My study on The Millennium, when is it? Part 2

God the Father raised up Jesus from the dead through the Eternal Spirit. Christ's divinity did not die while in the grave. The Godhead Family was at work in the resurrection of Christ. The Apostles were witnesses of this. Just as Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism in it's fullness, He was also anointed with the Father's Spirit in it's fulness at His ascension being exalted to the right hand of the Father. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit was a public display of Christ's royal power, as He is exalted at the right hand of God.

It is noteworthy that Peter cites Psalm 110:1 to show Christ's supreme exaltation as Lord and enduring Kingship until His enemies were destroyed,  just as Jesus had used this reference to declare His divinity (Luke 20:41-44, 22:69).

This alone proves that the fufillment of Christ being established as the everlasting King who sits on the throne of David was fufilled at His ascension and Pentecost.

In verse 36, Peter says that God the Father made Jesus both Lord and Christ, titles that were used of him on earth. The Lord a title referring to Jesus Kingship and Christ referring to being the anointed of Jehovah. After Christ finished work on the cross the Father manifested the glory of the begotten Son in a far greater way. Jesus is not a future King of the Davidic line but was made one during His earthly ministry and received His throne, sceptre, crown, Kingdom at His ascension.

Philippians 2:6-11 (KJV)

6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

To have the form of something is to have the very essence of the thing. Jesus Christ, being in essence God, did not view eqaulity with God as something to be stolen, robbed, or snatched because He already had it. The Son of God emptying Himself should not necessarily be taken to mean He set aside all of His divinity but rather highlights His humility. The begotten Son of God, who did not view eqaulity with God something to be grasped, in mercy took hold of the form, or essence of man as a servant.

Christ was exalted at His ascension. The pathway to Christ exaltation was marked by suffering and just as He was glorified and exalted after His suffering, so too will God's children. God the Father exalted His Son because the Son's suffering was successful and the result is salvation for all those given to Christ and the glory of God the Father. One day all will know that Christ is the undisputed King and will confess as such to the glory of God the Father.

Let's now go to the passage Peter refrenced in Acts 2:

Psalm 110:1-7 (KJV)

1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.3Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.5The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.6He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.7He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

David affirms the duality of the Godhead and the pre existence of the Savior. Jehovah God says to His Son "Adonai" meaning Sovereign

"Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."

This scripture was qouted in Hebrews 1:13 which we know in context is about the exaltation of Christ to the Davidic throne after His ascension into Heaven. In verse, we read that Jehovah will send the rod of His strength out of Zion to rule in the midst of the enemies of, in one sense David, but in a greater sense the Son of God. A rod can also be interpreted as sceptre which takes us back to Hebrews 1:8-9 as this sceptre was given to Christ as the installed King on David's throne.

Christ rules the earthly Kingdoms as He is the rod of Jehovah's strength that comes out of Heavenly Zion where His throne is. He rules with a right sceptre. Christ's medatorial Kingdom invades the kingdoms of this world overcoming them by His Word, Spirit, providence, and return in glory.

Back to verse 1 of this passage, David calls refers to the Son of God as "Adonai" meaning Lord. David who was the ruler of God's earthly Kingdom, acknowledged, that His descendant, Christ would be Sovereign over him (Matthew 22:42-45, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44). The place of supreme honor and authority over all things in heaven and earth cited in (Matthew 26:64, Colossians 3:1, Luke 22:69, Acts 2:34-35, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20-21, Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10;12; 12:2). This implies that the earthly kingdom, centered upon Jerusalem, would be replaced with a universal Kingdom, based in heaven itself. "enemies thy footstool" denoting total victory and utter subjection (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, Hebrews 10:13). Christ's enemies will be made His footstool right before and at His second advent.

In verse 4, Jehovah makes an unrevocable decree to His only begotten Son (Hebrews 6:17-18). Christ having risen from the dead, has no successor, but intercedes through the ages for His people  (Hebrews 7:16-17, 24-25). Christ is a Priest of the Melchizedek order. The name means "King of Righteousness" (Hebrews 7:2). Melchizedek was the King of Salem and a Priest of the Most High God before David's Kingship and Aaron's priesthood, and thus a type of Christ (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7). Christ unites the offices of priest and king in one person  (Hebrews 5:6, 10: 7:17,21; Zechariah 6:13), implying that the old covenant and Aaronic priesthood would be obselete (Hebrews 7:11-12).

In verse 5, David says that the Lord (Christ) who sits at Jehovah the Father's right hand will strike through kings in the day of his wrath which is a reference to AD 70 and His second advent.

It is significant that the word "Lord" in this verse is not the same as the word "Lord" used in verse 1. In verse 1, the word Lord means Adonai or Lord. In this verse the word "Lord" should be rendered as the divine name "Jehovah" (Hebrew Strongs 3068). Unlike what Jehovah Witnesses teach, the Son of God is Jehovah. This passage can also read:

"Jehovah the Son at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath"

Verse 6 speaks of the judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:14) as Jehovah the Son will sit on the white throne and judge the heathen nations after He has destroyed the wicked at His second advent and strewn their dead bodies all across the earth before the resurrection of the unjust.

 Psalm Chapter 89:1-4 (KJV)

1I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.3I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,4Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

Jehovah made an unbreakable covenant with David. The sworn promise was that David's seed would be established for ever as well as His throne. This was fulfilled in Jehoshua Messiah, God's only begotten Son. The question is, where will the Thone of David be established with Jehoshua as King? Also, when was this promise fulfilled?

Psalm 89:20

20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

Jehovah chose David's family line to bring forth Jehoshua (Acts 13:22-23). Just as David was designated King by anointing with oil (1 Samuel 16:13); Jehoshua was anointed by the Father's Spirit as oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 45:6-7; Isaiah 61:1).

Psalm 89:26 (KJV)

26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Just as Jehovah adopted Israel as His Son (Exodus 4:22), Jehovah adopted the royal line of David (2 Samuel 7:14), making it a type of the eternal Son of God in His resurrected Kingship (Psalm 2:7). Jehovah the Father and Jehovah the Son are the rock of our Salvation. The Father is the mountain and the Son is the stone cut out of it without hands.

Psalm 89;27-29 (KJV)

27Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.28My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.29His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

Verse 27, "Firstborn", not necessarily about birth although the Messiah is the firstborn of heaven (Colossians 1:15). In context of this passage, firstborn denotes a designation of rank and privilege (higher than the kings). This was fufilled in Christ  (Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15, 18, Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 1:5). In verse 28, we see that the Father's covenant with David which prophesied of Christ being the everlasting King on David's throne was an everlasting covenant. Verse 29, Jehovah promises David that His seed will endure forever (fufilled in Christ), and his throne as the days of heaven, an everlasting throne which is fufilled in Christ. Even though Jesus will vacate the medatorial Davidic throne at His second advent and turn the Kingdom over to the Father, He still will sit as King on an everlasting throne in New Jerusalem on the new earth.

Psalm 89:34-37  (KJV)

34My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.35Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

36His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.37It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Verses 34 and 35 shows the surety of Jehovah the Father's words. His promise to David about his seed inheriting the throne and the Kingdom are unbreakable and immutable. Jehovah's commitment to exalt the Son of David forever is sealed with a solemn oath, communicating His unchangeable nature. The prophecy of Jesus being the everlasting King on David's throne was a covenant between Jehovah and David.

Verse 36, Davids seed will last forever, this is fufilled in Christ. David's throne will be as the sun before Jehovah denoting that the future home of David's throne was to be in Heaven.

Verse 37, David's throne is to be established forever as Christ is the eternal King of glory. And notice the second part of the verse says:

"as a faithful witness in heaven"

Christ will not rule on the Davidic throne from earthly Jerusalem in an earthly millennium but rather as the text says His throne will be a faithful witness in heaven before Jehovah God. A faithful witness denotes the justice and righteousness in which Christ will rule from the Davidic throne.

As the scriptures make clear, Christ reign on the Davidic throne began at His ascension into Heaven (Hebrews 1:8-9, Acts 2:32-36).

Acts 2:29-31 (KJV)

29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

Peter tells the men of Israel that David is dead and buried in his sepulchre. This is significant because this is when the propechy was to be fulfilled regarding Christ inheriting the Davidic throne. Jesus could not be established as the King on David's throne while David was still alive. So in effect, Christ could not be enthroned as King while David was alive on earth or after David is to be resurrected at the end of this age inaugurating some earthly millennium.

Jesus could only be installed as King on David's throne between the time of David's death and the last day resurrection. Peter then hearkens to the unbreakable covenant Jehovah made with David (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Notice that Peter says that Jehovah's promise to David would be fufilled at the raising up of Christ meaning the Son of God's resurrection and ascension. Peter says that it would be the raising up of Christ that would immediately precede His (Christ's) be sat on David's throne.

Psalm 16:10 (KJV)

10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

David knew Jehovah's covenant to give him a descendant who would reign over his Kingdom forever and was enabled by the Holy Spirit to foretell Christ's resurrection.

"thou wilt not leave my soul in hell". Thou will not abandon me to the grave, a reference to resurrection from the dead. David was able to forsee that Christ would not see corruption in the grave and that He (Christ) would gloriously rise from the dead. David also knew that his body would not be left in the grave and would ultimately also rise from the dead. However, he doesn't say that he won't see corruption. David only said this of Christ.

Psalm 2:1-12 (KJV)

1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.11Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Verses 1-2, this opposition found climatic expression in the days of Christ (Acts 4:25-26). The nations raged and plotted vainly against Jehovah and His Christ during the Son's earthly ministry. Jesus is the divinely chosen and empowered King from the line of David.

Psalm 18:49-50 (KJV)

49Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.50Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

David as a type of Christ, calls the nations to worship Jehovah for His great salvation (Romans 15:9). "mercy, faithful love, anointed. Chosen as King. "to David and to his seed. As Jehovah promised in His covenant that was ultimately in Christ as He sits on the throne of David being established at His ascension as the King of glory.

Now back to Psalm 2, verse 3, this speaks of the nations rejection of divine control and restraint.

Verse 4, the Lord here mentioned is Jesus Christ, as He will have the nations who rage and plot vain things in contempt and mockery. No matter how rebellious the nations get towards the Father and Son's principles, they will be laughed at by the united Godhead Family.

Verse 5, the Lord Jesus Christ will roar like the Lion of Judah that He is and strike terror in the hearts of the rebellious nations. Let us not think that Jesus Christ is anything but a Warrior King who will deal swiftly with the wicked when He sees fit to do so.

Verse 6, "set my king", rebellious opposition cannot frustrate Jehovah's plan and purpose which He will fufill through the Son of David (Christ). "hill of Zion", location of Jerusalem and God's special presence in the temple - a symbol of Jehovah's Kingdom. David's immediate offspring would rule on the throne in earthly Zion and Jerusalem whereas his later offspring (Christ) would rule from Heavenly Mount Zion in heavenly Jerusalem. This was fufilled at His ascension and is in progress now. Jehovah set His Son Jesus Christ as the King of the Church (Kingdom of God) in the heavenly sanctuary in heavenly  Jerusalem at His ascension leading to the day of Pentecost.

Verse 7, Jehoshua's eternal glory as God's Son was declared with power at His resurrection and subsequent ascension when He was exalted as King  (Acts 13:32-33; Hebrews 1:5-6; Romans 1:4).

Verse 8, the Father willed that Christ intercede for His redeemed, so that they will become His inheritance and possession. "Heathen...uttermost". Christ will save people from all nations (Psalm 22:7, 72:8,11: Daniel 7:14).

Verse 9, Jehoshua either conquers by grace or force. He should deal severely with those who, in unbelief refuse to submit to Him (Matthew 21:44).

Verse 12, "kiss" an expression of honor and submission. This is an appeal to all peoples to submit to the Messiah who is the Son of God.

Zechariah 6:9-15 (ASV)

9And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,10Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, whither they are come from Babylon;11yea, take [of them] silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;12and 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;

13even 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.14And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah.15And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.

The coronation ceremony was an actual enactment to be a picture prophecy of the priestly and Kingly offices of the coming Messiah, the only one in whom these offices could unite. After the object lesson, Joshua had to vacate the throne.

Verse 11, "crowns" a magnificently splendid crown. The Hebrew uses the plural to intensify.

Verse 12, the Branch, a Messianic title, "he shall grow up. Literally, "he will sprout", the same root as Branch. Jesus was to begin to build the temple of Jehovah at His first advent as He had told Peter (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus has been building His Father's temple ever since. Those who repent and are born again are little stones added to the temple of Jehovah.

Verse 13, Zechariah repeats that Jesus the coming Christ will build the temple of Jehovah. This was to begin being fufilled in Christ at His first advent and will continue until His second advent.
 "rule...be a priest. Uniquely fufilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is a Priest and King at the same time ruling on the throne of David. "Between them both", the counsel of peace is between Jehovah God and His Son Jesus Christ who sits at His right hand as the King.

Verse 14, after the symbolic coronation,  the crown was taken away from Joshua and kept in the temple as a reminder of the promised Royal Priest. It is noteworthy that the name Joshua, shortened form of Jehoshua, is the equivalent of Jesus. Remember, that Jesus is the promised seed of David to inherit the Kingdom and throne. The crown was taken away from Joshua after the symbolic coronation and laid in the temple awaiting the eternal King which would be Joshua's namesake "Jesus (Jehoshua) Christ".

Verse 15, Zechariah's conclusion to his first message (ch.5). Widespread work on and completion of the temple would confirm his prophetic authority.

Colossians 1:12-14 (KJV)

12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

This passage in Colossians is clear scriptural evidence that we are currently in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Paul says that the Father qualifies and makes us sufficient (meet) to partake of the inheritance of the saints. The inheritance is the Kingdom. Paul wrote this in the first century, obviously making the Kingdom a reality all the way back to first advent. While many denominations teach a future millennium, Paul is clear that Jesus Christ Kingdom is a present reality for believers.

Verses 13 and 14, when God redeems a sinner He transfers them from the power of darkness (Satan's kingdom) to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ His dear Son. The word translated can also be rendered "transferred". This speaks to our assurance of salvation and that once we are redeemed that we are effectively members of the Son of God's Kingdom. Only those who have eternal life can be members of this Kingdom (John 5:24). Jesus Christ Kingdom does not have unbelievers or those who are not part of the Family. Only those who have been given eternal life by the Son can enter into this Kingdom and only unbelief will get one kicked out. We are justified by faith in the Son of God. True faith will produce fruits worthy of repentance.

Matthew 13:41 (KJV)

41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Notice that Jesus says that the unbelievers will be gathered out of His Kingdom. Being that the unbelievers will be on earth at the time of Jesus second advent, this shows us that Jesus Kingdom was here on earth. The unbelievers once living in the midst of His Kingdom (here on earth) will be gathered out of it at His return. The unbelieving were never part of the Kingdom but lived here in the midst of Christ's Spiritual Kingdom. The unbelievers were part of Satan's kingdom. Jesus said that His Kingdom comes not with observation but rather is within the heart.

Many Christian's today don't realize that we are already living in Christ's millennial Kingdom as He is reigning from heaven on the throne of David. The Kingdom is Spiritual as it is not a Geo-Political kingdom. Visibly, the Kingdom is seen on earth in each believer individually and collectively in the local Church.

Matthew 11:12 (KJV)

12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Many people from the time of John the Baptist Elijah message were striving to enter the Kingdom of Jesus Christ through repentance and faith. John the Baptist announced the coming of the Kingdom, Jesus was bringing it nigh unto the people (at hand) and His resurrection destroyed the devil and spoiled His kingdom. At Jesus ascension, He bound the devil and cast him into the bottomless pit after warring with him and his angels. He then went directly into the most holy place to receive His Kingdom, David's throne and crown and also His Priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek.

Acts :1-8 (KJV)

1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Verses 3 and 4, After Jesus resurrection, he spent 40 days with His disciples speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Notice that Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the promised Holy Spirit that comes from the Father. This was part of the plan to bring the Kingdom in power to the Church so that they can spread it to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Verses 6-7, "restore the Kingdom to Israel". The Kingdom promised to David was coming already in Christ's heavenly reign through the preachingof the gospel (Acts 2:29-30, 34; 5:30-31; 13:22-23, 32-39; 15:14-17).

Thus Jesus responded to the disciples question by reminding them that they cannot know the times of His return (Matthew 24:36) but should focus on being gospel witnesses throughout the whole earth, by which the Kingdom is built.

Verse 8, the commission Christ particularly gave those of His apostles who had personally seen His earthly ministry and resurrection. This is the itinerary for preaching the gospel in Acts and spreading the Kingdom of Jesus Christ as the Father would translate the redeemed into His dear Son's Kingdom.

The inauguration of the Kingdom of Jehoshua Messiah, the day of Pentecost

Acts Chapter 2:1-5

1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

"every nation under heaven" The passover had drawn thousands of people from all over the known world. The miracle of Pentecost signified a reversal of Jehovah's curse on the tower of babel, which had confused and divided humanity for it's pride, whereas the gospel of Christ unites the nations to glorify God. Yet it was also a sign of judgment upon those who reject the gospel ,as much as Israel had done. The day of Pentecost inaugurated Jehoshua's Kingdom as on this day He was enthroned on David's throne and established as the everlasting King. The miracle of Pentecost help spread the gospel of Jehoshua's Kingdom throughout the earth as the Father translated many into His dear Son's Kingdom.

Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)

20And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The Kingdom will not come in the flare or pomp the Pharisees are seeking. Though this may mean that the Kingdom will be manifested among Christ's disciples, it more likely signifies that God's Kingdom is initially and decisively manifest within the hearts and souls of those who are regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Jehoshua's Kingdom is not an earthly political military Kingdom but rather a Spiritual Kingdom that is present now on earth visibly seen in individual members of His Church and also collectively in local Church fellowships.

Daniel 2:34-35 (KJV)

34Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.35Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

In context, this passage is about Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great image. Each section of the image represented a different kingdom. In verse 34, Daniel describes a stone cut out of a mountain without hands. This stone is the Son of God. The reference to being cut out of the mountain without hands is a reference to Jehoshua being begotten from the Father's substance and not crested. In the days of the Roman empire,  Christ came to this earth and smote it. He destroyed the grip that the Roman empire had on the populace. While the Roman empire continued to exist and even thrive for awhile, eventually Christ's Kingdom overtook it as the Church grew and thirved under immense persecution from the pagan Roman emperor's.

Eventually the Roman empire had to take a "if you can't beat them join them attitude". The edict of Milan lifted the ban on Christianity in the empire. The plain fact is that the Church wore out the Roman empire because the saints stood firm for their faith and the persecution of the Church only caused it to grow. This is where the part of verse 35 applies:

"and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the earth"

The Christian Church is equivalent to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Christ's Kingdom became a great mountain throughout all the earth even though it was severely persecuted. Just look at the Church today, over 2 billion people claim the name Christian. This large number fufills the prophecy of the the stone (Christ and His Kingdom) filling the whole earth. Even as far back in those early Church days, Christ's Kingdom had filled the whole earth. We can be certain that Christ's millennial Kingdom is now and has been since His ascension into Heaven. We are not waiting for a future 1,000 reign with Christ in His Kingdom, we are experiencing it now and have been since the day of Pentecost.

The Roman empire soon broke up into different little kingdoms. Even as early as the 4th century, the Empire had weakened somewhat and was divided into east and west. Never again has the Roman empire revived. Christ's Kingdom effectively wore it out. Even though Constantine comprised the Church, Christian's would never again suffer persecution from the Imperial Roman empire.

Daniel 2:44-45 (KJV)

44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.45Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

The indestructible and everlasting Kingdom designates the rule of God Himself and particularly the medatorial rule of Christ, the stone cut without hands. Christ's medatorial rule began when He ascended into Heaven and sat down on the right hand of God the Father.

Remember, it was the event (Christ's ascension) that initiated Him being enthroned as King on David's throne. It was the same event which inaugurated Jesus millennial Kingdom. While Christ was coronated as King in heaven after His ascension, the Holy Spirit that He was anointed from the Father with to crown Him, overflowed to the waiting disciples on earth. This was the day of Pentecost. On the same day Christ was given His Kingdom by the Father with the ceremony in heaven, the overflowing Spirit poured out on the disciples which began the Kingdom of Christ on earth.

The Millenium, when does it take place? Part 1

In this study, we will make a case for AMillennialism. This is the belief that the millennium in Revelation 20 is a figurative amount of time spanning from Christ's first resurrection and ascension to His second advent. This is the historical teaching of the Catholic, Orthodox and mainline Protestant Churches. While this may cause many Christians to immediately dismiss the AMillennial understanding of the end times, we have to remember that just because certain Churches, that we don't agree with, believe something doesn't mean it's automatically false.

At the end of the day, all things must be proven by scripture. While history provides valuable insights, it is scripture alone that should establish our beliefs. In this study we will surprisingly see how AMillennialism harmonizes with what the bible teaches about the end times. Not only that, but the truth about the millennium, where and when it takes place, gives us a far better hope in this present age than Premillennialism.

Understanding the truth about the millennium is key to one's walk with Christ. The implications of where and when the millennium takes place are far reaching for the Christian Congregation. It determines how you approach your daily life and how you view others, inside and outside the Congregation.

As we go through this study, we will see that the truth in regards to where and when the millennium takes place has a big part in shaping how a believer looks at life in general and looks at their own personal walk with Christ. It will change the way you approach ministry and the way you view your enemies. It will change your world view and your approach to where your loyalty lies in terms of citizenship. I will use Revelation 20 as my base passage of scripture to work from. Of course, we will span many texts of scripture to harmonize the AMillennial view. In short, the AMillennial view teaches that the New covenant Church age is the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Premillennialism, after a hiatus in the mainstream Churches, began popping up after the reformation started in the 1500's. The Anabaptists were the first ones after the reformation to teach premillennialism. Not all of them, the pioneer Anabaptists (swiss brethren) were AMillennialists as they had just broken off from the Zwingly Protestants who themselves were AMillennialists just like the rest of the Protestants.

Premillennialism gained popularity especially in the 1800's with three forms, Historical Premillennialism, which was a view held by some in the early Church. The second was Dispensational Premillennialism which had it's origin in the 1800's. The third was the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of Premillennialism which teaches that the  Millennium is in heaven as opposed to earth (Historical and Dispensational view).

Post Millennialism was popular in the 1800's as it teaches that Christ second advent will occur after the world is Christianized. As we go through this study, we will talk about the dangers and pitfalls of both premillennialism and post Millennialism.

Within the AMillennial understanding of the end times, there are some varying views. They range from a preterist understanding of the end times to a futuristic view of the end times. However, traditionally AMillennialism teaches a historicist view of the end times. That is also my view (historicism). Historicism teaches that the prophecies of the book of Revelation span from the cross all the way to the establishment of the new heaven and new earth.

The AMillennial view teaches that Christ now reigns on earth in the heart of believers. A rather new alternate view teaches that Christ reigns with the saints in heaven now in the intermediate state. My view is the traditional one which teaches that Christ reigns in the hearts of believers now on earth. Also, I don't believe in the immortal soul doctrine so that eliminates the saints reigning in heaven now.

The AMillennial view teaches that Christian's are now reigning as kings & priests on earth and that Jesus is reigning over His Kingdom, which is on earth, from heaven and that He is currently sitting on the Davidic throne in the most holy place at the right hand of God. AMillennialism teaches that Christ was established as the King of His earthly Kingdom at His ascension. We will show this throughout the study. Let's now go to Revelation 20 and start this beautiful journey in understanding the truth about the millennium:

Revelation 20:1-15 (KJV)

1And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is the only place in scripture that speaks of a thousand year period. It's understandable that people would take this as a period that follows the second advent of Christ. If you read Revelation 19 and then go to Revelation 20 that seems to be the order of things as the first word in Revelation 20 is "And", however this could be the introduction to the next cycle that repeats the previous cycles in this prophetic book. Let's see whether or not this passage in Revelation 20 refers to a future time period or if it is a time period in which we are now living.

In verses 1-3, we see the binding of Satan by the Angel. The bottomless pit could be a reference to the depth of the earth and the earth itself. The identification of the Angel is none other than our Savior Jesus Christ. How do we know this? Let's go to Revelation 1:8:

"18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

The refrenced to hell and death are in regards to the grave which is in the depth of the earth. The speaker in this passage is our Jehovah Jesus Christ. It's the Son of God who possesses the keys to the bottomless pit. So the keys to the bottomless pit and hell and death are one and the same. This clearly indentifies the binding Angel in Revelation 20 as Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:7-9 (KJV)

7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The phrase "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan" in verse 2 of  Revelation 20 links this vision with the above passage in Revelation 12. This is in reference to Christ’s exaltation to heaven. It was the exaltation of Christ to heaven that commenced the war of Revelation 12:7-9 and it was Michael The Archangel, who is Jesus Christ, that defeated and cast out Satan from heaven to earth (bottomless pit). Verse 8 says there was no place found anymore in heaven for Satan hence him being bound to the bottomless pit  (earth and depth of the earth "hell and death"). Since it was Michael The Archangel who cast out Satan to the earth (kicking out of heaven thereby binding him) and it was an Angel who bound Satan to the earth in Revelation 20 and it was Jesus who said that He had the keys to the depth of the earth (bottomless pit), then Michael, the Angel and Jesus are all one and the same.

Revelation 12 and Revelation 20 are describing the same sequence of events. So when did this all take place (the war in heaven and the binding of Satan)? The war of the angels was the result of Christ's exaltation upon Satan and his forces. Satan's defeat relates especially to his work as the accuser of the brethren in the court of heaven (Job 1:6-11, 2:5, Zechariah 3:1-5).

Christ's atoning death redeemed His people from sin (Revelation 1:5, 5;9, 7:14). In fact, it was Christ's shedding of blood that granted us to be kings and priests unto God and his Father:

Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV)

5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

This is significant as John the beloved tells us that it was Jesus shedding of blood on the cross that made us kings and priests. Brethren, one can't be a king unless there is a kingdom in which to be a king of.

The war in heaven was an instrument to implement the results of Christ's victory over Satan at the cross. Satan continues to rage on earth, however we will see that it him being cast out of heaven and bound to the earth and depth of the earth  (bottomless pit), that brought forth the establishment of the Kingdom of Jehovah God and the Power of His Christ. The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of Christ are synonymous (one and the same).

Revelation 12:10-13  (KVJ)

10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Verse 10, a loud voice announces the full arrival of the Kingdom of God and Christ which is equivalent to salvation, a reference to Christ’s victory at the cross. The setting up of Christ's Kingdom is right after His resurrection, ascension, the war in heaven which resulted in the casting out (binding) of Satan to the earth and depth of the earth. The Devil deceiveth (present tense) the whole world but now he is in retreat before the armies of the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). The Devil knows his time is short (verse 12 of Rev 12). Why is this? Because Christ had taken up His Kingdom and power and has bound the Devil and cast him out. We have already read in Revelation 20:1-3 that Michael who is Christ bound the Devil to initiate the thousand years. The question is, during what period of time do these thousand years fall in? We know that Christ binding of the devil starts the thousand years, so let's see some scriptures that tell us when the binding of Satan took place:

Mathew 12:28-29 (KJV)

28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.29Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

The Kingdom of God is come meaning it was at the doorstep. Jesus was proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom during His earthly ministry. Jesus defeats Satan and brings the reign of Jehovah into people's lives through the Holy Spirit with which Jehovah anointed Him (Christ ).

The spoiling of goods and the plundering of possessions. The Kingdom of God was making a profound impact against the kingdom of darkness, showing that Christ decisively defeated the Devil in His coming (bind the strong man).

Luke 10:17-20 (KJV)

17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

"Satan as lightning fall from heaven". The preaching of the Kingdom is God's means not only of saving His people but also of judging the powers of darkness. "tread on serpents". Christ was already giving His people victory over Satan, as God had promised after the fall of man (Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20). Though many reject the gospel, Christ is still today triumphing over Satan.

"rejoice not....but rather rejoice". While spiritual gifts and success in ministry are a cause of joy, a Christian's primary and constant cause for rejoicing is that God has chosen him to be a citizen in the Kingdom (your names are written in heaven; Isaiah 4;3, Philippians 4:3).

Are you starting to see a pattern? The defeat of Satan and his subsequent binding took place during the earthly ministry of Jesus as well as His resurrection and ascension.

Luke 11:20-22 (KJV)

20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

The finger of God is symbolic of God's power to judge His enemies  (Exodus 8:19). "The kingdom of God is come". Jesus earthly ministry inaugurated God's Kingdom. Jesus miracles are a sure sign that the King has come to overthrow the powers of darkness. This happened during Jesus first advent.

"strong man" Satan, depicted as a captor who has a careful watch and armament over his own. "a stronger than he" Jesus has come to undo the works of the Devil and so destroy Satan's authority over His (Jesus) people.

Satan = strong man
Jesus = a stronger than he
Satan's kingdom = Palace
Subject's of Satan's kingdom = his goods
Binding of Satan = taketh from him all his armour
Jesus bringing salvation to the subjects of Satan's kingdom= divideth his spoils

This all happens at the casting out of devils and the preaching and presence of Jehovah's Kingdom. In context, this happened (binding of Satan and arrival of the Kingdom) during Jesus first advent. The advancement of the Kingdom still happens today and will continue to happen
until the second advent when the Kingdom realizes it's fullness.

Romans 16:20 (KJV)

20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Though many reject the gospel, Christ is still triumphing today over Satan. Christ's triumph over Satan is applied to the redeemed as joint heirs with Christ and therefore as more than conquerors through Him.

Genesis 3:15 (KJV)

15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

The singular seed points to Jehoshua, the Champion of Jehovah's people who will bring them victory over Satan by His grace. The was the promise of the Redeemer to come rescue man.

The victory of Jehoshua over the Devil took place during His ministry, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. We have the victory now and have had it since the cross.

John 12:31 (KJV)

31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Christ's death is a mysterious conquest of man in rebellion against Jehovah. Satan is the spiritual ruler of fallen man. "Cast out" figurative language for Christ's decisive victory over the Devil. This is significant because it proves that Satan was bound and cast out during Jesus earthly ministry and also at His death, resurrection and ascension. This ties in with Satan's binding at the beginning of Revelation 20:1-3. This proves that we have been in the millennial reign of Christ since His ascension into Heaven. Let's go to Colossians 2:13-15 for further evidence of this.

Colossians 2:13-15 (KJV)

13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

It is Jehoshua's death, burial and resurrection that provides us with forgiveness of sins and the blotting out of our sins. In verse 15, Jehoshua spoiled the principalities and powersof darkness.

The word "spoiled" comes from the Greek word "apekduomai" (Strongs 554) and means "to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil: - put off, spoil"

In order to spoil (divest, strip) Satan's kingdom, Jesus had to bind him first. Again this took place during the time of Jesus ministry. We are seeing that the binding of Satan which initiates the millennium took place during Jesus life and was finalized at His ascension which established His Kingship.

In verse 15 of Colossians 2, it says that Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness at the cross. This is a once and for all defeat of Satan and was done at the cross. In order to have done the spoiling of Satan's palace (kingdom), Jesus first had to bind him. Again, this proves that the binding of Satan was done during Jesus first advent which initiated the millennium.

Hebrews 2:14 (KJV)

14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

This passage in Hebrews makes it clear that through His death, burial and resurrection, Jehoshua destroyed the Devil. This is a once and for all destruction of the Devil. Again, this proves that the millennial reign of Christ began at this period in history not in some future thousand years after His second advent. Jesus death bound and spoiled the devil coinciding with the binding of Satan in Revelation 20:1-3 which began the millennium. Now you might say that the Devil isn't destroyed as he still has influence in the world. The passage isn't referring to the Devil's destruction as a conscious being but rather his ability to deceive the nations. Only those who reject the gospel give place to Satan to deceive them. Let's look at the definition for destroy in the greek:

"Katargeo" is the greek word (2673 strongs) for destroy and it means "to be rendered entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively: - abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void".

The above definitions can be applied literally or figuratively. In Satan's case, we may use the figurative understanding of him being destroyed meaning that his being is not destroyed but rather his ability to deceive. What is destroyed, abolished, vanished and put away regarding Satan? His ability to deceive the nations. The glorious gospel of Jesus Christ has gone to the four corners of the world and has given light to the nations. Satan can no longer obscure God's love for humanity which was manifested in God giving us His only begotten Son to die for our sins.

Those who are deceived by Satan are those who rejected the truth that they might be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). The above definition of destroy above says to render useless or idle. This is how we have to look at our enemy. We often ascribe to Satan too much credit. In the life of the believer, Satan's has been rendered useless and idle because he can't deceive us due to our receiving the glorious gospel of the Son of God. As long as we abide in Christ and Him in us we are protected from Satan's deceptions.

Unbelievers are deceived because of their rejection of the gospel not because Satan had the sovereign ability to deceive them. These unbelievers then open themselves to further deception from Satan. You might say "how come many Christians are still deceived?" This is because they veer off the narrow road of their own accord which usually starts with disregarding the word of God as the final authority in their lives.

Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV)

26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Before Christ's first advent, the mystery of God's truth was hidden from ages and generations. Only by revelation of God could one know the mystery of Jehovah's purposes in salvation. God's plan of salvation was not clearly seen until the arrival of Christ and His subsequent death and resurrection. The content of the gospel that is now fully revealed is described in verse 27, namely that the gentiles enjoy full participation among the people of God. All those trustingin Christ enjoy His covenantal  presence.

Satan cannot deceive the Gentiles anymore as the mystery of godliness which is Christ in us by His Spirit has been made manifest.

1 John 4:9 (KJV)

9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him

God sending His only begotten Son to die for the world's sins was a revelation of His immense love for us. John 3:16 shows that God's love for humanity can no longer be obscured and hidden hence leaving no place for the Devil to deceive the nations. There is no excuse for the unbeliever as Satan has not deceived them into unbelief, but rather by their own rejection of God's Son they have opened the door for the enemy's deception. In other words, Satan can no longer hide the fact that we have a God that loves His creation. The death of Jehovah's Son, which has been proclaimed throughout allthe world, prevents the Devil from deceiving the nations concerning God's love.

This is what it means in the book of Revelation when it reads "that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years  should be fulfilled".

Of course, at the end of time Satan will be allowed to deceive the nations and perhaps this is that very time. He can deceive the nations again because of the great apostasy of Christendom and the world's casting off of restraint and godly principles and wicked atheism.

So now back to Revelation 20, we have shown that the binding and spoiling of Satan took place during Jesus earthly ministry and subsequent death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven. We have seen that Christ obtained total victory over Satan at the cross. If the binding of Satan already took place during this time period of Jesus first advent then we can safely conclude that we are already living in the millennial reign of Christ.

Let's go to verse 4 of Revelation 20 and do our due diligence to show that Christ is reigning now on the Davidic throne from heaven over His millennial Kingdom on earth.

Revelation 20:4 (KJV)

4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Jehovah's medatorial Kingdom has already come in it's spiritual reality to His people.

John 18:36-37 (KJV)

36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Jesus Kingdom is not political (of this world) but is spiritual (John 3:3-6), for He rules His subjects not by coercive force but through their faith (heareth my voice) in His Word (bear witness unto the truth). Jesus was not a violent political revolutionary.

Romans 14:17 (KVJ)

17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Though Christ's Kingdom has not come in open glory, it has already arrived in the holiness of Jehovah's people, though not in rules about mere externals (meat and drink) but by the inward graces of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:19-23 (KJV)

19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Jehovah creates faith by applying the divine power of Christ's resurrection to His elect. Jehovah's power comes to us in Christ through our union with Him in His resurrection. God's power comes to us in Christ, through our union with Him in His resurrection. "At His own right hand in the heavenly places". This refers to Jesus ascension into Heaven in order to receive His Kingdom. Jesus ascension to heaven followed shortly after His resurrection. He went to sit at the right hand of the Father in the most holy place (heavenly places).

This is a clear passage alluding to the installment of Christ as King and His Kingdom being established. Jesus was given a position of Lordship above all kings and angels:

Psalm 110:1-2 (KJV)

1 Jehovah said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2 Jehovah shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

This is a prophecy of Jehoshua's ascension into Heaven (Hebrews 1:8). David the earthly ruler of Jehovah's Kingdom, acknowledged that his descendant, Christ, would be sovereign over him "my Lord". We know that Jehoshua sat at Jehovah's right hand at His ascension (Hebrews 1:8) so this passage is prophesying that event. Jehoshua is given the place of supreme honor and authority over all things in heaven and in earth.

Matthew 26:63-64 (KJV)

63But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Jehoshua's Sonship gives Him the rightful Kingly inheritance to sit at the right hand of God the Father. His reference to coming in the clouds of heaven speaks of His ascension as noted in Daniel 7:13-14:

"13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

This passage in Daniel 7 is key in determining exactly when Jehoshua received His Kingdom. Just as Psalm 110, Psalm 45, Psalm 2, Hebrews 1:7-9, describe, Jehoshua receives His Kingdom at the time of His ascension into Heaven and is granted by the Father to sit at His (the Father's) right hand. Daniel 7 can only be in regards to Christ’s ascension into Heaven following the 40 days spent on earth after His resurrection. All of these passages correspond to each other in reference to the same event.

Acts 2:32-36 (KJV)

32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Part 4 of my 1 John chapter 4 study

Continuing from part 3 of my 1 John chapter 4 study

Colossians 1:15 (KJV)

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Jehoshua is the firstborn of all creation. Jehoshua wasn't created but rather He was born i.e. begotten from the Father.

The phrase "firstborn" comes from the greek word "prototokos" (strongs 4416) and means "firstborn, first begotten"

A pretty straight forward meaning that theologians and pastor's have over-spiritualized and twisted. By taking this meaning of firstborn literally we stay harmony with the rest of scripture that says Jehoshua was begotten from the Father. By over-spiritualizing it, you make none effect of God's word and His testimony that Jehoshua is His only begotten Son.

One has to ask how can Jehoshua be the very image of God if He isn't of the same substance and wasn't literally born from Him. Not only is Jehoshua the image of God, Holy scripture declares that he is the express image of God (Hebrews 1:3). This is why the Father can refer to His Son as God (Hebrews 1:8).

The phrase "express image" comes from the greek word "charakter" (strongs 5481) and means "express image, the exact expression (image) of any person or thing, exact representation or copy of any person or thing, engraving  (character), the figure stamped".

As we can see,  the scriptures are clear in regards to the relation between Jehovah and Jehoshua and the manner in which Jehoshua is begotten from the Father. The question is, do you believe this? If so, the Father dwells in you via His Holy Spirit. If you don't believe this, then you may not have the Father's Holy Spirit in you.

Back to 1 John chapter 4,.Let's look at verse 16:

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. Jehovah is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."

John tells the brethren that he and the other disciples have known and believed that God loved them. Remember, what did John was the manifestation of God's love?

In verse 10 of this chapter, it was Jehovah God sending His Son Jehoshua to be the propitiation for our sins. In verse 11, John continues to say that Jehovah so loved us by giving us His only begotten Son then we as brethren ought to love one another.

On the sermon on the mount, Jehoshua told us to be perfect just as His Father in heaven is perfect. What a tall order one might say and it is, but remember we have the Father's Spirit in us because we confessed that Jehoshua is His Son. What type of perfection is the Son of God talking about in relation to being like the Father?

Matthew 5:44-48 (KJV)

44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Jehoshua is telling us that in order to be perfect, like our Father in heaven, that we need to go beyond loving our brethren and love, bless and pray for our enemies and those that hate us. How often do you hear this in Churches? In the so called present truth Churches, character perfection is often associated with outward external things. They talk about dress, diet etc. which in and of themselves are good things but they will never perfect our character.

Out of the mouth of the Son of God, character perfection is rooted in love and not only love for those who love us but love for those that hate us and spitefully use us.

Jehovah is not merely love, but He Himself is love. The teaching that Jehovah had to have two co eternal beings alongside Him in order to love, otherwise He wouldn't be love is absolutely false. Jehovah needs no one to love in order for Himself to be love, as this scripture proves that Jehovah Himself in His very being and essence is love.

Verse 17 of 1 John 4:

"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."

Remember, that love is made perfect when we love our enemies. It will be this and not the outward externals that will give us confidence in the day of judgment. When we love our brethren and enemies, we will be a perfect representation of our Heavenly Father here in this world. We will be righteous ambassadors of the one true God.

Verse 18 of 1 John chapter 4:

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

Many in the history of Christendom have marred the character of Jehovah and used fear as a tool to keep churchgoers in line. This is still being done today. The subtle threat (sometimes not so subtle) of Christendom's clergy is that if you don't believe their denominational creeds or attend their meetings then you are in apostasy or were never saved to begin with. Many of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference Pastor's are guilty of this and fit the profile of the false shepherds that will be judged according to Jeremiah 23.

Did God give us a spirit of fear?

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

True believers in the Messiah do not walk in fear. Love is the opposite of fear in this context. There is a fear that is biblical and good to have, however anything other than a fear of Jehovah is a fear that brings torment. Perfect love which is evidenced by us loving our brethren and enemies, casts out any fear of judgment from the Father and Son.

Love also casts out fear of what might happen in the future. Didn't Jehoshua tell us not to worry about the future?

Matthew 6:25-34 (KJV)

25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Fear leads to a worry of where our food, drink and clothing will come from. Love has faith that these things will be provided to us by the Father who is love and knows we have need of these things. The only condition isthat we seek the Kingdom of Jehovah God and His righteousness.

Matthew 10:22-28 (KJV)

22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.24The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

While many Christians tend to walk in fear or men and in fear of being persecuted, Jehoshua says the exact opposite in that we are not to fear those who can only kill our bodies but not our soul. Our fear is solely to be given to the Almighty God Jehovah who can destroy both our body and soul in Ghenna. Jehoshua says not to fear those who would also malign your character. They did the same to Him eventually killing Him. Many Christians, by not be willing to be persecuted for the truth, try to make themselves above Jehoshua. However, the Son of God says that we are not above Him and that it is enough to be like Him and that if they called Him all manner of evil that they will do the same to His true believers. Some may even be killed like He was. Brethren, we are not to fear but we are to have the love of God the Father and His begotten Son Jehoshua Messiah.

Verse 19 of 1 John chapter 4

"We love him, because he first loved us."

This is one of the most powerful statements in the bible. This takes away all pride from the believer. We didn't wake up one day out of nowhere and just started loving God and coming to salvation in His Son.

The Father in heaven bestowed His unlimited love on us before we ever even thought of coming to the cross and accepting His Son as our Saviour. What is one example of God loving us first?

John 3:16 (KJV)

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God's love was manifested towards us in that He gave us His literal begotten Son so that we could have eternal life. Verse 9 of this chapter speaks of this being the evidence of God's love for us. The plan of redemption was compacted between the Father and Son from the foundation of the world. It was their love for us that made them willing to risk eternal loss.

Revelation 13:8 (KJV)

8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Romans 8:28-39 (KJV)

28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We as believers in the Messiah were called according to the Father's purpose. This passage shows the absolute Sovereignty of Jehovah God Almighty. Remember, He loved us first and had a purpose for our lives from the foundation of the world. We are the election and everything that we go through in our lives works together for good because we love God. How do we know that we love God?

By keeping His commandments (1 John 5:2-3).

Jehovah God foreknew us, we are not accidents and we were not born by chance. The Almighty God of Heaven and earth predestinated us meaning "appointed us beforehand" to be conformed to His Son's image. Again, the Sovereignty of Jehovah cannot be denied. He had an ultimate purpose for us before the foundation of the world. Do you know how much the Father loves you?

You were a thought in His mind and not only just a thought but every aspect of your life was before Him and He from the beginning had a purpose for every part of your life.

Did you know that the Father called you unto salvation, it was not of your own doing?

Romansn8:30 (KJV)

"Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called"

Brethren, when you gave your life to the Messiah, you were simply responding to the call of the Father. Verse 30 also says those whom He called, He also justified (to render just or innocent, free, righteous). Isn't that amazing? The Almighty Father Jehovah regards you as innocent, just and righteous. Brethren, this isn't future, this is now!

That is not all though, not only does our perfect Father in heaven justify us but He also glorified (to esteem glorious, full of honour, magnified, glory) us. Wow! The Father Almighty esteems us as His glorious children full of honour. Never let anyone tell you different including any of the Pastor's in Christendom (SDA included).

The conclusion of the matter in Paul's eyes, is that if all this is true then who can be against us? If Jehovah God is for us then we are to fear nothing or no one at all.

Verse 32 of Romans 8, here we see the security of knowing that the Father loves us. This secure knowledge of the Father's love is in that He sacrificially gave us His very own Son begotten from His bosom. This is why the trinity doctrine of any kind is downright blasphemous as it attempts to destroy the beautiful truth that the Father loves us so much that He gave His literal begotten Son to die for us. This would be the teaching of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference churches. The Roman Catholic/Protestant trinity while not as evil eventually obscures this beautiful truth of a real Father and a real Son.

It is only by this knowledge of a true Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jehoshua that we can have the assurance of freely being given all things by the Father and Son.

Verse 33 of Romans 8, with all this beautiful truth of the Father's purpose and love for us, we can now rightly understand that no one, including any Pastor or Church denomination, can lay any charge against us. It is only God Almighty Jehovah that justifies us. Many Church goers are deceived into thinking their Pastor's and denominational leaders can shut them out of the Kingdom of Heaven just because they no longer wish to go to their stated meetings or be part of their denomination. I REPEAT ONLY JEHOVAH GOD JUSTIFIES US!!!

Verse 34 of Romans 8, Paul asks the  rhetorical question, who is he that condemneth? Paul now turns our attention to the Son of God. If a Church leader or a denomination condemns you because you don't agree with their doctrines they will answer to the Messiah as they are trying to usurp His authority as our High Preist. Jehoshua paid the price for us, we belong to Him and His Father alone as they purchased us. For any man to condemn us is a reproach to the Son of God. It is Jehoshua who makes us right before the Father of Heaven and never any man. Jehoshua is alone our intercessor.

Verse 35 of Romans 8, Paul gives the most comforting words a believer can hear. Paul emphatically states that no one, and that includes any man or woman who has ever lived, can seperate us from the love of Messiah. This verse exposes the false teachers in the General Conference and even some Present truth preachers, that try to condemn you if you leave the Church or disagree with their doctrines, creeds and prophesies.

Let Jehovah be true and every man a liar!!

Paul says that no circumstances can separate us from the love of Messiah, whether it be natural disasters, persecution by sword, disease, lack of food, lack of clothing etc.

Next time someone condemns you for being sick, give those pharisees this verse.

Verse 36 of Romans 8, Paul says we are sheep being led to the slaughter in this world. The heritage of true bible believing followers of Messiah is one of death by sword, death by stake, death by wild animals, torture, imprisonment. For an example read Hebrews 11. No Joel Osteen best life now scenarios for the true saints of the Most High but rather being suffering servants like our Messiah. Now that is being Christ like!!

Verse 37, however in all these tribulations, persecutions and sufferings we are more than conquerors through the Son of God that loved us so much as to lay aside amd empty Himself of the glory that He had with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5). Too many Christians believe that in order to be a conqueror that they have to be successful in the things of the world such as business, social standing etc. However in Jehovah's economy success is not measured in earthly accomplishments or treasures. Success in the Kingdom of Jehovah is enduring hardships and trials while still upholding the faith in the Son of God.

Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV)

5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

John the beloved makes a present tense statement in verse 6 that Jehoshua has made us King's and Priests unto God and His Father. Remember, John was a prisoner on the Island of Patmos and had also suffered immense persecution being dipped in hot oil. Yet even with all this He still looked at himself as a King of the Most High God.

Brethren, what makes you a King unto God is not outward material success but rather suffering hardship as a good Soldier of Jehoshua Messiah.

Verse 38 and 39 of Romans 8, if the previous verses weren't enough to cement the Father and Son's love for us, Paul makes a final declaration that there is not any circumstance or person living in this green earth or even an angel in heavn that can seperate us from the love of Jehovah the Father which is in Jehoshua Messiah. If that isn't enough to convince you, I leave you with the Messiah's words:

John 10;27-30 (KJV)

27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.30I and my Father are one.

Jehoshua makes a declaration that is unbreakable by any man including any so called Church leader. He says that we as His sheep hear His voice as He is the good Shepherd. The Son of God then says He gives us eternal life, my brethren this is a present tense statement not a future one. Be assured of your salvation brothers and sisters. You are adopted into the Godhead Family. We are not illegitimate children, we are sons and daughters of the Almighty Jehovah and Jehoshua His Son is our elder brother.

See brethren, what the Churches of Christendom don't tell you, is that they do not have authority to say whether you are saved or not saved or whether you are getting eternal life or whether you are not. Jehoshua says that no man can pluck us out of His hand or the Father's hand. Oh, but your Pastor says you are lost because you left the Conference! Nonsense, these false shepherds speak lies, Jehoshua says that His Father is greater than all and that the Father gave us to the Messiah His Son. Any man that tries to condemn you because you left his denomination or Church will answer to the Almighty Father as they have absolutely no power to remove you from the Father's strong hands.

The Father who is greater than all (elder, larger, more, greater especially in age) including His Son is one with His Son meaning of the same Spirit and purpose. The Father and Son will never allow any man to condemn you or take you out the Lamb's book of life. When someone tells you that you are not in God's will anymore because you left their denomination or you keep the feasts, know that the Father and Son have your back and will hold the accuser accountable in the day of judgment.

1 John 4:20-21 (KJV)

20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

This is often seen in the Churches, people claiming that they love God yet they treat their brethren poorly. Many will often justify poor behavior towards their brethren by stating their love for God and that they put God first and that God is who they owe their allegiance to. While it is true that God comes first and we ultimately owe our allegiance to Him, we cannot separate how we treat our brethren from our relationship with Jehovah God. This is an inseparable truth. The amount we love our brothers and sisters in Messiah is the amount we show that we love our Heavenly Father.

Many don't like this verse because it puts a real tangible responsibility on us to have sincere love for our fellow Israelites. Of course, this commandment of love also extends to our enemies (Luke 6:35).

We are told to have fervent love for our brethren with sincerity and not hypocrisy.

1 Peter 1:22 (KJV)

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

anupokritos is the greek word for "unfeigned" (Strongs 505) and means "undissembled, i.e. sincere: - without dissimulation, (hypocrisy), unfeigned."

Peter is telling us to love the brethren of the faith with sincerity and not hypocrisy. One of the biggest complaints about the denominational Church system is that people just go and smile and say all the right things and the just go back to their weekly lives without building any real relationships. This is not sincere love. This is merely a superficial social nicety.

Not only are we to have sincere love but also a fervent love for our brothers and sisters in the faith. The word fervently can also be rendered "intently". This means we are to intently do things and say things that show our love for the members of the household of faith. This type of love is in stark contrast to the superficial relationships many have in the denominational Church settings where it is all about outward words and facial expressions but yet very little depth of relationship.

1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)

8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

By having a fervent love for the brethren, we will solve many of the petty and sometimes not so petty issues we have with each other. Many relationships in the Israelite Congregation end because of a lack of fervent love. Because we are not perfect and have our battles with the flesh, we will at times offend each other. This solution to this is love not proving that we are right. Even if we sin against each other, it is our fervent love for each other that is supposed to cover it. Too many relationships as believers are broken up to due a lack of love on either one of the parties or both of the parties.

Both John and Peter are emphasizing love for the brethren in Messiah, however we are also to love our enemies.

Luke 6:27 (KJV)

27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.

We are to love both our brethren and our enemies, however John and Peter are emphasizing love for the brethren because they will be the ones we will have fellowship with. The brethren are the ones we will have deep intimate relationships with, whereas with unbelievers we will not.

In verse 21 of 1 John chapter 4, the beloved tells us of an old commandment given by the Father which is to love our neighbor. This commandment goes beyond the new covenant and is actually from the Torah.

Leviticus 19:18-19 (DNKJB)

18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the JEHOVAH.19Ye shall keep my statutes....

The commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves comes from the statutes of the Torah. The beloved John is reminding the brethren of this old commandment. If we don't love our brethren, then John is implying that we don't love God. If Jehovah is love itself and if we have Jehovah in us by way of His Spirit, then we will naturally have love for our brethren and even our enemies. Giving anything less than love to our brethren and enemies is an act of selfishness being that our Heavenly Father bestowed His love upon us by giving us His only begotten Son to be a ransom sacrifice for us.

John 3:16 (KJV)

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 8:28-39 study

Romans 8:28-39 (KJV)

28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

We as believers in the Messiah were called according to the Father's purpose. This passage shows the absolute Sovereignty of Jehovah God Almighty. Remember, He loved us first and had a purpose for our lives from the foundation of the world. We are the election and everything that we go through in our lives works together for good because we love God. How do we know that we love God?

By keeping His commandments (1 John 5:2-3).

Jehovah God foreknew us, we are not accidents and we were not born by chance. The Almighty God of Heaven and earth predestinated us meaning "appointed us beforehand" to be conformed to His Son's image. Again, the Sovereignty of Jehovah cannot be denied. He had an ultimate purpose for us before the foundation of the world. Do you know how much the Father loves you?

You were a thought in His mind and not only just a thought but every aspect of your life was before Him and He from the beginning had a purpose for every part of your life.

Did you know that the Father called you unto salvation, it was not of your own doing?

Romansn8:30 (KJV)

"Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called"

Brethren, when you gave your life to the Messiah, you were simply responding to the call of the Father. Verse 30 also says those whom He called, He also justified (to render just or innocent, free, righteous). Isn't that amazing? The Almighty Father Jehovah regards you as innocent, just and righteous. Brethren, this isn't future, this is now!

That is not all though, not only does our perfect Father in heaven justify us but He also glorified (to esteem glorious, full of honour, magnified, glory) us. Wow! The Father Almighty esteems us as His glorious children full of honour. Never let anyone tell you different including any of the Pastor's in Christendom (SDA included).

The conclusion of the matter in Paul's eyes, is that if all this is true then who can be against us? If Jehovah God is for us then we are to fear nothing or no one at all.

Verse 32 of Romans 8, here we see the security of knowing that the Father loves us. This secure knowledge of the Father's love is in that He sacrificially gave us His very own Son begotten from His bosom. This is why the trinity doctrine of any kind is downright blasphemous as it attempts to destroy the beautiful truth that the Father loves us so much that He gave His literal begotten Son to die for us. This would be the teaching of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference churches. The Roman Catholic/Protestant trinity while not as evil eventually obscures this beautiful truth of a real Father and a real Son.

It is only by this knowledge of a true Father-Son relationship between Jehovah and Jehoshua that we can have the assurance of freely being given all things by the Father and Son.

Verse 33 of Romans 8, with all this beautiful truth of the Father's purpose and love for us, we can now rightly understand that no one, including any Pastor or Church denomination, can lay any charge against us. It is only God Almighty Jehovah that justifies us. Many Church goers are deceived into thinking their Pastor's and denominational leaders can shut them out of the Kingdom of Heaven just because they no longer wish to go to their stated meetings or be part of their denomination. I REPEAT ONLY JEHOVAH GOD JUSTIFIES US!!!

Verse 34 of Romans 8, Paul asks the  rhetorical question, who is he that condemneth? Paul now turns our attention to the Son of God. If a Church leader or a denomination condemns you because you don't agree with their doctrines they will answer to the Messiah as they are trying to usurp His authority as our High Preist. Jehoshua paid the price for us, we belong to Him and His Father alone as they purchased us. For any man to condemn us is a reproach to the Son of God. It is Jehoshua who makes us right before the Father of Heaven and never any man. Jehoshua is alone our intercessor.

Verse 35 of Romans 8, Paul gives the most comforting words a believer can hear. Paul emphatically states that no one, and that includes any man or woman who has ever lived, can seperate us from the love of Messiah. This verse exposes the false teachers in the General Conference and even some Present truth preachers, that try to condemn you if you leave the Church or disagree with their doctrines, creeds and prophesies.

Let Jehovah be true and every man a liar!!

Paul says that no circumstances can separate us from the love of Messiah, whether it be natural disasters, persecution by sword, disease, lack of food, lack of clothing etc.

Next time someone condemns you for being sick, give those pharisees this verse.

Verse 36 of Romans 8, Paul says we are sheep being led to the slaughter in this world. The heritage of true bible believing followers of Messiah is one of death by sword, death by stake, death by wild animals, torture, imprisonment. For an example read Hebrews 11. No Joel Osteen best life now scenarios for the true saints of the Most High but rather being suffering servants like our Messiah. Now that is being Christ like!!

Verse 37, however in all these tribulations, persecutions and sufferings we are more than conquerors through the Son of God that loved us so much as to lay aside amd empty Himself of the glory that He had with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5). Too many Christians believe that in order to be a conqueror that they have to be successful in the things of the world such as business, social standing etc. However in Jehovah's economy success is not measured in earthly accomplishments or treasures. Success in the Kingdom of Jehovah is enduring hardships and trials while still upholding the faith in the Son of God.

Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV)

5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

John the beloved makes a present tense statement in verse 6 that Jehoshua has made us King's and Priests unto God and His Father. Remember, John was a prisoner on the Island of Patmos and had also suffered immense persecution being dipped in hot oil. Yet even with all this He still looked at himself as a King of the Most High God.

Brethren, what makes you a King unto God is not outward material success but rather suffering hardship as a good Soldier of Jehoshua Messiah.

Verse 38 and 39 of Romans 8, if the previous verses weren't enough to cement the Father and Son's love for us, Paul makes a final declaration that there is not any circumstance or person living in this green earth or even an angel in heavn that can seperate us from the love of Jehovah the Father which is in Jehoshua Messiah. If that isn't enough to convince you, I leave you with the Messiah's words:

John 10;27-30 (KJV)

27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.30I and my Father are one.

Jehoshua makes a declaration that is unbreakable by any man including any so called Church leader. He says that we as His sheep hear His voice as He is the good Shepherd. The Son of God then says He gives us eternal life, my brethren this is a present tense statement not a future one. Be assured of your salvation brothers and sisters. You are adopted into the Godhead Family. We are not illegitimate children, we are sons and daughters of the Almighty Jehovah and Jehoshua His Son is our elder brother.

See brethren, what the Churches of Christendom don't tell you, is that they do not have authority to say whether you are saved or not saved or whether you are getting eternal life or whether you are not. Jehoshua says that no man can pluck us out of His hand or the Father's hand. Oh, but your Pastor says you are lost because you left the Conference! Nonsense, these false shepherds speak lies, Jehoshua says that His Father is greater than all and that the Father gave us to the Messiah His Son. Any man that tries to condemn you because you left his denomination or Church will answer to the Almighty Father as they have absolutely no power to remove you from the Father's strong hands.

The Father who is greater than all (elder, larger, more, greater especially in age) including His Son is one with His Son meaning of the same Spirit and purpose. The Father and Son will never allow any man to condemn you or take you out the Lamb's book of life. When someone tells you that you are not in God's will anymore because you left their denomination or you keep the feasts, know that the Father and Son have your back and will hold the accuser accountable in the day of judgment.

1 Corinthians Chapter 2 Study

1 Corinthians 2  (KJV)

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Faslely, many Christians have bought into the lie that one must attend a Bible college or seminary in order to be a Pastor. This is inbred into us when we attend the stated meetings of whatever denomination we belong to. Why are we told that one must attend a Bible college or seminary? Because they say that the only way we can truly understand the Bible is to learn more about history and philosophy and all the technical theological terms. Greek philosophy is often intermixed in these mortuaries of supposed Bible learning. Let's see,  in the early Church there was no such thing as Bible colleges or seminary or theologians.  The apostles were fisherman, a tax collector, a physician. Paul the apostle counted his religious education as nothing.

The training and the equipping of the saints is supposed to be done at the local church not a Christian University or a seminary. Many theologians talk about the Bible and the various doctrines ad nauseam but do they live it out in, the streets, in the market place, in the other various public squares. They understand Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew but do they have the Holy Spirit in them that allowed the apostles to rejoice after they were scourged for their testimony of Jesus Christ. They counted themselves worthy to suffer for his name. Give me a humble villager who only knows one language and speaks in simplicity yet is sold out uncompromisingly for Christ, willing to forsake all for the pearl of great price than a haughty theologian who knows 5 languages and uses impressive words, yet goes home to his 5 bedroom house and has 2 luxury cars and doesn't know the first thing about what's it like to be hated and persecuted for the Lord.

What is the fruit of Bible colleges/seminary and theologians?

Frozen Doctrine: Unwilling to let go of unbiblical doctrines even in the face of plain sense scripture because you trust in your degree and have put your denominations theologian on a pedastol instead remembering the scripture that says that it is the Holy Spirit that guides us into all truth.

Pride: A certain haughtiness and arrogance towards those who didn't go to Bible college thinking you can't learn from them thereby commiting the sins of the pharisees. Knowledge puffeth up charity buildeth up.

Man worship: An unbalanced view of the theologian/s that you learned under. Almost having the view that they are God's gift to Christianity. Are you more impressed with those who speak the word of God with man's wisdom and philosophies and knowing all the biblical languages or the man/woman who knows the word but is still learning yet is out soul winning for Christ and being persecuted and hated yet is being faithful?

Verse 1- Paul declares that when he came with the testimony of Jehovah (notice, not his testimony) it was done with the Holy Spirit and not in man's understanding of what constitutes wisdom or excellent speech. If a Pastor or theologian starts using complicated words and explains doctrine in an unclear esoteric philosophical manner then he is not speaking with God's wisdom but rather man's wisdom.

Verse 2- Paul preached a simple message of Christ crucified on the cross and didn't yearn to know anything about those in Corinth other than Christ in them. Today's Pastor's often go and on about their testimony yet it is the testimony of Jesus Christ that saves us, his incarnation, his death, burial and bodily ressurection. This is the gospel that saves unto eternal life. Do we really need to know about each others past lives in the world? Be wary of those in the Church that want to know too much about your past when you were In the world. They should be wanting to know what Christ is doing in your life. Also, be wary of those that often talk about their past lives in the world and are not letting you know what Christ is doing in them.

Verse 3-Look at Paul's humility,  a total reliance on Christ for his strength and not of himself.

Verse 4 - Paul's desire was not to impress the Corinthians with eloquent speech or sophisticated words lest their faith rely on his abilities as a speaker.  He soley relied on the Holy Spirit for the hearers in Corinth to experience God's power. Theologians often do the very opposite of this.

Verse 5- Where does your faith stand? Is it in God and his infallible word or in the commandments and doctrines of man with their human wisdom and philosophies?

Verse 6- The wisdom of Presidents, Kings and the intellectuals of this world come to nothing but that wisdom which is perfect- The simple message of the cross, is what saves men unto eternal life.

Verse 7- Jehovah ordained the message of Christ crucified on the cross before the creation of the world.  Jesus dying on the cross was never a "plan B" but has always been the plan in order to bring men unto salvation. It was a mystery that was revealed by God and apart from Him no one can understand it.

Verse 8- Just as today, the princes of Jesus time knew not the mystery of God which ordained the incarnation, death, burial and  bodily ressurection of Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. That's why you have the politicians of Babylon making ungodly sodomite/lesbian pseudo marriage decrees because they know not the mystery of God which is revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 9- Wow!! For us who love Christ (not just in word but also in deed) we have a mansion awaiting us in the Holy City the New Jerusalem which is in heaven. We have a heavenly hope not an earthly one in some supposed 1,000 year paradise Utopia with Christ reigning on an earthly throne instituting animal sacrifices when his ransom sacrifice in the Cross was forever and once for all!

Verse 10- Only the Holy Spirit can reveal these things to us- The simple message of the cross,  the mansion in the heavenly Mount Zion, the deep things of God. If you have the Holy Spirit in you then you have no need of a theologian who can't possibly show you the deep things of God because he has put his trust in his own understanding and knowledge. The Holy Spirit searches all things not man!

Verse 11-The Holy Spirit is what reveals the gospel to man who apart from that, cannot perceive it.

Verse 12- Once we are Born Again, we no longer have the spirit of this world/age but rather the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of God. Having died to the world, we no longer think and act like those of the world as we now have God's Spirit in us which gives us freely the things that are of Him.

Verse 13- Does your Pastor or if you go to a Bible college your resident theologian,  use the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth to describe sin or the words which the wisdom of man teacheth? For example:

The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals are called sodomites, filthy dreamers,  defilers of the flesh, abusers of themselves with mankind, those who go after strange (queer) flesh, natural brute beast and that the sin of homosexuality is an abomination. The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals have been given over by God to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient and unseemly thereby receiving in themselves the error which was meet, think of aids and other diseases that affect the colon. The Holy Ghost teaches that these men and women continue in their reprobate lifestyle because they have pleasure in unrighteousness. The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals are given over to vile affections. The Holy Ghost teaches that homosexuals go against the natural use of the woman-man God intended use of sexual intercourse for the burning of lust for each other. The Holy Ghost teaches that whatever is filthy let it be filthy still. The Holy Ghost teaches not to let leaven in the Church and not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. The Holy Ghost teaches that many will be offended in last days and that the word of God is an offense to those perishing. The Holy Ghost teaches that those who practice sodomy/lesbianism are dogs. The Holy Ghost teaches that God will send them a strong delusion in the last days that they should believe a lie because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved.

Man's (False teachers and theologians Included) wisdom teaches that homosexuality is called "gay", same-sex attraction, and that homosexuality is no different than other sins. They say maybe homosexuals are pre programmed towards that lifestyle and they refer to homosexuals as though they may be their own gender unto itself. Man's wisdom teaches that homosexuals are no different from other sinners and that all we need to do is love them and they will come to Christ. Man's wisdom teaches that it is the breakdown of the Christian marriage institution that has led to the rise of homosexuality and now the implementation of homosexual pseudo marriage. Man's wisdom says that possibly, homosexuals are born with a chromosome that makes them lean towards the same sex. Man's wisdom teaches that let's just let them come to our church gatherings and love on them. Man's wisdom teaches not to offend them. Man's wisdom teaches not to hurt their feelings. Man's wisdom teaches that it may, be okay certain circumstances to attend their pseudo weddings. Man's wisdom teaches that all they need is for us to accept them and they will come to God.

Verse 14- The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit as they are foolishness to him. When a Pastor or a theologian waters down the word of God and uses man's wisdom instead to describe spiritual things, then that will tell you right there that they are unregenerate and not Born Again. Only those filled with the Holy Spirit can can discern spiritual things. This will be evident in how they endure sound doctrine and if they themselves use the words that the Holy Ghost teaches to describe sin and other spiritual things. If they use words that are of man's wisdom, understanding and philosophy then they are not filled with the Holy Spirit but rather they are unregenerate. They, being professed teachers of the things of God should know better and it is no wonder this happens, for even satan transforms himself as an angel of light.

Verse 15- We who are spiritual judge all things because our obedience is complete, so that we can then slay all other disobedience. We ourselves cannot be judged by any man because we are approved by Jehovah.

Verse 16- Theologians often speak on the Lord's behalf yet not having the mind of Christ due to their trust in human philosophy,  wisdom, knowledge and understanding they speak presumptiously and we should not fear them. However, we who are Born Again and use the words that the Holy Ghost teaches to describe sin and other spiritual things have the mind of Christ. These presumptious theologians need to repent, that is if their conscience isn't already seared with a hot iron, and need to learn from the simple brother and sister who have the mind of Christ.