Not Of This World

 Colossians  3:1-3

1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Being raised together with the Messiah denotes our first resurrection (Revelation 20:6). This resurrection takes place when we are begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah and baptized in water in the name of the Son of God. Because we are now raised with the Messiah we are to have our mind set on the things above in heaven and not on the things of the earth. 

Paul refers to Psalm 110 in this passage, which is a Davidic covenant fulfillment text, which shows and proves that Jehoshua sat on the throne of David when he resurrected and ascended into heaven. Jehoshua being the now reigning Davidic King in heaven is precisely why we are to be heavenly minded and not earthly minded. What does this mean? 

Most Christians have a false understanding of what it means to not be earthly or worldly as they reduce this concept to watching movies, sports, listening to music and dress. This false understanding has led to ridiculous legalistic attitudes among many Christians and church denominations. 

In verse 3, Paul says that we, as resurrected saints, have died and that we are now hid in the Messiah. This death is spiritual, in that we have put to death the old man and his earthly nature. The life we have now in Messiah is a spiritual begetting into his character and we now have a heavenly nature. 

What does Paul identify as the earthly things that we are not to have our mind set on?

Colossians 3:5-6

5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things` sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:

The modern Christian thinks of being of the world as very superficial tripe things and rarely ever mentions the things that Paul mentions in the above passage. The earthly things that Paul says we are not have our minds set upon (verse 3) are listed in verse 5, which are fornication (Sodomy, Adultery, incest and beastiality), uncleanness (moral filth), passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry. 

Notice that Paul doesn't mention the NFL, NBA or NHL but he says the things of the earth are behaviors. Being earthly has to do with bad moral character, which of course produces bad moral behavior. This is what being of the world really means. This is what Jehoshua talked about, which is to call him Lord (King) but not doing as he says:

Luke 6:46

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

It is not enough to profess belief in Jehoshua as Lord, but you must obey him to truly be his follower. To truly believe that Jehoshua is Lord is to have your mind set on his heavenly Kingdom, where he sits on the throne of David at Jehovah's right hand. Paul uses the Davidic Kingship Psalm (110) to exhort the brethren to put their mind on Heavenly things and not on earthly things. It's Jehoshua's Davidic Kingship that should inspire us to obey him and put away those earthly things. 

Paul is not so concerned about whether we watch NFL football on Sundays, but rather he cares that we put to death those sins mentioned in verse 5 of Colossians. The apostle Paul cares far more about our moral values and living according to them than any modern concept of what it means to be of the world. 

The deception is that modern Christians use the superficial interpretation of not being of this world to avoid the demand for moral excellence outlined in the above passage. This moral excellence means abstaining from many of the sins that are tolerated and/or accepted in today's churches.

Let's start with the sin of fornication, which is another false doctrine of the church. When I say false doctrine I mean a false interpretation of what fornication is. This is especially important in the modern day since the churches of Christendom are increasingly accepting Sodomy as an okay practice, as long as it is monogamous and between so-called "married" couples.

Fornication includes all of the sexual sins listed in Leviticus 18, most notably Sodomy. Yet this sin, which Paul equates to being earthly and worldly, is what the churches are increasingly accepting. 

Covetousness is the other sin, which Paul describes as earthly/worldly, that the churches of Christendom practice and even encourage. To speak against covetousness in the church will make you a pariah. 

The Institutional church system actively promotes the sins of fornication and covetousness, yet will have the nerve to say they are "not of this world". Paul says those sins are the very definition of being earthly or worldly. 

1 John 2:15-17

15.Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16.For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

John the apostle agrees with Paul's concept of what it means to be of the world (earthly), as he identifies being of the world as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. This is what it means to not the love the world, which is to abstain from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Not loving the world has nothing to do with not watching movies, sports or listening to music, as that's the modern Christian understanding.

The Modern Christian false understanding of not being of this world has led to ridiculous amounts of legalism about things that have no bearing on our walk with Jehoshua and our salvation. It is also a cheap substitute for truly not being of this world, which is to sin not and to live righteously. The churches of Christendom actually teach that you cannot overcome sin and that sinning doesn't make you worldly, yet watching NFL football on Sunday does.

The lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes are the same sins that Paul is talking about in Colossians chapter 3, fornication and covetousness. The lust of the eyes denotes the desire for those things and the lust of the flesh is the fulfillment of those desires. The pride of life is man's attempt for fame and notoriety, which means a sacrifice of morals. 

Colossians 3:8

"but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth"

The above attributes are members of the earth that we are to put to death and put away. This is done when we are begotten from above by the Spirit of Jehovah God and then subsequently baptized in the name of His Son. A true begotten from above experience will result in the death of our formerly earthly members. The things of the earth that we are no longer to do have nothing to do with our entertainment consumption, but rather our moral virtues and character. 

Being of the world has to do with the practice of sin and the definition of sin is very specific, which in shorthand is fornication, covetousness and uncleanness.  Again, being of the world has nothing to do with watching the latest movie or cheering on your favorite sports team.

Ephesians 5:5-7

5 For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

A Christian will not be judged at the last day for his football fandom or the fact that he watched Top Gun, but he will be judged according to whether or not he practiced any of the above worldly/earthly sins once converted. Again, being of the world from a biblical standpoint is practicing fornication, being a covetous person which is being an idolater. Also, being unclean will keep you out of the Kingdom. Uncleanness means soft and luxurious living. Paul says that of a surety, no one who practices these things has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Messiah and God.

It's almost as if Paul knew exactly what the state of so-called Christianity would be when he wrote this, because he says to let know one deceive you with empty words, obviously meaning that there would be those who would say that you can practice those things and inherit the Kingdom. Not only will they not have the inheritance in the eternal Kingdom (future), but they don't have any inheritance in the militant Kingdom (present). 

Rather than being saved in sin, Paul says that the practice of these earthly/worldly sins is what causes Jehovah's wrath to pour out on the sons of disobedience. Notice that Paul doesn't call them brethren but says they are children of disobedience, meaning they are children of Satan. Finally, Paul says not to be partakers with them, that means no fellowship with them whatsoever.

The Ten Words

 "Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee"

The above ten words are what saves us as new covenant Israelites. When so-called Christians and Messianics talk about the ten words, they are usually referring to the 10 commandments. They say we are to live by these ten words for salvation. However, this is not true as the new testament clearly shows. The ten words that we are to live by in the new covenant are the very ones quoted above. They come from Psalm 2:7. We can actually prove from scripture that Psalm 2:7 is the commandment that save us in the new covenant:

1 John 3:23-24

23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments abideth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.

The commandment that Jehovah has given His people in the new covenant is to be believe on the name of His Son, Jehoshua Messiah. The commandments of Jehovah God in the new testament are not the 10 commandments, but rather they are the 10 words of Psalm 2:7. We see this concept elsewhere regarding believing on the name of the Son of God to be saved:

John 3:16-18

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jehovah God sent His only begotten Son, Jehoshua, to the world (Israel). Whosoever, Israelite or Gentile, would be saved by believing on the Son of God. Keep in mind, there are other "Jehoshua's" that Paul warns against, so the "Jehoshua' we must believe on is the one who is Jehovah's only begotten Son.

Verse 18 of John 3:16 says that we must believe on the name of the only begotten Son of God to have eternal life. Notice, that in this verse, it doesn't say believe in Jehoshua but rather to believe on his name. That is significant because it's the name of the "only begotten Son" that we need to believe on to have eternal life. The phrase "begotten Son" or "only begotten Son" refers back to Psalm 2:7. In other words, we are required to believe in the Ten Words of Psalm 2:7 in order to be saved. 

1 John 4:8-9

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.

The majority of the so-called Church doesn't know the love of Jehovah God. Why is this? Because they deny that Jehoshua is the literal only begotten Son of Jehovah God and that he was sent by Jehovah God to be the ransom sacrifice for the world.

1 John 4:15

"Whosoever shall confess that Jehoshua is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God."

Those who confess that Jehoshua is the Son of God have the indwelling Jehovah in them. The distinction between the title 'Son of God" and "God the Son" is vital in terms of who Jehoshua is in identity. 

The phrase "God the Son" is not found in scripture, whereas "Son of God" is absolutely found in scripture and has prophetic significance. That prophetic significance is found in Psalm 2:7, i.e. the Ten Words.

1John 5:1

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."

What does it mean for Jesus to be the "Christ"? Most Christians have made this title into a generic one, whereas scripture identifies it as being of the royal seed of David. In other words, it's a title of Kingship. The very chapter that the Ten Words are located in proves this point;

Psalm 2:1-2

1 Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying

The anointed mentioned in verse 2 is David. Throughout the old testament, the royal seed of David is referred to as Jehovah's "anointed", which is rendered as "Christ" in the new testament.

Just as the Davidic King was Jehovah's "Christ", he was also Jehovah's begotten Son. Those who love Jehovah God also love Jesus, who was begotten by Jehovah God. Both these titles of "Christ" and "begotten Son" are rooted in the Ten Words of Psalm 2:7. Those who acknowledge Jesus as the Davidic King, now reigning, our begotten by Jehovah God.

1 John 5:5

"And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

He who overcomes the world believes in the Ten Words, which is that Jehoshua is the begotten Son of Jehovah God (Psalm 2:7).

1 John 5:10-13

10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in him: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he hath not believed in the witness that God hath borne concerning his Son. 11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. 13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.

To believe on the Son of God is a slightly different connotation than believing in him. To believe on the Son of God is to believe what that title "Son of God" means. The meaning of this title is found in Psalm 2:6-7, which shows us the that phrase "Son of God" is equated with being the Davidic King of Israel. We must believe on the name (identity, character and authority) of the Son of God in order to have eternal life.

It's the name "Son of God" that's important to believe on and not the pronunciation of the actual name of the Son. A "name" in the Israelite culture represents the identity, character and authority of a person. The name "only begotten Son of God" in identity is that one is truly Jehovah's Son. The authority of that name is in the Royal Davidic Kingship that the "name" represents. It's also to believe it in the righteous character of the begotten King. 

1 John 5:20-21

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 [My] little children, guard yourselves from idols

The apostles believed that Jehoshua was the Son of God not God. Jehoshua came to reveal the character of his Father, Jehovah God. John the apostle identifies Jehovah as  the true God and that we as Israelites are in covenant with Him. By being in covenant with Jehovah God, we thereby are in covenant with His Son, Jehoshua Messiah. 

The identity of Jehoshua is crucial to having  the right doctrine and being in the right covenant. Identifying Jehoshua as God instead of the Son of God prevents you from entering into the new covenant and also makes you an idolater. Jehoshua's Sonship is rooted in the Ten Words of Psalm 2:7.

Jezebel got hers

 Jezebel was the ultimate example of a rebellious woman and she is a cautionary tale for any woman who thinks she can rebel against Jehovah God and get away with it. Also, she was a persecution or Jehovah's people. Jehovah doesn't take kindly to those who trouble His saints:

2nd Thessalonians 1:6

"if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you"

Jehovah's character hasn't changed, He will afflict those who bring trouble to his saints in the new covenant era as he did in the old testament times. Many modern Christians forget this and paint a false portrait of Jehovah's character.

Jezebel was known for persecuting Jehovah's prophets and used her weak husband to push her agenda. Even though Jezebel is long dead, her spirit lives on:

Revelation 2:20-23

20 But I have [this] against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication. 22 Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.

Jehoshua is rebuking the church at Thyatira for putting up the false prophetess Jezebel. Obviously, the Jezebel of the old testament had long since been dead so the Son of God is describing a female false prophet/s that is/are operating in the same spirit. What was the doctrine of Jezebel? Seducing Jehoshua's servants into eating meat sacrificed to idols and committing fornication (Leviticus 18 sexual sins).

Don't we see this today in the modern church system? Yes, there are a myriad of female pastors and prophets that are teaching so called Christians that sinful practices are okay. These women also come against any true followers of the Messiah who expose them, just like their spiritual mother Jezebel did to the prophets of old.

Just as old testament Jezebel got hers in the end, these new testament Jezebels will get theirs. In verse 22, Jehoshua says that he will cast Jezebel into a sick bed and those who commit adultery with her will be put in great tribulation. This is not only a warning to the Jezebel false prophets, but those who hearken to them will also suffer the wrath of the Son of God. This fits perfectly with Ezekiel 14. In fact, Jehoshua says he will kill Jezebel's children with death. This will be at his second Advent and also the casting into the lake of fire.

Contrary to the modern church system, Jehoshua says that we will be rewarded according to our works and those who follow false teachers will suffer the same judgment as them. The book of Jude says what the reward of false prophets is:

Jude 13

"Wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved forever"

The blackness of darkness forever refers to the lake of fire and that's where false prophets have been ordained to go come judgment day. This is where Jehoshua will send anyone who hearkens unto these Jezebels. 

1 Kings 16:30-31

30 And Ahab the son of Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah above all that were before him. 31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

Ahab, the King of Israel, married Jezebel, who was a foreigner. She caused him to worship and serve Baal. In fact, due to the influence of Jezebel, Ahab did the most evil of all the Kings of Israel or Judah for that matter.

This shows how easily it is for a female false prophet/teacher to influence men to disobey God. 

1 Kings 18:3-4

3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Jehovah greatly: 4 for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of Jehovah, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

Jezebel kicked the prophets of Jehovah out of the land, meaning she excommunicated them from the house of Israel. She was a persecutor of Jehovah's real prophets. Those who fear Jehovah, like Obadiah, will ignore the command of Jezebels and bless Jehovah's true prophets.

1 Kings 18:13

"Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of Jehovah, how I hid a hundred men of Jehovah`s prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?"

Here Obadiah tells Elijah that he hid and fed the prophets that Jezebel expelled from the house of Israel. Jezebel also killed many of the prophets.

1 Kings 18:17

17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father`s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and thou hast followed the Baalim.

Those who expose and reject the female Jezebel prophets, will be looked at as trouble makers by the mainstream church. Elijah makes it clear to Ahab, that it is actually he (Ahab) that is troubling Israel by breaking Jehovah's commandments. Ahab, was breaking Jehovah's commandments, by allowing his wife Jezebel to cause him to worship Baalim and also persecuting Jehovah's prophets.

1 Kings 19:1-2

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel send a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to-morrow about this time.

Jezebel did not back down, as she was enraged that the false prophets of the false gods were slain by Elijah. She issued a death decree against Elijah. However, her wickedness would catch up with her in a big way. 

1 Kings 21:1-4

1 And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house; and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it: or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.3 And Naboth said to Ahab, Jehovah forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

This would be the incident that would to Jezebel's brutal demise. Ahab, due to his greed and lust, wanted Naboth's estate. The King thought that money would satisfy Naboth, but he was wrong as Naboth valued the inheritance handed down to him from his father's. There is a lesson here for us, in that we should value the inheritance we have received in Christ from Jehovah God and not sell it out for money. There is definitely an Easy principle here. Let's be like Jacob and Naboth and not Easu.

Ahab, like the true beta male that he was, got all melancholy over his inability to convince Naboth to sell his vineyard. He was so despondent over not getting what he wanted that he sulked and refused to eat.

1 Kings 21:5-7

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?6 And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee [another] vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thy heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite .

Jezebel stirred up Ahab to not take rejection from Naboth, concerning the latter's estate. Instead of telling Ahab what he needed to hear, Jezebel appealed to his machismo. What Ahab needed to hear was that it was okay, and that Naboth had a right to decide whether or not to sell his inheritance. Jezebel manipulated Ahab and she herself took command of the situation.

1 Kings 21:8-11

8 So she wrote letters in Ahab`s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, [and] that dwelt with Naboth.9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.10 and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him to death. 11 And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who dwelt in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, according as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

This was a deceptive plan, as Jezebel was setting up Naboth to be killed in the guise of celebrating and honoring him. Jezebel was the sole architect of this evil plan to kill Naboth so that Ahab could receive his estate. Ahab was sitting by passively while his wife did all the work, show his true cowardly nature and her domineering nature. 

1 Kings 21:12-13

12 They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. 13 And the two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him: and the base fellows bare witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones.

Naboth got stoned to death all because he didn't want to sell his inherited family estate to King Ahab. Jezebel orchestrated the event in order to get her husband what he wanted. 

1 Kings 21:14-16

14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.15 And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.16 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

Instead of being a righteous King and preventing Jezebel from doing such an evil thing, Ahab reaped the rewards of his wife's wickedness. Ahab now possessed Naboth's vineyard. 

1 Kings 21:23

"And of Jezebel also spake Jehovah, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel"

After Jehovah gave the judgement in terms of what would happen to Ahab and his descendants, He now gives a prophecy of Jezebel's demise. Her demise would be dramatic, even with dogs eating her as we shall see. 

1 Kings 21:25

"(But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up"

Due to the strong influence of Jezebel, Ahab was the most wicked Israelite King up unto that point and even beyond. 

2nd Kings 9:30

"And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her eyes, and attired her head, and looked out at the window"

Now Jehovah's prophesy against Jezebel would be fulfilled and He used the new King of Israel, Jehu to accomplish it. Jezebel got herself ready, likely to work her charm on the King. 

2nd Kings 9:31-33

31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Is it peace, thou Zimri, thy master`s murderer? 32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. 33 And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down; and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trod her under foot.

Jezebel was trying to make sure that everything was all good with Jehu, however he executed Jehovah's will and had the eunuchs throw Jezebel down to her death from her balcony. Jezebel was then trodden under foot by Jehu 's horses. 

2nd Kings 9:34-37

34 And when he was come in, he did eat and drink; and he said, See now to this cursed woman, and bury her; for she is a king`s daughter. 35 And they went to bury her; but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. 36 Wherefore they came back, and told him. And he said, This is the word of Jehovah, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall the dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel; 37 and the body of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

Despite all the problems Jezebel caused, Jehu still wanted to give her a proper burial as she was royalty. However, the prophesy of Elijah was fulfilled, as almost nothing was left of Jezebel as she was eaten by dogs. The wicked wife of King Ahab would be as the dung of the earth and therefore unidentifiable. 

To sin or not to sin, the epistle of John part 1

 One of the biggest false doctrines in all of Christianity is the idea that we cannot help but sin, even after the cross. This doctrine was made popular via the protestant reformation. It's not that the Protestants were the first to believe and teach this, but through them it became the mainstream doctrine of sin outside the Roman Catholic Church. Since that time, very few churches have taught that a begotten of God son can live sin free and perfectly righteous. The history of this doctrine is too long to get into at this point and is not the focus of the article, but we will tackle the epistle of John to find the truth about whether or not a Christian can live sin free or can sin and still be saved. 

1 John 1:6-10

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

This is a very crucial series of verses to understand concerning whether or not we cannot help but sin or whether we can be sin free. John says that those who are in fellowship with Jehovah God do not walk in darkness (verse 6). Anyone who says they have fellowship with Jehovah God and walk in darkness are liars in John's view. The darkness that John is talking about is sin as we will see as proceed in this study. However, if we walk in the light then we have fellowship with the saints and blood of Jehoshua, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin. Walking in the light is in keeping Jehoshua's commandments. 

Basically, if you sin you are in darkness and have no fellowship with the Father no matter how much you say otherwise. If you keep Jehoshua's commandments then you are in the light and have fellowship with the saints and the blood of the Son of God cleanses you from all sin. Verses 6 and 7 make a clear distinction between what constitutes being in fellowship with God and what doesn't. 

Verse 8, this is where most Christians usually trip up concerning this subject. John says if we say that we have no sin we are decieving ourselves and the truth is not in us. On the surface and as a stand alone verse, it certainly appears that there is no way we can be sin free, but is this what John is saying? Of course not, especially in light of the two verses that sandwich verse 8. In verse 7 and 9, John says we are cleansed from all sin if we walk in the light and we arw cleansed from all unrighteousness if we confess our sins. This shows that verse 8 is not aimed at those who are doing (walking in the light) and have (confessed sins), but rather it's aimed at those who are not doing (walking in the light) and have not (confessed sins) done those things.

Verse 10, "if we say that we have not sinned", this is a before Messiah and/or past tense statement by John. This would apply to those who are not living in the light and who have not confessed their sins per verses 7 and 9. However, John makes it clear that those who do those two things are cleansed of all unrighteousness and sin, hence they are sin free.

1 John 2:1-2

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

Verse 1 of John chapter 2 makes it clear whether or not he is advocating that we, as begotten from above Sons, must still have sin in us and therefore can't be completely sin free. John commands the brethren to sin not. This is one of the main reasons for John's epistle. This is the same command Jesus gave, "go and sin no more". Modern Christians deny that this is possible, thereby contradicting the Son of God and his closest apostle. Remember, John's epistle is warning the brethren against antichrists so obviously the "we can't be free from sin" doctrine is part of what these antichrists are teaching. 

The gnostics were justifying living in sin and attributing it to the flesh being inherently evil and said they were technically sin free because of their spirit being saved. The Judeans that rejected Jehoshua, denied they needed his blood atonement in the first place. Some of these antichrists were in the church then left it, denying that Jehoshua was the Son of God. John says they were never truly of the church in the first place. There seems to be a few different heresies that John is addressing in his epistle.

Verse 2 of 1 John 2, Jehoshua is the propitiation (mercyseat) for our sins and not for the ekkelsia that John is speaking to only, but all the world (Judah and Ephraim). This is important to understand because the mercyseat is where the high priest in the old covenant would sprinkle the blood of animals in the holy of holies on the day of atonement. 

This shows that Jehoshua completely fulfilled the day of atonement when he ascended up to heaven on the day of his resurrection. The book of Hebrews clearly shows that Jehoshua is the once and for all sacrifice, proving that the law of Moses is done away with forever. You can't have the law of Moses without the sacrifical system and if the day of atonement is fulfilled, then there is no need to keep the other feasts as they are also fulfilled, being that they are part of the law. Remember, John is also warning against the Judeans who reject the Messiah and his ransom sacrifice, so his stating that Jehoshua is the mercyseat (propitiation) for our sins is directed at their denial of the new covenant.

1 John 2:3-6

3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him: 6 he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.

John echoes exactly what Jehoshua said in the gospel of John (chapters 14-16), which is that keeping the commandments is evidence that someone knows God and loves Jehoshua. Those who claim to know God and His Son, but don't keep the commandments are liars and the truth is not in them. This is exactly what is said of those who walk in darkness but claim to have fellowship with God (1 John 1:6).  As stated above regarding 1 John chapter 1, those who claim they have no sin and are liars are the ones walking in darkness and have no truth in them. John is identifying these ones as the sinners of verses 8 and 10.

Conversely, those who walk in the light and have confessed (past tense) their sins are cleansed of all sin and unrighteousness. These are the ones that are cleansed by the propitiation blood of the Son of God. Unlike the ones who walk in darkness, they have fellowship with the saints. How can one have sin in them if they are keeping the commandments of Jehovah God and His love has been perfected in them? Of course they cannot have sin in them because they are walking in the light and thefore have been cleansed from all sin and unrighteousness. The fact that the love of God has been perfected in those who keep the commandments, shows that they are perfect as Jehoshua commaded his brethren to be (Mathew 5:48):

Jude 24-25

24 Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, 25 to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, [be] glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen.

For those who keep the commandments of God, love is perfected in them and they are presented before the throne of the Father's glory without blemish (perfect). Jude says this as a present reality for the saints. Again, John says this is dependent upon keeping God's commandments. Those who sin are outside this perfection as we will see in chapter 3 and as is already stated in verse 4 of this chapter, being that they are liars and the truth is not in them. Being liars and not having the truth is how John describes those who say they have no sin. 

Verse 6 of 1 John 2, those that claim that they are in covenant with Jehoshua must also walk as he walked on this earth. Ask yourself this, how did Jehoshua walk when he was on this earth? He was sinless and perfect before the Father, Jehovah God. Abiding in Jehoshua is key and John says that if we abide in him, we must walk like him. This talk of abiding in the Messiah and doing righteousness fits perfectly with what Jehoshua taught in John chapter 15:

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and [so] shall ye be my disciples. 9 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father`s commandments, and abide in his love.

You will see from the above passage, that the Son of God equates abiding in him with keeping his commandments. Notice what Jehoshua says about those that don't abide in him yet don't bear fruit (Keep his commandments), they are cast forth as a branch and burned in the fire. These ones that don't abide in him, are the same ones that John the apostle is talking about that say they know him but don't keep his commandments (1 John 2:4). John calls these ones liars, therefore its these ones that claim they have no sin and are liars that John is addressing in verses 8 and 10 of John chapter 1.

1 John 2:12

"I write unto you, [my] little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name`s sake."

It makes no sense for John, on one hand, to say that of we have no sin we are liars and then on the other hand, say that are sins are forgiven. It makes no sense with the mainstream church interpretation, however if we divide the word rightly, then it makes perfect sense. The saying "we have no sins" is regarding either those not keeping Jehoshua's commandments or those saying that they don't need Jehoshua's propitiation blood, which was usually the Judeans still stuck in the old covenant. Those who walk in the light and bear fruit by keeping Jehoshua's commandments have their sin forgiven, therefore they are cleansed of all unrighteousness and sin. 

1 John 2:13-14

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one.

John says that we, who have the word of Jehovah, abiding in us have overcome Satan. Again, the proof that you abide in Jehovah and Jehoshua is that you keep the commandments. That and that only is how abiding in the Son of God is defined. John's statement that we, as believers in the Son of God, have overcome Satan is perfectly aligned with what Paul the apostle taught:

Romans 8:37

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us"

Paul says that we are more than conquerors and this is in the context of trials and tribulations. If we are more than conquerors of those things, why would sin be any different? 

Hebrews 2:14-15

14 Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

What brings death? Scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death. The bondage that we were subject to before Christ was sin. Jesus passion delivered us from these things as he bound the devil and brought him to nothing by spoiling his Kingdom. Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus bound and spolied the devil at his first advent, not his second. In other words, the devil has been brought to nothing. He has nothing in the children of Jehovah as John states later in his epistle. The devil still has influence in the world, but thankfully the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is not of this world. 

To he delivered from the fear of death means that we are delivered (saved) from our sins, as it is sin that brings forth death.

Matthew 1:21

"And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins"

The angel didn't tell Joseph that Jesus would save Israel in their sins, but rather from their sins. Paul reiterates this:

Romans 6:22-23

22 But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse 22 denotes a present reality for the saints, in that they are now free from sin. This clearly shows that Paul is not teaching that Christians can't help but still sin at times or that they have sin in them even though they are in Christ. Sanctification is immediate upon being begotten from above as being made free from sin sets us apart as true children of Jehovah God. Eternal life will be the end result for those who overcome and are without sin. 

Why would Paul be advocating that Christians will still struggle with sin, even though they are begotten from above, when he says the wages of sin is death? It would make no sense if that was the case and it would be a fatalistic mindset as he clearly says that the wages (payment) for sin is death. Death in the lake of fire is obviously what he is talking about. This is the opposite of eternal life, which shows that to gain eternal life one must obey Jesus and go sin no more.

1 John 2:28-29

28 And now, [my] little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one also that doeth righteousness is begotten of him.

John exhorts the brethren to abide in the holy vine of David, which Jesus teaches us to do in John chapter 15. If we abide in Christ then we will have boldness at his second Advent. The meaning of abiding in the Son of God is keeping his commandments (John 15:10) and doing works of righteousness (verse 29 of 1 John 2:29). The evidence of being begotten by Jehovah God, is that we do righteousness as Christ is righteous. Keeping Jesus commandments, and doing works of righteousness, makes you righteous the same way Jesus was. Those who sin are not righteous and therefore not begotten by Jehovah God, as sin is the opposite of being righteous. 

Romans 13, our relationship with the State

 Romans 13 is one of those passages that is interpreted in a few different ways and done so according to the agenda of the one interpretating it. Many Christians interpret this verse as an exhortation to Christians to have blind all encompassing obedience to the State. Usually those that promote this view are 501 C 3 Pastors. Their congregants will also defend this interpretation of Romans 13. One of the motivations for those with this interpretation is to avoid persecution due to challenging the State for their anti-freedom and anti-christian legislation or social policies.

Left leaning churches also heavily promote this understanding of Romans 13 when it suits their political agenda i.e. globalism and liberal social policies. The recent Covid 19 lockdowns and mandates were a perfect example of this. Also, the pro- LGBTQ agenda by the government is supported by these liberal churches and they will use Romans 13 as a hammer against Christians who dare to stand up against this agenda. 

There are also other Christians and churches that say that Romans 13 is addressing obedience to secular government but rather authority in the church..These are Christians that have a libertarian and/or anarchist view of government and try to understand Romans 13 within that worldview. 

We are living in times where understanding Romans 13 is vital, because it will determines one's view in how to deal with an ever increasing authoritarian government system. Also, a proper balanced view of this chapter will keep us from embracing ideologies that deny any form of government as being legitimate. 

Romans 13:1-2

1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God. 2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

It's very important to understand Romans 13 within the context of the times it was written in. During the period of of the apostolic era there were Messianic groups that promoted revolution and the overthrow of the Roman occupation.  These groups rejected Jehoshua as the King of Israel, partly because they were expecting a King that would overthrow Rome and institute a geo-political Kingdom. The peak of the Messianic militia movement was AD 66-70, which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and it's temple. 

Paul is writing this before AD 66, so his words are especially a cautionary tale for those Israelites within Rome that have delusions of grandeur in revolting against Rome. Paul clearly says that the higher powers are ordained of Jehovah God and to resist them is to resist God Himself. There is no scriptural indication that Paul is talking church authorities here and this idea is simply to anachronistically insert a libertarian/anarchist interpretation into the text. 

We have to remember Paul was writing this in the first century not the 21st. At the time, revolutionary Messianic movements were en vogue. Paul himself submitted to Roman authority. Now, this doesn't mean that Paul is preaching absolute obedience to the state and in fact it is far from what he is advocating. Acts 17 gives proof of this:

6 And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another King, one Jehoshua.

Clearly, the apostolic church didn't fully submit to Rome as their preaching that Jehoshua was King was contrary to the decrees of Caesar. This is because the Romans were taught that the Roman emperor was a divine Son of God (King) and by the church teaching that Jehoshua was King was a direct affront to that claim by the emperor. 

The first two verses of Romans 13 certainly indicate an all encompassing command to obey government, but we shall see as we proceed in this chapter that non questioning obedience is not what is being preached by Paul. 

Romans 13:3-4

3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4 for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.

The above two verses bring more balance to this subject as Paul says that government is ordained by Jehovah God to punish those who do evil not good. Government is Jehovah's minister in so far as they are a terror to those who do evil not those who do good. Once a government goes beyond their ordained function to punish evildoers, they are no longer operating in Jehovah's will. If the government persists in punishing those who do good then they are no longer Jehovah's minister. Same can be said if they fail to consistently punish those who do evil. 

Governments who are soft on crime and punish those who defend themselves against evil persons/criminals are not Jehovah's servant and Paul's exhortation above does not apply to them. 

Paul says that the government does not bear the sword in vain, so the idea that Jehovah is against things like corporal punishment and severe physical force to restrain evil is unbiblical. Today's anti-police sentiment due to police officers defending themselves or striking first when threatened is not in accordance with Jehovah's word and instead is a mindset of a rebellious people. 

Romans 13:5-7

5 Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience` sake.6 For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God`s service, attending continually upon this very thing.7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Those that teach that this chapter is about Jehovah God ordaining church authorities and not earthly governments, will not be able to successfully defend that position due to the above. Certainly, we are to give offerings to support the orphans, widows and the work of the Kingdom mission, however nowhere in the new testament is it worded in such a demanding manner as stated above. The concept of giving in the new testament is voluntary as there is no tithe commandment due to the deletion of the Levitical priesthood. 

Paul does not make giving to these authorities voluntary but says it's an obligation and the use of the words tribute, custom and dues show that this giving is an earthly government not to the church. The giving to the church is said to be not from constraint but of free will and a cheerful heart. In Acts 5, Peter even tells Ananias that while their money was in their possession it was in their power what to do with it. Paul wants the brethren to be in subjection to the governing authorities not only because they fear the sword, but also so their conscience is clean and they do it because of their love for God and His command in this situation. 

Romans 13:8-10

8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.

Paul wants the brethren to be free of the entanglement of debt and in this context it's debt to the government due to not paying the custom, tribute and dues that they are entitled to. Paul then lists four of the 10 commandments, showing that the 10 commandments are part of the new covenant law, with the Sabbath now being everyday in the Messiah. Love is the fulfillment of the law of Jehoshua. This isn't a worldly superficial nice love but rather a self denying cross carrying love. 

Romans 13:11-12

11 And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we [first] believed. 12 The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

This statement by Paul in verse 12 is key in understanding the context and meaning of Romans 13. Paul is encouraging the Romans that the day of salvation (second advent of the Messiah) was at hand (near). He is exhorting the Roman believers to wake up out of their slumber lackadaisical mindset and to put on the armor of light, in other words be vigilant like a soldier at war. How does this affect the meaning of Romans 13 in terms of our relationship with the State? Because Paul believed the time was short that he and the brethren had left on this earth so revolting against the government in any way, militarily or through not obeying government laws was of no consequence since he felt the Son of God was coming very soon. 

Romans 13:12-14

12The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.13 Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy.14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Verse 12 further proves that Paul felt that the day (day star) was at hand (very near), of course referring to the second advent of the Son of God. For Paul, this belief dictated is mindset towards earthly government. There was no purpose for the saints to get involved in earthly affairs since the second advent was near. Certainly, having a anarchist mindset towards government was not in the cards as Paul expected the eternal Kingdom to be shortly on it's way and his exhortation to the Romans is to obey government unless they go against that which is good. 

In verses 13 and 14, Paul exhorts the brethren to walk in righteousness (becomingly) and not to walk in the flesh such as drinking parties (revelling), wantonness (unbridled coveting) and other works of the flesh. Paul's message to the Romans here is more about the soon second advent of Jehoshua and not necessarily Christian government theology. His views on a Christian's attitude towards government is as a result of his belief that the eternal Kingdom of heaven was soon to come. Romans 13 was never meant to be a focus on what government ideology we are to have other than to obey them as longs as they don't ask us to violate Jehovah's law. Paul's belief in the second advent was what he was really concerned about and the readiness of the saints for that blessed event. Therefore he has a heavenly attitude towards government and revolt against them would be of no consequence anyways since the day was at hand for the second coming of the Son of God. However, Paul does warn the brethren to not resist them since they are ordained by Jehovah God. This is not an all encompassing call for obedience to government because they are only ordained by Jehovah to punish evildoers.

Agency vs. Sonship

 One of the arguments biblical Unitarians use is the law of agency in order to account for the texts that portray Jehoshua as having the authority of Jehovah and apply Jehovah texts to him. I believe this is a mistake by Unitarians in order to overcompensate for the exaltation in the new testament regarding Jehoshua. Many Unitarians cite Jewish law and the Talmud for this law of agency doctrine and then read into scripture. Again, this is a poor explanation for the texts that obviously exalt Jehoshua to a high position and even apply old testament Jehovah texts to him.

Luke 3:38

"the [son] of Enos, the [son] of Seth, the [son] of Adam, the [son] of God"

Adam was the Son of God. Adam being the Son of God was not only because he was Jehovah's first creation of the Adamic-Israelite bloodline, but also because God gave him headship over His (Jehovah's) garden. 

1 Corinthians 15:45

"So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam [became] a life-giving spirit"

Jehoshua is called the last Adam, showing that he is the Son of God of the new creation whereas Adam was Jehovah's Son of the old creation. Adam was given headship/kingship over the garden of Jehovah in Eden,  whereas Jehoshua had headship/Kingship over the garden of Jehovah in New Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 15:22

"For as in Adam all die, so also in Messiah shall all be made alive"

Unlike Jehoshua, Adam failed at the task Jehovah gave him. Adam's sin brought death to mankind and so all those that remain in him will die not only this death, but the second death in the lake of fire. This is why we must be in covenant with Jehoshua, the new Adam, so that we can escape the second death and be resurrected to eternal life.

Jehovah set up Adam as his first King on the earth, however Adam fell into sin and forfeited eternal Kingship. Nonetheless, Jehovah promised Adam and Eve a seed:

Genesis 3:15

"and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel"

Jehovah told the serpent that He would raise up a seed from Adam and Eve to crush his (Satan's) head. This would be someone who would finish the task Adam couldn't. 

This theme of Sonship and inheritance related to it is all over the old testament. We see this with Isaac, Jacob-Israel, Jacob's 12 sons and ultimately King David and his royal offspring. 

There are clear passages in the new testament where Jehoshua is called god and even some prophecies where he is either referred to as god or Jehovah. For those who reject the Trinity and any "Jesus is God" doctrine, you will need to wrestle with this. Many biblical Unitarians utilize the so-called Jewish law of agency to explain these instances away. This, however, denigrates the Messiah into some legal agent of the Father rather than highlighting His only begotten Sonship. While biblical Unitarians do believe Jesus is God's begotten Son by way of the virgin birth, they also stay away from emphasizing that he is Jehovah's only begotten. 

While there is truth in the law of agency principle it doesn't come close fo describing the reason that Jehoshua has the authority that he does nor the reason he is called god or has Jehovah texts from the old testament applied to him.

Quite frankly, the law of agency isn't impressive at all as this office can be filled by many people. For example, a process server is an agent of the lw firm that procures his services. Another example is companies who have a specific person at their company to accept service of process on behalf of the company. Some companies even have other companies be their agent to accept service of process. The law of agency principle denotes a very bland business relationship between the sender and the one being sent. No intimate relationship is required, just a legal agreement for the law of agency.

John 10;30

"I and the Father are one"

Many use this verse to say that Jehoshua and God are one person or being but that's not the point of the Messiah's statement above.

John 10:35-38

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken) ,36 say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am [the] Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.

Jehoshua clarifies exactly who he is in his response to the Judean leadership and that identity is him being the Son of God. He also says that the Father is in Him and he is in the Father, which denotes intimate covenant relationship. This far surpasses any type of agency concept. 

John 5:18

"For this cause therefore the Judeans sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God"

This is a statement made by John the apostle regarding the Judean leadership persecuting Jehoshua for healing an infirm man on the Sabbath day. Jehoshua's response to the Judean leadership was that both him and his Father (Jehovah) work on the Sabbath. Obviously, this is not just any work but it's Kingdom work. However, the point made by John the apostle is that indeed Jehoshua broke the Sabbath and even made himself eqaul with Jehovah by calling Him Father.

Most Christians think that this is just the Judean leadership falsely accusing Jehoshua, but we have to remember that these are the words of the apostle John not the Judean leadership. They think to themselves, "what in the world would give the right for Jehoshua to break the Sabbath?". John's very next statement is the answer to this, which is that Jehoshua called Jehovah His own Father making him eqaul with the Father. Although most Christians don't have a problem with this part of the verse due to their Christology,  it's likely that either both statements have to be true or they both have to be false accusations. So, in effect most Christians disagree with the first part but accept the second part. Most Unitarians reject both parts of the verse as true.

Both of these statements by John the apostle are connected, in that the very reason Jehoshua could break the Sabbath was because God was His Father and he possesses an eqaulity with God due to that Sonship. Jehoshua being the literal begotten Son of Jehovah is what gives him the authority to break the old covenant Sabbath. To be the Son of God was to be the King of Israel and the King had authority to be a law giver (Genesis 49:8-10). From the time of his baptism, Jehoshua was no longer under the law of Moses since the law was until John the Baptist.

From the time of John the Baptist onwards, the gospel of the Kingdom was being preached and men were pressing into it. This Kingdom's King was Jehoshua and it was a new Kingdom, therefore a new law was needed. The new law was given from the sermon on the mount and there was nothing about the seventh day sabbath keeping as part of that law. Instead, Jehoshua was bringing a new understanding of Sabbath keeping that went beyond keeping one day holy. Doing good works and resting in the grace of Jehovah God everyday became the new covenant Sabbath (Hebrews 4).

As stated above, Jehoshua had the right to break the old covenant Sabbath because He was Jehovah's Son and not a servant to the Mosaic system of worship:

Hebrews 3:5-6

5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken; 6 but Messiah as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end.

This right here explains exactly why Jehoshua had the right to break the Sabbath, which is that he is the only begotten Son of God and is over the new covenant house of God (the church). Moses was only a servant in the old covenant house of Jehovah (the Tabernacle). This shows that Jehoshua, although born under it, was not under the law of Moses once he was anointed as King of Israel in the Jordan river.

John in verse 18 of John chapter 5 connects the two things we are discussing here, one that Jehoshua did break the Sabbath, and two, that Jehoshua is eqaul to God because is the Son of God. John gives us the answer right here in that Jehoshua's Sonship and eqaulity with the Father gave him authority to break the old covenant Mosaic Sabbath.  Jehoshua's status as only begotten Son is so much more superior to Moses. Elsewhere, Jehoshua cites King David violating the Sabbath as David and his men and ate the showbread of the Tabernacle:

Mark 2:25-28

25 And he said unto them, Did ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry, he, and they that were with him?26 How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the showbread, which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests, and gave also to them that were with him?27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:28 so that the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath.

According to Jehoshua, King David broke the Sabbath and it was incident that Jehoshua cited as the right for him and his disciples to pluck the ears of the grain. Why does Jehoshua cite David as justification for him breaking the Sabbath? Because like David, Jehoshua is Jehovah's begotten Son and anointed King (Messiah). It was David's Sonship and Kingship that gave him this right not some bland plastic law of agency. Jehoshua's statement in verses 27 and 28 is powerful as he gives the true intent of the Sabbath rest as well as stating that he is Lord (King) of the Sabbath. 

If King David had a right to break the Sabbath and the law by eating the shewbread of the Tabernacle, then why should we have an issue with Jehoshua breaking it. Remember, King David was under the law but his Sonship and Kingship gave him authority to break it in this instance. Also, Jehoshua ia greater than David and is Jehovah's only begotten Son therefore there should be no issue in agreeing with John's statement in John 5:18 that he broke the Sabbath. 

The overall point is that Jehoshua's Sonship gives him an eqaulity with the Father and therefore, he has authority to break the Mosaic covenant Sabbath because as the Son of God he is not under the Mosaic law. Remember, the law was until John the Baptist showing that once Jehoshua got baptized he was no longer under that law. Instead of being required to keep the law of Moses, Jehoshua was sent to give us a new law befitting the new covenant. As the Judean King he was to be a law giver (Genesis 49:8-10), however since he was ushering in a new covenant, a new law was required as it would be under a different priesthood:

Hebrews 7:11-12

11 Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need [was there] that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Jehoshua was anointed as both King and High Priest at the Jordan river and therefore was not under the law since that time being that he is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. This proves then that Jehoshua was not under the Sabbath law and was instead Lord of it. 

John 5:19-23

19 Jehoshua therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner.20 For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he show him, that ye may marvel.21 For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.22 For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son;23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him.

Jehoshua being equal with Jehovah God does not mean that he doesn't totally rely on Jehovah God, but rather it highlights the privileges bestowed up the Son of Jehovah. Jehoshua have eqaulity with the Father has nothing to do with them being of the same substance, but rather its because the Father loves the Son. Because of the intimate relationship between Jehovah and Jehoshua, the Father (Jehovah) shows the Son (Jehoshua) all the things that He Himself does. This shows that like any earthly son and father relationship, Jehoshua learns everything from His Father Jehovah and does great works, shown to him by the Father, that we may marvel. 

Just as Father raises the dead, the Son has been given the power to raise the dead from the Father. This was done in Jehoshua's Kingdom mission and will again be done at the last day. Even now, Jehoshua raises those who are spiritually dead unto newness of life. Jehoshua's eqaulity with the Father is rooted in their intimate Father-Son relationship and it's this intimate relationship that is the reason the Father has given all judgment to the Son. The law of agency doctrine doesn't even begin to do justice to the relationship and eqaulity Jehoshua has with the Father. And why does the Father show the Son all things and give him all judgement? So that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father!

This doesn't mean that the Son is Jehovah God or part of a triune Godhead and that we need to honor him as such. This statement by John has nothing to do with substance. This statement by John the apostle simply means that we must honor Jehoshua as Jehovah God's only begotten Son and that because of his Sonship we are to understand that he has an eqaulity with his Father. The law of agency would say that this eqaulity is a functional one, whereas the Jehoshua is God people would say this eqaulity is based on substance. Neither of these is the truth as Jehoshua's eqaulity with Jehovah God is rooted in intimate relationship. Those who fail to honor Jehoshua as Jehovah's precious only begotten Son disrespect Jehovah God Himself. 

The significance of Jehoshua being the only begotten Son of God

 Scripture refers to Jehoshua as God's only begotten Son, yet this is rarely used in the churches in relation to describing the identity of the Messiah. This is nothing less than a Satanic plot to obscure the true identity of Jehoshua from the church. I believe this Satanic plot started in the 1800's with the C.I. Scofield reference bible and the subsequent dispensationalist infiltration of the churches. These abominable movements birthed the modern Hebrew roots, Messianic Jew and Messianic movement. The end game goal of these Judaizers is to remove Jehoshua from his rightful Davidic throne and Kingship, which he already posseses. Let's look at why this title "only begotten Son" is vital for understanding who the true and biblical Jehoshua is.

Genesis 22:2

"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah. And offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of"

Hebrews 11:17

"By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son"

The above two passages are identical and they are key in understanding what the title "only begotten Son" or "begotten Son" mean when being used of Jehoshua Messiah. Isaac is called Abraham's "only begotten Son" even though he had Ishmael so clearly this title doesn't mean one is literally the only Son of their father. Isaac is called Abraham's only begotten because he was the Son of the promised inheritance of the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. The above verse in Genesis is a type of Jehovah God offering His only begotten Son Jehoshua on the cross for a ransom atonement. 

The Abrahamic covenant is the blessing of the anointed seed of Abraham multiplying and possessing the gates of it's enemies. It also the promise of inheritance of the heavenly Canaan (New Jerusalem, new heavens and new earth). Jehoshua is the fulfillment of this covenant according to the new testament. This covenant is also interrelated to the Davidic covenant:

Psalm 2:7

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

Contrary to popular church doctrine this is not about literal birth, whether the virgin birth or the eternal generation of the Son or the one time begetting of the Son before the Genesis creation. This begetting of Jehovah's Son is spiritual and it is a begetting into Kingship:

Psalm 2:6

"Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion"

The above verse proves that verse 7 is a declaration of Kingship and not a literal conception or birth. 

Psalm 2:7 is quoted directly in the new testament 3-5 times and applied to Jehoshua in both his baptism and his resurrection/ascension. 

Matthew 3:16-17

16 And Jehoshua when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; 17 and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 

Psalm 2:7 was the original quotation in the baptism accounts of Jehoshua in both Matthew and Luke.  Mark's account has the modern version but either way it's an adaptation of the Psalm 2:7 verse. John chapter 1 apparently also had the Psalm 2:7 quotation originally although it still has a strong trace of it in verse 14.

Before we get into the various verses that Psalm 2:7 is either directly or indirectly quoted in the new testament, let's go to the root of this phrase concerning Jehoshua and why it used of him and what it means concerning him.

2 Samuel 7:14

"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"

This is Jehovah speaking to David and making a Father-Son covenant relationship with David's royal offspring. This chapter (7) is referred to as the Davidic covenant. This Sonship is directly tied to the throne of David if you read the surrounding verses. King Solomon was the first recepient of this covenant after his father David.

1 Chronicles 28:5-6

5 And of all my sons (for Jehovah hath given me many sons), he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of Jehovah over Israel. 6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

This is a very important passage in terms of understanding who Jehoshua is and why he is called the Son of God and the importance of the throne of David in the new covenant church. David says that Jehovah chose Solomon to sit upon the throne of the Kingdom of Israel. This throne is also called the throne of Jehovah God (1 Chronicles 29:23). David then quotes what Jehovah said to him and says that Jehovah chose Solomon to be His (Jehovah's) son and that Jehovah would be Solomon's father. This is exactly a fulfillment of the Father-Son covenant Jehovah made with David in 2 Samuel 7. Also, note how the throne of David is connected to being chosen as Jehovah's Son.

Do you see the importance of Jehoshua being Jehovah's only begotten Son? The title of begotten Sonship is rooted in the Davidic covenant and tied to the throne of David. The obscuring of this beautiful truth only can lead to one thing and that is the denial of Jehoshua's enthroned Davidic Kingship. Guess what? Most of Christianity either denies or minimizes that Jehoshua is God's only begotten Son, and not coincidentally, also denies that he is currently sitting on the throne of David in New Jerusalem. 

John 1:14

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth"

Most so called Christians read this as a birth fulfillment of Jehoshua being a preexisting spirit being and then becoming flesh via the virgin birth. Most of Christendom reads this as God coming down from heaven and becoming flesh. This would be a bery cosmic/universal view of John's gospel, however upon further inspection this chapter in the gospel of John is nothing less than a Kingdom fulfillment narrative. 

"the only begotten from the Father" is the same thing as "only begotten Son" or "begotten Son" and is obviously referring to Psalm 2:7. It's important to remember that Psalm 2:7 is not about literal birth or conception, which should help guide us in understanding about John 1:14. When you read the surrounding verses of John 1:14 then you see that this passage is not about the literal birth of Jehoshua but rather about his anointing as King. Jehoshua's anointing as King took place at the Jordan river, which was the identifying event that really began him being hailed as the King of Israel.

Acts 13:32-33

32 And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers,33 that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jehoshua; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Contrary to what many believe, this verse is not about Jehoshua's resurrection as the sermon Paul just got done preaching defined the raising up of Jehoshua in connection with his baptism at the Jordan river. 

Acts 13:22-24

22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who shall do all My will.23 Of this man`s seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jehoshua;24 when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Also, the raising up of David was when he was anointed as King (1 Samuel 16:13) as soon as Jehovah removed Saul as King in the prior chapter. This was years before David sat on the actual throne, showing that once someone was anointed as King they were the rightful King. This is noteworthy in regards to understanding verses 32-33. The raising up of David (his anointing) is likened to Jehoshua being brought forth unto Israel as their Saviour, which Paul connects with the baptism of John i.e. the Jordan river. It was at the Jordan river where Jehoshua was anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah and it was immediately after this that he was proclaimed King of Israel. 

Back to verses 32-33, notice that Paul identifies what he is about to say as the good news (glad tidings) i.e. the gospel. This is important to grasp because it shows us the message we should be preaching. The promise that Paul says was made to the Fathers of Israel is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, which Paul says is the gospel (verse 32).

Verse 33, again the raising up of Jehoshua is in connection with him being brought forth unto Israel as their Davidic Saviour. Paul then quotes Psalm 2:7:

"Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee"

 

As stated above, this quotation is in connection with the raising up of Jehoshua as Israel's Davidic Saviour at the Jordan river. As mentioned earlier in the study, Psalm 2:7 is a coronation hymm of an Israelite Davidic King and Paul's quotation of this passage in connection with Jehoshua's baptism shows that he was coronated as King of Israel right then and there. 

Hebrews 1:5

"For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son?"

Hebrews 1 is all about the ascension of the Messiah into heaven and has no less than 6 Davidic covenant fulfillment texts quoted or alluded to. In this one verse above, the author of Hebrews quotes two Davidic covenant texts, 2 Samuel 7:14 and Psalm 2:7. 

The 2nd Samuel 7:14 quotation is within the Davidic covenant, the oath that Jehovah made with King David concerning his royal seed. This is Jehovah establishing a covenant relationship with the Davidic Kings, see 1 Chronicles 28 for how being the Son of God and sitting on the throne of David are intertwined. 

The Psalm 2:7 quotation is likely going back in time to Jehoshua's baptism but could also be applied to his resurrection/ascension as they were both significant Kingship coronation events. Either way, the quotation of Psalm 2:7 proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jehoshua fulfilled completely the Davidic covenant at his resurrection and ascension into heaven. 

The angels were told by Jehovah God that they were His begotten Sons. We know that angels are Sons of God but this title of "only begotten Son" is reserved for the Davidic King of Israel, i.e. the royal seed of David. 

Hebrews 1:4

"having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they"

The more excellent name that Jehoshua inherited is not the name "Jehoshua" but rather the name mentioned that the angels don't have right to in verse 5 and weren't called by, which is the name/title "only begotten Son". This is the name (only begotten Son) that one must believe on to be saved:

John 3:16-18

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.18 He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The giving of Jehovah's only begotten Son was from the Jordan river (when Jehoshua became the only begotten/King of Israel) to the cross. Also, note that the gospel isn't that God sent Himself but that He sent someone else i.e. His only begotten Son. Notice the prominence of this title only begotten Son in the gospel. This should tell us something and that something is that Jehoshua's identity is not that he is God the Son or God but that he is the only begotten Son of Jehovah God. Whenever the gospel is preached it is this identity of Jehoshua that is to be used.