Jehoshua is on the throne of David in New Jerusalem and He is the King of a New Israel
The Sonship of Jehoshua is the foundation of the new testament Church. Once we leave this pillar of truth behind then we as a Church have our foundation built on quicksand. Most Churches today almost ignore the Sonship of Jehoshua or minimize it to a great degree.
They have substituted the Sonship of Jehoshua for Him being God Almighty. The results of this have been devastating to mainstream Christianity as they have all but lost their witness due to themselves being confused on the very basics and foundation of the doctrine of Messiah. In this study we will show that the Sonship of Jehoshua is an essential truth that absolutely cannot be minimized in any way shape or form. Those that do so have the spirit of anti-Messiah. This will be shown from scripture as it not just a ransom accusation. Jehoshua said that there was only one Church that would prevail over the gates of hell and that was the Church that was built on the rock that Jehoshua is the Messiah and the Son of the living God. Its no wonder that the trinitarian denominations are in major apostasy and in league with the ecumenical movement led by the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. In this study we will see how exactly Jehoshua is the Son of God as there are many theories on how Jehoshua is the Son of God and when He became the Son of God. The truth of what makes Jehoshua the Son of God is actually very simple once we interpret the "begotten" passages within their context. Within Christendom, there are various theories on the Sonship of Jehoshua, here is a list of the prominent ones. Creedal (historic, RCC, EO, traditional Protestant) Trinitarianism = eternal generation Sonship. Jehoshua is eternally begotten from the Father and shares eternally in His substance and has always existed. Modern Evangelical Trinitarianism, Incarnational Sonship = Jehoshua was the Word i.e. God (second person of the trinity but not the Son) before His incarnation and then agreed to play the role as Son to God the Father by being incarnated into Mary's womb. Arian/Semi Arian (Jehovah Witnesses/SDA Historic/Yahweh Restoration Ministries), begotten at a certain point in eternity Sonship = Arians claim Jehoshua was begotten out of nothing whereas Semi Arians claim He was begotten out of the Father's substance before the world began. Biblical Unitarian, incarnational Sonship = unlike Modern Evangelicals, biblical unitarians deny the Son's preexistence therefore Jehoshua had his beginning in the womb of Mary. Adoptionists, begotten Sonship at baptism and/or resurrection = adoptionists deny the virgin birth and therefore incarnational Sonship. They believe that Jehoshua was either begotten at His baptism or resurrection or both. Its noteworthy that the earliest Christians (Ebionites) had this view. Tri theists/Binitarian, SDA GC, Armstrong Churches of God and its offshoots = they generally believe in incarnational Sonship but some will say that the Father and Jesus had a Father-Son relationship going back to eternity but deny Jehoshua was begotten before He came into this world. These are the general veiws and of course there are variations of them but i just wanted to give a brief synopsis of the various Sonship beliefs. In this study we will see how exactly Jehoshua is the Son of God especially when He was begotten as God's Son as that ultimately determines the nature of His Sonship. Before we start, its important to understand that as a whole the nation of Israel was adopted as sons and daughters of God (Exodus 4:22), so any Israelite could rightfully claim to be a son or daughter of God. So in this sense, Jehoshua was God's son by just being an Israelite. However, Jehoshua's claim of Sonship obviously supersedes the general concept of Israel as a nation being the adopted sons of God. We can see this in His heated exchanges with the Jewish religious leaders. Lets begin this journey and determine exactly how Jehoshua is the Son of God and when He was begotten as God's Son. The truth is actually rather easy if we use the begotten passages in context and also avoid speculation based on unclear verses. 1 Peter 1:18-21 (ASV) 18knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;19but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, [even the blood] of Christ:20who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake,21who 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 and predestined before the foundation of the world to be the Messiah of Jehovah and Son of Jehovah. This is important to understand as we go through some of the texts in Jehoshua's early life before He was baptized. Isaiah 53:1-2 (ASV) 1Who hath believed our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed?2For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Even though Jehoshua wouldn't start His ministry until 30 years of age, its clear that Jehovah God was watching over Him from His birth. Jehovah would watch Jehoshua grow up from a infant (tender plant, root) until the time came when He was to be anointed for the work of the ministry. Like the apostle Paul and the prophets of old, Jehoshua was separated (set apart) for the work of the ministry from His mothers womb (Jeremiah 1:1-5; Galatians 1:15). Jehovah God had his hand over Jehoshua from the beginning of His life in the womb of Mary all the way to the end of it and of course beyond as they now sit together in the heavenly places (Hebrews 8:1-2). Let's go to one of the foundational verses in scripture that prophesies of the Sonship of the Messiah: 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (ASV) 12When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.13He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.14I 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;15but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.16And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. This is Nathan the prophet speaking on behalf of Jehovah to king David. In verse 14, Jehovah tells David that his seed (sperm) that proceeds out of his bowels (male sexual organs) will be a son to him and He (Jehovah) will be His Father. So here in 2 Samuel chapter 7, the Sonship of the future Messiah is connected to being the seed of David. "I will be his father, and he shall be my son" this denotes a legal relationship applicable to every Davidic king but uniquely descriptive of Jehoshua as the ultimate fulfillment of this promise made to David by Jehovah God. Jehoshua was the firstborn, by way of resurrection, Son of God and the appointed Son of man. While there were other righteous Davidic kings, every single of them died and did not fulfill the promise that one of David's seed (offspring) would establish the throne and Kingdom of Israel forever. Jehoshua died but then was resurrected to eternal life and was enthroned on the throne of David in heaven the new Jerusalem (Hebrews 1:8-9). The above passage is important to remember as we proceed in this study especially when we get to the heated dialogues between Jehoshua and the pharisees and saducees. Let's go to the first verse that clearly uses begotten language in relation to the Messiah. Psalm 2:5-8 (ASV) 5Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:6Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.7I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. 8Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. "Begotten" not literal birth but technical language of adoption, used especially for enthronement of a king (Psalm 89:26-28; 2 Samuel 7:14). Ultimately it refers to the Messiah's resurrection and ascension when He was enthroned/inaugurated as Priest-King in heaven (Hebrews 1:5, 8-9; Hebrews 5:5). It also refers to the baptism of Jehoshua as Psalm 2:7 was the original quotation in the Luke and Matthew baptism accounts according to older manuscripts. It was at Jehoshua's baptism that He was anointed as the King of Israel. Nathanael confesses Jehoshua's Kingship just two days after His baptism (John 1:49). The word begotten is rendered from the Hebrew word "yalad" which has the literal meaning of birth and conception but also has the figurative meaning "to declare pedigrees". This is exactly what took place in Psalm 2:7, Jehovah is declaring the pedigree of Jehoshua as His Son and King. "I will declare the decree" this is the Messiah stating what Jehovah said to Him at His anointing (baptism) and enthronement (ascension). Jehovah is declaring a statute that Jehoshua is His Son and on this day (anointing/enthronement) He is begetting i.e. declaring the pedigree of Jehoshua as His anointed King and adopted covenant Son. While many use Psalm 2:7 to promote the virgin birth doctrine or some type of begetting in eternity, the context of Psalm 2 refutes this explicitly. The first few verses are about the persecution of Jehovah's anointed by the rulers of the earth. This Psalm was composes by David and likely written towards end of his life when his son Solomon was enthroned as king. In ancient times, change of rulers meant special danger of revolts among the subject nations. This Psalm can apply to any of the Davidic kings but ultimately it is fulfilled in Jehoshua Messiah. The apostles applied the first 3 verses to the persecution of Jehoshua by Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Verses 4 and 5 speak of Jehovah God's mocking of the rulers of the earth for thinking they have defeated His anointed one. This must have been especially true when Jehoshua was dead in the grave. However verse 6 shows the ultimate victory of Jehovah God as He has set His Messiah on the throne as King upon Mount Zion which is Jehovah's holy hill. Chronologically speaking, this obviously took place at the Messiah's ascension into heaven and His being set at the right hand of God enthroned as King (Heb 1:8-9). This enthronement took place in the heavenly Zion, which is the city of the living God (Heb 12:22-23). Again, Psalm 2 starts the narrative during the adult life of Jehovah's anointed one not in eternity or during the time when the anointed one is in His mothers womb. The progression of Psalm 2 then goes from the anointed one's persecution to His installment as the King of Israel. This is what leads to verse 7 and the phrase "I will tell the decree: Jehovah hath said unto me, thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" It is a declaration of the Messiah's pedigree (yalad, begotten) as Jehovah's Son and King. This understanding perfectly fits the context as this declaration by Jehovah God comes right after He has set His King on mount Zion. The verses after this declaration show also that this begetting has nothing to do with literal birth but rather being enthroned and receiving a Kingdom. The last verses speak to the second advent of Jehoshua as He destroys all nations with a rod of iron. I believe i have shown from the context of Psalm 2 that the begetting described has nothing to do with a literal begetting whether the virgin birth or an eternal begetting. Lets now look at Proverbs 8:22-31 as this is a passage often used for those who teach a eternal begetting for Jehoshua. This passage is used by both classic trinitarians and arian/semi Arians. Proverbs 8:22-31 (ASV) 22Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was.24When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water.25Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth;26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.27When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep,28When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong,29When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth;30Then I was by him, [as] a master workman; And I was daily [his] delight, Rejoicing always before him,31Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men. The above passage was attributed to the preexistent Son of God by the early Church fathers and by many today in Christendom. This is one of the strongest texts for the preexistence of the Messiah and also that He was begotten before the world began. If it can be proved that the Messiah was preexistent then this verse would prove indeed that He was begotten before the world began. Many modern Evangelical trinitarians deny this passage is about the Messiah as they know that it implies that at some point before creation Jehoshua was begotten from God's substance. Classic trinitarians have no problem with this verse as they use it to prove eternal generation. Unitarians and adoptionists say this verse is poetic and is not about a literal being who was begotten by Jehovah before the world began. If we can find a new testament verse that reinforces Proverbs 8:22-31 is about the preexistent Son being begotten then we have just identified how and when Jehoshua became the Son of God. Lets first look at Colossians 1:15 which seems to be the same thing mentioned in Proverbs 8. Colossians 1:15-17 (ASV) 15who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;16for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him;17and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. On the face of it this passage seems to reaffirm Proverbs 8:22-31, however a deeper look into this verse may not do so. Jehoshua is the image of the invisible God. This is a post resurrection statement regarding the glorified Messiah who is now the express image of God being of His very substance. I believe this was to a great degree true during His earthly ministry as Jehoshua Himself said that if you have seen me you have seen the Father. Not too mention that the Father literally dwelt in Him from the time He was baptized. Image also has to do with characteristics not just visual. From a characteristic standpoint Jehoshua was fully the image of God during His earthly ministry. From a visual standpoint, Jehoshua being the image of God applies to His glorified state post resurrection and ascension. Of course if Jehoshua was preexistent then this statement also applies to His pre-incarnate state. Lets go to the second part of verse 15: "the firstborn of all creation" On the face of it this looks like its the same thing as what Proverbs 8:22-31 is telling us. However a closer look gives us the true meaning. If it wasn't for the usages of firstborn in the old testament for the nation of Israel and king David, then those who support Jehoshua being begotten before the world began would be just in using this passage to prove their doctrine. Those trinitarians who don't believe in eternal generation deny that the term "firstborn" is about a literal begetting of the Son of God before the world began. So they would be in agreement with unitarians and adoptionists in that "firstborn" in this context is not about literal birth but rather to the divine privileges and rights of the firstborn son, like the Davidic reference in Psalm 89:27. Firstborn denotes preeminence or the Son of inheritance. Psalm 89:27 (ASV) 27 I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth. This is coronation language much like Psalm 2:7. Notice Jehovah making David (and His kingly seed) His firstborn is connected with anointing and/or enthroning them as king of Israel thereby making them higher than all other kings on the earth. This was ultimately fulfilled in Jehoshua who became not only higher than all kings on the earth but also higher than all thrones, prinicipalities and powers in heaven excepting God the Father of course. Remember the context of Colossians 1:15 has to do with the resurrection as verse 18 proves this: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Verse 18 identifies exactly how Jehoshua is the firstborn Son. It is His being the firstborn from the dead that gives Him the title of "firstborn". Paul connects Jehoshua's resurrection with the reason He (Jehoshua) has preeminence i.e firstborn over all creation. Firstborn designates inheritance. Jehoshua is the firstborn by way of being the first human being resurrected to eternal life thereby inheriting what was promised to Him. "Firstborn of all creation" Some say that this is a separate idea from what Paul is talking about in verse 18 and that its speaking of Jehoshua being begotten before the world began and being the agent by whom all things were created. Let's look at another verse that connects Jehoshua's resurrection with Him being the firstborn. Revelation 1:5-6 (KJB) 5and from Jehoshua Messiah, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;6and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Jehoshua here is called the firstborn in relation to His resurrection and Him being the ruler of the kings of the earth. This is a direct reference to Psalm 89:27 and it is the resurrection in view not some eternal begetting before the world began. Also noteworthy is that it is Jehoshua's death and resurrection that made the church a Kingdom of priests. This shows that Jehoshua's resurrection and ascension began a new order of things. This is important to grasp as we go back to Colossians 1:15-16. As stated before, many connect Jehoshua being the firstborn of all creation with His being begotten before the world began and being the agent of creation. The trinitarians who deny eternal begetting just say that "firstborn" here means He is the chief ruler of creation of course still posit that He is the agent of creation. Verse 16 is also key in understanding the context of verse 15: "for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him" On the surface this does indeed read like Jehoshua created all things but when compared with other verses we can glean another meaning from this verse. As mentioned Revelation 1:5-6 connected Jehoshua being the firstborn from the dead with His followers being made a Kingdom of priests. This shows that there was a beginning of a new Kingdom at Jehoshua's ascension into heaven. Again, the resurrection and ascension are the events that brought this Kingdom into being. We can understand this as related to the visible thrones and dominions, powers and principalities on earth created in Jehoshua and through and unto Him. We as believers are kings and priests and reign with the Messiah (1 Peter 2:9). We sit on spiritual thrones here on earth as our Lord sits on the throne of David in heaven (Acts 2:29-36). Ephesians 2:4-6 (ASV) 4 but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved),6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: As Jehoshua was resurrected to sit in the heavenly places (most holy place) we also are spiritually resurrected to sit with Him in the holy of holies. He sits on the throne of David as King of Israel i.e. the Church thereby we sit with Him as anointed kings and priests. Hebrews chapter 1 is another revealing passage connecting Jehoshua's resurrection with Him being the firstbegotten (firstborn). Let's look at Hebrews 1: 5For 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?6And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame a fire:8but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. The begetting of the Son in verse 5 is directly tied to His baptism and also His resurrection. Jehoshua is the called the firstborn in verse 6 and again it is connected with the events subsequent to the resurrection. The phrase "world" here in verse 6 is not speaking of this literal earth but rather heaven. The context is clear that this has nothing to do with the birth of Jehoshua but rather His exaltation. Also, the angels of God did not worship Jehoshua when He was born or even after but they did indeed worship Him after His ascension into heaven as Revelation 5 clearly shows: 11And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;12saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing.13And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things are in them, heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, [be] the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever.14And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped. The multitude of angels give worship to the resurrected Lamb of God in the heavenly sanctuary. Notice what they say in verse 12 in that because of His victory over death He now will receive riches, honor, wisdom, glory, might, blessing and power. This is spoken as if its the first time Jehoshua is receiving these things. Back to Hebrews 1, verses 8 and 9 show us the coronation of Jehoshua and Him being given the throne of David and a Kingdom in which He will rule with a sceptre of righteousness. This is the glory, power, riches and honor spoken about in Revelation 5. Again, this undoubtedly shows that the title "firstborn" when used of Jehoshua has to do with His resurrection from the dead which led to His ascension into heaven and exaltation as King higher than the rulers of the earth. Back to Colossians 1:16 "for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him" The thrones, principalities, powers and dominions in heaven (visible and invisible) were created in Jehoshua in the sense of being appointed the heir of all things. Hebrews 1 verse 2 goes perfectly with this concept: "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" The phrase "worlds" should be rendered as "ages" as aion (ages) is the Greek word that was rendered as worlds. The ages were designed in Jehoshua, meaning with Him in intention because He was appointer the heir of all things before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-21). Peter the apostle states that upon Jehoshua's ascension into heaven the angels were made subject unto Him: 1 Peter 3:21-22 (KJV) 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. "Angels, authorities and powers" were made subject unto Jehoshua upon His ascension into heaven. It coincided with the Son of God sitting on the throne of David on the right hand of God. In Colossians 1:16 it also speaks of authorities and powers being created in Jehoshua and through Jehoshua and unto Jehoshua. It never says that Jehoshua literally created the angels, authorities and powers before the world began but rather they were created in Him and unto Him by way of Jehoshua's resurrection from the dead which gave Him the preeminence. Remember, Peter stated that it was by way of Jehoshua's resurrection and ascension that these angels, authorities and powers were made subject unto Him. Paul in Colossians 1:16 is not speaking of a Genesis creation but rather the new creation brought about by the resurrection of the firstborn Son from the dead. The things mentioned in Colossians 1:16 as being created in Jehoshua are not the earth, sky, sun and moon but rather thrones and dominions. These thrones and dominions are created in Jehoshua as the Father predestined His Son to be the ruler and head of these thrones and dominions. They are also created through and unto Him by way of the Messiah's resurrection and ascension being made subject (created through and unto) unto Him ad He sat down on the right hand of God being exalted. Hebrews 1 shows us the enthronement of the Messiah as King of Israel (the Church) sitting down on the right hand of God and Peter says this is when the angels, authorities and powers were made subject unto Him.
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