Ephesians 1, predestined Israel

 If there is any passage that proves the sovereignty of Jehovah God is is Ephesians chapter 1. Both Calvinists and Arminians debate this chapter as the passage obviously indicates that Jehovah God chooses whom will be saved. However, even Calvinists have Ephesians chapter 1 wrong as it has nothing to do with so called 5 points of Calvinism.

We will go through this passage and show that Ephesians 1 uas nothing to do with Calvinism nor Arminianism but rather shows that Jehovah God is truly the God of His people Israel.

Ephesians 1:1

"Paul, an apostle of Messiah Jehoshua through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Messiah Jehoshua"

Who are the saints according to scripture?

Psalm 148:13-14

13 Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For his name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heavens.14 And he hath lifted up the horn of his people, The praise of all his saints; Even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye Jehovah.

Jehovah's glory is above the earth and the heavens. Jehovah is not everywhere as many churches teach but He has a specific location where His presence dwells. That location is above the firmament of the heavens. This proves that the earth is flat and immovable, otherwise it could not be said that Jehovah's glory is above the earth. This destroys the panthiestic teaching that God is everywhere and in everything. 

In the above passage who are the people that praise the name of Jehovah and in turn their horn is lifted up? They are Jehovah's saints who are the children of Israel (verse 14). 

Back to Ephesians 1, the saints that Paul refers to here are from Ephesus which is a church in Asia. This was one of the churches written to by Jehoshua in the book of Revelation. The answer to who the Ephesians truly are comes to us in 1 Peter chapter 1:

"Peter, an apostle of Jehoshua Messiah, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia"

Peter is writing to the churches of Asia of which the Ephesians are one. Peter refers to these churches as sojourners. This clearly identifies Peter's audience as those Israelites of the dispersion. They are called sojourners because they are Israelites living outside of Canaan. Peter later identifies his audience as lost tribes of the Northern Kingdom (1 Peter 2:9-10).

The conclusion of the matter is that the Ephesians are lost Israelites of the Northern Kingdom who have been found. Let's continue with this chapter as it reveals to us a third option in the Calvinist-Arminian debate.

Ephesians 1:2-3

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jehoshua Messiah. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Messiah.

There is a lot of precious truth in these two verses. First, we see that there is a sharp distinction between God the Father and the Lord Jehoshua Messiah. This distinction between the two are made even more clear in verse 3. Paul says that Jehoshua has a God and it is His Father. This exposes the lie that Jehoshua is God. How can Jehoshua be God if he himself has a God.

Also, Paul we have been blessed by Jehovah God with all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in the Son of God. What are these spiritual blessings? The phrase heavenly places gives us the answer. The heavenly places refers to the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in New Jersuslem.

Most people over look this passage and it's meaning. Paul says that Jehovah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Messiah in the holy of holies. The spiritual blessings that Jehoshua has in the holy of holies are the two offices of king and priest. This means that we also have been blessed with those two offices. This why Peter says that we are a Royal (king) priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

John, in the book of Revelation, twice records that we are made kings and priests by the blood of Jehoshua Messiah (Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10). Just as in 1 Peter 2:9, the offices of kings and priests are attributed to the Israelites:

Exodus 19:6

"and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel"

Clearly it is the children of Israel who are to be called kings and priests. This further proves that the Ephesians are of the children of as Paul says they have been blessed with the spiritual blessings (kings and priests) in the Messiah who is the Davidic King and Melchizedek high priest.

Ephesians 1:4-5

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jehoshua Messiah unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Verse 4 proves that the doctrine of predestination is biblical. This does not mean the Calvinist understanding of it is true. Clearly, Jehovah God predestines those who are saved and brought into the Kingdom of Jehoshua. When we are chosen by JEHOVAH God? Before the foundation of the world. This statement in verse 4 is the achilles heel for the free will believers. There is no getting around it, anybody who is in Messiah has been predestined by God to be in His Only begotten Son. The free will people will say that God only had foreknowledge of us being saved and deny thay He actually chose us. However, John 12-13 refutes this:

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Those who are made sons of God by Jehoshua were not done so by their own free will but by the will of Jehovah God Almighty. One of the purposes of Jehovah God predestining us so that we would be holy and without blemish before Him. This destroys the idea that once we are converted that we are still sinners.

As I mentioned earlier these Ephesians were Israelites ans verse 4 proves that they have to be since only Israel was spoken of as being created and formed by Jehovah God. Only Israel throughout scripture is said to be JEHOVAH'S elect Son:

Exodus 4:22

"And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born"

The phrase"firstborn' denotes that JEHOVAH God elected Israel 

Jeremiah 31:9

"They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born"

Jehovah was only a Father to Israel and referred to Ephraim as His first born Son. Ephraim is the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This is important to know because that is exactly who the Ephesians are, northern Israelites. Understanding who the Ephesians are sheds light on the predestination language here in Ephesians chapter 1.

Hosea 11:1

"When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt"

Since only Israel is ever called Jehovah's son (in terms of a nation) and Jehoshua said that he gave right to those who believe in him to be children of God, then it makes sense that it is Israelites being spoken of in John 1. Only Israel was ever a nation under JEHOVAH God's Fatherhood thereby Sonship could only apply to them. Only of Israel can it be said that were predestined by JEHOVAH God for salvation.

Romans 9:3-4

3 For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren`s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;

This passage absolutely proves that predestined Sonship only applies to Israel. Paul says that unto the Israelites is the adoption (Sonship). All the blessings of God belong to the Israelites, the glory, the covenants, the law and the service (priesthood).

Verse 5 knocks this out of the park, Israel is the elect son of JEHOVAH God therefore it is they who are spoken of as being foreordained (predestined) unto the adoption ( placement) as sons through Jehoshua Messiah. This is all Jehovah's will since it is He who willed this to be since the foundation of the world (verse 4). Verse 5 says that the predestination of Israel as sons  Messiah was yo bring Israel back into covenant relationship with Jehovah God. 

Remember, the northern Kingdom had been out of covenant relationship with Jehovah for hundreds of years by this point. The Ephesians were part of the lost tribes of Israel hence Paul is speaking these words to them as they are the fulfillment of being regathered as sons unto Jehovah God. Paul states in verse 5 that this was according to the pleasure of God's will. So much for freewill and so much for Calvinism which makes election available for everyone rather than being for Israel as scripture states.

Ephesians 1:6-7

6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Jehovah's purpose for choosing Israel before the foundation of the world to be his elect son was so that His grace (divine favor) would get the glory and not man's own free will. JEHOVAH'S grace (divine favor) bestowed on His elect nation redemption through His beloved Son. There is a lot to unpack here. The fact that Paul is identifying the Ephesians as being redeemed by Jehovah proves further that they are Israelites. The word "redemption" indicates to be bought back indicating prior relationship. 

Only Israel was in relationship with Jehovah God so only they could be redeemed by Him and thereby reconciled back to Him. Non Israelites could not be redeemed by JEHOVAH since they were never His to begin with. Nor could non Israelites being reconciled back to Jehovah God since they were never in relationship with Him. So clearly, only Israelites could be spoken of as being redeemed or reconciled therefore that's who the Ephesians are.

Jehoshua is the only begotten Son of God, he is the Father's beloved. The redemption of Israel is through the beloved Son of Jehovah God. One thing to remember is that Jehoshua was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24).

Also, all throughout the old testament it is only Israel that the Messiah is prophesied to save. The apostles say that Jehoshua was brought unto Israel to turn them away from their iniquities. In the gospels is says that Jehoshua would save his people from their sins. Who are Jehoshua's people? Deuteronomy 18:15-21 says the future prophetic Messiah would be an Israelite. Hebrews 2 says that Jehoshua was not ashamed to call the seed of Abraham his brethren.

The Sonship of Jehoshua is rooted in the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) thereby his Sonship is inherently connected to being the King of Israel. All throughout the old testament it was prophesied that the Davidic King would come to unite the house of Judah and the house of Israel (Ezekiel 34 and 37).

The new testament scriptures do not teach anything different concerning who Jehoshua came for and who he was supposed to be king over:

Luke 1:32-33

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and Jehovah God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Jacob is Israel and encompasses all of the tribes, Southern and Northern. There is only one Kingdom Jehoshua was comissioned to reign over and that is Israel. 

Psalm 2:7

"I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee"

As stated above Jehoshua's Kingship is connected to his Sonship as him being begotten is metaphorical language to signify that he has been anointed and installed into being the King of Israel.

The Messiah's blood is the atonement for the sins of his people. This is what scripture teaches so this shows that the language of Beloved son and blood atonement applies to Israel therefore the fact that this is being spoken of about the Ephesians then it shows they are Israelites.

Ephesians 1:8-9

8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

The riches of Jehovah's grace abounded towards the Israelites (us) in all wisdom and prudence according to the mystery of Jehovah's will. This shows that the freewill of universal doctrine is false to the core. Everything happens according to Jehovah's will not chance. This will of Jehovah's is the mystery of the gospel.

The mystery of Jehovah's gospel is not an esoteric ideal but rather simply it refers to His plan of salvation since the foundation of the world. The mystery of the gospel is one and the same as the gospel of the Kingdom proclaimed by the prophets.

Just to cement that the plan of salvation for specific people was no random thing Paul says that those being chosen in the beloved was according to the pleasure of Jehovah's which He purposed in Himself. This means that Jehovah did not consult anyone as to who would be brought into the Kingdom of the Son of God but that He purposed in Himself would be atoned for in the beloved Son.

Ephesians 1:10

"unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Messiah, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, [I say,"

Dispensation means administration. The fulness of the times refers to the beginning of Jehoshua's ministry i.e. his baptism. The arrival of Jehoshua was so that Jehovah through him could sum up all things in heaven and earth. What are these things that Paul is talking about? Jehovah raised up Jehovah to fulfill the Davidic covenant, unite the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel, fulfill the day of atonement, restore the Davidic Kingdom and build the new covenant temple.

Also, Jehovah God made Jehoshua ruler over all creation including the angelic authority structures as well as the earthly dominions. These are the all things that JEHOVAH summed up in Jehoshua Messiah.

Ephesians 1:11

"in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will"

We were made a heritage (family) in Jehoshua who is our elder brother the firstborn of many brethren. Jehoshua gave us the right to become children of God through our faith in him. However, this being made a family member of Jehovah God was not by happenstance but it was foreordained (predestined)  according to Jehovah's purpose. This absolutely debunks the freewill doctrine. This means that Jehovah purposed us (the church) to be made His children before the foundation of the world. This was JEHOVAH'S doing not ours. We did not purpose anything. Jehovah specifically chose each individual believer to be his son or daughter in the Messiah's Kingdom before the world began.

Just to nail it even further Paul says that JEHOVAH worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. This shows that Jehovah orchestrates everything Kingdom related and He consults no one but Himself. Jehovah enters counsel only with Himself and He is the architect of everything related to the plan of salvation and His Kingdom. He does it by His own will meaning He does what ever He wants whenever He wants and He asks no one's permission. The angelic counsel that meets with Jehovah in heaven executes His plan. The beautiful thing about the gospel is that now JEHOVAH has given many of those responsibilities to His only begotten Son Jehoshua.

Ephesians 1:12

"to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ"

The end result of Jehovah's predestined plan was that we as His children should be unto the praise of His (Jehovah's) glory. We living epistles of Jehovah's glory as we put our faith in His only begotten Son Jehoshua.

Ephesians 1:13

"in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,-- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise"

The word of truth is referred to the teachings of the Messiah as Paul says "in whom" having heard the word of truth. Their is no such thing as a gospel message that subtracts the Son of God's teachings. When we believe on the name of the Son of God we are then sealed with the Holy Spirit. This belief is not mere profession of faith but actually means to obey the Son of God (John 3:36).

Ephesians 1:14

"which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of [God`s] own possession, unto the praise of his glory"

The holy Spirit is a down payment of our inheritance in the eternal Kingdom of Messiah. Who is God's possession that He redeemed? Remember, that to be redeemed means to be bought back meaning that at one time you had to belong to the one who bought you back. This could only be spoken of in regards to Israel as only they were known and in covenant with JEHOVAH.

Romans 11:1-2

1 I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not cast off his people which he foreknew. Or know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel.

Verse 2 of Romans 11 proves that JEHOVAH's predestination plan has to do with Israel as they are the ones that He foreknew. 

Romans 8:29-30

29 For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: 30 and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

The passage above proves that it is those who Jehovah foreknew that were foreordained (predestined) and it is Israel only whom JEHOVAH foreknew (Romans 11:2).

Back to Ephesians 1:14, God's own possession is Israel and the old testament confirms this as well:

Deuteronomy 32:9

"For Jehovah`s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance"

It is crystal clear who JEHOVAH'S inheritance is and that is Jacob (Israel). This does not change in the new testament as the gates of New Jersuslem are named after the 12 tribes. That Israel was redeemed was to the praise of Jehovah's glory as it validated that His word is bond and He keeps His covenant promises.

Ephesians 1:15-16

15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which [ye show] toward all the saints,16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention [of you] in my prayers"

JEHOVAH keeping His covenant promises to Israel is cause for Paul to give thanks to the Father of lights. The Ephesians are a testimony of Jehovah fulfilling His promises to the Northern Kingdom of Israel in gathering them from captivity into His covenant.

Ephesians 1;17

"that the God of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him"

This is the second time in this chapter that Paul says that Jehoshua has a God. Jehoshua's God is the Father. Guess what? Jehovah is also our Father and our God as well.

Ephesians 1:18-19

18 having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might.

We need the holy Spirit so that the scales of unbelief fall from our eyes and we know that the inheritance of the Kingdom is. The inheritance of the Kingdom is to reign as kings and priests and dwell in Jehovah's presence as wel as to be given immortal bodies at the resurrection. The power of God works towards His saints (Israelites) who believe in His Messiah. 

Ephesians 120-23

20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Jehovah's exceeding greaness and power was wrought when He raised Jehoshua from the dead. Throughout Paul's writings, we continually see a clear distinction made between Jehovah God and Jehoshua. Jehoshua was dead and God cannot die. God raised Jehoshua from the dead thereby giving Jehoshua eternal life. There are clearly two distinct beings being spoken of here. The result of Jehovah raising Jehoshua from the dead was to fulfill the Davidic covenant as He made Jehoshua sit on His own right hand. This language refers to Psalm 110:1 which is a Davidic covenant prophecy.

The reference to the heavenly places is speaking of the heavenly sanctuary in New Jerusalem. This shows that upon his ascension Jehoshua was brought right into the holy of holies where he was enthroned as King and high priest. Verse 21, Jehoshua was set far above all principalities and powers further showing that he indeed was made King at His ascension into heaven. These powers and principalities are both heavenly and earthly as the Father made the Son ruler of both heaven and earth.

Every angelic and human authority structure has been placed under the headship of the Son of God. This rulership is not only for this age but also in the age to come fulfilling Isaiah 9:6-7. Verse 22, God the Father put all things (angelic and human authority structures) under Jehoshaua's subjection. Jehoshua was placed as head (King) over the church (new covenant Davidic Kingdom). The church is his body which is the fullness of him and it fills all in all. This means that the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah spreads and will cover the whole earth.

Calling on the name of Jehovah

What does it mean to call on the name of Jehovah? For today's modern evangelical it simply means to believe and confess with your mouth that Jehoshua is Lord.  Usually, the evangelicals mean that Jehoshua is God when they say this.

 The modern churches of Christendom believe that if you believe in your heart that Jehoshua is Lord and confess it with your mouth then you are saved right then and there and have eternal security (OSAS). With this evangelical understanding "calling on the name of the Lord" amounts to just having a mental ascent of belief in who Jehoshua is. The problem with this understanding of "calling on the name of the Lord" is that the demons believe and tremble. The demons know that God is one and also know that Jehoshua is the Son of God. The concept of calling on God must have a more layered meaning otherwise we are not better than the demons.

Acts 2:21

"And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved"

The Lord mentioned above is the Father Jehovah not Jehoshua (Joel 2:32). This is the first thing evangelicals get wrong as Acts 2:21 is quoting Joel chapter 2 which is clearly referring to Jehovah God.

Just as with all scripture context is key. This passage regarding calling on the name of Jehovah is within the conext of Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:29-31

29 Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set [one] upon his throne; 31 he foreseeing [this] spake of the resurrection of the Messiah, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

Just a few verses after Peter's quotation of Joel 2:32 he starts preaching about Jehoshua fulfilling the Davidic covenant. Here in verses 29-31 Peter is preaching that the promise Jehovah God made to David was fulfilled at the resurrection of Jehoshua.

Acts 2:32-33

32 This Jehoshua did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.

Peter says that Jehoshua was resurrected by Jehovah God and set at His right hand. This is a reference to Psalm 110:1 which is a prophecy about the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. This proves, along with verses 29-31, that it was at Jehoshua's resurrection and ascension that he received the throne of David.

Acts 2:34-35

34 For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.

Now Peter directly quotes Psalm 110:1, he attributes this passage as being fulfilled at Jehoshua's resurrection. This is David prophesying of the covenant, Jehovah made with him, being fulfilled by one of his royal descendants.

Acts 2:36

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both King and Messiah, this Jehoshua whom ye crucified'

The whole purpose of Peter's sermon is to show that Jehoshua fulfilled the Davidic covenant and sat on his throne at his ascension into heaven. Peter says that Jehovah God made Jehoshua, both King and Messiah, proving that indeed his resurrection was the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.

Acts 2:37-38

37 Now when they heard [this,] they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 38 And Peter [said] unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 37 is an example of people calling on the name of Jehovah. They had heard the gospel of the Kingdom being proclaimed to them and then asked what they were to do. Peter told them to repent (turn from, change of mind) and be baptized Into the name (authority) of Jehoshua Messiah. By doing this they would receive the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Calling on the name of Jehovah for salvation requires an act of obedience subsequent to calling on the name. In this case it was repentance followed by baptism into the authority of Jehoshua's Kingship. Many Christians may not have too much of a problem with this as their churches perform baptisms, however the doctrine of baptism requires that one lives a Messiah-like life. Baptism signifies dying to the world and being resurrected spiritually into the resurrected power of Messiah's life. 

Romans 1013-15

13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!

The word of God is true, those who call on His name shall be saved. However, calling on His name is not mere profession of faith or mental ascent but includes obedience upon in addition to those two things. One cannot call upon the name of Jehovah unless one hears Him being preached. One cannot hear Him being preached unless there is a preacher sent. In verse 15, Paul quotes from Isaiah 52 which is a passage about preaching the Kingdom of Jehovah God to Zion. In the context of calling on the name of Jehovah, is to believe the preaching about His (JEHOVAH'S) Kingdom. Again, Paul is not quoting scripture in a vaccum as there is depth to what he is saying in Romans 13.

To call upon the name of Jehovah includes having faith in His Kingdom. This includes faith in the Davidic covenant (Acts 2) and then following up that faith with baptism to receive the gift of the holy spirit. The evidence of having the holy Spirit is to have Jehovah's law written on your heart (Hebrews 8). The whole book of Isaiah is about the Kingdom of Jehovah God, so Paul's quotation of Isaiah 52 show that calling on the name of Jehovah includes to believe in the laws and the concept of God's Kingdom. It also means to have faith and obey the King of the Kingdom and that's where Jehoshua and the Davidic covenant comes in.

To call on the name of JEHOVAH is only the beginning of our walk. Also, we can only call on Bis name when we have heard about Him. Hearing about Jehovah comes from those who are sent to preach His word. This can also come from someone who picks up the word and starts reading for themselves. The preaching of Jehovah's word is the good news of His Kingdom. JEHOVAH'S Kingdom has a people, a territory, a law and a King. To call on JEHOVAH'S name includes all of these concepts. The brethren at Pentecost could only call on Jehovah's name once they heard the message of the Kingdom. It wasn't a message focused solely on personal salvation. It was a message rooted in the Davidic Kingship of the Messiah.

Just agreeing with the message verbally and mentally wasn't enough but obedience was required and that obedience was signified by baptism. At baptism one recieves the gift of the holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's job is to take out our heart of stone that rejects God's commandments and gives us a heart of flesh so we can love and keep them (Ezekiel 36).

Judges 16:28-31

28 And Samson called unto Jehovah, and said, O Lord Jehovah, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. 29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house rested, and leaned upon them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead that he slew at his death were more than they that he slew in his life. 31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the burying-place of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.

This is an example of someone calling on the name of Jehovah and then following it up with action. Here in Judges 16, Samson calls on Jehovah to strengthen him one last time so he can destroy the Philistines. Jehovah answered Samson,'s prayer and gave him a burst of strength to bring down the pillars holding up the house of Dagon. The result was that Samson slayed more in his death then he did when he lived as Samson also perished in his destruction of the Philistines.

Genesis 4:26

"And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enosh. Then began men to call upon the name of Jehovah"

This is the first time we read in scripture the concept of calling on the name of Jehovah. Here, to call on the name of the Lord means that people began to gather for corporate worship and seeking the help of the Creator

Genesis 12:8

"And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto Jehovah, and called upon the name of Jehovah"

When Abram entered Canaan, he camped between Ai and Bethel. There, “he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Jehovah". In other words, Abram publicly thanked God, praised His name, and sought His protection and guidance. In this passage calling on the name of Jehovah involves praise and worship of Jehovah God.

Genesis 26:24-25

24 And Jehovah appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father. Fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham`s sake. 25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of Jehovah, and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac`s servants digged a well.

Years later, Abraham’s son Isaac built an altar to Jehovah in Beersheba and also “called on the name of Jehovah”

To call on the name of Jehovah is to invoke His proper name “in audible and social prayer and praise” (Albert Barnes). To call on the name of Jehovah is to approach Him in thanksgiving, worship, and petition, and in so doing proclaim the name of God. To call on the name of Jehovah is to pray “in a more public and solemn manner” (Matthew Poole). Those who are children of God will naturally call on the name of Jehovah.

Joel 2:32

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call"

This passage, quoted in Acts 2, is a reference to the last days and Israel being delivered from their enemies. Calling on the name of Jehovah God also means to call on Him to save you from your enemies. It can also be a corporate thing for national salvation. Calling on the name of Jehovah involves much more than verbal profession and mental ascent otherwise we are no better than Satan and the demons. Calling on the name of Jehovah God involves action such as repentance, obedience, worship, thanksgiving and praise and a call for help in dire situations.

 

The millennial reign of Messiah

 This will be a short study on the Messiah's millennial Kingdom. While most American churches teach that the millennium is future, historically believers in the Son of God have believed it to be during the new covenant church age.

Revelation 20:4

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jehoshua, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Messiah a thousand years"

What most don't realize is that the millennial reign of the Son of God is different than his eternal Kingdom. Most denominations teach that Jehoshua only reigns on the Davidic throne for a thousand years and that his Davidic Kingdom will be for that long. However, scripture says that Jehoshua reigns on the throne of David forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Understanding the nature of the millennial reign of the Messiah is important in terms of understanding our daily function as believers and the overall nature of the church.

The word "thousand" comes from the greek word "chilioi" (5507) and means "plural of uncertain affinity, thousand, a thousand".

The above definition of the word "chilioi" denotes a plurality of thousand meaning that Revelation 20:4 could also be rendered "thousands" as in more than one thousand. This shows us that the millennial reign of Messiah is actually more than a thousand years and at least two thousand years in duration to the word "chilioi" being plural.  This is important to know because it supports the position that the millennial reign of Messiah last the duration of the new covenant church age or at least last through most of it until the devil is loosed for a little season.

Let's see if the features of the millennial reign mentioned in verse 4 of Revelation 20 can apply to us in the new covenant church age. The saints are seen sitting on thrones and judging. Is this taking place now or is it only in the future? Let's let Paul the apostle answer this for us:

1 Corinthians 6:1-4

1 Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye have to judge things pertaining to this life, do ye set them to judge who are of no account in the church?

Even though we will judge the world at the last day we are also to judge now. Our judgement now is to judge the matters concerning the church (1 Corinthians 5). This judgement is not just for those in leadership positions but as Paul says those who are least in the church. Paul rebukes the church for taking matters between brethren to outsiders instead of judging the matters themselves.

Matthew 16:19

"I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven"

Although Jehoshua said this directly to Peter and the rest of the apostles it also applies to the saints in general:

Matthew 18:18-19

18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.

Jehoshua repeats what he told Peter about binding and loosing but now applies it to any two of us. The keys of the Kingdom is what Jehoshua calls the key of David:

Revelation 3:7

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth"

The key of David is the key that opens and shuts the Kingdom of David. To have the key of David is to have charge of the government of the Davidic Kingdom (Isaiah 22:22).

While Jehoshua is the ultimate holder of this key he also bestows it's privileges to his church.

Luke 22:29-30

29 and I appoint unto you a kingdom, even as my Father appointed unto me, 30 that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

While many American churches teach this is all future, Jehoshua clearly worded this as happening then and there. The overall testimony of the new testament abundantly proves that the Kingdom of Jehoshua was already a present reality in the first century. The eating and drinking at Jehoshua's table in his kingdom likely refers to the eucharist meal. 

While the 12 tribes of Israel (the church) are judged at the coming of Jehoshua (for rewards), the testimony of scripture shows that the 12 apostles sat on Bishop seats (bishoprick) judging and ruling over the new covenant Israel (the church, Davidic kingdom) during the apostolic era. See Acts chapter 15 for an example of this. The 12 apostles were the first fruits of all the Kingdom responsibilities and blessings, however we are also recipients of these (John 17:20-21).

Another feature of the millennial reign of Messiah is that the saints reign with him. To prove that this is already happening we have to show from scripture that the saints are kings and queens already during the new covenant church age. We also have to show that Jehoshua is already King with a throne and a kingdom. Remember, the futurists all posit these features as part of a future millennium after Messiah returns. However, if we can show from scripture that these things were a present reality during the apostolic era then it will prove that the millennial reign of Messiah is indeed during the new covenant church age.

This is where the futurist doctrine falls apart as scripture is crystal clear that Jehoshua fulfilled the Davidic covenant at His ascension into heaven. Also, the saints were made kings and priests by Messiah's shed blood on the cross not a future millennium post second advent.

Acts 2:29-31, Acts 13:32-35, Romans 1:4 and Hebrews 1 are texts that prove abundantly that Jehoshua fulfilled the Davidic covenant and sat upon the throne of David upon his ascension into heaven. Paul speaks of the Kingdom of God's Son as a first century reality in Colossians 1:

12 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

Paul is making a clear statement that the Kingdom of the Son of God was already in effect back in 60-62 AD, which is when this epistle was written. The inheritance of the saints is to be partakers of the Kingdom of God's only begotten Son. Paul says we have already been translated into this Kingdom. This is a past tense occurrence. This shows that Kingdom of Jehoshua had already been Inaugurated by the time Paul wrote this.

Revelation 1:9

"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jehoshua Messiah, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jehoshua Messiah"

John the beloved apostle also spoke of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah as a first century reality. He says that the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah is sealed by tribulation and patience, which John says he partakes in already with his brethren.

So far we have seen that we are called to judge matters concerning the church and that we have been given the keys to the Kingdom of David to do so. Also, we read that the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah was already a reality during the apostolic era. I also listed an abundance of scriptures showing that the Son of God fulfilled the Davidic covenant at his ascension into heaven thereby sitting on the throne of David.

Here are some passages that show that the saints are already reigning as kings and queens with Messiah.

Romans 5:17

"For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jehoshua Messiah"

The one that death reigned in was Adam. Adam was a son of God and was given a dominion mandate over the earth. We, by faith in the death and resurrection of Messiah, reign in this life. We reign through Jehoshua Messiah. Jehoshua is the new Adam and has been given dominion over Jehovah's creation (Colossians 1:15). His resurrection and ascension brought him to the throne of Jehovah God where he received a Kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). This shows us that we reign with Messiah in this present age. 

Let's go to two passages in Ephesians that affirm that we do reign now with Messiah:

Ephesians 1:3

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jehoshua Messiah, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Messiah"

The heavenly places refers to the holy of holies in the sanctuary in heaven. The holy of holies is where Jehovah God dwells. Jehoshua is on Jehovah's right hand on the throne of David (Psalm 110:1). What spiritual blessings does Jehoshua have in the holy of holies?

Zechariah 6:12-13

12 and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah; 13 even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Jehoshua is the Branch of David and Zechariah prophesied that he would be a priest upon his throne. We know that Jehoshua is the Davidic King and Melchizedek High Priest. Zechariah says that the counsel of peace would be between the dual offices of King and Priest of the future Davidic Messiah. These are the spiritual blessings that Jehoshua has in the holy of holies. Paul says that we have every spiritual blessing that the Messiah has in the heavenly sanctuary. Obviously, Paul is stating that we have the blessings of Kingship and Priesthood bestowed upon us from God the Father.

Ephesians 2:6 reemphasizes this concept:

"and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Messiah Jehoshua"

Paul says, that upon our conversion, we are raised up to sit with Messiah in the heavenly places (holy of holies). Jehoshua sits on the throne of David functioning both as King and High Priest. Paul says that we sit with him showing that we partake of the Davidic covenant and Melchizedek priesthood, which are the two offices that he administers from his throne.

Many churches posit us as not reigning as kings and priests until a future millennium and even then some say it's only for Jews of the flesh. However, scripture has a different testimony:

Revelation 1:5-6

5 and from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood; 6 and he made us [to be] a kingdom, [to be] priests unto his God and Father; to him [be] the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Jehoshua by way of shedding his blood made us kings and priests. John says this as a past tense occurrence and that Jehoshua shedding his blood was the event that made us kings and priests. The Revelation was given to John in the first century. The futurist doctrine that we are kings and priests until after Jehoshua comes back is patently false.

John reiterates this again in Revelation chapter 5:

9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood [men] of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10 and madest them [to be] unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.

It is confirmed here in Revelation 5 that it was Jehoshua shedding his blood that made us, unto His  God and Father, kings and priests. Again, this is something that is stated in the past tense. Nothing here about being made kings and priests in a future millennial period. Notice that in verse 10 John says that they (those purchased by Jehoshua's blood) reign (present tense) upon the earth. This undoubtedly proves that we, as the saints, reign now on the earth with the Messiah as clearly stated by John. This fits perfectly with Revelation 20:4 in that the saints reigned with Messiah a thousand (plural) years.

1 Peter 2:9

"But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God`s] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light"

Peter identifies new covenant saints as a royal (king) priesthood i.e. kings and priests. These verses show that indeed we already reign with Messiah in this present age and this reign of the saints with Messiah has been going on for 2,000 years.