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Did you ever wonder about Zechariah’s vision of a flying scroll and a woman in a basket? What could these symbols mean? Here is a short study with some thoughts that might help explain this strange vision.

Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. Zechariah 5:1

What is this flying scroll? Here are some clues.

Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. Isaiah 8:1

This roll in Isaiah is a prophecy of the judgment against Damascus and Samaria that is described in the rest of the chapter.

Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. Jeremiah 36:2

In this passage also the roll appears to contain judgments of God.

And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. Zechariah 5:2, 3

This roll is said to contain a curse for the whole earth! The dimensions given are the same as the Holy Place in the Sanctuary—twenty cubits long, ten cubits wide. Why? This curse comes because of the desecration of the sanctuary mentioned by Daniel.

Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. Daniel 8:11

The word “daily” comes from the Hebrew word tamiyd which is used in the Pentateuch for the daily or continual ministration in the temple. The word “sacrifice” was added by the translators; the daily ministration included more than sacrifices. Every day, continually, there was a sacrifice burning on the Altar of Burnt Offering (symbolizing forgiveness and consecration), there was water in the Laver (cleansing), the Holy Place was lighted by the lamps on the Candlestick (Holy Spirit illumination), the smoke of incense went up from the Altar of Incense (intercession), and the Bread of the Presence was maintained on the Table of Shewbread (spiritual nourishment). This “continual” ministration in the Outer Court and in the Holy Place represents what Jesus has been doing and providing as our Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary. (Hebrews 4:14-16, etc.)

Many aspects of this daily ministration have been replaced or corrupted by the Roman Catholic Church. They put earthly priests in place of our Heavenly High Priest, Jesus. They marketed indulgences in place of Jesus’ all-sufficient sacrifice for forgiveness. For cleansing, they introduced sprinkling instead of immersion baptism. The spiritual illumination of the Holy Spirit was squelched by keeping the Bible inaccessible to the common people. Jesus’ intercession was replaced with the intercession of Mary and various saints. The uncorrupted bread from heaven, the Word of God, was replaced with corrupted manuscripts that support Catholic doctrines and agenda.

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. Zechariah 5:4

God will bring forth the curse. It is a curse to those who are falsely called “Christian” and who are really serving the enemy of souls. What is this enemy that is a curse to the whole earth? We see her in the following verses.

Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. Zechariah 5:5-7

The word “resemblance” (Strong’s number H5869) is the word for eye but can have the meaning of affliction according to Strong’s dictionary. So the prophet sees this woman in a basket as the affliction or curse to the whole earth.

The woman in Revelation 12 is God’s true church. The woman in Revelation 17 is a false church, a prostitute who commits fornication with the kings of the earth. This is the basis for considering this woman in the basket as a church. This wicked woman in the basket represents a corrupt church.

And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Zechariah 5:8

The woman in the basket appeared as the curse of the earth but then was contained for a period under the heavy lid. This is Roman Catholicism, the persecuting power of those horrible times, the curse in the earth, during the Dark Ages. She was restrained in her power for a short time after Napoleon took the Pope captive in 1798. But what happens when we see the lid opened at the end of the vision?

Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Zechariah 5:9

There are now two women instead of one coming out of the basket. According to the Spirit of Prophecy the prostitute Babylon in Revelation 17 symbolizes various entities including Roman Catholicism and Apostate Protestantism (two horned beast).

In Revelation 17, Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of a church. A virtuous woman represents a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church. Babylon is said to be a harlot; and the prophet beheld her drunken with the blood of saints and martyrs. The Babylon thus described represents Rome, that apostate church which has so cruelly persecuted the followers of Christ. But Babylon the harlot is the mother of daughters who follow her example of corruption. Thus are represented those churches that cling to the doctrines and traditions of Rome and follow her worldly practices, and whose fall is announced in the second angel’s message. {4SP 233.1}

The vision that Christ presented to John, presenting the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is to be definitely proclaimed to all nations, people, and tongues. The churches, represented by Babylon, are represented as having fallen from their spiritual state to become a persecuting power against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. To John this persecuting power is represented as having horns like a lamb, but as speaking like a dragon. . . . {TM 117.4}

These women have wings of a stork, an unclean bird. What does the Bible say about an unclean bird?

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Revelation 18:2

Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base. Zechariah 5:10, 11

The land of Shinar is where the tower of Babel was built. These women, unholy churches, go together to again erect the tower of Babel. This is symbolic, as is all the rest of this vision, of the plans to set up a one-world religion and make all nations bow the knee.

What is the main issue to be decided at the end of time?

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? Revelation 13:4

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. Revelation 13:15

The first beast in Revelation 13 represents the same as the harlot riding a beast: Roman Catholicism in its political form. The second beast establishes another system that has political power: apostate Protestantism. Both of these systems command and receive worship. What does God have to say in the next chapter?

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6, 7

The conflict at the very end is all about worship. Who will you worship? God or His enemy?

Get ready; these things are soon to come to pass.

Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a reformation. Prophets and Kings, p. 626

November 25, 2018November 25, 2018

Daniel and Revelation (and other prophecies) to be Fulfilled at the End of Time

from the writings of Ellen White:

As time has rolled on from creation and the cross of Calvary, as prophecy has been and is still fulfilling, light and knowledge have greatly increased. Review and Herald, March 2, 1886

The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the chain of events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the procession of the ages and what may be expected in the time to come. All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order. Prophets and Kings, p. 536

Daniel

chapter 8 & 11–

The light that Daniel received direct from God was given especially for these last days. The visions he saw by the banks of the Ulai and the Hiddekel, the great rivers of Shinar, are now in process of fulfillment, and all the events foretold will soon have come to pass. 1896MS p. 122

chapter 11–

The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 14

Much of Daniel 11 to be Again Fulfilled.–We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh [chapter] of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that “shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall be corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 1904MS p. 568

(Daniel 10:2-6 quoted) No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. This description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed to him upon the Isle of Patmos. Our Lord now comes with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days. This knowledge was given to Daniel and recorded by inspiration for us upon whom the ends of the world are come. Review and Herald, February 8, 1881

chapter 12–

(Daniel 12:7 quoted) This world is a theatre. The actors, the inhabitants of the world, are preparing to act their part in the last great drama. God is lost sight of. There is no unity of purpose, except as parties of men confederate to gain their ends. God is looking on. His purposes in regard to his rebellious subjects will be fulfilled. The world has not been given into the hands of men, though God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama,–Satan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secret societies. Those who are yielding to the passion for confederation are working out the plans of the enemy. The cause will be followed by the effect.

Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. And the end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise. The Bible Training School, February 1, 1903

One week ago, last Sabbath, we had a very interesting meeting. Brother Hewit from Dead River was there. He came with a message to the effect that the destruction of the wicked and the sleep of the dead was an abomination within a shut door that a woman Jezebel, a prophetess had brought in and he believed that I was that woman, Jezebel. We told him of some of his errors in the past, that the 1335 days were ended and numerous errors of his. It had but little effect. His darkness was felt upon the meeting and it dragged. 1850MS p. 28

Other Prophets

Habakkuk was not the only one through whom was given a message of bright hope and of future triumph as well as of present judgment. During the reign of Josiah the word of the Lord came to Zephaniah, specifying plainly the results of continued apostasy, and calling the attention of the true church to the glorious prospect beyond. His prophecies of impending judgment upon Judah apply with equal force to the judgments that are to fall upon an impenitent world at the time of the second advent of Christ: Review and Herald, July 15, 1915

(in reference to Micah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Zechariah, and Malachi) The prophecies recorded in the Old Testament are the word of the Lord for the last day, and will be fulfilled as surely as we have seen the desolation of San Francisco. 21MR87.09

Matthew 24

Let men beware lest they neglect the lesson conveyed to them in the words of Christ. As He warned His disciples of Jerusalem’s destruction, giving them a sign of the approaching ruin, that they might make their escape; so He has warned the world of the day of final destruction and has given them tokens of its approach, that all who will may flee from the wrath to come. Jesus declares: “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations.” Luke 21:25; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24-26; Revelation 6:12-17. Those who behold these harbingers of His coming are to “know (future tense) that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:33. “Watch ye therefore,” are His words of admonition. Mark 13:35. They that heed the warning shall not be left in darkness, that that day should overtake them unawares. (future tense) But to them that will not watch, “the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-5. The Great Controversy, p. 37

Revelation

entire book–

The Lord himself revealed to his servant John the mysteries of the book of Revelation, and he designs that they shall be open to the study of all. In this book are depicted scenes that are now in the past, and some of eternal interest that are taking place around us; other of its prophecies will not receive their complete fulfilment until the close of time, when the last great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven will take place. Review and Herald, August 31, 1897

. . . as we near the closing scenes of this earth’s history still more wonderful representations will be made. We need to study the Scriptures with humble, contrite hearts. Those who will devote their powers to the study of God’s word, and especially the prophecies referring to these last days, will be rewarded by the discovery of important truths. The last book of the New Testament Scriptures is full of truths that need to be understood. Satan has blinded the eyes of men, and they have been glad of any excuse for not making a study of this book. Here Christ has declared through his servant John what shall be in the last days. 1899MS p. 514

In the past teachers have declared Daniel and the Revelation to be sealed books, and the people have turned from them. The veil whose apparent mystery has kept many from lifting it, God’s own hand has withdrawn from these portions of His Word. The very name “Revelation” contradicts the statement that it is a sealed book. Revelation means that something of importance is revealed. The truths of this book are addressed to those living in these last days. We are standing with the veil removed in the holy place of sacred things. We are not to stand without, we are to enter; not with careless, irreverent thoughts, not with impetuous footsteps, but with reverence and godly fear. We are nearing the time when the prophecies of the book of Revelation are to be fulfilled. 1900MS p. 119

The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message. We have no time to lose; God calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as a sword cutting both ways. But be not too ready to take a controversial attitude. There will be times when we must stand still and see the salvation of God. Let Daniel speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, “the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright and morning Star.” Revelation 22:16. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 61

chapter 5 & 6–

Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 294

When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from Babylon. [Revelation 18: 1-5, quoted.] 1906MS p. 57

We ask John what he saw and heard in the vision at Patmos, and he answers: “And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.”

There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God’s providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth’s history to its close.

This roll was written within and without. John says: “I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” The vision as presented to John made its impression upon his mind. The destiny of every nation was contained in that book. John was distressed at the utter inability of any human being or angelic intelligence to read the words, or even to look thereon. His soul was wrought up to such a point of agony and suspense that one of the strong angels had compassion on him, and laying his hand on him assuringly said, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

John continues: “I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne.”

As the book was unrolled, all who looked upon it were filled with awe. There were no blanks in the book. There was space for no more writing. [Revelation 5:8-14; 6:8, quoted.]

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, Holy and true, doest Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them [They were pronounced pure and holy]; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” [Revelation 6:9-11]. Here were scenes presented to John that were not in reality but that which would be in a period of time in the future. [Revelation 8:1-4, quoted.] 20MR 197

chapter 8, 9, & 16–

The power of the Holy Ghost must be upon us, and the Captain of the Lord’s host will stand at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle. Solemn events before us are yet to transpire. Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth. 1890MS p. 101

chapter 11–

Let all who would understand the meaning of these things read the eleventh chapter of Revelation. Read every verse, and learn [about] the things that are yet to take place in the cities. Read also the scenes portrayed in the eighteenth chapter of the same book. An Adventist Apocalypse, p. 197

chapter 12 – 14–

The remnant people of God are to endure persecutions. (Revelation 12:17 quoted) They are to give the warning message against the power represented by “the beast.” The prophet says of this power, which represents the Papacy: (Rev. 13:5-8 quoted) The remnant church of God are to give the warning of the third angel to the world: (Rev. 14:9, 10 quoted) Signs of the Times, June 18, 1894

In the twelfth chapter of Revelation is represented the last great conflict between the obedient and the disobedient. [Revelation 12:17; 13:11-17, quoted]. 14MR 161

(Rev. 12:17 & 13:6, 8 quoted) In the issue of the great conflict, there will be only two classes in the world,–those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive the mark of the beast; yet the people of God will not receive it. The prophet of Patmos beheld them “that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God,” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

But of those who trample on God’s law, and oppress his faithful people, the terrible prediction is uttered: Review and Herald, July 28, 1904

The law of God and the Spirit of Prophecy go hand in hand to guide and counsel the church, and whenever the church has recognized this by obeying His law, the spirit of prophecy has been sent to guide her in the way of truth.

(Rev. 12:17 quoted) This prophecy points out clearly that the remnant church will acknowledge God in His law and will have the prophetic gift. Obedience to the law of God, and the spirit of prophecy has always distinguished the true people of God, and the test is usually given on present manifestations. 1912MS p. 191

chapter 13–

“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” [Rev. 13:10]. This entire chapter is a revelation of what will surely take place. [ Rev. 13:11, 15-17, quoted.] 1897MS p. 185

In the last days Satan will appear as an angel of light, with great power and heavenly glory, and claim to be the lord of the whole earth. He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, and as lord of the first day of the week, he will present this spurious sabbath as a test of loyalty to him. Then will take place the final fulfillment of the Revelator’s prophecy; “They worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world…. “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his name is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:4-8, 11-18). An Adventist Apocalypse, p. 163

Daniel and Revelation

In the Scriptures are presented truths that relate especially to our own time. To the period just prior to the appearing of the Son of man, the prophecies of Scripture point, and here their warnings and threatenings preeminently apply. The prophetic periods of Daniel, extending to the very eve of the great consummation, throw a flood of light upon events then to transpire. The book of Revelation is also replete with warning and instruction for the last generation. The beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, portrays the fearful and thrilling scenes connected with the close of earth’s history, and presents the duties and dangers of God’s people. None need remain in ignorance, none need be unprepared for the coming of the day of God.

Review and Herald, September 25, 1883

We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side. Intensity is taking possession of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth. And for what?–Games, plays, amusements; men are rushing and crowding, and contending for the mastery. That which is common and perishable is absorbing their attention, so that things of eternal interest are scarcely thought of. Human beings, possessed with energy, zeal, and perseverance, will place all their God-given powers in cooperation with Satan’s despotism to make void the law of God. Impostors of every caste and grade will claim to be worthy and true, and there will be a magnifying of the common and impure against the true and the holy. Thus the spurious is accepted, and the true standard of holiness is discarded, as the word of God was discarded by Adam and Eve for the lie of Satan. Review and Herald, August 31, 1897

The prophecies of Daniel and of John are to be understood. They interpret each other. They give to the world truths which every one should understand. These prophecies are to be witnesses in the world. By their fulfillment in these last days they will explain themselves. Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 949, par. 6

Study the Revelation in connection with Daniel; for history will be repeated. Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers, p. 55

evidence from the Bible:

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. Revelation 9:4

The Seal of God (Rev. 7) is placed on the 144,000 at or near the end. The 5th trumpet sounds after the sealing takes place because the locusts are only allowed to hurt those who do not have the Seal; therefore, the sounding of the 5th trumpet occurs very near the end.

And swore by him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: Revelation 10:6

This verse is often understood to mean that prophetic time would no longer apply, that no specific dates or periods could be calculated. Quotes similar to the following are also understood to support this concept.

The majority of Adventists rejected the truths concerning the sanctuary and the law of God, and many also renounced their faith in the advent movement and adopted unsound and conflicting views of the prophecies which applied to that work. Some were led into the error of repeatedly fixing upon a definite time for the coming of Christ. The light which was now shining on the subject of the sanctuary should have shown them that no prophetic period extends to the second advent; that the exact time of this advent is not foretold. But, turning from the light, they continued to set time after time for the Lord to come, and as often they were disappointed. The Great Controversy, p. 456

Here is another perspective on the meaning of this verse:

The Greek word for “time” in this verse (Rev. 10:6) is χρόνος chronos khron’-os: Of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in genitive case, and thus properly distinguished from G2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from G165, which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension an individual opportunity; by implication delay: – + years old, season, space, (X often-) time (-s), (a) while. (from Strong’s Greek dictionary)

Notice that this word can mean “interval,“ “opportunity,“ “delay.”

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Revelation 10:7

This verse states that when the 7^th trumpet sounds (Rev. 11:15), things will be finished, implying that the interval or opportunity or delay is taken away (there is no more waiting) and everything that has been prophesied will now be completed.

In the New King James Version, Rev. 10:6 is translated: “. . . there should be delay no longer.”

A modern comparison might be when a bus driver waits a short time for stragglers but says, “When I blow the horn, we are leaving; no more time.”

Instead of telling us that prophecies that include a time factor are not applicable anymore, this verse could merely be telling us that God is now going to finish His plan without any more delay. There are many prophecies that are yet to be completely fulfilled that include time factors. Instead of being interpreted and fulfilled in the day-for-a-year mode they may be fulfilled in a literal day-for-a-day mode. Since they are relatively short when understood in this way and we have no previously-determined starting time, we cannot use them to predict the exact time of Christ’s coming. However, we are admonished to watch and be aware when that time is near. It should not come as a surprise to God’s faithful, waiting people.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

March 7, 2018

Dead to What?

Romans 6 the way Paul wrote it:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6 the way many Christians want to rewrite it:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in the law, that legalism may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to the law, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that the old law was crucified with him, that it might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve the law. For he that is dead is freed from the law.

Now if the law be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live without it: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto the law once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto the law, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not the law therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should burdened with obedience to it. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of legalism unto the law: but yield yourselves unto whatever you feel is right, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of your own personal whims. For the law shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we obey the law? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of the law unto death, or of liberty unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were at one time the servants of the law, but ye have from the heart broken free from that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from the law, ye became the servants of liberty.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye had yielded your members to legalism and bondage; even so now yield your members servants to liberty unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of the law, ye were legalists. What fruit had ye then in those things that were such a burden? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from the law, and become servants to liberty, ye have your fruit unto situation ethics, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of obeying the law is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Notice that I took the liberty to replace the word “sin” with “law” and made a few other “minor” changes as a contrast to highlight what Paul actually says in this passage: our “old man,” the sinful human nature, was crucified with Christ, not the Law; we have been made free from sin, not from the law.

As we continue reading in Romans 7 we encounter a significant metaphor.

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:1-4

The usual understanding of these verses is that Christ’s death frees us from the requirements of God’s Law; that careful, strict obedience is not necessary for Christians like it was for the Israelites. This is based on the concept that the “marriage” in Paul’s metaphor is between a person and the Law “until death do us part” and Christ’s death was the death that parted.

Paul is writing to people who were under the Roman legal system and he begins this passage with the assumption that his readers are acquainted with how a legal system works—“I speak to them that know law.” There is no definite article “the” in this phrase in the original Greek. He continues with an example of how the system works—the law regarding marriage.

In Paul’s time, both in the Roman culture and in the Jewish culture, marriage was monogamous. God designed that it should be a permanent union. The law bound those two specific people together for life. If there was a marriage certificate, it could have been considered “The Law” that governed those two people at that time in regard to that marriage. “The Law” (their marriage certificate) stated that neither of them could be married to another person. Death of one spouse terminated that union and annulled that particular law—the Law of their marriage. The surviving spouse was not married to that person anymore and could legally marry someone else. After describing this scenario, Paul says in verse 4, “ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ.”

In God’s legal system, the Torah, given through Moses, there was a provision that was illustrated repeatedly. Under God’s Law, a sacrificial victim was a legal substitute for a sinner. According to that Law, the sinner legally died when the victim died. Paul is referring to this provision when he says, “ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ.” His message is, “According to God’s ‘Constitution,’ you were considered legally dead when Christ died. Therefore, your legal bond to sin has been broken (the first “husband” was the “old man,” the sinful human nature, not the Law) in the same way that the law regarding marriage fidelity to the first partner no longer applies when one spouse dies. You are legally free from that sinful nature and its final destiny—eternal death. Your sinful nature (“the body of sin” Romans 6:6) died when Christ died (“by the body of Christ” Romans 7:6). He gave you new, spiritual life, and now you are free to be “married” to Him and can produce the fruit of righteousness instead of the fruit of sin.” That phrase “dead to the law” means “dead according to the law,” or “legally dead,” rather than “the law is dead.”

This same idea is brought out again in Galatians.

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19, 20

When Paul says here, “I through the law am dead to the law, . . . I am crucified with Christ,” he means, “Through the provisions of the law, I legally died when Christ died. My old self was crucified with Him.”

Let’s take Romans 6 at face value just the way Paul wrote it. We are disconnected from sin by Christ’s death. Sin has no legal jurisdiction over us anymore. Now we are free to live for God.

March 7, 2018

The Father and The Son

The Unapproachable God

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Exodus 33:20

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:16

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29

God has isolated Himself from His creation by a shield that cannot be penetrated, not because He doesn’t want contact with us, but for our protection, because His divine glory and nature would destroy any sinful human that approached. This is similar to the way that radioactive elements are isolated behind a protective shield so those working with them are not exposed to the danger of the radiation. Jesus has the same Divine nature but has veiled it and come forth to be in contact with us. He stepped out from the impenetrable (and dangerous to us) Divine glory in a visible human form that we could tolerate and comprehend.

The Approachable God

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. John 14:8-10

I and my Father are one. John 10:30

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

This verse is describing Jesus as a small sample of God, like a small static spark compared to the lightning bolt of God’s true glory, or a beam of light that shines through a small aperture that allows a glimpse of the intense brilliance that is on the other side. He is a visible, engraved object, a sculpture, that displays the essence of an invisible God.

The Son of God

Jesus is in the role of a “Son” as He gives all glory to the Father, obeys in everything, is in submission, etc. God is the Father, Jesus is the Son; God is the King, Jesus is the Prince.

The Father and the Son are “one” like a husband and wife are one. They are not a singularity but a unity. In a sinful system and from a human perspective, only one can be supreme. In the heavenly order, that Supreme One at this time is the Father. “Theos” (the Greek word for God in the New Testament) means “Supreme One.” Jesus is the same as the Father, one with the Father, equal in every way with the Father, truly Divine as much as the Father is Divine, but He accepted a submissive and subservient role in order to bring us to the Father.

Jesus is called the “Son of God,” but He is also called the “Shepherd,” the “Rock,” the “Bread,” etc. He is not literally those things but the metaphors are necessary to reveal to finite humans some important aspects of His essence and character that will allow us to comprehend Him.

The Only Begotten Son

We are told that Jesus, the Son of God, was begotten. Does that mean that, for a period of time in past eternity, God the Father existed alone, and then decided to give birth to a Son?

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten^H3205 thee. Psalm 2:7

from Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary–

H3205 ילד yâlad yaw-lad’

A primitive root; to bear young; causatively to beget; medically to act as midwife; specifically to show lineage: – bear, beget, birth ([-day]), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail (-eth, -ing woman).

Here are some other verses that use the same Hebrew word (H3205) to describe other things that are “brought forth” or “begotten.”

They conceive mischief, and bring forth^H3205 vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. Job 15:35

Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten^H3205 the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered^H3205 it? Job 38:, 2929

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth^H3205 falsehood. Psalm 7:14

Before the mountains were brought forth,^H3205 or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 90:2

None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth^H3205 iniquity. Isaiah 59:4

Are vanity, dew, frost, falsehood, mountains, or iniquity actually born from a womb as a child is born?

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.^H3205 Proverbs 27:1

Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born^H3205 at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth^H3205 her children. Isaiah 66:8

Does a day give birth to something as a mother gives birth to a child? Did Zion give birth to babies?

In the New Testament, Jesus is called the “only-begotten” Son of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten^G3439 of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten^G3439 Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten^G3439 Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten^G3439 Son of God. John 3:18

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten^G3439 Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

from Strong’s Greek Dictionary–

G3439 μονογενής monogenēs mon-og-en-ace

From G3441 and G1096; only born, that is, sole: – only (begotten, child).

Some understand these verses to mean that Jesus was born at some point in the obscure past, which then leads to the conclusion that He is not an eternal Being. Yet the Bible also describes Him as eternal, existing in the beginning with God (John 1:1), being the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8, 11), etc. How can He be “born” and yet be eternal?

When the Bible states that Jesus is the “only begotten Son” of God, it does not necessarily mean that He was born to the Heavenly Father as a human child is born to its mother, thus coming into existence some time later than the Father. It merely means that He came forth from the Father to be visible and accessible for interaction with His creation. He was born into this world as the literal child of a human mother in order to make the infinite God and His Truth understandable to finite humans.

The Status of the Only-begotten Son

There is another aspect of this role of the only begotten Son that enters this discussion. Abraham was told to offer Isaac, his “only son,” “his only begotten son,” as a burnt offering.

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, 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. Genesis 22:2

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:17

In spite of these statements, we know that Abraham had other sons–Ishmael by Hagar and several others by Keturah.

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. Genesis 16:15

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. Genesis 25:1, 2

But Isaac was the true son of the original marriage between Abraham and Sarah and he was the only one who inherited any of Abraham’s property.

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child (Ishmael), and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Genesis 21:14

And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines (secondary wives: Hagar and Keturah), which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country. Genesis 25:5, 6

Since Isaac had the status of being the only true son, he had exclusive birthright–there were no other sons to divide the inheritance with.

There are / were other beings known as “sons of God” but Jesus is the “only begotten” Son of God. He is unique in that role. He has it by inheritance, sharing a certain one-ness with the Father that no other can share. Others are considered sons by creation, adoption, redemption, etc.

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? . . . When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:4, 7

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:5

Since Jesus is the only true Son, He inherits all from His Father. And then, in His gracious character, He shares it with His adopted siblings, the saints, when they go to live with Him in His Father’s house.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. John 3:35

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:15

The Status of the Firstborn Son

Jesus is also referred to as the Firstborn.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

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, Hebrews 12:23

The firstborn son had a superior status in the family. He had the birthright, making him the leader, the patriarch of the family, and he inherited twice as much of his father’s estate as his brothers. Jesus has a similar preeminence.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18

In referring to Jesus as “the Firstborn” we should not think of Him as the first being that was “born” to the Father, in some way born as a mother bears children. He is eternal; He did not have a birth beginning. He was given the status of Firstborn. There are several instances in the Bible where that status was conferred on someone even though they were not actually the first one born.

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. Exodus 4:22, 23

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; Numbers 3:12

Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;) 1 Chronicles 26:10

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: . . . Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. Psalm 89:20, 27 (David was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse.)

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Jeremiah 31:9 (Ephraim was the younger of Joseph’s two sons and Joseph himself was second to the youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons.)

King of kings and Lord of lords

Both the Father and the Son are referred to with the same title–King of kings, Lord of lords.

the Father–

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15, 16

the Son–

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

from the throne of the universe–

Jesus might have remained at the Father’s side. He might have retained the glory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back the scepter into the Father’s hands, and to step down from the throne of the universe, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing. The Desire of Ages, p. 22, 23

Jesus stepped down temporarily from being Supreme Deity but will be reinstated to His former position when all the processes of the Plan of Salvation have been completed.

March 7, 2018March 7, 2018

Who Is Jesus?

There is quite a lot of discussion and disagreement regarding who Jesus is, mainly centering around whether He is “God.” Let’s let the Bible tell us who He is.

He is God–

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. Psalm 50:3

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3 (quoting Isaiah 40:3 where “LORD” = Jehovah)

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. John 12:41 (referring to Isaiah 6:1 where “the Lord” = Adonai)

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 9:5

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8 (quoting Psalm 45:6 where “God” = Elohiym)

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Psalm 45:6, 7

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10 (quoting Psalm 102:24, 25 where “Lord” = El)

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Psalm 102:24-27

He is the Son of God–

Matthew 8:29; 27:54

Mark 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39

Luke 1:32, 35; 4:41; 8:28

John 1:34, 49; 3:16-18; 6:69; 20:31

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

He is part of God–

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Genesis 3:22

He is One with the Father–

I and my Father are one. John 10:30

He resembles God–

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

He is in the Father and the Father is in Him–

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10:37, 38

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. John 14:10, 11

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

He was called “the mighty God,” “the everlasting Father”–

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

He was called “God with us”–

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

He would be called “THE LORD (Jehovah) OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS”–

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5, 6

He was sent by the Father to save the world–

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16, 17

John the Baptist prepared for Him “the way of the LORD (Jehovah) . . . a highway for our God”–

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

He came in the Father’s name–

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. John 5:43

The Father is greater than He–

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. John 14:28

He calls the Father “my God”–

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34

Jesus 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. John 20:17

Thomas called Him (Jesus) “my God”–

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

God has exalted Him to a high position, given Him a great name, and declared that all should bow to Him and confess Him as Lord–

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

He is the mediator between God and man —

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5

We come to the Father through the Son–

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the “outshining of His glory, the copy of His essence”–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

All the fullness of divinity was in Him–

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Colossians 1:19

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9

He was God manifest in the flesh–

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

We can see the Father in Him–

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? John 14:8, 9

He was made human, a “man”–

John 1:14, 30; 8:40

Acts 2:22

Romans 5:15

1 Corinthians 15:21

1 Timothy 2:5

Philippians 2:7, 8

Hebrews 2:14, 17

He displayed God’s glory–

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

He demonstrated God’s character–

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18

The Father gave Him everything–

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. John 3:35

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:15

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. John 17:10

He has been given authority to judge–

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: . . . And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:22, 27

He is the Creator–

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. John 1:10

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Colossians 1:16

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; Hebrews 1:2

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Hebrews 1:10

He is a Prince and Saviour–

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30, 31

He is Lord–

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:42

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. John 13:13

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John 20:28

He is eternal, from eternity past to eternity future–

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 1:10-12

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

He is omnipotent: He has all power (authority)–

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:2

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

He is omniscient–

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2, 3

He is omnipresent–

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18

He has life in Himself–

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:26

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:18

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

He is the singular channel of existence–

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Acts 17:28

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:17

His words are life–

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

He can give physical life–

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. . . . Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:21, 25, 28, 29;

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1 Thessalonians 4:16

He can give eternal life–

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:2

He is holy–

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:24

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

He should be honored the same as the Father–

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. John 5:23

He is far above the angels, having a surpassing name–

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:4

All the angels worship Him–

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. Hebrews 1:6

He is to receive glory for ever and ever–

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:21

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

He is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing–

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12

He receives the same honor as the One who sits on the throne–

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 5:13

The 4 beasts and 24 elders worshiped Him–

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Revelation 5:8

He has a sceptre and a kingdom–

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8

He is the heir of all things–

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; Hebrews 1:2

He holds the position and has the authority and privileges of the Firstborn–

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Colossians 1:15

He upholds everything by His power–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

He sits at the right side of the Father, the Majesty–

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:3

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Hebrews 1:13

He is far above all powers and authorities in this world and in the future world–

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:21, 22

He is King of kings and Lord of lords–

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

He was not independent of the Father–

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. John 5:30

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. John 6:57

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. John 12:49, 50

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. John 14:10

He was totally good; only God is good–

Psalm 92:15

Mark 10:17, 18

John 8:46

2 Corinthians 5:21

1 Peter 2:22

1 John 3:5

He had power (authority) to forgive sins–

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:10-12

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Luke 5:24, 25

People worshiped Him–

Matthew 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 28:9, 17

Mark 5:6

Luke 24:52

John 9:38

Revelation 1:17

We are told to only worship God–

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luke 4:8

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10;

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Revelation 22:8, 9

Glory to the Son is glory to the Father–

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. John 13:31

As He is in the Father, He is in us and we in Him–

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

The THREE (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are together–

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:2

There is one God (the Father), and one Lord (Jesus)–

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

March 6, 2018

The High Priest’s Holy Garments

A Picture of the Gospel of Jesus’ Ministry

Exodus 28; 39:1-31

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. Exodus 28:2

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod: And thou shalt put the miter upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the miter. Exodus 29:5, 6

The items of clothing that Aaron and the other High Priests wore are a wonderful symbol of various characteristics of Jesus, our great Heavenly High Priest, and the different aspects of His ministry on our behalf. Since we are to have characters like His, these also represent what we are to be like.

Seeing 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. Hebrews 4:14

In giving the instructions for the High Priest’s garments, God gave specifications for their materials and colors. Here is a brief summary of what those colors symbolized:

White–perfect purity and righteousness (Revelation 19:8)

Scarlet–blood, sacrifice, atonement

Purple–royalty

Blue–the Law, Commandments (Numbers 15:38-40)

Gold–divinity

Breeches (Exodus 28:42, 43)–These were undergarments that all Priests wore, made of fine white linen, covering the waist and thighs. Their purpose was to cover their nakedness, the private areas of their body, so that they would not bear personal iniquity. This is a symbol of purity and righteousness in private matters.

Coat (Exodus 28:39; 39:27)–This was a long garment covering the body down to the ankles, made of fine white linen. All the Priests wore a similar garment. It symbolizes purity and righteousness of the whole body, in public matters.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Revelation 19:8

Robe of the Ephod (Exodus 28:31, 32; 39:22, 23)–This was a half-length garment, approximately to the knees, made entirely blue. It is a symbol and reminder that obedience to God’s Law is to be seen in our lives. Jesus was totally obedient to His Father’s will. We must be, also.

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. John 6:38

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. John 8:29

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: Numbers 15:38, 39

Pomegranates (Exodus 28:33, 34; 39:24-26)–These were tassels made of blue, purple, and scarlet twine in the shape of this fruit. Pomegranates were a fragrant fruit, considered a delicacy. (see Song of Solomon 4:13; 6:11; 7:12) These symbolize, in Jesus, the fruit of keeping the Law (blue), of being Royalty from Heaven (purple), and of being an unselfish Sacrifice (scarlet). We are made members, with Him, of the Royal family, children of the King of Heaven. As such, we abide by the principles and laws that Heaven functions under and we are willing to give ourselves unselfishly in service to the Kingdom. The outgrowth and evidence of this (the fruit) is seen in our lives.

You shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:16

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

Bells (Exodus 28:33, 34; 39:24-26)–These were made of gold and were for the purpose of making a sound that would indicate that the High Priest was alive when he was ministering in the Holy Place since he was hidden from the view of everyone outside by the beautiful veil at the entrance. This did not apply to his ministry in the Most Holy Place since he changed from these beautiful, colorful garments into plain white garments for his ministry on the Day of Atonement. This is a symbol of the fact that, though Jesus is hidden from our view in His Continual mediation on our behalf, we have evidence of His activity through His Word and the ministry of His Spirit and the Angels.

Wherefore 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. Hebrews 7:25

Ephod (Exodus 28:6, 7; 39:2-4)–This was a colorful garment, similar to a vest, worn over the blue robe. It was made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen embroidered with gold wire. It again symbolizes Jesus’ obedience, royalty, and unselfish sacrifice on our behalf, along with His Divinity.

Shoulder Stones (Exodus 28:9-12; 39:6, 7)–These were beautiful onyx stones set in gold and engraved with the names of the 12 sons of Jacob in the order of their birth, 6 names on each stone. This showed that the High Priest would bear their names upon his shoulders at all times before the Lord, taking responsibility for their welfare and ministering on their behalf. This tells us that Jesus, as our High Priest, carries each of us on His shoulders, caring for our needs spiritually and physically.

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

Breastplate of Judgment (Exodus 28:15-29; 39:8-21)–This item was one span wide (about 9 inches) and two spans long (about 18 inches) and doubled like a pouch. It was made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen embroidered with gold wire, similar to the Ephod. It had 4 rows of 3 stones each set in gold, engraved with the names of the 12 tribes, apparently in the order they camped around the Tabernacle. (see Numbers 2) The High Priest was to bear their names upon his heart in judgment before the Lord continually. This reminds us that each one of us is intimately important to our Great High Priest. He bears us “upon His heart.” We have a righteous Advocate who represents us before the righteous and impartial Judge of the universe, who sees to the very core of all our motives and actions. This may be scary to the person who is deliberate in their sin and unrepentant; but to a repentant sinner it is a great comfort and confidence.

My 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: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2

Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30)–These were stones set in the Breastplate for the purpose of guidance, communicating God’s specific will in certain matters. Jesus wants to guide us through life by His Holy Spirit.

At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation. (Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 351)

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. Numbers 27:21

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 1 Samuel 28:6

The word Urim is a plural form of the word “light” (H216) in Gen. 1:3. It seems to be referring to the dawn, the first light, the strengthening light (the beginning, the Morning Star) Jesus is the Light of the World, the Author of our faith, the Alpha, the First.

The word Thummim is a plural form of H8537 “integrity” (Ps. 25:21), “perfect” (Ps. 101:2) and seems to be referring to completeness and fullness of integrity, perfection. Jesus is the ultimate example of integrity and perfection. He is the Finisher of our faith, bringing us to perfection and completeness, returning us to innocence. He is the Omega, the Last.

Girdle (Exodus 28:8; 39:29)–This was a sash or belt around the waist made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen embroidered with gold wire. It served to hold the other garments in place.

Miter (Exodus 28:39; 39:28)–This was a turban made of fine white linen wound around the head of the High Priest. It symbolized the perfect purity and righteousness of Jesus’ mind and reminds us of God’s ideal for our minds.

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:15

Crown (Exodus 28:36-38; 39:30, 31)–This was a band of pure gold mounted on a ribbon of blue around the High Priest’s forehead and engraved with the words “Holiness to the Lord” as a signet or seal would be engraved. Its stated purpose was to show that the High Priest would continually bear the iniquity of the holy things. There is much symbolism in this Golden Crown. Jesus is bearing our iniquity, carrying our debt of guilt, so that we will not receive the retribution for it—eternal death. God’s Law was permanently established in His mind and He was holy, totally pure, and consecrated to God. We need to have God’s Law in our minds so that we will be holy and can be sealed with the Seal of God.

This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: Hebrews 8:10

Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelation 7:3

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. Revelation 14:1

Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:22-33; Leviticus 8:12; 21:10; Psalm 133:2)–This was a special and exclusive spice and oil mixture. It was made of pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil. God said it was holy and was not to be used for any personal or common purpose. (This should indicate to us how God feels about what we do with what He has declared holy, specifically His holy day, the Sabbath) This special oil was used only for anointing holy things–the Sanctuary, its Furniture, the Priests, etc. [All the Priests were anointed (Exodus 28:41) but the High Priest was the only one who was anointed on his head (Leviticus 8:12; 21:10)] This oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit which came down on Jesus’ head and consecrated Him as the Messiah, the Anointed One. “Messiah” means “the Anointed One.” The only ones who were anointed during Bible times were priests and kings. Also, Elisha was anointed by Elijah. (1 Kings 19:16) Jesus was a Prophet, a Priest, and a King. We also need the Holy Spirit to be active in our minds and hearts in order for us to fulfill God’s purposes.

March 2, 2018March 2, 2018

The Fatal Deception

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? Revelation 13:3-4

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:16-18

Who is this beast of Revelation that all the world wonders after in the final days of this earth’s history? Who is this man who is responsible for this mark and has the number 666 that requires people to obey and worship him? If you have listened even a little bit to the news, you can’t help but know the answer. There is only one person in our world today who that fits this description. Newspapers and news networks are continually featuring him. The whole world has their eyes on him—the papacy, the “Holy Father.” He is being called the savior of the world, the religious leader of the world. And he intends to be Lord of the earth.

A dear Christian sister from Sri Lanka called me saying,“Oh, you can’t believe what I am seeing, here in this Buddhist country! The pope (Francis) has come to visit and they have flocked to him in huge numbers, the streets are full, and they fall at his feet and they worship him, like he was a god. Buddhists worshiping the pope! Can you imagine that?”

“He seems so humble and nice.” “He is the people’s pope.” But does he teach the truth as it is in scripture? Remember, nice is not the same as Christian. Hitler also seemed nice, at first. He spoke words of hope to economically-depressed Germany. He sounded so good, at first. He promised to make Germany great, to solve their financial problems, and to eventually bring peace in the world with Germany as the leader. He even sounded good to the German people part-way through the war. Sounding good and looking good is no guarantee of real goodness.

The ultimate question is, Should we follow this man? Is the pope really Christian? Or is he the antichrist we are warned about in scripture as the last great deception of Satan? He certainly fits the part of all the world wondering after him and worshiping him. Let’s compare what he says with what the Bible says and see if they match. Then we can make an intelligent decision as to who he is.

The pope on fundamentalism: Following his first visit to the Middle East as pope last month, the pontiff criticized fundamentalism in Christianity, Islam and Judaism as a form of violence. “A fundamentalist group, even if it kills no one, even if it strikes no one, is violent. The mental structure of fundamentalism is violence in the name of God.” [www.israelnationalnews.com, June 13, 2014]

What is a fundamentalist? According to Merriam-Webster: A movement . . . emphasizing the literally-interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching.

So, if you are truly a Bible-believing Christian, you are a fundamentalist, and a terrorist according to the pope. Does that sound like a Christian teaching to you? If the Bible is not the basis of your religion, of what religion are you?

Jesus: He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. John 12:48, 49

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:10-12

The pope says, “If you are a Bible-believing Christian you are a terrorist.” Jesus says, “If you don’t believe my word, your not a Christian.”

Whom shall we believe and follow?

The pope on evolution: Pope Francis Says Evolution Is Not Inconsistent With God, Backs Scientific Advancements” [www.christianpost.com, October 28, 2014]

“Pope Francis Says Evolution is Real and God is No Wizard”

The pontiff appeared to endorse the theory of the Big Bang and told the gathering at the Vatican that there was no contradiction between believing in God as well as the prevailing scientific theories regarding the expansion of our universe.

When we read about creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so,” Francis said. [The Washington Post, October 28, 2014]

The evolutionary theory, as scientists preach it, scoffs at the idea that the world was created by the word of God. But the pope wants to blend evolution and biblical creation.

God’s word: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:11

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. . . . For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33:6, 9

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 2 Peter 3:3-5

The Bible teaches that death is the result of sin and that it was man’s sin that brought death. Evolution teaches that the life/death cycle has been in operation for eons with no reference to the sin factor.

God’s Word: Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned: Romans 5:12

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:21

There is no way that the theory of evolution is consistent with what the Word of God says. But then the pope also said that to believe the word of God as it reads (Christian fundamentalism) is terrorism!

God’s Word: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

The Pope on Mary: “May Mary, Cause of our Joy, who brings peace amid the profusion of sin and the turmoil of history, obtain for us the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and enable us to be good and faithful servants.

“Through her intercession, may the fullness of time come about also for us. The transition from before to after Christ means little if it remains a date in the annals of history. May each one of us be able to make an interior passage, a Passover of the heart, towards the divine “style” incarnated by Mary. May we do everything in littleness, and accompany others at close hand, with a simple and open heart.” [www.aleteia.org, July 28, 2016]

The papacy teaches that Mary is our intercessor and salvation is only through the Roman Catholic church.

Jesus: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10, 12

The pope on law-keeping: “How the rigid suffer! When they are honest and realize this, they suffer! Because they do not have the freedom of the children of God; they do not know how to walk in the path of God’s Law and they are not happy. And they suffer so much! They appear good because they follow the Law; but they are concealing something else: either they are hypocritical or they are sick. And they suffer! [www.romereports.com, October 24, 2016]

He is saying that those who follow God’s Law implicitly are rigid and hypocritical or sick.

God’s word: He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:4, 5

The pope on evangelism: “Proselytism is a great sin against ecumenism.” [www.romereports.com October 3, 2016]

The ecumenical movement is for the purpose of uniting all into one world church. The pope is criticizing evangelistic efforts that win converts from other churches.

Jesus: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19, 20

The pope on Sunday: “On Sunday, our participation in the Eucharist has special importance. Sunday, like the Jewish Sabbath, is meant to be a day which heals our relationship with God . . . And so the day of rest (Sunday), centered on the Eucharist, sheds its light on the whole week, and motivates us to greater concern for nature and the poor.” [Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’]

God’s word: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. Deuteronomy 5:14

Jesus: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Mark 2:28

Jesus was referring to Sabbath, the seventh day, as His day, not Sunday, the first day.

The pope’s title:

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six. Revelation 13:18

Vicarius Filii Dei is the Latin title for the Pope. It means Vicar of the Son of God. A vicar is a substitute. According to this title, the pope claims to be a substitute for Jesus. Can we accept that?

Here is the title with its numerical value in Roman numerals:

V I C A R I U S F I L I I D E I

5 1 100 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 50 1 1 500 0 1 = 666

The pope’s title identifies him as the beast of Revelation 13. And, as we have seen in these news clips, he is leading away from pure Bible truth. Should we be calling him a Christian and admiring him as most of the world is doing now?

There is much more that could be said, but the point is already clear. Are you seeing the picture? The pope’s beliefs and teachings are not the same as the Bible. Shall we follow this man as so much of the world is doing? Or is he the very man that we are warned about in scripture? The decision is yours. Who will you choose? I pray that you will not join in this fatal deception!

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:9-12

Author: Admin

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