Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
The author of Hebrews gives us a window into the ascension of the Son of God into heaven. This is a super important chapter in terms of how we view the times we are living in, the position that Jehoshua has right now in the Kingdom as well as who has the authority over the ekklesia in terms of deciding doctrine. This also shows the nature of the new covenant ekklesia.
Many today ask the question of whether we are in the last days or not, this is a question that is answered in the second verse of Hebrews chapter 1: Hebrews Chapter 1:1-2 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds; Notice that in verse 2 it says that they were already in the end times. How did the author of Hebrews know that the last days had begun? Because of the inauguration of the Son of God's ministry. The baptism of Jehoshua brought in the last days as that is precisely when he began to preach and teach. The author of Hebrews wants us to know that the Son of God is the God's final revelation as he is the last days final and true prophet. The above passage in Hebrews shows that Jehoshua is the final authority on God's word. The evidence that we are in the last days is that God spoke to us through His Son, whereas in the old testament times He spoke through the patriarchs and prophets in diverse ways. This shows that Jehoshua fulfills the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15-21. That prophecy was that Jehovah God would put His words in the mouth of that prophet and that if anyone didn't obey God would require it of them. Also, verse 2 says that Jehoshua is the heir of all things appointed so by the Father. This is a very rich statement made by the author of Hebrews in that it entails the covenants Jehovah made with Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David including the new covenant. "made the worlds" better rendered as "designed the ages". The book of Hebrews is essential in telling us what the nature of Jehoshua's Kingdom is and if it is a present tense reality versus a future thing. It also explicitly states that Jehoshua is the final truth, which if we remember will protect is from being decieved by so called new revelation and self appointed guru's and prophets. This statement that Jehovah in these last times has spoken to us through His Son eliminates the need for man made theologians, teachers, experts on the law and so called prophets. In fact, it invalidates the prophetic office of Ellen White, Joseph Smith, the Papacy and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. "Jehovah God designed the ages through His Son", what does this mean? Basically it means that Jehovah planned out everything in the former age (old testament times, pre sinai and post sinai), the current Messianic age (new covenant) and the future age (new heaven and new earth) with the Messiah as the inheritor to rule over His (God's) creation. This is the privilege of the royal offspring of David (2 Samuel 7). The pre-Sinai age was designed through Jehoshua as Adam was a type of Jehoshua in terms of being given headship over Jehovah's paradise. Also, Jehoshua is the final recepient of the Abramahic covenant blessings. Jehoshua is the true Israel and the inheritor of the blessing that Jacob Israel bestowed upon his son Judah as being the lion's whelp. Jehoshua is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, in that he has ascended to the throne of David as we shall see later in this study. He also has been given the eternal new covenant Davidic Kingdom which began at Pentecost. He will consummate that Kingdom here on the earth at the last day fulfilling Isaiah 9:7. Jehoshua currently wears the crown of David and holds his sceptre. The Davidic dynasty was designed through Jehoshua with him as the full inheritor of those blessings (Isaiah 55:1-3). The new covenant age was designed in Jehoshua as the new covenant is in his blood and Kingship. Jehoshua is ruling over the new covenant Davidic Kingdom with his laws (Matthew 5-7) as the constitution. These are the laws that the Isles (Great Britain) waited for during the proclamation of the Kingdom gospel in the apostolic era. Jehoshua is the banner of the new covenant temple of Jehovah, which is the ekklesia. The future age will be the new heavens and new earth with New Jerusalem as the capital city. This future age will be ruled over by the Son of God Jehoshua. Revelation 22:3 "And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him" Both Jehovah God and His Son Jehoshua will be sitting on thrones in New Jerusalem. 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" The Lord here is Jehovah God and Jehoshua is His Messiah (Christ) and the Kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of Jehovah and the Messiah. See Psalms 2, 89 and 110 for other verses that show that the Davidic Messiah is going to reign as King in the future age. 1 Peter:18-21 18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, [even the blood] of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. Jehoshua was foreknown before the foundation of the world by Jehovah God to be His lamb. He was manifested (brought forth publicly) in the last days which started at Jehoshua's baptism. This again echoes Hebrews verses 1 and 2 in that the last days were already under way during the apostolic era. John 17:5 "And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" Jehoshua having the ages designed through him does not mean he pre-existed but rather he was predestined by Jehovah God as mentioned above in 1 Peter 1:18-21. Here in John 17;5 we see the same concept of Jehoshua being predestined (foreknown, foreordained) by Jehovah God. We have to ask ourselves what glory did Jehoshua receive at His ascension into heaven? As we go through this outline of Hebrews 1 we will see that it is the throne of David. Did Jehoshua have this glory literally before the world was or was it pre-destined for him? Obviously it was predestined for him as the throne of David had not literally come into existence until David which had long been after Genesis chapter 1. Just as Jehoshua was predestined to Jehovah's lamb that died on the cross i.e. His suffering servant, he was also predestined to be crowned with glorious crown of David. 2 Samuel 7 details the glory the royal seed of David would recieve at the appointed time. The crown, throne, Kingdom and an eternal dynasty of the Davidic house. Also, the privilege of building the temple of Jehovah (the ekklesia) and the Melchizedek priesthood (Psalm 110). These things are the glory that the predestined Messiah had in Jehovah God before the world was. Again, he didn't have these things literally before the world was which is why the prophets always spoke of these things as a future fulfillment. Let's now move on to the next couple of verses: Hebrews 1:3-4 3 who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. Verse 3 describes the resurrected and glorified Messiah, please note this as this verse is often used to prove the deity of Messiah doctrine. The resurrected Jehoshua is the brightness of the Father's glory, see Revelation 1 for a visible description of the Son of God. Revelation 21:23 "And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof [is] the Lamb." This is talking about New Jerusalem as the glory of God lightens the paradise city and radiates off the Son of God Jehoshua. Jehoshua's throne is in the holy of holies where the Father's presence dwells. 1 Timothy 6 describes Jehoshua as dwelling in unapproachable light: "who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen" (verse 16). Stephen saw Jehoshua at Jehovah's right hand and this is what he saw Acts 7:55 "But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jehoshua standing on the right hand of God" If Jehoshua is on the right hand of the glory of God then it makes sense that he himself is partaker of that glory. Paul says that the fulness of the divine nature of Jehovah God dwells in Jehoshua (Colossians 2:9). We also are partakers of the divine nature, however this doesn't make us God. The same is true for Jehoshua as he is filled with the divine nature of Jehovah but he is not Jehovah God. Jehoshua is also the very image of Jehovah's person (substance). This speaks of Jehoshua's character rather than visible or physical attributes. The KJV says in this verse that Jehoshua is the express image of Jehovah God which is an easier to understand version of the passage. Again, this speaks of character as we are also made in Jehovah's image (Genesis 1). Paul says that we are to be conformed to the image of the Son of God: Romans 8:29 "For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren" Jehovah God predestined and predetermined that the saints be conformed to the image of His only begotten Son. This doesn't denote Godship in terms of deity but rather character. This is how the statement that Jehoshua is the express image of Jehovah's person should be taken as a statement that Jehoshua is the exact representation of the Father's character. This is why Jehoshua could say this: John 14:9 "Jehoshua saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou, Show us the Father?" We know that Jehoshua didn't mean that he was literally the Father as some claim as that statement makes no sense being that he says that the Father is his God. The meaning here is one of character and moral attributes. Jehoshua even commands us to strive to obtain the character of the Father: Matthew 5:48 "Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" When we reach the perfection of the Father's character then we are conformed to the image of His first begotten Son. "upholding all things by the word of his power" Again, this is a post resurrection statement as Messiah has now been enthroned on the throne of David. As the Messianic King of bible prophecy, Jehoshua rules over Jehovah's Kingdom. He has also been given authority over heaven and earth: Matthew 28:18 "And Jehoshua came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth" This is a post resurrection statement by Jehoshua as he gives the apostles the great commission (verses 19-20). Colossians 1 details the primacy of Jehoshua and his Kingdom and how all things (earthly and heavenly) have been made subject to his Kingship. 1 Peter 3:22 "who is one the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." Both Colossians 1 and 1 Peter 3 along with Hebrews 1 posit Jehoshua's ascension as the point where angels and authorities have been made subject to the Son of God. In verse 3, after the statement about Jehoshua upholding all things by the word of his power, the author of Hebrews states: "when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" This is a direct connection between Jehoshua upholding all things and him being enthroned as King on the right hand of God. The purification of sins signifies the day of atonement showing that Jehoshua completely fulfilled this holy day. "having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they" Many today argue endlessly about the spelling and pronunciation of the name of the Son of God, however the above verse is not talking about as we will see in the next verse. The becoming so much better than the angels has to do with Jehoshua being resurrected from the dead and ascending to heaven as that is the context of Hebrews chapter 1. In chapter 2 it says that Jehoshua was made a little lower than the angels at his birth. The more excellent name that Jehoshua inherited has nothing to do with spelling and pronunciations of greek and Hebrew names but rather its what the name represents. In Hebrew thought someone's "name" represents their character, identity and authority. The great thing is that this more excellent name is revealed in the very next verse: "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son?" The author of Hebrews answers the question about what was the more excellent name Jehoshua inherited. He quotes Psalm , 2:7 which is an Israelite coronation hymm. The begetting of the Son in this passage is not about literal birth but rather spiritual begetting into Kingship. It's a Davidic covenant passage. The second part of this verse quotes 2nd Samuel 7:14 where Jehovah God makes a Father-Son covenant with the royal seed of David. In this one verse, where the author of Hebrews answers the question about what is the more excellent name, we have two Davidic covenant passages quoted. Both of these passages identify Jehoshua as the covenant Son of Jehovah God. The more excellent name that Jehoshua inherited that the angels didn't is "the begotten Son of God" (Psalm 2:7). Yes the angels are called sons of God as we are too but this quotation of Psalm 2:7 shows that Jehoshua is the Davidic Son of God i.e. the King of Israel. He is the only begotten Son of God meaning he is the Son of inheritance, the promised Davidic King of bible prophecy and the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant Jehovah made with David. No angel, Michael, Gabriel, or any others are of the seed of David so they do not have a right to the Davidic throne hence they have not inherited the name "the only begotten Son of God". John 3:18 "He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God" Here we have a direct statement regarding the name we need to believe on in order to be saved and John says that name is the "only begotten Son of God". 1 John 5:5 "And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jehoshua is the Son of God?" It is in believing that Jehoshua is the Son of God that causes one to overcome the world and inherit the kingdom. It is the name "only begotten Son" that one needs to believe on and that Jehoshua is that Son. 1 John 4:15 "Whosoever shall confess that Jehoshua is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God" The identity of Jehoshua being the Son of God is salvationao and proof that one has the spirit of Jehovah dwelling in them. 1 John 5:12-13 12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. 13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. Those who don't believe on the name of the Son of God do not have eternal life whereas those that do have it. John's whole purpose for his Epistles and gospel is that his audience would believe on the name of the Son of God. John connects having eternal life with believing on the name of the Son of God. Again, it would be ridiculous to think John means spellings and pronunciations. Obviously the name is "the only begotten Son of God" as denoted in Hebrews 1:5. John 20:31 "but these are written, that ye may believe that Jehoshua is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name" The name that gives us life is not just the name Jehoshua but the title "Son of God". Just as in the Epistles, the gospel says the same thing that these things are written that we may believe in the name of the Son of God. The actual title "Son of God" is the name we are to believe in and of course that Jehoshua is that Son of God. Hebrews 1:6 "And when he again bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." This is a reference to Jehoshua's ascension into heaven as the title "first begotten" is in regards to his resurrection (Colossians 1; Revelation 1:5-6). Jehoshua became the first begotten from the dead when he was resurrected and then was brought into the "world" where the angels of Jehovah worshipped him. Remember, when he was born he was made a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2) so this cannot refer to when he was born here on earth. When we read this verse in the surrounding context especially verse 4 then we understand that the angels are to worship him because he has been made so much better than them. Again, verse 4 is referring to Messiah's resurrection and ascension because the author of Hebrews says he was made a little lower than the angels at his birth. The word "world" is not the typical Greek word referring to the present world but to the world to come (Hebrews 2:5). Hebrews 1:7 "And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame a fire" The author of Hebrews continues his theme of making a sharp distinction between angels and Jehoshua. It's amazing most churches teach that Jehoshua was an angel in the old testament yet this is throughly refuted in the new testament and especially by this writer of Hebrews. Hebrews 1:8-9 8 but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Here we have another reference to the Davidic covenant as this is a Messianic psalm that exalts the throne of David. It is clear what the author wants to get across to his audience and that is that Jehoshua was enthroned on the throne of David at his ascension. This is a quotation of Psalm 45 which was about Solomon in it's immediate context but is about Jehoshua in it's ultimate fulfillment. Jehoshua is the Son of God because he is the prophesied Davidic King as the Sonship of Jehovah is connected inherently with the throne of David: 1 Chronicles 28:5-6 5 And of all my sons (for Jehovah hath given me many sons), he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah over Israel. 6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Jehovah chose Solomon (David's son) to sit on the throne of Jehovah over Israel and He also chose Solomon to be His (Jehovah's) Son. Notice the direct connection between sitting on the throne of David and being Jehovah's chosen Son? This is a fulfillment and parallel with 2 Samuel 7:13-14 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men. Just as in 1 Chronicles 28, here in 2 Samuel 7:13-14 the throne of David is connected with being Jehovah's Son meaning they go hand in hand. The Son of God Jehoshua is also called God in verse 8. Many take this as proof that Jehoshua is part of the so called trinity god or that he is God himself or part of some type of Godhead. However, being that this is a Davidic Kingship psalm the title of God as applied to Jehoshua has to do with his Davidic Kingship rather than him being part of a Godhead. Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For unto us a child is begotten, 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. Isaiah prophesies of the coming eschatological Davidic King (Jehoshua) and of his titles will be "Mighty God". This title of Mighty God has nothing to do metaphysical concepts concerning the nature of Jehoshua but rather signifies that he will be a "mighty one" which is what the word "God" (Elohim) means. This title of God used in Isaiah 9 is connected to the Davidic throne (verse 7) just as the title "Son of God" is. Jehoshua also says that the judges of Israel were called gods (Psalm 82) because the word of God came from them: John 10:34-36 34 Jehoshua answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? By identifying the judges of Israel as rightly being called gods Jehoshua basically intimated that he had the right to be called god since he was the Son of God. Being the Son of God was a higher position than being a judge as the Son of God was the King of Israel. Also, if the judges of Israel were called gods because the word of God came through them how much more does Jehoshua have a right to that title since he was/is the final revelation of God's word? John 1;18 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jehoshua Messiah" The grace and truth of Jehovah's word came through Jehoshua Messiah. "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" The pro Zionist evangelical churches, Messianic Jews and many Hebrew roots groups deny that Jehoshua currently sits on the throne of David and that the Davidic Kingdom has been restored, however the passage above categorically refutes this. The Messiah in bible prophecy was only ever promised one throne and one kingdom and both of those were Davidic. The verse above clearly says Jehoshua has both at his ascension. This means that the new covenant Davidic throne and Davidic Kingdom were established when Jehoshua ascended to heaven. "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows" Jehoshua again is called God and he himself has a God. This fits perfectly with the old testament where Jehovah was the Davidic King's God. This also shows that Jehoshua is not the Almighty God nor part of the Godhead since God cannot possibly have a God. Jehoshua loved righteousness and therefore was exalted above his fellows i.e. the other Davidic Kings. Hebrews 1:10-12 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail. Trinitarians and Jehoshua is God believers try to say that author is crediting creation to Jehoshua, however this is clearly a passage about the Father. When you back to the Psalm that this was quoted from then you clearly see that the above is crediting Jehovah God with creating heaven and earth. The whole chapter is about Jehovah as he is specifically mentioned. We know that Jehoshua is not Jehovah but is the Son of Jehovah God (Matthew 16:13-20). This passage states that Jehovah will eventually fold up and change the current heaven and earth and renew (change) them. This shows that Jehovah is not going to obliterate or destroy the earth but rather He is going to renew them. Many churches falsely teach that the earth is going to be literally destroyed. Hebrews 1:13-14 13 But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? Again, the author of Hebrews makes a distinction between the angels and Jehoshua. None of the angels were given the Davidic covenant which is for the royal seed of David to sit on the right hand of Jehovah God (Psalm 110:1). Neither Michael or the Angel of Jehovah are of the lineage of David hence they are not qualified to sit on the throne of David. Jehoshua will sit on the throne of David at Jehovah's right hand until his enemies are made the footstol of his feet. This shows that Jehoshua is reigning now on the throne as he is to sit on it before and during the process of his enemies being made his footstool. If Jehoshua wasn't on the throne of David yet then this language would make no sense since it posits him on the throne even while his enemies are not made his footstool. Angels are given a different function, which is to minister to the heirs of salvation. The heirs of salvation as Hebrews 8 states is the house of Judah and the house of Israel. Hebrews 1 is a great introduction by the author to the new covenant gospel as he starts with the foundation of Jehoshua being installed on the throne of David, which is essential to even have a new covenant.
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