Spirit (Word) are outlined in Isaiah 11 such as understanding, counsel, knowledge, wisdom, might, the fear of Jehovah, Spirit of Jehovah. All of those attributes of the Jehovah's Spirit are attributes of Jehovah's Word which gives us understanding, knowledge, wisdom, counsel, might and causes us to fear Jehovah. Jehovah's Word and Spirit are one and the same. One can only speak Jehovah's after they have been anointed with His Spirit. Jehoshua confirms the equating of the Word with the Spirit: John 6:63 63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are life. Remember that Jehoshua said that the Words that He speaks are not His own but rather the Father's. The Father's words that the Son of God spoke were spirit. Jehoshua only began to teach and preach the gospel which is the Word of God after He was baptized with the Holy Spirit at the age of 30 years old. Although Jehoshua was not the Word of God before His baptism, He most assuredly is the Word of God now as every word He speaks comes from the Father. 1 Corinthians 1:24 (ASV) 24but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The Son of God is the power and wisdom of God i.e. He is the Word of God. Jehoshua is what the Word of God became at His baptism. The power and wisdom of God is expressed in His Word now made manifest (evident, clear) in the Man Messiah Jehoshua. Revelation 19:13 (ASV) 13And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God Jehoshua is properly named the Word of God as again, He is the Word of His Father manifested in the flesh. John the beloved says that the Word of life and eternal life was manifested to him and the other apostles. When was this manifestation? Many claim the Word was made manifest in the flesh at the incarnation of Jehoshua but this is not biblical as the apostles didnt know Jehoshua until after His baptism. So clearly the Word of God which is eternal life was manifested to the apostles after the baptism of Jehoshua as that is when He began to call them to follow Him. Let's go back to 1 John 1 Verse 3, "that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ" John here is telling the saints that him and the other apostles have been faithful witnesses of what they saw concerning the Messiah and also His teachings. John intimates that if they receive his witness then they will have fellowship with him and the other pillars of the Church. If those who John was addressing accepted the witness of John then they also would have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jehoshua Messiah. This goes back to Acts 2 and what is referred to as the apostles doctrine: Acts 2:42 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. The early Church was devout in staying true to the teaching of the apostles which centered on what they heard the Son of God declare and His ministry as a whole including His miracles. In verse 3 of 1 John 1, John is telling his audience that if they receive the apostles doctrine that they will have fellowship with the Father and Son. Jude 1:3 3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude gives charge to the Church to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints which is the apostles doctrine. John is basically encouraging the brethren to receive the apostles doctrine which is the faith once delivered to the saints. It is by steadfastly holding onto what the apostles taught that we stay in fellowship with the Father and Son. Verse 4 of 1 John chapter 1 "and these things we write, that our joy may be made full." John's object in writing this epistle is that the joy of him & the other pillars may be filled up. Just as a parent rejoices when their children follow & heed their instructions, John & the other pillars of the Church rejoice when they see their spiritual children follow their doctrine. Verse 5 "And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. The word "glory" derives from the Hebrew word "kabowd" and within the context refers to the splendor of Jehovah. In the Greek the word is "doxa" in which glory derives from. Doxa means "glory, glorious, dignity, worship, honor, praise". The glory of Jehovah would rest in the tabernacle of meeting during the times of Israel's wilderness experience. Later on, the glory of God would dwell in the Temple. Exodus 30;6 "You shall put this altar in front of the veil that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you. Jehovah would meet with Moses in the holy of holies and His presence would rest atop the mercy seat which was the lid of the ark of the covenant. Now in the new covenant it is Jehoshua who meets with Jehovah God in the most holy place yet this meeting is continual as Jehoshua actually sits on the Father's throne symbolized in the tabernacle as being on the mercyseat atop the ark. "The Shekhina(h) (Biblical Hebrew: שכינה šekīnah; also Romanized Shekina(h), Schechina(h), Shechina(h)) is the English transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "dwelling" or "settling" and denotes the dwelling or settling of the divine presence of God." We can rightly say that the divine presence of Jehovah God tabernacles over His Son Jehoshua in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. Not only does the shekinah (dwelling) glory "(light) tabernacle over the Son of God but it also tabernacles in Him bodily. Colossians 2:8-10 (ASV) 8Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:9for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,10and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power: Here Paul is warning the Messianic's not to be cheated by the vain philosophies of the world and man made traditions. Paul describing the resurrected and glorified Messiah (present tense) "in him" dwells all the fulness of the Majesty bodily. We know that Jehovah God is the Majesty or Godhead and it's the fulness of Jehovah's Godhead that fills Messiah fully. Let's take a closer look at the meaning of "fulness" and "Godhead". The word fulness is derived from the Greek word "pleroma" (Greek Strongs 3158) and means "what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, mutlitude), or what is filled (as container, performance, period): - which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness." Think of Jehoshua's body as a container. His body (container) is filled up to the full measure meaning all the way to the very bottom and the very top. What is it filled up with? Paul says Jehoshua's body is filled up with the Godhead or Majesty. Let's look at the meaning of the word "Godhead" which is derived from the Greek word "theotes (Strongs 2320) and means "divinity, godhead". This means that the divinity of Jehovah God who is the Godhead fully indwells His Son Jehoshua. This is powerful my friends! We can rightly say that Jehoshua is the fully divine Son of God. No need for the trinity or pre-existence for this to be true but rather the resurrection and ascension in which are Saviour and King was glorified. This gives us an appreciation for both the Father and Son being the light as the Father is the light and the Son is the light thereof. This refers both to their character and their visible glory and substance. Let's look at verses 6 and 7 of John chapter 1: 6If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the 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 his Son cleanseth us from all sin. To have fellowship with the Father is to walk in the light of His commandments which are summed up in love. The 10 commandments are a transcript of Jehovah 's character. The first 4 have to do with our love for God and the remaining 6 have to do with love for our neighbor. Jehoshua confirmed this to a fellow Jew in Mark chapter 12: 28And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, What commandment is the first of all?29Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one:30and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.31The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Jehoshua quoted the shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) which is directly related to the first 4 commandments and also quoted Leviticus 19:18 which are directly in line with the remaining 6 commandments. Do you know that love is the overriding theme of God's commandments. While many believers find no problem in loving God they often have a harder time loving their brother or sister in the faith. There are even those who have hate towards their brethren in the Church. This is what John is referring to when he uses the phrase "walk in darkness". Let's look at chapter 2 of John's 1st epistle: 9He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now.10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.11But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes. John is clear in that those who say they have fellowship with God yet hate their brother or sister, are actually in darkness. This is what he is referring to in verse 6 of 1 John chapter 1. He says that those who walk in darkness i.e. hate their brother or sister (1 John 2:9-11) lie about having fellowship with God and do not the truth i.e. keep God's commandments which are rooted in love. 1 John 5:2-3 2 Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments.3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. You cannot separate the love of God from keeping His commandments. In many of today's Messianic/Hebrew roots congregations there is an extreme focus on the externals in terms of God's commandments, however it is love which comes from the internal spirit of a man that is God's primary concern. If we love God and our neighbor then we are keeping God's commandments thereby walking in the light and doing the truth. This has nothing to do with meat and drink or even ceremonial aspects of the law but rather has to do with what's in our heart. Basically, how do we reverence God and treat our neighbor is what constitutes keeping the commandments. Love your brother or sister in the faith and you then walk in the light and do the truth thereby having fellowship with God. Hate your brother or sister in the faith and you then walk in darkness and do not the truth and lie about having fellowship with God. Look at what we get to partake in if we love our brother or sister in the faith thereby walking in the light? 1 John 1:7 7but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. We get to partake in the sweet fellowship of the saints and the blood of Jehoshua Messiah, God's Son cleanses us from all sin. It is in darkness that we receive no forgiveness because to walk in hate is to walk in unforgiveness, which then means you yourself will not be forgiven your sins. To walk in love means that you forgive your brethren of any offenses thereby you will also be forgiven your offenses. Matthew 6:14-15 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Unforgiveness often leads to resentment and sometimes even hate. When we forgive others there is a sense of love for the one forgiven. Those who forgive then have the right to the atoning blood of Jehoshua to cover their sins. 1 John 1:8 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We must be beware of deceiving ourselves in denying or excusing our sins. If we deny them the truth is not in us, either the truth that is contrary to such denial (we lie in denying our sin) or the truth of the faith is not in us. 1 John 1:8-9 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. No matter how unfaithful we may be, Jehovah is always faithful to His promises to forgive. The bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God so when we say that we have not sinned (past tense) then we make Him a liar and attempt to nullify His Father's witness that He sent us His only begotten Son to die for us. The arrogance of claiming that we have not sinned proves that God's word does not dwell in us.
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Luke 1:32-33 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:33and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. The angel of Jehovah prophesies to Mary that the Son she will bring forth will be given the throne of David and rule over the house of Israel as it's King and that His Kingdom will be forever. Most Christians forget that this was the primary purpose of the Messiah's ministry which was to establish His Kingdom and receive His inheritance which is the throne of David. Even the cross is directly related to the foundational prophecy made in 2 Samuel 7 that Jehoshua would inherit the throne of David and establish an eternal Kingdom after the holy vine of David. Unfortunately most Christians separate the significance of the cross from the main prophecy about Jehoshua receiving a throne and a Kingdom. Dispensationalism is the biggest culprit that makes a separation between the cross and the prophecy made about Jehoshua in 2 Samuel chapter 7. However, Paul the apostle beautifully makes the connection in Colossians 1:12-13: 12giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;13who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; How do we go from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God's Son? How does the Father make us fit for the Kingdom of Jehoshua? Again, we can go to Paul the apostle for the answer: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 1Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand,2by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.3For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; Paul says that in order to be saved, which is equivalent to be translated into the Kingdom of Jehoshua, is to believe that He died, was buried and rose from the dead. The cross is the focal point of the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah. What was the Father's role in this? Romans portrays this beautifully: Romans 8:28-33 28And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.29For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:30and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?33Who shall lay anything to the charge of God`s elect? It is God that justifieth; God the Father is the initiator of the salvation process. Here in Romans Paul shows that even from before we were born God foreordained us to be conformed to the image of His Son. God foreknew us and predestined us and He called us according to His purpose. In verse 32 Paul says that God spared not His own Son but freely gave Him up for us. It is because of this truth that we can rest assured that God will give us all things. So God the Father foreknows us, predestines us, calls us, justifies us and glorifies us. This is exactly how He makes us fit (meet) to be translated (transferred) to the Kingdom of His Son Jehoshua. The Son of God was the conduit in which the Father accomplished and accomplishes the plan of salvation. Jehoshua is the reconciler of God's foreordained children. John 17:6 6I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. Jehoshua acknowledges that it is the Father who gave Him the apostles. Jehoshua prays to the Father telling Him that the apostles belonged to Him (God the Father). John 17:24 24Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. Jehoshua acknowledges that it is the Father who gives Him those who would inherit salvation. John 18:9 8Jesus answered, I told you that I am [he]; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:9that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one. Jehoshua again confesses that it is the Father who gave Him the apostles and mentions a prophecy that not of those who the Father gave Him would He lose. God the Father is heavily involved in the plan of salvation from start to finish: 1 Peter 1:2-4 2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. God foreknows us and predestines us unto being begotten as sons and daughters and then keeps (preserves) us unto the end by His power. Psalms 89:28-29 (ASV) 28My lovingkindness 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. Jehovah God will honor the covenant He made with David in 2 Samuel chapter 7. Jehoshua is the fulfillment of the promise to king David that his seed (sperm) would endure forever. Jehoshua's resurrection was the fulfillment of the oath made ti David by Jehoshua: Acts 2:29-31 (ASV) 29Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.30Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;31he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. Peter directly connected the resurrection of the Messiah with fulfillment of the oath made to David that of his seed one would be raised up to sit on his throne. In Hebrews 1:8-9, which is about Messiah's exaltation and ascension into heaven, God the Father confirms that Jehoshua's throne and Kingdom are eternal: 8but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Jehoshua was enthroned on an eternal throne upon His ascension into heaven. He also received an eternal Kingdom thereby fulfilling the promise to David that his seed would last forever. The promise by Jehovah God that David's seed, throne and the covenant made with him would last forever found it's fulfillment in Jehoshua Messiah. Psalm 89:30-32 30If his children forsake my law, And walk not in mine ordinances;31If they break my statutes, And keep not my commandments;32Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes. Jehoshua spoke the commandments of the Father during His earthly ministry, let's read what John the baptist has to say about that: John 3:34-36 34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John the baptist is speaking about the Messiah and says that those who do not believe the Son will have the wrath of God abiding on them. This because the Son speaks the very words of God. Moses in Deuteronomy 18 says the same thing regarding the future Messiah. When we as followers of the Messiah fail to heed His teachings then God will chasten us as said in Psalm 89:30-32. Psalm 89:33-35 33Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.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. The promise of 2nd Samuel chapter 7 is reiterated and confirmed as Jehovah had made an oath to David that even if His seed sinned that His (Jehovah's) loving kindness and faithfulness would not be taken from the seed. Of course, the Messiah knew no sin. In verse 34, Jehovah cements His oath to David even further by affirming that He will not alter anything that came out of His lips concerning the covenant that He (Jehovah) made with David in 2nd Samuel chapter 7. This is crucial to understand, because this means that the origin of the Messiah concerning Christology has to stay true to exactly what was told to David in 2nd Samuel chapter 7. Let's take a quick look at 2 Samuel 7 and the words spoken by Jehovah concerning the Davidic covenant: 2 Samuel 7:12 12And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom Seed = carnally, child, posterity, male sperm, offspring (H strongs 2233) Proceed = begotten, bring forth (H strongs 3318) Bowels = the intestines, the abdomen, the uterus, belly, womb, or OF MEN the SEAT of GENERATION (H strongs 4578) Prophetically Jehoshua the Son of God had to proceed meaning He had to be begotten from the sperm (seed) of a male descendant of David's bowels (of men, the seat of generation). It goes without saying that the seed (sperm) comes from the male. Jehovah makes it clear that every aspect of His oath to David will be fulfilled exactly as He said it. This means that Jehovah according to His own word cannot alter the covenant He made with David in any way, shape or form. Rooted in the Davidic covenant is the fact that the future Messiah would be of the literal seed of David. This means that Jehovah, cannot at the last minute, change the promise made to David regarding his seed (flesh, sperm) enduring forever. In other words Jehovah cannot fulfill this promise to David and at the same time make Jehoshua linked to David through adoption via Joseph. Some in Christendom make this assertion because Mary has no lineage that clearly connects her to David. These Christians see that they dont have clear scripture that link Mary to David thus providing the needed seed of David in order to make Jehoshua the true Messiah. So what these particular Christians do is say that by marriage Mary becomes one flesh with Joseph thus Jehoshua in this way somehow receives the seed of David through his natural mother's marriage to a carrier of David's seed who is not His natural father. This simply won't work as Jehovah clearly says that He wont alter a thing that He told David in 2nd Samuel chapter 7. And the core theme of the Davidic covenant is that the future Messianic King has to literally be of His seed (sperm) and flesh (family heritage, lineage). Receiving the seed and flesh of David in some metaphorical or symbolic way due to His mother marrying a man who carries the seed simply won't cut it. Some Christians believe that the genealogy in Luke is Mary's genealogy, however there is not solid scriptural proof for this but it could be true. We will visit the genealogies in Matthew and Luke later on. Even if Mary was of David's line many believe that the Messiah has to receive the seed through a male descendant of David not female. The same goes for tribal affiliation, we will address these arguments later on in this study. The point of verse 34 and 35 is that the Davidic covenant has to be honored by Jehovah exactly as stated to David. In order for Jehoshua to the Messiah and the Son of David He must literally be of David's seed and flesh, a metaphorical or symbolic fulfillment will not suffice. Psalm 89:36-37 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. Jehoshua's resurrection and ascension fulfilled the prophecy of verse 36 as by resurrection Jehoshua became eternal thereby the seed of David lives forever. The ascension of the Messiah into heaven fulfilled the prophecy of the Davidic throne enduring forever as the Father told the Son: "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8). Verse 37 of Psalm 89 says that the throne of David would be established forever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. The Psalmist here in verse 37 prophesies a future transfer of the Davidic throne from earthly Jerusalem to Heavenly Jerusalem. The Davidic throne was to be established in heaven when the oath made to David was fulfilled by the future Messiah. Just like the moon, the throne would be in heaven as a faithful witness to Israel that Jehovah's covenant promise made to David was honored. Psalm 110 also forsees a transfer of the Davidic throne to New Jerusalem. Psalm 110:1-4 (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. According to Peter, the above passage was fulfilled at the resurrection and ascension of Jehoshua. He says this after saying that Jehoshua's resurrection fulfilled the oath made to David that of his seed, one would sit on his throne. Peter then alludes to Psalm 110 showing us that Psalm 110:1-4 was a prophecy about the Messiah inheriting the Davidic throne in heaven. In verse 1 of Psalm 110, Jehovah God (adonai) tells the Lord (adoni) to sit on His right hand. We know that Jehovah God dwells in the holy of holies between the cherubim above the mercy seat. Jehovah is telling the Lord Jehoshua to literally sit on His (Jehovah's) throne. We know that Jehovah's throne is a heavenly one not an earthly one. Peter in Acts 2 refers to this throne as the throne of David: 29Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.30Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set [one] upon his throne;31he foreseeing [this] spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.32This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.33Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.34For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. Peter identifies the resurrection of the Messiah as the fulfillment of the oath made to David that of his seed, one would sit on his throne. So whatever throne Jehoshua sat on after His resurrection and ascension had to be the throne of David. Peter identifies the throne of David as being at the right hand of God in heaven (verses 33-35) quoting Psalm 110 verse 1 (Acts 2:34-35) as the realization of Jehovah's promise to David that his seed, kingdom and throne would be established forever. So Psalm 110 is not about an earthly throne but about a heavenly throne. Peter connects Psalm 110 as the fulfillment of 2 Samuel chapter 7:12-14. Let's now go to the book of Isaiah for more on the origin of our King: Isaiah 9:6 6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. God appointed and sent His Son to be the promised Son of David (2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 2:7; Galatians 4:4, John 3:16). " a child is born" this passage doesn't mention a virgin birth but simply that a child will be begotten. This prophecy mentions the begetting of the Messiah. Scripture confirms scripture and to know how this child would be begotten one has to go to 2 Samuel chapter 7 that says out of the male seat of generation (bowels of a man) of David's sperm (seed) would proceed (begotten) the future Messiah. Let's go to Isaiah 11 for more clarity. Isaiah 11:1 1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Rod = twig (H strongs 2415) Branch = a shoot, descendant (H strongs 5342) Shall grow = bring forth, bear fruit, cause to be, make (H strongs 6509) Roots = a root, bottom, deep heel (H strongs 8328) Jehoshua's identity is in the stem of Jesse i.e the holy vine of David. Jehoshua is a descendant of Jesse proceeding out of his family tree. The lineage of Jesse is the tree from which the Messiah will spring forth as a branch of that family tree. Moses prophesied that the Messiah would be like us: Deuteronomy 18:15 15Jehovah thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken. Jeremiah 23:5 5 Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. The covenant promise to David remains in the time of Jeremiah the prophet. Though David's house fell to Babylon, Jehovah would raise up a new King as a living Branch out of what appeared to be a dead stump i.e. David's family tree. This reiterates that the most important aspect to the future Messiah's identity was that He would be a flesh and blood descendant of King David. The Christian church has by and large exchanged this biblical truth for the man made traditions of Orthodox Christianity namely that Jehoshua could not have been born of a male so as to not get the tint of original sin. The conclusion of this is that He had to be born without male sperm and blood and voilà, we have the virgin birth and the exaltation of Mary as the mother of God. Some traditional denominations take it a step farther and say Mary was born herself of an immaculate conception and was a perpetual virgin. Some go so far as to say that Jehoshua did not even have Mary's DNA so as to support some version of original sin. Any version of this degrades the male and his seed and exalts the woman and her egg and holds her as being more pure and pristine while the male's reproductive organs are looked at as impure and almost sinful. This mentality goes right against what the bible teaches and the prophesies of the Messiah's origin as coming from the seed (sperm) of David. Jehovah God blessed the seed of David to endure throughout all generations and forever more. Jehoshua was the fulfillment of this promise that Jehovah made to David. It is the male seed that is honored and glorified in Jehovah's eyes concerning the birth of His Messiah because it confirms His covenant made with king David. This is not to make light of Mary's role as she was highly favored in Jehovah's eyes. She was Jehovah's humble hand maiden. She is the blessed of all generations and shall be called so forever. In truth, not only is the male seed (sperm) dishonored by the virgin birth doctrine but in a sense the female productive organs as well. As stated above some teach that Jehoshua took no part of Mary's DNA and simply passed through Mary as water does from a pipe. As you can see the virgin birth doctrine actually demeans both David and his descendant Joseph and Mary the humble woman who brought forth Israel's savior. The virgin birth has led some denominations to outright worship Mary which has caused a backlash against the biblical Mary by many Protestants and Evangelicals as well as other groups. The truth is that we should honor Mary as scripture says she would be throughout all generations. Far from devaluing Mary we as Messianic's/Christians need to appreciate her role in bringing forth the King of Israel. I believe the virgin birth which has resulted in Mary worship in some circles has made many true believers gun shy in expressing their admiration (not worship) for the Messiah's mother. So not only does the virgin birth doctrine diminish Josephs role in the Messiah's birth but also Mary's as some Protestants go so far as to say Jehoshua didn't partake of Mary's DNA or flesh in the conception and birth process. Let's read the joy expressed by Elizabeth upon her cousin Mary visiting her: Luke 1 38And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.39And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;40and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth.41And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit;42and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?44For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.45And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord. Elisabeth, Mary's cousin, filled with the Holy Spirit joyfully exclaims that Mary is blessed among women, and blessed is the fruit of her womb. Elisabeth by the Holy Spirit knew that in Mary's womb was the Messiah of Israel. Even her baby, John the baptist, leaped upon hearing the voice of Mary. Elisabeth also praises Mary for her belief in the things prophesied unto her by the angel of Jehovah. Elisabeth, filled with the Spirit, affirms that the things spoken to Mary by the angel will be fulfilled. We should honor Mary for her faith and her humility as Jehovah God chose her as the vessel to bear His Son and Messiah. The virgin birth only skews things whereas Mary bearing the Son of David via the seed of David through Joseph gives us a balanced view of the blessed Mary. The humble hand maiden of Jehovah, Mary was blessed among women and we still can look at her in that way. We need not go to the extreme of worshipping her or the other extreme of disregarding her. The virgin birth creates this type of extreme reaction on both sides of the ledger. To say that the Son of God took no part in Mary's DNA or flesh is an outright disrespect to Mary. I realize that not all Protestants believe this but some have gone to this extreme as a reaction to Mary worship which the virgin birth doctrine promotes. If we understand the biblical truth that Jehoshua was begotten by Joseph then the complications of Mary exaltation go away as well as the opposite reaction of almost dismissing her role in bringing forth the Messiah. If the bible says that Mary is to be called the blessed of all generations then we should have no problem proclaiming her as such. We as Messianic's have no problem honoring men and women of the bible who did great things so why not Mary who was chosen by Jehovah God to bear His Son and raise Him. Jehoshua didn't raise Himself but Mary and Joseph were both given the pleasure of raising the future Messiah in the ways of the God of Israel.
Galatians 6:14-16 (ASV) 14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.17Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. Those who are the Israel of God glory solely in the cross of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah. This leads us to the topic of this study, who exactly is the Israel of God? In many denominations, the precious truth of who the Israel of God is has been stolen from the Church and the saints have been robbed of their true identity. The culprit of this strong arm robbery is the doctrine of dispensationalism. Without going into too much detail, this doctrine teaches that there is a distinction between Israel and the Church. This false ecclesiology leads to two different gospels, one for the Jews of the flesh and one for Gentiles of the flesh. There are many other false teachings that result from this doctrine which I won't get into here. The doctrine of dispensationalism is a new one having it's origin in the 1800's. Before this time period, there is no evidence that the Church ever taught the doctrine of dispensationalism. In this study, I will show from scripture that the Israel of God and the church are one and the same and that there is absolutely no distinction in the new covenant between Jew and Gentile. I will show from scripture that there is only one Israel and that is the church of Jehoshua Messiah. In the above passage, Paul is speaking to Messianic/Christian believers whether Jew or Gentile. The Israel of God comprises the full company of Jehovah's people regardless of their ethnic identity: Galatians 3:26-29 (ASV) 26For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.28There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.29And if ye are Christ`s, then are ye Abraham`s seed, heirs according to promise. Paul clearly states that in Messiah there cannot be any Jewish/Gentile distinction yet much of Christendom today is putting up those distinctions again thereby being outside the commandment of Paul the apostle. Paul says we (Jew and Gentile) are one in Messiah. This one signifies absolute unity and equality among those united in the Son of God. Paul makes it crystal clear that ethnic distinctions in the body of Messiah have no place. In fact, those of us who are in union with the Messiah are Abraham's seed. The seed is spiritual as we are united to the physical seed Jehoshua. Only those baptized into Jehoshua have the privilege of being Abraham's seed. It has absolutely nothing to do with your ethnicity in the new covenant. Those of us who are baptized into Jehoshua are joint heirs with Him according to the promise made to Abraham. Again, I stress as does Paul it has nothing to do with what ethnic group you were born from. It has everything to do with if you have faith in the Son of God. Just in this passage alone, Paul destroys the ethnic barriers that many professed Christians are putting up again due to the satanic doctrine of dispensationalism. Let's go back to Galatians 6 Verse 14: "But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world." In context, Paul is rebuking the Judiazers who are trusting in the law of Moses for salvation and insisting that Messianic believers get circumcised. Verse 15 "For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." Paul makes it clear that in the new covenant, circumcision is of no consequence. Paul emphasizes the new birth experience (new creation) of which baptism is a sign. Verse 16 "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." We have to ask, what rule is Paul talking about? Those to whom circumcision avails nothing and who only glory in the cross of our King Jehoshua Messiah. In other words your glory cannot be in the law and you must be a new creature by faith in the Son of God. Infact, elsewhere Paul says those still caught up in the old covenant have no inheritance with those in the new covenant. So in order to be partof the Israel of God you must meet the qaulifications set by Paul which is no boasting in the law of Moses of which circumcision is a sign. Your boast must be in the cross of our King Jehoshua Messiah of which baptism is a sign. This shows clearly that the Israel of God in the new covenant is a Spiritual nation made up of all tribes, tongues and nations that trust in the cross of Jehoshua and are new creations by faith (Galatians 3:28-29). The Israel of God does not go back to or mix in the old covenant with the new covenant. Messiah rejecting Jews are still in the old covenant and have no inheritance with the Israel of God. Let's now go to Galatians 4 for an even swifter rebuke of those promoting the satanic error of dispensaltionalism. Galatians 4:21-31 (ASV) 21Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?22For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. Paul uses an allegory to make the distinction between those Jews who are still caught up in the old covenant and the true Israel which fully embraces the new covenant. Verses 21, There were those in the Church who still wanted to be under the law. What law is Paul talking about? In context, the law of Moses is in clear view. We are seeing a repeat of this with the rise of the Hebrew roots movement. Also, many dispensaltionalists support modern Jews to keep the law of Moses as a way to be justified with or sometimes without Messiah. Both are heresy! Verse 22, Paul uses Abraham's two sons as an allegory. Ishmael was born of the bondwoman (Hagar) and Isaac by a freewoman (Sarah). It's important to understand that Isaac was referred to as Abraham's only begotten son: Hebrews 11:17 17By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; This is significant because it shows us that the term "only begotten son" refers to being the son of the inheritance. Obviously its not to be taken literally as Abraham had another son. It's important to understand the meaning of the term "only begotten son" in the context of Galatians 4 as it highlights the danger of going back to the bondage of the old covenant system. You could actually lose your inheritance by going back to the old covenant system and law of Moses. Before breaking down verse 23, let's look at something Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15 which although not directly related to what Paul is preaching here in Galatians 4 still makes the point that those of the flesh have no part in the eternal Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. 1 Corinthians 15:50 50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Now of course Paul is talking about the resurrection and the literal transformation of the body but we can also glean a spiritual understanding from it in that those not made into a new creation in this life are still of the flesh and will not inherit the Kingdom of Jehovah God. The Messiah Jehoshua confirms this in John chapter 3:5-10 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born anew.8The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.9Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things? What matters in terms of seeing the Kingdom of God is not that which is born of the flesh including Jews of the flesh but rather that which is born of water and the Spirit. Those born of water (baptism) and the Spirit i.e. begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah are those who will see the Kingdom of God. It is plain as day that ethnic fleshly distinction means nothing in terms of inheriting the Kingdom of God but rather being a new creature as stated in Galatians 6:15. Who are those born by the Spirit? Those to whom circumcision avails nothing and who only glory in the cross of our King Jehoshua Messiah. Those who have faith in Jehoshua. Who are they in regards to ethnicity? Jews only or mostly? Let's go to Revelation 7 for the answer: 9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; All nations are the ones who have faith in Jehoshua and inherit the Kingdom. Daniel 7 reiterates this precious truth: 13I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even 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 the peoples, 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. All nations, languages and peoples have and will continue to serve the Son of God into eternity. This passage was fulfilled at the ascension of the Messiah into heaven. Every time someone is saved this passage continues to be fulfilled. Notice in Jehoshua's statements to Nicodemus, that He never says being a Jew has anything to do with seeing the Kingdom of God or being "begotten from above" (born again). Jehoshua actually nulifies any possiblity that what you are in the flesh in terms of ethnicity has any bearing on you being a new creature (begotten from above). "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born anew.8The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit" Jehoshua makes a sharp contrast between those of the flesh and those of the Spirit. One group will not see the Kingdom of God (those born in the flesh) i.e. including Jews who are not born of the Spirit and one group will (those born of the Spirit) i.e. all tribes, tongues and nations who are born of the Spirit. Jehoshua is removing any possiblity that one can trust in their ethnic identity for entrance into the Kingdom God including Jews. Notice the Jew Nicodemus and his response to Jehoshua after being told that the flesh, meaning what nationality, ethnicity and race you were born into will not grant you entrance into the Kingdom of God. "Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?" Nicodemus couldnt understand the spiritual things Jehoshua just told him. The same cloud is over many of those today in the Church who outright ignore the Messiah's teaching here in John 3 that your birth in the flesh means nothing in terms of seeing the Kingdom of Jehovah God. This includes being born a Jew. Many in the Church are exalting those who are Jews of the flesh completey ignoring the Son of God's teaching that your birth means nothing in terms of gaining entrance into the Kingdom. Some Christians even imply that Jews of the flesh dont need to accept Jehoshua for salvation as long as they keep the law of Moses. Jehoshua clearly said that it is the Spiritual birth that matters not the physical birth which is directly tied to your gender, ethnicity, nationality and race. These professed Christians have exalted the fleshly pride of the Jews even to the point of wanting to learn the scriptures at the feet of Messiah rejecting Jews. Let's read Jehoshua's response to Nicodemus in order to find out if we should learn the scriptures from those Jews who trust in their ethnic identity: John 3 10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things? Nicodemus lived 2,000 years ago meaning he was 2,000 years closer to how the religion of the Jews was really practiced. Yet despite his promixity to a much purer yet still corrupted Jewish religion he could not understand the spiritual teachings of Jehoshua who is Israel's Messiah. Yet many Christians today are putting their faith in Messiah rejecting Jews as having a better understanding of the faith and/or going to the Jews to learn the faith in a more Hebraic way. Nicodemus, being a Jew, was spiritually blinded yet are we really to put trust in modern Jews views of scripture just because they are Jews? If they reject the Son of God then they are worse off than Nicodemus. Why are Christians exalting the flesh i.e the Jews? Because they have been decieved by their dispensational pastors and theologians that somehow the Jews just by being Jewish are the chosen people still and have a special standing and relationship with God. This is absolutely contrary to what the Messiah said in verse 6 of John 3: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Those who are of the flesh are blinded and cannot see spiritual things including the Kingdom of God. If this is true and it is then why are Christians giving Messiah rejecting Jews some special sort of status, as if by being Jewish they have some special insight into the scriptures. Just as it was then it is now, Jews who reject the Messiah are blinded to spiritual things. They are of the flesh trusting in their Jewish heritage i.e the flesh. Those who are of the flesh are also carnal minded and thus cannot understand spiritual things. Romans 8:5-9 5For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:7because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be:8and they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Here in Romans 8, Paul echoes the sentiments of the Son of God in stating that those of the flesh mind the things of the flesh meaning that they won't be able to comprehend spiritual matters. This statement by Paul is an indictment of those Jews who think that just because they are Jews that they are more privileged than others and that their ethnic identity gives them a free pass to eternal life or makes them somehow more intune to the things of scripture and God. Infact, Paul says that those in the flesh ar at enmity against Jehovah and His law. This statement includes any Jew who rejects Jehovah's Messiah. Many will say that the Jews do keep Torah so this statement doesnt apply to them, but that idea is refuted by the fact that we are no longer under the old covenant system and the Mosaic law. The bible is clear that we are in the new covenant and the law of Messiah and many Jews outright reject both thereby they are law breakers. And these are the people that dispensationalists want to glean from? This delusion not only affects the dispensationalists but also the Hebrew roots and Messianic groups who put a huge emphasis on anything Jewish even if it is hearkening to rabbi's who reject the Son of God and the new covenant. A Christian/Messianic is actually taught to reject the teachings of anyone not bringing the doctrines of the Messiah and that includes any Jew no matter smart they are and how much Hebrew they know. The Church need not exalt men just because they are Jewish even if they have extensive biblical knowledge (old testament of course) . The Church is supposed to glean from the ministers who guide us into a perfect knowledge of the Son of God, the very Son of God many Jews reject. We should not even glean from any Jew that denies Messiah. Paul in Romans 8:6 says to be carnally minded is death. Isn't it something that you have professed believers in Messiah going to dead Jewish men to somehow learn more about the Messianic faith? Yet this is what is happening throughout the Church, believers in the Son of God are feeling that in order to have a deeper and more true faith that they need to sit at the feet of Jews and many times Jews that reject the Messiah. Even if a Jew does believe in the Messiah this in itself makes him no more qaulified to teach the scriptures than anyone else. Many Jews who teach the word, whether Messianic's or Messiah rejecters, often times have the law of Moses as their focus and many even teach that we need to go back to keeping the law of Moses. Yet this is what Paul says is the job duty of a new covenant minister of the Church: Ephesians 4:10-14 10He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)11And he gave some [to be] apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:13till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:14that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; The job of Church ministers, which we all are by the way, is to bring the saints into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. If this is the job requirement of those in ministry then why in the world are believers going to Messiah rejecting Jews for a deeper understanding of the scriptures? Both Jehoshua and Paul teach that those not in the faith (of the flesh) have nothing to offer those who are in the faith (of the Spirit). The beloved disciple John is even stronger in this sentiment: 2 John 9-11 9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.10If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:11for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works. John says we are to having nothing to do with those who preach false doctrine, specifically doctrine that doesn't line up with the teachings of Jehoshua i.e. the doctrine of Messiah. This statement by John removes any room for believers to go to Messiah rejecting Jews for understanding of the bible. Messiah rejecting Jews do not bring the doctrine of Messiah as they dont believe in Him and they actually believe He was a false prophet. How then do professing Christians justify sitting under these antimessiah's teachings and reading their books? John says these Messiah rejecters and false teachers (Jew or Gentile) do not have God. Why would we seek to glean biblical truth from those who dont have God? Paul says that these so called teachers have not the Father or the Son. That means that not only do Messiah rejecters have not the Son of God but they also don't have the God of Israel Jehovah. This also includes those teaching false ideas about the Messiah and His teachings. John goes one step further and says not only are se not to allow them in our house but we also are not to bid them God speed. This is a far cry from exalting and even learning from Jews of the flesh who reject the Messiah. John says we are not to have anything to do with them or there teachings. This obviously includes Jewish rabbis who reject the Son of God or even Messianic rabbis who seek to bring believers back under the old covenant system or at least some form of it. Sabbath-New Testament Study
Matthew 5:17-19 (KJV) 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus makes it clear in verse 17 that the Law (10 commandments) are not destroyed by him. They are fufilled rather by his revealing the true meaning and spirit of it's precepts. Verse 18, should be a clincher that we are still to keep the Moral Law (10 Commandments). Jesus in a crystal clear manner says, until Heaven and Earth pass away, that not one jot or tittle will in no way pass from the law (The Decalogue). As we know, Heaven and Earth have not passed away so therefore the Law and it's precepts are still in effect. This is talking about the 10 Commandments specifically not the ceremonial law of sacrifices or the civil law of the levitical preisthood. Furthermore in verse 19, Jesus warns all future teachers of God's word, that if they teach other's to break even the least of the 10 Commandments then they themselves will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. Many Christians today call the sabbath the least of the commandments of God, even though it's listed as the 4th and it is said for us to remember it. For arguments sake, let's say the sabbath is the least of the 10. Jesus in verse 19 clearly says that even teaching other's that they don't have to keep the least of the 10 Commandments will be looled at as the least in his Kingdom. Not only the Kingdom to come but also in his Kingdom now here on earth and in heaven. Notice that the 4th commandment of keeping the sabbath is right after the commandments in regards to how we worship Jehovah. The first two deal with idolatry and the third with taking his name in vain. These are instructions in how to and not to worship God. The Sabbath commandment which is right after these three instructions on how to worship God, give us another decree on the way we worship him. By keeping the seventh day, we are making a clear distinction that we are worshipping the God of creation rather than creation itself as the first 2 commandments speak about. This is why it is essential to reject evolution because it denies the sanctity of the Hallowed Seventh day where God rested from his works. I believe in a literal 6 days of creation and the rest of Jehovah on the seventh day. The seventh day is a sign and a mark of Jehovah creating this world and is a very essential part of his identity and distinction from false gods. Mark 2:27-28 (KJV) 27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Sabbath made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This is in no way abolish's the Sabbath as being the Lord's day but rather puts it into the proper perspective that it isn't about the nuanced legalistic approaches (pharisaical) to keeping this day unto the Lord but rather a day of resting in the Lord hence made for the man. We keep from working, doing our daily pleasures and give our attention and devotion to Jehovah. Too many Christians are mindful about wordly things (the cares of this world) 24/7. Think how about how many Christians would have so much more peace if they rested on the Lord's day (The Sabbath). Jesus was rebuking the pharisees legalistic approach to the Sabbath not the actual Sabbath keeping. It's ironic how many Christians lament the removal of the 10 Commandments from public institutions but don't actually keep the 10 Commandments in practice by not resting on the Sabbath. Some Christians will then say "I work Monday - Friday Saturday is my day to take care of other things and enjoy entertainment and shopping. Or they will say "I have to work on Saturday, my job requires it". Well you then are leaning on your own understanding and not trusting God. Jehovah will honor when you obey his Sabbath ordinance not your legalistic keeping of it but your spiritual keeping of it which is nurtured by not working and not involving yourself with the daily activities of this world such as sporting events or entertainment. Gathering with the Saints and prayer and worship and studying will nurture your keeping of the Sabbath. We already devote so much time to the entertainment of this world and also work, that Jehovah is indeed worthy of one day solely set apart for him. What's wrong with that? Is he not worthy of it? Are you not wanting the blessings that come with entering the Lord's day of rest? So many Christians are burned out from going to and fro and then wonder why they lack peace. Setting apart a whole day for the Lord where you worship, pray, study and gather with the Saints and without taking part in working or your pleasures such as hobbies or worldly entertainment such as sports and secular movies will drastically draw you closer to Jehovah. Luke 6:1-11 (KJV) 1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; 4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? 5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. 6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. Verse 1- By plucking the ears of corn Jesus and his disciples were not violating the Sabbath as they were not using a sickle but their hands (Deuteronomy 23:25). Verse 2- The Pharisees by their man made traditions made the Law of God (The command to keep the Sabbath) of no effect. Their accusation that Jesus and his disciples were breaking the sabbath had no biblical support. Realizing this as Christians is important, so that we don't use this passage as an excuse not to keep the Sabbath day as Holy thinking Jesus and disciples were disregarding it. Deuteronomy 23:25 makes it clear that Jesus and his disciples were not violating the Sabbath day. Verse 3 and 4-Jesus brings to remembrance to the Pharisees about David eating the shewbread which was hallowed, if you read the passage of 1 Samuel 21 1:1-7 you will see that David and his men kept themselves from women or in David's words "women have been kept us". David also said that the vessels of the young men were Holy. Many have read verse 3 and 4 and concluded that David and his men eating the shewbread was something that was done in haste and in a disregard for what was lawful. However reading the passage in 1 Samuel, you see that David and his men still had to meet the criteria of having clean vessels (no sexual relations for at least 3 days as David states). Also, David didn't just take the bread but the preist Ahimelech gave it to him after David confirmed him and his men's cleanliness. It's Highly unlikely that David would have took the bread without the Preist Ahimelech giving it to him. Reading Luke 6:3-4 without reading 1 Samuel 21 1:1-7 is a disservice to this text, because one can easily come to the conclusion that David disregarded the law of God for his temporal needs. As a righteous man, David still went through the preisthood to be granted permission for he and his men to eat the hallowed shewbread. Also, one cannot use the story of David and the shewbread to justify not keeping the sabbath. The Law of God including the Sabbath was still in effect before and after David and his men partook of the hallowed shewbread. Nothing changed pertaining to God's Law as a result of what David did in 1 Samuel 21 1:1-7. This is important to note because many use this story as an excuse that we still don't need to observe the sabbath. Jesus's point here, is that doing good on the sabbath unto the Lord supercedes the man made ordinances created by the religious. For example, as we keep the Sabbath there may be times where an urgent situation arises that may call for you to do something you wouldn't normally do during your sabbath observance. Say someone calls you on the phone and ask you to go and buy them some medicine at a pharmacy because they are feeling very ill, would you not do this for them because of your sabbath observance of no selling or buying? Of course as a loving child of God you would do as Ahimelech did with David and go and supply the urgent need of a loved one. Now, it would be up to your discernment as to whether the situation called for you to go outside your technical sabbath observance just as Ahimelech verified with, David that him and his men had kept themselves Holy by not going into women for at least three days. For example, you get a call from a worldly relative or friend that they are sick and throwing up. This was a result of drinking and partying the night before. They need you to bring them medicine which means you need to go to the store to buy it. In this case, because their sickness is a result of their own sin and disobedience, I would not go outside my normal sabbath observance routine to buy medicine at a store. Remember, Ahimelech didn't flippantly give David the hallowed shewbread. He made sure David and his men had kept themselves Holy before handing over the shewbread to them. Remember, that satan knows you obey God's fourth commandment and he will use people to get you to disregard the sabbath. So, in doing your due diligence as a Christian, ask the person who calls you how they got sick and then determine whether you should go outside your normal sabbath keeping observance routine and buy them medicine. The person who calls doesn't necessarily have to be a Christian for you to love and do good to them but as long as their being sick isn't a result of sinful conduct. Be like Ahimelech and ask questions regarding the person's Holiness so to speak. Again, I must clarify that the person doesn't have to be a Christian but as long as they weren't doing anything sinful which led to their sickness. If it was an emergency type situation, then certainly God may be using you to take care of them even if the situation was a result of their sin. What I'm talking about above is more common type sicknesses. Verse 5- Key verse here, Jesus stated here "That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." Lord=kurios (Greek) which means supreme in authority (supremacy) God, Lord, master, owner, controller, master of the sabbath for example. Jesus clearly states that he has authority over the sabbath. It's very important to note that Jesus never in this passage nullifies, does away with or discourages the keeping of the sabbath day which he is Lord of. His point in this whole passage was that he was Lord of the sabbath, meaning he had supremacy over it. Using David as an example, Jesus made it clear that doing righteous Godly works even in/on what is Holy supercedes man made ordinances that make the Law of God no effect. Reading the passage in 1 Samuel 21 1:1-7 illustrates that David eating the shewbread was not done flippantly and that Ahimelech the preist also made sure David and his men kept themselves Holy, before giving them the hallowed shewbread. Basically Jesus was telling the Pharisees that they missed the whole point of the sabbath which was a gift to us from Jehovah. This gift is one of rest and undistracted worship of God which only benefits us. The Pharisees had made it a burden upon men whereas Jehovah made it to be a delight for us. Jesus being the Lord and owner of the sabbath had the authority to do away with it and nullify it. However notice in this passage he never did such a thing but only rebuked the Pharisees man made ordinances pertaining to sabbath keeping. Jesus and his disciples also didn't violate the sabbath by plucking the ears of corn with their hands as they didn't use the sickle. Christians cannot use the excuse that Jesus violated the sabbath or that he did away with it in this passage as neither of those options took place here in Luke 6:1-5. Remember David was a type of Christ and just as Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. David as a royal representative of God's people at that time, just as Jesus is the Church's royal representative in our times, had authority to ask for the shewbread. Even then, David had to state his cleanliness and Holiness before being given what, was hallowed. Jesus our Lord is Holy by nature and essence being Jehovah, so he didn't need to prove anything to the Pharisees but still gave them the 1 Samuel 21 1:1-7 story of the shewbread to prove his point of proper sabbath observance and what it truly is rather than burden filled man made dictates. This passage is about proper sabbath keeping not the doing away with or the advocating of violating it. Verse 6- We see that Jesus taught on the Sabbath indicating that he kept the day as Holy as was the custom of the Jews. Verse 7-11, It's important to note here that the religious leaders of Jesus time, the scribes and Pharisees were turning the sabbath into a burden on men's backs. Their hearts were far from God even though they were keeping the ordinances of the sabbath given by God and also keeping the man made ordinances that were added without God's permission. They were Itching to catch Jesus violating their man made ordinances of the sabbath. This shows that their heart was from God and that they didn't understand his purpose for the sabbath in the first place. According to Isaiah 58:13-14, the sabbath was meant to be a delight for us but the religious leaders of Jesus day had turned it into a grevious burden with all their man made rules. Jesus knew their thoughts and proved to them, by calling forth the man with the withered hand for healing, that the sabbath was intended to be a delight for men/women and on top of that it was lawful to do good on the sabbath. These scribes and Pharisees were so blind and hard hearted, that while keeping the sabbath in deed they were actually violating it in heart. Jesus made it clear that it is lawful to save life and heal on the sabbath. Note that Jesus never once here rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for keeping the sabbath but rather their evil burden bearing on men practice of it. They turned what was Holy into just another set of man made rules and regulations. They used the 4th commandment as a tool to put men/women in bondage rather than encourage them to delight in what the Lord consecrated and sanctified. Just like today, religious leaders will turn what God intended as a blessing into a bondage for their flocks. Them doing this, doesn't nullify what scripture teaches and the need to obey God's commandments but rather we are to ignore these false religious leaders man made understanding of scripture. We are to be obedient to what the Bible says about a certain subject. The lesson to be learned here is that we are always to go with what scripture teaches rather than what man teaches. Man's corruption of God's commandments doesn't nullify them but rather should redirect us back to the pure keeping of them as Jehovah intended. Some have used this passage to nullify sabbath keeping for the Christian, however nowhere in this text does Jesus abolish the 4th commandment. John 5:1-18 (KJV) 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus healed the lame man on the sabbath day again proving his own words that it is lawful to do good and heal on the sabbath. The Jews had distorted the sabbath so much that they accused the lame man of breaking the sabbath just by the fact he carried his bed. This was a false accusation that didn't have it's roots in Jehovah's original intention for the sabbath as a delight for men/women. After inquiring of the healed man, they learned that Jesus had told the man to carry his bed after being healed. Jesus was in the temple when he told the healed man to sin no more as would be his custom of keeping the sabbath day. The Jews who were there, were so filled with evil that they couldn't even praise Jehovah for the healing of the formerly lame man but actually sought to kill Jesus. This was all because Jesus allegedly violated the sabbath which was a false accusation. By healing the lame man, Jesus was actually honoring the sabbath day by doing good. He also told the man to sin no more. Doing good on the sabbath is lawful according to Jesus. Now, we don't use this as an excuse to do whatever we want on the sabbath and call it "good". When Jesus talks about it being lawful to do good on the sabbath it's in the context of helping people in their time of need, spiritually and/or physically. By need physically, things like sickness or even helping someone out who is stranded because their car broke down. This physical need is not to be used to violate the sabbath in the sense of work. For example, a friend or family member calls and "needs" help doing household chores or help coaching his son's football team that day, this type of physical "need" is something we don't participate in on the sabbath, as it is causing us and others to work thereby violating the creation ordinance of the sabbath rest day. By need, I mean someone who falls ill, needs a ride to the hospital, needs help finding their dog or child who is lost. Needs food taken to them as they are unable physically to get it for themselves. We always want to help those in spiritual need which can also be on the sabbath. What we don't do on the sabbath is work nor do we buy or sell publicly. We use this rest day to worship Jehovah and his Son Jesus Christ without distractions. We don't do our own pleasures on this day such as secular entertainment of any kind or engaging in any secular activity. Notice that Jesus was not violating the Sabbath in healing this man. This verse can in no way be used to nullify the command to keep the Sabbath Holy. Jesus didn't violate the rest day by the healing of the lame man. Jesus also, in response to the Jews in the passages after verse 18, didn't do away with the need to keep the sabbath. He simply spoke of the Father and the works which would be done by himself (Jesus) just as the Father does those things. His rebuke of the Jews here didn't include doing away with of the sabbath. John 14:15-21 (KJV) 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Verse 15- 16- Very direct and to the point. Jesus commandments are also that of the decalogue (10 Commandments). Jesus taught his disciples to obey the 10 Commandments in Matthew 5:17-28; 12:1-13;15:3-9; 22:37-40. If we keep his commandments then he will send us the Comforter so that he will abide with us forever. Jesus said "if" you love me you will keep his commandments inferring that if you don't keep, his commandments which include the sabbath then you don't love him. Again, the sabbath is never nullified here and is never made as an exception in regards to keeping the 10 Commandments. Verse 21- Jesus restating that those who hath and keep his commandments (the 10 of the decalogue sabbath included) are the ones who love him. Jesus leaves no room for confusion here, you either keep his commandments proving that you love him or you don't keep his commandments proving that you don't love him with all your heart, mind and soul. Look at the second part of this verse. Jesus says that the person that loves him is the one who hath and keeps his commandments (Decalogue). This person will then also be loved by the Father. Jesus then says he himself will love us and manifest himself to us. The root of receiving Jesus and the Fathers love is in keeping their commandments, which there are 10, including the 4th which is keeping the sabbath holy. By not keeping the commandments of Jesus, we put ourself at risk of not receiving the Fathers love or of the Son's. We also are not loving God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart, mind and soul. Romans 2:12-16 (KJV) 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Verse 12- We see here that the Law is the standard by which men will be judged who have the law which was Israel (primarily made up of Jews) in the old covenant and in the new covenant it's Israel (now made up of Gentiles and Jews alike) which is the Church. We as the Church will be judged according to the law. Why is this? Because we have the law which is God's 10 Commandments and should know that we need to keep them. God winks at ignorance, so those who sin without the law will perish without law. Verse 13- This is a clear scripture that those who are doers of the law will be justified. The law of course pertaining to the 10 Commandments which include the sabbath. The warning here is clear that just hearing the law (going to church and/or reading the Bible) will not justify you. Brethren, going to church and even reading the Bible will not save you. What will save you and make you just before Jehovah is doing the things of the law which includes all 10 Commandments which the sabbath is the 4th one. Shall be justified=dikaioo (greek) which means to render just or innocent, free, justify, be righteous, to regard as just, to declare one to be just, to declare anyone to be virtuous and to be good, to vindicate, to approve, to absolve from the consequences of sin, admit to the enjoyment of divine favour. Verse 14- 15- When the gentiles who have not the law, keep it by nature as it is written in their hearts, they are a law unto themselves. The law of God being written in their hearts, meaning they didn't need stone tablets to know what is God's law and that they should keep it. Their conscience and thoughts bear witness of this in that they shew the work thereof. In other words, their actions of keeping the law by nature are a result of the law being written in their hearts and their conscience and thoughts bear witness of this. They are mindful of the things of God's law. It's deep in their conscience and they think about Jehovah's law. They don't need stone tablets to obey and know his law. So our hearts, consciences and thoughts either accuse us by not keeping the law or they excuse by keeping the law which includes the 4th commandment of keeping the sabbath holy. Verse 16-Our hearts, thoughts and consciences which contain the secrets of men will be judged by God by Jesus Christ (The White Throne judgment) according to the gospel of which include the 10 Commandments. 1 John 2:3-4 (KJV) 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. The above two verses couldn't be any clearer regarding keeping the commandments of God which the sabbath is the fourth of such. The inference here is that if we don't keep his commandments then we don't know "Him" (Jesus Christ). It is by faith in Jesus Christ, that we then seek to keep his commandments. By keeping the sabbath (among the other 9 commandments) which is the 4th commandment, we know God and we know that we know "Him". The proof that we know "Him" is in our keeping "His" commandments. The word "If" is key here because it infers that not keeping "His" commandments is showing that we don't know "Him" (Jesus Christ). Verse 4 proves that those who say they know Christ but yet keep not his commandments ( Decalogue included-Moral Law-10 Commandments) are Liars, and the truth is not in them. In other words, these type of people are deceived. They have chose blindness rather than the truth and have then deceived themselves. I believe God is a just God and he also looks at the heart of man and knows men have been lied to and there is grace for those who have been misled by sheperds. However, once the truth of the need to keep the 10 Commandments is brought to someone's attention then they are mandated to research for themselves like a Berean to see if it is true (need to keep 10 Commandments). And even if people have been deceived by teachers/pastors of there being no need to keep the 10 Commandments anymore, it is in a sense their own fault for putting their trust in man and not looking to see what scripture says without the lens of their pastor or denomination. How do we know that we know Jesus Christ? By keeping his commandments which include the 10 of the moral law, the decalogue. If we say we know Jesus Christ but don't keep his commandments, what does the Bible call us? Liars! What's not in us if we don't keep the commandments of God? The truth! 1 John 5:2-3 (KJV) 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. According to this pasaage, the Love of God and his children are described and proved by keeping his commandments. What are God's commandments? It's simple, the 10 Commandments (The Moral Law). It couldn't be any more clear. If you say that this passage isn't referencing the 10 Commandments then I ask, what other commandments could it be talking about? Remember, in the New Testament when it talks about the commandments of God it's speaks of the Father's Moral Law (The Decalogue). When it comes to Jesus Christ, it's speaks of having faith in him and have his testimony which is the spirit of prophecy. The 10 Commandments are also Jesus commandments as he confirmed during his ministry that we are to keep them as we will see in other passages. So the phrase "commandments of God" are always a reference to the 10 Commandments of which, the Sabbath is the 4th. keeping the 10 Commandments is how we prove our Love of God and also his children. When you tell people that you keep the Sabbath, an automatic response from other Christians in often that you arw putting yourself under bondage. Note the last part of this passage "and his commandments are not grievous to bear". This verse blows the whole "10 Commandments are bondage" theory out of the water. Keeping Jehovah's 10 Commandments are not a burden but actually a huge blessing. This includes keeping the Sabbath day as Holy. Read Isaiah 58:13-14 and you will see that when we turn ourselves back to keeping the sabbath that it is a delight. Do you want to listen to man or God? Man says the sabbath is a bondage but God says it's a delight! The Three Angel's message Revelation 14:6-7 (KJV)-The First Angel's message 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. My focus is on verse 7, notice in the first angel's message of preaching the everlasting gospel that with a loud voice the shout is made to Fear God and give him glory. Right after that is the description of a very intregral part of God's identity. That very important part of his identity is in his creation of heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters. Why is this important? Because as Christians we must worship God in spirit and in truth and part of that truth is worshipping the God that created the world in six days and rested on the seventh (the sabbath). When we keep the Sabbath day as Holy, then we in turn are worshipping the God of creation. Just by keeping the seventh day sacred, we are honoring Jehovah acknowledging that he created heaven and earth and everything in them in six days and rested on the seventh, making it Holy and consecrated. This makes a clear distinction in what God we are worshipping when we keep the Sabbath, which thereby also acknowledges that it was him that created the world and everything in it. That's why evolution has no place in the mind of the believer as it strips off a very intregal part of Jehovah's identity which is the six days of creation and the seventh day sabbath. See the below scripture that mirrors the above passage in Revelation as far as Jehovah's identity in creation. Exodus 20:11(KJV) 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore theLord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. So, the first angel's message which we as the Church are to preach with a loud voice is the call for all nations to worship and fear the God of creation. They are not to just give glory to any god, usually one of people's own making, through their empty creeds which allow them to live however they want and not obey Jehovah's commandments. The very fact that the description of His creation is mentioned here, means that it is to be part of the everlasting gospel. Key in this creation, is the seventh day sabbath which is a seal of obedience to Jehovah and keeping it holy is worshipping Him. A big part of worshipping Jehovah, which is part of the everlasting (never ending and unchangeable) gospel is keeping his commandments which includes the 4th command to keep the Sabbath day as Holy, as it acknowledges that Jehovah created heaven and earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters. Any Christian that doesn't include the call to worship the God of creation, which includes obedience to the 4th commandment is preaching an incomplete gospel message. Revelation 14:8 (KJV) Second Angel's message 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Who is Babylon? According to Revelation 17:5-6 it is "The Mother of Harlots And Abominations of the Earth" and it is drunken with the blood of the Saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. Between the early 1200's and around 1800, conservative estimates are that the Catholic Church led by the office of the papacy killed over 50 million people much of whom were Bible believing Christians. We see that the Catholic Church, not only by having the blood of the Saints on it's hands but also by having the same pagan creeds and practices of Ancient Mystery Babylon(Nimrod, Semiramis, Tammuz), is modern Mystery Babylon. Who are the Whore's daughter's? It says in Revelation 17:5 that it is the mother of Harlots. As we speak many of Christendom's churches are uniting with the papacy. Part of this unification is that much of Christendom is still holding on to many of the pagan Catholic doctrines that had it's origins in paganism all the way back to Ancient Mystery Babylon. To name a few, the immortal soul teaching (disembodied soul or spirit creature going to heaven or hell right after death), the spirit underworld Hell of never ending torment doctrine, the wafer communion and the perversion/distortion of the Godhead. Front and center in the apostasy of visible Christendom is the Lutheran Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, Episcopalians, Anglican's, Greg Laurie of Harvest, Brian Broderson of Calvary Chapel. All of the above have participated and/or endorsed ecumenical events and unity with the Catholic Church. The Whore also has it's meat hooks in non Christian religions such as Mormonism, Islam, Bahai Faith, Jehovah Witnesses as all have joined hands with her by participating in ecumenical conferences at the Vatican. The Jehovah Witnesses through the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society do this behind closed doors amd in secret. They were already exposed as being part of the United Nations (Vatican controlled) from 1992-2001. No question that they are still members behind closed doors. These are all the Whore's daughter's. So the Protestant churches are going back to Rome en masse and the evangelical churches are following in lock step. Rick Warren is friends with Greg Laurie who is intregal in the Calvary Chapel movement. Both Rick and Greg have been part of ecumenical services and conferences with the Catholic Church. Rick Warren has been at the forefront of this great apostasy and the evangelical churches are following his lead as blind sheep. The second angel's cry is that Babylon (The Catholic Church, the Protestant churches along with evangelicals and other false world religions) is fallen is fallen as she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication (false doctrines and demonic teachings of the Catholic Church and the homage that is paid to the papacy which includes the sunday sabbath and the disregard of God's seventh day sabbath). It's my firm belief that we are in the time of the second angel's message. Babylon (The Catholic Church, Protestantism, Evangelicalism, other false world religions) is fallen is fallen and has become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul, spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (see Revelation 18:2). Any Christian that is still part of Babylon is called to come outnof her: Revelation 18:4 " And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 14:9-12 (KJV)- Third Angel's message 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. It's those that keep the commandments of God (10 Commandments) and the faith of Jesus. Note that these two different types of obedience are seperated as two distinct things. We as believers are supposed to keep the decalogue including the 4th command to keep the sabbath day and also to have the faith of Jesus and everything he prophesied and his death, burial, resurrection and his ascension to the right hand of the Father. Revelation 12:17 (KJV) 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Again, we see that obedience to the commandments of God (The Decalogue- Moral Law) which includes the 4th command to keep the Sabbath day as Holy and having the testimony of Jesus is what will mark true believers. So we know what the commandments of God are, that is pretty easy (the 10 Commandments) but what is the testimony of Jesus Christ? See scripture below: Revelation 19:9-11 (KJV) 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The sermon on the Mount of Olives and the book of Revelation are the prophecies of Jesus Christ. Also, anything else he said anywhere else in scripture concerning future events in terms of judgment on unbelievers and false teachers. Jesus reiterated the need to keep his Father's 10 commandments so those come from his Father. His testimony (the spirit of prophecy) and having his Faith (death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of His Father and also the sending of the Holy Spirit to his bride) are what true believers will obey and believe as well as the 10 Commandments of Jehovah. So clearly, according to the third angel's message, it is those who keep the 10 Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus as well as his testimony that will not worship the beast, his image nor have his mark. The opposite then is true, those that don't keep the 10 Commandments, the faith of Jesus and his testimony will worship the beast, his image and take his mark. Again, the keeping of the 10 Commandments (moral law), the faith of Jesus and his testimony cannot be separated. All must be kept! Colossians 2:1-17King James Version (KJV) 2 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 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. Verse 14- We know that there were ordinances nailed to the stake=stauros (greek). Which ordinances though? It was the ordinace of circumcision and the ceremonies connected with it as well as the Law of Moses which included offerings and sacrifices.(See Acts 15:1, 5, Ephesians 2:14-15, Matthew 27:51). Remember that the 10 commandments are not the Law of Moses but they are the Law of Jehovah. Keep in mind that the Sabbath was instituted at creation, before the 10 Commandments were given, and was made Holy. The ceremonies connected with the services of the temple were taken away at the impalement of Jehoshua at the stake. Our Saviour was the perfect ransom sacrifice for all time sake thereby nullifying any more need for fleshly sacrifices to obtain atonement. The sabbath was never an ordinance of sacrifice for atonment but rather a command to rest and to keep the day Holy for devotion to Jehovah. The ordinances done away with at the stake were those that were sacrificial in nature in order to obtain atonement. With Jehoshua's death on the stake, we no longer need to make sacrifices at the temple for atonement as he is our atonement. We can now go directly to Jehovah by way of His Son Jehoshua for atonement of our sins. Verse 16- The Old Testament consistently uses the phrase "a festival, a new moon, a sabbath Let's read Romans 3:31 to see if the above scripture in Colossians includes the 10 Commandments. Romans 3:31 KJV " Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the Law." The need for the service of sacrifices and offerings ceased when type met antitype in the death of Messiah. In Him the shadow met the substance. Jehoshua was the perfect and complete offering. The law of the 10 commandments lives and will live through the ages (eternity).see Isaiah 66:22-23. Jehovah's law (decalogue) was not crucified at the stake. It was types and shadows, offerings and sacrifices that was nailed to the cross as they had no value after Jehoshua's death. The Old Testament consistently uses the phrase "a festival, a new moon, a sabbath" to refer to the ceremonial aspects of the law whether practiced weekly, monthly or yearly (see 1 Chronicles 23:31, 2 Chronicles 2:3-4, 8:12-13, 31:3, Nehemiah 10:33, Ezekiel 45:17, Numbers 28 and 29). The aspects of the ceremonial law included burnt offerings, meat offerings and drink offerings. Once Jehoshua died on the cross there.was no more need for these type of offerings as he was the once and for all sacrifice. So verse 16 has to do with the ceremonial aspects of the stated Holy days rather than the Holy days themselves. Since the Sabbath was a creation ordinance, as well as part of the 10 Commandments, it is still to be kept and remembered by us. The word "remember" is even part of the 4th commandment to keep the Seventh day Holy. Back to verse 14- Remember the context of this verse. It was to do with the death of Jehoshua at the stake. It was the antitype of the burnt, meat and drink offerings which were to obtain atonement. Since Jehoshua's death was the all time, once and for all atonememt there is no need for the above sacrifices as they were the type/shadow of what was to come which was the substance Jehoshua Messiah dying for our sins so that we can have atonement. No longer do we need to go to the Temple and give our offer burnt, meat and drink offerings to the Levtical Preists for atonement as we (the Church) are the Temple of Jehovah and all we need to do is go to His Son Jehoshua our High Preist and receive atonement by confessing our sins. Hebrews 4:1-11 (KJV) 4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Many people will use this passage to do away with the 4th commandment to keep the Sabbath day as Holy. This epistle to the Hebrews is presenting the Seventh day Sabbath rest as a symbol of the spiritual rest Jehovah grants to those willing to enter into fellowship with him. Israel largely failed to enter into Jehovah's spiritual rest, and they often ignored the Sabbath observance that symbolized it. Believers in this passage are admonished to accept the spiritual rest of which the weekly Sabbath is the symbol (Verse 9 and 10). The message here in Hebrews underlines the Old Testament observance of the Sabbath as a sign of holiness (Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:12). Sabbath observance is a sign of our holy relationship with Jehoshua and it is the means by which the relationship is enriched. Revelation 12:17, 14:12, 22:14 all clearly state that the true Church in the last days will be made up of believers who keep the commandments of Jehovah as well as the faith and testimony which is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10) of His Son Jehoshua. This includes the 4th commandment to keep the Sabbath day Holy. My study of Revelation chapter 1
Revelation Chapter 1 1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John;2who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, [even] of all things that he saw.3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;5and from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;6and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.7Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen.8I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.9I John, your brother and partaker with you in tribulation and kingdom and patience [which are] in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.10I was in the Spirit on the Lord`s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet11saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send [it] to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;13and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle.14And his head and his hair were white as white wool, [white] as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters.16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,18and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.19Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter;20the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches. Verse 1, God the Father gave His Son Jehoshua the Revelation of this book. Revelation means "revealing" and "disclosure". This reiterates what Jehoshua had said during His ministry on earth in that there are things only the Father knows. This shows the omniscience of God the Father. Paul and Jude both call the Father the only wise God which means that the source of all wisdom comes from the Father. Jehoshua is called the wisdom of God as He was the perfect revealer of the Father when He was on earth being filled with the Father's Spirit without measure. The Son of God has the fulness of the Father's Majesty (character) in Him bodily thereby being the exact representation (express image) of Jehovah God. It's important to note that the things about to be revealed in this book are said to shortly come to pass meaning that right after this book is penned the apocalypse is going to start to unfold. Many Churches today teach futurism which is a form of eschatology that packs much if not most of Revelation into the last 7 years of the current age. Jehoshua sent this revelation by way of His angel unto John to show unto His (Jehoshua's) servants i.e. the Church. This shows Jehoshua's superiority over the angels as He directs them and orders them. Verse 1 says that Jehoshua "signified" this revelatory message. This means that there are many symbols in this book and things that should be taken symbolically. The Church at this time was being persecuted so signifying this book in symbols could also have been a way of protecting the Church from accusations of treason against the Roman Empire. Verse 2, John bears witness of the word of God and the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah. We are told elsewhere in the book of Revelation that the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10). John is giving his seal that the things he saw in vision were given to him by the King Jehoshua Messiah. John is setting his seal that this Revelation from Jehoshua is true. Verse 3, unlike many Churches today, we are told by John the beloved that the reading of the book of Revelation is a blessing. Also, those who hear and obey the words of this prophecy are blessed. Most mainstream Churches deemphasize the importance of this book even coming against Church members who talk about eschatology. Let the words of scripture take precedence over the traditions of man. Part of the reason Churches don't like to preach from this book is that they don't want to scare and/or offend their congregations. They know that if they start preaching from this book seriously then they will likely lose some of their congregants. "The time is at hand" the last days have begun (Acts 2:17). Messiah may return at anytime. Unlike what most Churches teach, the last days began at the first advent of Jehoshua. This is the second time in 3 verses that we are being told that the things revealed in this book are about to take place shortly after the giving of the vision. This refutes the notion of futurism which teaches that most of the events of the book of Revelation will be packed into a future 7 year period. Verse 4, John sends greeting to seven Asian (Western Turkey) Churches. Unlike what some denominations teach, these are literal Churches that exist at the time that the book of Revelation was written. There is no biblical support for making these Churches as representing 7 Church ages or dispensations. John starts off his greeting to the Churches by saying "grace and peace" from God the Father, who John describes as the One "who is and who was and who is to come". This description of God the Father denotes His innate immortality and also. The phrase used for God the Father is equivalent in the Greek for the name of God, Jehovah, based on the verb "to be" in Exodus 3:14. John also sends greeting from the Seven Spirits which are before the throne of Jehovah God. This is a reference to the seven branch candlestick in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The candlestick is representative of the Church and the Seven Spirits symbolize the perfection and completion of God's Spirit which are given to the Church. The Menorah i.e. candlestick was kept burning by the priests in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. It was a 7 branch lampstand. At the top of each branch was a bowl which held pure olive oil which represented the Holy Spirit of Jehovah God. The candlestick represents the 7 churches which not only include the 7 Asiatic Churches written to by John but they are also representative of the whole new covenant Church of Jehoshua Messiah. 7 being a number that represents the perfection and completion of God. Jehovah God sends His Seven Spirits i.e Holy Spirit to the 7 candlesticks i.e. His Church. Understanding who the person John describes as the One "who is and who was and who is to come" is in verse 4 will be important when we get to verse 8 because that verse has caused much confusion in Christendom. Verse 5, now John extends to the Churches greeting from Jehoshua Messiah who he calls the true and faithful witness. Jehoshua is the ultimate prophet, model of testimony to Jehovah God's glory. See John 1:18; 1 John 5:20 which describes the Son of God as the one who explains and declares the Father, the perfect revealer (witness) of God. John also makes reference to Jehoshua being the first begotten from the dead, speaking about the Son of God's resurrection. This title used of Jehoshua i.e. first begotten is important to keep in mind as we continue in the book of Revelation. Jehoshua is the first ever human to be raised from death to immortality. Also, this shows that Jehoshua was really dead during His time in the grave and not in heaven as a spirit conscious being while His body lie dead in the grave. The trinitarian teaching that Jehoshua was still alive as a spirit conscious being in heaven while his body was dead in the grave makes nonsense of the foundational gospel truth about His death and resurrection. Nowhere in scripture is Jehoshua described as being anything but dead during the three days in the grave. To say that He was still conscious as a spirit in heaven during this time is anti-gospel and thereby anti-Messiah. The heart of the gospel is that Jehoshua suffered, died and was buried and rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If Jehoshua was really alive in any way (including as a spirit) during his time in the grave then that means He didn't die a true death and thereby isn't the first begotten from the dead. The whole gospel is then a facade if that is the case and it makes Jehoshua a liar as He Himself said that He was really dead and now is alive. Again, it can't be emphasized enough that any teaching other than Messiah being truly asleep in death, with no qaulifications, is anti-Messiah to the very core and is a perversion of the gospel. Also in verse 5 John calls Jehoshua the prince of the kings of the earth as the Son of God is the ruler over the kings, Supreme King over all emperors. Even during the time before Messiah returns to establish His Kingdom on earth He reigns in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2). John begins a doxology to Messiah "Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood" Jehoshua is our High Priest and sacrifice (Heb. 9:13-14), who cleansed His people from the guilt of their sins (Ps. 51:1-9; 1 Cor 6:9). Here is verse 6 in the KJV: "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." John's doxology to Jehoshua continues as He affirms that the Kingdom of the Son of God was inaugurated shortly following Jehoshua's death on the cross. Some fail to grasp these clear statements regarding the Kingdom of Jehoshua, in that it began in the first century. The Kingdom began on the day of Pentecost which took place shortly after the ascension of Jehoshua into heaven. See Hebrews 1 for the ascension and exaltation of Jehoshua in which He was crowned as King of Israel which in the new covenant is the Church. John says that as a result of the Son of God's death on the cross in which He shed His blood that we as Christian's/Messianic's are now kings and priests unto Jehoshua's God and Father. John's statements about us as kings and priests in the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah are present tense statements. This could only be true if indeed the Kingdom had already begun on Pentecost and not some 2,000 years in the future. Here is how the ASV reads re: verse 6: "and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Jehoshua clearly has a God and it is the Father who is His real Father due to the virgin birth. This refutes any trinitarian, tri theist or Binitarian teaching that Jehoshua is the Almighty God. As kings and priests in the Kingdom of the Son of God we share in Jehoshua's anointing and privilege (5:10; 20:6), as promised to Israel and fulfilled in the new covenant (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9. "To Him be glory". The Son of God is worthy of our worship, for He is the Redeemer (Rev 5:9-13). 7Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen. The second advent of the Messiah will not be a secret and all eyes will see Him. There is no secret rapture (Matthew 24:30; 26:63). Those who pierced the Son of God by persecuting His Church (Acts 9:4-5) will weep and wail at His return. This is also a reference to Zechariah 12:10 which seems to indicate a possible repentance for some who are alive at the second advent as they mourn over their sin against Messiah. All the nations of the earth that rejected the rulership of Jehovah and His Son will mourn and wail and be dashed to pieces (Psalm 2). The Son of God's return will be as a conquering King unlike His first advent in which He came as a suffering servant. " 8I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Verse 8 of Revelation, this is one of the most discussed passages people use to prove the trinity doctrine and the deity of Jehoshua. They believe that this verse is a refernce to Jehoshua being the Lord God Almighty. They say because Jehoshua is called the "Alpha and Omega" in Revelation 22:13 that verse 8 must be about Him. However, we must take scripture in context as we need to understand why Jehoshua is called the first (Alpha) and the last (Omega) in Revelation 1:17-18. In reading Revelation 1:17-18, the context of Jehoshua being the first and the last is in reference to Him being dead and then being alive i.e. the first begotten (Alpha) from the dead. Jehoshua is the beginning and the ending of the plan of salvation. Colossians 1:18 fits in perfectly with Revelation 1:17-8 and how we are to understand why Jehoshua is called the first and the last and alpha and omega. Colossians 1:18 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Paul connects Jehoshua being the beginning (alpha) with Him being resurrected from the dead as Jehovah's firstborn immortal Son. Him being given preeminence in all things is how Jehoshua can rightly be called the omega. We have to remember that the Father is also called the Alpha and Omega in Revelation 21:5-6: 5And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true.6And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. This verse is clearly about the Father as He is identified as the one who sits on the throne. The context of the first several verses in Revelation 21 is about God the Father as the Lamb isn't mentioned until verse 9. So both the Father and Son are referred to as Alpha and Omega, clearly the Father is in view in Rev 21:6 and the Son in Rev 22:13. I already showed you in context how the title applies to Jehoshua in that it is referring to Him being the first begotten from the dead and being given preeminence as a result of that. The Father is called Alpha and Omega due to being the living and only true God (John 17:3; Mark 12:28-34, 1 John 5:20). Isaiah 44:6 (ASV) 6Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God. Jehoshua said that His Father is the only true God and elsewhere scripture over and over again refer to the Father as the one God of the bible. Also, further proof that the Father is in view in verse 8 is by going back to verse 4 which identifies the Father as the one "who is and who was and who is to come", let's look at verses 4 and 5 of Revelation again: 4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. John is sending greeting to the Churches from One who is identified as "him who is, and who was and who is to come". We know this is the Father as the Seven Spirits are mentioned after this statement described as being before His throne, meaning the throne of the One who is, and who was and who is to come. We know that the One who is, and who was and who is to come is the One who sits on the throne (Rev 4:8). So the Holy Spirit is not the One who is, and who was and who is to come. What about Jehoshua? Verse 5 of Revelation 1 eliminates that possibility as John moves from sending greetings to the Church in the name of the One who is, and who was and who is to come, then from the Seven Spirits which are before the throne of that One and now sends greetings from the true and faithful witness. The true and faithful witness is Jehoshua who is called the first begotten of the dead. There is a clear distinction made by John between the One who is, and who was and who is to come and the faithful witness in the course of this greeting to the Churches. They are described as two distinct beings. We can be certain that the Father is the One who is, and who was and who is to come as the Holy Spirit is described as being before His throne and Jehoshua is described separately a verse later as the first begotten of the dead. Notice the difference between the Father and Son that is key in understanding the Godhead. The Father is described as being inherently immortal i.e. "the One who is, and who was and who is to come" showing us that there never was a time when He wasn't. The Son of God is described as being dead at some point and then being begotten from the dead which we know as the resurrection. Remember God cannot die due to being inherently immortal (1 Timothy 6:16; Romans 1:22-23). The Father is described as the immortal eternal God and His Son is described as one who was dead and then begotten to immortality (Rev 1;18). Verse 9 of Revelation 1 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." Here is another verse that proves irrefutably that we are already living in the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. John is identifying with his Messianic brethren as being a partaker of tribulation and patience which are evidences that they are part of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. For John and the Messianic's, the Kingdom of Jehoshua is already a reality. The Kingdom is marked by suffering (tribulation) which produces patience in God's saints. What many fail to realize about the Kingdom of Jehoshua is that in it's medatorial phase (new covenant age) the saints suffer to be counted worthy of it. Jehoshua said that those who desire to be the greatest in the Kingdom need to be the servant of all (Matthew 20:25-29). Many today have a worldly concept of what it means to reign as a king in the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. They think that if we are currently in the Kingdom of Messiah then how come we are not ruling over others. As Jehoshua stated, God's saints will not rule in such a way in this age. To the contrary we will seek to be the least and serve others. Jehoshua said the gentiles (heathen) rule their subjects by lording their authority over them. Isaiah 61 details what it means to be a king and priest in Jehovah's Kingdom. Being a king and priest in Jehovah's Kingdom means you serve others not lord your authority over them. There will come a time after the second advent that indeed the saints will rule with authority but that time is not now. John the beloved's reference to being in the Kingdom of Jehoshua is made in the present tense. The teaching of a 2,000 year delay in the start of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah is foreign to the scriptures. Also noteworthy is that John alludes to the great tribulation and states that he and the other Messianic brethren are already experiencing it. The tribulation had already begun in John the apostle's time. This supports the idea that the great tribulation is not confined to a seven year period but rather covers the expanse of the new covenant Church age. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Either worshipping or praying in the power of the Holy Spirit or caught up in the Spirit in a vision. "The Lord's day". While many believe this is a reference to the first day of the week and some even say the seventh day Sabbath, this is likely a reference to the Prophetic "day of Jehovah" talked about in the old testament. This is the most likely interpretation being that the book of Revelation, in which this was penned, is a vision about the day of Jehovah's wrath and second advent of Jehoshua. The prophetic "day of Jehovah" in the old testament was a day of Jehovah's vengeance and wrath on mankind due to their wickedness. This is exactly the theme of the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:11 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. The speaker here is Jehoshua the Son of God and He refers to Himself as the Alpha and Omega which is the same designation that God the Father used of Himself in verse 8 of Revelation. This has led many to assume trinitarianism and identify Jehoshua as the Almighty God. However, this designation used of Jehoshua must be understood in the context of verse 17 and 18 meaning that He is the first begotten from the dead hence the designation "Alpha" beginning. Also, Jehoshua is the finisher of our faith and is the father of eternity (Isaiah 9:6), being given dominion and an everlasting Kingdom by the Father. Jehoshua is eternal (alive for evermore) verse 18. The designation "Omega" then is in reference to His eternal throne and dominion. A good explanation of the phrase Alpha and Omega in respect to Jehoshua is perfectly described in Hebrews 12:2 "Looking 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." Jehoshua is the author (Alpha) and finisher (Omega) of our faith. Revelation 3:14 is another good description of the phrase "Alpha and Omega" for Jehoshua "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;" Jehoshua identifies Himself as the beginning of God's creation which is a clear reference to His resurrection. Jehoshua is the beginning of the new creation being the first resurrected human being from the dead. Colossians 1 also sheds light on what it means for Jehoshua to the be the Alpha and the beginning of God's creation. 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Without getting too detailed in the above passage, verse 18 connects Jehoshua's resurrection from the dead with Him being the beginning (Alpha). It's His resurrection from the dead that made Him head of the Church which is also another explanation of the term "Alpha". Jehoshua is the preeminent Son of God and the Chief rulers over the Church. Verse 15 calls Him the firstborn of every creature. This is not a reference to Jehoshua literally being the first person born in this universe but rather His status (rank) as God's only begotten Son. The best understanding of this passage is found in Psalm 89:27 which applied to David and also as a distant prophecy Jehoshua. Psalm 89:27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. Obviously the term "firstborn" is not a reference to literal birth as David wasn't literally Jehovah's firstborn genetic son. The term firstborn is a designation of rank and privilege (higher than the kings of the earth). It is an equivalent term to "only begotten". Obviously the verse says that Jehovah will make Jehoshua His firstborn which denotes that this is not referring to a literal birth either in the past (eternity) as it is used in the future tense at some point in the life of the Messiah. Since David is not God's literal firstborn son we must take the reference of "firstborn" in a non literal way for Jehoshua as well. The Messiah here is being made firstborn. Some may use this verse to speak of his birth in eternity or his virgin birth but that belies the context of the whole Psalm 89 passage. The key in understanding what verse 27 means is in going to the meaning of the word "made" in the Hebrew The word "made" comes from the Hebrew word "nathan" (Strongs 5414) and means "to ordain, to pour, render, requite, to distribute, bestow, appoint, assign, ascribe, apply". As you can see the definition of the word "made" does not speak of "birth" but rather means "ordaining" or "appointing" strongly implying that the Messiah being made the firstborn of Jehovah has to do with being anointed at some point in His life and has nothing to do with being literally birthed as Jehovah's firstborn child either in eternity or in this life as a human. The reference to being the firstborn is obviously in connection with David and later Jehoshua being anointed as Israel's King. For David this happened as an adult (1 Samuel chapter 16:13). For Jehoshua this happened at 30 years of age at His baptism. This is another way in which we can understand the term "Alpha" in reference to Jehoshua in Revelation 1:11. Also in verse 11, the Son of God commands John to write the vision He is about to see in a book for the edification and exhortation of the seven churches in Asia. Let's go back to the book of Revelation, let's look at verse 12: "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;" Jehoshua is the voice that spake to John. We know that the seven candlesticks represent the Church. Seven is the number of perfection and the seven candlesticks represent the whole of Jehovah's Church throughout the new covenant Church age. Specifically concerning the context of the passage in Revelation, the Seven Churches represent real Churches that existed at the time that the book of Revelation was written. This verse also places Jehoshua in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary showing that His High Priest ministration is also in the first apartment of the sanctuary. This first apartment ministration is one where the Church is given the Holy Spirit by the Son of God. We are taken back to Zechariah 4 where the two olive trees poured it's oil into the seven branch candlestick. Zechariah 4:11-14 11Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?12And I answered the second time, and said unto him, What are these two olive-branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that empty the golden oil out of themselves?13And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord.14Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. In the context of Zechariah 3 and 4, the two olive trees are the office of King and Priest which in the new covenant is fulfilled by the Son of God bringing together for the first time both offices. We know from the book of Revelation that the candlestick of the holy place represents the Church. The Messiah Jehoshua is the two olive trees who pours His oil which is the Holy Spirit into the seven branch candlestick which is the Church. Verse 13 of Revelation " and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle." Jehoshua in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary pictured as the great High Priest of the Church as He is seen in the midst of the seven candlesticks. He is described as the Son of man (Daniel 7:13-14). Jehoshua is the mighty King to whom the Father has given all authority and an everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). Verses 14 and 15 of Revelation 1 14And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. This is a vision of the resurrected glorfied Messiah, His description closely matches the description of Jehovah God in Daniel 7:9. Hebrews chapter says that Jehoshua is the express image of the Father and the brightness of the Father's glory. Colosssians 2:9 says that the fulness of the Father's majesty dwells in the Son of God. Revelation 21:23 says that Jehoshua is the light of God the Father. The above description of Jehoshua pictures Him in all His heavenly glory. His voice is described as of many waters denoting that as the word of God He powerfully pierces the soul and destroys His enemies (sharp two edged sword). Jehoshua Messiah is the powerful Son of God. Jehoshua holds the seven stars in His hand. The seven stars are said to be the seven angels of the seven Churches. Many understand these angels to be the pastors of the seven Churches. It is comforting to know that as ministers Jehoshua spreads His covering of protection over us. John 10:27-30 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.29My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father`s hand.30I and the Father are one. As ministers in the Messiah's Kingdom we have assurance that no one can snatch us out of His hand or the Father's hand. Jehoshua and the Father are one in purpose, mind and will and are in covenant with each other. In the context of the above passage, the Father calls those who are elected for salvation in His Son. Those whom He predestinates, He calls, those whom He calls, He justifies, those whom He justifies He glorifies! Thereby it is because of all this that no one can bring an accusation against us nor snatch us out of the Father or the Son's hand. Verses 17 and 18 of Revelation 1 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,18and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Overwhelmed by the supernatural glory of the Messiah, John falls at the Son of God's feet. This is reminiscent of Ezekiel 1:28 and Daniel 8:17-18). "Fear not" The King of Israel comes with gentleness and grace for His servants. "First and the last" a title used by Jehoshua of Himself in reference to being dead and then resurrected to eternal life "alive for evermore" i.e. the first "alpha". Jehoshua has the keys of death and hades meaning He has the authority over death and the power to resurrect His saints to eternal life. This power to give life was given to Him by the Father in John 5: 26For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself: This is in the context of resurrecting the dead. At the last trumpet, the Son of God's voice will call forth the dead saints to resurrection once and for all destroying death and it's sting. In this sense Jehoshua is the "last" i.e. the "omega" as He finishes the mystery of God which is the Church revealing the sons of God to creation. Jehoshua is the author and finisher of our faith and salvation. In Isaiah 9:6 He is called the Father of the future age meaning the ruler of eternity. At His second advent Jehoshua will unlock the grave and resurrect the dead saints. Revelation 1:19-20 19Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter;20the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches. Verse 19, this may outline the order of the vision, the things which thou sawest (Chapter 1) and the things which shall be (chapters 2-22). Verse 20, the seven stars are seven angels. Literally "messengers", human teachers (Malachi 2:7) in Churches, not heavenly beings. Messiah is Lord over preachers (in my right hand) Ephesians 4:11. "Candlesticks" the Churches are part of the Temple of Jehovah and the Son of God cares for them, as the priest tended the lampstands (Lev 24:1-4) with the oil of His Spirit (Zechariah 4:1-7). This passage of scripture below is powerful, for one it destroys any teaching that takes away Jesus identity as the Christ (anointed one) and clearly identifies Jesus as "the Son of the living God". Jesus here states that it is this knowledge, that the Christian Congregation will be built upon (Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God). When someone tells you that the foundation of Christianity is that Jesus is Almighty God and/or that he is part of a co equal, co eternal Trinity they are actually not in agreement with our Saviour's own words. The foundation of Christianity is that Jesus is who he says he is, which is the Christ (anointed one) and the Son of the living God (Jehovah).
I will breakdown this passage below: Matthew 16:13-20 (KJV) 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. In verse 13, we see that Jesus asks the question "whom do men say that I the Son of man am?", after being given a few answers in verse 14 Jesus reiterates the question in verse 15. Very important!!! The next few verse are key in understanding the identity of Christ and the foundation of Christianity! In verse 16, Peter gives an answer "Thou art the Christ (anointed one), the Son of the living God." Notice he didn't say "thou art Jesus the Almighty God". His identification of Jesus was as the annointed one of God (Jehovah) and the Son of God (Jehovah). We are told constantly by the pulpit preachers and theologians in Christendom, that in order to have salvation you must believe that Jesus is Almighty God and that you have to believe in the trinity doctrine. This is one of Satan's biggest deceptions!!!!! If Peter was wrong Jesus would have told him and clarified that he was in fact the Almighty God. Let's look at Jesus response to Peter: In verse 17, Jesus tells Peter that flesh and blood didn't reveal the truth that He (Jesus) was the Christ (anointed one) and the Son of the living God, but it was Jehovah in heaven as Jesus Father who revealed this to Peter. See, only God the Father can reveal to us the truth about who His Son Jesus is. The flesh will come up with all kinds of fanciful theories and try to say Jesus is someone else such as a co equal, co eternal member of a trinity god and that he is the Almighty God. If you do research on the development of the trinity doctrine, you will see that this was a doctrine of man (the flesh). The Holy Spirit which proceeds from the Father Jehovah tells us the truth about who Jesus is. The vain philosophies of man pervert Jesus identity and personality. Are you gonna believe what Jesus said about himself or what the grievous wolves (those who pushed the start of the trinity doctrine) at Nicaea said about him in 325 AD? Remember, it was an idolatrous pagan named Constantine who presided over this council. Athanasius, who was from the allegorizing Alexandrian school of theology, was corrupted with Greek philosophy and polluted the Church with it, was the main promoter at Nicaea of this start of the trinity doctrine. The flesh tells us that Jesus is a member of a trinity god or he himself is the Almighty God. But our Father in heaven, through the Holy Spirit, tells us that Jesus is His dear Son and His anointed one. In verse 18, Jesus tells Peter that upon this rock (Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God) that he will build His (Jesus) Congregation. Now of course, the Roman Church has claimed this verse to mean that the rock here is referring to Peter however that is absolutely not true. The Greek word for rock here is "petra" (strongs 4073) and it simply means "rock", it's the feminine of Petros (strongs 4074) which also means rock. Now some would say this proves that the Christian Congregation is built upon Peter as it is Petros (strongs 4074) that is the greek word for Peter's name. Remember that the rock Jesus spoke of was the word "Petra" not "Petros" so our Savior made a clear distinction that he was talking of himself not Peter as the "rock". Remember, it is the Jesus that is the rock of our salvation as the author and finisher of our faith. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV) 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:20 (KJV) 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 1 Peter 2:4-7 (KJV) 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 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. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 (KJV) 10 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Back to verse 18 in Matthew 16, the beautiful news is that Jesus said the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Christian Congregation, that is built on the knowledge of himself as the Christ and the Son of God. Did you know brethren, that more Christians than ever, since the days of the wilderness Congregation are coming to the knowledge of Jesus being God's literal Son? This fulfills Jesus words that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" his Congregation. It's this Congregation, that has the accurate knowledge of who Jesus really is (the anointed one of the One true God and the Son of the One true God) that will endure to the end and be sealed in these last days and prevail against the gates of hell. You can be part of this Congregation too by humbling yourself to learn in the scriptures about who Jesus said he was rather than the what the theologians and pulpit preachers of Christendom say he is. In verse 19 of Matthew 16, Jesus said that His Congregation that is built upon the rock (Jesus as the Christ and Son of God) will be given the keys to the kingdom of heaven. See brethren, the Roman Church has never had the keys to the kingdom of heaven as they have preached another Jesus and have perverted his identity and personality. Rome's daughters unfortunately have followed in her footsteps in this matter, although Jehovah has used them being that he is a God of mercy and winks at their ignorance. However in these last days, Jehovah is calling all men to repentance (Acts 17:30). Come out Babylon and stop drinking her false wine (Revelation 18:4). Give up the doctrines of man and worship Jehovah in spirit and in truth! The trinity doctrine will be a test in these last days, as the 144,000 last days remnant will not have any spot or wrinkle in their worship of the Lord God Almighty Jehovah! They will not be defiled with women (false Babylonian churches) by drinking their wine (false doctrines including the trinity). In verse 20 of Matthew 16, Jesus charges the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the "Christ" meaning anointed one of Jehovah. Notice, that Jesus didn't tell them he was "the Almighty God" or a co equal, co eternal member of a trinity god but rather the "Christ". Why have men twisted Jesus plain words? I leave you with the below passage to understand the root of any doctrine that denies Jesus as the Christ (anointed one of God) and the literal Son of His Father Jehovah. 1 John 2:18-26 (KJV) 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. 26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. Jehoshua led captivity (power of death) captive and brought forth Israel (the Church) to victory
Psalm 68:16-18 16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, Jehovah will dwell in it for ever.17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: Jehovah is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that Jehovah God might dwell among them.19 Blessed be Jehovah the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Verse 16, Jehovah God dwells in heavenly Zion, higher than the highest mountain on the earth. Verse 17, 10 thousand times 10 thousand and thousands of thousand angels attend Jehovah and He is among His angels in the holy places i.e. the heavenly sanctuary. Verse 18, "ascended on high". Having come down to save His people, Jehovah went up in victory- applied to Messiah's ascension into heaven (Ephesians 4:8)."received gifts". The spoil of Jehovah's victory, which He shares with His people for their salvation (verses 19, 35 of Psalm 68). Verse 19, David blesses Jehovah God acknowledging that He daily gives us benefits. Jehovah is the God of our salvation. Often times we forget that Jehovah is our Father and desires to give us good gifts. Matthew 7:11 11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Jehoshua said that Father gives good things to those that ask Him. When we daily commune with the Father we are benefited with all spiritual blessings. Earthly fathers know how to give good gifts how much more our heavenly Father!! Jehovah God is the God of our salvation, let's look at the meaning of the word "salvation" The word "salvation" comes from the Hebrew word "yshuwah" (Strongs 3444) and means "something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity: - health, salvation, save, welfare". Jehovah provides the believer with prosperity, victory, welfare, health and aid. These are all the daily benefits of salvation. These are spiritual blessings that we daily partake in. Let's now look at Ephesians chapter 4 and how Psalm 68 is applied to the Son of God. Ephesians 4:7-10 7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.9Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Verse 7 of Ephesians, This grace given is the power to serve God (Eph 3:8; 1 Peter 4:10) according to the measure. God gave each believer ability according to His own will 1 Corinthians 12:11, 18). Verse 8, Paul qoutes the Psalm that we looked at above. Psalm 68 speaks of Jehovah's victory for Israel and applies it to Jehoshua who is the Son of God. It was at the cross that Jehoshua destroyed the works of the devil and gave victory to the Church. 1 John 3:8 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. One of the express purpose of the Son of God's ministry was to destroy the works of the devil. Let's see if He accomplished this mission. Hebrews 2:14 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Through His death and subsequent resurrection Jehoshua destroyed the devil. Sure, the devil is still active but his power is limited to those who are decieved. We are now part of the Son of God's Kingdom (Colossians 1:12-13). The Messiah conquered Satan on the cross and refuses to allow him to charge any sin against Jehovah's elect which is the Church, who is the New Jerusalem. In the fall, Satan subdued man through sin and ruled over him. Zechariah 3:2 2And Jehovah said unto Satan, Jehovah rebuke thee, O Satan; yea, Jehovah that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? In the old covenant the Church was centered in earthly Jerusalem, in the new covenant the Headquarters of the Church is New Jerusalem. "A brand plucked out of the fire" a log salvaged from the fire. A perfect description of those whom God saves to be translated into the Son's Kingdom i.e. the forgiven sinner. Due to the Messiah's victory on the cross, Satan cannot bring accusations against the elect i.e. New Jerusalem. The Messiah's victory for Israel (the Church) was finalized at His ascension when He was crowned as King of Israel and enthroned on the everlasting throne of David (Hebrews 1:8-9). We are said to dwell with Jehoshua in the holy of holies strongly implying that we reign with Him as kings and priests: Ephesians 2 6and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: Where does the Son of God sit? On the Father's throne (Rev 3:21) which is the throne of David. If we sit with the Messiah in the heavenly sanctuary then we also must be reigning with Him now. Petet affirms this by calling the Church a Royal Priesthood meaning a King Priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9 9 But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God`s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: This designation of Royal Priesthood used of the Church is precisely possible because of the Son of God's victory on the cross. Mark 3:27 27But no one can enter into the house of the strong [man], and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong [man]; and then he will spoil his house. The strong man is Satan Satan's goods are his subjects (unbelievers) Satan's house is his kingdom Jehoshua bound Satan and spoiled (stripped) his house (Kingdom) of his goods (subjects, unbelievers) by bringing them salvation (victory) and into His (Jehoshua's) Kingdom. Verse 8 of Ephesians: "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men." Jehoshua through His ascension into heaven led captivity (death) captive as He destroyed the devil who had the power over death. Jehoshua's resurrected life gives us the lively hope of bodily resurrection, in which we are spiritually begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah and identify with Jehoshua's resurrection upon baptism. Jehoshua gave gifts unto men. Psalm 68 says "recieved gifts" but also says God "giveth strength and power unto His people" (Psalm 68:35) thus Paul summarized the Psalm. This also can be understood in light of verse 11 of Ephesians: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" Ephesians 4:9 9Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? Jehoshua went up to heaven (Eph 1:20). Before ascending, Messiah first went to the grave in death (lower parts of the earth). Ephesians 4:10 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) The only begotten Son of God shares His victory with us so that, as each church member uses his/her spiritual gifts (v.7), Jehoshua's Kingdom is filling the earth. Psalm 72:8 8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the River unto the ends of the earth. Jehoshua's Kingdom began on the day of Pentecost and continues to extend all over the earth. Psalm 72:18-19 18Blessed be Jehovah God, the God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous things:19And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen. This is a doxology concluding the 2nd book of the Psalms. Jehoshua, as God's only begotten Son shares in the glory of His Father Jehovah. The full majesty of Jehovah's shekinah glory radiates within Jehoshua & proceeds out of the Messiah and fills earth. Acts 4:27 (ASV)
27for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, The Church is praising Jehovah God for the work that is being done by the apostles in preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. They call Jehoshua the servant of God who was anointed by God. The anointing of God's servant took place at His baptism as a 30 year old man. In verse 25 of Acts 4, the Church also refers to David as God's servant: 25who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things? It is clear here that the early Church looked at Jehoshua as a antitype of David and David as a type of Jehoshua. Psalms 89:20 20I have found David my servant; With my holy oil have I anointed him: God chose David's family to bring forth the Messiah (Acts 13:22-23). "Anointed" designated as king by anointing with oil (1 Samuel 16:13); the verb form for Messiah and a type of Jehoshua's anointing with the Spirit (Hebrews 1:8-9: Isaiah 61:1). We also need to remember that David's anointing as king was not just with physical oil but he was also anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah in a mighty way. David was a messiah (anointed one) of Israel. David's and Jehoshua's appointment as Messiah, King and begotten Son were very similar and almost identical. This shows us that David is indeed a type of Jehoshua and Jehoshua the antitype. Lets compare: David was anointed by a prophet (Samuel) He was anointed with physical oil which is representative of the Holy Spirit. David was then anointed (begotten) from above by the actual Spirit of Jehovah which came upon him mightily and was with Him from that day forward. David's anointing was his being begotten (born from above by the Spirit) as king of Israel and as Jehovah's son. See Psalm 2:7 Jehoshua was anointed by a prophet (John the Baptist) He was anointed (baptized) by physical water which is representative of the Holy Spirit. Jehoshua was then anointed (begotten) from above by the Spirit of Jehovah which came mightily upon Him and was with Him from that day forward. Jehoshua's anointing was His being begotten (born from above by Spirit) as King of Israel and Jehovah's Son. See Psalm 2;7 and John 1:49 (Nathanael's confession of who Jehoshua is). Let's look at verse 21 of Psalm 89: 21With whom my hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him. Here the Psalmist quotes Jehovah as saying that His (Jehovah's) power (hand) will be given to His chosen servant. This applied to David and is fully realized in Jehoshua. The Son of God was established as King and Messiah by God being given all authority in heaven and in the earth and under the earth. Acts 2:36 (ASV) 36Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. At his baptism, Jehoshua was made Messiah (the anointed one of God) and King by God the Father. In other words, God established Jehoshua as Messiah and King with His hand (Spirit). The Spirit of Jehovah is the power of Jehovah. Matthew 28:18 (ASV) 18And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. God gave Jehoshua all authority in heaven and on earth. The arm of Jehovah meaning His Spirit is where Jehoshua gets His strength. Jehoshua Himself acknowledges that apart from the Father He can do nothing: John 5:19 (ASV) 19Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. Psalms 89:22-23 (ASV) 22The enemy shall not exact from him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.23And I will beat down his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him. Just as Jehovah delivered the wicked into the hands of king David, He will also deliver them into the hands of King Jehoshua His only begotten Son. He told His Son the following upon the Son's ascension into heaven: Psalms 110:1 (ASV) 1Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalms 89:24 (ASV) 24But my faithfulness and my lovingkindness shall be with him; And in my name shall his horn be exalted. In Jehovah's name Jehoshua's horn (power) was/is exalted. Jehoshua came in His Father's name and the name of the Father carries authority. At the triumphal entry, 5 days before the feast of Passover, into Jerusalem, the crowd sang the following Psalm to Jehoshua: "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of Jehovah, even the King of Israel." The Israelites were acknowledging the authority of Jehovah's name and that the King was blessed as long as he came in the authority of Jehovah. The crowd also acknowledged the rightful Kingship of Jehoshua. Jehoshua Himself said that He came in His Father's name: John 5 43I am come in my Father`s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. Jehoshua prophesied of the Jews accepting false messiah's who came in their own authority. Jehoshua validated His claim to Sonship and Kingship by stating that He came not in his own name but the Father's name. Unfortunately, much of today's professed Christian Church has committed the same error as the Jews of old. They have accepted a version of Jesus Christ that is exalted at the expense of the Father and has actually replaced the Father as the one true God. They have accpted a messiah that has come in his own name rather than the real Messiah (Jehoshua) who came in His Father's name. John 5:30 30I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. Jehoshua acknowledges His complete reliance of the Father's power. 1 Corinthians 1:24 24but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Jehoshua is the power of God. His horn (power) is exalted as He has been given the name of the Father: Jeremiah 23:5-6 (ASV) 5 Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness. Jehoshua's new name as the King of Israel is "Jehovah our righteousness" as He is the righteousness of God and has inherited the divine name which carries all the authority and power of God. Psalm 89:25 (ASV) 25 I will set his hand also on the sea, And his right hand on the rivers. This verse possibly alludes to the nations being given into the hand of the Messiah which was prophesied in Daniel 7: 13I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even 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 the peoples, 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. The above passage in the book of Daniel is clearly a reference to the ascension of the Messiah into heaven hence "he came to the ancient of days", a reference to Jehovah God. Jehovah's throne is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and Messiah was said to ascend into this very part of the heavenly temple: Hebrews 4:14 14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 8:1 1 Now in the things which we are saying the chief point [is this]: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens Hebrews 10:20-21 19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,20by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; At His ascension, Jehoshua passed through the heavens into the most holy place to sit down on the right hand of God. He was taken up in a cloud to the heavens as prophesied in Daniel 7. Acts 1:9-11 9And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.10And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;11who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. Acts 1:9-11 is the beginning of the fulfillment of Daniel 7:13-14 as Jehoshua is taken up to the ancient of days with the clouds of heaven. Verse 14 of Daniel 7 says that the Son of man would be given peoples and nations to serve Him. Verse 14 also says that His dominion will be forever as well as His Kingdom. At His ascension, Jehoshua is crowned as King of Israel and enthroned on His everlasting throne (Hebrews 1:8-9). Jehoshua is told by God the Father that a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of His (Jehoshua's) Kingdom. Obviously the text in Hebrews acknowledges that Jehoshua is a King of a Kingdom in the present tense, which in the context of Hebrews 1, is in regards to His ascension. Other scriptures acknowledge clearly that we are already in the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah. If Jehoshua is a King as scripture clearly says then He must have a Kingdom which scripture also clearly says. Colossians 1:12-13 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: You cannot be translated into something that doesnt already exist. This text clearly tells us that the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah had already been underway by the time Paul wrote this (61 or 62 AD). Those still waiting for the Kingdom of the Son of God to start are almost 2,000 years late. Daily, people and nations are added to the Kingdom of the Son of God when someone believes in the gospel and repents. The Kingdom of Jehoshua began at His ascension and will continue into eternity. Psalm 89:25 has and is being fulfilled. Pslam.89:26 26He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Just as Jehovah God adopted Israel as His son (Exodus 4:22), so God adopted the royal line of David (2 Samuel 7:14), making it a type of the only begotten Son of God Jehoshua in His Kingship. Just as the kings of old used to cry out to Jehovah as the rock of their salvation, Jehoshua Himself cried out to His God. Jehoshua relied on Jehovah as the rock of His salvation. Luke 22:42-44 (ASV) 42saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.43And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. Jehoshua's prayer at the garden of Gethesame is just one example of His total reliance on God the Father to be His rock i.e. His salvation. Psalm 89:27 (ASV) 27 I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth. Jehovah making His chosen servant His firstborn has nothing to do with literal birth but rather an appointment to inheritance. The phrase "firstborn" means "chief in rank". Of course it could also have a literal meaning as well as a metaphoric meaning. Isaac was called Abraham's "only begotten son" even though he had already fathered Ishmael before Isaac was even born. "Firstborn" and "only begotten" are titles that have more to do with inheritance than they have to do with literal birth, at least insofar as Jehovah's anointed ones go. We know that firstborn here is figurative not literal as this passage has it's immediate application to David and His earthly descendants and then it ultimately applies to the Messiah Jehoshua. David had an earthly father yet is called Jehovah's firstborn son. To be a son of Jehovah has nothing to do with the literal birth but rather being chosen by Jehovah for a mission. Firstborn as used in this passage is not about birth but a designation of rank and privilege (higher than the kings of the earth). This is ultimately fulfilled in Messiah (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15,18; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 1:5). David was made Jehovah's firstborn (chief in rank, son of inheritance) son when he was anointed as Israel's King by anointing with oil and the Holy Spirit of Jehovah (1 Samuel 16:13). This is the almost exactly the same way that Jehoshua was made Jehovah's firstborn Son or only begotten Son. He was baptized with water which is representative of the Holy Spirit. David was anointed with oil which also is verse 27 of Psalm 89 says: "higher than the kings of the earth". This is after Jehovah saying He will make His chosen one His firstborn. In relation to the Messiah Jehoshua, we need to ask, when was He made higher than the kings of the earth? The text indicates that this took place at the very instant that He was made Jehovah's firstborn Son. The answer to this is actually very simple, it was exactly at the moment Jehoshua was anointed as God's chosen King for the nation of Israel. To be the anointed King of Israel meant that you were supreme over all the kings in the earth. This is because the king of Israel was Jehovah's vice-regent and His representative on the earth. Remember that Jehovah adopted the nation of Israel as His firstborn son so in effect that made Israel's king Jehovah's firstborn son and firstborn means chief in rank. So when was Jehoshua anointed as Israel's King? We see that David was anointed as Israel's king with oil and the Holy Spirit coming mightily upon him. We also see that David didn't sit on the actual throne of Israel for some time after his anointing. In fact, David was anointed two more times as he took the throne of Judah and then Israel. We cannot assume that just because Jehoshua didn't sit on the throne of Israel during His earthly ministry that He wasn't already the anointed King of Israel. We have David's example as noted above. We have to pinpoint the time in Jehoshua's life when He was anointed in a similar way that David was. This is easy as Jehoshua's baptism is in view. Let's go to Luke 3:21-22: 21Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Manuscript evidence supports the reading of "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" as being the words the voice from heaven spoke. "Thou art my Son; in thee I am well pleased" is said to be an interpolation. The original text of Luke 3:22 is taken directly from Psalm 2:7 which in context is about the coronation of an Israelite king. The immediate application of Psalm 2:7 is about David and then his royal line if kings but the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 2:7 is regarding Jehoshua the Son of God. So if the words of Psalm 2:7 were spoken at Jehoshua's baptism and if Psalm 2:7 is a coronation Psalm of an Israelite king then we can conclude that Jehoshua was anointed as the King of Israel at His baptism. This backed up by Nathanael's confession which is made shortly after Jehoshua's baptism, let's look at this confession in John 1:47-49: 47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel. Jehoshua acknowledged Nathanael as an Israelite without guile and after Jehoshua told Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree, the startling confession was made. The confession by Nathanael was that Jehoshua was the Son of God and King of Israel. The Sonship and Kingship of Jehoshua were the two primary controversies during Jehoshua's earthly ministry that aroused the hatred of the Jews. |
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