Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
The book of Hebrews overall refutes the modern concept of a future earthly Jerusalem Kingdom. This concept of the Kingdom is taught throughout the Zionist Christian/Hebrew Roots/Messianic landscape. The earlier chapters of Hebrews refute that the Mosaic system of worship will ever come back, as this is part and parcel of the future millennium doctrine.
Hebrews, chapters 11-13, reiterate the earlier concepts that we are in the new covenant and that Christ is already King on the throne of David. However, these chapters primarily focus on where our true home and hope is, which is New Jerusalem and the heavenly Zion. Hebrews 11:8-10 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a [land] not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Ultimately, Abraham was not looking for the earthly Canaan as his inheritance, but rather a city whose builder and maker is Jehovah God. This is why Abraham was merely a sojourner in earthly Canaan. This is why the author of Hebrews describes earthly Canaan as not his own, because ultimately it wasn't the promised land. Jehovah God used earthly Caanan as a type of the better and heavenly heavenly Caanan. See, earthly Caanan was not part of the Abrahamic covenant as it only served as a type and shadow. The old covenant Israelites are fulfilled the earthly Caanan mandate and earthly Caanan was part of the Mosaic covenant. Hebrews 11:13-16 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. 15 And if indeed they had been mindful of that [country] from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city Notice, that even though they went into the land of Caanan the author of Hebrews says they didn't receive the promises. This clearly shows that the earthly land of Caanan was not what Jehovah promised Abraham. Abraham and Sarah considered themselves strangers and pilgrims on this earth all the whole dwelling in earthly Caanan. The author of Hebrews is trying to get this point across to his Israelite brethren. The point is that they are also to consider themselves strangers and pilgrims in earthly Jerusalem, as ultimately it's not Jehovah's promised land for His people. The country that Abraham and Sarah were seeking was a heavenly one (verse 16), not an earthly one. If earthly Caanan we're truly the land of promise then they would have sought to returned, but they didn't because earthly Caanan was not the true inheritance. They knew that Jehovah God has prepared for them a heavenly city and country, which is New Jerusalem and the heavenly Zion. Hebrews 11:39-40 39 And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, 40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. The Israelites fulfilled the earthly Caanan mandate in the book of Joshua, so the teaching of a future fulfillment is delusional and a lie from Satan. Even though the Israelites fulfilled the earthly Caanan mandate, the author of Hebrews says that the patriarchs and matriarchs didn't receive the promises of the Abrahamic covenant..The Abrahamic covenant includes the land grant. This shows that earthly Caanan was not part of the promises of Jehovah God. Again, earthly only served as a type and a shadow just as the Mosaic covenant did. The land grant promise of the Abrahamic covenant would not be fulfilled until all the old testament saints and new testament saints would receive together at the last day. Of course, as we on further we will see again that the promise to receive at the last day is not earthly Caanan but rather the heavenly one, new heaven and new earth. Hebrews 12:1-2 1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The heroes of the faith mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 are the great cloud of witnesses, which means they are to be our examples of godly faith. Verse 2 is key to understanding the Kingdom properly, in addition to Christ's present position. Psalm 110:1 is quoted here, which is a Davidic covenant fulfillment prophecy. The author of Hebrews places the fulfillment of this prophecy at Christ ascension into heaven. This shows us that the Kingdom of Christ was already a present reality when Hebrews was written. Hebrews 12:18-21 18 For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; 20 for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; 21 and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: The author of Hebrews is talking about Mt. Sinai, where the law was given to Moses. This passage is super important in understanding what place the law has in the new covenant. Remember, the author of Hebrews is addressing this to his Israelite brethren not Gentiles. He clearly says that "we" i.e. believers in the Son of God do not get our covenant from Mt. Sinai , and therefore no longer go there for our worship. Mt. Sinai in Arabia is earthly Jerusalem according to the apostle Paul (Galatians 4). The old covenant was a harsh one and is referred to as the ministration of death. The death penalty was enacted for several of the transgressions of that covenant. Israelites could not bear the voice of God and Moses quaked and feared at His appearance. Again, Barnabas is aiming this to his Israelite brethren who are still trying to keep the old covenant and he is telling them that Jehovah's people no longer worship at earthly Jerusalem nor get their covenant and laws from there. If this is true of Israelite Christians 2,000 years ago, then how much more is it true of "Gentile" Christians 2,000 years later? Hebrews 12:22-24 22 but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than [that of] Abel. As new covenant believers in the Son of God, we get our covenant and laws from the heavenly Mt. Zion and New Jerusalem, which is the city of the living God. See how the location for worship has changed for Jehovah's people? It went from earthly Jerusalem and Mt. Sinai to New Jerusalem in heaven and heavenly Mt. Zion. This not only represents a change of location but also a change of covenant and a change of law. The author of Hebrews confirms that there has been a change in the law: Hebrews 7:13 "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" As new covenant believers we do not go to Levitical priests for our mediation, but rather we go to the Melchizedek High Priest, which is a heavenly one. The Melchizedek High Priest is not authorized to officiate over the Mosaic law and covenant. Verse 23 also proves that the church is Israel, which disproves Dispensationalism. The church is called "the church of the firstbegotten, which is what old covenant Israel was called by Jehovah God (Exodus 4:22, Jeremiah 31:9). The church of the firstbegotten is enrolled in Heaven, which shows we do not need to be a member of any earthly denominational or non denominational church. Verse 24- Jesus, not Moses, is our mediator and he is the mediator of a new covenant not the old one at Sinai. The blood of the Son of God speaks better things than that of Abel, meaning the blood of animals. This shows the foolishness of the doctrine of going back to animal sacrifices in some future millennium. Hebrews 12:27-29 27 And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: 29 for our God is a consuming fire. This verse is talking about the destruction of the temple, the city of Jerusalem and the absolute finish of the old covenant in AD 70. These things were shaken by the Roman army and they were all destroyed. That which remained was the new covenant Davidic Kingdom of Christ. Jehovah is a consuming fire and His fire of vengeance devoured Jerusalem in AD 70, forever putting to death any keeping of the old covenant and law of Moses. Hebrews 13:11-14 11 For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest [as an offering] for sin, are burned without the camp.12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after [the city] which is to come. In verses 10 and 11, the author of Hebrews is comparing the animal sacrifice in the holy of holies in the old covenant day of atonement with the sacrifice of Jesus blood in the holy of holies in heaven. He says that the bodies of the animals were burned without the camp of earthly Jerusalem, and uses that as a comparison that Jesus also was put to death without the camp of earthly Jerusalem and it' walls. Jesus, as the resurrected Davidic King, remains outside the camp of earthly Jerusalem and it's Mosaic religion and reigns from the new Jerusalem in the heavenly Mt. Zion. Because of this, Christ's heavenly Jerusalem Kingdom, we are also to leave earthly Jerusalem and it's Mosaic religion and join the new covenant church in heaven. This means we no longer keep any of the law of Moses and it's trappings, nor do we look to Jerusalem as the city of Jehovah. In fact, we are to leave earthly Jerusalem both physically and in heart. When we reject Zionism and all it's denominations, we will suffer reproach with the real Jesus Christ, who officiates the new covenant not the Mosaic one. Just as when we reject earthly Jerusalem as the promised land and look at the heavenly Jerusalem as the true and only promised land we will suffer the reproach of being antisemitic and replacement theologians.
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There is a movement today that has tremendous momentum and that movement is pushing the "Jewish Jesus" concept. The thought is that we need to return to the so-called "Jewish Jesus" because the church has made him into a gentile "Christ".
This catches many Christians off guard, because of the lukewarm state of the mainstream church. These Christians get allured by the Jewish concept of Jesus because they see that their churches lack fire and power in their proclamation of their version of the gospel. They have been convinced that the so-called New Testament church's "Jesus" is a pagan Greek. This conclusion is arrived due to the new testament Church not keeping Sabbath or having dietary laws. Also, part of this "return to the Jewish Jesus" movement is to start calling him "Yeshua" as they will say that the name "Jesus" is derived from the Greek and has similarity to the Greek god "Zeus". The accusation will be made that the so-called New Testament Church is lawless and thereby the solution is to return to the "Jewish" Torah. They will saywe have to rediscover the "Jewish" Jesus to understand if we truly want to understand the gospel. The result of this desire to discover the "Jewish" Jesus is to start acting, talking and dressing like a Jew. Of course, to the modern Christian this means emulating the modern so-called Jews of the religion called Judiasm. Paul the apostle destroys this concept of talking, acting and dressing like a Jew in order to discover the "Jewish Jesus". Paul spent much of his time destroying the arguments of the Judaizers, who were trying to impose Torah keeping and"Jewish" culture in general onto the new converts from the nations. Colossians 2:13-17 13 And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, [I say], did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; 14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross; 15 having despoiled the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: 17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ`s. The context of Colossians chapters 1 and 2, is the Kingdom and Kingship of Jesus Christ. This is important in order to understand why we are not to mind Sabbath days, new moons or feast days anymore. This is precisely what Paul is stating in the above passage, that by way of Jesus death, burial and resurrection, the ordinances of the old covenant are now blotted out. This fits perfectly with what Paul said in Ephesians 2:15, in that the commandments contained in ordinances are abolished. Why were the old covenant ordinances contrary to the Colossians? Because, as those of the nations, they were excluded from fully participating in the ceremonial worship of Jehovah God. Paul is not telling the Colossian believers that they need to be more Jewish, to the contrary he is telling them not to get caught up in the old Jewish worship days. The old covenant system of worship, including the holy days, were only shadows of what was to come. What was to come was the better and perfect new covenant, with a new Israel. This new Israel was to have the last David, which is Jesus Christ. This is the context in which Paul is speaking, the Kingship and Kingdom of Christ. See Colossians 1 for the full context. Contrary to what modern Christianity teaches, Jesus already conquered Satan and his Kingdom (principalities) by way of his death, burial and resurrection. Therefore, a new era dawned 2,000 years ago and thus a new Davidic Israelite Kingdom that would not consist of meat or drink but joy and peace in the holy Spirit: Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" The new covenant Kingdom of Jesus Christ is not about dietary laws nor holy days as we also see in Romans 14. The Kingdom of Christ is about having the law written on your heart and living righteously. Romans 14:1-6 1 But him that is weak in faith receive ye, [yet] not for decision of scruples.2 One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs.3 Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4 Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand.5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Paul once and for all refutes the Hebrew roots agenda, clearly stating that the Levitical dietary restrictions no longer apply. Paul basically says it's up to each person's discretion regarding what they eat or don't eat and that they are not to judge each other over it. In fact, Paul seems to indicate that those who judge others for what they eat are ultimately going to be judged by Jehovah God. In verse 5, Paul addresses the holy days and says that it is up to each person whether they hold a singular day unto Jehovah. He says that these believers need to be convinced in their own mind and that if someone holds all days to be the same then they do it unto Jehovah. Paul says that eating or not eating and keeping or not keeping a day is a personal decision. In other words, it's nobody else's business what you eat or whether or not you hold one day as holy or everyday alike. Romans 2:28-29 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. This is a passage of scripture that is often misused to say that every believer in the Son of God is a Jew inwardly. Is this what Paul is saying here? No it's not! Paul is specifically addressing Judahites that are taking pride in their Torah observance and the outward trappings that come along with it. Nowhere in the new testament does Paul say that Gentiles become Jews when they are begotten from above. He does say that they become citizens in the Commonwealth of Israel and at grafted into that olive tree, but remember most Israelites are not Jews. Jews only represent one tribe out of the 12 tribes nation. In fact, if anything Gentiles who come into the faith of the Son of God are spiritual Ephraimites since Ephraim was promised a multitude of nations. Remember, Ephraim was not listed in the tribal list in Revelation 7 but rather was identified as the multitude of nations. This is where Gentiles fit in spiritually. In Romans chapter 2, Paul never conflates the Jews with the Gentiles and therefore his statement in verses 28-29 is specifically addressed to Jews not Gentiles, because the Gentiles we're never given the law of Moses. Paul's point to these Jews taking pride in their Jewishness and law keeping, is that if they really want to be a true Jew they will get with the new covenant program and live according to the Spirit not the letter, and hold up Christ as their King. Galatians 2:14-16 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. This passage right here is the knockout blow to the Hebrew roots heresy. If we are supposed to act more like a Jew to truly be like Jesus then why does Paul rebuke Peter for trying to get the Gentiles to do just that? The Hebrew roots heretics have to perform mental gymnastics to twist this verse into a pro Hebrew roots thing. The very thing that the Hebrew roots and Messianic Jews promote, acting more Jewish to be like Jesus is heartily refuted by the apostle Paul. Paul called out Peter and told him that he (Peter) doesn't even live as a Jew, yet he was trying to get the Gentiles to live more like Jews. Where was Peter wrong in this? Was it because he was not living as a Jew that Paul called him out or was it because he was trying to get the Gentiles to live as Jews? Obviously, it was because he was trying to get the Gentiles to live as Jews. Peter knew the new testament gospel and he also said that the law of Moses was even too heavy of a yoke for the Judeans. Peter himself said that to try and put the disciples of Christ under the yoke of the law was making trial of Jehovah God (Acts 15). This then makes sense why Peter was not trying to live as Jews anymore and that's because he knew that had nothing to do with the new covenant. Just think of this, if one of the 12 apostles, namely Peter, was not living as a Jew then why would we need to live and act Jewish? The answer to this is simple, being a follower of Christ is not about living and acting like a Jew. In fact, we are not to try and be Jewish to be like Jesus, but rather we are to be more Christian: Acts 11:26 "and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." "Christian" was a new name given to the believers in the Son of God and it simply means "follower of Christ". This is what we must act and be like, Christ Jesus. If we do this then we can rightfully be called a Christian (follower of Christ). Acts 26:28 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 And Agrippa [said] unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. By this time the title "Christian" was already well known as King Agrippa obviously knew that the followers of Christ were called that. 1 Peter 4;16 "but if [a man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name" We are not to be ashamed of the name "Christian" and be willing to suffer for being a Christian as that means we are truly following Christ. Even Peter identified himself and the brethren by this name, hence we should not try to be Jews but rather strive to be more like Christ i.e. Christian. Jeremiah 31:9
"They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born." Ephraim (Northern Israel) is Jehovah's first born Son. This applies to Judah as well but moreso to Ephraim since he was given the birthright blessing. Hebrews 12:22:22-23 22 but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. The new covenant Church is called the first begotten, which means they are Israel as this is what Israel was called in the old testament. Just like in the old testament, the seed of Israel in the new testament is also anointed (holy). Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ" The word "Christ" means "anointed" and Paul is saying that the one seed of Abraham (Isaac) is "anointed" (Christ). The word "Christ" at the end of the verse is not referring to Jesus because he is not our seed (descendant) as he preceded us. To say that Jesus is the seed of the Galatians makes absolutely no sense as it would mean that Jesus was the offspring of the Galatians. Clearly, Paul is referring to the seed being the descendants of Abraham through Isaac. The statement "He saith not, And to seeds, as of many" is referring to the disclusion of Ishmael and Esau from the Abrahamic blessings. The one seed is obviously referring to Isaac, who was Abraham's son of promise (only begotten) and also Jacob who was also given the blessing (Genesis 28:13-14). This passage above proves that the 1 Peter 2:9-10 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: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. The notion that all races are equal before Jehovah God is refuted in this one verse which says that Jehovah indeed has an elect (chosen) race. Galatians 3:27-29 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.28 There can be neither Judean 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.29 And if ye are Christ`s, then are ye Abraham`s seed, heirs according to promise. Working off Galatians 3:16, the phrase "if ye are Christ 's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise" is indicating that if one is of the seed of Abraham through the promised son Isaac then they are heirs of Jehovah's Kingdom. Again, the word "Christ" means "anointed". Also, we have to remember that the Greeks were identified as descendants of the Northern tribes of Israel (the dispersion). What Paul is saying to the Galatians, is that if they are of the anointed seed of Abraham then they are heirs of the Kingdom. To understand this to mean that if we are Jesus's then we are the seed of Abraham makes no sense in light of Galatians 3:16. To prove this point further that Paul doesn't have a generic spiritual understanding of this passage, meaning those who believe in Jesus are the seed of Abraham, we need to go to Galatians 4: 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. Paul is about to expound further on the Abrahamic covenant and he is going to make the comparison between Ishmael/Hagar and Isaac/Sarah. Ishmael/Hagar represent the slave religion of the old covenant that doesn't have an eternal blessing, whereas Isaac/Sarah represent the freedom of the new covenant, which is rooted in unconditional promises and blessings. It's important to remember that both Paul (earlier in this chapter) and Peter in his epistle identify the Galatians as descendants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This explains why he says what he says to them in Galatians 3:16 and in verses 27-29, in that their seed is anointed (Christ). Galatians 4:23-24 23 Howbeit the [son] by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the [son] by the freewoman [is born] through promise. 24 Which things contain an allegory: for these [women] are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. Isaac was born through promise, which brings us back to Galatians 3:29 and the statement that if ye are Christ 's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise. This combined with Galatians 3:16 and that the promises are not to seeds as of many (Ishmael and Esau), but to thy seed (Galatians), which is Christ (anointed), because they are descendants of Israel through the son of promise, Isaac. It is Isaac not Jesus which is in view here in terms of the seed. Galatians 3:16 absolutely shows that the seed is not Jesus because it says that it is the Galatians seed, which is "Christ". Obviously, Jesus is not the seed (descendant) of the Galatians since he preceded them in terms of time of existence. This statement by Paul was made long after Jesus lived, died and was resurrected. It is the Galatians seed, which is "Christ" (anointed). This is due to their Israelite racial stock. Galatians 4:25-27 25 Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband. Paul likens Hagar to the Sinai covenant and Sarah to the new covenant (heavenly Zion). Hagar's son is Ishmael and he represents all those still in bondage to the law, whereas Sarah's son Isaac represents all those that are in the new and better covenant. Earthly Jerusalem/old covenant = Hagar/Ishamael and Heavenly Jerusalem/new covenant = Sarah/Isaac. The multiplication of seed (Abrahamic covenant blessings) would be to those who are of the seed of Isaac and the womb of Sarah not Ishmael and Hagar. Many spiritualize this and understandably so because Paul does say it is an allegory, however the allegory is in relating Hagar/Ishmael to the old covenant not that the seed is allegorical. Psalm 28:8-9 8 Jehovah is their strength, And he is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed. 9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: Be their shepherd also, and bear them up for ever. The people of Israel are called Jehovah's anointed (Christ's) and there is no reason to change now in the new covenant and again the allegory above is in relation to the covenants not the seed. Galatians 4:28-31 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. 31 Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman. Paul addresses the Galatians as brethren, which means kinsmen of the womb (racial stock). Remember, earlier he said that the Galatians were once under the law, showing that they were descendants of the house of Israel. Peter also identifies the Galatians as being descendants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. All this shows that when Paul uses the term brethren (kinsmen of the womb) that it is not in a generic sense (if that even exists) but is in a literal way. Paul identifies the Galatians, in verse 28, as children of promise through Isaac. Again, this shows that he is stating that the Galatian Celts are literal descendants of Isaac. By Paul saying they are brethren he is saying that they come from the same womb as him: Isaiah 51:1-2 1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek Jehovah: look unto the rock whence ye were hewn, and to the hold of the pit whence ye were digged. 2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you; for when he was but one I called him, and I blessed him, and made him many. Israelites are hewn out of the rock of Abraham (loins) and dug out of the pit of Sarah (womb), which is what the term brethren means i.e. kinsmen of the womb. Verse 29 of Galatians 4, it was Ishmael that was born after the flesh, meaning without the blessing and promise of Jehovah God. He was born out of a decision made of Sarah and Abraham's own will due to lacking faith in the promises of Jehovah God. Verse 30 of Galatians 4, many who refuse to believe that Paul is speaking of the literal descendants of Hagar and Ishmael being cast out of the promises and Kingdom of God, cope and say this is an allegory. However, the allegorical part of this passage is not in regards to the seed of Ishmael and Isaac but rather the covenants they represent. Paul is clear that just as Hagar and Ishmael were cast out of the Abrahamic blessings, their seed will also be cast out of the new covenant blessings. No matter how much law keeping anyone does, they will not inherit the promised heavenly Canaan as they are of their mother Hagar and brother Ishmael. Verse 31 of Galatians 4, Paul reiterates to the Galatians that we (him and them) are not children of the bond woman (Hagar, earthly Jerusalem, Sinai covenant) but rather they are children of the free woman (Sarah, heavenly Jerusalem, new covenant). As stated earlier, Paul told the Galatians that their seed was anointed because it was of that one seed that the promises to Abraham were made and not to seeds as of many (all of his sons). Obviously, that one seed was Isaac. Romans 9:6-7 6 But [it is] not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are Abraham`s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. Verse 6, at the time the land and geo-political nation of Israel had non ethnic Israelites as citizens such as Edomites and Ishmaelites. Both of these ethnic groups had been cut off from the Abrahamic blessings. These are the ones Paul refers to as not all being Israel even though they lived in and claimed Israelite status. Verse 7, this seals the deal here that Paul is definitely talking about literal seed descendants in Galatians 4 as he says just because they are Abraham's seed it doesn't mean they are all children. We see this sentiment elsewhere in the gospel of John, which I will discuss coming up shortly. Of course, Paul has Esau and Ishmael in mind when making this statement as they were/are indeed the seed of Abraham but they are not the children of promise. Paul confirms the literal application of the seed line in Galatians 4 here in Romans 9:7 as he says "In Isaac shall thy seed be called". This eliminates the spiritualizing away of what seed means in this chapter and the book of Galatians. Romans 9;8-13 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. 9 For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac-- 11 for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, 12it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.13Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Unlike what the churches teach, the children of the flesh Paul is talking about are not ethnic Israelites but rather those who are Abraham's seed but not children of the promise. As Paul confirmed in verse 7, the children of promise come. through the lineage of Isaac. This shows that the children of the flesh are the seed of Abraham that were cut off from the covenant and that is Esau and Ishmael. That is the context of the above passage. In Galatians 4, Paul identifies Ishmael as a child of the flesh yet he was Abraham's literal offspring. Paul made it clear that Ishmael and Hagar and those of their seed will not inherit the Kingdom of Jehovah God. Again, the children of the flesh is not referring to making no distinction between Non-Israelites and Israelites, but rather it's making a distinction between the seed of promise (Isaac) and Abraham's other seed (children of the flesh). Verse 7 of Romans confirms this understanding. In Galatians 4, Paul focused on Ishmael and in Romans 9 he focuses on Esau. Both of these genetic sons of Abraham are not the children of promise but they are the children of the flesh (born outside the covenant blessings of Jehovah). In verses 9 and 10 Paul talks about children of promise, Isaac and Jacob. Again, the context surrounding verse 8 shows that Paul is talking about literal seed and that the children of the flesh are those literal descendants of Abraham born outside the covenant blessings. In verses 9 and 10, Paul defines what he means by the children of promise and describes the miracle of Isaac's begetting in the womb of Sarah. He also describes Rebecca conceiving Jacob via our father Isaac. The fact that Paul identified Isaac as "our father" shows that the Romans were not Non-Israelite gentiles but rather they were descendants of Israel. Verse 11 of Romans 9, Isaac and Jacob were begotten as children of promise due to Jehovah's election, without either of them having done any good or bad. This is so that Jehovah's grace would get the glory and stand (Ephesians 1) and not the freewill of man (works). It is only those who are called by Jehovah God that inherit the promises of the covenants. So not only are the children of the flesh (Descendants of Esau and Ishmael) cut off from the promises of Jehovah God, they were never intended to have them as they were not elected by Jehovah God before the foundation of the world. Verses 12 and 13, Jehovah God hates (rejects) Esau and this was from the womb that Jehovah hated him. This shows that Jehovah elected Jacob even before Esau rejected his inheritance. This shows the absolute Sovereignty of Jehovah God. This also shows that Paul is being literal when talking about seed and children of promise in this passage. Nowhere does Paul open up the Abrahamic covenant blessings to Esau, Ishmael and their descendants. John 8:31-33 31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, [then] are ye truly my disciples; 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered unto him, We are Abraham`s seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? These Judeans that believed Jesus were actually not true Israelites as they told Jesus that they were Abraham's seed but had never been in bondage to any man. How do we know that they were not true Israelites? Because anyone who knows the story of the Exodus knows that indeed the Israelites had been in bondage to men. These Judeans were Edomites, who had been forcibly converted to the Israelite faith by the Maccabees. They were truthful about being the seed of Abraham since Esau was a literal descendant of his. John 8:37-38 37 I know that ye are Abraham`s seed: yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.38 I speak the things which I have seen with [my] Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from [your] father. Jesus acknowledged that these Edomite Judeans were the seed of Abraham, however they did not have Jesus word abiding in them. Jesus words are the one's His Father Jehovah put in Him to speak (Deuteronomy 18:15-21). Jesus tells these Edomite Judeans that they do what they heard from their father the devil. Why would Jesus call these Judeans the children of the devil when they were the seed of Abraham? Obviously, because they were of Esau's line. That will become more clear as we proceed in this chapter of John. Jesus told them that he does the things that He hears from His Father Jehovah. John 8:39-40 39 They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham`s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham. Jesus acknowledged that these Judeans were the seed of Abraham, but he also says here that they are not his children. How could this be? Because they were not the children of promise, meaning that they were not the seed of Abraham through Isaac. Romans 9:7-8 7 neither, because they are Abraham`s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. Jesus statements above in John 8 must be understood within the context of Romans 9 where Paul says that in Isaac shall Abraham's seed be called. Paul acknowledges that Abraham had children of the flesh (Ishmael and Esau), however he says that it is Isaac that is the child of promise. In verses 39 and 49 of John 7, Jesus told these Judeans that if they were truly children of Abraham (via Isaac and Jacob) then they would do the works of Abraham. What were the works of Abraham? Righteousness by faith, belief and obedience. Jesus knew that these Edomite Judeans had murder in their heart for him and told them that Abraham didn't have this heart towards Jehovah's messengers. John 8:43-44 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. Jesus tells these Edomite Judeans that they don't understand his words because they cannot. As the Son of God told them earlier in the conversation, they may be the seed of Abraham but they are not his children through the promised seed (Isaac and Jacob). This is why they cannot hear Jesus words, because they do not have the Holy Spirit, which is poured on the holy seed of Israel alone. Verse 44, the Son of God goes in for the kill and tells the Edomite Judeans that they are of their father the devil. This proves that these Judeans were not ethnic Israelites, because no Israelite would dare say that about their brethren knowing the covenant promises of Jehovah God to His people (see Romans 9-11). The word devil means adversary and it was Cain, who was the first murderer within God's Kingdom and he was cast out of the garden (Kingdom) of Jehovah forever. Cain's seed line was also outside of the promises and blessings of God. Cain is the ancestral father of those future seeds that would be cast out of the covenant promises of Jehovah God and His Kingdom. Since Cain is the first son of the devil, his offspring are also sons of the devil. Both the descendants of Ishmael and Esau are sons of their father Cain and hence sons of the devil just like their father Cain. This is why we see the vitriolic hatred towards Jehovah's church (true Israel) by the Muslims (descendants of Ishmael) and Jews (descendants of Esau). All the devil's children are liars and murderers (of the heart) since they know no other way as that is the character of their father Satan. This is why Jesus calls the Edomite Jews the Synagogue of Satan (Revelation 2:9 and 3:9). This is absolutely the least talked about subject in the conversation regarding the state of affairs in what we call the "American church" as well as American politics and international relations. Whether people like it or not, this country was founded upon Protestant Christian principles and one of the common beliefs of the Protestant churches was that Jehoshua sat on the throne of David upon his ascension into heaven.
Believe it or not, this simple truth of Jehoshua currently sitting on the throne of David determines just about every important doctrine in the church. It affects eschatology, soteriology and ecclesiology. An even more astonishing, the truth of Jehoshua sitting on the throne of David was instrumental in the founding of this country and it's subsequent prosperity. How is this so? The early settlers of this country were Protestant Christians from Europe and they believed that they were the Israel of Jehovah God and that Jehoshua's millennial Kingdom was concurrent with the new covenant church age. The view of Amillennial eschatology was rooted in the fact that when Jehoshua ascended into heaven he sat on the throne of David. You can't have a Kingdom without a King, and for Protestant Christians Jehoshua was their now reigning Davidic King. Of course, this then concluded that it was the new covenant church that was Jehovah's Israel and that there was no need for a future re-establishment of Geo-Political Israel, with a future millennium where the throne of David would be sat on for the first time by Jehoshua. Unlike modern day Christians, the Protestant Christians were not obsessed with sensationalistic end time scenarios that encouraged an escapist mentality. The Christians of early America believed that the Kingdom was a present reality for them and not something that was only in the future after the Messiah came back to earth. Part and parcel of this belief was that Jehoshua sat on the throne of David at his ascension. This outlook by the early American Christians dictated how they lived their life and how they viewed America from a Geo-politcal standpoint. They looked at a America as a type of New Jerusalem, and why not, since that is what the church technically is and that's what they were settling America as, a Christian nation. The United States of America was meant to be a sovereign nation that had very limited involvement in foreign affairs. There certainly was no religious reason for them to be involved in foreign affairs, as they had everything they wanted right in their own homeland. The early American Christians viewed America as a land flowing with milk and honey and as a new Canaan. Throughout all of church history, Christians believed and taught that Jehoshua fulfilled the Davidic covenant at his resurrection and ascension. This then determined those other doctrines of the faith mentioned above, most importantly of which is the teaching that the church is Israel. The teaching that Jehoshua currently sits on the throne of David automatically eliminates the concept of the millennium, an earthly throne of David, reestablishment of the Mosaic system of worship and most importantly a future restoration of Geo-political Israel. As the church went so went America in terms of the direction of morality and geo-politcis, as the Pastors in America were looked at as beacons of their local communities. The churches were the nerve centers of local communities in regards to moral living. Often, Pastors held office in their local governments and/or had significant influence in civil affairs. There was no need for America to look beyond it's own borders for prophetic fulfillment in terms of anything concerning what was once earthly Jerusalem and earthly Israel. This is because the American churches looked at themselves as the Israel of God, in whom all the prophetic promises are fulfilled. This was the doctrine of the Christian church all throughout the new covenant church age, no matter what communion (denomination). For the American Christian church, the idea of a future throne of David in earthly Palestine (Jerusalem/Israel) was unthinkable. This was because they took the scriptures for what they said and what they said was that Jehoshua ascended to the throne of David in New Jerusalem after his resurrection and ascension. A New Jerusalem automatically means there is a New Israel and a New Israel means that the old is obselete forever. The early American Christians believed that wherever the church was there was the true and only Israel. Jehoshua's current reign on the throne of David was a given for the churches and this reign was headquartered in New Jerusalem, thereby negating any future fulfillment in earthly Jerusalem. With America being founded on Christian principles, the church had a heavy influence on it's politics. Limited involvement in foreign affairs was the mindset of early America since Americans believed that all that they needed was right here in the New Jerusalem (America). I believe it was due to this Protestant, the church as the Israel of Jehovah, type of Christianity that made America the most prosperous nation ever in the known history of the world. Of course, the doctrine that Jehoshua was currently reigning from the throne of David in heaven was central to this concept of the church being the Israel of Jehovah. From the time the early Christians arrived in America until the civil war, the country was thoroughly blessed in terms of morally and materially. Things were so prosperous that most Christian churches were teaching that a golden age of the church was on the horizon, rather than a progessive increase of evil. However, the civil war dramatically changed the outlook of America in general and the churches inparticular. It was shortly after the civil war that a doctrine called "Dispensationalism" started being peddled by those who were promoting the C.I. Scofield reference bible. At the very core of this doctrine was the denial of Jehoshua fulfilling the Davidic covenant at his ascension into heaven. This reference bible taught that Jehoshua wasn't King and that he was only a high priest. It taught that he wouldn't be King until after his physical return to earth to establish his millennial Kingdom. This futurist version of the end times included a reconstitution of the law of Moses along with a reconstituted Geo-Political Israel. The C.I. Scofield reference bible study notes taught a completely different eschatology, ecclesiology and soteriology than what the church taught for almost 1900 years. Again, central to this new version of Christianity was the concept that Jehoshua was not yet the Davidic King and that the throne of David would be on earth in the future and that it was never to be a heavenly throne. The fact that this doctrine started slowly started being introduced after the civil war was likely not a coincidence as the civil war heavily divided the nation, and hence the churches. It was 1888 when a pamphlet written by Scofield called "Rightly dividing the word of truth" came out. This biblical phrase "rightly dividing the word of truth" is the Dispensational battlecry to this day. Scofield soon became the leader of the premillennial dispensational movement. His reference bible was first published in 1909. It was also at this time that momentum was gaining ground for the "Jews" to have their own homeland and sovereign government. Of course, it was Palestine (Jerusalem) that was their target. The problem with all this was that the churches overwhelming believed in Historicism, which taught that the millennial Kingdom of the Messiah was concurrent with the new covenant church age. Integral in this of course was that Jehoshua was installed on the throne of David at his ascension into heaven. Whether or not one believes Jehoshua currently sits on the throne of David will determine their eschatology along with their ecclesiology. By the mid 1950's, the premillennial dispensational eschatology took hold of much of the American church. After the civil war and two world wars, the church was no longer optimistic about the future and the sensationalistic eschatology of futurism seemed more realistic to them. Many of the prominent theological seminaries such as Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary and Viola University taught Premillennial Dispensationalism. The denominations of Christendom sent their Pastors at such places to learn their theology, which was rooted in this futurist eschatology. It goes without saying, that adopting and teaching premillennial dispensational eschatology became a requirement for Pastors that were part of the denominational church system. Would be Pastors from among the churches would be funneled into these seminaries and further indoctrinated into this futurist eschatology. These young would be Pastors would then graduate to be funneled right back into the denominational churches. The rise of dispensational eschatology coincided with our participation in the two world wars, which were wars that helped and strengthened Jewish Bolshevik Communism. Infact, it was Jewish Bolshevik Communists that overthrew Christian Russia in the late 1910's. The domino effect of this Jewish Marxist revolution was devasting for European Christians throughout the rest of the century. America fought on the side of the Communists in World War 2 in murdering Germans and brutalizing them. One of the results of World War 1 was the Russian revolution, the Russian civil war and the formation of the Soviet union. We fought on the side of Russia during that war, which until 1917 was under Christian rule. World War ended in later 1918. Also noteworthy concerning World War 1, was the Balfour Declaration, which was a public statement issued by the British government in 1917 during the war announcing support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, then an Ottoman region with a small minority Jewish population. The Ottoman empire was on the opposite side of the U.S. & Britian during Word War 1. You can start to see the motivation for World War when you look at who was on the opposite side of the allied forces and what their was to gain by defeating them. ReplyForward Revelation 1:9
"I 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 Jehoshua" Most Christians/Hebrew roots deny the above verse that we are already in the great tribulation and the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah, which is the Davidic Kingdom. John clearly says that he is a partaker in the Kingdom of Jehoshua and he says this in the first century showing that the new covenant Davidic Kingdom was already a reality at that time. Unlike the modern day Christians and Messianics, John says that the Kingdom of Jehoshua will be indentified by those who suffer tribulation, whereas the aforementioned groups say that we will be lording over others in the Kingdom. Paul concurs with John on the nature of the Kingdom of the Messiah: Acts 14:22 "confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God" Contrary to the modern Christian/Hebrew roots doctrine that we will be ruling over unbelieving nations in the Kingdom of the Messiah, scripture teaches otherwise and says that those in the Kingdom must suffer tribulation. Jehoshua agrees with this sentiment concerning his Kingdom: Matthew 20:20-28 20 Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping [him], and asking a certain thing of him.21 And he said unto her, What wouldest thou? She saith unto him, Command that these my two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy kingdom.22 But Jehoshua answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink? They say unto him, We are able.23 He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on [my] left hand, is not mine to give; but [it is for them] for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation concerning the two brethren.25 But Jehoshua called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant:28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. James and John's mother had the same concept of the Kingdom that most professed believers of the Messiah have, which is a brick and mortar Geo-political Kingdom. Her concept of the Kingdom was that it's subjects would lord their authority over others just like the modern day church. In verses 25-28, Jehoshua corrects her understanding of the nature of the Kingdom and says thay contrary to the Gentiles, the greatest in his Kingdom are servants of others not overlords. Jehoshua, as King of Israel, is our example of Kingship not the concept that the religious establishment of Judea had. Jehoshua says that he came not to be served but to serve and be a ransom sacrifice for many. This shows the nature of the new covenant Davidic Kingdom and that is one of self sacrifice not ruling over others. Matthew 19:28 "And Jehoshua said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" The throne of Jehoshua's glory is the throne of David, which is the only throne that Messiah of Israel was promised to sit on. This shows that this is the glory that Jehoshua was saying that he had with the Father before the world was (John 17:5). Scripture abundantly shows that Jehoshua sat on his throne of glory at his ascension into heaven (Acts 2:29-31). The apostles were given authority to sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. There are a couple of things to take note of here, one is that this judgment meted out by the apostles is not in relationship to the last day judgement, which is subsequent to the second advent. How do we know this? Because the judgment would be in connection with the Son of man sitting on his throne of glory and as stated above scripture shows that this was fulfilled at his ascension into heaven (Hebrews 1:8-9). You might ask, "if that's the case when did the apostles ever sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel?" This is where Paul's writings really are valuable as they illuminate that this was fulfilled during the apostolic era as he says: Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Messiah:" The spiritual blessings that Jehoshua has in the heavenly places are the sure blessings of David (Acts 13:34) and those blessings are to sit as King and High Priest on his throne (Zechariah 6:9-15). Paul says that we have those blessings too and of course the 12 apostles were the immediate beneficiaries of these blessings. Ephesians 2:5-6 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Messiah (by grace have ye been saved),6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly [places], in Messiah Jehoshua: Jehoshua sits on the throne of David in the holy of holies in heaven as King and High Priest. If we sit on thrones now as Paul says then this shows that Jehoshua's statement to the apostles that they shall sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel applied to the apostolic era not a future millennium. Remember, that the new covenant ekklesia is referred to as the 12 tribes of Israel scattered abroad (James 1:1) as well as the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:8-10). Paul also refers to it as the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). In 1 Corinthians 6 Paul says that we are already to be judging all matters concerning the ekklesia i.e.the Israel of Jehovah God. We see in Acts 15 this being played out in a real way. Jehoshua even says that he has the key of David in the book of Revelation which are the keys to the Davidic Kingdom. Jehoshua said He granted the apostles the keys to this Kingdom in the book of Matthew. Also, in Acts 15 the Jerusalem council was held and James the leader of the council said that the Davidic Kingdom was restored. This shows that the 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (the new covenant church) was already taking place in the apostolic era. The prologue of the gospel of John, like all other gospels, is about the Kingdom. Most Pastors, theologians and Christians believe that the prologue is a universal cosmic text, however when we match the prologue with other scriptures ot becomes clear that it is the New Israelite Kingdom that is in view. John 1:1-12 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not.6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him 8 He was not the light, but [came] that he might bear witness of the light.9 There was the true light, [even the light] which lighteth every man, coming into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: The above passage, often mistaken for the Genesis creation, is really about the new creation and that new creation being the new covenant Israel. This is why it's important to read everything in scripture, especially the new testament, from a Kingdom perspective. This passage fits perfectly with the epistle of John that identifies the beginning of the word being with the Father when the apostles began to touch, hear and see Jehoshua. Obviously, the beginning referred to in John 1:1: is the same beginning in 1 John as the Word being with God is the beginning of Jehoshua's Kingdom mission. It was when the Word was with God that it was manifested to the apostles. Verse 3 of John 1, the all things made by the Word (Son of God) are not fhe Genesis creation but rather the things spoken of in Colossians 1:16 i.e. thrones, dominions, principalities and authorities. These things were created in the Messiah and our related to his Kingdom (Colossians 1:12-13). Verse 4, in Jehoshua was eternal life and that eternal life was the light of men who were translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God. 1 John 5:11-13 11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life.13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. In order to have eternal life one must believe on the name of the Son of God and that name represents Jehoshua's identity, character and authority. In terms of authority, one must believe that Jehoshua is the King of Israel and already enthroned on the throne of David. This is what it means that eternal life is in the Son of God as in order to have eternal life you must believe that Jehoshua is the Son of God and King of Israel (John 1:49). Jehovah God gave us eternal life by giving us His Son as our ransom sacrifice and as our King. Jehovah made His Son Jehoshua as the only way to gain eternal life, in other words one must go through Jehoshua before they get to Jehovah in order to have salvation. Back to John chapter 1, verse 5 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 9 in which the Davidic King starts his Kingdom mission in Galilee of the nations and the people dwelling in darkness see the light of the Davidic King and his Kingdom. Verses 6 and 7 show further that the prologue of John is about the Kingdom and not about a universal type thing with the Genesis creation in mind. John brings in the ministry of John the Baptist, who announced the arrival of the Kingdom of Jehovah God. Verse 8, John the apostle makes it clear that John the Baptist was not that light i.e.the new Davidic King. Instead, John was the witness of the true light, Jehoshua Messiah. The Son of God was the royal seed of David. John 1:34 "And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God" To be the Son of Jehovah God in the Messianic sense is to be the King of Israel. John bore witness that indeed Jehoshua was the King of Israel by making the above statement that he is the Son of God. See Nathanael's confession in John 1:49 for the perfect parallel to Jehoshua's confession. This shows that Jehoshua's baptism was indeed the anointing of Jehoshua as King of Israel. Verse 9 of John chapter 1, Jehoshua is the true light, being that he is the Davidic King of the last days and the one whom John the Baptist was paving the way for. Jehoshua is the light that those in the land of darkness (Israel) saw. This again shows that the context of the prologue is Kingdom centric not Universalist centric. This goes together perfectly with Isaiah 9 which is a Davidic Kingship/Kingdom prophecy. 1 Kings 11:36 "And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there" This was the punishment for King Solomon due to his idolatry in that he would have the Northern tribes rent from him and given to Jeroboam. However, because of the oath that Jehovah made with David the Southern tribes would be given to Solomon's son so that the holy vine of David would always have a light in Jerusalem. This is what is meant by Jehoshua being called the light of the world, in other words the light of Israel as he is the holy vine of David. Jehoshua being the light and lighting every man that comes Into the world has to do with translation of men and women into his Kingdom not that he lights everyone that is born into the whole earth. The word "world" means orderly arrangement and constitutional government. This world that that the light of the Davidic King lights men and women into is the new Israel i.e. the new covenant Davidic Kingdom. This is the light of the inheritance of the saints that they are translated to, which is the Kingdom of the Son of God (Colossians 1:12-13). Verses 10-12 of John chapter 1, Jehoshua was in the world (National Israel) and the world (National Israel) knew him not, meaning they rejected him as the King of Israel. The world that was made through Jehoshua was the same world created in him and unto him in Colossians 1:16 and that world is the New covenant Davidic Kingdom aka the New Israel. Through Jehoshua's Kingdom mission, death, burial, resurrection and Kingship, he formed a new National Israel (Matthew 2:15). However, even though the bulk of National Israel rejected the Son of God, a remnant according to grace believed on his name as the only begotten Son of God. To believe on the name of the only begotten Son of God denotes believing that he is the Davidic King of Israel (Psalm 2:7). It was to these Israelites that Jehoshua gave the right to become Jehovah's children in the new covenant i.e. the new Israel. It wasn't according to their will nor the will of man, but according to the Sovereign will of Jehovah God. The salvation of those who believed on the name of Jehoshua was due to Jehovah electing them before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1). What your Pastors aren't telling you is that the new covenant church is the Israel of Jehovah and the Kingdom of David. This triggers modern Christians who have been taught that only the modern so called Jews and earthly Jerusalem fulfill these things. They posit these things being fulfilled in a future millennium in earthly Jerusalem and modern Geo-Political Israel. This includes a reinstitution of all the Mosaic trappings. Unfortunately for these Zionist Christians and their Hebrew roots cousins, the new testament categorically refutes this idea.
This dispensational theology along with the Hebrew Roots movement does violence to the finished work of Christ and his victorious Davidic Kingship, both of which were fulfilled at Jesus death, resurrection and ascension. In other words, it's an antichrist doctrine which I will refute with the living oracles of scripture. Matthew 26:28 "for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins" If Jesus blood is the blood of the new covenant and if we are never going back to the old covenant by necessity, then why would Jehovah God go back to that system of worship in some future millennium? What use would animal blood being poured out as a sacrifice have if Jesus blood was the atoning blood of the new and better covenant? Does it make sense for Jehovah to reinstitute an imperfect covenant, if He ushered in a perfect one with the ransom sacrifice of His only begotten Son Jesus? What does this have to do with the church being the Davidic Kingdom and the Israel of God? Because the significance of Jesus death, burial and resurrection impacts who exactly is Israel and the new covenant Davidic Kingdom. John 19:30 "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit" The work that the Father sent Jesus to do was completed at the cross and part of that work was to bring the old covenant system, including the law of Moses, to a close. Despite the above statement of Jesus, most Christians believe that the Father will resurrect the very system that He had His Son bring to completion. Jesus abolished this system: Ephesians 2:15 "having abolished in the flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, [so] making peace" The law of commandments contained in ordinances are the very ones that were part of the Mosaic system of worship. These are the same ordinances that the Hebrew roots crowd and Evangelical Christian Zionists say will be reinstated in a future earthly millennium. However, Paul contradicts this and says that the ordinances of the law of Moses are abolished. Matthew 27;50-51 50 And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.51 And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent. The tearing of the veil in the temple signified the passing away of the Mosaic law and all the ordinances associated with it as stated above in Ephesians. The author of Hebrews confirms this: Hebrews 10:19-20 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. The tearing of the veil in the literal temple was a physical representation of the veil being torn in the heavenly sanctuary. This shows us that the old covenant was done away with and that the blood of Christ inaugurated the new covenant. This also shows that the worship system of the new covenant would be in heaven, in the sanctuary there, and that the temple on earth was rendered invalidated. The blood of Jesus brought in the new covenant in it's fullness and it makes absolutely no sense that we are going back to the old covenant system. The author of Hebrews says that it was an imperfect and faulty system, yet we are to believe that Jehovah is going to return to it. Acts 20:28 "Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood" The church is the new covenant Israel and it was Israel that Jehovah purchased with the blood of His Son. The fact that the word purchased is used in the past tense shows that the atonement is absolutely complete. To say that we are going back to a system that Israel was redeemed from makes the atonement of Jesus blood of none effect and reverses the plan of salvation. Not only is this antichrist but only a fool would believe in such a thing. Ask yourself this, if God sent Jesus to redeem Israel from the law of Moses due to it's faults, then why would He have Israel go back to that system after a perfect system took it's place? Do you see how nonsensical and idiotic this Hebrew roots/Christian Zionism is? Romans 3:23-25 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth [to be] a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; All (Adamites) need forgiveness of sins due to Adam's transgression and now all (Adamites) those that believe on the name of the Son of God are justified freely by Jehovah's grace (unmerited favour). Jesus is the kinsmen redeemer of Israel and those Israelites that believe he is King and shed his blood for thier sins have redemption (to be purchased back to God). Jehovah God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to be a propitiation (mercyseat), meaning that Jesus blood was sprinkled on the mercyseat in heaven signifying the fulfillment of the day of atonement. Through faith in his blood we (the Israel of Jehovah) have forgiveness of sins. The denial of the blood of Jesus is anthema and that's exactly what many Christians are doing by saying that the Mosaic system of worship will be reinstituted. Jehovah showed His Righteousness by giving us this precious free gift of His Son Jesus blood. People hate the concept of grace because it robs them of their ability to boast. This is why the Hebrew roots movement is promoting the law of Moses as the gospel because they want to boast in the law rather than accept the free gift of Jehovah's grace which was made evident in the pouring out of His Son's blood. To be righteous one must simply have faith in the atoning blood of Jesus as the propitiation is the manifest token of Jehovah's righteousness. The Hebrew roots and Christian Zionist movement is subverting the true gospel which is rooted in the propitiation atonement in Jesus blood by attempting to bring back a dead system of worship i.e. the law of Moses. Again, I must establish the importance of the finished work of Christ to show the absolute truth that we are already in the new covenant Davidic Kingdom and that the church is the physical manifestation of that Kingdom. Also, it proves who the true Israel is and what the true temple of Jehovah is. It will also show that all future prophecy concerning a earthly Jerusalem Davidic throne, earthly millennium, rebuilt physical temple and animal sacrifices is false and is actually fulfilled in the church which is the New Jerusalem on earth. Ephesians 1:5-7 5 having foreordained us unto Sonship through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved:7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Jehovah God predestined all Israelites, who are saved, to Sonship before the foundation of the world. The doctrine of predestination is foundational to the gospel as the apostolic church believed in the Sovereignty of Jehovah God. One of the reasons Jehovah predestined those who would be saved by the blood of His Son is so that His grace would get the praise and glory and not our own efforts. The Israel of Jehovah has redemption (deliverance, payment of a ransom) through the blood of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Remember, to be redeemed by someone you would have had to be at one time in their possession which shows that it is only Israel that can partake of the redemption. Ephesians 2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ" In order to be brought into the Commonwealth of Israel you must have faith in the blood of Christ as it has nothing to do with keeping the law of Moses. In fact, going to the law of Moses separates you from Jehovah God as you are a slave and not a Son of Jehovah. Colossians 1:19-20 19 For it was the good pleasure [of the Father] that in him should all the fulness dwell; 20 and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, [I say], whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens. The fullness that Paul is talking about is the Kingdom and the fullness of the new covenant Davidic Kingdom dwellls in Christ, meaning that Jesus is the King of the Kingdom. All things of the Kingdom (Israel) are reconciled to Jehovah God through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Again, to be reconciled back to someone means that you would have had to been in a relationship with them previously, which shows that the reconciliation is for Israel only. The word "reconcile" comes from the Greek word "apokatallasso" (Strongs 604) and means "to reconcile completely, to reconcile back again, bring back to a former state of harmony". This proves that the reconciliation mission of the apostles was for Israel only, both the Judeans (Judah) and those of the nations (Ephraim). Hebrews 1:1-3 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in [his] Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; 3 who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Jehovah God spoke to Israel and the patriarchs via the prophets in various ways and at various times, but in the last days spoke to the New Israel through His Son, Jesus Christ. This shows a couple things, for one Jesus couldn't have been the angel of Jehovah in the old testament nor any preexistent being especially Jehovah Himself for the Father did not speak through Jesus in those times. It also shows us that the last days began in the first century, inaugurated at Jesus baptism, which is when the Father started speaking through him. Understanding this also helps us dispell the eschatological doctrine of Futurism which is part and parcel of this return to the Mosaic law. Verse 3 of Hebrews chapter 1, Jesus is the brightness of the Father's glory and he is also the express image of the Father. This denotes the glorified enthroned Jesus as he is now on the right hand of Jehovah God as the new covenant Davidic King. We see a type of that Kingly glory when Solomon was enthroned on the throne of David in earthly Jerusalem: 1 Chronicles 29:23-25 23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.24 And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.25 And Jehovah magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. This was the old testament type of Jesus enthronement on the throne of David in the new testament. Note that the throne of David is called the throne of Jehovah as Jesus was said to be caught up to Jehovah's throne in Revelation 5 and also is said to be on the right hand of God all throughout the new testament. Jehovah magnified Solomon exceedingly and bestowed upon glorious royal majesty. When we read verse 3 of Hebrews we a more glorious version of Solomon's enthronement and majesty in Jesus enthronement where he now is the literal brightness and light of Jehovah God and is in Jehovah's express image both visibly and in character. "upholding all things by the word of his power", this statement signifies that Jesus is now the enthroned King as it matches what Paul says about the resurrected Christ in Romans chapter 1:4: "who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; [even] Jesus Christ our Lord" This shows that Jesus, after his resurrection, was now the glorified and enthroned Son of God having all power and authority of his Kingdom consisting of the saints, thrones , dominions, principalities and authorities. "purification of sins", Jesus purified the Israel of Jehovah by the pouring out of his blood on the mercyseat of the ark of the covenant in heaven. This is the absolute complete fulfillment of the day of atonement. This purification of sins is in connection with Christ sitting on the right hand of God showing that this is Christ entering into the holy of holies and being enthroned on the throne of David (Psalm 110:1). Again, it also fulfills the day of atonement forever thereby nullifying the old covenant and law of Moses. The connection between the propitiation blood atonement of Christ and his installation on the throne of David is significant as it shows that indeed the new covenant had arrived in it's fullness as prophesied in Ezekiel 34 and 37. This destroys the idea of futurism where we are still waiting for a more full version of the new covenant ir in some cases the new covenant altogether as well as Christ to sit on the throne of David in earthly Jerusalem. Hebrews 13:12 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate" Jesus the Son of God consecrated (sanctified) the people of Israel (Judah and Ephraim) by the shedding of his blood on the cross and the pouring out of it on the mercyseat (propitiation) in heaven. Jesus suffered outside the city gates of Jerusalem, and as High Priest entered the heavenly sanctuary, leaving the old temple as nothing more than an empty shell. Hebrews 8:6-13 6 But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises.7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second.8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers In the day that I took them by the hand to lead them forth out of the land of Egypt; For they continued not in my covenant, And I regarded them not, saith Jehovah.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, saith Jehovah; I will put my laws into their mind, And on their heart also will I write them: And I will be to them a God, And they shall be to me a people:11 And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen, And every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah: For all shall know me, From the least to the greatest of them.12 For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And their sins will I remember no more.13 In that he saith, A new [covenant] he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away. In verse 6 it says Jesus obtained and enacted a better covenant with better promises, yet we are to believe that somehow Jehovah God is going to go back to the weaker and less promising old covenant when Christ comes back? It makes absolutely no sense and it's only a doctrine Satan himself could come up with. Verses 8-10 show that the new covenant was made with the same group of people that the old covenant was made with and that is the house of Judah and the house of Israel. The new covenant is not made with something called "Christianity", the Catholic church, Orthodox church nor the Protestant church and her various denominations. Verses 11-13, all men shall know Jehovah God is not talking about literally all men, but it's in the context of who the new covenant is made with i.e. the house of Judah and the house of Israel and even then it's only the remnant out of those nations. Verse 12 shows that all men refers to those of Israel and Judah as it says Jehovah would forgive their (who new covenant was made with) iniquities as only Israel was under the law. Verse 13, the sinai Mosaic covenant was made old with the arrival of the new and better covenant hence the old eas decaying and vanishing away. 1 Peter 1:18-21 18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, [even the blood] of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. Again, redemption means to be restored to a previous status by being released from slavery to liberty via a ransom payment. Jesus is the kinsmen (brethren from the same womb) redeemer of Israel. Jesus did pay the ransom for his brethren by corruptible riches but rather by his precious blood. This shows that the day of atonement was completely fulfilled at the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This is significant because it shows that the old testament system of worship has been obsolete since the cross. Jesus was foreknown by Jehovah God before the foundation of the world. In other words, Jesus was foreordained and predestined by the Father to be His Christ (anointed King) and lamb offering to usher in the new covenant era. To be predestinated and foreordained shows that the doctrine of freewill is false and that Jehovah elects His children to salvation without their counsel or permission (Ephesians 1). Jesus was made manifest (brought forth publicly) in the last days unto his brethren Israel. This shows that the last days began at Jesus baptism not 2,000 years later as futurists teach. It was at Jesus baptism that he was made manifest (evident) as the Christ of Jehovah. 1 John 1:7 "but 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" The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin i.e. blotting them out which means they are obliterated. No animal sacrifice from the old testament could do that hence the need for a better and new covenant. Revelation 1:5-6 5 and 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; 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. Contrary to the futuristic doctrine of the Hebrew roots and Christian Zionists, it was Jesus death at the cross that made us kings and priests not a future millennium. "He made us to be" is a past tense statement and showing that this making to be is when Christ shed his blood and poured it on heavens mercyseat. Jesus loosed us from our sins by his blood or in other words he washed us from our sins by his blood. The blood of animals is of no consequence in the new covenant as it is only Jesus blood that could cleanse someone. This shows that the day of atonement has been completely fulfilled by the blood of Christ. Revelation 5:9-10 9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood [men] of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,10 and madest them [to be] unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth. Jesus purchased (to buy back) his brethren of Israel who had been dispersed among the nations by his blood. And again, it was shedding of Jesus blood that made us (Israel) kings and priests not a future millennium as the "madest them" statement shows that this was a past event. Also, it says that they (Israel) reign upon the earth which is a present tense statement. Those made into kings and priests by Jesus atoning blood were already reigning as kings, queens and priests in the first century, which destroys the Futurist doctrine of becoming kings, queens and priests after Christ comes back. Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death" It is solely the blood of Christ that allows us to overcome Satan and his children. This shows that the blood of Christ is the final propitiation, thereby negating a need to go back to the Mosaic shadows. Revelation 19:13 "And he [is] arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God" The word "sprinkling" denotes that the blood of Jesus was poured out on the mercyseat in heaven. This again shows that Jesus fulfilled the day of atonement at his ascension into heaven where he sprinkled his blood on the ark of the covenant. This is why he told Mary Magdalene not to touch him; John 20:17 "Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God" The reason Jesus told Mary not to touch him was because he had not yet ascended to heaven to pour out his blood on the heavenly mercyseat to fulfill the day of atonement. To say that Jehovah is going to return the old covenant system of worship is antichrist and tramples on his blood: Hebrews 10:28-29 28 A man that hath set at nought Moses law dieth without compassion on [the word of] two or three witnesses:29 of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? The author of Hebrews wants his brethren to know that the trampling on the blood of Christ is a much more serious offense that violating the Mosaic covenant. This shows an absolute superiority of Jesus blood to the blood of animals used in the Mosaic law. To promote the idea of going back to the old covenant system of worship is trampling on the blood of Christ because you are essentially saying it wasn't enough to save those whom God elected to salvation. ReplyForward You may have noticed that I made a name change to the blog as it is no longer called "Seventh Day Anabaptists". This change reflects my change in some of the doctrinal views I once had as well as the new perspective I have regarding how we should identify ourselves.
While I have a huge amount of respect for the Sabbatarian Anabaptists that paved the way for Sabbath keeping during the protestant reformation, there are some issues with the concept of strict Sabbath keeping in the new covenant. This is not to say that I don't honour the Seventh day Sabbath because I still do but as far as keeping it strictly I don't believe that's in-line with the whole purpose of Jehoshua's Kingdom mission. Not only that but there are traditions that have sprung out of Anabaptism that I don't necessarily hold to, such as head coverings for womem, pacifism, no oaths, no participation in government etc. Not that you have to believe in these things to be an Anabaptist as many Anabaptist in the past had different views on the above matters, however these are what is commonly held by the offspring of the Anabaptists. These offspring churches are namely Mennonites and Amish among some others. Anyone with any knowledge of these man made denominations know that they are paralyzed by legalism. Also, I believe we are living in a time where Jehovah wants His people to come out of Babylon, which is a system of confusion. What can be more confusing than 33,000 sects and denominations saying they represent true Christianity? The advent of all these denominational names, I believe, was a ploy by Satan to have Christians not claim their rightful name of "Israelite". This leads to the new name I have chosen for the blog and that is "New Covenant Davidic Kingdom". This title reflects my view of ecclesiology (doctrine of the church). Going by denominational names takes away from the beautiful truth of the identity of the church as the new covenant Davidic Kingdom. Many of you have read my studies and can see that I focus heavily on the Davidic covenant. This covenant is the foundation of Kingdom Christianity and unbelievably it is entirely missed by modern Anabaptists who pride themselves on being Kingdom Christians. Even David Bercot, who I respect greatly, had the deer in the headlights look when I mentioned to him that Jehoshua was the holy vine of David and was King because he sat on the throne of David at his ascension. The Davidic throne of Jehoshua is the precious jewel of the new covenant and from this throne every doctrine of true Kingdom Christianity springs forth. Without knowledge of what the Davidic covenant is and how Jehoshua completely fulfilled it, you will be groping in the dark regarding the gospel of the Kingdom. When we realize that the new covenant church is the Davidic Kingdom of bible prophecy then we can stop looking fruitlessly for a future fulfillment of it out in the middle east. This will get Christians to stop supporting the endless wars in the middle east under the false belief that the so called Jews in Palestine are God's chosen people. Understanding this beautiful truth will also allow you to take back control of your Christian spirituality and your identity as Kings, Queens and Priests. Too many Christians are living as slaves to a religious system that says they are wretched sinners instead of righteous kings and queens of an already present/inaugurated Kingdom. Believe it or not, strict Sabbath keeping is part of this religious enslavement as the Sabbath keeping denominations often use their Sabbatarian doctrine to lord their authority over their congregations just as the Catholics do with their congregants in respect to their doctrines. Sabbath keeping also takes the focus away from the real gospel of the Kingdom, which is the Davidic covenant and Jehoshua's complete fulfillment of it. The early church document called the "Didache" refers to the eucharist as the "holy vine of David" showing that the early Christians drank the eucharist in honour of Jehoshua's Davidic Kingship. I truly believe that the Hebrew Roots and Messianic movements are Satan's last great deception to keep believers in the Messiah from their true inheritance as Kings, Queens and Priests of the present reality of the new covenant Davidic Kingdom. This is why it's imperative that we not identify ourselves with a supposed day of worship and instead identify ourselves with our King and the sure blessings of David that come with it. I say supposed day of worship because today's Sabbath may not have been the Sabbath that the Israelites kept as they had a luni-solar calendar and very likely didn't keep the Sabbath according to our modern calendar. The whole Saturday-Sunday debate is a distraction from the devil to keep people in religious bondage arguing over what day to go to church as if that was the focus of the new covenant gospel. It is in the best interest of the 501 C 3 churches, along with the non incorporated ones, to keep you in bondage by telling you the Kingdom and your Kingship is only future. In fact, you will be second in the Kingdom to the modern day so called Jews. This has been Satan's grand design all along, which is to keep Jehovah's begotten children from realizing who they are and that is that His children have been made kings, queens and priests by the blood of His only begotten Son Jehoshua. This royal priesthood has bestowed on us not by a future millennium but by the past event of the cross. This shows that our Kingship is now in the present and not a future hope. I will no longer identify myself with any denomination or any movement started by men, however this doesn't mean I won't glean from them nor celebrate their Kingdom accomplishments. We have to get back to the apostolic doctrine and that means cutting out the fat of all the denominational man made doctrines and denominational labels. Also, identifying oneself with a systematic theology such as Calvinism and Arminianism is another trap. In upcoming studies I will show that indeed we, the new covenant church, are the Davidic Kingdom as we have our enthroned Davidic King, Jehoshua Messiah as King. I will prove that the Kingdom of David was inaugurated at Jehoshua's ascension into heaven and that our reign as kings of that Kingdom is on the earth in the present church age . The Davidic Kingdom designation more accurately represents what I believe than the "Seventh Day Anabaptist" one, so in regards to transparency I have made the change here on the blog. It also more accurately represents what the gospel of the Kingdom is as opposed to focusing your movement or church on the Seventh day Sabbath. Also, the Hebrew roots movement along with it's various Messianic counterparts are false gospels geared towards obscuring the precious truth of the centrality of the Davidic covenant in the new testament gospel. The church being the new covenant Davidic Kingdom, and their realization of it, is what will turn the world upside down once more before Jehoshua comes back. Acts 17 says that the world was heing turned upside down by the apostolic era church and it was their doctrine that Jehoshua was King. This Kingship was preached as an already realized and fulfilled Kingship rooted in the Davidic covenant. This blog will be my little part in turning the world upside down, by preaching that we have one King, Jehoshua of the seed of David. ReplyForward There is much discussion and speculation about what the mark of the beast is, it is a topic that has generated a tremendous amount of sensationalism. Anything from social security numbers to credit cards, RFD Chips and now vaccines have been trumped up as the mark of the beast. What does scripture say though? Those theories are largely a result of what is called "newspaper" eschatology. In order to understand what the mark of the beast is we must compare scripture with scripture and understand the book of Revelation the way the forst century ekklesia's would have understood it as Jehoshua says that we are blessed when we understand the words of the prophecy God gave him:
Revelation 1:3 "Blessed 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" This revelation was written to seven ekklesia's that existed at the time of this prophecy so Jehoshua's words above are for them first and us second. This means the mark of the beast must be understood in a 1st century context not a 21st century one. Notice that Jehoshua says that the things written in the revelation are at hand. To say that the prophecy of Revelation is mostly reserved for the last seven years of the new covenant age is doing violence to the text. We should read the prophecy of Revelation with a 1st century lens and read it with the understanding that our 1st century brethren would have been able to understand it. Revelation 13:16-18 16 And he causeth all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead;17 and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, [even] the name of the beast or the number of his name.18 Here is wisdom. He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred and sixty and six. When modern Christians read that the there will be given a mark on the right hand and upon the forehead they automatically think of RFD Chips, vaccines etc., however would the seven ekklesia's this was written to understand the above passage this way? Of course not! What would the ekklesia's refer to in order to understand these verses? The Shema of Deuteronomy 6: 4 Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:5and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; 7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. The Israelites were told to have the commandments of Jehovah God bound as a sign upon their hand and that they shall be as frontlets between their eyes (forehead). The most important of these commandments was that Jehovah God is one. There is a text in the old testament about having both the Passover as a sign upon the hand and forehead. Obviously, this is spiritual meaning that the Israelites were to have the law of Jehovah written upon their hearts as verse 6 of Deuteronomy 6 says. This is also said about the terms of the new covenant which is to have the law of God written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Exodus 13;9 "And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thy hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the law of Jehovah may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath Jehovah brought thee out of Egypt" Exodus 13:16 "And it shall be for a sign upon thy hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand Jehovah brought us forth out of Egypt" This is regarding Passover and unleavened bread as these holy days were to be a memorial between the eyes (forehead) of the Israelites and a sign upon their hands. These passages help us understand what is meant in Revelation 13 regarding a mark on our right hand and Forehead. Today's Christian reads Revelation 13 with an ultra literal interpretation rather than using scripture to interpret scripture. Isaiah 28:9-10 9 Whom will he teach knowledge? and whom will he make to understand the message? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts?10 For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little. This should always be the method that we use to discern truth. Too many Christians use newspaper headlines when it comes to prophecy. Newspapers are not the way we determine prophetic truth. If the law of Jehovah God is to be on our hand and between the frontlets of our eyes and the mark of the beast is said to be in the same places then this gives us a clear interpretation of what the mark of the beast is. If the law of Jehovah God is the seal that true Israelites are to have then the mark of the beast is the opposite i.e. the transgression of the law. Of course, we are in the new covenant now so it's not the law of Moses that is to be written on our hand and forehead but rather the law of Messiah. This brings us to the commandment that is paramount to the new covenant: 1 John 3:23 "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jehoshua Messiah, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment" This is the absolute most important commandment in the new testament and that is to believe in the name (identity, character and authority) of Jehovah's Son, Jehoshua Messiah. It's easy to overlook the importance and meaning of this commandment because of the brainwashing of mainstream and you tube Christianity but the true meaning of this shows us exactly what the seal of God is. When we determine what the seal of God is then we will understand what the mark of the beast is. It is my view that the seal of God is exactly what John says above to believe in the name of His Son. The word "name" in the Hebraic mindset represents someone's identity, character and authority. To believe in the name of Jehoshua is not just a generic mental assent of believing that Jehoshua is the Saviour and dies for our sins but it is to believe in Jehoshua's true identity. Elsewhere in John's writings he makes a direct connection between believing in the name of Jehoshua and his identity: John 3:16-18 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.18 He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God. What version of Jehoshua are we to believe on according to John? The version that teaches that Jehoshua is Jehovah God's only begotten Son. Believe it or not, most Christians don't believe in this identity regarding Jehoshua. Most Christians believe and teach that Jehoshua sent himself to Israel and that he is God Almighty, God the Son or even the Father Himself. Some teach that Jehoshua is Michael the archangel. Verse 18 of John chapter 3 says we are to believe on the name of the only begotten Son of God. This shows us that the name of Jehoshua that we are to believe on isn't just his proper name because all so called Christians profess that. The name that we are to believe on is his true identity as the only begotten Son of God. The phrase "only begotten Son" is a name meaning an identity. It is this name that we are to believe on not just a generic "Jesus". The title "only begotten Son" is crucial in our understanding of who Jehoshua truly is. This is a prophetic title rooted in the Davidic covenant and reserved for the royal seed of David, of which Jehoshua is the ultimate fulfillment. This phrase "begotten Son" is given to the royal seed of David when they were anointed as King of Israel: Psalm 2:6-7 6 Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. This has an immediate fulfillment that applies to David and also a distant fulfillment that applies to Jehoshua. It also applies to the Davidic kings in between those two. This begetting is a declaration of pedigree as the Hebrew word "yalad" has that meaning as well as the literal meaning of conception and/or birth. For all the Davidic Kings aside from Jehoshua the meaning is spiritual, however for Jehoshua it is both literal (virgin birth) and spiritual (baptism). Hebrews 1:4-5 4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son? Alot of Christians think that more excellent name is "Jesus/Jehoshua", however the real answer is in the verse that follows the statement that Jehoshua was given a more excellent name than the angels. Verse 5 of Hebrews 1 quotes Psalm , 2:7: "Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee" The author of Hebrews says that Jehovah never said this to any of the angels showing that the more excellent name given to Jehoshua, that the angels don't have, is the phrase above. This matches with the name we are to believe on in John 3:18: "the only begotten Son of God" This name or title was only given to the royal seed of David by covenant (2nd Samuel 7). The other Davidic kings were spiritually begotten sons of God when they were anointed to be king, however Jehoshua is the only begotten Son denoting being the Son of inheritance. Jehoshua is the final Davidic King and the ultimate fulfillment of the promise made to David. This is the name "only begotten Son" we are commanded by God to believe on in 1 John 3:23. Most Christians agree that the mark of the beast is instituted by the antichrist and false prophet. In order to determine the truth of mark of the beast we need to first find out the paramount doctrine of the antichrist is. Thankfully we are not left in the dark about this as John lays it out clear as crystal. 1 John 2:18-26 18 Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us.20 And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all the things.21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth.22 Who is the liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, [even] he that denieth the Father and the Son.23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that confesseth the Son hath the Father also.24 As for you, let that abide in you which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father.25 And this is the promise which he promised us, [even] the life eternal.26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. Contrary to modern day Church eschatology the antichrist has been here since the first century albeit there are many of them not just one. According to John the last days began in the first century (last hour). This dispells the false seven year or three and half years last days teaching by the evangelicals and others. Many of these antichrists are within the church whereas the churches of Christendom teach that the antichrist is a future political leader and is non-christian. In fact, it appears that all of these antichrists are of a religious nature having some connection with either the church or the Synagogues (Revelation 2:9 & 3:9). Notice that John says these antichrists went out from us meaning either the ekklesia or the Synagogue as both were part of the Israelite religious culture. In verse 19 John says these antichrists were never truly of the ekklesia and thereby the ended up leaving it. This means that the antichrists rise up from within the church not from outside it. Also, the antichrists could come from the Synagogue system as noted above since they were the main ones who denied Jehoshua as the Messiah. John says that these antichrists end up leaving the apostolic ekklesia so that they would be made evident (manifest) to the ekklesia that they were/are not true brethren. Verse 20 is important to understand because it shows that we as simple believers in the Son of God know all things, meaning we know the full gospel and don't need to put ourselves under the authority of teachers. This doesn't mean that there are not teachers in the ekklesia but that ultimately our teacher is Jehoshua and that if those teachers contradict his doctrine in any way then we don't give heed to them. Also, we don't put ourselves under their authority as everyone is eqaul in Jehoshua's body. The anointing of the Holy Spirit leads us to all truth and therefore we have all the truth and have no need for another teacher besides the Holy Spirit: John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come" Jehoshua says that we can know all truth and it is the Holy Spirit that leads and guides us into that truth. Matthew 23:8 "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren" These are empowering verses that if heeded will keep one from being manipulated by unscrupulous men who think that godliness is a means of gain. Also, it keeps you from letting Pastors and bible scholars from lording their intelligence and bible head knowledge over you. All saved believers in Jehoshua are brethren meaning eqaul and none is above another. This means we can understand the gospel by ourselves without any teacher. This protects us from spiritual over lording and false doctrine. Verse 21 reiterates the point made above regarding knowing all the truth. The modern self deprecating Christian who proudly says they don't have all truth is just showing a false humility that is really rooted in pride and ignorance. The apostle John says that those who have the Holy Spirit know the truth and that is exactly why he is writing to them. In verse 20 John says that those he is writing to know all the truth. In verse 21 John says that no lie is of the truth. That statement that no lie is of the truth refutes any type of ecumenicism and the attitude that all or most churches have some truth. John categorically says that no lie (no matter how small) is of the truth. This means we cannot give people a free pass to heaven, even though they may be a nice person, if they have a doctrine that is contrary in any way to the doctrine of Messiah. Verse 22, now we get to the doctrine that the antichrists teach which is a denial of the Messiahship (Kingship) and Sonship of Jehoshua. It also denies the Father and the Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jehoshua. This is one verses identifies most of Christendom as antichrists as well as Judaism and Islam. Anyone that teaches a doctrine that denies the literal true Sonship of Jehoshua is an antichrist. This automatically includes Judaism as antichrist and also Islam. This also includes those who teach the oneness and/or modalist doctrine that Jehoshua is the Father because they deny the true literal Sonship of Jehoshua and they deny the existence of the Father by teaching that Jehoshua is the Father. What about the rest of Christendom namely the Trinitarian churches? This is a harder one to identify and expose because Trinitarians have no problem saying that Jesus is the Son of the Father as they acknowledge the distinction between the two, however they preach a false version of Jehoshua's Sonship i.e. the eternal generation. Sure, they acknowledge the virgin birth but classic Trinitarianism posits Jehoshua's Sonship as being from eternity in some weird eternal begetting doctrine. Most importantly though the Trinitarians deny the Father because they have him not as the one true God alone as Jehoshua taught but they have him as one third of a triune god. Verse 23, conversely those who deny Jehoshua as the literal begotten Son also deny the Father even though they may say they worship Him i.e. Judiasm. Christian Zionists, Messianic Jews and Hebrew roots love to say that at least the Jews worship the Father even though they deny His Son yet John says the exact opposite that those who deny the Son don't have the Father. Verse 24, John tells the ekklesia to let the teaching of the Father and Son abide in them because that is the doctrine that they heard from the beginning. That beginning is the beginning of Jehoshua's Kingdom mission which started when he was baptized as two days after he was rightfully confessed as the Son of God and King of Israel: John 1:49 "Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel" This was what Jehoshua identified himself as all throughout his mission and the apostles also identified Jehoshua as the Son of God all throughout their writings. Verses 25 and 26, Jehovah promised eternal life if we believe on the name of His only begotten Son meaning we must believe that Jehoshua is Jehovah's literal begotten Son. John tells the ekklesia that he is writing this as a warning against those who would lead them astray into not believing that Jehoshua is the literal begotten Son of Jehovah God. This is a revealing statement that exposes most of the Pastors and you tube preachers today who deny that the Father is the only true God alone and that Jehoshua is His literal begotten Son. We are commanded by John to stay away from anyone who denies the literal Sonship of Jehoshua whether they be trinitarians, oneness modalists, tri theists or binitarians. This is what the antichrist spirit teaches i.e. the denial of the literal Sonship of the Messiah as well as him being of the seed of David: 1 John 4:1-3 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the [spirit] of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. The modern church screams "don't judge" yet we are exhorted to try (test) the spirits to see whether they are of God. John says many false prophets have gone out into the world. This perfectly describes the mainstream church as they continually prophesy falsely about the rapture and other supposed end times events such as elections and identifying a certain president as the antichrist. How do we know that someone is speaking by the Spirit of Jehovah? If they teach that Jehoshua was a human being i.e. come in the flesh or made evident as a man. The Trinitarian, oneness and all the other "Jesus is God" promoters say this refers to the Incarnation, however that is false and we have to go the scriptures about what is says concerning Jehoshua regarding the flesh. Remember, the true spirit filled teachers teach that Jehoshua came in the flesh meaning he was and is a real man. Let's look at what it means to say Jehoshua came in the flesh: Romans 1:1-4 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; [even] Jesus Christ our Lord The mainstream churches teach that manifest in the flesh means incarnation, however that's not what scripture teaches. Here in Romans 1 verse 3, Paul gives us the answer regarding what it means for Jehoshua to come in the flesh and that is that he was born of the seed of David. This is actually the most important requirement for Jehoshua in order for him to be the true Messiah. This is why John says that it is the spirit of the antichrist that teaches that Jehoshua didn't come (manifest, made evident) in the flesh, because to say that Jehoshua wasn't the literal seed of David is invalidates his Kingship. Paul says that Jehoshua being of the seed of David is paramount to the gospel: 2 Timothy 2:8 "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel" Most Christians overlook this passage as it shows the absolute importance of Jehoshua being a flesh and blood descendant of David. It's the one requirement that Jehoshua has to have in order to be the true Messiah. In 1st John chapter 3, when Paul says that every spirit that confesses not Jehoshua is not of God and is the spirit of the antichrist he says it within the context of Jehoshua coming in the flesh as the seed of David. The spirit of antichrist was already around in John's time showing that the antichrist is not a single individual but a spirit that denies that Jehoshua is the literal seed of David as well as the literal begotten Son of Jehovah God. 1 John 4:5-6 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they [as] of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. The antichrist false prophets have a message that is appealing to the world and therefore the world hears their message. The antichrist message is summed up in a denial of Jehoshua's Sonship and Kingship. This antichrist doctrine appeals to the majority of the world as it frees them to not live according to the commandments of God and instead to do the deeds of their flesh. In their mind it frees them from accountability. 1 John 4;9-10 9 Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins The antichrist spirit denies what the true love of Jehovah God is and that is the fact that He sent His only begotten Son into the world (Israel) that we would have eternal life. Jehovah's love was made manifest (evident) in that He sent His Son to be a mercy seat (propitiation) for our sins. The antichrist spirit denies the full and completed atonement of Jehoshua's death on the cross and the literal pouring of his blood on the mercy seat in the heavenly sanctuary. 1 John 4:14-15 14 And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. The apostolic doctrine is rooted in the witness that Jehovah God sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world. This denotes a literal Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jehoshua. The antichrist spirit denies this and tries to make this relationship less than literal such as oneness, tritheism, Binitarianism and some forms of Trinitarianism. Also, Islam and Judaism are antichrist for different reasons. Verse 15, whosever confesses that Jehoshua is the Son of God has the Spirit of Jehovah living in him. They are also in covenant with Jehovah God (dwell in Him). 1 John 5:1 "Whosoever believeth that Jehoshua is the Messiah is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him" The proof that someone is begotten of Jehovah God is if they believe that he is the Messiah. This seems simple enough and that all professed Christians believe this, however there is a deeper meaning than what most Christians think. The title "Messiah" means Jehovah's anointed King, at least in the context of Jehoshua. This Messiahship that Jehoshua has is rooted in the Davidic covenant (2nd Samuel 7). Most Christians all but ignore the Davidic covenant and that Jehoshua is of the seed of David yet it is crucial to the gospel message (2nd Timothy 2:8). Jehoshua's last words confirm that he is indeed the root and shoot of David; Revelation 22:16 "I Jehoshua have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star' This is a powerful last written testimony of Jehoshua as he reiterates his Davidic lineage (root and offspring) and his Davidic Kingship (bright morning star). Many Christians have a false Jehoshua and all but dismiss his Davidic roots. Only those who know the real Messianic Jehoshua are truly begotten by Jehovah God as Sons. 1 John 5:4-5 4 For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, [even] our faith.5 And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jehoshua is the Son of God? Jehovah's begotten children who believe that Jehoshua is the Davidic King overcome the world with their faith. However, this is not just any faith but rather the faith that believes that Jehoshua is the Son of God. This Sonship is rooted in the Davidic covenant (2nd Samuel 7:14) and is also a literal Sonship by way of the virgin birth. Those who have another Jehoshua have not overcome the world because they have perverted who Jehoshua is in identity. 1 John 5:7-8 7 And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth.8 For there are three who bear witness, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and the three agree in one. Th Holy Spirit bears witness that Jehoshua is the Son of God as he overshadowed Mary at her begetting and descended upon Jehoshua at his baptism. These two events were acknowledgements that Jehoshua is Jehovah's begotten Son. The Holy Spirit was used by Jehovah to raise Jehoshua from the dead where he was declared as the Son of God with power (enthroned). All three, Spirit, water and blood, are witnesses of what John is writing to the ekklesia and that is that Jehoshua is the Son of God. 1 John 5;9-12 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for the witness of God is this, that he hath borne witness concerning his Son.10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son.11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. To say that Jehoshua is not God's literal begotten Son is to deny the witness of God. Jehovah God witnessed that Jehoshua was His Son at the announcement made to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Also, Jehovah witnessed that Jehoshua was His Son when he called him out of Egypt. Jehovah God also witnessed the Sonship of Jehoshua at his baptism and transfiguration. The only way to have eternal life is to believe that Jehoshua is the literal begotten Son of Jehovah God, this is what John says which is that he that has the Son has life. If someone doesn't believe that Jehoshua is the literal begotten Son they do not have eternal life because they are calling God a liar and denying His witness that Jehoshua is His begotten beloved Son. John 3:16-18 says that those who do not believe on the name of the only begotten Son of God are condemned already. 1 John 5:13 "These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God" The whole purpose of John's epistle is to show that Jehoshua is the only begotten Son of Jehovah God. That was also the very purpose of his gospel (John 20:31). The name of the Son of God refers to meaning of that title not the pronunciation of Jehoshua's name. The title/name of "only begotten Son of God" refers to the identity, character and authority of what that name/title represents. This was clarified earlier in the study and that title "only begotten Son" is rooted in the royal Davidic covenant. 1 John 5:16 "If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and [God] will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request" John clearly says that we are not yo pray for those who have sinned unto death. What is this sin? I believe this sin is connected with the mark of the beast as that is a sin that is unto death where there is no repentance. John says this in the context of writing incessantly that Jehoshua is the Son of God and he identifies antichrists and the antichrist spirit as those who deny this truth. This shows clearly that the sin unto death is the denial of Jehoshua's Sonship. The indication is that these deniers of Jehoshua's Sonship were once believers in it hence they are mentioned in the context of brethren sinning. The book of Hebrews supports this theory: Hebrews 6:4-8 4 For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,5 and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,6 and [then] fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.7 For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God:8 but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. Once someone has tasted of the Holy Spirit, thereby believing in Jehoshua as the Son of God, and they then turn away from faith in the Son of God they are impossible to renew unto repentance. They put the Son of God back on the cross as if he never died for their sins. It gives a bad witness to those who this apostate had influence on. It is the ultimate disrespect to the Son of God and His Father. They tasted of eternal life and the age to come yet blasphemed the Holy Spirit by rejecting the witness of the Spirit that Jehoshua is God's only begotten Son. Verse 8 lays out clearly the destiny of the apostate and that is the lake of fire where he/she will be burned. They will be rejected like Esau was because they gave up their birthright. Even they weep with tears on the day of judgement they will be rejected. Hebrews 10:29 "of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Those who have once believed in the Son of God will face a worse judgment than those who never did as they have trodden the blood of Jehoshua under foot. They counted the precious blood of Jehoshua as an unholy thing thereby making a mockery of Jehovah's grace. They have rejected the mercyseat (Jehoshua's blood) and trampled on the new covenant. The rejection of Jehoshua as the Son of God is yhe mark of the beast because it is the very doctrine of the antichrist. ReplyForward For most of church history Christians have believed that the resurrection of Christ ushered in the new creation. A failure to understand this truth will cause you to misinterpret several key passages in the new testament. These misinterpretations often have to do with Christology and end up applying the Genesis creation account to Jesus. Paul, Peter, John and the author of Hebrews write about the new creation in Christ as it is a central theme in the new testament. Having the proper understanding of the new creation will help us have a proper understanding of Christology, eschatology, ecclesiology and the application of the law in the new covenant.
Let's start in the gospel of Mark: Mark 1:1 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way. This is an important verse to understand as Mark says that the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God is in relationship to John the Baptist Kingdom mission. John the Baptist was the messenger that was to prepare the way of Jehovah's Christ. Mark 1:9-12 9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him: 11 And a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased. 12 And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth into the wilderness. This is the baptismal account of Jesus and his begetting into covenant Sonship (Kingship) and John seals this as the beginning of the gospel of the Son of God. Verse 11 is an adaptation of Psalm 2:7 which is a royal coronation of a Davidic King. Here at the Jordan river Jesus is being anointed as the King of Israel which is also a begetting into Sonship as the Father Jehovah made a covenant with David's royal offspring (2nd Samuel 7:14). Mark 1:14-15 14 Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel. The time is fulfilled refers to the 70 weeks prophecy in the book of Daniel in which the anointing of the most holy begins the 70th week and final week of that prophecy to bring in everlasting righteousness. The anointing of the most holy refers to Jesus baptism. It was only after his baptism that Jesus began to preach the gospel of the Kingdom: Luke 3:21-23 21 Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and 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. 23 And Jesus himself, when he began [to teach], was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the [son] of Heli. It is clear from Luke that Jesus teaching mission began at the age of 30 years old which started right after his baptism. This goes right with Mark stating that the beginning of the gospel of the Son of God started after he was baptized. The mainstream churches falsely teach that the gospel of Jesus Christ precedes his anointing at the Jordan river. Because of their god man belief concerning Christ they imagine him going around and doing some of the things that he only did after he got baptized. This is the logical conclusion of their belief that Jesus is God so they are blinded to the reality that Jesus only taught and did amazing things after he was anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah. When we realize that Jesus baptism ushered in a new era then the concept of a new creation becomes more apparent. The failure to see the new creation concept in scripture will cause us to get many other things wrong including Christology, ecclesiology and eschatology. This shows that Jesus ministry was not a continuation of Moses doctrine but it was something new. This refutes the idea that Jesus teachings belong as part of the old covenant. His baptism inaugurated His gospel which surpassed and was different than the law of Moses (John 1:17). The advent of Jesus brought in the last days i.e. the age of salvation and this advent was at his baptism when he began to teach and preach the Kingdom of God. Hebrews 1:1-2 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in [his] Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; At the "end of these days" i.e. the last days Jehovah God spoke to us through His Son. From the above passages we learned that Jesus only preached the gospel of the Kingdom from his baptism onwards so the last days began when Jesus was anointed at the Jordan river. 1 Peter 1:18-21 18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, [even the blood] of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. Verse 20 corroborates Hebrews 1:1-2 in the end of days (last days) began when Jesus was manifested and as the author of Hebrews says this was when Jehovah God began to speak to us through His Son. The book of Mark, Luke and Acts show us that Jesus only began to preach and teach after he got baptized at the age of 30 years old. Jesus was manifested (made evident) at the age of 30 years old when he was publicly anointed as the King of Israel. The new creation concept is seen all over the new testament and this beginning of the new creation is linked both with the beginning of Jesus gospel as well as his resurrection and ascension. 1 John 1:1-2 1 That 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 life 2 (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); This is such an important truth to grasp and that truth is what is the beginning that John is speaking of. Remember, the above passages that I quoted sealed the beginning as the time when Jesus began his gospel mission which according to scripture began at Jesus baptism. Acts 13:23-24 23 Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus; 24 when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Notice how Paul identifies the baptism of repentance that John preached as being before Jesus coming i.e. advent and manifestation. Paul identifies the advent of Jesus as being after John started his baptism of repentance ministry. With all the above mentioned scriptures we can identify the beginning that John is speaking of as being the beginning of Jesus Kingdom mission (Mark 1:1). Since we have established that Jesus advent (made manifest) ushered in the last days and is connected with his baptism, let's now go to the resurrection. Romans 1:1-4 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord, This is key because Paul is connecting Jesus resurrection to him being declared to be the Son of God with power. That phrase "Son of God with power" refers to Jesus enthronement as King on David's throne. It's important to understand the significance of Jesus being enthroned as King in relationship to the new covenant ekklesia age because it clearly shows that Jesus ascension into heaven inaugurated something new. Jesus was the suffering Son of God during his Kingdom mission on earth but now he is the enthroned King. Colossians 1:12-13 12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; The new creation is connected with the inauguration of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ as Paul says that we are translated to that Kingdom via our begotten from above experience. This is a present tense reality and not just future as Paul says this a reality that is already taking place in the first century. When we go a couple verses after this passage we will see clearly the connection between the new creation and the Kingdom of Christ: Colossians 1:15-16 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; Many Christians, especially the Jesus is God believers, read this as a Genesis creation passage, however it is very important to hone in on what is actually stated. First off, we see that Jesus is the image of the invisible God which aligns with what the author of Hebrews says in verse 3 of chapter 1 of that book in that Jeaus is the express image of Jehovah God. What things were created in Jesus in verse 16? First off, notice that is says created in (through) and unto Jesus. This is important because it doesn't say that Jesus created these things but that they were created in him, which could also mean "with him in mind". However, the things created in him were not the earth, moon, sun, stars and oceans but rather thrones, dominions, principalities and powers. This shows that Genesis isn't in view here when it speaks of all things being created in and unto Christ. The things created in Christ in verse 16 are the very things made subject unto him at his ascension into heaven: 1 Peter 3:21-22 21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, [even] baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 22 who is one the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Notice that the things created in Jesus in Colossians 1:16 are the very same entities made subject unto him after his resurrection/ascension. These two are the same thing, the creating the principalities and powers in Christ and those same principalities and powers being made subject unto him. This clearly shows that the creation narrative in Colossians 1:15-16 is not about Genesis but rather the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven where he was sat at the right hand of Jehovah God (verse 22 of 1 Peter 3). Peter, in connection with Christ ascension and the powers being made subject unto him, alludes to Psalm 110:1 which is a Davidic covenant fulfillment prophecy. This shows that the angels, authorities and powers created in and unto Jesus were in connection with his enthronement as King as Psalm 110:1 is a prophecy of David's royal offspring being enthroned on the throne of David in order to fulfill the covenant Jehovah made with David. Remember thay Colossians 1:15-16 is within the context of Christ's Kingdom (Colossians 1:12-13). Let's compare: Colossians 1:15-16 - The creation of the thrones, dominions, powers and principalities in and unto Christ is within the context of his Kingdom. 1 Peter 3:21-22 - The angels, powers and authorities made subject unto Christ is within the context of him being enthroned on the throne of David (Psalm 110:1). This shows that the Colossians creation narrative is within the context of the resurrection and ascension of Christ into where he was enthroned as King. As we proceed further into Colossians chapter 1 this becomes even more evident: Colossians 1:17-18 17 and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. The title of first born is in regards to Jesus resurrection and this is how we should understand verse 15 when it says Jesus is the first born of all creation. It has nothing to do with the Genesis creation and being the literal first born of that narrative. Further evidence of Colossians 1:15-16 being about the new creation and the Kingship of Christ the title first born is found in Psalm 89 in connection with the Davidic covenant Kingship of the royal seed of David: Psalm 89:27 "I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth" The title first-born in Colossians is in connection with the creation of the thrones, dominions and powers and it is also connected with Jesus resurrection from the dead as the literal first-born Son raised from the dead to eternal life. Scripture also shows that upon Jesus resurrection and ascension he was enthroned as King on the throne of David so the title of first-born is in regards to Jesus Davidic Kingship. This is abundantly clear in Psalm 89:27 where Jehovah tells the royal offspring of David that they are His first-born Son higher than the kings of the earth. This is ultimately a prophecy of Jesus as by this time the Davidic throne had stop being occupied. The title of first-born is specific to Jesus resurrection and Kingship and it is this title that is connected to the creation of the things mentioned in verse 16 of Colossians 1. The resurrection and Kingship of Christ comprise the shorthand version of the gosepl according to Paul: 2nd Timothy 2:8 "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel" The seed of David terminology is referring to the Davidic Kingship. Revelation 1:5-6 5 and 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; 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. Verse 5 is almost a direct quotation of Psalm 89:27 linking the title of first-born with Jesus Kingship. It also links the title of fist-born with his resurrection ala Colossians 1:17. Through Jesus blood, death and resurrection we are also made kings and priests. The title of first-born used of Jesus in respect to his Kingship and resurrection is how we should understand the creation narrative of Colossians 1:15-16 because that narrative is inherently connected to the "first-born" title of Jesus. 2nd Corinthians 5:17-18 17 Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. 18 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; We, through our begotten from above experience, are also part of the new creation. We have become new in Christ and the old us has passed away therefore we are no longer sinners and identified by those things we use to do. We now have Jehovah's law written on our hearts per the terms of the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and per the new covenant our sins have been blotted (obliterated) out. It's important that we identify ourselves as new creations with a born on date of whenever the Holy Spirit fell upon us. Revelation 1:9 "I 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." Just three verses after the mention of Psalm 89:27 and Jesus being the firstborn from the dead and higher than the kings of the earth John mentions the that he, along with the brethren, are already in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Remember, the title of fisr born ia related to the new creation as Jesus beint the first born from the dead is the first fruits of the new creation. Even though the fullness of the new creation takes place at the last day resurrection we now have the spiritual reality of it when we are spiritually begotten from the deas as Paul likens our conversion to a resurrection. The inauguration of the Kingdom of Christ is the inauguration of the new creation. Paul connects the two in Colossians 1 and John connects the two here in Revelation chapter 1. Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God" Those of the pre-existent non trinitarian view use this verse as proof that Jesus is literally the first created (begotten) spirit being from before the world was created by Jehovah God. However, notice that before it says he is the beginning of the creation of God it says that he is the faithful and true witness. Witness means martyr so John identifies Jesus being the beginning of the creation of God in respect to him being martyred therfore the beginning comes after his martyrdom which is obviously the resurrection. Again, we are clearly seeing the new creation narrative in plain view of the death, resurrection and Kingship of Christ. Revelation 5:9-10 9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood [men] of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10 and madest them [to be] unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth. See how John, in the Revelation of Jesus, connects the shedding of the blood of Jesus with us of all nations being made kings and priests i.e. a Kingdom of priests. Again, we see the cross of Christ, his death and resurrection connected with the beginning of his Kingdom which makes us kings and priests. Ephesians 2:5-6 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly [places], in Christ Jesus: Paul says that our begotten from above experience is our resurrection spiritually as we were previously dead. Just as Jesus resurrection from the dead made him a King and a Priest as Jehovah's right hand we also sit with Jesus in the holy of holies when we are spiritually resurrected from the dead. In Ephesians 1:4 Paul says that we have all the spiritual blessings that Christ has in the heavenly places. Those spiritual blessings are easy to identify once we understand what Jesus inherited when he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. Let's go to Zechariah 6: 12 and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah; 13 even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. This is a prophecy about the Branch of David being enthroned as King of Israel and High Priest of Israel which shows this is within the context of the new covenant as in the old covenant those offices could not be held by the same person. The counsel of peace will between both Jesus offices of King and High Priest. These are the spiritual blessings that Jesus has the in the holy of holies (heavenly places). The blessings that Jesus has the heavenly places is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant which includes the throne of David and the Melchizedek priesthood: Psalm 110:1-4 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. This is the most alluded to old testament passage in the new testament which shows the absolute importance of it. This is David prophesying by the holy spirit of his royal offspring receiving the fulfillment of the promise Jehovah made with him (2 Samuel 7). We know that Jesus fulfilled this and received both the Davidic throne (Acts , 2:29-31) and the Melchizedek priesthood (Hebrews 5;5) at his ascension into heaven. Acts 13:34 "And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he hath spoken on this wise, I will give you the holy and sure [blessings] of David" Upon Jesus ascension he received the sure blessings of David in the holy of holies. Paul says these are the same blessings that we have now in the holy of holies in Christ. Those sure blessings are the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant which is the throne of David and the Melchizedek priesthood. Ephesians 3:8-11 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly [places] might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: The dispensation of the mystery that Paul speaks of is the new creation as we see that the context is in relation to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places that were created by Jehovah God which He purposed to put under the authority of His only begotten Son Jesus. The mention of the principalities and powers are also mentioned in respect to the new creation narrative of Colossians 1 and 1 Peter ch. 3 and those are both within the context of Jesus resurrection and ascension into heaven. With this understanding of the new creation we will now go to the prologue of John chapter 1: John 1:1-5 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made.4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. Most Christians read this as the Genesis beginning, however if we stay consistent with what John refers to as the beginning in his epistle then we have to go with the beginning of Jesus ministry as the beginning referenced above. 1John 1:1 "That 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 life" Obviously, John is not talking about the Genesis creation here as the beginning because he mentions the beginning within the context of him and the other apostles seeing him, hearing him and handling him which clearly refers to the start of Jesus Kingdom mission. Unitarian Christians will object to the idea that this is the start of Jesus mission due to the implications of Jesus being called God since he is called the Word of God in Revelation 19:13. Others who do believe the prologue of John refers to the beginning of Jesus mission will also avoid Jesus literally being the Word in John 1:1 due to those same concerns. However, all Unitarians agree that Jesus is what the Word of Jehovah became so there should no issue of Jesus being identified one for one as the Word in the prologue's first few verses. There is no need to get into the semantics of it as Jesus is elsewhere called "God". Reading Deuteronomy 18:15-21 will be a great help in understanding Jesus being the Word of Jehovah. Once we understand that then we can freely identify Jesus as the Word who is God in the first few verses without making him a pre-existent divine being. Remember, Jesus also said in John chapter 10 by whom the word of God came theu were called gods referring to the Judges of Israel. Jesus then said that he had an even greater claim to that title by being the Son of God. The title of Son of God is equated to being the King of Israel (1 Chronicles 28, 2 Samuel 7 and John 1:49). The King of Israel was called God in Psalm 45, which scholars say is Solomon in the immediate context. Thomas also called Jesus "my Lord and my God" and again we must understand the title "God" when used of Jesus in the Psalm 45 and 82 context as the Word of God came by him and him being the Davidic King of Israel. Let's now talk about the new creation aspect of this passage: "All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made" Most Christians use this to say Jesus is the creator of the Genesis creation, however even Jesus never attributed the Genesis creation to himself but rather he credited the Father. The all things made through Jesus refer to the same things made through him in Colossians 1:15-16 which are the thrones, powers, principalities and dominions. These are the same things that were made subject unto him at his ascension into heaven (1 Peter 3:22) and that Jehovah God purposed in Christ from the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1 and Ephesians 3). Revelation 3:14 says that Jesus is the beginning of the creation of Jehovah God, however we know that beginning is tied in with his resurrection not Genesis. The beginning of Jesus mission is connected with his baptism at the Jordan river. As Colossians 1:12-13 shows, the all things created in Jesus are in regards to the Kingdom of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:22 also confirms this as the Davidic covenant fulfillment Psalm 110 is mentioned in that verse in connection with those created things of Colossians 1:16 being made subject unto Christ. John 1:2 "The same was in the beginning with God" Again, most Christians think Genesis is in view here but it is actually the beginning of Jesus mission as stated above. To better understand this we have to know when the Word became Jesus and that is said in verse 14 which we will look at it in a little bit. Needless to say that the Word became flesh (Jesus) when he was baptized at the Jordan river which is exactly when he began to preach the word of the Kingdom of God. John's epistle matches this perfectly: 1 John 1:2 "(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)" Remember, it was only after Jesus was baptized that the apostles heard, saw and handled him so the beginning of Jesus mission is in view here. This is how we should understand the phrase "which was with the Father" meaning within the beginning of Jesus Kingdom mission. John 1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" Eternal life was in Jesus when he conducted his Kingdom mission and it still is in him as he sits on the throne of David in new Jerusalem. 1 John 5:11-13 11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life.13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. We have eternal life now in the Son of God, Jesus Christ as in Jesus is life and that life is the light of men who are begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah God. John 1:5 "And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not" This is clearly referring to the Isaiah 9 prophecy about the Davidic Christ which we know is Jesus. This is about Jesus Kingdom mission and not anything in the old testament as some Unitarians teach. Isaiah 9:1-2 1 But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. This prophecy from Isaiah was applied to Jesus Kingdom mission and the start of that mission in the former territory of Northern Israel. Jesus started his mission in Galilee of the nations where the Northern tribes dwelled. At the time of Jesus first advent (baptism) the whole land of Israel was in darkness especially the Northern half as the House of Ephraim had been scattered and for the most part given to idols and paganism. Needless to say, many in Israel rejected their Saviour as they were in darkness to the false religious establishment of the temple system (Judah) and idols (Ephraim) so they did not comprehend the light of the Son of Jehovah God. John 1:6-8 6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him.8 He was not the light, but [came] that he might bear witness of the light. To further prove that the prologue of John is about the Kingdom mission of Christ and the new creation verse 6 takes us to the baptism ministry of John. To go right into John's mission would be strange if indeed the verses prior were about the Genesis creation. John the Baptist bore witness of Jesus Christ that he is the Son of God: John 1:32-34 32And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him.33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.34And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. Verse 7 and 8 are definitely John the Baptist witnessing of Jesus being the light not the Father as some Unitarians believe. We see from the above passage that John saw the holy spirit of Jehovah fall upon Jesus and abide on him. Verse 34 says thay John the Baptist bears witness that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus said he is the light of the world and John bore witness of that and this again fits in with Jesus Kingdom mission prophesied in Isaiah 9 where the Davidic King brings in the light to the dark places of Israel especially that of the Northern Kingdom. John 1:9-10 9 There was the true light, [even the light] which lighteth every man, coming into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not. If the prologue of John is about the Kingdom mission of Jesus and the new creation then he (Jesus) is the one who is the true light that lights every man coming into the world. What does this mean? First we have to define what the word world means here. John 12:19 "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Behold how ye prevail nothing: lo, the world is gone after him" How did the world go after Jesus when bis Kingdom mission was only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel? Clearly the gospel of the Kingdom did not go out beyond Israel during Jesus mission so the word "world" is used to represent "Israel". The word "world" (kosmos in the Greek) has a flexible meaning which mean a specific geographic area or a nation or it could mean the literal whole world. Since Jesus mission was clearly limited to Israel then the word "world" as used in John 12:49 has the more narrow meaning of "a nation". Back to John 1:9-10, the use of the phrase "true light" and that the true light lighteth every man that comes into the world brings us back to Isaiah 9 prophecy about the Kingdom mission of the Davidic Messiah starting in Northern Israel: Matthew 4:12-17 12 Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali: 14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, Toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Nations, 16 The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up. 17 From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew confirms that the Isaiah prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Kingdom mission. The bringing of light into the world specifically had to do with the Northern House of Israel who had been largely separated from Jehovah God by the time of Jesus first advent. John 8:12 "Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life" Jesus confirms that he is the light of the world and again this is in respect to the Isaiah 9 prophecy about his Kingdom salvation message to the Northern House of Israel but of course includes the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The man that Jesus, the true light, lightens is the man who is begotten from above by the holy spirit and enters into the New Israel i.e. the world: Colossians 1:12-13 12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; Notice how the translation into the Kingdom of the Son of God is understood as coming out of darkness and into light. This is how we can understand the phrase "lighteth every man, coming into the world" meaning that coming into the world is the same as coming into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and that Kingdom is the New Israel i.e. the world. Isaiah 9;8 "The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel' The word unto Jacob (Judah and Ephraim) is the prophecy of the coming Davidic King to establish the throne and Kingdom of David forever. The prophecy of the arrival of the new covenant Davidic King lighted upon Israel. 1 Peter 2:9 "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" Peter connects being in the marvelous light to us being kings and priests in the Kingdom of God. John 1:10 "He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not" Jesus was in the world meaning Israel as it was who he came to redeem and preach the Kingdom to. It was this world that was going after Jesus according to the Pharisees (John 12:19). Jesus came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel not the entire geographical world. The world was made through Jesus, the question is what world was made through him? Again, we have seen from the above that the word "world" is a flexible term but in the context of Jesus mission and those who followed him, the world is Israel. There is nothing here about the Genesis creation of moon, sun, stars, mountains, oceans, people and animals. I am proving from the context of the prologue that the prologue is about the new creation and Jesus Kingdom mission as that is what is in view. Jesus made a New Israel at his first advent. We can safely say this to be the truth because we have a New Jerusalem (Hebrews 12; 13 and Galatians 4). If there is a New Jerusalem then there must be a New Israel for you can't have a New Jerusalem as part of the old Israel thereby mixing new wine with old wineskins. This New Israel is Jesus Kingdom (Colossians 1:12-13. This Kingdom was formed through the blood of his cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead as we are made kings and priests of that Kingdom via those events in Jesus life (Revelation 1:5-6, 4:9-10; Ephesians 1:4, 2:6). I have already proved that Jesus Kingdom was established upon his ascension to the right hand of the Father throughout this study. Paul talks about the Commonwealth of Israel that Jesus created in his death, blood and resurrection: Ephesians 2:12-13 12 that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. Those who were once afar off (Northern Israel) were made nigh (part of) the Commonwealth of Israel by the blood of Christ. This is the new covenant Israel reuniting Judah and Ephraim (Hebrews 8:8) therefore it is indeed a New Israel being that there is a new capital city where our King reigns and our names are enrolled: Hebrews 12:22-24 22 but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than [that of] Abel. This is the New Israel being spoken of with heavenly Zion and Jerusalem as it's headquarters. The phrase "church of the first begotten" refers to the sons and daughters of Jehovah who comprise the Israel of the new and better covenant. Jehovah referred to Israel as His first begotten (Exodus 4:22; Jeremiah 31:9). The ekklesia of the first begotten Israelites of Jehovah is enrolled in New Jerusalem. Galatians 3 26 For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.28 There can be neither Judean 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.29 And if ye are Christ`s, then are ye Abraham`s seed, heirs according to promise. Sonship through Christ to Jehovah God is obtained through begetting of the holy spirit and confirmed outwardly by baptism. The statement by Paul that there is neither Judean nor Greek is in regards to the two houses of Israel with the Greeks representing the Northern tribes (John ,7:35, 11:52). Paul says if you are Christ's, meaning anointed, then you are Abraham's seed meaning you are a descendant of Abraham through Isaac. This is what Paul refers to as the Israel of God in Galatians 6:16. This is the New Israel that Jesus created in his blood which is why one must be baptized into Christ to be part of the new Israel in order to identify with his death and resurrection. "the world knew him not" This world is not the new Israel that Jesus created but the old Israel that Jesus came to bring salvation to. Most of old covenant Israel rejected their King but those who received him: John 1:11-12 11 He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Jesus own were the Israelites and most of them did not receive him as their king. But there was a remnant according to election that did (Romans 11:5). To those Israelites who did receive Jesus as King and Jehovah's Son they were given the right yo become son's of God: Galatians 4:4-5 4 but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the Sonship. Paul is speaking to the Galatians here and identifies them as having been under the law and being redeemed (repurchased) which shows that if they were redeemed they had at one time had to have been purchased by Jehovah God. This proves that the Galatians were descendants of the Northern House of Israel. 1 Peter 2:9-10 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: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. The elect race is Israel as Paul says in Romans 11:28. It is Israel who is Jehovah's possession: Deuteronomy 32:8 "For Jehovah`s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance" This is never said about anyone else other than Israel. This proves that the elect race of 1 Peter 2:9 is Israel and not non Israelites. Many use verse 10 to say this elect race were previously not the people of God so they couldn't be Israelites, however they fail to realize that Peter is alluding to Hosea 1:10 "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass that, in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God" This prophecy from Hosea is about the Northern House of Israel and their redemption from idolatry unto the living God Jehovah. Their being taken into captivity and divorced by Jehovah God was the time that they were not the people of God and the mission of Jesus and the apostles was their reconciliation to God. In the place where it says they are not God's people, dispersion outside the land of Israel, they are now called sons of the living God. These are the ones who were given the right to Sonship by receiving their King. To believe on Jesus name (John 1:12) is to believe that he is literally Jehovah's only begotten Son. It is not about the pronunciation of his name in Hebrew or in English but rather it's what the name represents (character, identity and authority). The name "only begotten Son" is the name one must believe in order to be a son of God. That obviously is not a proper name but it's a title of Kingship. The first time we see the phrase "begotten Son" in terms of a relationship with Jehovah is in Psalm 2:7 and it is used as part of a coronation of an Israelite Davidic King: Psalm 2:7 "I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee' This is the Davidic Christ speaking abd declaring what Jehovah told him. This decree is a law and it is said by Jehovah God. This law is that the Davidic royal seed is Jehovah's begotten Son. The word begotten in Hebrew denotes both a literal (conception in the womb) and metaphorical (spiritually birth) meaning. It also means to declare pedigrees. The pedigree being declared to the Davidic royal offspring is their Kingship and Sonship. Psalm 2:6 "Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion" This is stated right before the decree of begotten Sonship in verse 7 showing that these two things (Kingship and Sonship) are inherently connected. John 3:16-18 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.18 He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God. To believe on the Son of God (verse 16) is to believe on his name (verse 18). A name represents someones character, identity and authority. So the name that one must believe on to be saved is not the name "Jesus" in terms of pronunciation and spelling but it's what that name represents. It's the name of the "only begotten Son of God" as verse 18 says. The title "only begotten Son" is the name that Jesus was given that is above all names: Hebrews 1:4-5 4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son? Jesus became much better than the angels at his ascension into heaven as that is the context of Hebrews chapter 1. The inherited name is what is mentioned in verse 5 that correlates perfectly with John 3:18. Even though angels are sons of God none of them were ever told of the decree of Psalm 2:7 "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" This is because this decree is for the royal seed of David and is a Davidic Israelite coronation. The Angels are spirits and they are not of the seed of David so they have no right to the throne of David. This is the name that Jesus is given that is above all names because to be Jehovah's only begotten Son means that you are the Davidic King who is to rule over all creation forever from the throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7). The new creation is in the first advent of Jesus Christ and his subsequent death, resurrection and enthronement as King on the throne of David. |
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