Do we keep the law of Moses today? Pt. 1

 This is the burning question throughout the Christian-Messianic landscape. Admittedly I have been on the spectrum of keeping the law of Moses to a more Anabaptist (Centrality of Messiah's teachings) approach.  I have also been a Seventh day Adventist which falls somewhere in between. 

There are many so called teachers today who have their opinions on this subject, however as always we should obey what the Holy Spirit says. There is a growing movement called "Hebrew Roots", as well as their red headed step cousin "Messianic Judaism", and these movements I believe are dangerous and infact heretical.

We have to sincerely ask ourselves, will we allow men to teach us or the Holy Spirit? What does Jehoshua say?

John 16:13

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, [these] shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come"

The Angel of the Holy Spirit is the one to guide us into all truth not a man or a woman. So many men and women are eager to take on the job of the Holy Spirit and tell you how you should walk out your faith. These deluded people are no better than the Pope or other authoritarian type pseudo apostles.

The Holy Spirit Angel will declare to us things he hears from Jehovah God directly whereas these so called torah teachers are usually getting their understanding of the bible from Judaism and their Rabbi's.

1 John 2:27

"And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him"

The anointing of Jehovah's holy spirit abides in those who believe that Jehoshua is His only begotten Son. Therefore, because of the anointing of the spirit we need not that anyone teach us. Does John means what he says? According to modern Pastor's and so called Rabbi's, the answer is "No". These so called self appointed teachers cannot afford to let you take this verse literally as it would undermine their self given authority and their so called right to rule over your faith. 

This is important in understanding because this current wave of self appointed torah teachers need to be rebuked and hit with this passage. If one doesn't understand the truth of John's words they will allow themselves to be decieved by these Jew-a-bees and put themselves under the authority of the Hebrew roots/Messianic Jews Rabbi's. By not realizing that they themselves have the spirit of Jehovah and can understand the scriptures without a man teaching them, they will put themselves under a heavy yoke that these false teachers themselves don't carry.

One of the sly deceptions of the Hebrews roots/Messianic Jew movement is that they glean a lot of their understanding of the scriptures from Rabbinic Judaism. Rabbinic Judaism is not the Israelite faith of the bible and is a post Biblical religion. It also denies Jehoshua being the Son of God which makes them antichrist and are the very ones John is warning about in 1 John chapter 2.

There is a glorious freedom in taking John at his word and knowing that you yourself can understand the scriptures without anyone teaching you. We have to remember that scripture calls us kings, queens and priests (Revelation 1:5-6; 4:9-10; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:4, 2:6).

The Holy Spirit of Jehovah God, the angel of His presence is the one who teaches us all things and therefore we know what is true and abide in the Father. This then eliminates the need for anyone to teach us. Let's go to Jehoshua for verification of what John says here:

Matthew 23:8-12

8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Messiah. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Jehoshua's words are largely ignored by these so called Hebrew roots teachers. The Son of God's words are plain as day, "be not ye called Rabbi"! Why can't these Nicolatians understand this? Jehoshua also says call no man father as we only have one Father who is Jehovah God in heaven. Jehoshua says to not be called masters yet Christendom/Hebrew roots world is filled with men who love titles and want their followers to call them by these titles.

The greatest among the brethren are actually to be the servants of the brethren and those who exalt themselves will be humbled. This is a verse the leadership of the various denominations hate as well as the so called you tube preachers. In one passage the Son of God takes out, from under so called teachers and leaders, the ability to put themselves in authority over anyone. When these so called Rabbi's and Pastors try to make their interpretation of scripture the ultimate and demand you submit to it they are basically gentiles (unbelievers):

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jehoshua called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; 27 and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: 28 even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

The Son of God set the example and there is no excuse for any so called teacher to put themselves in authority over others, in fact, if he does he shows that he is an unbeliever. Jehoshua's true followers don't seek to have authority over others rather they desire to be the servants and ministers of the brethren. Those who desire the office of Bishop are actually required to be the servants of the sheep they are in care of. Jehoshua being the King of Israel said he came to serve others not be served. 

What we have today is a bunch of wannabe Jews and Rabbi's running around telling others how to live out their faith and keep Torah. No wonder Paul was adamantly against the Judiazers of his day!

Now with all this being stated let's go to the heart of matter at hand. Let's start with the Jerusalem council of Acts 15. The controversy of this council is plainly laid out in chapter 15:

Acts 15:1-2

1 And certain men came down from Judaea and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

The controversy leading up to the council was regarding circumcision after the custom of Moses. There should be no confusion about this. In order to settle this issue Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem to settle the issue. Notice that they didn't subject themselves to these certain men from Judea and even contested with them greatly about the matter. We should learn from this and not let any of these Jew-a-bee's affect us with their doctrine as they are not qualified leaders to subject you to their regulations. Was it needful for the nations to be circumcised in order to be saved? We will see as we continue to look at this passage:

Acts 15:4-6

4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter.

Notice that it was the Pharisees who were pushing the issue of circumcision. Who are the ones pushing the issue today? It is the ones who glean much of their understanding of the law from the offspring of the Pharisees, rabbinic Judaism. These would be the Hebrew roots folks and Messianic Jews.

The Pharisees who were part of the Jerusalem church wanted the believers from the nations to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. This is exactly who is agitating the issue today, it is Hebrew roots/Messianic Jews who glean their torah understanding from Rabbinic Judaism. So the specific controversies are circumcision and the law of Moses and whether those from the nations should observe them. The issue was taken before thr apostles and elders.

Acts 15:8-9

8 And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

These are the words of the apostle Peter as he ministered to the household of Cornelius who was of the Nations. Cornelius and his household recieved the holy spirit showing that Jehovah God looks at the heart not the outward ritualistic religion.  Jehovah made no difference between the Judeans and those of the Nations, cleansing both groups by faith in Messiah. Jehovah's giving of the holy spirit to the Nations was Him bearing witness that they were His children.

Acts 15:10

"Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"

These are very words of Peter the Lord's apostle. It is crystal clear in that those who try and put thr yoke of circumcision and the law of Moses on the disciples are putting Jehovah God on trial. Peter even says neither the apostles nor their forefathers could bear the yoke of the law of Moses. History proves Peter right in that Jehovah divorced Israel due to their failure to live up to the covenant of Sinai.

It's amazing that these Hebrew roots folks and Messianic Jews completely ignore Peter's and do the exact opposite of what he says and actively try to put a yoke on the disciples of Jehoshua Messiah. They are being disobedient to the apostles doctrine and command. They are making trial of Jehovah God.

Acts 15:11

"But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jehoshua, in like manner as they."

Peter proves that the salvation plan for the Judeans and the Nations is the exact same in that it is by Jehovah's grace (divine influence upon the heart, divine gift). There is not a separate gospel for Judeans than there is for the Nations. See Ephesians 4:4-6 for confirmation of this. Salvation is not by the law of Moses per Peter. 

Acts 15:13

"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me"

Now it is time for the Bishop of the Jerusalem ekklesia James to make his decision on the matter. It is acknowledged by many scholars of church history that James was the unquestiones leader of all the ekklesia's. When the word "hearken" is used it means to listen and obey. 

From verses 14-18 James quotes Amos 9:9-12 which is a prophecy that the Northern house of Israel would be dispersed among the Nations and be regathered unto Jehovah in the restored Davidic Kingdom. James applies these Nations being ministered to by Paul as a fulfillment of that prophecy meaning these Nations that are the subject of the circumcision question are Israelites of the Northern Kingdom.

Acts 15:19-20

19 Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from among the Nations turn to God; 20 but that we write unto them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

James retierates Peter's sentiments and says that his judgment (James sits on the seat of the Bishop) is that they trouble not those from among the Nations who turn to Jehovah God. This means thay those from the Nations do not have to get circumcised nor keep the law of Moses.

James does give those from the Nations some commandments to follow namely to abstain from idolatry and fornication. This covers some of the 10 commandments and other parts of the moral law of Moses such as Leviticus 18. Too many modern Christians use the Jerusalem council to promote a lawless gospel and yet ignore the actual commandments James gave at the council. James also commands to abstain from blood. This prohibits eating things with the blood not drained as well as blood transfusions as the life of the soul is in the blood. The purpose of this commandment is not to pollute your body with the blood of animals (humans included) since the lifeforce of someone is in their blood. 

Acts 15:21

"For Moses from generations of old hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath"

Some believe what James is saying here is that those of the Nations will eventually learn and keep the law of Moses as they go to the Synagogue on the Sabbath day. However, James doesn't say any such thing so we cannot add to his words. 

One view is that James commanded this to those of the Nations so that they would not offend their Judean brethren when they went to the Synagogue on the Sabbath day. Again, this is speculation so we cannot conclude this either. We do have some evidence that James does not mean what people in the first view says he means in regards to them learning and keeping the law of Moses as they attend the Synagogue on the Sabbath. Lets go to Acts for proof that James does not mean what many Hebrew roots/Messianic Jews says he means:

Acts 21:20-22

20 And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law: 21 and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? They will certainly hear that thou art come.

This is the situation where James asks Paul if he is teaching the Judeans that they don't have to circumcise their children and themselves keep the law of Moses. 

Acts 21:23-25

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them; 24 these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law. 25 But as touching the Gentiles that have believed, we wrote, giving judgment that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.

James tells Paul to pay for the purity vow of the four men from the Jerusalem ekklesia  including himself. Now look at what James says regarding the Nations (gentiles), he tells Paul :

"As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication"

You will notice a difference between the KJV (right above this) and the ASV in the quotation 3 paragraphs above. It really doesn't matter because in both cases James simply reiterates his decree given from his throne of Bishopric. This mean that his decision in Acts 15 is categorically authoritative and from Jehovah God Himself. James never reverses the decision, which is what we would need to see in order to command those of the nations to keep the law of Moses and get circumcised.

Faith alone doctrine is false part 1

 Faith alone doctrine is false part 1

The cry from the Protestant-Baptist-Evangelical churches is "Sole Fide" and infact this was the cry of the reformation of the 1500's. Many fundamentalists today still have emotional ties to the great reformation and it's leaders such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox and others. 

It was a monumental time period in our world's history. It was the Protest against a corrupt Roman Catholic Church and it's abusive clergy namely the Papacy. The men who led out in the reformation were brave and valiant. The reformation freed many from the clutches of an oppressive religious system and opened God's word to the so called "laity".

It was a remarkable time period indeed. However, not all was perfect and the reformation wasn't without some serious negative consequences for the church namely Western Christianity. The "Faith alone" doctrine of the reformers, while initially freeing people from the clutches of unbiblical traditions and a requirement for man-made works, has had a devastating long term effect on the churches adherence to the teachings of Jehoshua. This is because Jehoshua commands us to do good works as does his brother James. Infact, the whole of scripture commands us to do good works. 

The short term result of the "faith alone" doctrine was liberating as it got people out of the clutches of Sacramental Romanism, however the long term effects are being seen now in Western Christendom and it's astonishing apostasy from the faith. The "faith alone" doctrine has resulted in lawlessness in the majority of the churches causing the churches to accept just about every sin and lifestyle as acceptable. The churches are longer pillars of their community and the Pastors are no longer looked at as community leaders. The light has gone out of much of Christendom as a direct result of the "faith alone" doctrine. 

Let's now look at passages that people use to support this doctrine as well as passages that outright refute it.

Romans 3:21-26

21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth [to be] a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, [I say], of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.

Note that nowhere here does Paul use the phrase "faith alone". Also, even the faith that Paul is talking about here does not negate obedient works. What did Peter tell those present at Pentecost who heard the gospel?

Acts 2:38

"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"

Baptism is an immediate response to faith in the gospel of Jehoshua Messiah. Today's modern churches call baptism a work. 

What Paul is talking about in Romans 3 is initial justification not ultimate salvation. Although Martin Luther promoted the "faith alone" doctrine he later repented and taught double justification meaning that faith initially saves you but you must be sanctified unto obedience after that initial justification. This later version of Martin Luther is rarely if ever talked about in Christian circles.

Before one can do any works in Jehovah's name they must first be in relationship with Him. The entrance into covenant relationship with Jehovah God is to believe and have faith in His only begotten Son Jehoshua as the mercyseat for sins. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and thereby need atonement just as old covenant Israel did. The day of atonement for old covenant Israel did not negate their obligation to obey and do the works of the commandments of God. The same is true of new covenant Israel. Our faith in the atonement of Jehoshua's blood does not negate our obligation to keep God's commandments and do works meet for repentance. 

In Revelation chapter 2 Jehoshua connects faith to good works:

Revelation 2:19

"I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first"

Jehoshua connects works with love, faith and patience. All three of those are interconnected yet today's churches try to isolate faith from works and love. They have adopted the world's definition of love rather than the scriptural one (1 John 5:2-3).

Later in Revelation 2 Jehoshua clearly says works are required for salvation:

Revelation 2:26-29

26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations: 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father: 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

There is a condition imposed on us by Jehoshua in order to rule and reign with him in the Kingdom and that is we must overcome and keep his works unto the end. Do you see what the Son of God is saying here? He is rejecting the "faith alone" doctrine of the Protestant reformation and saying that only those who do (keep) his good works unto the end will be given the morning star (Davidic kingship) and rule with him on his throne. The end is either when we die and go to the grave or when Jehoshua comes back. 

We must understand that Paul in Romans 3 is simply talking about initial justification not total salvation, which comes at the last day resurrection ultimately. The Son of God's words ultimately have authority when there is any seeming contradiction. Unfortunately, the churches have done the opposite and have made Paul the ultimate authority. Remember, Peter said Paul was hard to understand and that it is the wicked (lawless) who misrepresent Paul's words.

More words from Jehoshua that contradict the "faith alone" doctrine:

Revelation 3:1-3

1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead. 2 Be thou watchful, and establish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have found no works of thine perfected before my God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep [it], and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Notice what Jehoshua tells the Sardisians, he says that their works are dead even though they have a reputation that they are alive. Sounds like much of Christendom today. Although the Sardisians are dead there seems to be a few works that they have that are not dead but barely alive. Jehoshua commands them to strengthen those works that do remain as they are on life support. Jehoshua tells them that he has found none of their works perfected before His God. Why would Jehoshua say this if just having "faith alone" was enough for salvation? 

In fact, Jehoshua tells them to repent (turn from, change your mind) and keep it i.e. the works so that they are found perfect before Jehovah God. Jehoshua gives the Sardis Ekklesia a warning that if they do not watch he will come as a thief. This warning brings us back to Jehoshua's words in Matthew 24 about watching because we know not what hour our Lord will come back.

Matthew 24:42-51

42 Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. 44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. 48 But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth; 49 and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken; 50 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, 51 and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

This passage is one of a few where Jehoshua explains what it means to watch. By looking at this passage we can then determine what Jehoshua meant when he warned the Sardis ekklesia about not watching. Jehoshua words above will clearly show that not watching results in a loss of salvation and eternal life.

In the parable above Jehoshua describes the servant who watches as a faithful and wise. We are called to watch constantly because we do not know the hour of Jehoshua's coming, therefore we need to be ready anytime for it. If it was all about "faith alone" why would the warnings about constantly staying on watch necessary? Jehoshua says that those who don't watch have their houses broken through (verse 43). This doesn't sound like they are saved as it matches Jehoshua's words at the end of the sermon on the mount:

Matthew 7:26-27

26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: 27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house;

Those who just hear Jehoshua's words and does not do the works associated with those words. Jehoshua calls these ones foolish. This doesn't sound like like they are justified by faith alone. These were obviously those that believed in the Son of God as they were interested in hearing his words yet they failed to obey those words.

In verse 27 Jehoshua says that the ones who just hear (faith alone) have their houses fall when the storms and winds of life come. The houses coming down on the disobedient parallels Matthew 24 and the houses being broken into of those who do not watch. The servant of Matthew 24 does not watch for his Saviours return and then starts to live in sin whereas the faithful servant gives meat to his household in due season. In other words, the unfaithful servant relys on faith alone without works and the faithful servant does works adding to his faith.

Clearly, any honest reader of these passages would acknowledge that the ones who have their houses broken into and come down are not gonna enter the Kingdom. Verses 50 and 51 prove that very thing. Jehoshua says that when he returns he will cut the unfaithful servants usunder appoint them their portion with the hypocrites where their will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. No one in their right mind could say that being appointed your portion with the hypocrites and cut asunder means that person inherits the Kingdom. 

The stark warning by the Son of God in these parables fits what he says in Revelation 22:14-15:

14 Happy are those doing His commands that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of the life, and by the gates they may enter into the city; 15 and without [are] the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the whoremongers, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one who is loving and is doing a lie.

Only those that do the commands of Jehovah God will have access to the tree of life and enter into New Jerusalem, which is the paradise of God. Notice the connection between keeping the commandments of Jehovah God and having entrance into the holy city of New Jerusalem. Look who is without the city in verse 15, its those that do things that are contrary to the commands of God. Those who love and do lies will be outside the city of New Jerusalem with the dogs, sorcerer's and murderers. What is one of the features of liars according to scripture?

1 John 2:3-4

3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

Those who say they know Jehovah God but don't keep His commandments are liars according to John the apostle and the truth is not in them. This one verse flies right in the face of the once saved always saved faith alone doctrine. It outright contradicts most of the churches of Christendom teachings. Conversely, the evidence that someone knows God is that they keep His commandments. 

We combine this passage with Revelation 22:14 then it will be those who claim the name of Jesus and say they know God, yet don't keep His commandments, that will be in the lake of fire. These are the hypocrites that Jehoshua spoke of in that they call him Lord and say they know his Father yet they dont Keep the commandments.

Jehoshua testifies that liars will not make into the Kingdom but rather inherit eternal fire:

Revelation 22:16

"I Jehoshua have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright, the morning star"

Anyone who teaches faith alone and that you don't have to obey Jehoshua and His Father are liars and the truth is not in them and are in direct opposition to the Son of God and are thereby calling him a liar.

Two more parables in Matthew 25 drive home the point further that faith alone isn't enough:

Matthew 25:8

"And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out"

I highlighted this verse because it shows that the foolish virgins were indeed Christians as they had the oil of the holy spirit but it was running out. Let's read what the Son of God says concerning their fate when he returns:

Matthew 25:10-12

10 And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut.11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

The foolish virgins went away to buy more oil after the wise virgins told them that they couldn't give them any of theirs. This shows that there will be no riding of the coat-tails into the Kingdom of Jehovah God. Everyone is responsible for their own salvation. While the foolish virgins went away to buy more oil, the Son of God returned for the marriage supper and he shut the door to the feast after the wise virgins were let in. Remember what Jehoshua says about 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 represents being the govenor/king of the Kingdom of David and having authority over that Kingdom. The Kingdom of David is Jehoshua's Kingdom. Clearly, Jehoshua has shut the door on those who at one time were saved but failed to keep their lamps trimmed. These ones who simply had faith were shut out of the arriving Davidic Kingdom because they were running low on the holy spirit and failed to keep full with spirit. Amazingly, the churches are trying to open the door that Jehoshua has shut by contradicting the meaning of this passage and teaching people that no matter how they live and what works they do that they wilk still make it to the Kingdom.

Verses 11 and 12 mirror Matthew 7 in that the foolish virgins were professed Christians as they claimed they knew the Lord. Just like the ones who heard the teachings of Jehoshua in Matthew 7 yet were called foolish for not doing them, the foolish virgins are foolish because they let their oil run low meaning they failed to do the works which Jehoshua taught. The similarities between the end of Matthew 7 and the parable of the 10 virgins are striking. The foolish virgins call on the Lord when he returns at the judgment thinking he will grant them access because they professed faith in him. However, Jehoshua tells them that he doesn't know them.

Matthew 25:14-15

14 For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey.

This is the parable of the talents, Jehoshua is the man who calls his servants. It is clear that the servants of the man (Jehoshua) are Christians otherwise Jehoshua wouldn't call them "his own servants". The once saved always saved folks cannot twist to fit their perverted doctrine. The fact that Jehoshua calls them his own servants and gives them his goods (talents) shows that the servants in the parable are indeed Christians. Jehoshua doesn't call unbelievers his own servants and he doesn't give them his goods to manage.

Matthew 25:18

"But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord`s money"

Whereas the other two servants multiplied the talents the Lord gave them this servant did nothing with the one talent he was given. This servant was obviously a faith alone no works type of Christian. We know indeed that he was a Christian for he was called the Lord's servant and was given the Lord's goods to manage.

Matthew 25:19-23

19 Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them. 20 And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 And he also that [received] the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Look at what Jehoshua says to those who added faith to their works "well done, good and faithful servant". He doesn't done condemn them or chastise them for trying to earn their salvation by works. This is the ridiculous ideology that the faith alone people have, they accuse you of trying to earn your salvation. Many even say you will go to hell for trying to do good works out of obedience to Jehoshua. The Son of God contradicts these faith alone heretics and says to those who did good works that they will enter into the joy of their Lord i.e. the Kingdom of God on earth. They will also be put in authority over many things. Let's see what happens to the faith alone people:

Matthew 25:24-30

24 And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter; 25 and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. 26 But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter; 27 thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest. 28 Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away. 30 And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

This is a dynamite passage of scripture that utterly destroys the faith alone heresy. While the modern church talks about how warm and fuzzy Jehoshua and how he requires nothing of us in terms of salvation this parable paints a far different picture. The faith alone servant calls Jehoshua a hard man. What do we know about a hard man? We know that a hard man such as a boss requires much and doesn't accept excuses. 

The faith alone servant thought that Jehoshua's commandments were too demanding so instead of multiplying his talent he hid it away relying on faith alone. In verses 26 and 27 Jehoshua rebukes him and calls the faith alone servant wicked and slothful. The Son of God tells the servant that he should have done at the least the minimum requirements of his (Jehoshua's) commandments.

Unlike what the faith alone teachers say Jehoshua will take even the little that a person has if they don't multiply it. These verses (28 and 29) show that the faith alone people will not have nay inheritance in the Kingdom as Jehoshua says that even what little they have due to no works will be taken away.

Verse 30 seals the deal for the faith alone people. It makes no sense that faith alone without works saves you if Jehoshua says that wicked and slothful servant will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Obviously this is a reference to the lake of fire. Remember, the wicked and slothful servant was considered a servant of Jehoshua so he was a professing Christian. He also was given the Lord's goods to manage so you can't say this servant was an unbeliever. Jehoshua doesn't give unbelievers his goods to manage. Notice that the issue with wicked and slothful servant wasn't that he was living in sin or denying that Jehoshua was the Messiah but it was that he wasn't doing works. It was his failure to do works that got him cast into outer darkness.

The meek shall inherit the earth

 The meek shall inherit the earth

Matthew 5:5

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth"

This one verse has either been entirely discarded or completely misunderstood. Today's Christians believe that they are going to be raptured to heaven while the wicked remain her on the earth for a few years. They also believe that to be "meek" means to be some sort of tolerant pacifist. Read the below passage and see that in verse 4 Jehovah beautifies the meek with salvation and that these meek ones also bear the sword to take vengeance on the nations and their rulers (Presidents, kings etc.). They also bind the nobles (CEO's politicians, celebrities) with chains and fetters. To be meek also means to execute the judgment written against those who hate Jehovah and hate Jehovah's people. This honor have ALL THE SAINTS!!!!

Psalm Chapter 149

1 Praise ye Jehovah. Sing unto Jehovah a new song, And his praise in the assembly of the saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp. 4 For Jehovah taketh pleasure in his people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds. 6 [Let] the high praises of God [be] in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.

This is a passage of scripture likely not read in any of the mainstream churches because it exposes their false pacifist doctrine. While most mainstream churches have no problem with Christians signing up and fighting for a secular nation, they adamantly balk at the idea that there are times where Christians need to fight for Jehovah God. They have no problem blessing and praising members of theit congregations for fighting for a secular country that hates their God but will demonize anyone who bears the sword on behalf of God's people.

Scripture commands us to contend with the wicked:

Proverbs 28:4-5

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.

Jehovah's saints contend with the wicked. Contending means to vehemently fight. The wicked who forsake Jehovah's law cannot understand justice, however those who contend (fight) against the wicked understand all things.

In the two passages looked at so far we see that being meek and understanding justice is equated to fighting and bearing the sword taking vengeance on the enemies of Jehovah God. To be meek and one who understands justice requires that you execute punishment upon the wicked and bind their kings and nobles with chains.

The idea of contending for Jehovah is not just an old testament concept but it is taught in the new testament as well.

Jude:3

"Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints"

Our fighting for the faith is to be done earnestly, meaning with valiant exhuberance. When we think of contending we can picture a boxer fighting for a world championship. We need to have that same vitality when contending for the truth of Jehovah God.

There should be no fear for the believer in the Son of God, infact we are told that the righteous are as bold as a lion and it is the wicked who flee like cowards:

Proverbs 28:1

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion"

When we walk in righteousness keeping the law of Jehovah God we can have confidence that He is with us and we can stand in the face of evil without blinking. Jehoshua told us to not fear those who can kill us:

Matthew 10:28

"And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell"

Jehoshua encourages his apostles to remain steadfast in the midst of persecution and to have no fear of those who wish them to do them bodily harm. Being meek does not mean "docile" but rather means to be "gentle". Being meek also does not eliminate being strong and vigilant when the occasion arises. 

All followers of the Son of God will agree that Jehoshua was the ultimate example of meekness yet that didn't stop him from literally pulling out the whip on people:

John 2:13-17

13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jehoshua went up to Jerusalem.14 And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:15 and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers` money, and overthrew their tables; 16 and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father`s house a house of merchandise.17 His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for thy house shall eat me up.

Mark 11:16

"and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple"

This meant that Jehoshua likely had to use force or at least threaten it to prevent anyone from bringing a vessel into the temple.

Matthew 10:16

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves"

The word "harmless" is rendered from the Greek word "akeraios" (Strongs 185) and means "harmless, simple, innocent, without a mixture of evil, free from guile"

Taking verse 16 on the surface could inadvertently promote being docile whereas the real meaning of the greek word "akeraios" denotes to be innocent and without guile. Verse 16 is not a command by Jehoshua to be docile but rather to be innocent and without any guile. All we have to do is look at the stories in the old testament of the Israelites taking vengeance on their enemies and we can see that doing this was not contradictory to being innocent as doves. Remember, it was Jehovah God that commanded Israel to kill and destroy whole nations. Surely, we wouldn't accuse Jehovah of being with guile.

Jehoshua whipping the money changers with chords and standing in their way was in perfect accord with what he commanded in Matthew 10:16. This shows that taking strong action does not disagree with Jehoshua's commandment to be harmless (innocent) as doves. Obviously harmless is not the proper interpretation for certainly Jehoshua did the money changers harm, however he didn't do it with guile and innocent in doing so be it wasn't a violation of His Father's law.

When pointing out what Jehoshua did at the temple the first reaction of the lukewarm will be "we'll were not Jesus". Yet scripture teaches us that we are to walk like Jehoshua walked:

1 John 2:5-6

5 but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him: 6 he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

Remember, the love of God is not sentimental feelings but rather it is the keeping of God's commandments (1 John 5:2-3).

John the apostle says that we are to walk like Jehoshua walked. This will be the evidence of those that abide in the Messiah. Those who truly abide in the Messiah will have moments where they take strong decisive, even physical, action. This contradicts the mainstream Christian Churches that say those who do such things are not "Christ-like". To the contrary they are the ones not "Christ-like" and those who at times show force are indeed conformed to the image of the Son of God.

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.

The Saints go to war

 Psalm 149:5-9

5 Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; 8 To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah

Do you see what the above passage indicates? The saints of Jehovah God will wield a two edged sword and execute vengeance upon the nations. This denotes real bloodshed. There is no reason to not take this literally. In fact we will be praising Jehovah God as we kill those of the nations.  We will bind the kings and nobles of the nations in fetters and bring them before Jehoshua who will say:

"But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me" ( Luke 19:27).

Jehoshua the Son of God will command us to slay the wicked. We will bring the kings and nobles of the nations before the Son of God in chains and then execute them with our sword. Jehoshua is obviously commanding someone else to do the killing. The above Psalm proves that is the saints of God.

Jude 14-15

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

The Lord comes with his saints to execute judgment upon sinners. This exactly what Psalm 149 is saying. Do you really think we are just gonna come with Jehoshua to watch him do the executing? Scripture says we come with him to execute the judgement and this judgement will be executed by the sword as stated in Psalm 149 and it is us who do it.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him"

Paul proves that the saints that come with the Lord at his second advent are disciples of the Son of God. This tells us who the saints of Jude 14-15 are. The angels are also included in this as well as Jehoshua teaches.

Zechariah 12:8

"In that day shall Jehovah defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of Jehovah before them"

This is in regards to the great and terrible day of Jehovah. In that day He will make the feeble of Jersuslem (New Jersuslem) strong as David. Why would the feeble need to be made as David? Because as stated in the previous passages they will participate in the destruction of the wicked. The reference to David is obviously speaking of his warrior spirit meaning that the feeble among New Jersuslem will be made into warriors in the day of Jehovah God.

The house of David will be as God and the angel of Jehovah. Who is the house of David in the new covenant? According to James it is the new covenant church made up of Judeans and the nations (Northern Israelites) (Acts 15). What does it mean we will be as God and the angel of Jehovah? What was the angel charged with doing?

Exodus 23:23

"For mine angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: and I will cut them off"

The angel of Jehovah was charged with driving and cutting off (killing) Israel's enemies so that they (Israel) could posess the land of Canaan. Even though the angel was leading the campaign in cutting off the enemies of Israel in the land of Canaan the Israelites didn't just sit back and watch as they participated in the bloodshed of the heathens. The same will be true of us in the day of Jehovah, Jehoshua and his angels will be leading the way however we will be participating in the bloodshed of the wicked so as to possess the heavenly Canaan. 

We as the new Israel will be required to participate in the war just as the Israel of old. However, we will be immortal and will have the power to vanquish the enemy as the angel of Jehovah did in the old testament.

Malachi 4:1-3

1 For, behold, the day cometh, it burneth as a furnace; and all the proud, and all that work wickedness, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith Jehovah of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make, saith Jehovah of hosts.

This is about the day of Jehovah i.e. the second advent of Messiah. Notice what verse  3 says, Malachi prophesying says that those who fear Jehovah's name will go forth as gambles of the stall and tread the wicked underfoot. This denotes that we will shed their blood as the treading of the wicked denotes pouring their life blood upon the earth. This is exactly what is said about what Jehoshua does to the Edomites (Isaiah 63) in that the treading of the wicked equates to shedding their blood and staining your garments with it. Also, see Genesis 49:8-10 and Revelation 14 and 19. The treading of the wicked is synonymous with killing them with the sword.

The phrase "tread down" comes from the Hebrew word "acac" (Strongs 6072) and means "tread down, crush, press by treading or out, press (grapes), to press"

This is the definition of what the saints are gonna do to the wicked on the great and terrible day of Jehovah. This shows that we will not just be on the sidelines watching Jehoshua vanquishing the enemy but we will have a very real physical part to play in it. The fact that we tread the wicked underfoot shows that we physically crush them like grapes in a winepress are crushed. This denotes that like Jehoshua we kill the enemies of Jehovah with the sword as that what it means when it describes him treading the Edomites underfoot.

2 Chronicles 19:2 “... Shouldest thou help the un-Jehovah-like, and love them that hate 

Jehovah? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before Jehovah.”

We are not to help those that hate Jehovah God nor are we to love them as David states in Psalm 139.

Psalm 110:1-3

1 Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.

This passage is the most quoted old testament scripture in the new testament. This means we must take this passage seriously and literally. This is David prophesying about the covenant Jehovah God made with him being fulfilled. This is the coronation of Jehoshua Messiah.

Jehoshua will be King on the right hand of God in heaven until his enemies are made his footstol meaning he treads them underfoot. The rod of strength that comes out of Zion is the shepherd's rod of the Davidic King that he uses to dash the nations to pieces like a potter's vessel.

Verse 3 is where the saints come in, we are the King's people and we will offer ourselves willingly in the day of Jehoshua's power. In context the day of Jehoshua's power is the second advent. The dew of the King's youth means that Jehoshua has his young warriors ready to do battle. We as the saints and the people of the Messiah are the dew of his youth. Let's look at the rest of Psalm 110 to prove that the day of Jehoshua's power is indeed his second coming.

Psalm 110:4-7

4 Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek. 5 The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill the places with dead bodies; He will strike through the head in many countries.7He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head.

Verse 4 hearkens back to the ascension of the Son of God where he was given as an eternal covenant the Melchizedek priesthood.

Verse 5, Jehoshua is the Lord (King) at Jehovah's right hand. He will strike through kings in the day of his wrath. See Psalm 2 which says that the wrath of the Son of God is kindled easily. 

Revelation 6:16-17

16 and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 for the great day of their wrath is come; and who is able to stand?

The day of Jehovah is both the wrath of God and His only begotten Son Jehoshua.

In verse 6 it says that the King at Jehovah's right hand will judge among the nations. This is a reference to the valley of Jehoshaphat in Joel chapter 3. Jehoshaphat means"Jehovah judges". This is the valley of decision. After the judgement comes the sword in which Jehoshua will say to us and the angels to bring the wicked before him and to slay them (Luke 19:27).

Continuing in verse 6, Jehoshua will fill the valley of the son of Hinnom (Gehenna, lake of fire) with dead bodies. This shows that the Son of God personally kills them with his young warriors (the dew of his youth, verse 3).

Jehoshua will strike through the heads of many countries. This means he will strike military leaders and political leaders dead with his sword. See Revelation 19 for the destruction of the kings and mighty men.

In verse 7 it says that Jehoshua will drink of the brook in the way and lift his head up. This will be after he and we destroy the wicked. This is a metaphor for triumph. At the end of the battle the Messiah will be refreshed. It means his mission will be successfully accomplished, and he will be satisfied with the results. We take part in his mission to tread the wicked underfoot.

Joel 2:1-2

1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of Jehovah cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the dawn spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after them, even to the years of many generations.

The context of Joel chapter 2 is the great and terrible day of Jehovah which we know to be the second advent of Messiah. Interpreters have differed on the identification of this army detailed in Joel chapter 2 but the context shows that it is indeed an army of Jehovah God.

The description of this army shows that it is not any earthly army of a foreign nation since it says that there will not be any army like them for many generations. They are described as great and strong.

Joel 2:3-5

3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and none hath escaped them. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Verse 3 indicates a total devastation this army of Jehovah will bring to it's enemies. The description of them as horses and horsemen denotes their strength and swiftness (verse 4).

Verse 5, this again denotes the strength of army and that they will devour the enemies of Jehovah as a flame of fire. 

Joel 2:6-8

6 At their presence the peoples are in anguish; all faces are waxed pale. 7 They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks. 8 Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off [their course].

The unbelievers fear of Jehovah's army is because they know they are facing divine judgement (Isaiah 13:8; Zechariah 14:13). They are described as pale in face due to the panic at the presence of the army. The army of Jehovah will be organized and disciplined hence they march in ranks and they are invincible (run like mighty men).

Verse 8, No weapons will be able to hurt them showing that this is an immortal army. By this time, the saints will have been resurrected and translated into our new bodies. We will capture and/or kill every enemy of God as we will not break course.

Joel 2:9-10

9 They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth quaketh before them; the heavens tremble; the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

God's people will terrorize the wicked on that great and terrible day. Verse 10 shows this to be in connection with the events at the last day with cosmic disturbances.

Joel 2:11-12

11 And Jehovah uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? 12 Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Verse 11 proves that this is Jehovah's army being described and not an enemy army as some try to argue. The prophet Joel says that the camp of Jehovah is great, this refers to Jehovah's people Israel. Jehovah's word will be executed with stunning violence and swiftness. His word is His judgement and destruction of the wicked. The saints will participate in executing His word (Psalm 149).

The day of Jehovah is described as being great and terrible. It will be terrible for the unbelievers and they will mourn and turn pale due to fear. The wicked will seek death in that day but won't find it. This shows just how great the day of Jehovah will be. Modern Churchianty has watered down the day of Messiah's coming to a disneyland fairy tale rather than the brutal day of violence that it will truly be.

Verse 12 is the reminder to repent so that one can abide on that day and be in the army of Jehovah God.

The question of who can abide the great and terrible day of Jehovah God is answered in Revelation 7 and the answer is the 12 tribes of Israel. Not all Israelites but a remnant from each tribe.

Joel 3:9-10

9 Proclaim ye this among the nations; prepare war; stir up the mighty men; let all the men of war draw near, let them come up.10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

This is a call to war by Jehovah God. He is about to execute judgement on the nations that have persecuted His people Israel. As.we read in chapter 2 this war includes the children of Israel. Upon our resurrection we will we beat our plowshares into swords. Right now is the time for farming meaning to plow the field of the Kingdom, however as king Solomon says there is also a time for war. In that day the weak will be strong as King David was (Zechariah 12). 

Joel 3:11-12

11 Haste ye, and come, all ye nations round about, and gather yourselves together: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Jehovah. 12 Let the nations bestir themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the nations round about.

The nations have been called to war and now appear before Jehovah God at the valley of Jehoshaphat which means "Jehovah judges". This will be where the war is fought between the nations and Jehoshua, the Son of Jehovah. This will also be where Jehoshua sits on his white throne to judge the nations.

Joel 3:13

"Put ye in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe: come, tread ye; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great"

The nations are gathered before Jehovah to be slaughtered. We know this because in verse 13 there is the command to put in the sickle, in order to reap the harvest. This is the harvest of the wicked because the prophet Joel says that these ones being harvested will be tread which means crushed like grapes. These nations summoned to the valley of Jehoshaphat are the grapes of wrath. We know the language in verse 13 is about the wicked being harvested because we see the parralel to this in Revelation 14:

18 And another angel came out from the altar, he that hath power over fire; and he called with a great voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Send forth thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great [winepress], of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress are trodden without the city, and there came out blood from the winepress, even unto the bridles of the horses, as far as a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Do you see the connection between verse 13 of Joel chapter 3 and the above passage in Revelation 14? They are the same event which is the destruction of the wicked. Jehovah calls the nations to war and to appear before Him at the valley of Jehoshaphat where Jehoshua and his saints will thrust in the sickle and tread the grapes of wrath underfoot. Remember, to tread means to crush so this denotes physically and violently destroying the wicked. The language of the winepress is used to give a vivid picture of how we will treat the wicked. Revelation 14 says the vintage (grapes) of the earth will be gathered and cast into the winepress.

The grapes are the wicked nations and the gathering will be to the valley of Jehoshaphat where the wicked will be judged, then killed with the double edged sword of the saints (Psalm 149; Luke 19:27) and then cast into the lake of fire. It was prophesied about the Judean King that he would put his hand on the neck of his enemies;

Genesis 49:8

"Judah, thee shall thy brethren praise: Thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; Thy father`s sons shall bow down before thee"

The hand of the Judean King would be on the neck of his enemies. Jehoshua is no hippy and many will find that out on the day of judgement.

Joshua 10:24

"And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them"

Joshua had the Israelite war chiefs put their feet on the neck of the enemy kings. Paul the apostle says that Jehoshua must reign until all enemies are put under his feet:

1 Corinthians 15:25

"For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet"

The putting all enemies under his feet is the same as treading them underfoot. This means the putting his enemies under his feet is eqauted to violently crushing them like grapes in a winepress. The winepress is the vat of Jehovah God's wrath.

As mentioned earlier in the study, the saints participate in the treading the wicked underfoot (Malachi 4).

Joel 3:14-17

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! for the day of Jehovah is near in the valley of decision.15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.16 And Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I am Jehovah your God, dwelling in Zion my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

The day of Jehovah is the valley of decision. These are connected as verse 15 shows the comic disturbances that accompany the great and terrible day of Jehovah. It's the Valley of Jehoshaphat where Jehovah judges the nations and the reaps them with his sickle. Jehovah God will roar from heavenly Zion i.e. New Jersuslem announcing that His day has arrived.

Revelation 10:2-4

2 and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth; 3 and he cried with a great voice, as a lion roareth: and when he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders uttered [their voices], I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying, Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

This is the mighty angel, who represents Jehovah God, roaring and seven thunders uttering their voices. This is likely the angel of the holy spirit. This roar indicates that there will be no delay and that the mystery of God is finished. The rest of the chapter indicates this.

The heavens and the earth shaking at the roar of Jehovah show that this passage in Joel is connected with the cataclysmic events of the book of Revelation and the second coming of Messiah.

Verse 17 says Jehovah will be a stronghold to His people in that day. Who are Jehovah's people? Joel says it clearly, the children of Israel. His children will be delivered in that day and as this study shows they will bring vengeance upon the wicked.