The Millennium, when does it take place? Part 3

In part 2 we left off at Daniel 2:44-45, let's continue from the end of part 2

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 with from the Father, 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 inaugurated the Kingdom of Christ on earth.

Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that Jehovah has revealed to him the summation of history from his time until the end (the end being the time of the Messiah’s first advent). “the interpretation thereof is sure”. It is trustworthy; the word “amen” is from the word “sure”.

In the days of the fourth kingdom (the Roman empire) the God of heaven would set up a kingdom which would never be destroyed, but would break in pieces and consume all the kingdoms and would stand forever

The kingdom came right on time. In the days of the Roman empire, John the Baptist and Jesus came preaching that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God were "at hand." At hand - Within easy reach; near; close by.  

Luke 3:1-3 (KJV)

3 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

² Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

³ And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Matthew 3:1-2 (KJV)

3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

² And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:17 (KJV)

¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:15 (KJV)

¹⁵ And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Jesus said that "the time is fulfilled"; the days of the Roman empire were present and the promised kingdom was within easy reach. As a letter fulfillment of the prophesy of Daniel which said that "the God of heaven [would] set up a "kingdom”. The kingdom was called the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. There is absolutely no doubt that the kingdom of God was set up at the first coming of Christ.

Luke 11:20 (KJV)

²⁰ But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

The kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are the same thing. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is exclusively used in the Matthew's gospel. The phrase "kingdom of God" is used a few times in Matthew and John, and extensively in Mark and Luke. A simple comparison of parallel verses in Matthew, Mark, and Luke show beyond question that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are interchangeable terms.  For example: The mystery of the kingdom of heaven/God.

Matthew 13:11 (KJV)

¹¹ He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Mark 4:11 (KJV)

¹¹ And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Luke 8:10 (KJV)

¹⁰ And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

The parable of the mustard seed.

Matthew 13:31-32 (KJV)

³¹ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

³² Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Mark 4:30-31 (KJV)

³⁰ And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

³¹ It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

Luke 13:18-19 (KJV)

¹⁸ Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

¹⁹ It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

The parable of the leaven

Matthew 13:33 (KJV)

³³ Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Luke 13:20-21 (KJV)

²⁰ And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

²¹ It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

It is obvious that these are two different names for the same kingdom: God is in heaven; therefore it is called the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. John the Baptist published the Kingdom in advance of the Messiah who would bring the Kingdom nigh at hand i.e. within reach to those He and His disciples encountered and the surrounding region. Jehoshua’s earthly ministry would bind the devil. Jehoshua’s death, resurrection and ascension would destroy the devil and spoil the principalities of darkness paving the way for the establishment of the Kingdom and His coronation as King on the Davidic throne on the day of Pentecost shortly after His ascension to Heaven.

Let’s look at this passage in Isaiah 2 that shows the arrival of the Messiah’s Kingdom. Many mistakenly attribute this to a future earthly reign of Jehoshua in earthly Jerusalem after His second advent. However, we will see that the chronology of this passage proves that the Kingdom spoken of is the current age we are living in meaning that the Church age from Messiah’s ascension to the second advent is the millennium.

Isaiah 2:1-22 King James Version (KJV)

1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

² And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

³ And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

⁴ And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

⁵ O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

⁶ Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

⁷ Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

⁸ Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

⁹ And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.

¹⁰ Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty.

¹¹ The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

¹² For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

¹³ And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

¹⁴ And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up,

¹⁵ And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,

¹⁶ And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

¹⁷ And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

¹⁸ And the idols he shall utterly abolish.

¹⁹ And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

²⁰ In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

²¹ To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

²² Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ?

Verses 1-2, many mistakenly think the last days refers solely to the very end of time, however we know from scripture that the last days began at the exaltation (resurrection and ascension) of Jehoshua Messiah beginning in the new testament era.

Acts 2:17 (KJV)

¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

This was the day of Pentecost and Peter referred to this time period as the last days.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV)

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

² Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Old testament revelation, though spoken through a variety of means, originated in Jehovah. His revelation in the old testament spanned several thousand years. “last days” Everything after Jehoshua’s resurrection and ascension are the last days.

With the understanding that we now have of the last days and that they began at the exaltation of Messiah, we can better understand Isaiah chapter 2.

Let’s go back to verse 2, Isaiah says that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains and exalted above the hills. Now does this refer to a future earthly millennium in earthly Jerusalem or does it refer to the Church age? Remember the prophecy in 2 Samuel chapter 7 given to David?  Let’s revisit this promise by going to the chapter:

2 Samuel 7:11-17 (ASV)

¹¹ and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I ^[d]will cause thee to rest from all thine enemies. Moreover Jehovah telleth thee that Jehovah will make thee a house. ¹² When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. ¹³ He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. ¹⁴ I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; ¹⁵ but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. ¹⁶ And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. ¹⁷ According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

The above passage describes the sure promise given to David by Jehovah God that out of his seed, a King would arise and would be given a Kingdom and throne that would be established forever. David is also told that this King would come out his bowels would establish Jehovah’s House. This passage is referring to the Son of God Jehoshua. We have already shown that the fulfillment of this prophecy took place at Jehoshua’s ascension into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. This then proves that the building of His Father Jehovah’s House started at the time of His ascension just about coinciding with the day of Pentecost.

Let’s go to some new testament scripture that prove that we as individuals and as a Church body comprise the House of Jehovah:

Corinthians 3:16King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Paul says that we individual members of the body of Messiah are the temple of God. Remember, the Temple of Jehovah is His house.

1 Corinthians 6:19King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Paul says that our body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, again this is a reference to individual members of the Church. The Temple of the Holy Ghost and the Temple of the Father (God) are one and the same because the Holy Spirit is the Father’s actual Spirit. The Spirit if the Father dwells in believers. Again, Jehovah’s House is His Temple.  In the old testament, it was the earthly tabernacle and also the two temples that were built for Him.  In the New testament, we are seeing that the Temple/House of Jehovah is not made of a brick and mortar structure but rather made of people.

Remember that in 2 Samuel chapter 7, David had a desire to build a house for Jehovah in order to have a dwelling place for the ark which symbolized His throne.  This house that David had a desire to build in one sense was fulfilled by his son Solomon.  This house was the temple. So we can see that Jehovah’s House equates the Temple.  This is important to understand in regards to Isaiah chapter 2 and also what constitutes the Temple of Jehovah in the new covenant. Of course, the ultimate fulfillment of David’s desire would be realized in Jehoshua the only begotten Son as after His ascension He was enthroned as King. Every King has a Temple and David was promised that his seed after him would establish Jehovah’s House forever. This wasn’t fulfilled in Solomon nor the temple he had built. Even the temple that was around in Jehoshua’s time came to ruin as Jehoshua had prophesied.  As we are now seeing that Jehovah’s temple is the Church individually and collectively, we can for certain say that Jehovah’s promise to David regarding His house being established forever was fulfilled in the Church and is still being fulfilled as the elect get added to it on a daily basis. Let’s go to more scripture to prove that we as the Church individually and corporately are the Temple of Jehovah God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

¹⁵ And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

¹⁶ And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

¹⁸ And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Paul again states that we are the Temple of the Living God, and as God’s Temple we are to have nothing to do with idols. God dwells in us because we are now His Temple. He walks in us as His spiritual shekinah dwells in us as His literal shekinah dwelled in the old earthly sanctuary in the most holy place.  When Paul says “what agreement hath the temple of God with idols” he is referring to the individual believer as the temple of God. When Paul refers to the Temple of God he is meaning the Temple of the Father who is the one true God and the living God.  We know this because in verse 18 the person speaking is the Father who refers to Himself as the Lord Almighty.  The living God and the Lord God Almighty in the book of Revelation refer to the Father.  Verse 18 mentions specifically that the Father is the one speaking in reference to this admonition by Paul. The admonition is that if we stay away from the unclean thing, that we will be sons and daughters of the Father who will dwell in us as we are His Temple i.e. the Temple of the Living God. Remember, it is the Father that is the Living God (Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 26:53, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Revelation 7:3, 14:1). Paul cites Isaiah 52:11-12.

Ephesians 2:19-22King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Paul is speaking to Gentiles here in this passage and says that once they became converted that they became members of the Household of God. In verse 21, Paul equates this household with being the holy temple of God. Earlier in Ephesians 2 (verse 12), Paul refers to the household of God as the commonwealth of Israel that Gentiles were once aliens of. In verse 19, Paul says that converted Gentiles are now fellow citizens with the saints (Israelite believers) of the household of God. Obviously, from this passage we see that Paul is saying that both Israelite and Gentile believers make up the household of God which is also called the commonwealth of Israel and the holy temple of the Lord (Jehovah).

Is this house built of brick and mortar as so many suppose in an alleged future earthly millennium? No!  Paul says that the House of God is built upon the prophets and apostles, the last prophet before Jehoshua was John the Baptist. Jehoshua Himself was the last prophet (Hebrews 1:1-3) and is above all other prophets as he is the chief corner stone of the building. Notice that the House of Jehovah is His people not a pile of sticks on a pile of dirt. The beautiful thing is that we are also part of this building as Paul says in verse 21, that we are fitly framed together growing unto the temple in the Lord. Growing because every time someone is born again into the Kingdom they are added to the temple of Jehovah making it a little bigger in size. In verse 22, Paul says that we are builded together which speaks to our unity in the body of Messiah as scripture says there is one body not many. Also, Paul says that we as the Church are God’s habitation in which He dwells in through His Spirit which is His Holy Spirit. Clearly, the Church is the House of God not a geo-political nation or a brick and mortar building.

1 Peter 2:5King James Version (KJV)

⁵ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Whereas the apostles and prophets are the foundation of Jehovah’s House and Jehoshua the Chief corner stone, we as the saints are the lively stones who complete the built up House.  We are a holy priesthood which offer up spiritual sacrifices to Jehovah God by Jehoshua. Do you see the pattern here in the new covenant?  The emphasis of the new covenant is spiritual not physical.  The Church is Jehovah’s Spiritual Temple whereas the old earthly temples were His earthly physical dwelling place.

1 Peter 2:9King James Version (KJV)

⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Peter says that we as the Church are a holy nation. He applies titles used of Israel to Christians (Exodus 19:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:20; 7:6, Isaiah 43:20-21). “Chosen generation” connects then with Jehoshua (v.4,6). “Peculiar people” a treasured people. “were not a people, but are now the people of God’ alludes to Hosea 1:6,9-10; 2:23). Peter uses exilic language to refer to God electing His people.

Acts 7:48-50King James Version (KJV)

⁴⁸ Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

⁴⁹ Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

⁵⁰ Hath not my hand made all these things?

Ultimately Jehovah doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands such as brick and mortar buildings. In other words, even though His shekinah glory would dwell in the most holy place of the Temple Jehovah’s presence and Spirit is not limited to man made buildings. Jehovah’s Spirit is omnipresent and He now dwells in human (believers) temples not brick and mortar temples. His Church is the new covenant temple.

Hebrews 12:28-24King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

¹⁹ And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

²⁰ (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

²¹ And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

²² But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

²³ To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

²⁴ And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

In context, this passage in Hebrews is contrasting earthly mount Zion with the heavenly Zion where Jehoshua sits as the king on a heavenly throne. Countless angels are seen dwelling in heavenly Zion. Just as Solomon replaced the temporary tabernacle service, symbolic of the far greater service of Jehovah in Jehoshua Messiah in replacing the earthly temple service with the heavenly temple service. In verse 18 of this passage in Hebrews, earthly Mt. Sinai is contrasted with heavenly Zion to compare the old covenant with the new covenant. The Mosaic covenant had a strictness and bondage about it compared to a glory and boldness belonging to the new covenant.  Mt. Sinai had a physicality that the Hebrews had a hankering after. In the new covenant, true believers look to heavenly Mt. Zion. This is the mountain of Jehovah’s house that Isaiah 2 talks about as being established in the top of the mountains. While many think Isaiah 2 is talking about a future earthly millennium we are seeing that it is actually talking about this present Church age as the Church represents heavenly Zion. The spread of Christianity throughout the Church age has been glorious despite the false system in Rome bringing reproach upon the name of Christ.  As the Church grows, heavenly Zion is glorified and it is established at the top of the mountains (earthly kingdoms). Remember Psalms 110:2 says that the Messiah would rule in the midst of His enemies.

Because Messiah rules in the midst of His enemies and not just when His enemies are vanquished, His Mountain which is Heavenly Zion is established in the top of the mountains which represent earthly kingdoms which are often the enemies of the Son of God. The Church on earth represents heavenly Zion which is the Mountain of Jehovah. Let’s make a comparison of the old covenant with the new covenant:

Old covenant – earthly temple which is a physical brick and mortar building; New covenant – earthly temple which is the individual believer and the Church as a whole.

Old Covenant – earthly sanctuary service and animal/drink/grain sacrificial system with earthly Levitical priesthood as the mediators; New covenant – heavenly sanctuary service with heavenly priest of the order of Melcisedec, once for all sacrifice made at the cross via the body and blood of Messiah. On earth, priesthood of all believers who offer up spiritual sacrifices to the Father through the heavenly mediator Jehoshua.

Old covenant – earthly king and earthly throne in earthly Jerusalem and earthly Mt. Zion; New Covenant – Heavenly King and Heavenly throne in heavenly Jerusalem in heavenly Mt. Zion.

Old covenant – Israel is an earthly geo-political kingdom; New covenant – Israel (the Church) is a Spiritual Kingdom which is ruled from heaven and is present on earth in the individual Messianic and in the local Church.

Brethren,

There are many today who want to go back to the Old covenant system and are looking forward to this in the present age and also in the age to come. These people completely ignore Hebrews 11 which says that even the patriarchs and heroes of old had hope in a coming heavenly city and country built by God’s hands not man. These people are totally wanting to undo everything Jehoshua did at the cross to bring in the far better hope of a new covenant which is a spiritual covenant which is far more glorious that the old covenant.

Hebrews 13:13-14 (KJV)

¹³ Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

¹⁴ For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Paul makes it clear that we as new covenant believers do not have ANY continuing city here and in context this is especially speaking of earthly Jerusalem. Paul says that we seek one to come which is heavenly Jerusalem. This confirms what even the old covenant saints sought (Hebrews 11).

^{Galatians 4:24-26 (KJV)}

²⁴ Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

²⁵ For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

²⁶ But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Paul says here that the old covenant lends itself to bondage and is represented by Mt. Sinai and earthly Jerusalem. He goes on to say that the new covenant is represented by new Jerusalem in heaven which brings freedom and is the mother of us all. New Jerusalem is the mother of the Church which is made up of believing Jews and Gentiles. There is only one Church not two (Ephesians 4:4-6). There is no separate dispensation for the Jew and Gentile.

Back to Hebrews 12, In verse 23 “general assembly and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven” denotes that the Church is headquartered in Heaven where the redeemed have their names registered in the book of life. The Greek word for general assembly here is used nowhere else in the bible. It carries with it the meaning of a festive joyous assembly whereas Sinai was a place of dread and heavenly Zion is a joyful festival. It makes you wonder why so many today are wanting to return to Sinai and the old covenant. When a name gets added to the Church registry in heaven, Zion rejoices as Satan’s kingdom has been spoiled of another subject (Colossians 1:12-14).  This how Zion i.e. the Mountain of Jehovah (The Church) is established above the mountains of the earth (earthly nations). The Kingdom of Jehoshua (Mountain of Jehovah) marches forth in victory every time someone gets translated into it’s marvelous light. Jehoshua established His Kingdom here on earth at Pentecost and it continues to conquer as the good news of the gospel goes forth spoiling Satan’s kingdom of it’s subjects and adding another lively stone to the Temple of Jehovah.

The Church of the Firstborn denotes the true begotten Sonship of Jehoshua. He is the eternal Son of God who is Jehovah’s firstborn Son begotten from His very substance (Proverbs 8:22-31, John 3:16, John 5:26). Verse 23 says that God is the judge of all.  The spirits of just men made perfect is a reference to those who have died in Messiah and are awaiting their resurrection. This shows that believers eternal destinies are settled at death as these just men are already made perfect a they endured to the end. They are awaiting their resurrection where they will then stand before the judgement seat of Messiah to receive their heavenly rewards. A believer’s destiny is settled at death where they will fall asleep only to await the coming of the Son of God to bring them to life. They have already been given eternal life at conversion and the bible says that believer’s do not come into condemnation which means they do not pass into judgment.  The only judgment awaiting a believer will be for rewards not whether they go to heaven or the lake of fire (John 5:24). Their spirits have already been made perfect due to their faithfulness unto death as they did not deny the Son of God.

Verse 24 of Hebrews 12, Jehoshua sprinkled his blood on the heavenly mercy seat in the most holy place when he went to heaven after His resurrection. The Messiah’s blood bridges the heavenly and temporal age. He is the mediator of a new covenant “blood of sprinkling”.

Back to Isaiah chapter 2, we have shown how the last days referred to here in Isaiah verse 2 refers to the time of the Messiah’s exaltation and ascension, beginning in the new testament era. All nations flowing to the mountain of Jehovah (The Church) was and is being fulfilled in the gospel being preached unto the Gentiles and them being added to the Kingdom of Jehoshua. In verse 3, we see that many will up to the Mountain of Jehovah to learn His ways as His law goes forth out of Zion and Jerusalem. This has and is being fulfilled as people get added to the Church (Jehovah’s Mountain) as the Church on earth represents Zion in heaven. The ultimate source of Jehovah’s law comes from heavenly Zion and heavenly Jerusalem. In verse 4, the gospel of the Son of God is called the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15).  As the gospel has gone out into all the world, those who have received it among the different nations have turned their weapons of war into the weapons of the Holy Spirit. Only the Son of God’s gospel has been able to bring men and women of all nations, tribes and tongues into unity with each other.  Where they have formerly been at odds with each other due to geographical borders or being of a different ethnic group, these people now love each other and consider each other brother and sister.

Verse 5 of Isaiah 2, the prophet calls Israel to live in the light of Jehovah, this light is His Son Jehoshua.

Verses 6-22 speak of apostasy and the coming day of Jehovah at the end of the age. The progression of Isaiah 2 supports the amillennial position. The first few verses speak of the spread of Jehoshua’s Kingdom throughout all the earth which we have are showing began on the day of Pentecost and will continue until the second advent. Next we see apostasy for Israel (The Church) in verses 6-9 (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1-4).  These verses also speak of a general decline in spirituality in the world as a whole (2 Timothy 3:1-9). Verses 10-22 speak of the great and terrible day of Jehovah God which most acknowledge is the second advent of Jehoshua Messiah. This fits perfectly with the amillennial position as the Kingdom is presently now as it is established in the top of the mountains meaning Jehoshua the King rules from heaven over the mountains which symbolize the nations of the earth. Remember, in Psalms 110:2 it says that the Messiah rules in the midst of His enemies.

Psalm 110:2 (KJV)

² Jehovah shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

The Son of God is the rod of Jehovah and He rules in the midst of the nations of the earth, this is why we can rightly say that His Kingdom which is the Mountain of Jehovah has been established above all other kingdoms of the earth which are spoken of as mountains in Isaiah 2.

In verse 10 of Isaiah, we see similar language to Paul’s description of the second advent (1 Thessalonians 1:9). In verse 12, we see the term “day of the Lord (Jehovah)” A technical term referring to the direct and manifest interventions of God into the affairs of time for the purposes of judgment and salvation (Isaiah 13:6,9, 34:8; Joel 2:31), culminating in the great day at the end of the age (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).

Verses 13-15 of Isaiah 2, cedars…mountains…every Hightower. Symbols of every way in which man lifts himself up in pride and self-reliance instead of honoring Jehovah (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Verses 20-22 of Isaiah 2, when God’s judgment begins men’s idols are useless. “cease ye from men” Stop depending on mortal men (Psalm 146:3; Jeremiah 17:5-6); salvation is only found in Jehovah.

Psalm 48:1-2 (KJV)

48 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

² Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Therefore, the church is the kingdom of God which is the great mountain which fills the whole earth. As we saw in Hebrews 12:28-24, the Church is called Zion. The city of our God (New Jerusalem), His Mountain of Holiness (Zion) and the Church are all interchangeable terms.

It is obvious that the two different names for the same kingdom i.e. Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven are describing the same thing. God is in heaven; therefore it is called the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven.  If it was suspected that these were two different kingdoms, the fact that they are described in parallel passages demands that they are the same kingdom. (vi)Things that are both equal to something are equal to each other. (vii) This is a classic "double horn" argument, in that it proves that the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are the same kingdom, whether it is at first conceded that the terms are synonymous, or whether they are at first held to be two different kingdoms which are then shown to be identical.Matthew himself uses the terms interchangeably. Also compare Mat 19:23-24 with

Revelation 20:5-6 (KJV)

⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

⁶ Blessed 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.

Stay tuned for part 4

The Priesthood of Jehoshua Messiah part 1

The Priesthood of Jehoshua is one of the most overlooked aspects of our Savior. Most believers take Messiah's priestly ministry for granted. Some ignorantly make His priesthood of none effect with their false once saved always saved doctrine. If it were possible that we can never lose our place in the Lamb's book of life then there wouldn't be a need for a High Priest.

The purpose of Messiah's priestly ministry is to give His brethren grace in the time of need in order to resist temptation and also to plead our forgiveness to the Father when we come to the throne of grace. This is all done after we have come to the cross and were born again. The cross does not give believers a free pass to sin thereby break the law. However, we know that as imperfect beings we will fall at times and this is where Jehoshua's priestly ministry comes in the picture.

The "Our Father" is the model prayer that Messiah gave to us. This prayer tells us to ask for our trespasses to be forgiven. Also, we are told to examine ourselves daily to see if we be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). If we are to examine ourselves and daily ask for forgiveness of sins then there must be an ministerial office that attends to these prayers. This cannot be the cross solely as most Christians teach, remember the ministration of the cross was to reconcile us back to the Father. The cross nailed our debt and provided us forgiveness of sins so that we can be born anew.

Romans 3:25 (KJV)

25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

It is past sins that the cross forgives for the new believer. For sins committed after one becomes born again, the Priesthood of Jehoshua in the most holy place facilitates this ministration. After one becomes born again and then sins, he or she must go in prayer to the Father in the name of the Son to ask for forgiveness. The Father and Son are both in the most holy place. The cross is in the courtyard (altar of burnt offering) but still has a vital role in our walk with Messiah. We dare not minimize the cross.

Don't get me wrong, the cross of Messiah is still a vital component of our walk. Too many in the Adventist denomination minimize the continuing importance of the cross in the believers life. Why is the cross still important in a believers life?

Because, it is the very ministration that even allows us access to the most holy place. The cross was where the once and for all sacrifice took place. The shedding of blood on the cross provides forgiveness not only for the new convert  but also for the experienced believer. However, the Most Holy place is now where we go to receive forgiveness of sins. I must emphasize that the sacrifice on the cross is what gives Jehoshua as High Priest the authority to plead our forgiveness to the Father.

Unlike what some Adventists teach, the cross and the priestly ministry of Jehoshua go hand in hand. The Messiah does not reapply His blood over and over again in the most holy place. His sacrifice on the cross took care of this once and for all.

The purpose of Messiah's priestly ministry is simply to intercede for us and provide us with the forgiveness of our sins committed after we have become children of Jehovah. The blood was already applied once and for all, it does not need to be reapplied every time a believer sins and ask for forgiveness.

I'm afraid many Adventists have over complicated the Priesthood of Jehoshua and have come to many faulty conclusions.

In this study we will determine if the Son of God's priesthood needed to emulate the old covenant Levitical preisthood. We will also determine whether or not the Messiah immediately went to the Holy place upon His ascension or if He had to wait until 1844. We will investigate (pun intended) the teaching of the investigative judgment as taught by Adventists. Do the Father and Son need to review the cases of dead saints, who already endured to the end, to determine whether or not they are fit for eternal life.

Psalms 110: (ASV)

1Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.2Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.3Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.4Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.5The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his wrath.6He will judge among the nations, He will fill [the places] with dead bodies; He will strike through the head in many countries.7He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head.

In this passage Jehovah is the Father and the Lord is His Son. The Father grants the Son Kingship and to sit on the throne with Him until His (the Son) enemies are made His footstool. This is not to say that Jehoshua in His pre-existence wasn't already a King, however His Kingship would now encompass so much more due to His victory over sin and death. This is why Messiah during His earthly ministry was proclaiming the Kingdom of Jehovah as it was nigh.

The Kingdom of Jehovah refers to both the Father and Son. The Father is referred to as Jehovah in verse 1, the Son is referred to as Jehovah in verse 5 as "Lord" should be rendered "Jehovah" in this verse. Once the Son's enemies are made His footstool, He will then strike through kings in the day of His wrath.

This passage alludes to the Son of God's ascension to Heaven and we see that He is granted Kingship by the Father. In verse 4 Jehoshua is made a Hig Priest after the order of Melchizedek. The Messiah obtains the throne as King and High Preist upon His ascension into Heaven.

Jehoshua qouted this passage in the gospels (Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43). Peter also qouted this in reference to Jehoshua in Acts 2:34-35 following this up with his statement in verse 36 of Acts 2:

"Therefore let all the House of Israel know assuredly, that God made this same Jehoshua, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Messiah."

In context of Acts 2-34-36, Peter is referring to Jehoshua being made Lord (Jehovah) and Messiah in connection with His resurrection/ascension albeit Jehoshua was both these things prior to His resurrection/ascension. Jehoshua's victory over sin and His subsequent resurrection and ascension solidified His Lordship (Kingship), His Messiahship and His never ending Priesthood.

Just to confirm that Jehoshua was made King at His ascension, Psalms 110 is qouted in Hebrews 1:

13But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?

The context of this passage in Hebrews from verse 8-14 is in respect to the Son of God's ascension to Heaven.

Hebrews 10:12 (KJV)

12but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Paul confirms that it was after Messiah offered up His body on the cross that He sat down on the right hand of God. The key phrase in this passage is "one sacrifice for sins for ever". It was because this sacrifice provided full atonement for sins that Jehoshua was made King and High Priest. Right after (40 days) His sacrifice on the cross, Jehoshua sat down on the right hand of God. If Jehoshua's sacrifice for sins was for ever and this sacrifice granted Him to sit on the right hand of God then we can safely conclude that He is still sitting on the right hand of God and has been since His ascension.

Jehoshua's sitting on the right hand of God is for ever and it was never required of Him to vacate Himself from the right hand of the Father for any period of time unless He and the Father so chose. The Adventist teaching of the sanctuary and investigate judgment leads to the inevitable conclusion that at some point Jehoshua legally had to vacate His throne which is situated at the right hand of the Father to perform a priestly work similar to the old Levitical preisthood. They teach that Jehoshua didn't have access to the most holy place until 1844.

Brethren, this outright false and it is an attack on Jehoshua's Kingship, Divinity, and even His Priesthood.

As we go through this study, I will elaborate on why this teaching attacks all three the above functions of the Messiah.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Clearly our Savior was set down on the right hand of God after His ascension. He didn't have to wait until 1844. Likely Adventists won't deny this verse but they will say that God's throne in this instance isn't in the most holy place as He has a moving throne. While it is true that Jehovah's throne is a moving throne, we will see that the Son of God did indeed go right into the most holy place at His ascension. Although Jehovah has a moving throne, we will see from this study that the primary place for His throne is in the most holy place.

The truth that Jehoshua went to sit down on the right hand of God after His ascension is undeniable.

Acts 7:55-56 (KJV)

55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Brethren, ask yourself this question, where does Jehovah's shekinah glory shine from in the tabernacle? Obviously in the most holy place. Is there any reason to think otherwise in this account of Stephen? Stephen saw the glory of God and Messiah standing on the right hand of Jehovah's shekinah glory. The Shekinah glory of Jehovah was primarily associated with the most holy place in the earthly tabernacle, should it be any different in heaven?

The Shekinah glory isn't just confined to the most holy place to be sure, however that is where it originates from.

Remember, the earthly sanctuary was patterned after the heavenly sanctuary.

Hebrews 8:5 (KJV)

 5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Exodus 25:22

"There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel.

Ezekiel 9:3

"Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case."

Ezekiel 10:18

"Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim."

Hebrews 9:5

"and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail."

Leviticus 16:2

"The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat."

2 Samuel 6:2

"And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim."

As we can see clearly the throne of Jehovah God in the earthly sanctuary where His Shekinah would shine was in the most holy place. Remember the earthly sanctuary was patterned after the heavenly sanctuary, the one that Jehovah pitched. We have to ask ourselves, why would it be any different in heaven?

The scriptures are clear that at His ascension, Jehoshua went to be seated on the Davidic throne at the right hand of God. The obvious conclusion is that Messiah went right to the Holy place at His ascension and didn't have to wait until 1844. Jehoshua's Kingship and Priesthood are inherently connected.

Hebrews 2:9 (KJV)

9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Jehoshua was crowned with glory and honour at His resurrection and ascension. This is when He was enthroned as King and also made a HighPriest after the order of Melchizedek. Believers have a derived sonship in Messiah. Jehoshua is the captain of our salvation. The Son of God leads His people into the salvation He has secured (perfect),Complete and entire. Messiah's suffering was the means of completing the work the Father had given Him. Brethren, because of the Son of God's substitutionary death we are assured of salvation as it is made perfect by Jehoshua.

The teaching of an investigative judgment where believers records will pass in review before the Son of God to see if they are worthy of His atoning blood is unbiblical. The believer has already been justified i.e. rendered righteous. The believer then needs to abide in the Messiah and trust in His merits for righteousness. Believers that endure to the end and do not deny Jehoshua in word or in lifestyle  go to sleep (death) awaiting the resurrection of the righteous. How can I say such a thing? Because eternal life is something the believer already had by the time he/she died and didn't need to earn it. A believers walk in Messiah isn't one where he/she spends their life trying to earn eternal life as they already have it. Once a believer has eternal life by confession of faith in the Son of God, they then follow the Lamb of God and walk out their faith as a king and a priest.

John 5:24 (KJV)

24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Brethren, the above scripture is one of the most damning scriptures against the investigative judgment. Those who believe the words of the Son of God have (present tense) eternal life and shall not come into condemnation. They have already (at the moment of belief) passed from death to life.

Do you see the significance of this passage?

It says that those who believe in the Son of God will not come into condemnation. Let's look at what the word condemnation means in the greek. The greek word for "condemnation" is "krisis" (Strongs 2920) and means "decision, by extension a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially,  divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.

Wow! Jehoshua says that those who believe in Him and His words will receive eternal life at that moment and will not come into condemnation meaning they won't come before a tribunal and they won't be accused, condemned or come into judgment.

 My beloved brothers and sisters, the Investigative judgment teaches the exact opposite. It teaches that no matter if you were a believer during your earthly life, that you will have to pass an investigative judgment where every single unconfessed word and deed will be held against you and likely cause you to lose in the judgement. This is not what the bible teaches. Jehoshua Himself says that believers will not come into judgment (condemnation).

Don't get me wrong, believers will go before the judgment seat of Messiah but by that time their cases for eternity will have already been decided and it will be a judgment of rewards for them. Their cases were decided when they became born again. By the time believers appear before the judgment seat they will have already been resurrected and translated to meet Jehoshua in the air. The only thing in doubt for the believer by that point will be amount and substance of their rewards. Isn't that good news!!

Let's go to scripture to prove that the resurrection and translation of the saints precedes the judgment seat of Messiah.

Revelation 11:12 (KJV)

12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Many bible students believe this passage refers to the resurrection and translation of the saints at the second advent.

Revelation 11:18 (KJV)

18And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

The time of the dead that they may be judged follows shortly after the resurrection and translation of the saints, The rewards for the saints are already prepared. If the judgment is after the saints resurrection and ascension to glory then it obviously can't be an investigative judgment and rather is a judgment of rewards.

Revelation 20:9-12 (KJV)

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.

Historically the Christian Congregation has believed this passage in verse 9 to take place at the end of this age. The judgment in verse 12 is after the saints have been resurrected and translated to glory as verse 9 was the consummation of the end of this age. So obviously the white throne judgment for Christian's is not investigative butter for rewards.

Why doesn't a believer need to be judged in a pre advent investigative judgment? Because they have already been translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son at the time of their confession in Him. Let's show this in scripture:

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 is another passage that destroys the investigative judgment doctrine. This harmonizes with Jehoshua's statement in John 5:24 that once we have faith in Him we pass from death to life.

Verse 12 of Colossians 1 says that the Father made us meet which means He qualified us to inherit eternal life, this is a present tense statement by Paul. The word translated means transferred. When God redeems a sinner He transfers them from the power of darkness (satan's kingdom) to the Kingdom of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Brethren the above passage in Colossians 1:12-14 would make no sense if we still had to pass a future investigative judgment in order to be granted entry into the kingdom. We have in this life received eternal life and entrance into Jehoshua's Kingdom all present tense realities not merely a future hope.

The believer has eternal life through belief in the Son of God and will not lose it as long as he/she holds the beginning of their confidence unto the end (Hebrews 3:14).  It has to do with belief. Only unbelief which is the source of all other sins will cause one to lose eternal life. If one keeps their faith unto the end then the eternal life they received at their profession of faith never left them.

Let's now go back to the Priesthood of Jehoshua.

Hebrews 2:11 (KJV)

11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

There is a corporate solidarity or untiy between Messiah and His people. Jehoshua willingly identifies Himself with and takes to Himself sinners as His brethren.

If Messiah already calls us His brethren once we believe in Him then the teaching of a future investigative judgment to determine if we can go into heaven is false.

Hebrews 2:17 (KJV)

17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Messiah subjected Himself to the law of Jehovah God and to the frailty and weakness of humanity for the purpose of redeeming them. Jehoshua was fully human and able to sympathize with our weakness and frailties. It was necessary for Messiah to be made like us so that He would be merciful and faithful knowing the trials that we have to go through in the flesh.  Jehoshua is able to relate to us and extend us mercy. "make reconciliation" propitiate or appease the wrath of God by satisfying divine justice with payment for the sins of the people (Romans 3:25-26). Brethren, this was all done at the cross, the payment for sins and satisfying Jehovah's wrath. The word reconciliation means "to atone for", this is a past tense phrase as it was during the time that Jehoshua was made like unto us that reconciliation was made. After His resurrection and more fully His ascension, Messiah was glorified and no longer fully like us. The reconciliation had to be made while He was like us with full human frailty.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV)

.14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 Hebrews 7:25 (KJV)

25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

"able also to save them"

Not a mere possibility but a reality. Christ is mighty to save.

"To the uttermost"

Christ fully and finally saves His people to all eternity. Perfection has come through Christ.

"come unto God by Him"

In and for the sake of Christ, sinners can come into the very presence of God.

"ever liveth to make intercession"

Christ's work continues even now and forever as effective intercession on behalf of His people.

Hebrews 3:1-3 (KJV)

1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

Verse1, Solidarity with Messiah is not only one of brotherhood, but it sanctifies those united to Him. Jesus is the High priest of our profession. He is the One we confess as our Mediator with God. Jesus took part in flesh and blood so that we can become fellow heirs and partakers with Him, the call to sonship comes from heaven. Jehoshua is called an Apostle meaning one sent by God.

Verse 2, Jehoshua's faithfulness to Jehovah is not contrasted with Moses unfaithfulness but rather to the position of Jehoshua's compared to Moses. Moses was part of the House of God as a servant.

Verse 3, Jehoshua builds the House of Jehovah, He does not merely serve in it like the Levitical preists did.

Hebrews 5:1-10 (KJV)

Hebrews Chapter 5

1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Verse 1, the priests role in the old testament was to be Israel's representative in the presence of Jehovah. God's Son is a greater high priest than the Levitical preisthood under Aaron in the old testament.

Verse 2, High priests could have compassion because they were subject to the same weaknesses as those they ministered to.

Verse 3, the high priests did not condemn sin but offered sacrifices on behalf of sins. Taken from among men, high priests needed to sacrifice for their own sins.

Verse 4, High Preists were appointed by God, though in the time of the second temple, the preisthood was sold and bought by political powers.

Verses 5-6, the Messiah's Sonship and Priesthood are closely connected citing Psalm 2:7, 110:1. As God’s King and Priest, Messiah was the fufillment of Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 6:9-15). Messiah was appointed as a Priest by God the Father. Jehoshua's Priesthood is closely connected to His Sonship and so is divine. The exalted Son is also the exalted Priest over His people in fufillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Verse 7, the Levitical preists offered the blood of animals. Messiah offeres up Himself in prayers "strong crying and tears". Jehoshua has wrestled in prayers and is able to sympathize with His people. "and was heard". Jehoshua was not heard in the sense that he evaded death, but was heard in the sense that the Father would give Him ultimate victory over death in the resurrection.

Verses 8-9, Jehoshua experienced true suffering. This is what qualifies Him to be a High Priest and have compassion on His people. "Perfect", not moral perfection but the idea of maturity or completion of a mission. "The author of eternal salvation" Jehoshua has a perpetual priesthood that secures a perpetual salvation for His people. Obedience is not a prerequisite for salvation but is the fruit of genuine salvation.

Verse 10, God spoke directly to Christ and appointed Him to this position. Christ was not after the order of Aaron because He was from the tribe of Judah.

Hebrews 6:18-20 (KJV)

18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Christ sat on the throne of God at His ascension and this is the anchor of the soul for a Christian. Our connection with Christ gives us the confidence we need in the face of tumult around us. We have a King on the throne who ministers to us as High Priest not of the Levitical functions but rather a better Priesthood.

"The veil" The high priest would enter once a year behind the veil into the most holy place to approach the mercyseat (Hebrews 9:24, 10:19-21). Our High Preist who is of a superior order didn't have to perform the functions of the Levitical preists but rather went right to the most holy place at His ascension. The bible says Jehoshua is the mercyseat (propitiation) for our sins. In order to be enthroned on David's throne, Jehoshua had to go to the most holy place where the Father's throne is.

"Propitiation"

that by which God is rendered propitious, i.e., by which it becomes consistent with his character and government to pardon and bless the sinner. The propitiation does not procure his love or make him loving; it only renders it consistent for him to execise his love towards sinners.

In Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:5 (A.V., "mercy-seat") the Greek word hilasterion is used. It is the word employed by the LXX. translators in Exodus 25:17 and elsewhere as the equivalent for the Hebrew kapporeth , which means "covering," and is used of the lid of the ark of the covenant ( Exodus 25:21 ; 30:6 ). This Greek word (hilasterion) came to denote not only the mercy-seat or lid of the ark, but also propitation or reconciliation by blood. On the great day of atonement the high priest carried the blood of the sacrifice he offered for all the people within the veil and sprinkled with it the "mercy-seat," and so made propitiation.

In 1 John 2:2 ; 4:10 , Christ is called the "propitiation for our sins." Here a different Greek word is used (hilasmos). Christ is "the propitiation," because by his becoming our substitute and assuming our obligations he expiated our guilt, covered it, by the vicarious punishment which he endured. (Compare Hebrews 2:17 , where the expression "make reconciliation" of the A.V. is more correctly in the RSV "make propitiation.")"

Romans 3:25 (KJV)

25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Propitiation comes from the Greek word hilasterion (Strongs 2435) and means "an expiatory (place or thing), an atoning victim, or the lid of the Ark (in the Temple): - mercyseat, propitiation."

This refers to the propitiatory cover of the ark of the covenant on which blood was sprinkled to cover sins. In the septuagint, the greek word hilasterion is used for the mercy seat in Exodus 25:17

Exodus 25:17 (KJV)

17And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

Mercy seat comes from the Hebrew word "kapporeth" (Strongs 3727) and means "a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred Ark): - mercy seat."

The mercy seat (atop the ark) was where the High Priest sprinkled the blood seven times on the day of atonement to make atonement for all Israel. The word for mercy seat is the Hebrew word "kapporeth", root "kaphar" meaning,  "to cover or purge in the sense of reconciliation or atonement.

With this understanding of the word propitiation being equivalent to mercy seat, it becomes clear that Jehoshua went right to the Holy place at His ascension and didn't have to perform the Levitical functions. Romans 3:25 says that Jehoshua is the propitiation in other words "mercy-seat" for us meaning He had to go right into the most holy place to sprinkle His blood seven times.

Did Jehoshua make full atonement for us?

Romans 5:8-11 (KJV)

.8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

The bible is crystal clear in that we have already received the atonement being made reconciled to God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ blood. The scriptures above says that we have been made justified (rendered righteous) by Jehoshua's sacrifice on the cross.

The word "atonement" comes from the Greek word "katallage" (Strongs 2463) and means "exchange (figuratively adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor: - atonement reconciliation.

Jehoshua's death on the cross reconciled us to the Father and restored us to divine favor. He provided atonement for us. Was this atonement for us made in full once for all at the cross?

John 19:30 (KJV)

30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

"It is finished" Christ had completed the work of fufilling God's purposes (John 17:4) that He had announced in Scripture  (the same verb as "Finished" is translated "accomplished" in verse 28. The price is paid in full for the elect (John 10:14-15, Mark 10:45) and the wrath of God toward believers (John 3:17, 36; 18:11).

The full atonement was made at the cross for us and the scripture says that Jehoshua was the mercy-seat for our sins which proves that He had to go right into the holy place after His resurrection  to sprinkle the mercy seat in the most holy place. The throne of Jehovah in the earthly sanctuary was symbolized as being in the most holy place where the real Shekinah of Jehovah would dwell. Just as in the type, the real sanctuary in heaven has Jehovah's throne in the most holy place and scripture clearly states that Jehoshua sat down on the right hand of God at His ascension and remained there afterwards. Jehoshua was even told to remain on the throne until His enemies were made Hisfootstool

1 John 2;1-2 (KJV)

1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The greek word for propitiation here is "hilasmos" (Strongs 2434) and means "atonement, expiator: , - propitiation."

Scripture clearly says that Jehoshua made atonement for us and not only that full atonement "it is finished". Jehoshua is the mercyseat for us (Romans 3:25) meaning that His death provided us access into the most Holy place via His blood, as He went right into the most holy place first to present Himself before the Father after His resurrection and then again at His ascension. If Jehoshua is our mercyseat and this was done at the cross providing the atonement in full, then He did not have to perform the Levitical functions by ministering in the holy place standing up.

Jehoshua went directly to the most holy place after His resurrection to sprinkle His blood on the mercy-seat and then at His ascension He went directly to the most holy place to sit down (not stand up) at  the right hand of God to receive His Kingdom, throne of David, His crown, His right sceptre and His Priesthood. Jehoshua's Priesthood operates from the throne sitting at the right hand of God. His Priesthood doesn't operate standing up as the Levitical preists did standing up.

1 John 4:10 (KJV)

10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Jehoshua was made the propitiation (atonement). The tense of the verse is past tense "sent His Son to be the propitiation". The atonement was done when Messiah was on earth, that's why He said "it is finished". After His resurrection, He had to go see the Father:

John 20:17 (KJV)

17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

In fufillment of first fruits, Jehoshua presented Himself before the Father on the same day as the firstfruits of the spiritual harvest. The Father's throne is in the most holy place and this is likely when Messiah sprinkled His blood on the mercy-seat.