Archive for the ‘Study!’ Category

. . . because of the angels.

Posted: March 4, 2023 in End Times, Shared Thoughts, Study!
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Capture

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head . . . because of the angels.

In the last few decades there has risen much confusion around this particular verse, as well as the whole of the subject matter being addressed here by Paul to the Corinthians. All the same, this verse is part of God’s Holy Word and is intended to be both informative and instructive, though tucked neatly away here in a very illuminating passage of scriptures.

Since it is part of God’s Word that never changes, believers today are still obliged to give the utmost prayerful consideration as to its application to their lives. For we are to be as lights in the midst of this dark and blind world; and are also called to properly “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things,” both in what we say and do, in order to give the glory and honor due to the Blessed Name of our Glorious Savior Jesus Christ.

Nonetheless, for a variety of reasons, “believers” nowadays simply choose to ignore Paul’s 298 instructive words in this particular passage, (counted in the King James prior to verse sixteen) and have imprudently conclude “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” In so doing, they treat Paul’s instruction here as completely irrelevant to them, as if it was written without reason, and were a complete waste of Paul’s time and parchment.

Nevertheless, up until the last half-century or so, the majority of “the churches of God” did keep the custom of women wearing head coverings to some degree. This shows that most believers in today’s Church have lost the very attribute for which Paul was praising the Corinthian church in the first place, “I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

So, what was Paul saying, “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God?” Well, what was the beginning of that verse?

1 Corinthians 11:16 – But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

What this verse is saying is simply this, as believers and members of the Body of Christ, we are not supposed to be contentious, for only by pride comes contention.

Though Jude said to “earnestly contend for the faith,” that does not mean we are to be contentious or belligerently quarrelsome. There is a big difference between earnestly reasoning the perceptual truths of God and argumentatively rejecting them out of personal preference or ignorance.

Still, many discard parts of God’s word simply because they don’t understand them and therefore don’t feel they are important, or that it doesn’t apply to today’s church. These poor servants of Christ would miserably fail to follow what has been called “the Gospel of Mary,” when she told the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, “Whatsoever He says unto you, do it.”

The Gospel isn’t a smorgasbord buffet-style religion where everyone gets to pick and choose what they want to do. They who would come to Christ, hoping to have the atoning blood of the Lamb of God applied to their lives, must do as did the Jews in Egypt; they must consume ALL of the sacrificial Lamb WITH its bitter herbs . . . not just the choice tender desirable parts.

Exodus 12:8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roasted with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning you shall burn with fire.

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin..

To refuse to do “whatsoever He says unto you” leaves one as guilty as those preachers failing to keep the Great Commission, “Go you therefore, and teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

So, as I stated before, until recently the majority of “the churches of God” faithfully kept the custom of women wearing head coverings. Therefore, one would do well to ask, “Why then, and not now?” What is different? Are today’s liberal churches more enlightened? Or have they simply moved further from the faithful application of God’s perceptual truths, to now abusing the liberty they have from sin’s dominion through grace as an unwarranted liberty of the flesh?

We do well to remember what Paul said to the church of Corinth, “I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.”

What were the ordinances? Perhaps an even better question would be what exactly is an ordinance? A simple way to find out what Paul meant is to study how the Greek word which was translated “ordinances” in this verse was translated elsewhere in scripture. For out of the thirteen times the word was used in scripture, only this one time was it translated “ordinances.” The other twelve times it was translated “tradition” or “traditions” as seen below-

  • Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
  • Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
  • Matthew 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
  • Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
  • Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your traditions, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
  • Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the tradition of my fathers.
  • Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

God used the Apostle Paul to deliver ordinances, or traditions, which he intended to be observed by the Church. However, while some at Corinth kept them, others had elected not to. This division in keeping the observance Paul had commanded had led to a contention between them, and that is not surprising since the true foundation of this subject matter is that of spiritual authority.

It is evident Paul had some who were strong resisters of his authority in the Corinthian church as testified by scripture-

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Paul was trying to set things in proper order and lay a firm foundation for their understanding of order and godly authority in the Church. Hence Paul wrote, “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.” It is evident here that Paul was rehearsing the divine structure, or order of authority to them, which is established further by the phrase “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.”

The Bible in Basic English states it this way, “For this reason it is right for the woman to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.” So, we readily see that the woman ought to have her head covered while praying or prophesying, i.e. teaching the things of God. But what does it mean “because of the angels?” Just what does a head covering, or the covering of the hair, have to do with the angels?

Well, let us look through a window provided by scripture into the throne room of heaven-

Isaiah 6:1 – In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.

Here we can see the angel’s were using two of their wings to cover their face, which meant they held their wings over their heads so as to conceal their faces, and with two they covered their feet. But why?

The answer is simple, they did not wish for their God-given beauty to detract from the glory, honor and praise due to God alone. This will become more evident as we continue, for in the scriptures there is a detectable similarity between the gifts God gives to the woman and those He gave to Lucifer before he fell from God’s grace.

Ezekiel 28:13 – You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the ruby, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the turquoise, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of your tambourines and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub that covers, and I had put you in the holy height of God where you were.; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you.

What do we see in these verses here?

First we can see that God gave to the anointed cherub a glorious apparel to complement the position in which he was placed in God’s creation.  His garment, or covering, was a divine gift of a majestic adornment given to honor him.

What about the woman? –

1 Corinthians 11:15 – But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Who gave this “glory” to compliment all women? The Creator did.  Doubtless when God created Eve that she was given long hair as an adornment to complement her God-given beauty.

As we can see from both passages, both the jewel-studded garment of the anointed cherub and the woman’s hair are said to be given by God as a glorious “covering.”

Still, that does not answer the question, “What does women wearing a head covering have to do with the angels?” Perhaps we should review what happen with Lucifer and what caused him to have his negative conversion and to fall out of God’s graces.

We can see what happen to Lucifer in Ezekiel’s prophetic words against the king of Tyrus, who by pride of position, wealth, power and beauty, became more and more covetous.  The king of Tyrus foolishly sought to go beyond the bounds of what was lawful for him, and being covetous had sinned, and therefore God was going to cast him down. For this prophecy of Ezekiel concerning the king of Tyrus in his pride is merely a repetition of exactly what Lucifer had done and reveals how sin first entered God’s holy creation.

Ezekiel 28:2 – Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:

The king of Tyrus had exalted himself in his own eyes, but his pride did not change in reality what he truly was; a mere man who because of his pride was going to die as a man –

Ezekiel 28:9 – Will you yet say before him who kills you, I am of the gods? But you are a man, and not God, in the hand of him who kills you. 10 You shall die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers. For I have spoken, says the Lord Jehovah.

Now God could have ended this prophecy here.  It conveyed all it needed to about the king of Tyrus sin.  Yet God continued to reveal more through Ezekiel for our admonishment and understanding of sin’s induction into creation.

Ezekiel 28:11 – And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12 Son of man, lift up a lament over the king of Tyre, and say to him, So says the Lord Jehovah: You seal the measure, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the ruby, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the turquoise, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of your tambourines and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub that covers, and I had put you in the holy height of God where you were.; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you.

In these passages it is revealed how the king’s personal life and pride was, as it were, a prophetic mirroring of Lucifer’s prior to his fall.  This can all be safely determine by the following statements –

  • “You have been in Eden the garden of God” – The king of Tyrus was never in the Garden of Eden . . . but Lucifer was.
  • “the day that you were created” – The king of Tyrus was born, not created . . . but Lucifer was.
  • “You were the anointed cherub” – We see in verses 2 and 9 that God clearly says of the king “thou art a man.”

There are other parts that could be expounded on here, but before we do, let’s look through another similar prophetic window of scripture at the fall of Lucifer, the anointed cherub.

Isaiah 14:4 – you shall take up this song against the king of Babylon and say, How the exacter, the gold gatherer has ceased! 5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers 6 who struck peoples in wrath, a blow without turning away, ruling the nations in anger, a persecution without restraint. 7 All the earth is at rest and is quiet; they break out into singing. 8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at you, the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since you have fallen, no woodcutter will come up against us. 9 Hell from below is moved for you, to meet you at your coming. It stirs up the dead for you, all the he-goats of the earth. It has raised from their thrones all the kings of the nations. 10 All of them shall speak and say to you, Are you also as weak as we? Are you like us? 11 Your pride is brought down to the grave, and the noise of your harps. The maggot is spread under you, and the worms cover you. 12 How you are fallen from the heavens, O shining star, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart, I will go up to the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. 14 I will go up above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. 15 Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the Pit.

Above we have anot prophecy against a king, this time the king of Babylon. And again, he is going to be brought low and judge by the God of heaven and earth. Why? Because of his pride, his life as well has mirrored the pride of Lucifer; having extended himself beyond God’s given and lawful boundary of rule and influence.

But what do we see in Lucifer’s heart by this prophecy of Isaiah? We discover his intention to rise up out of his place and to usurp the authority above Him, even God.

Isaiah 14:13 – For you have said in your heart, I will go up to the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. 14 I will go up above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. 15 Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the Pit.

What was it about Lucifer that he allowed to deceive him and into thinking he should be, and thus could be, “like the Most High?” This is where it is helpful for us again to return to Ezekiel’s prophecy.

Ezekiel 28:7 – Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty, you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I will cast you to the ground, I will lay you before kings, that they may behold you.

The anointed Cherub Lucifer’s heart was lifted up because of his beauty and he had corrupted wisdom by reason of his brightness.

What does this reveal? It reveals that God had given to the anointed cherub a perfect and beautiful countenance that radiated with the glory of God. But when Lucifer began to take pride in his countenance and his beauty he “corrupted wisdom.”

What does that mean, he “corrupted wisdom?” What is it that phrase is trying to tell us? First we need to understand what exactly is the foundation and heart of wisdom.

We know that wisdom finds application in all areas of life and relationships from parenting, friendships, business, economics, from following to leading. Yet the greatest relationship one must be concerned about is by far their relationship with God. What do the scriptures tell us?

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 14:27 – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

The foundation of true life-preserving wisdom is “the fear of God.”  Yet by scripture we can see how in the heart of the anointed cherub, that when he became prideful over his God-given beauty, it stirred his heart to covet the very position of praise and honor reserved for the Most High Himself alone.  He foolishly cast off fear and wisdom, by reasoning within his own heart as to why not he too should share a place of equality with God and thus began plotting to ascend to the positioned reserved for God alone.

Isaiah 14:3 – For you said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Gazing upon his own beauty and brightness, Lucifer compared himself to the manifested glory of God and foolishly believe he too was worthy of the worship of the rest of the angels. Instead of having humility with his gift of beauty, he felt he was deserving of the majestic apparel God had given him. And so, Lucifer rejected his position in the spectrum of authority by attempting to usurp the authority of God, seeking to steal the praise that God alone is worthy of.

It is “for this cause” ought the woman to have power on her head, because of the angels. God has given the woman her hair to be a natural adornment of beauty. Why else do most men have a natural admiration for long hair?

However, when we who are the creatures of our glorious Creator gather together for prayer or worship or the reading and speaking of God’s word, let the woman with humility cover her head, as do the angels in the very presence of God, willfully concealing her “glory” lest it detract from the glory due God. Likewise a man should not cover his head, “forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God.” To do so would be to dishonor his head, i.e. Christ Himself.

Each of us, whether male or female, have been given positions of honor and gifts from God, yet we must learn to be faithful in the place which God has given us to serve Him, being fitly joined together serving Him while we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. The woman is to submit to the authority of her own husband “as unto the Lord.”  The husband is to love his own wife, “as even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”  Thus we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Yet when a woman refuses to submit to her husband, the angels shutter with fear as they recall with utter clarity Lucifer’s introduction of sin into God’s holy creation. This is why the scriptures plainly teach that women are not to usurp the authority of God has given unto men as He holds them accountable for the family.

Now having shared all this, I must clarify that I do not feel a women needs to wear a head covering constantly. As the scripture says, “bodily exercise profits little, but godliness profits withal,” and unless the heart is right it matters little what one does outwardly. But if a woman wishes to go on to a “more perfect way” of walking in the light of God’s word, then as the scriptures say, while “praying or prophesying,” she should prayerfully consider keeping” the ordinances” Paul delivered unto the churches. I would also further clarify that I feel “prophesying” implies also the instruction or teaching of God’s word to the younger women so that they too might learn how to adorn the gospel of Christ in all things.

I must admit, I have had many women express to me that they do not “feel any unction of the Holy Spirit” to begin covering their heads. I would answer that with pointing them back to what we all do have, the written word of God. Isn’t that enough? Are we one moment to be defending the scriptures as “the Word of God” and then the next minute failing to acknowledge what is written?

Honestly, most of the time I do not feel “any unction of the Holy Spirit” to do many things, nor do I need such an “unction” if the Holy Scriptures has already given me light and a path for me to walk in. It is simply my duty to walk in the light . . . while I have the light.

John 12:35 – Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes.

Ephesians 5:8 – For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light.

Mark 4:23 – If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

I pray this may be a blessing to those seeking to glorify of Lord in all things. Remember . . .

Proverbs 13:10  – Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

1 Corinthians 11:16 – But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

For those interested, I had addressed the distinct roles of the man and woman in my post “Why God Created Us Male And Female.” Peace.

Why a seven day week.

Posted: February 8, 2020 in Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!, Uncategorized
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It is truly sad that a day of rest can cause so much unrest among believers. I personally believe the lack of understanding what the Sabbath represents to the Church is the reason that it is often surrounded by so much confusion to the point of contention and mutual condemnation by both Sabbatarians and Sunday worshipers. Certainly with a God with whom all things are possible, creation could have been accomplished in one or two days or even drawn out to ten to twelve days.

So why the seven days? Is there some wisdom and knowledge in the answer to that question that is beneficial to believers? I think so; I also think a lot this debate between Sabbatarians and Sunday worshipers is of the flesh and many times out right pride. Having said that I know I too now stand on a slippery slope for electing to put forth the conclusions of my personal studies regarding my views why God created a seven day week, as well as offer a possible meaning and purpose of the seventh day Sabbath. However, my hope is not to make anyone change their day of worship, rather to share my own appreciation for God’s wisdom in all things. Faith is conviction functioning by love and love will always have posture of humility in its service if it is a righteous and godly love.

My first hope is to establish a point of agreement about the Sabbath, that it, like the ceremonies of the Old Testament, represents something specific. If we can all agree on that then we have a mutual point of understanding from which to move forward from. Building on that point, it may be noteworthy to recognize how most believers readily acknowledge that the ceremonies and sacrifices of the Old Testament were actually prophetic actions. Prophetic action is simply a term noting something done to signify a future event. Perhaps a simple New Testament example would be that of a certain prophet, named Agabus in Acts –

Ac 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

(more…)

Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks

Posted: June 28, 2019 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Study!
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Note: I am posting chapters 12 thru 18 of my book (The Eighth Beast” in succession for ease of reading. The book deals with America in Prophecy, and these chapters address certain modern conceptions of eschatology that are in fact fairly contemporary.

Many believers nowadays are ignorant that most of the end-time theology which is being taught and widely accepted by both non-Catholics and Catholics alike concerning the antichrist, the rebuilding the temple, and his becoming a world leader, was originally taught by a French monk known as Adso of Montier-en-Der who died in 992 A.D. Though he was a prolific writer of poems, hymns, and biographies of the lives of saints, Adso’s most famous work was his “Letter to Queen Gerberga on the Place and Time of Antichrist,” which became known as the “Little Book on the Antichrist.”

However, Adso’s theology, which was so articulated over a thousand years ago, was presented basically as a rebuttal to the Protestants vehement protest against the papacy and Catholicism. At the time, it  was vehemently rejected by essentially every protestant commentator who sought to defend the truth of the Gospel with their pen. For the earlier commentators both agreed and therefore acknowledged Paul’s speaking in II Thessalonians 2:3 of “a falling away first” as the rise of Roman Catholicism, and “that man of sin… the son of perdition” as being the succession of popes. In the second century, Polycarp, deemed to be an apostolic father, in his Letter to the Philippians, paragraph 7, warned the Philippians that everyone who preached false doctrine was an antichrist. Polycarp’s use of the term “antichrist” agrees with the Apostle John who does not reference a single antichrist, but rather a class of people functioning under a spirit of antichrist. It is also interesting that the Apostle John, who coined the phrases “antichrist” and “many antichrists” DID NOT used those phrases in his writing of the Book of Revelation.

Nevertheless, the historical understanding of the Protestant churches concerning “a spirit of antichrist” that works to advance false prophets and teachers has for the most part been completely abandoned by non-Catholics today; most probably because most believers nowadays are ignorant of both scripture and history. Which means it would be prudent for the earnest seeker of the truth to ask what scriptural and historical justification the Protestant commentators have for interpreting it the way they used to, and why they have now embrace an eschatology that was birthed out of Catholicism itself. That and more is what is addressed in The Eighth Beast as I examine America in prophecy.

Sadly, most people’s understanding of end-time theology is similar to their hiking an old familiar trail where the slopes and turns have become so instinctive to them it requires very little focus (or faith) to navigate it. However, every so often along the way there is a hint of a old path that forks off the main trail where only the inquisitive will turn aside to see where it leads. Many never aware of the fact that beaten they always take is actually a newer path someone once took looking for an easier way and everyone else just followed, while the old path slowly becomes forgotten and less traveled. If someone wants to be sure they’re on the right path for where they’re wanting to go, they must be willing to leave the trail and take on the difficulties of climbing up to reach a vantage point that is open and clear enough to verify the path they’re on is correct for safely reaching their desired destination. As it says in Jeremiah 6:16 – Thus saith the LORD, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not walk therein.”

I share all this because in my book “The Eighth Beast” I re-introduce an old, yet to many, a whole new perspective that is going to require a willingness to endure the difficulties of setting their current theology on the altar of God and take that climb to where the perspective becomes clear if they are going to understand why America is headed for perdition; and why God has warned us to, “Come out of her, My people, that you partake not of her sins and receive not of her plagues…”

 

Chapter 12

Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks

It is asserted by those who embrace the doctrine of a seven year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9. In this chapter the angel Gabriel tells Daniel that “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Gabriel then continues by telling Daniel that “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city.”

We must remember that Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of Daniel’s supplications when he was confessing his own sins and the sins of Israel. Therefore the “matter . . . and the vision” which Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand was connected to his prayer for Israel in captivity. In all, there were seven specific things Gabriel prefaces to the “understanding” of the vision with –

  1. It was a period of time(a) regarding Daniel’s people and the holy city(b)
    1. Seventy weeks
    2. Jerusalem
  2. It was to “finish the transgression”
  3. It was to “make an end of sins”
  4. It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
  5. It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
  6. It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
  7. It was to “to anoint the most Holy”

The Angel Gabriel continues explaining to Daniel that the seventy weeks are going to be divided into three specific time periods, whereby each will serve specific prophetic purposes with outlining events and definite conclusions –

  1. Seven weeks                    7
  2. Plus sixty two weeks           7 + 62 = 69 weeks total
  3. Plus the last week              1 + 69 = 70 weeks total

Let’s quickly review these verses to give us a fresh recall of them before we continue-

Daniel 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

It is that last week in verse 27, commonly referred to as Daniel’s seventieth week that has become accepted and known as the Seven Year Tribulation and linked to this verse in Daniel. Originally I had intended starting this post by listing the particulars of this seventy weeks revelation from the angel.

At this time I must entreat your patience, as I originally had intended starting this post with addressing the particulars of this vision from the angel. However, before tackling the seventieth week, there are some noteworthy observations regarding the method of Daniel’s writing this prophetic book that should be addressed first.  Additionally, there are various key players in Daniel’s book, including the angel Gabriel, which it would be prudent to briefly investigate since there are several visions seen by various individuals; some of which are associated to Gabriel’s presence and interpretations while others are not. Some visions address events immediately on the horizon for the Kingdom of Babylon and Daniel, while others have events are far off and the understanding of them were sealed until the end.

Daniel 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Sadly, I know this will require more effort and energy to properly consider than even most Christians are willing to invest, but considering the gravity of this vision and the times in which we are living, it would stand as an indictment of lukewarmness and carelessness if I did not invest time to present to others this perspective of the final seventieth week of Daniel.

The first observation that is important to take note of is that the book of Daniel was not entirely written in Daniels own language of Hebrew, a fact that must be recognized as significant if we are to “rightly divide the word of truth” in trying to define the key players in Daniel; especially those involved with these seventy weeks. Daniel begins writing in Hebrew, but in chapter 2:4 he switches to the language of his conquerors. From that point all the way to the end of chapter 7 Daniel wrote in Chaldee. The explanation given by Commentator Adam Clark is as follows, “As the Chaldeans had a particular interest both in the history and prophecies from Daniel 2:4 to the end of Daniel 7:28, the whole is written in Chaldee.” Concerning chapter 8 to the end of the book, Adam Clarke continues explaining that Daniel wrote in Hebrew “as the prophecies which remain concern times posterior to the Chaldean monarchy, and principally relate to the Church and people of God generally, they are [therefore] written in the Hebrew language, this being the tongue in which God chose to reveal all his counsels given under the Old Testament relative to the New.”

Adam Clarke’s profound statement is worthy of prayerful consideration, that the prophecies in Daniel after chapter seven are “posterior to the Chaldean monarchy” or post Babylon. I think this detail gives good foundation for believing that many living today upon earth will witness the destruction of Mystery Babylon before the final “sealing up of the vision and prophecy… upon thy people and upon thy holy city.” Meaning, it is feasible that The Eighth Beast goes into perdition (destruction) before the conclusion of the seventieth week. To simplify that even further, America, being The Eighth Beast will be completely destroyed before the final prophecies of the vision regarding Israel are fulfilled prior to the Lord’s return.

My next observations and thoughts would be directed temporarily to the angel Gabriel. In the Bible we only have four passages that mention him. The first we will but briefly address is where Gabriel is commissioned to explain to Daniel his vision of the ram and the he-goat, and to give the prediction of the 70 weeks.

Daniel 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

Now I want to remind the reader that this vision is separate from the seventy weeks vision. Daniel was given this vision while Babylon was still an intact sovereign empire.

Daniel 8:1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

Now even though Babylon was still intact, all the prophecies about it were already given and were about to be fulfilled. Here in chapter eight Daniel returns to writing in Hebrew because from now on the vision and prophecies are dealing with Israel post Babylon.  However, this vision in chapter eight is somewhat a continuance of one Daniel had earlier under  the rule of Belshazzar, King of Babylon.

Daniel 7:1  In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

These “four great beasts came up from the sea” represent four great monarchies. For the sake of clarity and presentation,we must set our discussing Gabriel aside temporarily and address these four beasts who are actually four of five key players in chapter seven.

Daniel 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.

This first beast “like a lion” with eagle’s wings represents Babylon which invaded Israel quickly. Appropriately, in scriptures we find Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, being depicted as a lion and his conquests as swift as an eagle.

Jeremiah 4:7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 48:40 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

Isaiah 5:29 Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.

Ezekiel 17:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar.

Nebuchadnezzar’s army conquered Israel and destroyed Jerusalem. The walls of the city were pulled down, the gates burned, the temple robbed of all its treasures and destroyed. In the process, a considerable percentage of the Israelites were killed, while the choicest of the young men were carried away captive, leaving only the poorest behind as miserable farmers.

Daniel 7:5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

This second beast, represented by a bear, was the Medo-Persian Empire. It’s been noted by some commentators how the bear, being the largest species of these four beasts, were found in the colder mountainous regions of Mede/Media (modern Iran). The Medo-Persian Empire is compared to a bear on account of their aggressiveness and thirst for blood.

However, with the Jews in captivity, we see how the sovereignty of God moved the Medo-Persian Empire leaders to allow a return of the Jews back to rebuild Jerusalem. It is under this empire that we have both the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

The third beast, a four headed leopard with four wings of a fowl, is the Macedonian, or Greek Empire which rose to power under Alexander the Great. The swiftness with which Alexander accomplished his conquests is appropriately represented by “a leopard… with four wings of a fowl.” For though the Babylonian Empire was embodied in a lion with two wings to witness the speed of Nebuchadnezzar’s conquests, Alexander’s empire has four wings; since up till that time in history no other empire was its equal. The four heads of the leopard prophetically foretells the dividing of the Macedonian Empire upon Alexander’s death between his four generals.

It is important to note in verse 6 that “dominion was given to it,” meaning the triumphs of the Greek Empire were not due to of Alexander’s own the skill or even the courage of his troops, rather the nations were given to him. Bishop Newton stated that, “had he not been assisted by the mighty power of God, how could he [Alexander the Great], with only thirty thousand men, have overcome Darius with six hundred thousand; and in so short a time have brought the countries from Greece as far as India into subjection?” It was God who gave Alexander his dominion, for we must remember the vision and prophecy are specifically concerning “thy people and upon thy holy city.”

 Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

Note that this fourth beast is not identified with a known species as it “was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.” It is the Roman Empire, dreadful, terrible, and exceeding strong and it devoured, and breaks in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet. This not only witnesses to its absolute triumph over all the other nations, bringing them to naught, but more significantly points to how Rome destroyed Israel in 70 A.D. scattering the remnant thereof throughout the nations of the world.

Before I continue, I need to make a short run down a rabbit trail… God created man to be responsive to Him and to live under the discipline of His holy precepts, delighting in His laws and meditating therein night and day. When a man is responsive to God, he is being responsible and therefore permitted to freely enjoy the benefits of God’s creation and Kingdom. Humanity has no rights or privileges apart from their responsibilities to the Kingdom of God. This is important to acknowledge if we are going to be found  fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Hence the angel stated that Rome “was diverse from all the beasts that were before it,” for history reveals it was a republican form of government in contrast to the preceding monarchal empires. Perhaps this fact serves as the foundation as to why it was not identified with a known species. Though God created man to have dominion, He never intended for men to govern their own selves. Such a government therefore is unnatural, being a creation of man and not of God. The only form of government God can truly approve is a monarchal kingdom, which alone under His guidance can be fashioned and ruled so as to prophetically represent His own, where He is honored as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Nevertheless, when men reign over other men, they will eventually reject God’s word and His Kingdom. Then it is no longer man that reigns, but sin. Such lesson can be verified not only in the history of each of these empires, but in Israel’s history as well. For when sin reigns, it will always be found to be dreadful, terrible, and exceeding strong for it devours and breaks in pieces, and stamps the residue with its feet as it will seek every opportunity to trodden underfoot the Son of God, and count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and despites the Spirit of grace.

Back on point, the “ten horns” on the beast were prophetic of the fall of Rome and how later it would be divided into ten smaller kingdoms which to the best of my knowledge forsook the republic governing structure of Rome and returned to monarchies and  have been surmised to be the following –

1. The Roman senate

2. The Greeks

3. The Lombards

4. The Huns

5. The Alemans

6. The Franks

7. The Burgundians

8. The Saracens in Africa and a part of Spain

9. The Goths

10. And the Saxons

The Little Horn

 Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

This little horn is almost too quietly mentioned when contrasted against the weighed of “the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea” and “the four great beasts came up from the sea.” However, there are a few points worthy of prayerful consideration I would like to make, hoping those reading will have read my previous post and have already placed all their current persuasions on the altar of God so as to be open to examine these things afresh.

First, this little horn’s origin comes from “among them,” this to me speaks of a nation or empire that will rise up, not only out of the “ten horns,” but in all probability predominantly from one in particular. This is why it is prudent to compare each of these four beasts with the diverse attributes assigned to the Eighth Beast that rises up out of the sea.

Revelation 13:1  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Second observation, notice the “little horn” has “eyes like the eyes of man.” These “eyes of a man” speaks primarily to the lust of the eyes of men, signifying the little horn is never going to be satisfied till all it sees comes under its control and influence. Therefore he will be cunning, flattering and given to endless lies to achieve its conquests. The ‘little horn” also has “a mouth speaking great things,” which also can be associated with the Eighth Beast–

Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.  6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

God has been long-suffering and forbearing with the folly of humanity from the beginning, permitting many seemingly great things to occur that many people perceive to have been accomplished through the wisdom and might of men. Yet all this ultimately is permitted only to prove to the whole world there is in fact a God and Creator before whom all the nations are reckoned but dust in the scales, for all the souls of such powerful men will still stand before Him to give an accounting, acknowledging that His alone is the Kingdom, the power, and glory forever and ever.

Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, He taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

AGAIN, please also recall how the three other horns were “plucked up by the roots” by the little horn. Consider again the verse –

Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

It is simple history that originally the colonization of America was attempted by three of those ten horns; England, Spain and France. However, all three of these have been “plucked up by the roots” so to say and lost all sovereign claims to American soil.

It is evident that it was because of “the great words which the horn spoke . . . the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.” Again, this too can be seen attributed to the Eighth Beast who is destined to be destroyed by the ten horns–

Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Revelation 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

Daniel saw both the rise and fall of this “little horn” which was confirmed to be under the sovereign watch of the “Ancient of days.” No kingdom, even though they may appear to be running rampant in defiance to His great authority, has ever gone beyond the tolerance of the Lord’s great power and restraint.

Daniel 7:9  I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

At this point, I would like to stress the importance of noting that the destruction of this “little horn,” which became a great beast and was destroyed by fire, that its judgment does not bring the same timely end to the other horns or “beasts.” It is clear that they lose some of their power, but they are permitted to continue on “for a season and time.” I hope to address this more thoroughly later in a post on the Seven Year Tribulation.

Lastly, I wish to return our focus to Gabriel where he appears to Daniel in chapter eight. Again, this is where Daniel returns to writing in Hebrew after the prophecies concerning Babylon which were written in Aramaic. This is only a couple of years after Daniel was given the vision of all the beasts above; now he was given another vision in the “third year of the reign of King Belshazzar.”

In this vision Daniel foresees the coming of the Mede/Persia Empire (2nd beast) represented here as a ram with two horns, one higher than the other. As he was pondering the ram and its horns, a great he-goat appears with a single great horn between its eyes. This horn in chapter 8 is Alexander the Great, previously the third beast in chapter 7 (the leopard) to which “dominion was given.” As stated earlier, this dominion was not just over the other nations, but is specifically given to him over “thy people and the holy city.” Here Alexander the Great/Greece as the “he goat” moves so quickly it is said to not to even touch the ground –

Daniel 8:5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.

In the vision the he-goat smites the ram, breaks his two horns; taking away its power to stand and casts the ram down to the ground. After which the he-goat/Greece becomes a greater empire until the notable horn/Alexander the Great is broken and he dies. This leaves his empire to be divided among his four generals.

Daniel 8:8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

There is not much said about the four note able ones that came up, for the emphasis of the verse straight way goes to another “little horn” that came forth from one of them. Now many people and commentators believe that this little horn is the same as the little horn in 7:8, but I disagree. The 7:8 horn comes from the remnants of the fourth beast’s ten horns, where this little horn comes from one of the four horns of the third beast. Also, this later second little horn is place in a time frame of “the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full,” which simply means the measure of Gods patience with the sins of the transgressors has come to an end; judgment is now eminent.

To put it simply here, I am strongly incline to believe this little horn was Antiochus Epiphanes who polluted the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar of God, blaspheming His name and was later defeated by the Maccabees. Antiochus died suddenly of worms and ulcers supposedly in 164 BC, in harmony with Daniel 8:25 which says “but he shall be broken without hand.”

I truly regret the length of this post, as I know many will not give themselves to read through all this. I would much rather be discussing Jesus Christ and His promises to us, but I felt some of these points needed be established for a foundation before entering the subject of the seventy weeks in chapter nine. However, for those that have read through thus far I would like to make one last point that concerns a clue given to us through an angel speaking to another asked concerning the duration of this vision–

Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? 14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

If the prophetic day here is to be understood the same as it is in chapter nine, then we can conclude the duration will be 2300 years that “the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot.” It has always been my strong inclination that the retaking of the Temple Mount in 1967 was a significant event, one which would not have happen unless God had foretold it by His prophets.

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.

If we subtract 1967 years from the 2300 we end up with 333 years from year 1 D.C. to 1 A.D. there is only 1 year to be counted since there is no O (zero) year to be counted in the timeline. Though we do not know the months or exact time of year, this is the very close if not exactly to the time of Alexander the Great entrance into the Persian-ruled Asia Minor in 334 B.C. 

Josephus in “The Antiquities of the Jews” Book XI, chapter VIII, paragraph 5, tells this story of Alexander the Great arriving in Jerusalem:

“And when he (the High Priest) understood that he (Alexander the Great) was not far from the city (Jerusalem), he (the High Priest) went out in procession with the priests and the multitude of citizens. The procession was venerable, and the manner of it different from that of other nations … and when the Phoenicians and the Chaldeans that followed him (Alexander the Great), thought that they should have liberty to plunder the city, and torment the high priest to death, which the king’s displeasure fairly promised them, the very reverse of it happened; for Alexander, when he (Alexander the Great) saw the multitude at a distance, in white garments, while the priests stood clothed in fine linen, and the high priest in purple and scarlet clothing, with his miter on his head, having the golden plate whereon the name of God was engraved, he (Alexander the Great) approached by himself, and adored that name (the name of God), and first saluted the high priest. The Jews also did altogether, with one voice, salute Alexander, and encompass him about; where upon the kings of Syria and the rest were surprised at what Alexander had done, and supposed him disordered in his mind (They thought Alexander was crazy for bowing before the High Priest). However, Parmenio alone went up to him (Alexander the Great) and asked him how it came to pass that, when all others adored him, he should adore the high priest of the Jews? To whom he replied, “I did not adore him, but that G-d who hath honored him with his high-priesthood; for I saw this very person in a dream, in this very habit (high priestly garment), when I was at Dios in Macedonia, who, when I was considering with myself, how I might obtain the dominion of Asia, exhorted me to make no delay, but boldly to pass over the sea thither, for that he (God) would conduct my army, and would give me the dominion over the Persians; whence it is, that having seen no other in that habit (high priestly garment), and now seeing this person in it, and remembering that vision, and the exhortation which I had in my dream, I believe that I bring this army under the divine conduct, and shall therewith conquer Darius, and destroy the power of the Persians, and that all things will succeed according to what is in my own mind.”

When the high priest went outside Jerusalem to meet Alexander the Great, he took the book of Daniel to show Alexander the prophecies concerning him. To which Alexander was so moved that he went to the temple to offer a sacrifice and worshipped God.

Summary

1. I strongly believe there is profound prophetic significance in that Daniel 2:4 thru 7:28 was written in Aramaic dealing with Babylon and its fall. This signifying to me that after the Eighth Beast and Mystery Babylon the Great falls, there will still be a brief period for other prophecies to come to past in the last days. That further indicates a necessity to prayerfully consider a literal interpretation of Revelation 18:4, to “”Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

2. Before we see the conclusion of the seventieth week of Daniel, we will have witness the fall of Babylon the Great, i.e. America, The Eighth Beast being completely destroyed before the final prophecies of Daniel’s visions regarding Israel are fulfilled just prior to the Lord’s return.

3. The “little horn” that plucks up three other horns by their roots agrees with America having fought and gained her independence from England, Spain and France.

4. That Gabriel comes after Babylon and declares the ends and beginnings of other events on God’s predetermined timeline. Commissioned to explain to Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat and gives the prediction of the seventy weeks (Da 8:16; 9:21) in the Old Testament. Later in the New Testament he appears to Zacharias proclaiming the birth of John the Baptist, and then later to Mary, announcing the birth of Jesus (Lu 1:19, 26). Thus, again, I feel the conclusion of the seventieth week of Daniel will be preceded by the fall of Babylon the Great.

5. All this is crucial to understanding the seventy weeks as a prophetic period of time pertaining to Daniels people and the holy city.

(Continued below)

Daniel’s Seventieth Week

Posted: June 28, 2019 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!
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(Note: This is Chapter 13 of 21 from my book “The Eighth Beast” about America in Prophecy)

Daniel 9:27 – And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

This is the only “seven year” scriptural reference I know of that is foundationally used for the complete duration of the seven years tribulation with the perceived division being “in the midst of the week” when, according  to popular understanding of the doctrine, the antichrist does away with the animal sacrifices that were reinstated in a rebuilt temple.  There are however, many scriptural references to “seven years”  –

  1. There were the both the seven years which Jacob labored for Rachael and was given Leah instead, then the next seven years for which he indeed received  Rachael.
  2. The seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine with Joseph in Egypt.
  3. The seven years of famine under David and Samuel
  4. The seven years of famine with Elisha
  5. The seven years of burning weapons after the war with Gog and Magog  (which if there is a seven-year tribulation immediately before the return of Christ this war must needs be before it then)

There are also several three and half year periods in scriptures referred to as “time, times, and half of time” or 1260 days even 1290 days even 1335 days. It is astounding the extreme that men have labored to know and define these times for years when scripture clearly states in regards to some of them that these things are sealed until the end. I am personally persuaded that for anyone to assume that each of these times mentioned are referencing to the same time period would be as imprudent as to believe all the previously mentioned seven-year periods were the same, which a simple reading of them all would easily bring a ready dismissal of such nonsense.  Therefore one must take caution when asserting things from scriptures because they can quickly earn the title of “false” teacher or prophet.

Nonetheless, in regards to Daniels seventieth week, one can certainly prayerfully consider the text in search of understanding by the Holy Spirit’s illumination. Perhaps reaping the greatest reward of avoiding being carried away by the flood of false doctrines brought forth by both demons and ignorant men thinking themselves to be something they are not.

True understanding is given by commandment of God. It is never the product of clever men being able to calculate their way through hidden codes in scripture; Harold Camping’s date setting errors should be a sufficient warning to any aspiring date setter. But that doesn’t mean we cannot know the times in which we are living. For I am persuaded that Peter understood full well the duration of time left for fulfillment before the Lord’s return

Jesus affirmed that for those true disciples who would keep His words that to them it would be given to know the truth, and the truth would set them free. Those true disciples who are truly seeking to know Him and not just gain knowledge, that to them it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed;  32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Mt 11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.

Mt 13:11 He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.  12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he has.

Mt 16:17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

1Co 2:10 But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.  11 For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God’s Spirit.  12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.  14 Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Heb 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

I must re-emphasize that it was a consequence of Daniel’s supplications that the angel Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of when confessing his sins and the sins of Israel. This fact establishes an unbreakable connection between the “matter . . . and the vision” Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand and his prayer for his people in captivity.

To help keep this seventieth week in proper context, let’s look again from the beginning of the chapter –

Dan 9:1 In the first year of Darius . . . of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans 2 . . . I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.

This is by far one of my favorite passages, for the reason that Daniel clearly states he “understood” that the duration of the Jewish Babylonian captivity was coming to an end “by the books” of Jeremiah the prophet. Some things are not hidden, and therefore they can both bless and establish accountability on all who read or hear it.

Jer 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.  12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

 Jer 29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.

Knowing the 70 years was about to conclude, Daniel therefore “set” his “face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes” God’s grace and mercy for the sins of Israel that they may find His favor to be restored. Oh, if only every believer in America so sought God’s face like Daniel did using every means of petitioning God’s mercies through “prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” Have we truly forgotten Jesus’ words concerning “Blessed are they that mourn?”

But nowadays too many churches have taken the shame out of sin by presenting the amazing grace of God as something so cheap and conveniently affordable like a common commodity on the shelf of a nearby convenient store, leaving professors of Christ’s name to carelessly commit sin the way the government spends never worrying about the consequences because they have “grace.” What else can this be but the “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ?”

What is amazing is Daniel’s faith and how it is evident in his prayer to God . . .

Dan 9:10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. 11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed Thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey Thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him. 12 And He hath confirmed His words, which He spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand Thy truth. 

There are two parts in Daniel’s prayer for God’s people to embrace. First, how he believed God proved the certainty of His words by judging Israel according to His law as written by Moses. Second, having witnessed the certainty of God’s word . . . Daniel turns to prayer to remind God of the purpose of His judgments,” that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand Thy truth.”

Dan 9:18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Daniel’s was a faith pleasing unto God and because it was true faith which came by means of a heart open to hearing the word of the Lord as he read Jeremiah’s writings. Humbled by God’s righteous judgments, Daniel sought further understanding of the future events concerning his people and their fate. Therefore God sent Gabriel to reveal unto Daniel the future events which would unfold . . .

Dan 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

It is evident that the angel was there to give Daniel a clear understanding of this vision. Yes, there are other visions which were given to Daniel which when he sought understanding and was told, “Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” But that is not the case here. This time the angel is there to explain these specific things to Daniel, things specifically concerning the Jewish nation, Jerusalem, the temple and the Messiah. In verse 24, the angel clarifies what Daniel’s vision is all about . . . and the duration of time to be given to it.

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Again for convenience, here are the seven specific things the angel Gabriel is there to give Daniel “understanding” of the vision regarding –

  1. It was a period of time1 regarding his people and the holy city2
    1. Seventy weeks
    2. Jerusalem
  2. It was to “finish the transgression”
  3. It was to “make an end of sins”
  4. It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
  5. It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
  6. It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
  7. It was to “to anoint the most Holy”

The first thing is the time element; “Seventy weeks are determined . . .” These “seventy weeks” represent a total duration of 490 years. The most difficult part of this vision deals with determining the exact time from which the time frame starts . . . and there are multiple views upon that point. I will submit my perspective a little later to you.

Daniel was praying in regards to when the 70 years of Babylonian captivity was to be finished when the angel comes to tell him about when another captivity will be over as well, the captivity of sin. Gabriel shows him “seventy weeks determined” relative to this captivity of sin, its solution and Redeemer, Messiah the Prince. These 70 weeks, representing a total of 490 years is said to begin with the going forth of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Apart from the fact that Daniel’s weeks represent a seven-year period is recognized by most commentators, biblical confirmation can be supported by God’s commandment to give the land a Sabbath every seventh year.

Lev 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a Sabbath unto the LORD. 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land, a Sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 8 And thou shalt number seven Sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

The 490 years appears to be divided into three segments of time, two of which are mention there in verse 25. The first is a 7 week period representing a period of 49 years. During these 49 years “the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times” in Jerusalem. The second is a 62 week period representing a period of 454 years which concludes with the coming of “Messiah the Prince.” The total time here is 483 years.

Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

While it may be difficult for men to agree on when the commencement of these periods begin, “from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem,” the angel Gabriel tells specifically what event concludes at their end, “unto the Messiah the Prince.” This clearly means that the coming of the Messiah would be 483 years after the commandment was issued. Jesus gives us the best indication of the time’s conclusion –

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

If the time fulfilled wasn’t the time mentioned by Gabriel to Daniel, then students of the word are obligated to affix another prophetic time to Jesus words, of which no other do I know of. Consider also these other verses by the Apostle Paul –

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.

There were students of God’s word at the time of Christ who, like Daniel, knew the meaning and purpose of these verses and were therefore in anticipation of their fulfillment during the days of Jesus birth.

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, 31 Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people . . . 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Certainly the scriptural justification for these people to be looking for the redemption of Israel in their days was because they, just like Daniel who “understood by the books,” also understood the time in which they were privileged to live because of the book of Daniel and his vision concerning the 70 weeks. They knew the 484 years till the coming of Messiah was not far off and were eagerly looking for Him.

However, perhaps the greatest proof of Jesus’ ministry being the fulfillment of Daniel’s 69 weeks comes from His admonition of the people of Israel.

Lu 19:41 When he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it,  42 saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes.  43 For the days will come on you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side,  44 and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn’t know the time of your visitation.

Now, in Daniel 9:24 there are six specific events mentioned which would be the consequences of the incarnation of our Lord –

  1. To finish (bring restraint to) the transgression. This was placed in effect by the preaching of the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, and pouring out of the Holy Ghost among men.
  2. To make an end of sins <chatta’ah>. This does not mean an end to sin itself, rather “to make an end of sin-offerings” This Jesus our Lord did when He offered his spotless soul and body on the cross once for all. The lawful offering of sacrifices unto God ended with the self-sacrifice of Jesus.

<chatta’ah>– an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender:–punishment (of sin), purifying (-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).

A few examples of where the same Hebrew word in 9:24 translated “sin” was translated “sin offering” (Translated such 199 times in O.T.) –

Ex 29:14 But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it [is] a sin offering <chatta’ah>.

Ex 29:36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering <chatta’ah> for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Ex 30:10 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering<chatta’ah> of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Le 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering <chatta’ah>.

Le 4:8 And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering <chatta’ah>; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

Le 4:20 And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering <chatta’ah>, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them. 21 And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it [is] a sin offering<chatta’ah> for the congregation. 24 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the LORD: it [is] a sin offering <chatta’ah>. 25 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering <chatta’ah> with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.29 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering <chatta’ah>, and slay the sin offering <chatta’ah> in the place of the burnt offering. 32 And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering <chatta’ah>, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

3. To make reconciliation, or “to make atonement” for iniquity; which Jesus did by the once offering up of Himself upon the cross. Therefore the sacrifices, or sin offerings <chatta’ah> had become totally unnecessary, and to offer them would be to “sacrifice Christ afresh.”

4. To bring in everlasting righteousness, that is, “the righteousness, or righteous ONE, of ages.” That person who had been the object of the faith of mankind, and the subject of the predictions of the prophets through all the ages of the world, beginning with the promise God made to Eve that she ultimately would bring forth “seed” that would avenge her and bruise the head of the serpent.

5. To seal up, or “finish or complete” the vision and prophecy. That is, to put an end to the necessity of any farther revelations, by completing the canon of Scriptures then given by Jesus fulfilling the prophecies which related to His person, sacrifice, and the glory that should follow.

6. And to anoint the Most Holy, which signifies the consecration or appointment of our blessed Lord, the Holy One of Israel, to be the Prophet, Priest, and King of mankind.

Again, Daniel’s seventy weeks, or 490 years, are divided into three distinct periods, to each of which particular events are assigned.

Seven weeks, that is, 49 years.
Sixty-two weeks, that is, 434 years
One week, that is, 7 years

The first seven weeks period was for the restoration and repairing of the wall and streets of Jerusalem, where we see Ezra and Nehemiah also employed in restoring both the sacred constitutions and civil establishments of the Jews. This work lasted forty-nine years after the commission was given by Artaxerxes.  Including the second period of 62 weeks brings us to 434 years, at the end of which the prophecy says “Messiah the Prince” would come. This conclusion of both these periods must take in the ministry of John the Baptist for Jesus our Lord says, “The law was until John.”

Mt 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Many feel this means “the prophets and the law” were only up until John, but not including John. However, the Greek word <heos> is the same word used in the genealogies of Mt 1:1,7 “So all the generations from Abraham to <heos> David are fourteen generations; and from David until <heos> the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto <heos> Christ are fourteen generations.” It is evident that the first period “from Abraham to <heos> David” is defined by the inclusion of David. Therefore it is not appropriate to exclude John the Baptist from “all the prophets and the law” which were to “prophesied until” <heos> the coming of our Lord . . . which begins the third period, or the seventieth week of Daniel. It is during this time that someone would “confirm the covenant with many for one week.”

It is this seventieth week of Daniel which has become known as “the great tribulation” or simply “The Tribulation.” Yet nowhere has the angel Gabriel mentioned any such thing taking place. However, Gabriel does mention an “overspreading of abomination” and the destruction of the temple.

Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

This is where “7 year tribulation” theology takes off with the antichrist interpretation, seeing the “prince” as the antichrist which “shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.” They say that he, the antichrist, will make a treaty with the Jews resulting in a peaceful solution to the Middle East crisis. Sometime during or before all this the Temple is expected to be rebuilt, which then depending on who you may asked, either the Jews or the antichrist then re-institutes animal sacrifices in the temple. (To address all that now would be too much of a side track.)

But, then according to come seven-year tribulation theology the antichrist will “in the midst of the week,” or after 3 ½ years, break his covenant with the Jews and “cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease” thus issuing in the later 3 ½ years and worst part of “The Seven Year Tribulation.”

However, as it should be clear to all reading, I am not fully persuaded that this interpretation is the truth. The “vision” of Daniel is about the Jewish people, Israel, Jerusalem and their Messiah, Jesus Christ; God manifested in the flesh.

My conviction is that this last seven-year period, or the “seventieth week of Daniel,” that this is the period of time in which God tabernacles with man as Jesus Christ “confirm[s] the covenant with many.” However, I do believe this seventieth week is divided by a specific event –

“. . . and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease . . .”

What divides the 70th week is “the sacrifice and the oblation” are caused to cease. But how? By the antichrist breaking an alleged covenant with the Jews? Or by Jesus fulfilling God’s covenant to them?

Remember what was stated above? What the angel said would be accomplished within the 70 weeks? Six distinct things would be accomplished. Listed again below are numbers 2 and 3 previously mentioned above.

2. To make an end of sins. This does not mean an end to sin itself, rather “to make an end of sin-offerings” This Jesus our Lord did when He offered his spotless soul and body on the cross once for all. Therefore the lawful offering of sacrifices unto God ended with the self-sacrifice of Jesus.

3. To make reconciliation, or “to make atonement” for iniquity; which Jesus did by the once offering up of Himself upon the cross. Therefore sacrifices were totally unnecessary, and to offer one would be to “sacrifice Christ afresh.”

Therefore for the Jews to reject the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, and continue to offer animal sacrifices instead would be an abomination in the eyes of God. For them to continue to offer animal sacrifices would truly be an “overspreading of abominations.” Yet that is exactly what happened. They rejected Jesus Christ and continued in their now dead and empty rituals “crucifying Christ afresh.”

Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh:  14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb 10:4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.  5 Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering You didn’t desire, but You prepared a body for Me; 6 You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.  7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God.'”  8 Previously saying, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You didn’t desire, neither had pleasure in them” (those which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first, that Ye may establish the second, 10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, (see all Hebrews 9 & 10).

That which was once commanded by God to be done as holy prophetic action to proclaim that which was planned from the foundation of the world, the death and passion of our blessed Lord and Savior would then become a continual testimony of the Jews’ rejection of God’s provision for their reconciliation and these very sacrifices would then become an “overspreading of abominations” for which “He,” that is God, “shall make it [the Temple] desolate, even until the consummation [the end], and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

What does all that mean? Remember the words of Jesus?

Matt 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house [temple] is left unto you desolate. 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

(For saving of time and space and avoid being “prohibitively long” here I would refer you to my “Matthew 24” post for the possible fulfillment of these words.)

However, if these things are possibly true, then there is more to Daniel 9:27 which is profitable to reason and address. Such as (1) what is the covenant Jesus was confirming? And (2) how did He confirm it? And if the seventieth week is for the “confirming the covenant” for the duration of 7 years was divided by His death, causing the ceasing of the sacrifices and oblations to be accepted by God, (3) then what about the remaining 3 ½ years?

Let me submit some possible answers to these questions for further prayerful consideration of you, the readers.

First, what is the covenant He/Jesus was confirming? What is the covenant that Jesus confirms to Israel and to the entire world? It is the promise of certainty to which righteous Job wrote the following –

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

The covenant is the promise of the resurrection. Not just Jesus’ resurrection, but ours as well. Jesus confirmed the truth of the resurrection to His disciples –

Matt 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; 27 And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves 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 damnation.

John 6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 11: 23 Jesus 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 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

John 14: 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in Me, and I in you.

Here are also some Old Testament verses which proclaimed the covenant / promise from which Jesus would have preached and confirmed by His resurrection

Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

Eze 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

Hosea 13: 14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from Mine eyes. 

Job 14:12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 13 O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be past, that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.

Psm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 
10 For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psm 17: 15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.

In light of all these scriptures from which Paul would have preached it is easy to see  is why he would have continued with the confirmation of the covenant while declaring the certainty of the Gospel.

Rom 6: 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

 I Cor 6: 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power.

I Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

I Cor 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.

II Cor 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

II Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. 

Phil 3:10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

The Apostle John was not silent, for he too confirmed the certainty of God’s covenant –

I John 2: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

Now, exactly how did Jesus confirm the covenant/promise of a resurrection? He confirmed the covenant with His own bodily resurrection. He proved He had the power to not only raise Himself from the dead, but others as well . . .

Matt 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

John 20: 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God.

Roman 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Now if Jesus confirmed the covenant with the Jews, both by His preaching and ultimately His bodily resurrection, just where are the remaining 3 ½ years of the 70th week???

I have come to believe that the final 3 ½ years will be fulfilled by the ministry of the two witness in Jerusalem ministering to the Jewish people the last days mentioned in Revelation chapter 11. These two witnesses will be again confirming the covenant of God to the descendants of Abraham testifying that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah the Prince. “And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them,” meaning that as the devil as stirred up wicked men throughout the history of humanity to murder the righteous, these two will killed and left unburied in an attempt to discredit the “myth” of Christianity.

Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

These two witnesses will know exactly who they are, and like Jesus they too will testify in their last days that they also will be martyred . . . but they too, like Jesus was, will be raised from the dead. This testimony will infuriate the Jewish people, but a remnant will listen and watch, for they will be pierced in their hearts and convicted by the Sword of Truth. These are the ones who will give glory unto God after the resurrection of the two witnesses.

Rev 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The only way any man can give glory unto God is to honor the Son as the Father . . .

John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them [the covenant]; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him.

This remnant giving glory unto the Son as their Redeemer will be the in-grafting back in of the Jews resulting in the fulfillment of the Vision of Daniel ushering the resurrection of the dead.

Ro 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

Lu 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Lastly, one more reason why I believe that Daniel 9:27 “in the midst of the week” is referring to Jesus causing “the sacrifice and oblations to cease” is because Jesus also died in the midst/middle of the week, on a Wednesday. For clarification of that please see my Trip to the Tomb thread.

(excerpt from post)

. . . in Mark’s account we see that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where and how the body of Jesus was buried (Mark 5:47). Then, “when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome” purchased sweet spices that when they came to the tomb they might anoint the body of Jesus for a proper burial because His body was prepared and buried in haste “before” sunset prior to a High Sabbath. This is a point that most fail to discern, that the week of Jesus’ crucifixion there were actually two Sabbaths. This “Sabbath” mentioned by Mark is not the seventh day weekly Sabbath, or Saturday, mention earlier in Matthew’s account. This “Sabbath” was day one of seven consecutive days of observance of the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, a “high holy day” and was therefore observed as a Sabbath since no servile work was to be done, see John 19:31.

. . . that Passover was on a Wednesday, which would have (regardless of our assumption) been the fourteenth day of the first month, (Lev 23:2). Then the Fifteenth day would have been Thursday, day one the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, declared by God to be a holy convocation and a High Sabbath. Therefore after the fifteenth day “was past” Friday came, they went out and “bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him” (Mark 16:1) and then, “prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the [fourth] commandment,” (Luke 23:56).

Summary

If these things have plausible credibility, then the whole seven-year tribulation message that has been taught and widely promoted by such fables as the “Left Behind” series, then we as believers have need to been diligent in our seeking to rightly discern the times and the seasons in which we are living and to pray that we may be found worthy to escape the wrath to come have posted before all the New Testament verses on tribulation in my post But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you . . .

Therefore we should give earnest heed to the words of our Savior and His apostle –

Lu 21:34 “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

2Th 1:5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.  6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you,  7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted ~!-++giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus,  9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,  10 when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day.  11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Continued below)

Necessity of Church Government and God’s gifts for men

Posted: January 26, 2019 in Study!
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Scriptural guidelines for the proper appointment of leadership for God’s people;
and the care and reverence required of the people for their overseers.

Let me first say that I understand time is short, and that we, as “the Church,” might not have time to fully return to the old paths that are so well defined in God’s word. Nevertheless, through the light of God’s word we can find the clarity we need to see our present failures and sins, be they by omission or commission. For only through His word can we find the needed conviction, which many have conveniently avoided, and hopefully humbly come to a true godly sorrow, find repentance, and be forgiven. For we all must own our mistakes if we are to recover ourselves by God’s grace from them so as to truly serve God according to His expressed will. Personally, I think a great deal of Christians and their churches out there desperately need to do such soul searching and repenting before the Lord Jesus returns.

Jeremiah 6:16 – Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

2 Corinthians 7:9 – Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

That said, please understand that I know, I truly do, that the modern so-called “Christian” church system has been corrupted and how all true believers should “come out from among them” and separate themselves from all its dead works. I get all that and understand the frustration of many and even partially agree, but that doesn’t mean those who truly want to serve God effectually, and worship Him in spirit and truth, and effectually minister to both the needs of the church and the lost, that we should just throw out God’s word like used bath water just because some in the church are unclean.

John 17:17 – Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.

Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; 26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

Hebrews 10:22 – Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1 Peter 1:22 – Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

No, we shouldn’t throw out God’s sound doctrine, as if it were old used bath water, merely because some are still unclean for their having failed to rightly divide, or apply it. For just as we were forewarned, hypocrites have risen up within the church who misuse God’s word to justified their positions, power, and ministries, and have thereby misrepresented Jesus Christ before the world; both in their character and preaching, and in so doing have spiritually abused and misled many in the church.

No, rather we should sanctify ourselves thoroughly by our obedient washing with the water of God’s word. As true Christians seeking to please God, we must endeavor to both faithfully and properly keep those decrees which were given to the Church by the unction of the Holy Spirit. For scripture reveals how those decrees were established under the authority of the apostles and guided the leadership of elders in the care and growth of the early church.

It simply does not matter how many wannabe ministers misinterpret, or have ill or selfish motives for their willfully doing things wrong, for all the hypocrites and apostates in the world and all their wrong doing will never nullify or alter God’s eternal truths given unto us in scripture. For today, when we’re closest to the end of ages, it remains a unchangeable fact that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

(more…)

It’s Easter again, what exactly happened at the tomb?

Posted: March 29, 2018 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
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Trips to the Tomb

For centuries there has been much confusion when people try to reason the different accounts of Jesus’ resurrection as recorded by the apostles. The fact that they all seem to have a different story to tell does not help. Perhaps, a good way to consider their seemingly different reports is to view them like transparent overlays, similar to the one’s we have seen in books showing the skeleton, then the nerves and blood vessels, organs, muscular and finally the skin and hair.

The Gospels, similarly, are each reporting different events which had taken place around a major singular occurrence, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The fact is that these different events are recorded in God’s word and are therefore true. Perhaps the answer to the confusion is to consider that there were multiple trips made to the tomb.

The best way to determine the possible order of these trips to the tomb is to consider the different details that have been given about the time of day and light of the sun. Was the sun going down or coming up? These questions are actually quite easy to answer. However, we must remember that the Sabbath, like all the other biblical days, began and ended with sundown, see Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31 and Lev. 23:32.

Matthew clearly tells us that when the two Marys where first headed to the tomb it was “IN the end of the Sabbath.” Therefore, according to Matthew this trip took place Saturday evening prior to sunset, “IN the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week.”

In the Strongs Concordance the word translated “end” is the Greek word “opse,” # 3697, which means – “late in the day; by extension, after the close of the day: –(at) even, in the end.” The translated phrase “as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week” adds to the confusion of most people and caused them to think Matthew is talking about the sunrise, or “dawn” as we would refer to it. The Greek word here was translated “dawn,” while at times a correct translation, is not however of necessity the intent original. The implication of the word, since it follows “opse,” properly means to “draw on,” or, “as the first day approached,” without specifying a precise time. As a matter of fact, that is exactly how the same word here translated “dawn” is translated in Luke 23:54, “And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.”

In English the word “dawn” is frequently used to mean the beginning of something – like “the dawn of space travel” would be a reference to the first flight of man in space. This careful chronological statement, “IN the END of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,” was recorded by the sovereign inspiration of the Holy Ghost in harmony with biblical/Jewish days clearly showing that it was before the Sabbath was over, that is before the sunset. It is during this time frame that the women made their trip “to see the sepulcher.” All the Jews at Matthew’s time would have without a doubt understood Matthew to be referring to the time just before sunset; the end of one day and the beginning of the next. Therefore, the earliest trip to the tomb we can qualify is Matthew’s account which took place “in the end of the Sabbath,” Saturday at sunset.

Next, in Mark’s account we see that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where and how the body of Jesus was buried (Mark 5:47). Then, “when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome” purchased sweet spices that when they came to the tomb they might anoint the body of Jesus for a proper burial because His body was prepared and buried in haste “before” sunset prior to a High Sabbath. This is a point that most fail to discern, that the week of Jesus’ crucifixion there were actually two Sabbaths.

This “Sabbath” mentioned by Mark is not the seventh day weekly Sabbath, or Saturday, mention earlier in Matthew’s account. This “Sabbath” was day one of seven consecutive days of observance of the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, a “high holy day” and was therefore observed as a Sabbath since no servile work was to be done, see John 19:31. These high holy days “are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations . . . beside [apart from] the [weekly] sabbaths of the LORD,” (Lev. 23:37,38).

Lev. 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S Passover.
6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
7 In the first day [day fifteen] ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, everything upon his day:
38 Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.

Let’s assume that Passover was on a Wednesday, which (regardless of such assumption) would have been the fourteenth day of the first month, (Lev 23:2). Then the Fifteenth day would have been Thursday, day one the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, declared by God to be a holy convocation and a High Sabbath. Therefore after the fifteenth day “was past” Friday came, they went out and “bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him” (Mark 16:1) and then, “prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the [fourth] commandment,” (Luke 23:56).

The Apostle Mark records the actual time that the women went to the tomb was “very early in the morning the first day of the week . . . at the rising of the sun” (Mark 16:2). This different account of Mark can only be understood without contradiction as another trip to the tomb. This is probably the latest trip to the tomb because Mark alone mentions it taking place at “the rising of the sun.”

Luke’s account, like Mark’s, mentions the herbs and it being very early in the morning “upon the first day of the week.” However their account differs from each other when it comes to the number of angels at the tomb, one in Mark’s account, two in Luke’s. Also, Mark mentions that it was Salome that was with the two Marys, where Luke says it was Joanna.

Mark also tells us that the women “trembled and were amazed, neither said they anything to any man for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8). Yet Luke says that, “Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them told these things unto the apostles” (Luke 24:10). Are these contradictions? Or are these accounts of different trips with a different mixture of people going at different times?

Now the Apostle John’s account is completely different from everyone’s in that he states how Mary Magdalene went alone to the tomb and records events unique to her visit, such as her seeing Jesus outside the tomb and mistaking Him as the gardener.

Now are all the accounts wrong? Or are some right and others wrong? If so, which ones are which? As believers in the infallibility of God’s word we must believe them all to be correct. Therefore, we must endeavor to place all the pieces of information together according to the clues given and then fill in the blanks with what might have taken place and why . . . this is only a reasoning at best.

Trip 1 – Matthew 28

1. In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Who went;

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Which “other Mary” Matthew is referring to we cannot tell for sure.

When;

This visit is Saturday evening, before sunset, “in the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week.”

Purpose;

To SEE the sepulchre (tomb). They were not going to anoint the body at this time. The purpose of this trip was to ease their sorrow and pain by visiting the grave of their lost loved one.

What happened;

“Behold there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not, for I know ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead: and behold, He goes before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.”‘

(We should note that this is the only account of the ‘keepers” or soldiers in regards to any of the visits to the tomb. This is because after what happened they fled to tell the chief priests the things they saw.)

Response of the visitors;

“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them saying, ‘All hail.’ And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, ‘Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee and there shall they see Me.”‘

Response of the disciples to the resurrection report;

Matthew does not record the women telling the disciples the news. This may possibly be because the women did not tell for fear of credibility with the disciples. This would account for a second trip in which Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James sought to take “other women” with them back to the tomb under the pretense of preparing the body of Jesus as they had earlier planned to. If so, it is likely these new women were told nothing of what the two Marys had seen earlier. Then, with the extra witness of the other women they would be bolder to confront the disciples with the news.

Trip 2 – Luke 24

1. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they [The first women] came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others [women brought they] with them.
2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Who went;

Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women (Luke 24:10).

When;

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning” (Luke 24:1).

Notice the Apostle Luke says nothing in regards to the light of day? That is because it was still dark. This “very early in the morning” was apparently before sunrise.

This trip’s purpose;

The women came bringing the spices they had prepared to anoint the body of Jesus. Perhaps this was the pretense of the trip (I’ll explain why later) in which Mary Magdalene and the other Mary brought “certain others with them” (Luke 24:1).

What happened;

“They found the stone rolled away” (Luke 24:2). There was no earthquake, no soldiers, and no angel sitting upon the stone. Therefore “they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed there about, behold two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they (the two angels) said unto them, ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead?”‘

This first part of the comment by the angels was perhaps a rebuke to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who were told earlier by the first angel, who rolled back the stone, that Jesus had risen. Not only were they told this, but they had also seen Him as well when they left the tomb earlier. Still, these two angels confirm the message to all the women, “He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words” (Luke 24.6-8).

Response of the visitors;

“And they returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles” (Luke 24:9,10).

Response of the disciples to the resurrection report;

“And their words seemed as idle tales, and they believed them not.”

How well the women knew the disciples of Jesus. Even though there were many witnesses, the disciples refused to believe. This disbelief of the disciples was probably coupled with ridicule, much like when Peter was freed from prison by the angel and knocked at the door of the house. When the damsel “came to hearken . . . she knew Peter’s voice and ran in told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her ‘Thou art mad!”‘ (Acts 12:13,14).

The disciples were frequently given to fits of unbelief and strife amongst themselves. Now to have these women telling them the unheard of, it is not hard to see how they could lash out at these women (even though Jesus Himself told them these things would be). Mary Magdalene, overcome by their disbelief and cruelty returns to the tomb again by herself, questioning herself of all she has seen and heard.

Trip 3 – John 20

1. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and sees the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Who went;

Mary Magdalene alone.

When;

“The first day of the week . . . early, when it is yet dark” (John 20:1).

Purpose;

To settle her own confusion brought on by what all she had seen and the disciples strong hurtful response toward her “idle tales.”

What happened;

Mary, upon her return, sees that the stone is indeed rolled away from the opening of the sepluchre. Determined to settle what is going on, she returns this time to find “Peter and the other disciple” and because they did not believe her first report, she now tells them a new report “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him” (John 20:2).

Response of the disciples to Mary’s new report;

“Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they both ran together: and the other did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together just as it had been wrapped about Jesus’ head in a place by itself. Then went in that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.”

But they believed what? They did not believe the first report of Jesus’ resurrection, but they did believe this second report that His body was stolen.

“For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home” (John 20:3-10).

How Mary’s crisis was settled;

Peter and John’s belief that the body of Jesus had been stolen offered no comfort to Mary. She had seen angels and heard their glorious report of Jesus’ resurrection and yet nobody believed her. Now in despair, she questions all she had seen and heard. Having been left by the two disciples, “Mary stood without the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and sees two angels in white sitting, the one at the head the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain”

“And they said unto her, ‘Woman, why weepest thou?” The angels (knowing that Mary had been told by them, or other angels, that Jesus had risen) did not understand Mary’s sorrow. She said unto them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.”This statement clearly reveals how the disciples’ lack of faith had virtually destroyed Mary’s own. Fortunately the Author and Finisher of her faith was jealous for her.

“And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus said unto her, ‘Woman, why weepest thou?’ She supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, ‘Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him and I will take him away.”‘

Poor Mary, her hope was so crushed by the disciples ridicule and lack of faith, that now she too, regardless of the angelic reports, believes Jesus to be still dead.

“Jesus saith unto her, ‘Mary.’ She turned herself, and saith unto Him, ‘Rabboni’ which is to say, ‘Master”‘ (John 20:11-16).

How comforting it must have been to hear that voice of love speak her name again. A voice which she, (being one of His sheep), had come to know and trust. All Jesus said was her name and her faith was restored. Oh if we would only listen when Jesus calls us by name, what healing power His voice could have for us!

Trip 4 – Mark 16

1. And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

When;

2. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

The fact that the sun was recorded as “rising” makes this the latest trip recorded.

Who went;

Having already been confronted by the disbelief of the disciples Mary Magdalene now goes and finds Mary the mother of James and Salome, and they get other women. Instead of them telling the other women about Jesus’ resurrection and risk being ridiculed by them as well, they kept their secret. In pretense they continue with their original plans to take the herbs, which they had purchased after the first day of the seven consecutive days of the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, and go to anoint the body of Jesus.

And as they went “they said among themselves, ‘Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?”‘ It was probably the two Mary’s asking this question of the other women. Like most people with a secret, they had a hard time keeping this one to themselves. So while not talking about what all they had seen earlier, they talk about what they know will be the first sign of Jesus’ resurrection that the other women will see.

4. And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

5. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment: and they were affrighted.

Notice how here in Mark’s account there is only “one young man” here and not “two angels?” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if instead of this being an angel, it was actually the thief on the cross next to Jesus? I’m not saying it was, but is there someone who can say it was not? The scriptures make the point how this “one young man” was clothe in a “long white garment.” It is white raiment which represents the righteousness of the saints and what better garment for the one whom by faith stood by Jesus at the end? What better reward than to be one of those privileged to declare His resurrection? Does not Matthew tell us, “And the graves were open: and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the grave after His resurrection, and went and appeared unto many?” Who can truly tell? Certainly not I. But in case you are not hearing me, once again, I’m not saying it was without a doubt the thief on the cross . . . but then who can say it was not?

6. And he saith unto them, ‘Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they had lain Him.

For even here we can see his reference to Jesus as being “of Nazareth” is the way the people referred to one another back then. Like “Paul of Tarsus” or “Simon, a Cyrenian,” or “Joseph of Arimathea,” or “Mnason of Cyprus.” Men identified men with where they came from. The angel in Matthew referred to Jesus as the “Lord.” This by far is the most accurate account of Jesus, “Lord.” To refer to Jesus as being from Nazareth is more the perspective of man than that of God or the angels. They know from whence He truly came.

7. But go your way, [as you were previously told], and tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.

8. And they went out quickly and fled from the sepulcher; for they trembled and were amazed; neither said they anything to any man; for they were afraid.

Can you imagine Mary Magdalene going back to try and tell the disciples again what they all saw? If indeed it was the thief on the cross? Can you see her telling them that she saw the thief as well? “I saw the thief that was crucified with Jesus and he said Jesus is alive too!” I’m sure that would have gone over really big.

Luke and John both mention how the women, then Mary, all told someone what they saw and heard, but not here. This time the encounter and message were not told “to any man: for they were afraid.” What were the women afraid of? The reason they told no one because they “afraid” of more and even greater ridicule. Now had this “young man . . . clothed in a long white garment” had been an angel, his angelic position would have perhaps obliged the women to go and tell. But if this “man,” was the condemned thief, what authority had he? Of course you and l, not in their situation, can readily see his authority would be of God. But put yourself in their position. Put yourself in Mary Magdalene’s, after all she had been through. What would you do?

It was not until Sunday evening (before sunset because it is still the first day of the week) that Jesus appeared unto all the disciples “as they sat at meat.” Then Jesus rebuked them for “their unbelief (lack of faith) and hardness of heart (lack of compassion on the women), because they believed not them which had seen Him after He had risen!”

Please, do not be as they were, slow to believe all that the scriptures tell you. It truly is as Jesus said unto Thomas, “Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they which have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Therefore I pray you too may be blessed for your belief in His resurrection.

In light of the fact the Jesus’ resurrection took place on the Sabbath, and not Sunday morning, (as most have been taught), one would do well to be prayerful regarding the soundness of teaching of Sunday being the new “Christian Sabbath” or proof for ignoring the Sabbath. For if such teaching is founded solely upon the assumption that Sunday is the day that Jesus rose from the dead, then the foundation for Sunday being the new “Lord’s Day” may well be one of sand and not stone.

When considering the Sabbath, I am reminded of the words of God spoken to us by His prophet Isaiah as he prophesied of the Lord’s coming judgment. “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and turneth it upside down . . . because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, [thus] broken the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:1-5). Notice “laws” is plural and “ordinance” is singular. Of all the Ten Commandments there is only one ordinance given, that being “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy.” These are sobering words that cause me to cautiously consider the wisdom of some who seemingly dismiss the Fourth Commandment but not the rest.

However, please, please, do not let this be a means of divisiveness. In these times we must focus on drawing near to God and seeking Him while He may be found. The Sabbath may indeed be a blessing to those who find rest and communion with God on that day – but it is no wise a foundational stone for their salvation. Jesus Christ slain and resurrected is the only foundation for salvation in the proclamation of the Gospel.

Remember, if at all possible, follow peace with all men and that true faith works by love, sacrificial love.

1Co 13:8 Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we all only know in part, and therefore we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then this which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 Likewise, presently we see through a glass, darkly; but then it will be face to face: now I can only know in part; but then I will know even as also I am known.
13 Right now abides faith, hope, charity, but of these three the greatest is charity.

Live for the King.

Chart of Days and Events

Why God Created Us Male And Female

Posted: July 10, 2017 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
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Whom shall God teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breast. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. (Isaiah 28:9, 10)

In order for anyone to understand anything, they must first be made aware of some basic principles. In math, for instance, one could not very well understand multiplication without first understanding addition.

True understanding can only come from knowledge founded upon God’s precepts. Therefore, this post is an effort to present those precepts that are necessary to know in order to understand the role of male and female, and “why” God created us such.

God created humanity In order for anyone to understand anything, they must first be made aware of some basic principles. In math for instance, one could not very well understand multiplication without first understanding addition.

True understanding can only come from knowledge founded upon God’s precepts. Therefore, this post is an effort to present some of those precepts that are necessary to know in order to understand the role of male and female, and “why” God created us such.

God created humanity to be both male and female so they could “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” In Titus chapter 2 there are many examples for this are given, husbands and wives, masters and servants, and the young with their elders. We can especially see it in children honoring and obeying their parents according to the commandment, the only commandment with a promise, and that of a long life, and the way it easily reflects how we as God’s children through our faith do honor and obey Him and likewise have the promise of eternal life.

To begin, we must first acknowledge how it was the male who was first created in the image of God with a position on the earth similar to God in the heaven. Even nowadays, when in a right relationship with God, a man will faithfully represent God in all his dealings, both in his own household and with his neighbor.

Since true love and commitment must be of one’s free will, God designed humanity with the ability to choose to be either His glory or His shame in the earth. When a man (male) humbles himself and chooses to submit to the precepts of God, he becomes the glory of God in the earth. His life will then both affirm and reflect both the righteous judgments and attributes of God.

Next, we need to acknowledge how the Bible teaches that the foundation for woman was taken from man and then perfectly made for the man. By God’s Royal design the woman should be to man what man was meant to be to God, his glory.

“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. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man,” (1Co 11:3-9).

Since woman was created for the man, when a woman aligns her life with the principles that God established to guide the role of a wife, she truly does becomes the glory of her husband. However, if she rejects God’s order and challenges her husband’s position of authority as established by God, it only results in her becoming a shame unto him, for as it says in Proverbs, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”

When a woman is resolved in her heart to serve God by faithfully tending to her husband’s home and personal needs, she then represents that part of humanity (the true church) which has resolved to fear God and to keep his commandments. “This is the whole duty of man,” (Eccl. 12:13). Through her relationship with her husband the righteous woman literally preaches through her actions and life to all humanity the personal relationship God desires each of us to have with Him. The proof of our love is absolute trust and submission. The result of our love will be true and total intimacy.

In Ephesians we see how our role of man and woman, husband and wife proclaim the gospel.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, EVEN AS Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify it and cleanse it by the washing of the water by the word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church. Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth it and cherisheth it, EVEN AS THE LORD THE CHURCH. For we are member of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.” (Ephesians 5:22-30)

At this point I believe it would be profitable for the sake everyone’s understanding the point I am trying to make to go to Genesis.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He HIM, male and female created He them. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and the Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a help meet.’ And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called each living creature, that was the name thereof. But for Adam there was not found a help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and God took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib which the Lord God had taken FROM MAN made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is bone of MY BONES [not God’s], and flesh of MY FLESH: she shall be called woman, BECAUSE she was TAKEN OUT OF MAN.”

By these scriptures we can see it was the man, who was created in the image of God, and is symbolic of God. It is also very important to point out here that, while even in the midst of a creation full of living creatures, man was alone. The woman was taken FROM man and is for the man. Therefore, if man is symbolic of God, the woman is symbolic of humanity and should rightly represent humanity.

But here is a question that needs to be asked, why didn’t God create man and woman at the same time?  No doubt God could foresee Adam’s need. Why therefore was woman taken from man and not made from the dust like man?

Because it was God’s intention to placed the male in a position parallel to His own–with an authority over his (man’s) kingdom and alone with no suitable mate. God did this so Adam could identify with God, both positionally and emotionally. God brought all the animals to Adam not only to name them, but so he could see that among all of them there was no suitable helper for him. Because God in His realm of the heavens, like Adam in the earth below, found none among the angelic beings suitable to be His helper. It was only after Adam realized just how alone he was, after his naming all those animals, that God finally created for him the woman. From a place close to his heart woman was taken. For it was man’s heart, and not his strength, that was incomplete.

The creation of humanity was prompted out of a yearning of God’s heart for His own bride, a suitable helper and mate. Adam being created first and living among all the animals alone, and then God creating Eve gives us a great picture into the whole divine purpose of humanity and why we must be holy. It even reveals why the greatest commandment God has ever given to man is to love God with all his heart, soul, strength, with the entire essence of man’s being, for this is the same commitment God requires a wife to have toward her husband. For the husband, God’s requirements are that he loves, protect, cherish and provide for her, honoring her as the weaker of the two, for such is God’s commitment toward man. “Therefore” as both Adam prophesied and Paul wrote, “for this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24, Eph. 5:3 1).

Becoming “one flesh” reflects the merging of two hearts and minds in an endeavor to live as one through the covenant of marriage. This covenant is sealed and confirmed by the physical joining of a man and woman together through sexual intimacy. By Royal design the male and female bodies fit together as one, with the male (representing God) entering into the female (representing humanity), face to face and heart to heart. Then the man imparts his corruptible (able to perish) seed into the woman and life springs forth. But God causes us to be “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Yet this union of male and female is lawful only when the two have agreed to enter into a covenant, for better or worse, to be mutually committed to each other for the rest of their lives.

Humanity’s union with God can only be obtained alter there’s a heart resolve to serve God, as God has instructed the woman to serve her husband (Gen. 3:16). Without a commitment to pick up our cross and deny ourselves daily, we cannot be His disciples; true oneness can never be obtained.

The importance of this commitment was given by Jesus Himself, “He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself unto him and We will come and make Our abode with him” (John 14:21,23).

Jesus said” “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many [so-called Christians] will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you, depart from me ye that worked iniquity”‘ (Matthew 7:21-23).

Should Jesus one day say to us, “I never knew you,” He won’t be saying, “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I’ve made your acquaintance.” Jesus knows every person who has ever lived and has all the hairs on our heads numbered. What Jesus meant by “knew” was “total intimacy and oneness”. It’s in this manner that the Bible refers to how Joseph “knew” not Mary till alter Jesus was born Matthew 1:25).

We know this intimacy (spiritually) is Jesus’ desire by His prayer to the Father –

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they ALL may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be ONE IN US, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou hast given Me [the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit] I have given them; that they may be one, EVEN AS we are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in oneness]; that the world know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, even as We are one,” (John 17:20-23).

In regards to the marriage of man and women we do well to remember that their intimate sexual union is only a shadow of the greater spiritual intimacy God desires. The intimacy God desires with His church is infinitely greater and rewarding than a man and women’s mere physical union of flesh because it’s the fulfillment of God’s desire and man’s purpose. In Ephesians we see this confirmed, “A man . . . shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall be ONE flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning (Jesus) Christ and the church!!!” (Eph. 5:31, 32).

Because of the churches their failure to clearly teach the righteous precepts of God and just saying “no sex before marriage” that few nowadays realize what it is sexual intimacy prophetically represents and why exactly God hates fornication, or “free sex.” Fornication is man’s vain attempt to satisfy that void without making a commitment which can only be satisfied by God Himself. Nevertheless, humanity foolishly attempts to satisfy that void through their sexual misconduct, or as they profess, “their sexual liberties.”

Because man’s true needs are spiritual, and not physical, his sexual endeavors can never accomplish more than a momentary gratification of his flesh. His sin will only worsen his state while true need remains unfulfilled. Therefore, his momentary gratification soon fades and he returns to his unsatisfied condition. Like an addict, seduced by today’s reprobate morality, man becomes a hopeless slave to this vicious cycle.

Yet, like the scriptures ask us, “Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?” Can a man be fulfilled by casual sex with another which no commitment? No. Not only does he commit sin by neglecting God’s precepts, but he then becomes accountable for contributing to the other person’s sins as well.

One major problem preachers have had in presenting AIDS as the judgment of God when it first became an epidemic was the lack of infection in the female homosexual community. Way back in 1988 a lesbian wrote to a religious columnist pointing out Romans 1:26: “Even their women exchanged the natural relations for unnatural ones.” She then asked, “If AIDS is the judgment of God, then why are there so few reported cases of AIDS among us?” This was a question which stumped both the columnist and me as well for some time. But God is faithful and He’ll enlighten any man who diligently seeks understanding. Just let him ask God with the intention of embracing His wisdom and faithfully obeying it, (James 1:5-7).

To understand and explain the error in the homosexual’s sin it is necessary to review so as to understand the true purpose for God creating man. Otherwise we will never recognize that the sin God is judging is not the homosexual’s sexual perversion, rather it’s their misrepresentation of God as men created in His image. Likewise the lesbian’s error is their failure, as women, to represent the church’s uncompromising love for God by their lack of affection to the male.

Romans chapter 1 exposes the foundation of the homosexual’s of error in sin.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men [the male part of the species], who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, BECAUSE WHAT MAY BE KNOWN OF GOD IS [is to] MANIFEST IN THEM [the male], for God has shown it to [or through] them. For the invisible things of Him [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [the male and female roles], even [God and] His eternal power and Godhead [are made apparent], so that they [male and female] are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were they thankful [for the glorious life God gave them and called them to], but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise they became fools, and CHANGED THE GLORY OF THE INCORRUPTIBLE GOD into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies between themselves, who changed the TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE, AND WORSHIPED AND SERVED THE CREATURE MORE THAN THE CREATOR, who is blessed forever. Amen,” (Romans 1:18-25).

The “truth of God” that males homosexuality changed into a lie is how “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). God loves the world so much He gave His only Son to die for its redemption. Yet when men reject their natural passion for women and turn to other men to satisfy their God given desire for “oneness through intimacy,” their actions present to the world the lie that “God has no affection for humanity! God only loves Himself!” This is blasphemy!!!

There’s no greater love than a man laying his life down for his friends, and Jesus laid down His life on the cross for all humanity; homosexual, straight, black, white, and green!! There is no greater love anywhere than God’s love or His commitment to man!!!

“For this cause God gave them [men] up unto vile passions: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another; men with men working that which is unseemly [anal intercourse], and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet,” (Romans 1:26,27).

Again, the error of the homosexual is not their profane method of sexual intercourse. That is only a “fruit” of their error. The “root” is their failure to correctly represent God as a lover of the weaker vessel. By Royal design, man’s role in life is to be that of affectionate concern for woman–loving her, cherishing her, protecting and providing for her. The woman in turn, is to return her love through willful and uncompromising service to the man, even as unto the Lord, thus adorning “the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

Homosexuals fail in all these areas. But that still doesn’t explain why the female counterparts of the homosexual community have not contracted AIDS in like proportion, if indeed AIDS is a judgment of God.

Let’s review Romans 1:20: “For the invisible things… are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are…” Now please bear with me, I’m not taking this scripture out of context, rather I’m using the principle of the scripture for understanding. The principle is this; a man (male) when in a right relationship with God will be a righteous representation of God in the earth. This will be evident by his effectiveness as both a covering and instructor of righteousness to his wife and children. The woman, in turn, will happily love her husband with submissive service. The children, if properly instructed in righteousness from their youth, will not depart from it when they grow old (Proverbs 22:6).

However, when men who are to be the image and glory of God, reject God as their covering and forsake the natural affection they should have toward God–then “even their women” will “change the natural use into that which is against nature.” Although bearing like fruit of error, the female’s error is merely evidence of the man’s. And yet, though the man’s error may blasphemously misrepresent God, the lesbian’s life-style sadly proclaims the truth about humanity, they have become lovers of their own selves instead of lovers of God! On the other hand, God does not afflict the lesbian because in the midst of her sin she does accurately represent today’s mass of humanity.

Still, it is very important that as Christians we understand that AIDS is God’s judgment and not His wrath, there is a difference. God has so judged the male homosexual for the reproach they’ve brought to God’s glory, both on earth and in heaven. The fallen angels rejoice at the lie of the homosexual’s lifestyle, mocking and accusing God of being a lover of “self” more than a lover of humanity.

Nevertheless God stands justified. Yes, “great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh [and became obedient to His own precepts of righteousness, even to the death of the cross redeeming humanity back to Himself. By the cross, [God] was justified [of angelic and human accusation] in the Spirit, [His unselfish love was confirmed by His death] seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, [because God loves man so much, He left His throne to become clothed with human flesh to die for our redemption and therefore He was] received up into glory!” (I Timothy 3:16).

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Eph. 3:8-11).

“Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into,” (II Pet. 1:2).

I know by now those who have read this far are asking the question, “If AIDS is the judgment of God on the homosexual, then why do heterosexuals get AIDS?” The answer is found in II John 6-11.

“And this is love, that we walk after His commandment. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed): for he that biddeth him God speed is a partaker of his evil deeds.”

When liberal minded heterosexuals stand up for the “rights” of homosexuals who improperly “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior,” they too will be identified with the homosexuals. We cannot stand up for the unrighteousness of the wicked and still stand with Jesus. The two are opposed to each other. We are either with and for Jesus, or we’re against Him.

God has allowed AIDS to take its course in the heterosexual populace because they demanded their government to “protect” the “rights” of homosexuals. God has warned us, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Nevertheless, there are in fact many AIDS patients who are indeed truly victims, just like the casualty of a Red Cross worker in a war zone. They are not at fault; rather they are victims of another man’s sin. God knows it and will do what is right by the victim.

Still, we must be careful how we sympathize with those whose affliction of AIDS is brought on by their sin. While we are always to be compassionate and labor in love to recover the sinner back to God, sympathy can cause us to feel that their affliction is unfair. Remember, God in His righteousness has rewarded the sinner according to their sin. To side with the sinner in feeling that their “reward” is unfair would foolishly put us in the position of judging God. With God there is no “fair” or “unfair,” only justice and mercy. Let us always be compassionate to all men, but let us reserve our sympathy for the true victims of the HIV virus, the hemophiliac, the health care worker, the policeman, the patient infected because of a HIV positive doctor or dentist, etc.

Nevertheless, we must be compassionate, for compassion has divine redemptive qualities. With AIDS, effective compassion can only be a humble presentation of the truth, that they might see their error, repent, and be reconciled to God. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,” (Tim. 2:25,26).

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, which walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes! Then would I not be ashamed, when I look into all your commandments. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Thy word. With my whole heart I have sought you; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You, (Psalm 119:1-6, 9-11).

Live for the King!

Will the spirit of Nimrod truly return?

Posted: August 23, 2016 in Study!, Wake Up!
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Once again, I am compelled to re-share a study I recently did on certain words pertaining to the sons of God (i.e., fallen angels) who prior to the days of Noah had taken wives of the daughters of men and the consequent introduction of their hybridized offspring into God’s creation. I did the study because there has been a considerable amount of speculative chatter out there among the many self-proclaimed watchmen on their respective YouTube channels and the ever-growing and equally diverse so-called Christian endtimes prophecy teachers as to what “really happened” back then. The following video is what prompted my reposting and is here for those of you who aren’t aware of exactly what I am referencing.

Now normally I appreciate what the author says in her videos, but in this video she stated “Babel means gateway of the gods, or gate of the gods.” So I commented on her video the following;

“In this video you stated “Babel means gateway of the gods, or gate of the gods.” Such could not be farther from the truth. Why are people foolishly rejecting God’s word and accepting the lies of the adversary?

Genesis 11:9 – Therefore is the name of it called Babel; BECAUSE the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Babel doesn’t mean “gateway of the gods” or “gate of the gods,” it means babble, or confusion. Why would you want to embrace something so contrary to what God’s word says? Please, please read the word of God and quit interpreting it in the blacklight of the deceptive lies within the Sumerian texts and/or language… or anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine.”

Now I don’t mean to insult or offend her or anyone, but when seekers and Christians are being bombarded with so many different voices and messages, I think it is best we all go back to the sure word of prophecy which was given by the unction of the Holy Spirit through holy men of God and let it be the final discerner. For there is a significant increase in these various, and I would say presumptuous, teachings based upon endless conjecture. Yet such speculative reasoning has become the guiding light whereby these “watchmen” are now authoritatively predicting what the luciferian elite are ultimately planning, and subsequently what must also be getting ready to happen any day now. All this is resulting in more confusion than clarity and we must remember that confusion is never the byproduct of truth. Need I remind everyone that God’s word is the only light whereby we are to be guided?

Nevertheless, some are boldly asserting in their teachings, as if it is undeniable and even biblically obvious, that Nimrod somehow managed to alter his DNA and by such means became a “gibborim.” Consequently, they would assert, Nimrod became the first transhuman after the flood.  However, that is not where all this ends with these variations of this rapidly budding extra-biblical concept, for many are now proclaiming that not only did Nimrod achieve superhuman powers as a result of his DNA modification, but that either he or his spirit will again return in the form of the last days’ antichrist…

I am sorry, but I definitely need some sound scriptural reference for all this, especially that last one. For since when did God’s people begin to interpret “biblical” prophecies by what the deceived and wicked luciferian elite are planning?

First, I like to share this little bit here from TABLE 2 on how the Hebrew word “Gibbowr” was used a total of 158 times in 152 verses. Here is a break down on how it was used in its various references:

  • to the godly 90 times (57%)
  • to the ungodly 45 times (28.5%)
  • to specifically reference The Lord Himself, 11 times (7%)
  • it was used 8 times in the neutral for mighty men (5%)
  • for the captive Israelites 2 times (1.255%)
  • referencing the angels 1 time, (.625%)
  • was even used in reference a lion, 1 time (.625%)

The results show the Biblical usage of “gibbowr” to reference the Lord, the godly, the captive Israelites, and angels, approximately 66% of the time as compared to it being used referencing the ungodly just 28.5% of the time. Therefore, we can see that statistically “gibbowr” is used in scripture in reference to the godly more than twice as many times as it is used in reference of the ungodly. Thus, for anyone to be asserting a positive or negative, natural or unnatural, good or evil connotation to the Hebrew word “gibbowr,” would be to engage in dishonest exegesis which could only result in erroneous postulations from scripture. No passage of scripture should ever be subjected to private or isolated interpretation, for it can result in a flawed theology. We must examine the overall interpretation of a word or verse in light of the available various transliterations; for if our speculation does not remain in contextual agreement with the whole of scripture, then it cannot be deemed worthy of one’s acceptance as truth.

Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good, (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

My position on things is simple, I must stick to what scripture clearly says if I want to be prepared for what lies ahead. Be assured that the fallen angels know that their remaining time is limited, however those who are worshipping and serving them don’t. So Christians would do well to remember that the whole world is little more than a stage full of deceived role players; each committed to fulfilling their part because they wholeheartedly believe in the deceiver’s lies. But again, these fallen angels know full well that their time is short because they were miserably defeated openly on the cross of Calvary by Jesus Christ, our King eternal, immortal, invisible, and the only wise God our Savior.

Just because the father of lies has purposely staged the world with endless myths, idols, and other such props over thousands of years,  such antiquated relics are no more a confirmation of spiritual reality than those facades on the stages of Hollywood. They have all been placed intentionally in order to promote his great endtime deception upon humanity to hinder men’s faith through fear. What alarms me is how many “watchmen” are no longer just informing others about the scheming lies of the illuminati and the powers of darkness, but rather how they have aggressively begun to share these deceitful plans as things sure to come to pass. Brothers and sisters, please wake up! God’s holy word alone is the “sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

It doesn’t matter how many props they have set up over thousands of years or how loud and confidently they boast of their plans, the Lord will have them in derision and He will certainly bring their plans to ruin.

The following words are listed in all their scriptural contexts in separate tables for a thorough examination of their usage and application.

  1. TABLE 1 – Nephilim – Translated “giants” in scripture.
  1. TABLE 2 – Gibbowr – Translated “mighty men” in scripture.
  1. TABLE 3 – Chalal – Translated “began, begin, begun, defile, defiled, pollute, polluted, profane, profaned, prostituted” in scripture.
  1. Table 4 – ‘Enowsh – Mainly translated “man” or “men” but has also been translated “the bloodthirsty, certain (chief, of the children, of the elders, of the heads), divers, husbands, merchantmen, people, persons, servant(s), some, strangers, their, them, they, those, we, workmen” in scripture.

In my word study various historic resources were employed in certain of the tables to provide a cross-examination of the historical usage of words in an effort to glean a more thorough awareness of the archaic understanding of the texts where these words were used in scripture. These resources include the Onkelos Targum, the Targum of Jonathan Ben Uzziel, the Septuagint, and Josephus. The following are brief descriptions of these resources.

  • The Onkelos Targum – “is the official eastern (Babylonian) targum (Aramaic translation) to the Torah. However, its early origins may have been western, in Israel. Its authorship is attributed to Onkelos, אונקלוס, a famous convert to Judaism in Tannaic times (c. 35–120 CE),” (source: Wikipedia).
  • The Targum of Jonathan Ben Uzziel – “otherwise referred to as Targum Yonasan/Yonatan, is the official eastern (Babylonian) Targum to the Nevi’im. Its early origins, however, are western (i.e. from the Land of Israel), and the Talmudic tradition attributes its authorship to Jonathan ben Uzziel. Its overall style is very similar to that of Targum Onkelos, though at times it seems to be a looser paraphrase. The language of Targum Jonathan is Aramaic.
  • In Talmudic times (and to this day in Yemenite Jewish communities) Targum Jonathan was read as a verse-by-verse translation alternatively with the Hebrew verses of the haphtarah in the synagogue. Thus, when the Talmud states that “a person should complete his portions of scripture along with the community, reading the scripture twice and the Targum once” (Berakhot 8a-b), the passage may be taken to refer to Targum Jonathan (as well as to Targum Onkelos on the Torah),” (source: Wikipedia).
  • Josephus – “was a first-century Romano-Jewish scholar, historian and hagiographer, who was born in Jerusalem—then part of Roman Judea—to a father of priestly descent and a mother who claimed royal ancestry. He initially fought against the Romans during the First Jewish–Roman War as head of Jewish forces in Galilee, until surrendering in 67 AD to Roman forces led by Vespasian after the six-week siege of Jotapata. Josephus claimed the Jewish Messianic prophecies that initiated the First Roman-Jewish War made reference to Vespasian becoming Emperor of Rome. In response Vespasian decided to keep Josephus as a slave and interpreter. After Vespasian became Emperor in 69 AD, he granted Josephus his freedom, at which time Josephus assumed the emperor’s family name of Flavius.”

The study is thorough and I leave you with it to reach your own conclusions. Though much of it is the presentation of scriptures, there are notes included I feel are worthy of your prayerful consideration. Simply click to view or right-click Study PDF file and “save as” to download it to your own computer for review.

For the thinkers in the crowd I would like to present a question, but must first present some biblical facts. The word “antichrist” has only been used 4 times in scripture, and only by the Apostle John. He refers to it as a “spirit of antichrist.” Antichrist simply means a false christ. He also stated that there were “many antichrists.”

1 John 2:18 – Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2:22 – Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:3 – And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 John 1:7  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

So again, here is the question,

Why didn’t the Holy Spirit lead John use this word “antichrist” in the Book of Revelation?

Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks

Posted: May 23, 2016 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Study!
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
0

It is asserted by those who embrace the doctrine of a seven year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9. In this chapter the angel Gabriel tells Daniel that “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Gabriel then continues by telling Daniel that “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city.”

We must remember that Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of Daniel’s supplications when he was confessing his own sins and the sins of Israel. Therefore the “matter . . . and the vision” which Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand was connected to his prayer for Israel in captivity. In all, there were seven specific things Gabriel prefaces to the “understanding” of the vision with –

  1. It was a period of time(a) regarding Daniel’s people and the holy city(b)
    1. Seventy weeks
    2. Jerusalem
  2. It was to “finish the transgression”
  3. It was to “make an end of sins”
  4. It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
  5. It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
  6. It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
  7. It was to “to anoint the most Holy”

The Angel Gabriel continues explaining to Daniel that the seventy weeks are going to be divided into three specific time periods, whereby each will serve specific prophetic purposes with outlining events and definite conclusions –

  1. Seven weeks                    7
  2. Plus sixty two weeks           7 + 62 = 69 weeks total
  3. Plus the last week              1 + 69 = 70 weeks total

Let’s quickly review these verses to give us a fresh recall of them before we continue-

Daniel 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

It is that last week in verse 27, commonly referred to as Daniel’s seventieth week that has become accepted and known as the Seven Year Tribulation and linked to this verse in Daniel. Originally I had intended starting this post by listing the particulars of this seventy weeks revelation from the angel.

(more…)

Will the spirit of Nimrod truly return?

Posted: July 27, 2015 in Study!, Wake Up!
Tags: , , ,
2

I am compelled to share a study I recently did on certain words pertaining to the sons of God (i.e., fallen angels) who prior to the days of Noah had taken wives of the daughters of men and the consequent introduction of their hybridized offspring into God’s creation. I did the study because there has been a considerable amount of speculative chatter out there among the many self-proclaimed watchmen on their respective YouTube channels and the ever-growing and equally diverse so-called Christian endtimes prophecy teachers as to what “really happened” back then.

Now I don’t mean to insult or offend anyone, but when seekers and Christians are being bombarded with so many different voices and messages, I think it is best to go back to the sure word of prophecy and let it be the final discerner. For there is a significant increase in these various, and I would say presumptuous, teachings based upon endless conjecture. Yet such speculative reasoning has become the guiding light whereby these “watchmen” are now authoritatively predicting what the luciferian elite are ultimately planning, and subsequently what must also be getting ready to happen any day now. All this is resulting in more confusion than clarity and we must remember that confusion is never the byproduct of truth. Need I remind everyone that God’s word is the only light whereby we are to be guided?

Nevertheless, some are boldly asserting in their teachings, as if it is undeniable and even biblically obvious, that Nimrod somehow managed to alter his DNA and by such means became a “gibborim.” Consequently, they would assert, Nimrod became the first transhuman after the flood.  However, that is not where all this ends with these variations of this rapidly budding extra-biblical concept, for many are now proclaiming that not only did Nimrod achieve superhuman powers as a result of his DNA modification, but that either he or his spirit will again return in the form of the last days’ antichrist…

I am sorry, but I definitely need some sound scriptural reference for all this, especially that last one. For since when did God’s people begin to interpret “biblical” prophecies by what the deceived and wicked luciferian elite are planning?

First, I like to share this little bit here from TABLE 2 on how the Hebrew word “Gibbowr” was used a total of 158 times in 152 verses. Here is a break down on how it was used in its various references:

  • to the godly 90 times (57%)
  • to the ungodly 45 times (28.5%)
  • to specifically reference The Lord Himself, 11 times (7%)
  • it was used 8 times in the neutral for mighty men (5%)
  • for the captive Israelites 2 times (1.255%)
  • referencing the angels 1 time, (.625%)
  • was even used in reference a lion, 1 time (.625%)

The results show the Biblical usage of “gibbowr” to reference the Lord, the godly, the captive Israelites, and angels, approximately 66% of the time as compared to it being used referencing the ungodly just 28.5% of the time. Therefore, we can see that statistically “gibbowr” is used in scripture in reference to the godly more than twice as many times as it is used in reference of the ungodly. Thus, for anyone to be asserting a positive or negative, natural or unnatural, good or evil connotation to the Hebrew word “gibbowr,” would be to engage in dishonest exegesis which could only result in erroneous postulations from scripture. No passage of scripture should ever be subjected to private or isolated interpretation, for it can result in a flawed theology. We must examine the overall interpretation of a word or verse in light of the available various transliterations; for if our speculation does not remain in contextual agreement with the whole of scripture, then it cannot be deemed worthy of one’s acceptance as truth.

Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good, (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

My position on things is simple, I must stick to what scripture clearly says if I want to be prepared for what lies ahead. Be assured that the fallen angels know that their remaining time is limited, however those who are worshipping and serving them don’t. So as Christians we would do well to remember that the whole world is like a stage full of deceived role players, each committed to fulfilling their part because they wholeheartedly believe the lies. But again, the fallen angels know full well that their time is short because they were defeated openly on the cross of Calvary by Jesus Christ, our King eternal, immortal, invisible, and the only wise God our Savior.

Just because the father of lies has purposely staged the world with endless myths, idols, and other such props over thousands of years,  such antiquated relics are no more confirmative of spiritual reality than those facades on the stages of Hollywood. They have all been placed intentionally in order to promote his great endtime deception upon humanity to hinder men’s faith through fear. What alarms me is how many “watchmen” are no longer just informing others about the scheming lies of the illuminati and the powers of darkness, but rather how they have agressively begun to share these deceitful plans as things sure to come to pass. Brothers and sisters, please wake up! God’s holy word alone is the “sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

It doesn’t matter how many props they have set up over thousands of years or how loud and confidently they boast of their plans, the Lord will have them in derision and He will certainly bring their plans to ruin.

The following words are listed in all their scriptural contexts in separate tables for a thorough examination of their usage and application.

  1. TABLE 1 – Nephilim – Translated “giants” in scripture.
  1. TABLE 2 – Gibbowr – Translated “mighty men” in scripture.
  1. TABLE 3 – Chalal – Translated “began, begin, begun, defile, defiled, pollute, polluted, profane, profaned, prostituted” in scripture.
  1. Table 4 – ‘Enowsh – Mainly translated “man” or “men” but has also been translated “the bloodthirsty, certain (chief, of the children, of the elders, of the heads), divers, husbands, merchantmen, people, persons, servant(s), some, strangers, their, them, they, those, we, workmen” in scripture.

In my word study various historic resources were employed in certain of the tables to provide a cross-examination of the historical usage of words in an effort to glean a more thorough awareness of the archaic understanding of the texts where these words were used in scripture. These resources include the Onkelos Targum, the Targum of Jonathan Ben Uzziel, the Septuagint, and Josephus. The following are brief descriptions of these resources.

  • The Onkelos Targum – “is the official eastern (Babylonian) targum (Aramaic translation) to the Torah. However, its early origins may have been western, in Israel. Its authorship is attributed to Onkelos, אונקלוס, a famous convert to Judaism in Tannaic times (c. 35–120 CE),” (source: Wikipedia).
  • The Targum of Jonathan Ben Uzziel – “otherwise referred to as Targum Yonasan/Yonatan, is the official eastern (Babylonian) Targum to the Nevi’im. Its early origins, however, are western (i.e. from the Land of Israel), and the Talmudic tradition attributes its authorship to Jonathan ben Uzziel. Its overall style is very similar to that of Targum Onkelos, though at times it seems to be a looser paraphrase. The language of Targum Jonathan is Aramaic.
  • In Talmudic times (and to this day in Yemenite Jewish communities) Targum Jonathan was read as a verse-by-verse translation alternatively with the Hebrew verses of the haphtarah in the synagogue. Thus, when the Talmud states that “a person should complete his portions of scripture along with the community, reading the scripture twice and the Targum once” (Berakhot 8a-b), the passage may be taken to refer to Targum Jonathan (as well as to Targum Onkelos on the Torah),” (source: Wikipedia).
  • Josephus – “was a first-century Romano-Jewish scholar, historian and hagiographer, who was born in Jerusalem—then part of Roman Judea—to a father of priestly descent and a mother who claimed royal ancestry. He initially fought against the Romans during the First Jewish–Roman War as head of Jewish forces in Galilee, until surrendering in 67 AD to Roman forces led by Vespasian after the six-week siege of Jotapata. Josephus claimed the Jewish Messianic prophecies that initiated the First Roman-Jewish War made reference to Vespasian becoming Emperor of Rome. In response Vespasian decided to keep Josephus as a slave and interpreter. After Vespasian became Emperor in 69 AD, he granted Josephus his freedom, at which time Josephus assumed the emperor’s family name of Flavius.”

The study is thorough and I leave you with it to reach your own conclusions. Though much of it is the presentation of scriptures, there are notes included I feel are worthy of your prayerful consideration. Simply click to view or right-click Study PDF file and “save as” to download it to your own computer for review.

I have also been doing a study on the antichrist which I hope to conclude shortly. But for the thinkers in the crowd I would like to present a question, but must first present some biblical facts. The word “antichrist” has only been used 4 times in scripture, and only by the Apostle John. He refers to it as a “spirit of antichrist.” Antichrist simply means a false christ. He also stated that there were “many antichrists.”

1 John 2:18 – Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2:22 – Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:3 – And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 John 1:7  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

So here is the question,

Why didn’t the Holy Spirit lead John use this word “antichrist” in the Book of Revelation?

A simple study on “Faith”

Posted: May 16, 2015 in Study!
Tags: ,
0

Here is a simple study on Faith.

  • What Faith does.
  • Where does Faith come from?
  • Is Faith necessary?
  • Who/What is our faith in?
  • What God has done that we may have faith and hope?
  • Result of Faith.
  • The main benefit of faith.

(more…)

America Series Part 5 – Daniel’s Seventieth Week

Posted: August 23, 2014 in America, End Times, Prophecy, Shared Thoughts, Study!, Uncategorized
Tags: , , ,
2

To download article’s MP3 file:  1. Click on this link  2. Right click on page  3. Select “save as”

.

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)

This is the only “seven year” scriptural reference I know of that is used foundationally for the complete duration of the “seven year tribulation” with the perceived division being “in the midst of the week” when, according  to popular understanding of the doctrine, the antichrist does away with the animal sacrifices that were reinstated in a rebuilt temple.  There are however, many scriptural references to “seven years” –

  1. The two periods of seven years which Jacob labored for Rachael and was given Leah instead, then the next seven years for which he indeed received Rachael.
  2. The seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine with Joseph in Egypt.
  3. The seven years of famine under David and Samuel.
  4. The seven years of famine with Elisha.
  5. The seven years of burning weapons after the war with Gog and Magog, (which if there is a seven-year tribulation immediately before the return of Christ, this war needs to take place before it then.)

Since seven years divided by two equals three and a half years, it must be acknowledged that there are also several three and a half year periods in scriptures referred to as “time, times, and half of time,” or periods of 1260 days, 1290 days, and 1335 days. With all these segments of time recorded in scripture, it is not surprising there has always existed a curiosity as to what these times meant and when would they occur. However, it is astounding the extreme lengths some have labored to prove they know the dates of these times and when they will occur, when scripture clearly states the revelation for some of them are sealed until the end.

I am personally persuaded that to assume these three and a half year periods mentioned must be referencing to either the beginning or end of the tribulation period,  would be as imprudent as believing all the previously mentioned seven-year periods were the same. Clearly a simple reading of them all brings a quick dismissal of such nonsense. Therefore caution must be taken when asserting things from scriptures, for history shows it isn’t hard to earn the title of “false” teacher or prophet.

However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consider such texts in light of history and prayerfully seek understanding through the Holy Spirit’s illumination. We must be students of God’s word, for perhaps the greatest reward of persistent prayer and seeking to prove all things, will be the avoidance of being carried away by the flood of false doctrines that the Holy Spirit warned would be promoted abundantly by demons through arrogant men thinking themselves to be something they are not.

True understanding is given by direct commandment of God who tries the hearts of men. It is never the product of clever men being able to calculate their way through hidden codes in scripture; Harold Camping’s date setting errors should be a sufficient warning to any aspiring date setter. But that doesn’t mean we cannot know the times in which we are living. (more…)

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances…

Posted: January 10, 2014 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
Tags: , , , , , ,
3

CaptureAnd you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross. (Colossians 2:13,14)

Those who have been “churched” for a while are likely to have heard this verse interpreted as the whole of God’s law being nailed to the cross as being now null and void, or no longer relevant in the life of a believer. That once we “accept” Jesus’ death as a payment for our sins, we have no further obligation than to just accept His wondrous grace by faith . . . and accept that we are always going to be messing up and still sinning all the days of our lives. But because of “grace,” no worries.  I fear that many such believers have been duped into swallowing a grace that cannot effectually save them from their sins; while at the same time have been convinced into casting away God’s provisional lamp for their feet.

I ask the reader to be prayerfully open minded and to consider, what if what was nailed to the cross as “handwriting of ordinances that was against us” was not the ceremonial law of Judaism, but something else? That is not to say the ceremonial law did not fulfill its function and therefore has completed its course in God’s plan for humanity, for in Roman’s 7 Paul labors to persuade his Jewish brethren to acknowledge that they were now free from ceremonial rites because that which they pointed to had come, the Lamb of God which not only bore the sins of the world, but ended the sin-offerings as well. For all those were merely shadows of Christ body as an offering to come.

Certainly it was not the moral aspect of God’s law which was nailed to the cross and taken out of the way, for consider how the scriptures bare witness that Law was “perfect, converting the soul . . . making wise the simple . . . rejoicing the heart . . . pure and enlightening the eyes.”  Furthermore the scripture also records in Psalms the prayerful request that God would “grant me thy law graciously,” which seems to be an interesting twist to much that is preached today against “The Law,” that the law could actually be given in grace.

Psalm 19:7 – The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 119:29 – Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

The ceremonial law has by God’s design expired in as much as it fulfilled its prophetic purpose of proclaiming the sacrificial death of Jesus and therefore has ceased, just as the silhouette of shadow created by the light above becomes covered by the arrival of the object that cast it. Such have the ceremonial/sacrificial laws fulfilled their purpose and are done away with by the offering of the body of Christ, as is witnessed in verse 17.

 Colossians 2:16 – Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

However, that does not mean they cannot be recognized and kept as unto the Lord as we see in Roman 14, but they are no longer a basis for defining sin in the life of the believer. It is only when they return to sacrificing animals as sin offerings again that they began to crucify Christ afresh by rejecting the finality of the Cross.

However, one should acknowledge that Paul was writing to the Gentiles here whose sins were not based upon any of the things mentioned above in verse 16, but are more clearly established in Paul’s teaching in Roman’s chapters 1-3 that all men had sin. Therefore, we must recognize that the Gentiles too had sin, not because they failed in their improper dietary habits or their uncircumcised flesh, for they too like the Jews had transgressed God’s moral laws and sinned and being obstinate had as did the Jews failed to circumcise their hearts, to expose themselves in broken nakedness and honesty before their Creator as transgressors of His righteousness.

The Jews and Gentiles alike had accrued a long record of all their sins that was cried out against them as debtors, which bore witnessed that they all had failed to love God and worship Him as such. These offenses and transgressions were recorded as evidence that they had not only failed to love God, but also defined their failures to love their neighbors as themselves. These two commandments are the foundation for the defining guidelines of righteous-love given us in the Ten Commandment; the moral law of God and witnessed to as well by His holy prophets, whereby all men have failed.

There is a distinction between the moral and ceremonial parts of God’s law. One shines light on God’s expectations of holiness for His created beings and the other prophetic of events to come. God never was appeased or  had pleasure in the sacrifice of animals, the shedding of their blood, nor could they ever remove sin our purge the conscience from sins, they merely prophesied of the coming of the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. This we can clearly see from the OT verses as well –

Micah 6:6 – Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

What was nailed to the cross was the “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us,” that legal affidavit recording our failures to love God and our neighbor, defining our debt of sins against God Himself. I wish I still had original resource at hand, but years ago I ran across a historic tradition the Jews had in those days that was not unlike our present day “legal notice” section of the paper. It seems that if a person had a debt they could not pay that they were in danger of ending up in a debtor’s prison whereby they had to stay until the debt could be satisfied. (We know of this from Jesus’ own teachings in Matthew 18:23-35). However, if a man was destitute and had no means to pay, he could go to the town center and there was erected a community pole where he could take a piece of sheep skin and write a public “legal notice” of all the debts he had outstanding against him. There he would publicly acknowledge (confess) all his debts.

If he owed money to the butcher, he would openly note it, as well as that which was owed to the candle maker, carpenter or whoever. Anyone going by could stop and read his debts; they were public information now for he in desperation for mercy he had so confessed his poverty openly. If anyone was thereby moved with compassion they could take and write their name beside a particular debt and then the creditor could come to that person for payment. If anyone was able and compassionate enough, they could simply fold it up covering the list of debts leaving the debtor’s name exposed and sign his own name to it so all the creditors would know they could go to one person to receive full payment.  Look again at the verses –

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;  blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Nowhere else in scripture has the Law of God been called a “handwriting of ordinances.” Interesting too is that the Greek word translated “handwriting” is only used this one time by the Apostle Paul here who wrote much in other epistles of the law and grace. Yet nowhere else did he use this Greek word in reference to it or this also once used expression of “nailing it to His cross” when addressing the law. Yet here it is neatly tucked between forgiving us of all our sins and the defeating of our accusers and tempters. For the Greek word used here only once in scripture and translated “handwriting” also means “a manuscript; specially, a legal document or bond.” Now a bond is written evidence of debt recorded by a creditor with the terms of payment spelled out, such as the “wages of sin is death.”

Capture

Such is what Jesus did, He took the record of all the sins of mankind and nailed it to the cross stating “Paid in Full.” Nevertheless, such forgiveness of debt can only only be applied to each sinner by their faith, which faith is evident by their confession of debt with a surrender to His Lordship at their realizing that by such payment of the blood of the Son of God they have been purchased from a debt that demanded their death and have become debtors unto Christ and are longer their own. These are the believers who answered the call to be bond-servants unto righteousness and joyfully heed the admonition to go and sin no more.

For that reason and more, the how and why the Spirit of Christ is given to now work in us, that I continually stress how the grace God’s given us in Christ Jesus is much more than just “unmerited favor.” Certainly, we cannot be what God requires or do the things he asks of us alone in our own strength; we need the grace of God, Christ in us to enable us. The truth and power of the Gospel is that we can do as Paul, Peter, James and John say we must, purify ourselves and make ourselves ready . . . because He will enable us to do so.

II Corinthians 6:17 – Wherefore come [you] out from among them, and be you separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I Peter 1:22 – Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.

James 4:8 – Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.

1 John 3:3 – And every man that hath this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.

One who is truly “born again” by the grace of God will by their faith[fullness] be evidently shown to be such, alive unto God. Consider the profoundly simple and clear teaching of Christ of how a good tree brings forth good fruit and evil tree brings forth evil fruit, likewise we can know what manner of tree we are by our fruit. By such a scriptural witness we must also acknowledge not all confessors of Christ are true believers, for if one confesses Christ in word only but by their actions denies Him . . . are we to conclude to the contrary that profession outweighs fruit? To be saved is to be set free from sin, not merely forgiven, even though that is in fact a growth and refining process the Spirit of God works in repentant believers. But those who are obstinate and justify their continuance in sins are goats and not sheep, tares instead of wheat.

Paul also tells us in I Thessalonians, “Quench not the Spirit.” The word quenched doesn’t simply mean to grieve or offend; it means to extinguish (literally or figuratively): to cause to go out, quench. The same Greek word is used in these verses as well –

Matthew 12:20 – A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Matthew 25:8 – And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Mark 9:44,46,48 – Where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.

Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Hebrews 11:34 – Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Certainly in all the above verses we would acknowledge an absolute extinguishing as the intended meaning of the word quench. That being understood, we can also see how scriptures tell two things about God’s creation of man’s spirit –

Proverbs 20:27 – The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 24:20 – For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

The reader would do well to consider the meaning of these verse in light of the Gospel of John concerning Jesus –

John 1:3 – All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  5  And the light shined in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.  8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.

Our spirits were created for a unique union with the Spirit of God; just a candle has neither function nor life unless it is united to a flame. It is Jesus’ light which is the true life of man, which gives meaning and purposes to man’s being. But the candle/spirit of the wicked shall be extinguished, unacceptable for the presence of Christ Spirit.

I know the following  is an OT verse, but it still conveys the equity and righteousness of God who changes not-

Ezekiel 33:12 – Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turns from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sins. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 17 Yet the children of thy people say, “The way of the Lord is not equal,” but as for them, their way is not equal. 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, he shall even die thereby.

However, no man can repent or turn from his sins but by the grace of God, meaning the granting of forgiveness upon the transgressor’ confession and his receiving empowerment from God to turn from and overcome his bondage of sins. But be not deceived, no sinner can repent just whenever they want to; they are enslaved by their sin. God must grant repentance if they are to be freed.

Acts 3:26 – Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Acts 5:31 – Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 11:18 – When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Such was working of God’s grace was lawfully accomplished through the work of the blood and cross of Jesus which works to cleanse us that we might receive His Spirit within us which enables us.

1 Timothy 1:12 – And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;  13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Some will still say, “However, it is still my opinion, that even those of us who are more carnal in their walk, they will still receive some form of salvation,” and would confidently point to 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 for scriptural confirmation. –

1 Corinthians 3:13 – Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Once again I would encourage open and prayerful reconsideration of what Paul is indeed saying here. Paul addressed the Church of Corinth in I Corinthians 3 to deal with the carnal nature of certain believers in Corinth who were attempting to validate their relationship with Christ via their affiliation with certain teachers. Because of their carnality they were foolishly not walking according to the truth of the Gospel; for instead of identifying themselves with Christ and walking in obedience to the leading of His Spirit, they were identifying themselves with Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, and therefore were having “envying, and strife, and divisions” in the church.

In an attempt to correct their departure from the truth of walking with Christ, Paul clarifies that preachers and teachers are nothing more than “but ministers by whom you believed.” He stresses to them that it was God alone and His Spirit which gives life and increase. Paul then strongly warns that whoever would make himself a “teacher” needs to take heed what they teach, for God will hold them accountable –

1 Corinthians 3:8 – Now he [Paul] that plants and he [Apollos] that waters are one: and every man [teacher] shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.  9 For we [teachers] are laborers together with God: you [the believers] are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building.  10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder [teacher], I have laid the foundation, and another [teacher] builds thereon [in you believers’ lives]. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.

Discerning each reference and understanding who it is Paul is speaking about is crucial for rightly dividing the verse, otherwise it easily becomes a false the bases for the erroneous belief that “those of us who are more carnal in their walk, will still receive some form of salvation.” We cannot take verses out of their context and rightly understand them alone. This verse does not support such a position, but actually works against it. Paul is addressing how teachers have a responsibility before God not to be handling the Word of God deceitfully, which is which Paul states, “But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon” the foundation of Christ crucified and resurrected for our sins and justification.

1 Corinthians 3:15 – If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Many have taken the verse above and foolishly concluded it really doesn’t matter what we do as Christians once we accepted Christ, because we are saved grace.  That is because they think this verse is speaking of the same one man throughout.  People who teach such are teaching “wood, hay, stubble.” Even though the word “he” is mentioned twice in verse 15, it is not addressing only one person in its string of thought. One needs to follow the text all the through and keep Paul’s addressment of the teachers and those being taught by them separate and distinctly identifiable while reading through the passages –

1 Corinthians 3:11 – For other foundation can no man [teacher] lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if any man [teacher] build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13 Every man’s [teacher’s] work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s [teacher’s] work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s [teacher’s] work abide which he [teacher] hath built thereupon [in a believer’s life], he [teacher] shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s [teacher’s] work shall be burned, he [the teacher] shall suffer loss: but he [the believer] himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

I know this might not be easy to receive if you are one who has always believed the other way, but I urge you to continue in prayer and consider Paul’s following words and ask why he would have stated them if what I am saying is not correct.

1Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye [believer] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  17 If any man [teacher of false things] defile the temple of God [with teachings of wood, hay and stubble], him [that teacher] shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple [believers] are.  18 Let no man [aspiring teacher] deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness.  20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.  21 Therefore let no man [teacher or student] glory in men [with whom they foolishly identify themselves with]. For all things [of Christ] are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;  23 And you are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

So, if you have truly humbled yourself and repented of your sins, understand that Christ has blotted out the record of your offenses by nailing to His cross as a legal notice, “Paid in Full,” and now go and sin no more. Having been cleansed by His blood from the guilt of sins, He can indwell you and empower you to walk as He walked. Rejoice that God has given us a light for our path in His glorious word whereby we might align ourselves in perfect agreement with our God and Savior and be empowered to lovingly walk by/with/in His Spirit victoriously in these last days.

Live for the King.

An added end-note – I was thinking while holding my grandson about Psalm 119:29, “Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.” The Lord impressed upon me in a clear and simple way how without godly instructions we would have no hope but to go our own way and as mere brute beast only do what is right in our own eyes. That if I love my grandson I would teach him and live so as to be an example for him. I  saw for that moment so clearly that the most gracious thing God could have ever done was to give us His Logos; His holy Word, in letter, spirit and Flesh. For as Christ is grace and power of God,  He is still our God’s Plumb-line whereby we are to walk even as He walked. Flesh cannot do this, it must be brought under the subjection of the cross that Christ in us may work through us mightily.

So you’re an atheist . . .

Posted: January 5, 2014 in Deity of Jesus Christ, Shared Thoughts, Study!, Wake Up!
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Hey, so you don’t believe in God and you’re an intelligent person? Well then, certainly you’re not going believe you found truth already before you’ve exhausted your life time truly seeking and proving it? Don’t you think that alone would be the height of foolishness? Look at the vastness of it all, the immeasurable expanse of the universe and consider the infinitesimal perspective that your meager little life has afforded you thus far. You may feel and even openly declare that only fools would arrogantly proclaim they know God, but a truly honest person would only admit that they don’t see him as others proclaim they do.

Personally, I will be the first to admit that there is a whole lot of the religious rhetoric out there which is absolute nonsense; endless dogmas saturated with egotistical men’s own silly imaginations that are being peddled to the world by these self-righteous hypocrites. But that doesn’t mean that there is not truth, divine truth out there. Rather to me it is credible evidence of a war that goes beyond our dimension where the real hidden enemies of truth have cleverly sought to discredit it by perverting it and intentionally dressing it up like a self satisfying gluttonous whore that simply exists to pray on the weak of mind.

I would highly recommend any person skeptical of a “divine being” or a “higher power” to posture themselves as students of life who are actively seeking and ever learning, resisting the temptation to get arrogant because you’ve been discerning enough to see the blatant flaws in the cesspool of religions. Certainly all these belief systems cannot all be right since throughout history and even now in many places they are literally killing each other. This world has no shortage of theologies and every religion has fractions that are against each other screaming condemnations of damnation back and forth. Seems to me that if one is really seeking to find truth, it is in fact the proverbial needle in a haystack of mysticism which seems to turn to ashes under the fiery test of genuine, sincere, open and objective evaluation.

We all know atheists who reject the concept of a god, and to a degree I respect their position exactly for the reasons I mentioned above; the world’s religions are a cesspool of obvious lies, and that includes some of the man-made doctrines in Christianity too. After all, what other religion in the world is as fractured as Christianity with its tens of thousands of denominations and cults all over the world claiming to be the true church? Having visited too many of these churches I am often amazed that anyone seeking God would actually go to some of these churches; seems most go just for the social status, or for business contacts, some out of personal guilt and others out of self-righteousness. But to practical and honest person it is clear that what many of these “believers” are saying versus what they are doing is often light years apart. How can any honest person with their eyes wide open embrace such obvious hypocritical “blind faith?”

One of my favorite quotes concerning the integrity of all faith which should be compelling men forward in their religion is from a book titled Creeds of the Churches. This book is evidence to the presence of falsities in some aspects of Christian faiths as readily obvious in the various creeds recorded from the past to the present, with many conflicting with each other about what is truth. The man who compiled it, John H. Leith, stated this in the first few pages of the book –

“What cannot be thought through critically and expressed with reasonable clarity cannot demand the allegiance of man’s whole being. Understanding is necessary for man’s full commitment. Hence faith must be spoken and be made intelligible. This is not to say that faith must be enclosed within the limits of reason, but it does mean that faith must require neither the closing of the mind nor the sacrifice of the integrity of the mind”

To me, a truly honest seeker trying to determine the credibility of a sovereign deity would look to those events which no  person can deny happened,  indisputable facts, “reality,”at least to the measure that all men can readily see. If there is a sovereign being, than certainly there has to be evidence for all the world to see. With that in mind, one would be prudent to consider how the Bible boldly proclaims that they that bless Israel will be blessed and they that curse it will be curse. My years of watching Israel seems to have the witness of history that the covenant above is true, and not only history,  for the present seems to be a continuous news feed of evidence that demands serious scrutiny. Only the arrogant and willfully blinded would reject that there something is going on globally with the little nation from which scripture clearly declares for all who will hear that God has chosen to send for His name from this proclaimed “Holy Land” unto all the earth that all men may know that there is a God which made the heavens and earth.

I trust most who have read this far are intelligent people who would agree atheists can certainly be good and decent people. But I do believe many self proclaiming atheists are merely honest people who have been fittingly turned off by the corrupt presentation of religion, yet still maintain their integrity doing what their heart feels is right and good. I would therefore recommend a book for everyone’s review concerning Israel and our own country America. It is an excellent  documentation of events that no one in the world can deny has happen or the time element in which they have happen. Facts are facts, and if we are to be honest with ourselves, one must admit when they are so and search for the common denominator. Today, there are many events that have unfolded since the printing of the book that could be added since this is a story still being documented concerning Israel in these last days, but amazingly much of it has already been written in the Bible itself for these things were foreseen thousands of years ago.

Here is a link to the book, take some time to read up about the author and then humbly consider these things. If you are truly intelligent, I know you will be compiled to seek answers to the questions that will come to your heart. In the Hebrew there wasn’t a word which one could translate to mean coincidence, they didn’t believe in it. It is in fact an atheistic concept,  that “things just happen.” The Bible warns all men to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good and sound, worthy of one’s faith and belief.

William Koenig’s Web Page

Also, if you have time,  I would encourage taking the time to read something I wrote a long time ago endeavoring to explain why Jesus wasn’t just another man, but God manifested in the flesh, and why He went to the cross.

Justified in the Spirit

He who would come to God…

Posted: July 18, 2013 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
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But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

When a person experiences their initial awakening that God exists, it is often accompanied with the realization His presence is indiscernible to them. Therefore, if a person is to truly “come to God,” it would require not only the belief that God “is,” but also a realization that He is somewhere they are not. A true awareness of “God is” comes with mindfulness that there are two distinctly different settings, where they are and that obvious elsewhere wherever God might be, seemingly afar off. The now awakened consciousness recognizes that if any genuine connection is to be established so that a relationship with God might be formed and nurtured, then somehow the expanse between them both must be closed. But not knowing where God is also leaves one with not knowing how to come to God, even if somehow alone he could close the expanse.

And so the author of Hebrews makes it irrefutable through the whole of the verse; without faith one cannot please God, nor can they come to God. The way to God can only be traveled by faith and the purpose of faith is to come, but who will come if they don’t at least believe He is? Therefore the verse clarifies that any progress one experiences in “coming to God” is only the reward for their hearing the Gospel and seeking Him diligently. Just because His presence may not be discernible, God is not lost. However the Gospel must be preached if men are to be made aware of the absence of His presence in order to compel them to seek after Him, if haply they should find Him.

Contrary to the absurdity of God being lost, when one truly begins to awaken spiritually, it is because they’ve realized without God’s presence they are alone and the ones who are lost. It is like the confident child who while playing wandered off from the security and comfort of their parent’s company. When suddenly they notice they’re all alone with no idea where their parents are. Suddenly they recognize they are lost and their parents will not be pleased; because the child knows they’re supposed to be next to their parents.

Accordingly the journey by faith of coming to God must begin with this basic understanding; I am lost and not where I am supposed to be. The creature having wandered off from his Creator can no longer discern where God is or even which direction to run to find their way back to Him. Sadly, there are many who have wandered so far off pursuing their own thing or have been preoccupied with trying to stay up with others, going blindly through life, that now they agonize or are filled with doubt if there even is a Creator. This is a dreadful state to be in, to be dispirited by the knowledge you’re lost, or worse to not even know it. Can you imagine a child looking up and not seeing their parent and begin to rationalize that since they cannot see them that their parent therefore was never real?

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