Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
They say like father like son and this is no less true of Jehoshua Messiah and His Father Jehovah. Unfortunately, the Christian churches have largely sanitized the Messiah into a flower child hippy. However, the real Son of God is anything but a flower child hippy. The Jehoshua of the bible is like his Father Jehovah:
Exodus 15:1-3 1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto Jehovah, and spake, saying, I will sing unto Jehovah, for he hath triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2 Jehovah is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: This is my God, and I will praise him; My father`s God, and I will exalt him. 3 Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name. "My father's God" refers to Jehovah being the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Here the children of Israel are praising Jehovah God for destroying the Egyptian's. Notice they are not mourning for their enemies but celebrating their demise. This celebration by Israel at the destruction of their enemies is also seen in Revelation 19 prior to second advent of Jehoshua when he treads the winepress of his Father's wrath. We will look at Revelation 19 later in this study. In verse 3 the children of Israel identify Jehovah as a man of war. Being a warrior is a part of Jehovah's divine character. As stated above like father like son. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jehoshua is the express image of Jehovah God: Hebrews 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" Jehoshua being the express image of God's person especially denotes character. Paul says that Jehoshua is the power and wisdom of God: 1 Corinthians 1:24 "but unto them that are called, both Judeans and Greeks, Messiah the power of God, and the wisdom of God" Jehoshua is the power and wisdom of Jehovah God. This means he has the mind of God. God's wisdom is fully made evident in Jehoshua His Son. Numbers 21:14 "Wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Jehovah, Vaheb in Suphah, And the valleys of the Arnon" There was actually an ancient book called the "wars of Jehovah". This book likely detailed Israe's battles against their enemies. Zechariah 14:3-4 3 Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Many modern Christians try to water down the true war-like character of Jehovah and make every excuse in the book as to why He destroyed whole nations including the women and children, however it is clear that Jehovah is experienced in battle. At the second advent of Messiah, it will be just another battle that Jehovah will fight on behalf of His people. His last day war against the nations will be just as when he fought in the previous battles against them. It's important to note the warrior spirit of our God so that we can have a better understanding of His Son Jehoshua. Joshua 10:14 "And there was no day like that before it or after it, that Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of a man: for Jehovah fought for Israel" Jehovah destroyed 5 kings and their armies that came against Israel. He had the sun and moon stay still until Joshua made an end of them. It was Jehovah that fought against and destroyed Israe's enemies even though Joabua and Israel were doing the battle on the ground. Joshua 10:43 "And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because Jehovah, the God of Israel, fought for Israel" Ultimately it was Jehovah doing the battle against the Amorite kings and their lands. He even dropped hailstones on them which killed more of the Amorites than the sword did: Joshua 10:11 "And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that Jehovah cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more who died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword" This will be similar to the great and terrible day of Jehovah when he drops hailstones on the wicked. It is noteworthy that Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim. Ephraim received the first born inheritance blessing from Israel (Genesis 48). This is the first born blessing given to Ephraim by way of Joseph; Genesis 49:22-26 22Joseph is a fruitful bough, A fruitful bough by a fountain; His branches run over the wall. 23 The archers have sorely grieved him, And shot at him, and persecute him: 24 But his bow abode in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong, By the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, (From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel), 25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that coucheth beneath, Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb. 26 The blessings of thy father Have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors Unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. Even though Judah was given the Kingship of Israel Ephraim as a tribe was given the preeminent status as the first born son. Verse 24 definitely applies to Joshua as Jehovah God made his bow, arms, hands strong and mighty. Joshua was a savior of Israel hence the crown was upon his head as he was a type of king fulfilling the first born blessings given to Joseph and Ephraim. It is noteworthy that Joshua and Jehoshua are the same name showing that the warrior Joshua is a prototype of the Messiah Jehoshua. Genesis 49:8-12 8 Judah, thee shall thy brethren praise: Thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; Thy father`s sons shall bow down before thee. 9 Judah is a lion`s whelp; From the prey, my son, thou art gone up: He stooped down, he couched as a lion, And as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler`s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come: And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be. 11 Binding his foal unto the vine, And his ass`s colt unto the choice vine; He hath washed his garments in wine, And his vesture in the blood of grapes: 12 His eyes shall be red with wine, And his teeth white with milk. This is the blessing given to Judah which is the tribe that Jehoshua sprang from. The tribe of Judah was given the Kingship and the prophecy that his hand would be on the neck of his enemies. This denotes violent dominance. Back to Joshua, he actually did this in chapter 10 to the Amorite kings: Joshua 10:22-26 22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five kings unto me out of the cave. 23 And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon. 24 And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. 25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall Jehovah do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. 26 And afterward Joshua smote them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening Joshua literally had the chief men of Israel put their feet on the necks of the kings of the rival nations. He put them to death and hung them on trees. This doesn't sound very nice does it? Let's go to the gospel of Luke and see what Jehoshua is gonna do to the unbelievers upon his return: Luke 19:27 "But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me" The word slay is translated from the greek word "katasphatto" (Strongs 2695) and means "to kill down, slaughter, slay". Do you hear what Jehoshua says he is going to do to his enemies? The word slay means "slaughter". This is not the Jehoshua you hear being preached in the churches of Christendom. However, this is the Jehoshua of the bible. The Son of God is going to slaughter his enemies just as his prototype Joshua slaughtered his. Like Joshua, Jehoshua will be empowered by his God Jehovah. Back to the Genesis prophecy about the Judean king. Verse 10 says the sceptre shall not depart from Judah. This is connected with the Davidic covenant and was fulfilled at Messiah's ascension into heaven (Hebrews 1;8-9). Verse 11 of Genesis 49 says that the King Jehoshua will wash his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. This means he will be a warrior that kills many people, so much so that his garments will be full of the blood of his enemies. The grapes symbolize the wicked i.e. the grapes of wrath. He washes his garments in wine which is grapes which again symbolizes the blood of his enemies. The washing of his garments in wine means that his clothes are completely stained with the blood of his enemies. This prophecy is stated in Isaiah 63: 1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winevat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yea, I trod them in mine anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my wrath, it upheld me. 6 And I trod down the peoples in mine anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth. This prophecy of Isaiah concerning Jehoshua is never talked about in churches. Why is this? Because it will destroy the false effeminate hippy Jehoshua preached by mainstream churches and even non mainstream denominations or movements. Verse 1 of Isaiah 63 is describing the conquering Davidic King. Verse 2 mirrors the Judean prophecy in Genesis 49:11 where the King washes his garments in wine and in the blood of grapes. Verse 2 of Isaiah 63 says his apparel (vesture, clothing) will be red meaning full of blood. Red like the winefat as those who trodden grapes under their feet in the winepress. Verse 3, Jehoshua's return will be so violent that he will stain all his garment with the lifeblood of the Edomites. He will do this in his wrath and anger. This totally goes against the effeminate portrayals of the Son of God as well as the fanciful rapture scenarios. The Messiah comes back to fight a physical war and He gets all his clothing stained with the blood of the Edomites. Verses 4 and 5, Jehoshua is doing this killing willingly and with pleasure as he says the day of vengeance is in his heart. The day of vengeance for the Edomites (Jewry) is the day of redemption for Jehoshua's brethren (Israel). Verse 6, Jehoshua makes the Edomites drunk in the cup of His Father's wrath, he gives them a double cup of judgement for their violence against others. They will drink of the wine of violent wrath. The Son of God again emphasizes that this will be a bloody thing as he says he will pour out the lifeblood of the Edomites on the earth. Let's go to Psalm chapter 2: 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. 8 Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter`s vessel. 10 Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. After the persecution of the Messiah, Jehovah sets him upon the holy hill of Zion. This refers to the resurrection and ascension to the throne of David in New Jersuslem.(Acts 2:29-31; Hebrews 1:8-9; Acts 13:32-35). Verse 7 is a coronation hymm of an Israelite King as Jehovah begets Jehoshua into Kingship. It is a spiritual begetting as the Davidic King is anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah to rule the house of Israel. This passage also applies to Jehoshua's baptism since that was His anointing as King of Israel even though he wouldn't sit on the throne until his ascension. Jehovah God established a father-son covenant relationship with the royal seed of David (2nd Samuel 7). The anointing of the Davidic King was equivalent to him being begotten as God's son. Verse 8, the nations that will be given to the Son of God are the nations of the world. The Son of God's kingdom will cover the whole earth i.e. the Kingdom under the whole heaven as stated in Daniel 7. The uttermost parts of the earth will be under the authority and possession of Jehoshua. These nations are the kingdoms of this earth and the will become the kingdoms of Jehovah God and His Messiah: Revelation 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever" Jehoshua's kingdom is forever as stated by Isaiah the proohet: Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this. The Kingdom of the Son of God is conducted from the throne of David and it is an everlasting Kingdom and Jehovah His God will see to it. So what happens to the nation's that are given as an inheritance to Jehoshua? In verse 9 it says he breaks them to pieces like a potter's vessel. This means he destroys them. See Jeremiah 18 and 19 for the results of what happens when a potter's vessel is broken to pieces. In verses 10-12, the mighty men of the earth, kings and judges are instructed to fear Jehovah God and worship His Son. There is a blessing when leaders of nations run their countries with a fear of God. The psalmist is saying this in contradiction to the nations raging and imagining vain things against Jehovah and His Messiah in the first few verses. Those who don't worship Jehovah God and honor His Son will be met with the wrath of Jehoshua whose wrath is kindled easily. Revelation 19:11-13 11 And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteous he doth judge and make war. 12 And his eyes [are] a flame of fire, and upon his head [are] many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. 13 And he [is] arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. This is describing Jehoshua at His coming and John says that he will make war and judge in righteousness. This means that all the other texts depicting Jehoshua killing and slaughtering people are done in righteousness. This definitely destroys the false image the churches have of Jehoshua. It would be offensive to many believers today the idea that the Son of God is gonna kill people at his second advent. His eyes are as a flame of fire representing judgement. Jehoshua the Son of God will judge the wicked and unbelieving upon his return at the valley of Jehoshaphat. This world's ideology that teaches "don't judge" will be proven to be an ideaology of Satan as that is the very thing Jehoshua will do. The Messiah will judge and condemn every Sodomite, transgender and every practitioner of every other religion. Jehoshua has a majestic (many diadems) crown. The many doesn't denote the amount of crowns Jehoshua wears for he only wears one and it is the crown of David. Here in Revelation just as in Isaiah and Genesis 49 we read that the King of Israel will have his garments sprinkled in blood in connection with his judgement of the nations and his destruction of them. This indicates a real physical war. Revelation 19:14-15 14 And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white [and] pure. 15 And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. Jehoshua will not be alone he will have his army with him. The purpose is war. The sharp sword that comes out of his mouth is a literal sword that he will use to execute vengeance on the wicked. The language of it coming out of his mouth shows that he will judge the nation's with the sword. The result of ruling the nation's with a rod of iron is that not that Jehoshua will politically rule over them but rather that they will be dashed to pieces like a potters vessel as stated in Psalm 2. The rest of the context of Revelation 19 supports that the nation's will be destroyed at the second advent of Messiah. Also in verse 15, we see the language of Jehoshua treading the winepress just as we see it in Genesis 49 and Isaiah 63 as well as Revelation 14. Jehoshua is going to execute His Father's wrath against the wicked, he is going to tread them underfoot like they are grapes and they are in the winepress. This is why he will have his garments sprinkled with blood. Revelation 19:16-18 16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17.And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid heaven, Come [and] be gathered together unto the great supper of God; 18 that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great. Jehoshua is the Davidic King of bible prophecy whose kingdom has no end (2nd Samuel 7). He is the ultimate King above all other kings. Just as there will be the marriage supper of the Lamb for the bride of Messiah there will be a great supper of God for the wicked. The birds of the heaven will be the guests and the wicked will be the food. Kings, presidents, prime ministers will be the food for the fowls to eat. Mighty men signifies the dignitaries of the world. It won't only be the military men and political dignitaries that suffer the wrath of the lamb of God but also free men and bond men. Jehoshua is not some communist who is gonna favor people just because they are poor but rather he is going to kill them with the sword and feed them to the birds of the heaven. Those both of high and low estate social will suffer the same fate due to their lawlessness. Revelation 19:19-21 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat upon the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone: 21 and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, [even the sword] which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh. This is not just some spiritual eretheal war it will be tangible and physical and the beast, false prophet and their kingdom are real physical kingdoms. Jehoshua is a real physical being. This war will be motivated by the nation's thinking that Jehoshua and his angels are aliens from outer space and since Hollywood has programmed people to think that such an invasion is possible the whole world will be gathered to fight against the Son of God and his army. Verse 19 says that Jehoshua has an army and every army fights. Jehoshua will cast the beast and false prophet into the lake of fire after he kills them with his double edged sword. Not only they will be killed with brutal violence but also the rest of them meaning the military captains, the mighty men (elite), free men (high social estate) and bond men (low social estate). Jehoshua will feed the sweet old grandma's that rejected him to be eaten by the fowls of heaven. He will kill the poor minimum wage workers that denied his right to rule over their lives and that practiced other religions. Jehoshua is a man of war just like his Father Jehovah. ReplyForward
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This is one of the better known and referenced passages of scripture by what is callled "the church", however the depth of what this passage means is almost always overlooked. This is done either ignorantly or on purpose. There is a seldom if ever talked about truth here in Matthew 16 that behooves the mainstream church to not understand.
In this study, I am only going to focus on the phrase "I will build my church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it". When this statement by Jehoshua is discussed in the churches it is always over spiritualized. It is taught in the churches that the gates of hell refers to a literal burning hell where Satan rules and/or Satan's spiritual kingdom where he rules over his demons. While certainly Satan's kingdom is the gates of hell, however his kingdom has physical subjects who are the enemies of the people of God. It is not just a spiritual kingdom but a very real physical kingdom with subjects who are living breathing beings. There is no literal burning spiritual underworld where Satan rules called hell so we can eliminate that from the discussion. This will be a study that the churches will stay away from with a ten foot pole as it upsets their politically correct doctrine of Universalism. They don't want to admit that the church has real life and blood enemies that they (the church) are called to assault. They want to over-spiritualize everything and make the enemies of the church some generic philosophical idealogy. Let's look at Matthew 16: Matthew 16:13-20 13 Now when Jehoshua came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? 14 And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jehoshua answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he the disciples that they should tell no man that he was the Messiah. Jehoshua tells Peter that he will build his church (assembly of called out ones) on the confession that he (Jehoshua) is the Son and Messiah of the living God. This in itself is vital in understanding Jehoshua's following words "that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (the church)". There is so much that can be said about Jehoshua being the Son and Messiah of God but for now let's look at the statement that is the subject of this study. It's easy to look at Jehoshua's statement as a generic statement that Satan will never destroy his church, however there is a deeper truth here and it is prophetic. Let's go back to the book of Genesis: Genesis 22:15-18 15 And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, 17 that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Because thou hast obeyed my voice. This is the well known passage where Abraham offers up Isaac his only begotten son (Hebrews 11:17) to Jehovah as a sacrifice as commanded. We know that Jehovah stopped Abraham from doing this. Due to Abraham's faith and obedience, he was blessed with Jehovah reiterating the covenant promises of Genesis 12 that in Abraham's (seed) shall all nations of the earth be blessed. In verse 17 of Genesis 22, Jehovah adds something to the covenant blessings in that Abraham's seed would possess the gates of their enemies. This was definitely implied in Genesis 12 but here it is clearly stated. This is where Jehoshua drew from when he said the gates of hell would not prevail against his church. Often times, we think of Jehoshua's statement as the church being in a defensive posture against the devil, however it is the very opposite. Gates denote trying to keep something out and it is hell that is putting up it's gates against the church not the other way around. This means that the church is to be on a continuous assault against Satan's kingdom which is manifested in human beings and human organizations. Jehovah doesn't just tell Abraham that his seed will possess the gates of some spiritual enemy but rather that they will possess the literal gates of literal enemies. What's amazing about this prophecy is that it wasn't just told to Abraham but also it was said to his son Isaac's wife Rebekah. The title "only begotten" denotes being the son of inheritance which applies to Isaac even though Abraham had other son's and even an older son (Ishmael). This is important to remember as Jehoshua is called the only begotten Son of God. Genesis 24:55-60 55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us [a few] days, at the least ten. After that she shall go. 56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing Jehovah hath prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master. 57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth. 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. 59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham`s servant, and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let thy seed possess the gate of those that hate them. Abraham sent his servant to go get a wife from his kindred for his son because he didn't want Isaac to marry one of the Canaanites. The servant of Abraham asked Rebekah's family if she could go with him right away so that he could present her to Isaac. After Rebekah agrees to go with Abraham's servant instead of delaying it her brother blesses her by telling her that she will be a mother of millions and that her seed (descendants) will possess the gates of those that hate them. Obviously, these that would hate the descendants of Rebekah would be actual people and not just evil spiritual beings. The Abrahamic blessing is confirmed to Rebekah who would be his son Isaac's wife. There is an obvious connection to what Abraham and Rebekah are told to what Jehoshua tells Peter. Jehoshua is outright stating that the Abrahamic promise of possessing the gates of his (Abraham's) enemies now applied to the church (ekklesia) that he (Jehoshua) would build. Just as Isaac was the only begotten son of Abraham and thereby entitled to the covenant promises, Jehoshua's claim of being the Son of the living God entitled him to those same blessings. This is why Jehoshua linked Peter's confession of his (Jehoshua's) Sonship and Messiahship with it being the foundation of the church because as the only begotten Son he inherits the Abrahamic blessings. John 1:51 "And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man" This statement by Jehoshua is connected to his affirmation of Nathanael's confession that he (Jehoshua) is the Son of God and King of Israel. Jehoshua's statement above is lost on most Christians in terms of prophetic significance. Jehoshua is obviously referring to Genesis 28: 3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a company of peoples. 4 And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee. That thou mayest inherit the land of thy sojournings, which God gave unto Abraham. This is the passage of scripture that Jehoshua is referring to in John 1:51. This is where Jacob has the dream of the ladder with angels ascending and descending. The prophetic truth of Jacob's dream is lost on most Christians. The dream given to Jacob by Jehovah is a confirmation of what is stated above in that Jacob is the inheritor of the blessing of Abraham. The Abrahamic covenant blessing is that the seed of Abraham would multiply and be fruitful and to possess the gates of their enemies. Just to verify that Jehoshua is now the recipient of the Abrahamic covenant let's go to what the apostle Paul stated in 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 many seeds that Paul is mentioning is the other sons of Abraham such as Ishmael and his sons from Keturah. The one seed that Paul mentions isn't Jehoshua as popular taught but rather Isaac. Paul mentions "thy seed which is Christ". This seems to indicate that Jehoshua himself as being that one seed spoken of in the above passage and that anyone in covenant with him is recipient of the Abrahamic covenant blessings. However, as stated the comparison of many seeds to the one seed can only be about Isaac since the many seeds are his half brothers. When Paul says "And to thy seed, which is Christ", surprisingly he doesn't mean Jehoshua Messiah. Many Christians often forget that the word "Christ" is not a proper name for Jehoshua but rather it describes a spiritual condition meaning that he is the anointed of God. Basically, Paul is saying that the Galatians seed is anointed (Christ). This means that Paul is identifying the Galatians as the seed of Abraham and Isaac. This may shock most Christians because of hand me down doctrine that the Galatians were non Israelite gentiles, however chapter 4 indeed proves that the Galatians were Israelites as does Peter's epistle. Galatians 3:26-29 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 Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one [man] in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye are Christ`s, then are ye Abraham`s seed, heirs according to promise. Verse 29 is the verse I want to look at here. Paul says that if ye are Christ's then ye are Abraham's seed. Many read this as meaning if you are Jehoshua's meaning your in covenant with him then you are Abraham's seed. However, the word"Christ" simply means "anointed" and doesn't necessarily mean Jehoshua everytime it is used. This should be understood as Paul saying that if you are anointed (Christ) then you are Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise. So the word "Christ" in verse 29 applies to the Galatians themselves and not Jehoshua. Again, this is Paul identifying the Galatians as the literal seed of Abraham through Isaac. The evidence that the seed being spoken of in Galatians 3 is Isaac and not Jehoshua is in Romans 9: 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. 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. The passage above is rich with prophetic truth. It is often misunderstood among Christians. In verse 6, when Paul says not all Israel is Israel he is not distinguishing between believing Israelites and unbelieving Israelites but the context shows that he is distinguishing between those who claim to be Israelites but are not because they are not of Isaac. An Israelite who does not believe in Jehovah's Messiah is still an Israelite as Paul says they are his kinsmen (kinsmen of the womb) according to the flesh that he has a burden for. There are people who are Abraham's seed yet they are not all children of Abraham. This is because Abraham had other sons namely Ishmael. Jehoshua told this to the pharisees: John 8:37 "I know that ye are Abraham`s seed: yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you" Jehoshua acknowledged that the Pharisees were Abraham's seed, however this doesn't mean they are of Isaac as they could still be of the seed of Abraham and be descendants of his other sons and even they could be of Isaac but not Jacob. Being of Esau would disqualify them from being Abraham's children. John 8:39 "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" Jehoshua acknowledges the Pharisees as Abraham's seed which includes all Abraham's children and also Esau as well. However, to be a child of Abraham you must be of Isaac and Jacob. This is what Jehoshua is telling them that they may be the seed of Abraham but they certainly are not his children otherwise they would do the works of Abraham. The works of Abraham are to have faith in the promises of Jehovah God. Jehoshua is the evidence of those promises as He is the only begotten Son of God. The hatred of the Pharisees was evidence to Jehoshua that they were not of Isaac and Jacob because even those who rejected Messiah would still be considered children of Abraham as Paul states the gifts and calling are without repentance and that the unbelieving Israelites are the elect for the father's sake. Much of the religious establishment in Jehoshua's day were from the line of Esau most notably Herod the Jewish client king of Rome. In Galatians 4 Paul makes it clear that the seed of promise is through Isaac: Galatians 4:24-26 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. 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. 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. Isaac and Ishmael are the focus here. Ishmael was born after the flesh and represents the sinai covenant genders unto bondage. This is because the Sinai covenant was not of promise meaning it wasn't an unconditional covenant. The covenant made with Abraham was unconditional and Isaac is the inheritor of that covenant. Those who are of the seed of Isaac are of the free woman (Sarah). The children that descend from Hagar are of bondage and are a type of the earthly Jerusalem which became a city of bondage with the arrival of the Messiah and Jehovah's program of worship moving to new Jersuslem New Jersuslem is the mother of the seed of Isaac (the church). Those of the seed of Ishmael via Hagar are still in bondage. Paul compares the Judeans who are still worshipping according to the old covenant as being likened unto Ishmael's seed. Many of them actually were the seed of Ishmael and Esau hence Paul says they are Hagar's children. 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. Just as it was in the times of old testament Israel, it was in Paul's and our time where the children of the flesh persecute the children of the spirit. The context of this clearly shows that the children of the flesh are the descendants of Ishmael and Hagar. This would also appy to the descendants of Esau. Many spiritualize these verses away, however Paul gives no hint at all these verses are not literal. Many of the so called Jews, who were still practicing the old covenant, were of Ishmael's and Esau's descendants. Therefore according to Paul they are children of the flesh and persecute the true children of Israel who are through Isaac. In verse 30 Paul says the handmaid and her son will be cast out and have no inheritance with Sarah and Isaac. This is an obvious reference to Hagar and Ishmael. Is this literal or can we spiritualize it away? Malachi 3:6 says that Jehovah is the same yesterday, today and forever. Should it surprise us that He favors His ethnic people Israel over other ethnic nations just as He did in the old testament? Malachi 1:1-4 1 The burden of the word of Jehovah to Israel by Malachi. 2 I have loved you, saith Jehovah. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob`s brother, saith Jehovah: yet I loved Jacob; 3 but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness. 4 Whereas Edom saith, We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places; thus saith Jehovah of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and men shall call them The border of wickedness, and The people against whom Jehovah hath indignation for ever. This pasaage is within the context of Jehovah saying He changes not (Malachi 3;6). Remember, there were no chapter's in the bible until the translations were put out. What does Jehovah say above about Esau? He says that he hates Esau and His seed. Is this a temporary hatred? No, verse Jehovah says He has indignation against Esau forever. See Isaiah 63 for a brief description of Messiah destroying Esau's descendants at the second advent. Jehovah says that whenever and wherever Esau builds, He (Jehovah) will throw down. Jehovah still hates Esau in the new covenant era: Romans 9:13-14 13 Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. Paul proves that Jehovah is the same in the new covenant as He is in the old covenant which in this case is Him (Jah) rejecting (hating) Esau. It is the Edomites and Ishmaelites that Paul is discussing as being children of bondage and cast out in Galatians 4. Both Ishmael and Esau mixed with the Canaanites which Jehovah says will have no place in the temple of Jehovah in the age to come: Zechariah 14:21 "Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holy unto Jehovah of hosts; and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and boil therein: and in that day there shall be no more a Canaanite in the house of Jehovah of hosts" Unlike what the Universaliats teach not every group of people will have a chance at salvation as both the Cannanites and Edomites are rejected by Jehovah God. This should not surprise us in light of the prophecy that Jehovah's holy seed (Israel) would posses the gates of it's enemies. No evidence of the enemies of Jehovah's holy seed being allowed in the gates of the city of Jehovah God: Revelation 21:10-12 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal: 12 having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: The 12 gates to the city of New Jerusalem are named after the 12 tribes of Israel. No Canaanite or Edomite will possess these Israelite gates but Israel will possess theirs. ReplyForward Zechariah 14
This passage has always been a little difficult for me to understand in terms of how it applies to the second advent of the Messiah. However, we read this prophecy in light of the Revelation of the Son of God and the new covenant it becomes easier to reconcile. We must understand that there are often immediate and distant fulfillments of a given prophesy. The olivet discourse of Matthew 24 is a perfect example as some of that prophesy was for AD 70 and some for the end of the age. Let's look at Zechariah 14 and show how this prophesy relates to the end of the age as well highlight portions that may have been fulfilled in either the Maccabean revolt or AD 70. Zechariah 14:1-2 1 Behold, a day of Jehovah cometh, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. The day of Jehovah is primarily the eschatological day when He comes and destroys the wicked at the end of the age and inaugurates the new heavens and new earth. However, the day of Jehovah could also denote anytime Jehovah breaks into history to perform judgement to Israel's enemies and deliverance for Israel. In the lens of the new covenant, the day of Jehovah God is the second advent of Jehoshua. In the above verses we see tribulation being described as coming upon the people of Jersuslem. The city taken, women ravished, houses rifled and the spoil divided. These things had their near fulfillment in the days of the Maccabees and AD 70. The remant will not be cut off means that there will be deliverance for them. Again, this applies to both the Maccabean revolt and AD 70 as both times a remnant were preserved. In AD 70, the Messianics left Jersuslem and escaped to Pella being delivered from the destruction of Jersuslem. In both the Maccabean times and AD 70 the nations were gathered against Jersuslem. So, how do we understand the above two passages with the lens of the new testament and New Jersuslem? All those circumstances of tribulation mentioned in verses 1 and 2 have been seen throughout the new covenant church age. In fact, we are told in the book of Acts that we enter into the Kingdom of God through much tribulation: Acts 14:21-22 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, 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. One thing that has been lost in modern Churchianity, is that the life of a true Christian will be marked by tribulation. This was actually part of the apostles teaching to the disciples in that they were to expect many tribulations. Revelation 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" Unlike what many teach today the tribulation is not a 3 1/2 or 7 year period as it was already going on in the first century. John says that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is marked with tribulation echoing Acts 14:22. This also shows that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ was already present tense reality in the first century. So in the context of the new covenant the verses above in Zechariah could apply to the whole era at different places and times. Some might say that this prophecy is specific to Jerusalem and I would agree with them, however in the new covenant this applies to New Jersuslem. At the end of this age the book of Revelation says Gog and Magog will surround the holy city: Revelation 20:7-9 7 And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 land shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. Gog and Magog are not the literal nations from Ezekiel's time but rather they represent all the enemies of God's people. Just to show that these aren't literal Geographical nations, the above verses say they are gathered from the four corners of the earth. This proves that Gog and Magog symbolize the unbelieving world. We also know from the new testament that earthly Jersuslem is of no more significance and that the true holy city is New Jersuslem. Galatians 4:25-26 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. Paul says that earthly Jersuslem is in bondage and that New Jersuslem is our mother. Hebrews 12:22-24 and 13:13-14 both show that in the new covenant the true saints of God don't look to earthly Jerusalem but instead worship at the Heavenly Zion, the New Jersuslem. The church is the New Jersuslem on earth and hence we are the holy city. The unbelieving nations (Gog and Magog) will surround us at the end of the age and then that is when Jehovah God will intervene and destroy them with fire and brimstone. Let's now go back to Zechariah 14: 3 Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Jehovah God is a warrior (Exodus 15:3) and will fight in the battle that will take place at the last day. Jehovah God will fight the unbelieving nations through His anointed King Jehoshua. The reference to Jehovah's feet standing on the mount of Olives can also be understood spiritually in that His shekinah presence apparently went to the mount of Olives when it left the temple in AD 70 as well as during the time of the Macabees. However, at the last day this verse will take be very literal as Acts chapter 1 says this: 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off. Jehoshua ascended up to heaven from the mount of Olives. The two angels present told the apostles that Jehoshua's return would be in like manner, meaning it would be in reverse order of how he ascended up to heaven. This means that Jehoshua's return would end up with him landing on the mount of Olives. The mount of Olives being cleaved will take place, literally it appears, when Jehoshua lands on it. Apparently there is a road built by the Romans that currently divides the mount if Olives from East to Wesr creating a valley of sorts. This may have been the path that the 1st century Messianics took when fleeing Jersuslem. Zechariah 14:5 5 And ye shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azel; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee. As stated, the fleeing by the valley was fulfilled during the Messianic s departure from Jersuslem in AD 66 when they saw the armies surrounding Jersuslem thereby heeding Jehoshua's warning in Luke 21. "Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee" What many churches fail to teach is that the second advent of Messiah also brings the coming of Jehovah God the Father. Jehoshua tells us this in Revelation 3:12: "He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name" New Jersuslem is Jehovah's tabernacle and it will come down to the earth after Jehoshua makes his return. The book of Jude echoes Zechariah 14: Jude 14-15 14 And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. The Lord mentioned by Jude is Jehovah God. 10 thousands of Jehovah's holy one's will accompany Jehoshua when he returns. Jehovah God is coming with the holy ones by way of his Son Jehoshua. It will be the Son of God as the Davidic King who returns in the name and glory of Jehovah God to pour out wrath upon the nations. Remember, the fulness of Jehovah's divinity dwells in Jehoshua so when he comes fo fight against the nations it's as if Jehovah comes. Verse 5 applies to the second coming of Jehoshua and the earthquake mentioned is prophesied to happenn at the sixth seal: Revelation 6:12 "And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood" Zechariah 14:6-7 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that there shall not be light; the bright ones shall withdraw themselves: 7 but it shall be one day which is known unto Jehovah; not day, and not night; but it shall come to pass, that at evening time there shall be light" Verse also denotes features of the sixth seal: Revelation 6:13-14 13 and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind.14 And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. The heaven woll recede like a scroll on the great and terrible day of Jehovah God. The stars of heaven will not give light on that day as they will fall to the earth. In verse 7 Zechariah says only Jehovah knows when that day will come, this is what Jehoshua said as well: Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only" This proves that Jehovah God is not Jehoshua as Zechariah says only Jehovah knows the day when these things at the end will happen and Jehoshua says only the Father knows. Zechariah 14:8 "And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be" This is a prophecy of the river of life coming out from the throne of God and His lamb in the New Jersuslem: Revelation 22 1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve [manner of] fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. The prophecies in the old testament concerning the day of Jehovah in regards to Jersuslem need to be understood in the new covenant lens. New Jersuslem is now the city which we seek to come and which is the headquarters and mother of the saints. Zechariah 14:9 "And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one" We have to remember that when Jehoshua comes back and breaks the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel (Revelation 19) that he is going to hand over the Kingdom to the Father; 1 Corinthians 28:27-28 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all. At the last day after Jehoshua vanquishes all enemies, the last of which is death, he will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father who will be all in all. This is another text that proves that the Father is Jehovah God. Zechariah 14:10-11 10 All the land shall be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and she shall be lifted up, and shall dwell in her place, from Benjamin`s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel unto the king`s wine-presses. 11 And men shall dwell therein, and there shall be no more curse; but Jerusalem shall dwell safely Notice that the gate of Benjamin is mentioned here and that all men will dwell within the gate. We see this mentioned in Revelation 21: 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal: 12 having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: This is describing the New Jersuslem in which the 12 gates are named after the children of Israel. This is what Zechariah 14:10-11 is referring to. Remember, we must read and understand old testament prophecies within the lens of the new testament. The city of Jersuslem no longer has any significance for God's people nor in bible prophecy. In verse 11 of Zechariah 14 we read that there will be no more curse in Jersuslem and that people will dwell safely in it. The book of Revelation describes New Jersuslem this way after the second advent: Revelation 21:4 "and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away" This shows that the prophecy of Zechariah 14 ultimately is about the second coming of Messiah and New Jersuslem. Zechariah 14:12-13 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite all the peoples that have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their sockets, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from Jehovah shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. Verse 12 describes the plagues falling on the wicked at the last day. These are the ones who have persecuted Jehovah's New Jersuslem church. Verse 12 denotes fiery judgement on the day of Jehovah as Peter stated: 2 Peter 2:7 "but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" It is fire that makes ones flesh consume away. All throughout scripture we see that fire and brimstone will be the method used to destroy the wicked. Verse 13, there will be confusion in that day and men will turn on each other. Zechariah 14:14-15 14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the nations round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. 15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in those camps, as that plague. The new covenant is made with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Judah here represents the new covenant Israel who will fight alongside Jehoshua when lands on the mount of Olives. The wealth of the nations will come to nothing and be burned up. All the animals will be destroyed as well in the day of Jehovah. Zechariah 14:16-19 16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso of [all] the families of the earth goeth not up unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, neither [shall it be] upon them; there shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. The feast of Tabernacles is one of Jehovah's feasts. This feast will be celebrates after the resurrection of the dead and translation of the living. The 144,000 will be brought before the throne of Jehovah God and hold palm branches in their hands just as prescribed in the feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23). Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" This great multitude are the redeemed of all time and they are symbolized by the number 144,000. Note that they have palms in their hands just like the feast of tabernacles: Leviticus 23:40 "And ye shall take you on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days" This was to be done on the first day of the feast of Tabernacles. Revelation 7:5 "Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them" Jehovah God will literally tabernacle with us for the first time after our resurrection and translation into the consummated Kingdom. Revelation 21:1-3 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven of God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God: The coming down of the city of New Jersuslem will be the celebration of the feast of Tabernacles as Jehovah will be with (tabernacle) us. New Jerusalem is Jehovah's tabernacle. The punishment of the nations that don't go up to worship Jehovah at the feast of tabernacles will be stuck with plagues. Jehovah through Jehoshua will dash the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel. However, in the lens of the new covenant the nations not attending the feast of Tabernacles is due to them not knowing God nor obeying the gospel of God. They will not be invited to the feast and they will be destroyed prior to it at Jehoshua's second advent. Zechariah 14:20-21 20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLY UNTO JEHOVAH; and the pots in Jehovah`s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holy unto Jehovah of hosts; and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and boil therein: and in that day there shall be no more a Canaanite in the house of Jehovah of hosts. In the eternal Kingdom there will be no impure thing in Jehovah's tabernacle as everything will be holy. There will be no more Canaanite in the Kingdom meaning a wicked person or an unbeliever. In the churches today there is a mix of true disciples of the Son of God and those who are in name only i.e. tares. In the eternal Kingdom only the righteous will be there. ReplyForward Kingdom of the Son of GodThu, Dec 24, 6:42 AM (3 days ago) to me Zechariah 14 This passage has always been a little difficult for me to understand in terms of how it applies to the second advent of the Messiah. However, we read this prophecy in light of the Revelation of the Son of God and the new covenant it becomes easier to reconcile. We must understand that there are often immediate and distant fulfillments of a given prophesy. The olivet discourse of Matthew 24 is a perfect example as some of that prophesy was for AD 70 and some for the end of the age. Let's look at Zechariah 14 and show how this prophesy relates to the end of the age as well highlight portions that may have been fulfilled in either the Maccabean revolt or AD 70. Zechariah 14:1-2 1 Behold, a day of Jehovah cometh, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. The day of Jehovah is primarily the eschatological day when He comes and destroys the wicked at the end of the age and inaugurates the new heavens and new earth. However, the day of Jehovah could also denote anytime Jehovah breaks into history to perform judgement to Israel's enemies and deliverance for Israel. In the lens of the new covenant, the day of Jehovah God is the second advent of Jehoshua. In the above verses we see tribulation being described as coming upon the people of Jersuslem. The city taken, women ravished, houses rifled and the spoil divided. These things had their near fulfillment in the days of the Maccabees and AD 70. The remant will not be cut off means that there will be deliverance for them. Again, this applies to both the Maccabean revolt and AD 70 as both times a remnant were preserved. In AD 70, the Messianics left Jersuslem and escaped to Pella being delivered from the destruction of Jersuslem. In both the Maccabean times and AD 70 the nations were gathered against Jersuslem. So, how do we understand the above two passages with the lens of the new testament and New Jersuslem? All those circumstances of tribulation mentioned in verses 1 and 2 have been seen throughout the new covenant church age. In fact, we are told in the book of Acts that we enter into the Kingdom of God through much tribulation: Acts 14:21-22 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, 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. One thing that has been lost in modern Churchianity, is that the life of a true Christian will be marked by tribulation. This was actually part of the apostles teaching to the disciples in that they were to expect many tribulations. Revelation 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" Unlike what many teach today the tribulation is not a 3 1/2 or 7 year period as it was already going on in the first century. John says that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is marked with tribulation echoing Acts 14:22. This also shows that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ was already present tense reality in the first century. So in the context of the new covenant the verses above in Zechariah could apply to the whole era at different places and times. Some might say that this prophecy is specific to Jerusalem and I would agree with them, however in the new covenant this applies to New Jersuslem. At the end of this age the book of Revelation says Gog and Magog will surround the holy city: Revelation 20:7-9 7 And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 land shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. Gog and Magog are not the literal nations from Ezekiel's time but rather they represent all the enemies of God's people. Just to show that these aren't literal Geographical nations, the above verses say they are gathered from the four corners of the earth. This proves that Gog and Magog symbolize the unbelieving world. We also know from the new testament that earthly Jersuslem is of no more significance and that the true holy city is New Jersuslem. Galatians 4:25-26 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. Paul says that earthly Jersuslem is in bondage and that New Jersuslem is our mother. Hebrews 12:22-24 and 13:13-14 both show that in the new covenant the true saints of God don't look to earthly Jerusalem but instead worship at the Heavenly Zion, the New Jersuslem. The church is the New Jersuslem on earth and hence we are the holy city. The unbelieving nations (Gog and Magog) will surround us at the end of the age and then that is when Jehovah God will intervene and destroy them with fire and brimstone. Let's now go back to Zechariah 14: 3 Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Jehovah God is a warrior (Exodus 15:3) and will fight in the battle that will take place at the last day. Jehovah God will fight the unbelieving nations through His anointed King Jehoshua. The reference to Jehovah's feet standing on the mount of Olives can also be understood spiritually in that His shekinah presence apparently went to the mount of Olives when it left the temple in AD 70 as well as during the time of the Macabees. However, at the last day this verse will take be very literal as Acts chapter 1 says this: 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off. Jehoshua ascended up to heaven from the mount of Olives. The two angels present told the apostles that Jehoshua's return would be in like manner, meaning it would be in reverse order of how he ascended up to heaven. This means that Jehoshua's return would end up with him landing on the mount of Olives. The mount of Olives being cleaved will take place, literally it appears, when Jehoshua lands on it. Apparently there is a road built by the Romans that currently divides the mount if Olives from East to Wesr creating a valley of sorts. This may have been the path that the 1st century Messianics took when fleeing Jersuslem. Zechariah 14:5 5 And ye shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azel; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee. As stated, the fleeing by the valley was fulfilled during the Messianic s departure from Jersuslem in AD 66 when they saw the armies surrounding Jersuslem thereby heeding Jehoshua's warning in Luke 21. "Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee" What many churches fail to teach is that the second advent of Messiah also brings the coming of Jehovah God the Father. Jehoshua tells us this in Revelation 3:12: "He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name" New Jersuslem is Jehovah's tabernacle and it will come down to the earth after Jehoshua makes his return. The book of Jude echoes Zechariah 14: Jude 14-15 14 And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. The Lord mentioned by Jude is Jehovah God. 10 thousands of Jehovah's holy one's will accompany Jehoshua when he returns. Jehovah God is coming with the holy ones by way of his Son Jehoshua. It will be the Son of God as the Davidic King who returns in the name and glory of Jehovah God to pour out wrath upon the nations. Remember, the fulness of Jehovah's divinity dwells in Jehoshua so when he comes fo fight against the nations it's as if Jehovah comes. Verse 5 applies to the second coming of Jehoshua and the earthquake mentioned is prophesied to happenn at the sixth seal: Revelation 6:12 "And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood" Zechariah 14:6-7 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that there shall not be light; the bright ones shall withdraw themselves: 7 but it shall be one day which is known unto Jehovah; not day, and not night; but it shall come to pass, that at evening time there shall be light" Verse also denotes features of the sixth seal: Revelation 6:13-14 13 and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind.14 And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. The heaven woll recede like a scroll on the great and terrible day of Jehovah God. The stars of heaven will not give light on that day as they will fall to the earth. In verse 7 Zechariah says only Jehovah knows when that day will come, this is what Jehoshua said as well: Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only" This proves that Jehovah God is not Jehoshua as Zechariah says only Jehovah knows the day when these things at the end will happen and Jehoshua says only the Father knows. Zechariah 14:8 "And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be" This is a prophecy of the river of life coming out from the throne of God and His lamb in the New Jersuslem: Revelation 22 1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve [manner of] fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. The prophecies in the old testament concerning the day of Jehovah in regards to Jersuslem need to be understood in the new covenant lens. New Jersuslem is now the city which we seek to come and which is the headquarters and mother of the saints. Zechariah 14:9 "And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one" We have to remember that when Jehoshua comes back and breaks the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel (Revelation 19) that he is going to hand over the Kingdom to the Father; 1 Corinthians 28:27-28 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all. At the last day after Jehoshua vanquishes all enemies, the last of which is death, he will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father who will be all in all. This is another text that proves that the Father is Jehovah God. Zechariah 14:10-11 10 All the land shall be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and she shall be lifted up, and shall dwell in her place, from Benjamin`s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel unto the king`s wine-presses. 11 And men shall dwell therein, and there shall be no more curse; but Jerusalem shall dwell safely Notice that the gate of Benjamin is mentioned here and that all men will dwell within the gate. We see this mentioned in Revelation 21: 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal: 12 having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: This is describing the New Jersuslem in which the 12 gates are named after the children of Israel. This is what Zechariah 14:10-11 is referring to. Remember, we must read and understand old testament prophecies within the lens of the new testament. The city of Jersuslem no longer has any significance for God's people nor in bible prophecy. In verse 11 of Zechariah 14 we read that there will be no more curse in Jersuslem and that people will dwell safely in it. The book of Revelation describes New Jersuslem this way after the second advent: Revelation 21:4 "and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away" This shows that the prophecy of Zechariah 14 ultimately is about the second coming of Messiah and New Jersuslem. Zechariah 14:12-13 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite all the peoples that have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their sockets, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from Jehovah shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. Verse 12 describes the plagues falling on the wicked at the last day. These are the ones who have persecuted Jehovah's New Jersuslem church. Verse 12 denotes fiery judgement on the day of Jehovah as Peter stated: 2 Peter 2:7 "but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" It is fire that makes ones flesh consume away. All throughout scripture we see that fire and brimstone will be the method used to destroy the wicked. Verse 13, there will be confusion in that day and men will turn on each other. Zechariah 14:14-15 14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the nations round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. 15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in those camps, as that plague. The new covenant is made with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Judah here represents the new covenant Israel who will fight alongside Jehoshua when lands on the mount of Olives. The wealth of the nations will come to nothing and be burned up. All the animals will be destroyed as well in the day of Jehovah. Zechariah 14:16-19 16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso of [all] the families of the earth goeth not up unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, neither [shall it be] upon them; there shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. The feast of Tabernacles is one of Jehovah's feasts. This feast will be celebrates after the resurrection of the dead and translation of the living. The 144,000 will be brought before the throne of Jehovah God and hold palm branches in their hands just as prescribed in the feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23). Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" This great multitude are the redeemed of all time and they are symbolized by the number 144,000. Note that they have palms in their hands just like the feast of tabernacles: Leviticus 23:40 "And ye shall take you on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days" This was to be done on the first day of the feast of Tabernacles. Revelation 7:5 "Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them" Jehovah God will literally tabernacle with us for the first time after our resurrection and translation into the consummated Kingdom. Revelation 21:1-3 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven of God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God: The coming down of the city of New Jersuslem will be the celebration of the feast of Tabernacles as Jehovah will be with (tabernacle) us. New Jerusalem is Jehovah's tabernacle. The punishment of the nations that don't go up to worship Jehovah at the feast of tabernacles will be stuck with plagues. Jehovah through Jehoshua will dash the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel. However, in the lens of the new covenant the nations not attending the feast of Tabernacles is due to them not knowing God nor obeying the gospel of God. They will not be invited to the feast and they will be destroyed prior to it at Jehoshua's second advent. Zechariah 14:20-21 20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLY UNTO JEHOVAH; and the pots in Jehovah`s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holy unto Jehovah of hosts; and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and boil therein: and in that day there shall be no more a Canaanite in the house of Jehovah of hosts. In the eternal Kingdom there will be no impure thing in Jehovah's tabernacle as everything will be holy. There will be no more Canaanite in the Kingdom meaning a wicked person or an unbeliever. In the churches today there is a mix of true disciples of the Son of God and those who are in name only i.e. tares. In the eternal Kingdom only the righteous will be there. ReplyForward Kingdom of the Son of GodThu, Dec 24, 6:42 AM (3 days ago) to me Zechariah 14 This passage has always been a little difficult for me to understand in terms of how it applies to the second advent of the Messiah. However, we read this prophecy in light of the Revelation of the Son of God and the new covenant it becomes easier to reconcile. We must understand that there are often immediate and distant fulfillments of a given prophesy. The olivet discourse of Matthew 24 is a perfect example as some of that prophesy was for AD 70 and some for the end of the age. Let's look at Zechariah 14 and show how this prophesy relates to the end of the age as well highlight portions that may have been fulfilled in either the Maccabean revolt or AD 70. Zechariah 14:1-2 1 Behold, a day of Jehovah cometh, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. The day of Jehovah is primarily the eschatological day when He comes and destroys the wicked at the end of the age and inaugurates the new heavens and new earth. However, the day of Jehovah could also denote anytime Jehovah breaks into history to perform judgement to Israel's enemies and deliverance for Israel. In the lens of the new covenant, the day of Jehovah God is the second advent of Jehoshua. In the above verses we see tribulation being described as coming upon the people of Jersuslem. The city taken, women ravished, houses rifled and the spoil divided. These things had their near fulfillment in the days of the Maccabees and AD 70. The remant will not be cut off means that there will be deliverance for them. Again, this applies to both the Maccabean revolt and AD 70 as both times a remnant were preserved. In AD 70, the Messianics left Jersuslem and escaped to Pella being delivered from the destruction of Jersuslem. In both the Maccabean times and AD 70 the nations were gathered against Jersuslem. So, how do we understand the above two passages with the lens of the new testament and New Jersuslem? All those circumstances of tribulation mentioned in verses 1 and 2 have been seen throughout the new covenant church age. In fact, we are told in the book of Acts that we enter into the Kingdom of God through much tribulation: Acts 14:21-22 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, 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. One thing that has been lost in modern Churchianity, is that the life of a true Christian will be marked by tribulation. This was actually part of the apostles teaching to the disciples in that they were to expect many tribulations. Revelation 1:9 "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" Unlike what many teach today the tribulation is not a 3 1/2 or 7 year period as it was already going on in the first century. John says that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is marked with tribulation echoing Acts 14:22. This also shows that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ was already present tense reality in the first century. So in the context of the new covenant the verses above in Zechariah could apply to the whole era at different places and times. Some might say that this prophecy is specific to Jerusalem and I would agree with them, however in the new covenant this applies to New Jersuslem. At the end of this age the book of Revelation says Gog and Magog will surround the holy city: Revelation 20:7-9 7 And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 land shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. Gog and Magog are not the literal nations from Ezekiel's time but rather they represent all the enemies of God's people. Just to show that these aren't literal Geographical nations, the above verses say they are gathered from the four corners of the earth. This proves that Gog and Magog symbolize the unbelieving world. We also know from the new testament that earthly Jersuslem is of no more significance and that the true holy city is New Jersuslem. Galatians 4:25-26 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. Paul says that earthly Jersuslem is in bondage and that New Jersuslem is our mother. Hebrews 12:22-24 and 13:13-14 both show that in the new covenant the true saints of God don't look to earthly Jerusalem but instead worship at the Heavenly Zion, the New Jersuslem. The church is the New Jersuslem on earth and hence we are the holy city. The unbelieving nations (Gog and Magog) will surround us at the end of the age and then that is when Jehovah God will intervene and destroy them with fire and brimstone. Let's now go back to Zechariah 14: 3 Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Jehovah God is a warrior (Exodus 15:3) and will fight in the battle that will take place at the last day. Jehovah God will fight the unbelieving nations through His anointed King Jehoshua. The reference to Jehovah's feet standing on the mount of Olives can also be understood spiritually in that His shekinah presence apparently went to the mount of Olives when it left the temple in AD 70 as well as during the time of the Macabees. However, at the last day this verse will take be very literal as Acts chapter 1 says this: 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven. 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off. Jehoshua ascended up to heaven from the mount of Olives. The two angels present told the apostles that Jehoshua's return would be in like manner, meaning it would be in reverse order of how he ascended up to heaven. This means that Jehoshua's return would end up with him landing on the mount of Olives. The mount of Olives being cleaved will take place, literally it appears, when Jehoshua lands on it. Apparently there is a road built by the Romans that currently divides the mount if Olives from East to Wesr creating a valley of sorts. This may have been the path that the 1st century Messianics took when fleeing Jersuslem. Zechariah 14:5 5 And ye shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azel; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee. As stated, the fleeing by the valley was fulfilled during the Messianic s departure from Jersuslem in AD 66 when they saw the armies surrounding Jersuslem thereby heeding Jehoshua's warning in Luke 21. "Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee" What many churches fail to teach is that the second advent of Messiah also brings the coming of Jehovah God the Father. Jehoshua tells us this in Revelation 3:12: "He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name" New Jersuslem is Jehovah's tabernacle and it will come down to the earth after Jehoshua makes his return. The book of Jude echoes Zechariah 14: Jude 14-15 14 And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. The Lord mentioned by Jude is Jehovah God. 10 thousands of Jehovah's holy one's will accompany Jehoshua when he returns. Jehovah God is coming with the holy ones by way of his Son Jehoshua. It will be the Son of God as the Davidic King who returns in the name and glory of Jehovah God to pour out wrath upon the nations. Remember, the fulness of Jehovah's divinity dwells in Jehoshua so when he comes fo fight against the nations it's as if Jehovah comes. Verse 5 applies to the second coming of Jehoshua and the earthquake mentioned is prophesied to happenn at the sixth seal: Revelation 6:12 "And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood" Zechariah 14:6-7 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that there shall not be light; the bright ones shall withdraw themselves: 7 but it shall be one day which is known unto Jehovah; not day, and not night; but it shall come to pass, that at evening time there shall be light" Verse also denotes features of the sixth seal: Revelation 6:13-14 13 and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind.14 And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. The heaven woll recede like a scroll on the great and terrible day of Jehovah God. The stars of heaven will not give light on that day as they will fall to the earth. In verse 7 Zechariah says only Jehovah knows when that day will come, this is what Jehoshua said as well: Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only" This proves that Jehovah God is not Jehoshua as Zechariah says only Jehovah knows the day when these things at the end will happen and Jehoshua says only the Father knows. Zechariah 14:8 "And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be" This is a prophecy of the river of life coming out from the throne of God and His lamb in the New Jersuslem: Revelation 22 1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve [manner of] fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. The prophecies in the old testament concerning the day of Jehovah in regards to Jersuslem need to be understood in the new covenant lens. New Jersuslem is now the city which we seek to come and which is the headquarters and mother of the saints. Zechariah 14:9 "And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one" We have to remember that when Jehoshua comes back and breaks the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel (Revelation 19) that he is going to hand over the Kingdom to the Father; 1 Corinthians 28:27-28 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all. At the last day after Jehoshua vanquishes all enemies, the last of which is death, he will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father who will be all in all. This is another text that proves that the Father is Jehovah God. Zechariah 14:10-11 10 All the land shall be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and she shall be lifted up, and shall dwell in her place, from Benjamin`s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel unto the king`s wine-presses. 11 And men shall dwell therein, and there shall be no more curse; but Jerusalem shall dwell safely Notice that the gate of Benjamin is mentioned here and that all men will dwell within the gate. We see this mentioned in Revelation 21: 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal: 12 having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: This is describing the New Jersuslem in which the 12 gates are named after the children of Israel. This is what Zechariah 14:10-11 is referring to. Remember, we must read and understand old testament prophecies within the lens of the new testament. The city of Jersuslem no longer has any significance for God's people nor in bible prophecy. In verse 11 of Zechariah 14 we read that there will be no more curse in Jersuslem and that people will dwell safely in it. The book of Revelation describes New Jersuslem this way after the second advent: Revelation 21:4 "and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away" This shows that the prophecy of Zechariah 14 ultimately is about the second coming of Messiah and New Jersuslem. Zechariah 14:12-13 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite all the peoples that have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their sockets, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from Jehovah shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. Verse 12 describes the plagues falling on the wicked at the last day. These are the ones who have persecuted Jehovah's New Jersuslem church. Verse 12 denotes fiery judgement on the day of Jehovah as Peter stated: 2 Peter 2:7 "but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" It is fire that makes ones flesh consume away. All throughout scripture we see that fire and brimstone will be the method used to destroy the wicked. Verse 13, there will be confusion in that day and men will turn on each other. Zechariah 14:14-15 14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the nations round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. 15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in those camps, as that plague. The new covenant is made with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Judah here represents the new covenant Israel who will fight alongside Jehoshua when lands on the mount of Olives. The wealth of the nations will come to nothing and be burned up. All the animals will be destroyed as well in the day of Jehovah. Zechariah 14:16-19 16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso of [all] the families of the earth goeth not up unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, neither [shall it be] upon them; there shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. The feast of Tabernacles is one of Jehovah's feasts. This feast will be celebrates after the resurrection of the dead and translation of the living. The 144,000 will be brought before the throne of Jehovah God and hold palm branches in their hands just as prescribed in the feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23). Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" This great multitude are the redeemed of all time and they are symbolized by the number 144,000. Note that they have palms in their hands just like the feast of tabernacles: Leviticus 23:40 "And ye shall take you on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days" This was to be done on the first day of the feast of Tabernacles. Revelation 7:5 "Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them" Jehovah God will literally tabernacle with us for the first time after our resurrection and translation into the consummated Kingdom. Revelation 21:1-3 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven of God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God: The coming down of the city of New Jersuslem will be the celebration of the feast of Tabernacles as Jehovah will be with (tabernacle) us. New Jerusalem is Jehovah's tabernacle. The punishment of the nations that don't go up to worship Jehovah at the feast of tabernacles will be stuck with plagues. Jehovah through Jehoshua will dash the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel. However, in the lens of the new covenant the nations not attending the feast of Tabernacles is due to them not knowing God nor obeying the gospel of God. They will not be invited to the feast and they will be destroyed prior to it at Jehoshua's second advent. Zechariah 14:20-21 20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLY UNTO JEHOVAH; and the pots in Jehovah`s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holy unto Jehovah of hosts; and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and boil therein: and in that day there shall be no more a Canaanite in the house of Jehovah of hosts. In the eternal Kingdom there will be no impure thing in Jehovah's tabernacle as everything will be holy. There will be no more Canaanite in the Kingdom meaning a wicked person or an unbeliever. In the churches today there is a mix of true disciples of the Son of God and those who are in name only i.e. tares. In the eternal Kingdom only the righteous will be there. ReplyForward Titus 2:11-13
11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Again, what does the whole counsel of God's word teach about who is God? It teaches that the Father is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: Acts 3:13 "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release him" Who is Jesus in relationship to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? He is the servant of the God of Israel. The KJV has Son instead of servant showing that the God of Israel is the Father. With Paul we have even more of a sample than Peter in regards who he thinks is God. Let's see who Paul thinks is God. This will help us understand the above verse in Titus better in determining whether Paul is describing one being or two beings in verse 13. 2nd Corinthians 11:31 "The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for evermore knoweth that I lie not" According to Paul, Jesus has a God and it is the Father. How can Paul be calling Jesus God in Titus 2:13 if Jesus has a God? It's simple, he is referring to the Father as God in Titus 2 and referring to Jesus as a separate distinct being who is our savior. Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" Paul says that Jesus has a God and it is the Father. The Father is the God of Jesus Christ. Obviously Jesus is not God but rather is the Son of God. 2nd Corinthians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" Here we see again Paul saying that the Father is the God of Jesus Christ. We are seeing a pattern here. Clearly Paul believes that Jesus has a God. Romans 15:5-6 5 Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet again Paul says that Jesus has a God and it is the Father. The Father is the God of Jesus Christ. Jesus worships the same God that we do. We must sincerely ask ourselves, would Paul all of a sudden change course and identify Jesus as God when all throughout his writings he says that God is the Father? Ephesians 4:4-6 4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. Paul says that there is one God and he doesn't say it is a trinity but rather this one God is the Father who is above all. This means that the Father is above Jesus as he elsewhere states in 1 Corinthians 11:3: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God" There is no way to get out of Paul's simple statement, God is the head of Christ. If Jesus was God then how can God be his head? Also, this is about the resurrected Christ so even in his glorified state Jesus is subject to the authority of the Father. 1 Corinthians 8:6 "yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him" Notice who Paul identifies as the one God, it is the Father of whom are all things. Who is Jesus in relationship to the point one God? What did Paul's first sermon after conversion say about Jesus? Acts 9:20 "And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God" Paul believed that Jesus was the Son of God and that the Father was his God. 1 Corinthians 24:24-28 24Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.25For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.26The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.27For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him.28And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all. At the last day after Jesus puts down all rule and authority he will hand over the kingdom to God even the Father. How is Jesus God if he is going to hand over the kingdom to God? In verse 27, Paul says that God is excepted from being under the feet of Jesus. It was God Jehovah who put all things under the feet of Jesus (Psalm 110). This proves that God is head of Jesus. This also proves that Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are two separate distinct beings. In verse 28, Paul says that Jesus will be made subject to God at the end so that God will be all in all. This matches what he says in Ephesians 4:6 that the Father is above all. God is above Jesus. Jesus the Son of God is subject to the Father. When we read Titus 2:11-13 it should be done in the context of all Paul's writings concerning the identity of God and Jesus. Genesis 1:26
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" Jesus isn't mentioned here, many simply read him into the text. Nowhere does Jesus identify himself as the creator of the Genesis creation. In fact, Jesus identifies the Father as the one who made heaven and earth: Psalm 146:5-6 5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in Jehovah his God:6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that in them is; Who keepeth truth for ever; Jehovah God is identified as the God of Jacob who is the creator of heaven, earth and the sea. Is Jesus the God of Jacob? What does scripture say? Acts 13:13 "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release him" Jesus is the servant (son) of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob therefore he is not the Almighty Jehovah God who created the heaven, earth, sea and all that in them is. Let's now look at John 1 as many use this passage to link Jesus to the Genesis creation: John 1:1-7 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. Please go and read all instances in the old testament when the word of God is mentioned and you will see that it never means a person. Here is a good verse that explains what the word of God is one for one: Psalm 33:6 "By the word of Jehovah were the heavens made, And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth" In Genesis when God spoke things came into existence. His word is His creative utterance. In the old testament, when it mentions the word of Jehovah it refers to his commandment, exhortation, rebuke, warning and prophectic utterance. In the new testament, the word of God is shorthand for gospel of the Kingdom. Acts 4:24-28 24 And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:25 who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed: 27 for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, 28 to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass. This is often an overlooked passage that clearly shows how the apostlic church viewed the relationship between the Lord God (Jehovah) and Jesus. After Peter and John came back and reported what happened between them and the chief priests, the church praised God. Notice that in verse 24 they refer to the Lord as the one who made the heaven, earth and sea and all that in them is. Which Lord is this, the Father or the Son? In verse 27 we have the answer, as the church identifies Jesus as the servant of the Lord who made the heaven, earth and sea. The whole passage above we see the church praising the Father as the Lord who made heaven, earth and the sea. In verse 30, They again refer to Jesus as the holy servant of the LORD (Jehovah), clearly making a distinction between the Lord God who is the creator and Jesus who is the creator's servant. Here is what the early church clearly believes about the identity of God and Jesus: God is the Lord who made the earth, heaven and sea. Jesus is the holy servant (Son) of the Lord who is the creator of the earth and all things. Back to John 1:1, for one thing there is debate among bible students whether this is about the Genesis creation or the beginning of Jesus ministry. One noteworthy thing is that the versions of the bible that were before the KJV have the "word" as an "it" as opposed to a "he". Here is the 1599 Geneva bible version of John 1: 1 In the beginning was that Word, and that Word was with God, and that Word was God. 2 This same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by it, and without it was made nothing that was made. 4 In it was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 And that light shineth in the wilderness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. Notice how the "word" in this early version of the bible is referred to as an "it" rather than a "he"? This shows that the early translators acknowledged that the "Word" here in the first few verses of John chapter 1 was non personal. They likely believed the "word" was God's actual "word" as noted above in Psalm 33:6. So is Jesus the word of God? Of course but He is not the word of God in the old testament, He is what the word of God became? John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth" Because of Platonic greek influence many read the above verse and make it metaphysical, in that Jesus as a pre-existing spirit being poured himself into the womb of Mary thereby becoming or taking on flesh. However, the Hebraic mindset isn't rooted in the metaphysical but rather the physical and metaphorical. We can best understand the above passage by going to Deuteronomy 18:15-21: 15 Jehovah thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 according to all that thou desiredst of Jehovah thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of Jehovah my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And Jehovah said unto me, They have well said that which they have spoken.18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.20 But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.21 And if thou say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken? The apostles attributed this passage to Jesus as that prophet Moses mentioned. Notice in verse 18 it says that Jehovah God would put His "words" in the mouth of that prophet (Jesus). But wait a minute! I thought Jesus was the pre existent word of God in the old testament. Or is Jesus called the word of God precisely because Jehovah God put His words in Jesus mouth? The second option has more biblical support and is more in line with Hebraic thought and what the bible prophesied about the nature of the Messiah. Regarding the nature of the prophet that Moses is speaking about, it is clear that this prophet would be a human being just like Moses (verse 15). Nothing here is said about the prophet (Jesus) being a god man or a pre-existent spirit being. Also, trinitarians teach that Jesus is Jehovah God but how is this so if it is Jehovah putting His words in Jesus mouth? That is utter confusion! There is a clear distinction here between Jehovah and Jesus and they are both identified clearly in regards to their nature: * Jehovah is referred to here as God. * Jesus is referred to here as a man like the Israelites and Moses. In verse 19, it says that Jesus would speak Jehovah's words in Jehovah's name. This fits perfectly with what is said in the new testament concerning Jesus ministry in that He came to declare the Father as the true God (John:18, John 17:3, 1 John 5:29). In fact in the book of Hebrews it says that it was Jesus primary function to declare the name of Jehovah God His Father to the congregation: Hebrews 2:12 "saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise" Jesus came to declare the Father and said that all true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and in truth: John 4:23-26 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]. These are Jesus words. All true worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Notice it doesn't say they worship a trinity god nor a binity god. The Father seeks such true worshippers to worship Him. Of course Jesus is saying this, because he himself has a God: Revelation 3:12 "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name" Here in one verse Jesus says he has a God four times. Either Jesus is lying or the Pastor's and theologians are. I believe Jesus not the traditions of man. Back in John 4:23-24, Jesus clarifies His identity by affirming the Samaritan woman's statement that He is the Messiah (anointed one). Just the very fact that He is the Messiah means he is not God as Messiah means "the anointed one of God". The old testament makes a super sharp distinction between Jehovah God and his Messiah. John 3:33-36 33 He that hath received his witness hath set his seal to [this], that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he giveth not the Spirit by measure.35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. Back to the concept of why Jesus is called the word of God. Here in verse 34 John the Baptist says that Jesus was sent by God to speak the words of God. John 12:49-50 49 For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak. Jesus he doesn't speak his own words but rather speaks the commandments given him by the Father. The commandment spoken by Jesus is life eternal and it is the commandment of the Father. This fits perfectly with Deuteronomy 18:15-21 and the concept that Jesus is the word of God because He speaks God's words as that final and true prophet (Hebrews 1:1-3). John 14:10 "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works" Jesus is clear He doesn't speak his own words but the words of the Father as the word of God is the commandments of the Father not a pre-existent divine being. The word of God is what Jesus became when He was anointed by the holy spirit to began his Gospel of the Kingdom ministry. The word of God in the new testament is short hand for gospel of the Kingdom. There is a popular and growing movement among the black community known as the Black Hebrew Israelites. The basic premise is that Israelites of the bible were black. Of course, this includes the Son of God Jehoshua. Some groups accept Hispanics and other ethnic groups as being part of the 12 Tribes whereas others limit it exclusively to blacks.
Most of the groups hold the position that the white man is the devil and many say that the white man comes from Esau. Does the bible teach this? Let's go to scripture and see what it really teaches concerning the identity of the Israelites and Jehoshua, Israel's Messiah. Genesis 2:7 "And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" The word "man" comes from the Hebrew word "aw-dawm" (Strongs 120) and means "ruddy i.e. a human being.(an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)". The word "aw-dawm" comes from the Hebrew word "aw-dam" (Strongs 119) and means "to show blood in the face, i.e. flush or turn rosy:- be (dyed, made) red (ruddy)". The claim by the black Hebrew Israelites is that Adam and Eve were black, however as you can see the very definition of the word "Adam" or "man" denotes to be rosy or flush in the face which the bible calls "ruddy" i.e. red. This obviously cannot be describing a black person but rather someone who turns red in the face. This obviously describes a white person as they are the ones's who blush and turn flush in the face i.e. red in the cheeks. Teaching this today would be considered racist and offensive because of the hatred towards white people by many including the so called "modern Jews". The fact of the matter is that "Facts" do not take into account modern political sensibilities and political correctness. We just have to go to the text and objectively determine truth. 1st Samuel 16:12-13 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah This is about king David and verse 12 describes his physical appearance as "ruddy". Ruddy comes from the Hebrew word "admoniy" (Strongs 132), it comes the word "adam" (Strongs 119) and means "reddish (of the hair or the complexion): -red, ruddy." There can be no confusion here, as some Black Hebrew Israelites have tried to say this about native Americans who are known as being red. Remember though, ruddy doesn't necessarily mean that the person's skin itself is red but rather the redness of the skin comes from the face turning flush or rosy. Also, the the meaning of this word also denotes the hair being red which automatically eliminates native Americans. King David is described physically just like his ancestor Adam as being red in complexion i.e. ruddy which also means to turn flush or rosy in the face. The ability to turn rosy or flush in the face comes from having 'hemoglobin" which is what people have and hemoglobin causes the blood in someone to show in their complexion. Blacks and Native Americans have "Melatonin" i.e. dark complexion. Those that have a high level of "melanin" do not show flushiness or rosiness in the face due to their dark complexion. This then eliminates either of them from being of the Israelite bloodline as King David was indeed ruddy in complexion which is only possible with someone of a hemoglobin complexion. Asians have "caratine" which is a yellowish complexion. David is also described in the above passage as being of a beautiful countenance. The word "beautiful" comes from the Hebrew word "yapheh" (Strongs 3303) and means "beautiful, beauty, comely, fair, goodly, pleasant, well". The word "yapheh" comes from the Hebrew word "yaphah" (3302) and means "to be bright, beautiful, be fair". Only those who have hemoglobin complexion can be described as "bright" i.e. white people. So the word fair also translated as beautiful means that one is bright in appearance i.e. white. Let's go to Lamentations chapter 4:7-9 7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: 8 Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick. 9 They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field. This passage refers to the sons of Zion (verse 2). A Nazarite is a consecrated person unto Jehovah and obstains from wine and defiling themselves by touching a dead body. Obviously a Nazarite comes from the Israelites. In verse 7 we see a description of what the Nazarites looked like. Notice that it says they were purer than snow and whiter than milk. We know that this is a physical description of them and not spiritual because it then describes the color of their body saying that they were more "ruddy" in body than rubies. The contrast between being whiter than milk and being ruddy in body fits perfectly as stated before the word "ruddy" (aw-dam-H 119) means to show blood in the face (hemoglobin) and to turn flush or turn rosy, to be red (ruddy). Here the prophet Jeremiah says that the Israelites were whiter than milk in appearance which then facilitated them being more ruddy (to show blood, flush, rosy) in body than rubies (red colored). Again, as mentioned before this only happens with hemoglobin which is the complexion of white people. Verse 8 is often used by the black hebrew Israelites to promote their doctrine as it says that their (nazarites) visage is blacker than coal, however if you take a close look at the context the blackness of the sons of Zion's visage has to do with circumstances and not their racial identity. Read the context of verse 8 and 9 and you will clearly see that the context of their visage being black is due to suffering hunger i.e. famine. Their visage being black is mentioned in the context of other negative physical conditions due to the hunger they are going through. Skin cleaving to their bones and being withered like a stick along with their visage being blacker than coal are in the context of suffering from famine (verse 9). Lamentations chapter 5 further proves that the black skin of the Israelites has nothing to do with their racial identity but rather a side effect of famine: Lamentations 5:9-10 9 We gat our bread with the peril of our lives because of the sword of the wilderness. 10 Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine. It can't be any more clear, the Israelites skin was black not because that was their natural skin color but rather because of the famine they were suffering. The previous chapter shows that the Israelites were whiter than milk and ruddy (flush, rosy, showing blood) in body. This description of them is made in contrast to the side effects they are suffering because of famine resulting in their skin blackening. The Lamentations chapter 4 description of the Son's of Zion being white and ruddy perfectly match the description of Adam and his descendant David. Speaking of David let's look at his encounter with Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:41-42 41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. Goliath the Philistine actually despised David's appearance. David was young, of a ruddy complexion meaning white (hemoglobin-showing blood in the face). David was also of a beautiful countenance i.e fair. Notice that David's complexion was part of the reason Goliath looked on him with disdain. We must ask ourselves, is the same thing happening today? Are the black Hebrew Israelites looking upon whites with the same disdain Goliath did? Clearly the answer is yes. Song of Solomon 5:10-15 10 My beloved is white and ruddy, The chiefest among ten thousand. 11 His head is as the most fine gold; His locks are bushy, and black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like doves beside the water-brooks, Washed with milk, and fitly set. 13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, As banks of sweet herbs: His lips are as lilies, dropping liquid myrrh. 14 His hands are as rings of gold set with beryl: His body is as ivory work overlaid with sapphires. 15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: His countenance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. The above is a description of Solomon by his bride, an unnamed young woman. Let's look carefully at this to determine what Solomon's racial identity was. Remember, this is just facts and facts don't have feelings nor do they care about modern concepts of political correctness. Right off the bat here Solomon's bride describes him as white and ruddy which is consistent with how Adam is described as well as David, Solomon's father. Not too mention the Nazarites (sons of Zion) are described as white and ruddy. Solomon is described as being white which allows him to be ruddy (rosy, red) in complexion. Remember, only those who have hemoglobin complexion can turn rosy in the face or what we call blushing and flush. It is whites that are hemoglobin in complexion. Blacks are melanin i.e. melatonin. Solomon had black bushy hair (verse 11). The black hebrew Israelites will use this verse to promote their doctrine while ignoring verse 10 which automatically refutes it. In verse 13 Solomon's cheeks are described as a bed of spices. Spices usually have a reddish color so this fits in perfectly with being ruddy (rosy) in complexion. In verse 14 Solomon's bride describes his body as ivory overlaid with sapphires. Ivory is white the color of elephant tusks. Solomon's body is white. Verse 15 nails it as far as Solomon being white. Solomon's bride says his countenance is as Lebanon. Let's go to the strongs for the meaning of "Lebanon" (3844). The Hebrew word is "Llbanown" and means "whiteness, white mountain (from it's snow); Lebanon, a mountain range in Palestine: - Lebanon". Clearly this shows that Solomon was white totally refuting the idea that the Israelites were black. Solomon's bride says his countenance (appearance) is white like the mountains of Lebanon. Revelation 1: 14 And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. Ironically, the black Hebrew Israelites use this passage to try and prove Jehoshua was black however it proves the exact opposite. First off, the text says that Jehoshua's head is white as wool. It doesn't say his head is wool but rather white like wool. Jehoshua's head includes his face and skull. This would only make sense since both David and Solomon, Jehoshua's ancestors, are described as being of white (fair, bright) complexion. Next it says that Jehoshua's hair was white like wool. Again, the key is that is hair isn't wool but rather white like wool. His eyes were as a flame of fire. It's also important to note that this is a description of the resurrected and glorified Jehoshua who sits at the right hand of God enveloped in His glorious light. This is another swing and a miss by the black Hebrew Israelites as this clearly shows that Jehoshua's head is white not black. His hair isn't wooly but rather white like wool. His eyes being as a flame of fire is obviously a condition of His glorified state and not his earthly appearance. Jehoshua's countenance is like the sun shineth in it's strength, does this mean that Jehoshua is black? Again, we must remember that this passage is about the resurrected Jehoshua who sits on the right hand of the glory of God. God's glory is unapproachable light. 1 Timothy 6:14-16 14 that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen. The light unapproachable that Jehoshua dwells in is the Father's as no man has seen the Father but many have seen Jehoshua. John 1:18 "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him]" Jehoshua literally dwells in the bosom of the Father in the holy of holies in the heavenly sanctuary. This explains why the resurrected Son of God's countenance shines as the sun in it's strength. Jehoshua is continually enveloped in the glorious light of the Father. In fact, we see a great example of one's countenance being glorious as a result of being in Jehovah's presence in 2nd Corinthians chapter 3: "But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which glory was passing away" The children of Israel could not look directly at Moses face because he had just communed with Jehovah God at Mount Sinai. The glory of Jehovah God was shining upon the countenance of Moses. Moses had to put a veil upon his face because of this. What object do we as humans have trouble looking directly? The sun of course. The sun shines so brightly that we cannot look at it directly without being blinded. If this is true of Moses who only spent a brief amount of time with God how much more Jehoshua who permanently sits on the right hand of God? 2nd Corinthians 3:12-13 12 Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,13 and are not as Moses, who put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look stedfastly on the end of that which was passing away. Paul is comparing the temporary glory shone on Moses face which represented the old covenant with the permanent glory that shines on Messiah's face which represents the new covenant. 2nd Corinthians 3:17-18 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. We in the new covenant get to behold the glory of the Lord Jehoshua with unveiled face as in a mirror and thereby are transformed into His image i.e. character. With unveiled face because we understand the liberty of the Spirit of the new covenant. In a mirror because we aren't looking directly at His glory yet but we see the image. Paul is describing that the glory that shone on Moses face is nothing compared to the Son of God. This helps us understand that the description of Jehoshua in Revelation chapter 1 has nothing to do with him being black but rather everything to do with Him being glorified due to His position being on the right hand of eas a result of His resurrection and ascension. Let's go to one more verse to drive this home: Revelation 21:22-23 22 And I saw no temple therein: for Jehovah God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Jehoshua Messiah is the light of the glory of God and His glory lights up the city of New Jersuslem hence no need for the sun or moon in the city. Do you see know why He is described as His countenance is as the sun shineth in it's strength? It has absolutely nothing to do with Jehoshua being black but rather His glorious appearance due to His resurrected state of being. It's not Jehoshua being black that causes Him to light uo New Jersuslem but rather Him being at the right hand of God dwelling in the presence of the Father. This study has shown that the doctrine that the Israelites and Jehoshua were black is downright false no matter how the politically correct try to make it so. Let God be true and every man a liar! Judah and Ephraim are the two Sticks that comprise the nation of Israel. The uniting of these two sticks are an important part of the bible prophecy. Many Christian's believe that this is a future prophecy to happen at the coming of the Messiah resulting in the bringing in of the 12 tribes to the land. They believe that Judah is already in the land and that prophecy was fulfilled in 1948 when "Geo-political Israel" was established as a nation.
1 Corinthians 1:17-19
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Paul is addressing divisions that are springing up in the Corinthian assembly and is bringing the emphasis of the cross to their rememberance. Paul is minimizing the importance of baptism here but rather stating that his specific goal was to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. Likely, it was the bishops and deacons who did the bulk of the baptisms subsequent to those who were saved by Paul's preaching. Paul's preaching was not smooth or complicated with high sounding words as he simply preached the cross. Once someone gets into philosophizing the faith they have made the cross of none effect. Once someone makes the gospel smooth with fair speeches they have made the cross of Christ of none effect. Expect that you will look foolish to people when you preach the cross of the Son of God. Many mainstream Christians shy away from street preaching as they say it looks crazy and makes Christians look bad. This is exactly what preaching of the cross is supposed to look like i.e. foolishness. When you are viewed as a fool by people because you are out there preaching the death and resurrection of Christ then you know you are doing what is called of you by God. So many professing Christian's feel like they have to dress up the gospel with nice sounding words yet in doing this they have made the cross of none effect. The truth is these professing Christian's are ashamed of the simplicity of the cross of Jesus. The simplicity of the cross confounds the wise men of this world. This is because they cannot get their minds wrapped around the fact that their good works mean nothing to God and He desires a contrite and broken heart. The cross of Christ is the great equalizer, it brings mighty men down and lifts the downtrodden up. To those that are spiritually dying the simplicity of the cross is foolishness. When you preach the cross and are mocked just know that these scoffers are spiritually dead. Those who don't mock, but still see the foolishness that one is saved by the work that Jesus did on the cross are also spiritually dead. It was through the cross that Jehovah God made of none effect the wisdom of the wise. The wise and prudent men of this age can't comprehend the power of the ransom sacrifice of the Son of God. They trust in their own human wisdom and rely on the philosophies of men to explain life. For those of us who are saved the cross is the power of Jehovah God. The cross is the manifest evidence of God's love for us: 1 John 4:9-10 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God 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. God loved us before we loved Him. His love was made evident towards us as He sent His only begotten Son to be the mercyseat for our sins. This was so that we might have spiritual life through the holy vine of David Jesus Christ. Also, that we might have eternal life in the age to come. 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. What the world considers foolish is the very thing that saves them that believe. The idea of the cross and it's ability to save is ludicrous to the world as they cannot believe in the simplicity of it to save souls. The world promotes the idea of earning favor in the afterlife with good works. They promote an idealogy of outweighing the bad with the good. The cross confounds the intelligent debater of this age. Jesus said that in order to enter the Kingdom one must be like a child. One must believe in the power of the cross to save in order to enter God's Kingdom. Someone with a childlike faith will take God at His word and put His trust in the ransom sacrifice of the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and favor with God. Those who are wise over complicate the simple message of the gospel and mock the idea that one can be forgiven for the bad that they have done by simply putting their faith in the blood atonement of Christ. God does what He pleases and need not explain himself to man. It is Jehovah's perogative to save people by the foolishness of preaching as He counsels with Himself and does not ask man's permission: Ephesians 1:11 "in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will" Jehovah's ways differ than man's and He only gives the precious truths to those who have childlike faith not those who think they are too smart for the "foolishness" of biblical things. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 22 Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness. Religious people seek for signs and wonders, however those who are truly spiritual believe by faith. The intelligencia of this world seek out philosophical wisdom but we who believe God by faith preach the cross of Christ and Him crucified. This stumbles the religious who rely on signs and outward rituals and it is foolishness to the wise and intelligent of society. 1 Corinthians 1 24 but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Christ and Him crucified is the power and wisdom of God. It is the power to save the lost and it reveals the wisdom of God as the cross makes everyone eqaul showing them their need for a savior. God used the simplicity of the cross to show His power over the wise men of the world. The weakness of God made evident by the cross is stronger than the mightiest of men and their high minded philosophical ideologies. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 26 For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; 28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:29 that no flesh should glory before God Ever wonder why most of the admired men and women of this world reject the gospel? It's because they look at the gospel of the Son of God as foolish fables or religious babble. They are minded about things of this world that are "important" and of higher learning. They are sophisticated and look at Christianity as mere superstition. Pride is at the root of these mindsets. God chooses the foolish men and women of the world to confound the wise and mighty. These foolish men and women were called by God due to their child like faith in the simplicity of Christ. They bring to shame those who are wise and mighty through their preaching. The preaching of the cross changes lives and has been doing so for 2,000 years yet the intelligent of this world are on a never ending quest for spiritual peace but cannot obtain it. The preacher of the gospel is on the most despised figures in society yet His preaching turns the world upside down and brings to no effect the people and things that are esteemed by society. This is because the cross nullifies man's pride and his self reliance. God often chooses the foolish and not the mighty so that those who are chosen do not boast before Him but rather are humble since they know it wasn't because of their own pedigree that they were called. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: 31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Jesus Christ is the express image of Jehovah God as He is the exact representation of the Father in character. The Son of God lived out and taught the wisdom of God. He is our example of what the Father's character is. Jesus is Jehovah our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6). He was the spotless Lamb of God showing us what God's righteousness looks like. Jesus kept the Father's commandments. Jesus sanctifies us i.e. sets us apart through His Spirit which dwells in us and gives us the ability to keep the Son of God's commandments (John 14:15). The Son of God was made redemption to us as His blood cleansed us from all sin. Jesus is the mercyseat for our sins fulfilling the day of atonement thereby reconciling us to God the Father. This will be a study that is related to the earth made new. If you get a chance read that study first. That study shows that the Kingdom of God and His only begotten Son will be on the earth after the second advent. Knowing that truth will further clarify whether the rapture is biblical or not.
There are four different timings of the rapture doctrine. The most popular is the pre-trib rapture and then there is the mid-trib, pre-wrath and post-trib rapture's. The pre-trib and mid-trib rapture's both end up with the saints flying up to heaven and the wicked being left behind on the earth. Usually these two views have the "Church" meaning mostly Gentile believers staying in heaven during the so called earthly millennium. The pre-wrath rapture has the saints being raptured before the final plagues are poured out on the wicked. There are appears to be some variation as to where the saints end up with this view, either on earth as part of an earthly millennium or in heaven. The post-trib rapture view seems to mostly posit that the saints will be raptured but remain on earth and inherit a earthly millennium, some may believe that the saints will go to heaven. The post-trib rapture view is closest to the actual truth but there still is some errors such as the concept of an earthly millennium and everything that usually goes along with that teaching. The commonality with all these views is that they usually are accompanied by the immortal soul doctrine which teaches that when we die as saints are "souls" go to heaven. Of course there are some rapturists that do not hold the immortal soul doctrine but most do. Also, even though the post-trib rapture is closest to the truth calling the event of the Son of God's second coming the rapture is error. The word "rapture" obscures the truth of what really happens when Jehoshua comes back at the last day. In this study I will examine the so called rapture texts such as 1st Thessalonians 4, Revelation 3:10, 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3 and John 14:1-3. I will also look at other texts that show the truth of what really happens when Jehoshua comes back and the timing thereof. Let's first look at the two weakest texts that the rapture cults use: 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3 1 Now we beseech you, brethren, touching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him; 2 to the end that ye be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by epistle as from us, as that the day of the Lord is just at hand; 3 let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; In verse 1 we see that Paul mentions the coming of our Lord. The word "coming" comes from the Greek word "parousia" (Strongs 3952) and means "presence, coming, arrival, advent". This word "parousia" denotes a visible and physical appearing of Jehoshua Messiah. We know that scripture teaches that the next time Jehoshua appears it will be to raise the dead, hold the last judgment and set up His Father's Kingdom here on earth. So, when Paul mentions the coming of our Lord he is speaking of a visible and physical return not an invisible occurrence. This harmonizes with the very words of Jehoshua in Matthew 24:25-26: 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. It couldn't be any clearer from the Messiah's mouth, don't believe those who say that he is going to come in any type of secret manner. The Rapture doctrine teaches that Jehoshua doesn't visibly and physically come back to get the saints but that it is a secret event meaning he comes back secretly and invisibly. The very opposite takes place at Jehoshua's return as it will be loud and visible for all to see. It will be as lightening shines from the east to the west. The Son of God will physically return for all to see. Let's continue in 2nd Thessalonians, in verse 3 Paul says to watch for deceivers for that day, i.e. the gathering of the saints, will not take place until there comes a falling away first and the revealing of the man of perdition. Remember, that day refers to what Paul said was gathering of the saints unto Jehoshua in verse 1. Matthew 24 makes it clear that His return to gather the elect will be visible as the lightening that shines from the east to the west. Clearly this day Paul is talking about is the last day second advent of the Son of God. The two events that will precede the second advent of Messiah will be a "falling away" and the revealing of the "son of perdition". The rapture cults teach that the "falling away" refers to the rapture hence they won't be here to see the anti-messiah revealed. Let's look at the meaning of the phrase "falling away" by looking at the Greek word "apostasia" (Strongs 646) and means "falling away, forsake, defection from truth". Clearly there is no way at all that this phrase can mean a rapture. That is a huge twisting of scripture. This is the same Greek word used in Acts 21:21 when James asked Paul if he was teaching the Jews to "forsake" (apostasia) the law of Moses. So we can plainly see that the phrase "falling away" does not mean a rapture or anything like that but rather it means to defect from the truth and to forsake it. In fact, it is this very apostasy from the truth that paves the way for the son of perdition to be revealed. Also, the pre trib rapture is further exposed as the son of perdition was revealed all the way back in the 2nd century. The Roman bishops at that time were attempting to change God's times and the law. This apostasy only increased until the universal church filled the cup of Jehovah's indignation with their seven ecumenical councils which bear the stamp of lawlessness and antimessiah. The early Roman bishoprick evolved into the Papacy which was a hybrid of the office of Bishop and the office of Roman emperor. The falling away (apostasy) and the son of perdition being revealed have taken place so now we look forward to our gathering together unto the Davidic King. Matthew 24:30-31 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Do see the order of things here in Matthew 24? First Jehoshua appears in the clouds of heaven coming in great power and glory. Jehoshua says "they shall see" him. As he stated earlier in this chapter, his second coming will be like the lightening that shines from the east to the west. So this a visible according to Jehoshua Himself. Note that it says he comes in the clouds. Let's go back to Acts 1 and read exactly where this coming in the clouds ends up. Acts 1:11 "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jehoshua, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" Remember, this was at the mount of Olives from which Jehoshua was taken up. This means that Jehoshua's coming in the clouds of heaven will end up with Him setting foot on the mount of Olives as the angel states that in the same way Jehoshua was taken up He will come back. This refutes the idea of the rapture which teaches a secret invisible catching up of the saints to heaven. Here it is made clear that the coming of the Son of God will be in reverse order of how He ascended to heaven. Ascension - Mount of Olives - Clouds - Heaven Second Advent - Heaven - Clouds - Mount of Olives Zechariah 14 confirms that Jehoshua will land on the mount of Olives upon His return: 3 Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.4And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. We see that the destination of the Son of God upon His return is the mount of Olives precisely as the angel told the disciples in Acts chapter 1. In verse 31 of Matthew 24 the trumpet sounds and then the elect are gathered unto Jehoshua Messiah. This is the gathering that Paul is referring to in 2 Thessalonians 2. So here is the order of events: 1) the sign of the Son of man appears in heaven. It is visible because the tribes of the earth see it and mourn. 2) they see Jehoshua coming down to earth on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory. 3) Jehoshua sends his angels at the sound of a trumpet blast to gather the elect from the four corners of the earth. In Matthew 24 verse 29 Jehoshua says this would happen after the tribulation of those days: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" This account of Jehoshua's return in Matthew 24 clearly destroys the rapture doctrine. These circumstances that are part of the second advent of Messiah are polar opposite of what the rapture doctrine teaches. Jehoshua's return is visible and physical and it is after the great tribulation. The gathering of the saints happens as Jehoshua is coming down to earth to the mount of Olives. The gathering of the saints is also known as the resurrection which Jehoshua says over and over again is at the last day. The resurrection happens after the trumpet blast which Paul calls the last trump and Revelation 11 says the seventh trumpet. Let's now go to Revelation 3:10 for another weak proof text of the rapture doctrine: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" This is part of the letter written to the church of Philadelphia which was a real historical church. The Rapture cults teach that the seven churches represent seven church ages. This is false and there is no warrant for it as it is just a man made speculation. The letters of the seven churches do apply to all believers of all era's individually and corporately as far as their warnings, rebukes and commendations, however the church age theory is false and man made. When Jehoshua says that He will keep them from the hour of trial, he doesn't mean that he is going to remove them from the earth so they don't have to experience it. The meaning of this verse can be understood by going to John 17:15: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" The Greek word for "keep" in the above verse is the same Greek word for "keep" in Revelation 3:10. Just as in John 17:15, when Jehoshua tells the church at Philadelphia that we will keep them from the hour of trial it means he will preserve them from the evil that will be associated with the hour of trial. The keeping of the disciples from evil that Jehoshua prayed about in John 17:5 was obviously not a request to remove them from the earth as clearly stated but to preserve them within the midst of evil within the world. This is the same sentiment that the Son of God conveys to the church at Philadelphia that he will preserve them from the evil that takes place during the hour of trial. John 14:1-3 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. This is also a passage used by the rapture cults yet when read within the context of all the other verses about the return Lord and redemption of the saints we can see another miss by the rapture teachers. When Jehoshua says "in my Father's house" he is speaking about New Jerusalem which is called the tabernacle of God (Revelation 21:1-3). Jehoshua tells the disciples He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house in which there are many mansions. Obviously New Jerusalem is in view here and that's where the Father's many mansions are. These mansions are the places that Jehoshua is preparing for his disciples. Jehoshua going to prepare a place refers to his resurrection and ascension into heaven. His coming again to receive the disciples unto himself to take them where he is refers to his second advent. Once Jehoshua returns and receives us unto himself then he will take us to where he is. The place where he will take us is New Jerusalem. This would seem to validate the rapture to heaven doctrine, however we must remember Revelation 3:12 "He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name" Yes when Jehoshua returns we will be taken with him to New Jerusalem, however New Jerusalem will come down to earth not us go up to it. When we take in the whole account of scripture then we will stay on the right path concerning bible prophecy. 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. This is another rapture proof text yet a rapture is nowhere to be found here. We must understand these verses in their context. What is in view on chapter 4 of 1st Thessalonians? 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Paul is addressing the Thessalonians regarding those in the church that have fallen asleep. In verse 14, Paul tells us what the hope is for believers who have died. It is the resurrection hope which Paul bases on the resurrection of Messiah. Knowing the context of this chapter helps us see what Paul is really saying in verses 16 and 17. For one thing, the trump of God sounds at the coming of the Son of God which matches what Jehoshua said in Matthew 24:31. Guess what? Jehoshua said the trumpet would be after the tribulation of those days not before. Just as we see above, in Matthew 24 the trumpet sounds and then the gathering of the elect. Here in 1st Thessalonians 4, we see the trump of God is sounded and then the dead in Messiah rise from their graves. This is exactly what Jehoshua calls the resurrection at the last day over and over again in John 5, John 6 and John 11. It's only Satan that could be so clever as to turn a clear resurrection at the last day passage (trump of God) into a secret pre tribulation rapture or really any rapture at all. Those of who us who are living at the time of the Messiah's arrival will be translated to glory after the dead rise from the dead. Both groups will be "caught up" in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and be with him forever more. Let's look at what this phrase caught up" means as it is often taught as proof for the rapture doctrine. The phrase "caught up" comes from the Greek word "harpazo" (Strongs 726) and means "to catch up, to sieze, catch away, pluck, pull, take". Three of the related Greek words to "harpazo" denote a violent type of action such as "ravening, extortion, rapacious, pillage, spoiling". These words are "harpage (G 724), harpagmos (G 725), harpax (G 727). However, the word that "harpazo" comes from is "haireomai" and is a more fitting description of the phrase "caught up". This is important to understand because the very word "rapture" is unbiblical and it is taken from the meanings of those three related Greek words to "harpazo". Remember, those three Greek words come from "harpazo" not the other way around. Let's look at what "haireomai" means: Strongs 138 - "to take for oneself, to prefer, to choose" This is a much better description of the phrase "caught up" in terms of how it is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. This describes exactly how Jehoshua will gather his Kingdom brethren at the last trump. He is not going to violently seize them but rather he is going to take them for himself because they are the chosen elect. The resurrection of the dead saints and the translation of those who are alive at Messiah's coming will be taken, preferred and chosen (hairemai) from our graves or translated from this earth to be gathered unto the Davidic King. The phrase "caught up" which ultimately comes from the Greek word "haireomai" denotes being selected from the earth as we are chosen by Jehoshua to be gathered into the Kingdom of God. It doesn't mean we are going to be violently siezed by Jehoshua from the earth to be zommed up to heaven. Again, the Greek word "harpazo" is the root word for the three other meanings that would denote a violent ravening or siezing. However, to properly understand "harpazo" we need to go to the word it came from. Also, as verse 16 of 1 Thessalonians makes clear this is a passage about the resurrection of the dead. When did the Son of God say the resurrection would be? Over and over again he said it would be at the last day. So instead of a rapture passage this is a last day resurrection passage. More proof is given in that the trump of God sounds right before the resurrection of the dead which is exactly what Jehoshua taught in Matthew 24 as mentioned earlier. In verse 17, when it says we are to be with the Lord forever we have to use the whole of scripture to understand where it is that we will be with Jehoshua. As clearly laid out in my Earth made new study the eternal Kingdom is on earth so that is exactly where we will be with the Lord subsequent to our being caught up in the clouds. 1 Thessalonians 4 fits perfectly with the overall testimony of scripture that says the tribulation will come first then the sign of the Son of man in the sky and then his parousia (visible and physical arrival), the sounding of the trumpet and then the resurrection of the dead. Finally New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven to the earth and that is where we will reign forever with God and His only begotten Son. Let's look at 1st Corinthians 15 to show the perfect harmony of scripture that the trump is at the last day and it coincides with the resurrection of the dead. This will show that 1st Corinthians 15 is talking about the same thing as 1st Thessalonians 4 and it will expose the fact that there is no rapture, especially a pre or mid tribulation one. 1st Corinthians 15:22-23 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ`s, at his coming. Notice what Paul says here, he says that all in Messiah shall be made alive at His coming i.e. second advent. This makes no sense if people die and go to heaven right away. Paul makes it clear that all in Messiah will not be made alive unto the return of the Son of God. This fits perfectly with what Jehoshua Himself says in John chapter 5: 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment. How will the dead hear the voice of the Son of God from their graves if they are already with him in heaven as disembodied souls? It's simple, because they are not in heaven as disembodied souls and will only be made alive at the Messiah's coming just as Paul says above in 1st Corinthians. Jehoshua above says that upon hearing his voice from the grave those that hear it will come forth in the resurrection of life. This shows that it is the resurrection that gives one immortal life not dying and going to heaven. What precedes the resurrection to life is those hearing the voice of the Son of God from the grave showing that they were dead (asleep) and not living as conscious disembodied souls already in heaven otherwise they would have heard his voice from the sky and would have flew down to enter into their bodies. In verse 23 of 1st Corinthians 15, Paul refers to Jehoshua as the first fruits. This denotes a harvest. The Son of God resurrected on the feast day of first fruits. Paul says we are not made alive until Messiah comes. The book of Revelation calls the resurrected saints first fruits denoting us being the harvest. Jehoshua is called the first fruits because he is the first of many brethren that will be raised from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. Notice here that the end is in view in relation to versed 22-23 that spoke of us being made alive at Messiah's coming. What happens at the end according to Paul? Jehoshua will deliver the Kingdom to the Father. Obviously, the last day is in view here because scripture says it will be at the seventh trumpet when the Kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of our God and His Messiah (Rev 11:15-19). In that Revelation pasaage, the resurrection of the dead and judgement take place after the seventh trumpet sounds. The events described here by Paul are not any type of pre, mid, post trib or any rapture event, but rather the great and terrible day of Jehovah God in which His (Jehovah's) Kingdom comes to the earth after the appearance of the Son of man and the resurrection of the dead. The resurrection of the dead is connected with Jehoshua putting down all rule, authority and power, showing that to be made alive in Messiah is in conjunction with the destruction of the nations. This proves that there is no pre tribulation or mid tribulation rapture. In fact, there is no rapture as the concept is unbiblical. Paul's statement that "he must reign" until all enemies are put under his feet show that Jehoshua is presently reigning as the King of Israel. These enemies will be fully put under the Son of God's feet at the last day at the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev 11:15-19). Jehoshua will dash the nations to pieces like a potters vessel on the last day (Revelation 19). Paul uses the word "until" because after Jehoshua defeats the last enemy (death) He will turn over the Kingdom to the Father: 1st Corinthians 15:28 "And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all" This is when the Son of God will deliver the Kingdom to the Father. This shows that the events spoken of here in 1st Corinthians 15 are indeed in relation to the last day not some mythical pre, mid, pre-wrath or even post trib rapture. We have the resurrection being talked about in terms of when the saints are made alive which Jehoshua says it at the last day (John 5, 6 and 11). We have the destruction of the nations (Psalm 2; Revelation 11 and 19) which takes place at the seventh trumpet which coincides with the Kingdoms of this world becoming the Kingdoms of God and His Son and the resurrection of the dead and the judgment. Paul mentions that the last enemy to be defeated is death. In context, death is abolished at the end when Jehoshua delivers the Kingdom to the Father which happens after all rule and all authority are put down. How is death defeated? By the resurrection of the dead. Again, according to Paul this all happens at the end which is the last day just as Jehoshua taught. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 51Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Many look at this verse as a rapture text. First, notice that Paul says we shall not all sleep so obviously the resurrection is in view. Again, when goes Jehoshua say the resurrection is going to take place? He says it will take place at the last day. Paul says that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed and raised incorruptible. However, Paul doesn't say this happens out of nowhere but that it happens at the sounding of the last trumpet. Again, this fits perfectly with what Jehoshua taught in Matthew 24, what Paul himself said in 1 Thessalonians 4 and that John saw in vision in the book of Revelation. In Matthew 24 Jehoshua says that all the tribes of the earth will see Him coming in the clouds of heaven after the tribulation of those days. So his coming will be visible. Then the trumpet will sound and the elect will be gathered unto himself from the four winds of heaven. Paul is talking about the same event about in 1st Corinthians which is that the last trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised. According to Jehoshua, this is a Worldwide visible event and after the tribulation. So we can see that the above passage has nothing to do with a rapture but it is the resurrection of the dead at the last day when the trumpet sounds and the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of our God and His Messiah. 1st Corinthians 15:53-55 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54 But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? The whole chapter is about the resurrection which Paul says happens at the end. Paul says that when the end comes Jehoshua will deliver the Kingdom to the Father dispelling the false doctrine that He will sit on the throne of David for the first time after the second advent. Paul says Jehoshua must reign (present tense) until all enemies are put under his feet. Paul says that prior to delivering the Kingdom to the Father, He (Jehoshua) will put down all rule, authority and power (the nations) and then abolish the last enemy which is death. According to Paul, death is destroyed at the resurrection which happens at the end. Death is swallowed up in victory at the last day resurrection and the sting of death will be no more. This happens at the the last trumpet which takes place during the visible and physical return of the Son of God. It takes place after the tribulation. There can be no more death for the saints after death is abolished hence the idea of a pre or mid trib rapture is unbiblical because that means supposed tribulation saints will still die and suffer death. The only death left after the resurrection will be the destruction of the living wicked and the second death at the lake of fire. The last day resurrection will be the mechanism in which death is abolished. For the saints it will be to everlasting life to the wicked everlasting condemnation. There will be no more death after that as the grave will be cast into the lake of fire meaning the goats will be cast into it and destroyed which will be when death is completely abolished for all mankind. Let's look at the words of the Son of God now to confirm that the resurrection is at the last day eliminating the idea of a rapture of any kind most notably a pre or mid trib one. John 5:28-29 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment. Jehoshua says that when He comes back all that are in the graves will come forth when they hear His voice. Notice that they are in the graves when they hear the voice of the Son of God. They are not in heaven, hence this disproves the immortal soul doctrine that we die and go to heaven. Clearly, if they are hearing the voice of the Son of God from their tombs then they are not already in heaven as disembodied souls. The statement that they hear His voice from their graves would make no sense if they are coming with Jesus from heaven. Remember, the immortal soul doctrine is usually connected with the rapture doctrine. Also, Jehoshua says that all will come forth from their graves both the righteous (everlasting life) and the wicked (everlasting condemnation). Clearly this is speaking about the resurrection of the dead not a secret rapture. Also, everyone (good and evil) gets resurrected at one time not 1,000 years apart. This exposes the future millennium teaching as false. The future millennium teaching is also inherently connected with the rapture doctrine. So we see here that Jehoshua says it is the resurrection that will be the vehicle that will bring one into eternal life not a rapture. Let's continue with the words of Jehoshua to verify this. John 6:39-40 39 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. When is the resurrection, that Jehoshua spoke of in John 5, that leads to everlasting life? Twice in verses 39 and 40, He said it is at the last day. Plainly, Jehoshua says that He is going to raise up everyone that has faith in the Son of God at the last day. There is no room for debate here, it is clear as day. Last day means last day and it is the resurrection of the body to inherit the earth not a secret snatching away to heaven. Let's continue in John chapter 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day" The work of salvation begins with the Father calling us and drawing us to His Son. Those who are begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah God will be raised up at the last day by Jehoshua. John 6:54 "He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day" For the fourth time Jehoshua says that He will raise those who are in covenant with Him at the last day. If we take Jehoshua's words to mean what they says then we can come to the conclusion that the resurrection is at the last day of this age and not one day before. We can also get rid of any type of rapture as it is Jehoshua physically coming to resurrect the bodies of the dead and translate the living saints. As mentioned already, the destination of the saints after this happens is the earth not the skies of heaven. John 11:23-25 23 Jehoshua saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jehoshua said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; This is a key passage because it shows that the resurrection at the last day was the accepted understanding by the nation of Israel concerning eschatology. Martha's brother Lazarus had died. Martha was lamenting over her brother and Jehoshua comforts her by telling her that her brother shall rise again in the resurrection. Notice that there is no rapture mentioned as the hope given to Martha about her brother. Either is there any comfort given that he is in heaven or a middle place called "Abraham's bosom". The hope and comfort given to Martha about her brother is the resurrection. This is the same hope Paul gave the Thessalonians and Corinthians. When did Martha understand the resurrection to take place? "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day" - Martha echoed what Jehoshua taught. On of the lost treasures of the American Christian faith is the ability to be content with what Jesus said to be content with.
The Son of God said this during His sermon on the mount: Matthew 6;19-21 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. This statement by the Christ has largely been ignored in the mainstream Church system and even among those who claim to be outside of it. When Jesus began His ministry His lifestyle was one of simplicity, necessity and humility. Jesus makes it clear that we are not to attempt to build our Kingdoms here on earth which is made evident in our obtaining material possessions and striving after them. The Son of God says where our treasure is our heart will be. We see the evidence of this in the lives of Americans as Americans are known for their heavy consumerism. Unfortunately, one can't tell the difference between the worldly person and the Protestant/Evangelical church goer in this regard. However, this materialism is rampant among other Christian groups that claim to be outside the mainstream. While many excuse makers will pop up and try to justify Christians being rich and striving after wealth, the fruit of such a attitude is evident in the almost universal apostasy among the American church. The lack of Kingdom evangelism in the highways and bi ways of America is a direct result of a comfortable wealthy church that has sought the riches of the world rather than Jehovah's riches of the Kingdom. The mainstream Church system has brought in all kinds of wicked lifestyles into the Church which is evident of it's desire to popular with the world. This desire for worldly acceptance has it's roots in a love of money as it prevents persecution and draws unconverted people into the church. The more people you have the more money comes in. Even the unbelieving world mocks American Christianity for disobeying the teachings of the Son of God about not loving money and building your treasures here on earth. The Protestant/Evangelical church is actually known for their love of money as that's the first thing unbelievers throw back at Christians when they start preaching against the sins of Homosexuality, abortion etc. Because most of the esteemed men and women of the American church life soft and luxurious lifestyles they cannot preach against building your treasures here on earth but they actually preach the opposite of what the Son of David taught. This justification for acquiring riches is all the people in the pews need to hear: 2nd Timothy 4:3-4 3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. Notice that Paul says that the people will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts. Because of the way American Christians have been institutionalized, they automatically think of sexual sins such as Homosexuality, adultery and any sex outside the marriage covenant. However, sexual sin is only a small portion of what constitutes the sin of lust. The love of material possessions and money is a big part of what constitutes lust. In fact, greed (covetousness) is called idolatry: Ephesians 5:5 "For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" Paul says that a covetous man is an idolater. There is no mincing words here, if you covet after the material things of the world you are an idolater and Paul says you will not inherit the Kingdom of God and Christ. This fits perfectly with the teachings of the Son of God. While Christians today would deny they are covetous and excuse the abundance of their of their material possessions, the fact that they have them is evidence of their covetousness. To covet means "to desire", to stretch out after". Just to desire something qualifies as coveting. This is when we desire material things that we don't need. When we desire heavenly things it is good because we are seeking the Kingdom of God. When we desire material possessions then we are covetous which eqauls being an idolater. To "stretch out" after material gain means to strive after it and this is seen when we over work, make it a goal to climb up the corporate ladder etc. To buy things that we don't need or things that don't feed our spiritual growth is to be covetous. If we do happen to have excess finances they are to be used for the Kingdom. Generous spending on the Kingdom and thrifty spending on ourselves is good. Generous spending on the Kingdom would include giving to the brethren in need. Just as Paul said, a covetous person is an idolatrous person who has no inheritance in the Son of God's Kingdom. This because they have chosen pursuing treasures on earth instead of heaven. Colossians 3:5-10 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things` sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: 7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; 8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: 9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: Paul says that we as Israel are to put to death the sins listed in verse 5 and verse 8 of Colossians 3. Two things that often get overlooked when it comes to sin is "uncleanness" and "covetousness". Again, Paul says covetousness is idolatry (verse 5). It is clear that covetousness is a serious sin in the eyes of Jehovah God. We don't hear this preached in the churches much because then the many of the Pastors would be implicating themselves and many of their congregants. As stated earlier, it is in the best of the Pastors to not emphasize the sin of covetousness. The Greek word for "uncleanness" (Strongs 167) is "akatharsia" and means "morally or spiritually unclean, soft and profligate (luxurious) living". You never hear this definition of the word "uncleanness" from the pulpits of Christendom because often times the Pastors are living these type of lifestyles. In order to keep up with the Jones's the Pastors also need many of their congregants live pursue that lifestyle so as to keep generous tithes and offerings coming in. Living an opulent lifestyle is sin, there is no other way around it. Unfortunately, many consider an opulent lifestyle something that only the rich live. However, many people in the middle class range also live this type of lifestyle. It is not uncommon to go into an American Christian's home and see it tricked out with all the gadgets and plush furniture all throughout the house. An American middle class lifestyle would be considered an opulent one in most parts of the world. One doesn't need to be what is considered rich to live soft and luxurious but one can live this way on a middle class salary. Those who live on blue collar salaries don't live opulent lifestyles, however they can be just as guilty as the sin of "uncleanness" by desiring to live one and spending their money on things they don't need in order to have "the better" things in life. Among the working class and poor, we often see them trying to keep up appearances with nice cars they can't afford, expensive clothing and getting into housing mortgages they have no business in. The sin of "soft and luxurious living" (uncleanness) can apply to anyone regardless of income level. Even the homeless on the streets are often guilty of mis-spending the money they get from sympathetic good Samaritans. They don't live soft and luxurious but they still have the same heart as those who do they just aren't good at it. The heart of the homeless person that mis-spends money is the same as the filthy rich man who can afford to buy whatever he wants. Their hearts are rooted in not being content. We can expect this from unbelievers but "soft and luxurious living" should not be seen among the body of Christ. Paul says to put to death any desire to live "unclean" i.e. soft and luxurious living. This means we have to be drastic when it comes to this sin. Nobody should be able to even think this of us. We are to kill with aggressiveness any desire to live an opulent lifestyle. Paul says we need to put to death any idea of soft and luxurious living which denotes that there should be zero evidence of us living one. Can the Pastors of Christendom say they have put to death the desire and appearance of living unclean? Sadly it is the most admired Pastor's and theologians that exhibit the sin of soft and luxurious living: John MacArthur Greg Laurie Raul Ries Franklin Graham Rick Warren A couple of the above men rail against the Prosperity preachers yet they are guilty than they are because at least the prosperity preachers don't hide it. These hypocrites (John MacArthur & Raul Ries) supposedly expose the health and wealth Pastor's but they themselves have fed themselves off the back of the sheep and are very rich with evidence of living soft and luxurious lifestyles. Let's now go to the sin of covetousness mentioned in verse 5 of Colossians 3. Paul again equates this sin with idolatry. Remember, Paul says coveters will not inherit the Kingdom of God and Christ. This means they will be cast into the lake of fire. This is a sobering proposition being that the most admired and respected Pastor's in America don't qualify to inherit the Kingdom of God. What is even more sobering is that these men have convinced their multitude of followers that they too should strive for material wealth and they often devalue and demean the Christian's who are content to live poor and simple lives. In verse 8 of Colossians 3, Paul says to put away all these things which include those things said in verse 5 such as uncleanness and covetousness which is idolatry. America's Evangelical Pastors and their admirers need to follow Paul's command and put away the sins of soft and luxurious living and coveting after material gain. These pastors, by living opulent lifestyles, have proven that they are not a new creation of God but rather they are still the old man which is caught up in sin. Paul says that in order to be created new in the image of Jehovah God one must put away the aforementioned sins. By putting away the sins of covetousness and uncleanness we then can be renewed unto knowledge after the image of the creator. To be renewed unto the knowledge of Jehovah God is to meditate on His law and walk in righteousness, which is contrary to desiring after material gain and living and soft and luxurious lifestyle. The righteousness of Jehovah God was perfectly exampled by Jesus Christ who absolutely rejected and taught against seeking material possessions. Jesus taught us to be content with food, drink and clothing. Jesus himself had nowhere to lay his head so if we have shelter that's actually a bonus. Jesus also said a servant is not above his master yet Evangelicals somehow think their Pastors have a right to live wealthy lifestyles: Matthew 10:24-25 24The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? It is enough for us to be like Jesus and suffer persecution and only having the guarantee of food, drink and clothing. Yet, these pulpit preachers will go out of their way to either twist or ignore Jesus words to justify their filthy lifestyles. Luke 9:23 "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" True Christians take up their cross and deny themselves. They don't seek the material gain of this world nor they do they seek fame or position in this world. Taking up our cross is a daily thing and it is a concept that has been largely lost in mainstream Churchianity. Ask yourself this, do Pastor's who live on big incomes and gain the treasures of this world heed Jesus words about denying ourselves? That question should be an easy one to answer. When we look at the life of Jesus compared to the pulpit preachers of America then it is obvious that these men don't have the first idea what it means to take up their cross. Taking up our cross and denying ourselves produces the opposite of what American Christianity is known for. If you heed the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 then you will not strive after earthly treasure nor seek position in this world which is the pride of life. Pastors making six figure salaries and living luxurious lifestyles is the very opposite of denying self and picking one's cross. The next two verses show that you cannot have it both ways, either you forsake Christ or you forsake the desire to be rich: Luke 9:24-25 24For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.25For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self? To save one's life in the context of Luke 9 is to not deny self and instead to fulfill the desires of one's heart. The fulfilling the desire of one's heart normally entails obtaining and building earthly treasure. Those who seek the material gain of this world will lose their life at the judgment and be cast into the lake of fire. The opposite is true which is that if you deny self and pick up your cross you will have eternal life in the age to come. Unfortunately, Christendom's Pastor's have left their flocks a horrible example and the loss of souls at the last day judgement will be great due to the blind leading the blind. Later in the book of Luke Jesus has a stern warning for those who think they can bypass picking up their cross: Luke 14:27 "Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple" The Son of God says it plainly yet the pulpit preachers of Christendom and their flocks will outright deny that Jesus meant what He said here. They will twist His words or say they only apply to Jews. Rather than submit to the simple words of the Son of God, mainstream Christians will call those who take these words literally legalist and even go so far as to say they are preaching a false gospel. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Paul says godliness (righteousness) with contentment is great gain. This echoes the sentiments of the Son of God in the sermon on the mount. In fact, in verse 8 Paul exactly repeats the teaching of Jesus in that we only need two things to be content and that is food and clothing. Our contentment in the bare essentials is partly because of the fact that there is nothing we gain in this life that can be taken with us in the age to come. The earthly treasures in this life only have momentary value. Paul says the words that most Pastors and American Christians ignore: "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare" You almost never hear this taught from the pulpits mainly because the Pastors would be implicating themselves and indirectly pointing the finger at their congregants. See, Christians in America are taught to pursue the best for themselves and their families. This is taught from the pulpits and this "pursuing the best" usually entails getting a degree at a secular university and then pursue a high paying job and honoring your employer by being the best worker thereby moving up the corporate ladder. Paul says that those who desire to be rich will into temptations and many hurtful lusts. This is not an "if" but rather it is stated as fact. We see this play out in the secular world all the time on Wall Street with many suicides being committed due to loss of riches because they have put trust in their riches. We see this with athletes and Hollywood actors spending their money on their base pleasures. Also, many lottery winners quickly lose their winnings due to spending it on their lusts. Most notably for us in the faith we see this in the churches where well known Pastors get caught up in sin whether sexual or financial. Most times what has preceded these Pastors being caught in sin was them getting rich. Men like Bob Coy, Ravi Zacharias and Jim Baker among others have been exposed for sexual sin. They have used their wealth to entertain their sexual lusts. See, what most of Christendom misses in all this is that the sexual sin was just a by product of the desire to be rich. The three above men were filthy rich and built their own kingdoms here on earth by amassing earthly treasures. It was this desire for the treasures of this earth that resulted in them eventually falling into sexual sin. The three men above are only a very small sample of the mainly so called Pastors of mainstream Churchianity that have fallen into sexual sin after having gained the wealth of this world. Paul says that those who desire to be rich will be drown in destruction and perdition. I already the suicides on Wall street, however this also takes place in Christendom as Ravi Zacharias threatened to commit suicide after a woman he was have an on-line adulterous affair with threatened to tell her husband. Actually suicide is not all that uncommon among so called Pastors. Often times, grievous sin or the exposure of it ate away at the conscience of these men and they ended their life. The love of money is the root of all evil yet the churches and their Pastors don't live as though it is. Their lifestyles reflect where their heart is which is on money and material possessions. Paul says that those who covet and love money err from the faith meaning they apostatize. We know that this erring from the faith means that these coveters and lovers of money have apostatized because Paul says they have pierced themselves with many sorrows. Contrary to what the world teaches wealth brings sorrow not happiness. Paul says there are those who were of the faith who coveted after money and in doing so pierced themselves with many sorrows. Again, we see many who were once in the faith covet after earthly treasure and the result is sadness, depression, anxiety and loneliness. This is an inescapable principle in that anyone who is in the faith will end piercing themselves with many sorrows if they covet after money. Covet means to desire or stretch out after. To covet something does not necessarily mean you have to be obsessed with getting it, but it simply means that you desire it and stretch out after it. It doesn't take much to qualify one to be covetous. Why such a strict definition of covetousness where simply desiring something can qualify one as an idolater? Because Jesus set a high standard in terms of being content and where our minds & hearts are to be focused on: Matthew 6:22-23 22 The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness! This is in the context of Jesus saying to not lay up for yourself treasures on earth but rather to lay up for yourself treasures in heaven. Jesus says that if your single eyed then your body will be full of light. What Jesus means that if you are single minded about the Kingdom of God then your whole body shall be full of the light of the Kingdom of God. To be single minded about the Kingdom of God means to build your treasures in heaven. However, the opposite is true in that if your eye is evil then you are filled with the darkness of Satan's kingdom. To be evil eyed means that you have built your treasures on earth. Jesus said your heart will be where your treasure is. Jesus doesn't say you can have both, it's either one or the other. This is the problem facing much of institutional Churchianity as it's members have been taught that they can have their cake and eat it too. They have been taught there is nothing wrong with building wealth and having earthly treasures. They are taught this by Pastors who themselves have built their treasure here on earth. The Pastors and some Christians will proudly say we must have that old "Protestant" work ethic. While we should have a good work ethic it is to be used in laboring for the Kingdom not to move up in the corporate world. Matthew 6:24-25 24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Jesus makes it clear that you can only have one master and that if you serve money then you will hate God. You cannot serve both money and God according to the Son of God. This statement by Jesus refutes any of the fork tongued Pastors who say you can be rich and still serve God and still inherit the Kingdom. Now of course, there may be those who were rich before their conversion or even after as a result of getting an inheritance but the same still applies in that they cannot serve money. The rich brethren will be asked by God to communicate their material wealth with the brethren who have lack. When you see a Pastor who has gotten rich off the gospel you are seeing a man who does not love God no matter what he says or how he tries and justify it. Even the congregants of churches who are striving after money and material possessions are those who do not love God no matter how many good works they do. John 6:27 "Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed" We are not to be lazy as that will be the accusation of the lukewarm Church goer that loves this world and things in it, however our hard work is supposed to be for the eternal Kingdom that does not perish. Laboring for the Kingdom is our priority. Jesus doesn't want us spending our hard work on the temporal physical food that perishes but rather for Kingdom. Again, the churches today ignore this verse by doing the exact opposite in working for the food that perishes and not working for the bread of the eternal Kingdom. Even spouses who are lukewarm will persecute you because you are not working hard for the temporal food but rather you are spending your time laboring for the better things of God. Why does Jesus say this? Because souls are at stake and He has a Kingdom to be built. Mainstream Christians prove their lack of faith in Jesus by doing the exact opposite of what He commands (Matthew 28:19). They will condemn others to "hell" for not being a Christian but then spend most of their free time laboring for the earthly treasures by over working at a secular job. They do not have a sense of urgency in saving others from eternal death. Matthew 6:32-33 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Jesus makes it clear, unbelievers (Gentiles) serve money and build their treasures on earth and worry about what they are going to eat and be clothed with. True faith knows that the Father will provide for us. |
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