tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69355132417833835552024-01-01T07:14:23.796-08:00Dr. Daniel E. WoodheadUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-54826915042829704682017-10-26T09:08:00.001-07:002020-12-16T12:27:30.941-08:00The Rapture and The Resurrection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dr. Daniel E. Woodhead has a new video series titled, "The Rapture and the Resurrection". In this video Dr. Woodhead, Dr. Gary Fisher along with Dr. Todd Baker discuss the Rapture and Resurrection of the Church. <br />
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<b>The Rapture and The Resurrection</b>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/k5tcKzgMqUM" target="new">Part One</a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/M5hZCzcxbjQ" target="new">Part Two</a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/yXtGbB-Dfpg" target="new">Part Three</a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/PwW2WMveK4s" target="new">Part Four</a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/6KUIboJ0904" target="new">Part Five</a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/RXZOZcGmqSU" target="new">Part Six</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-731157786195987042017-09-25T20:29:00.003-07:002020-12-16T12:27:28.804-08:00Unequally Yoked - The Bible and Sexual Purity<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/170410-mosaic-law-Messiah-1200.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2518" height="345" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/170410-mosaic-law-Messiah-1200.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Mosaic Law (OT) clearly restricted the believer’s behavior in many areas such as food. Certain foods were allowed while others were either restricted or forbidden. Since Christ has been crucified the believer now has much latitude in the choice of diet and other activities. One example is the rigid restriction on movement during the Sabbath. With the complete elimination of the entire corpus of the Mosaic Law (613 Laws) and replacement by Christ’s Law, the New Testament believer was free from all constraints of the Mosaic Law. Christ’s Law, which is spelled out in the New Testament, becomes the operative commandments for a Christian to follow. The Laws, which God wants us to adhere to, appears in the New Testament. Now for the Jews who were used to keeping the Mosaic Law, Christ offers them the option of doing so if they choose (Col. 2:16-17). It is no longer mandatory in the New Testament Church Age though. This is the freedom (liberty) that Paul speaks of in this book of I Corinthians. We have freedom from the specific binding tight regulations of the Mosaic Law. We will see the concept of liberty more thoroughly developed in I Corinthians chapters eight to ten. But here the concept is just introduced to refute the concept of Antinomianism. This heresy concluded that the liberty we have in Christ extended to the moral aspects of the Law as well as the ceremonial. In an incorrect syllogism it is stated in this manner:<br />
<ol>
<li>The believer is saved by grace through faith in Christ (Eph 2:8-9).</li>
<li>All sins are forgiven, past, present, and future (Acts 13: 39; Titus 2:13-14; etc.).</li>
<li>When the believer sins forgiveness is available to the <em>repentant</em> sinner (1 John 1: 9; II Corinthians 7: 10).</li>
<li>This heresy therefore concludes the syllogism with an endorsement to go ahead and sin all you want because forgiveness has already been achieved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.</li>
</ol>
<h4>
The question we must answer is: If this is not true why?</h4>
The syllogism breaks down because the truly repentant sinner <em>turns from</em> the sin. The unbeliever who may masquerade as a believer will continue to sin and appeal to grace for freedom from The Law. A second fallacy is that the moral Law did not get restated in the New Testament Law of Christ. It did! Only the ceremonial Law was not restated in the NT.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.</em><br />
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Paul is again stating the cry of the antinomian; “all things are OK (lawful) for me to do.” This had become a slogan of the Corinthians to continue sinning as if Christ permitted it under grace. The statement was <em>partially</em> true. While Christ had taken away the sins by grace all things were not good (expedient) for the Child of God to pursue. Some were still forbidden in the New Testament. Sexual sins continued to be in the forbidden classification.<br />
<h4>
It is never appropriate to disregard basic Christian morality as taught in the New Testament for personal gratification.</h4>
Beginning to address behaviors that were permitted under the New Testament's Law of Christ, the text continues to demonstrate that we should not get caught up in any of them so as to damage our testimony. For those activities for which we have liberty we are not to become addicted. For those activities, which are permitted in the New Testament, we must not allow them to control us. Some examples where the Church falls down in liberty are in the areas of gossip, bitterness, an unforgiving spirit, and lust or withholding money from God’s work.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 6: 13-14 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.</em><br />
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Food (meats) for the stomach and the stomach for food (meats), was an expression by which some Corinthians sought to justify their sexual immorality. They reasoned that “food” was both pleasurable and necessary. When they sensed hunger, they reasoned that food was eaten to satisfy the urge. So too, they argued, sex was pleasurable and necessary. When their bodies signaled sexual desire, they needed to be satisfied. But Christ drew a sharp line between the stomach and the body<strong>. </strong>The body in this context meant more than the physical frame; it referred to the whole person, composed of flesh (the material) and spirit (the immaterial). While we are on the earth the body is not separated from the spirit. Further the body will be resurrected to an immortal state at the first resurrection. The “body,” therefore, was not perishable but eternal and it was not meant for sexual immorality but for union with the Lord. The eternality of the body, the future destiny of the individual, was made certain by Christ’s resurrection. We will see this expressed fully in I Corinthians chapter fifteen. So an urge that comes to us is no justification to satisfy it! The homosexuals rely on this thinking to justify their behavior. They reason that since they have and urge to do these abominations it is therefore normal and who they are. When a believer dies today prior to the resurrection he/she is separated from the body. The body goes into the ground awaiting the Rapture and Resurrection. The spirit goes to be with the Lord. So stomachs and food will pass away as the bodies die. Until the Rapture and Resurrection we are separated from our bodies and there have no need of food or a stomach. Later when the Rapture and Resurrection takes place we will be reunited with our bodies. It is possible at that point that we will once again be eating food since Christ ate after He was resurrected from the dead.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 6: 15-16 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.</em><br />
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So too the work of the Spirit has affected Christians’ present destiny and joined them to Christ. Could a Christian practice immorality without grieving Christ? Never!<br />
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<strong>The Two Harmful Categories to Us of Sinful Sex</strong><br />
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The union of two people involves more than physical contact. It is also a union of personalities which, however temporary, alters both of them as Paul quoted Genesis 2:24 (The two will become one flesh) not to affirm that a man and a prostitute are married but to indicate the gravity of the sin and the depth of the bonding that takes place in a sexual union.<br />
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/a-pair-of-wedding-rings-sit-on-an-open-bible-data.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2519" height="254" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/a-pair-of-wedding-rings-sit-on-an-open-bible-data.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<strong>Biochemical Bonding (Physical)</strong><br />
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Some have studied the chemical nature of sexual intercourse. As a result there appears to be a point at which man and woman enter into a new relationship that is biochemically oriented toward <em>staying together</em>, geared toward their unity as a couple. Chemicals released during intercourse, such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which are called neuopeptides, introduce a unique effect that promotes a series of pair-bonding behaviors.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> Furthermore, this primary exposure of the system to these chemicals seems to trigger a response that permanently alters body chemistry, and consequently behavior tendencies, making the pair more receptive towards their partner.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> One could also say that the couple becomes bonded closer to each other. Once the bonds are established, the disruption of these bonds causes great distress.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">3</a> It is clear that the body favors the maintenance of these bonds and reacts unfavorably when they are broken. In displaying such responses, it appears that the biochemistry of the body associated with sexual union is optimally designed to be experienced within the context of an <em>intimate and permanent</em> relationship. The results of these studies are that we truly become <em>one flesh!</em><br />
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/350px-Rembrandt_Harmensz._van_Rijn_146.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2520" height="453" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/350px-Rembrandt_Harmensz._van_Rijn_146.jpg" width="640" /></a> Solomon's Marriage Feast by Rembrandt cir. 1650<br />
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God designed us to be permanently bonded to one another or in secular terms monogamous.<br />
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<strong>A Secondary Aspect of the Chemical Bonding</strong><br />
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Scientific findings suggest that tenderness expressed in physical, non-sexual affectionate touching is a bio-chemical condition for optimal sexual experience. The segment of our brains, which produce the feeling of euphoria such as having sexual intercourse, is also prone to building up tolerance to these effects. Such an effect triggers some individuals to spice up their sex lives by trying new or multiple partners, or other alterations that shift the focus of sex from love to pleasure in hope of attaining that same high again. However, females who readily have oxytocin available in their system (released by frequent positive person-to-person touching) are actually able to counter this tolerance mechanism naturally.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">[3]</a> Research indicates that the body is designed to be affectionately touched on a regular basis. Under the conditions of loving, regular touch – whether it is through holding hands, hugging, or cuddling – the body responds optimally to more intimate sexual expressions. Sex on a physical level is ordained toward tenderness, which is an important aspect of authentic love that contributes to closeness between a couple, as well as the continuation of <em>exclusive permanency</em>. Therefore it is important to refrain from frequent close touching of members of the opposite sex unless within a marriage or between family members in a wholesome expression of care.<br />
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Married couples who express tender physical contact will have a more loving sexual relationship and less of a purely and limited physical desire for a sexual high. They will also demonstrate to their children the importance of wholesome physical contact and pass on to them proper loving sexual expressions as an example for them when they are eventually married.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 6: 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.</em><br />
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<strong>The Spiritual Bonding Aspect of Sexual Sin</strong><br />
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/5079507_f496.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2521" height="353" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/5079507_f496.jpg" width="496" /></a><br />
Satan's Last Stand-Armageddon Artist unknown<br />
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A Christian’s union with Christ <em>likewise</em> affects both him and the Savior, and one cannot act without affecting the other.<br />
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<em> I Corinthians 6: 18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.</em><br />
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The only appropriate response when faced with sexual immorality is to FLEE. Take the example of Joseph when Potiphar’s wife aggressively advanced upon him. He fled and got out (Gen 39:12).<br />
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Clearly the Lord’s design for our bodies and spirits as well is to be with one spouse in union and not to divert from that. The term body in the Greek construct refers to both soul and body. So in addition to adding conflict within our biochemistry and causing great emotional harm to our spouse the Holy Spirit is greatly grieved. We know that the Spirit enters us at the point of belief and stays with us for evermore thereafter. We have to remember the price that Christ paid for us to provide for our salvation and therefore eternal life and never marginalize it by sinning against him. All sins are against God (II Sam 12:13). Sexual sins are the worst in the eyes of the Lord and received the greatest punishment in Old Testament.<br />
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<em>II Corinthians 6: 14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.</em><br />
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The unification of our bodies with a harlot produces a close relationship with the Devil called Belial here. Belial is a Hebrew word to describe one of the most maleficent characters of the underworld, Lucifer who became Satan.<br />
<h4>
<br />It therefore causes pollution of our spirit with the Devil.</h4>
When we engage in a relationship with unsaved people especially a sexual relationship outside of a committed heterosexual marriage we put the Holy Spirit in immediate proximity with the Devil and the two do not mix. God will withdraw from us and the chemical factors inherent in sexual unions will cause us to want to continue the bonding with the one we had the sexual relationship with. Therefore, God withdraws from us and we move closer to Satan. This is a <em>powerful</em> recipe for spiritual corruption that leads to death.<br />
When we engage in sexual relationships outside of marriage the result is we bond chemically and emotionally with the person with whom we had the sex. The pair bonding does not like to be broken and it continues to seek the bonding when it is broken.<br />
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God has a plan for us within sexual areas and it is simply that two believers must marry one another. We must not marry outside of the faith for any reason. God regards this as sin and He will not bless the union as such. When a believer finds them selves married to an unbeliever either because of inappropriate choice of partners or if both were unbelievers to start and one became a believer here what must happen.<br />
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The believer must take his/her God given role as a born again Christian and act like it. God considers this marriage a sinful union. If a person is living in a state of sin or still an unbeliever they will never experience true growth.<br />
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THOSE IN SIN RETARD SPIRITUAL GROWTH.<br />
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God will not bless a person living in sin. We have been in a section of Scripture that clarifies much for the successful God led Christian marriage. It all starts with tying ourselves together only with believers. That is committed regenerated believers in Jesus Christ. People who seek to please Him first and foremost in their lives. Real believers have been transformed and seek to rid themselves of the old man in them. They seek the guidance of God in all they do and grow spiritually all the days of their lives. This is why the Bible tells us not to unequally yoked together with unbelievers.<br />
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<em>II Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.</em><br />
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Remember a sexual union produces a chemical bonding that draws us together as God would have us becoming one flesh. If the other person is an unbeliever the bonding puts Satan in close proximity to Christ and Christ will withdraw leaving the believer bound to an unbeliever in a bond that is difficult to break.<br />
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<em>1 Corinthians 7: 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:</em><br />
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Up to this point Paul had been speaking to the people that either were presently unmarried or may have been at some time in their past but now were unmarried. A new discussion now begins with instruction to those that presently are married. Divorce is not part of God’s plan. In fact He states quite clearly that He hates divorce (Mal 2:16).<br />
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<em>Malachi 2:16 "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.</em><br />
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The covering that is spoken of here is a symbol of marriage. (Ruth 3:9; Ezekiel 16:8). Covering one’s garment with violence describes violating the marriage relationship, which is exactly what divorce does. Whenever there is a repetition in the Bible it is for emphasis. In this case it is the Lord’s will that we do not divorce.<br />
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This verse is the most explicit statement in the Old Testament on God’s feelings about divorce. Divorce was allowed. The permission that appears in the Torah provides protection for the wife. (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) Jesus taught that those concessions by Moses were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, but He emphasized that God does not approve of divorce. He hates it.<br />
So Paul is saying in I Corinthians 7:10 that a wife should not leave her husband. In other words there should not be a divorce or a separation. Typically the question is raised regarding abuse. If a wife is suffering abuse she should remove herself from the harm. This alone is insufficient to seek divorce. Unless there is fornication (adultery) or as we will see in the next few verses abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, there is no biblical permission for divorce (Matthew 5:32). Christ never said that an abused woman should stay in an abusive situation. In fact in the text of Deuteronomy 24:1-4 provides protection for a wife that is cast out by her husband by allowing her to seek another man.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 7: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.</em><br />
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So in the event that she must leave and let’s use the example of abuse, she must not remarry. The husband has no right to end the marriage through divorce. The only legitimate biblical reason to end this marriage is through death or if adultery enters the relationship. She must remain unmarried and so also should her husband. In this verse Paul is addressing married believers. When problems occur in a Christian marriage, the resolution is reconciliation not in divorce.<br />
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<em>Ephesians 4:30-32 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.</em><br />
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<em> I Corinthians 7: 12-13 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.</em><br />
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Now the discussion turns to those believers who are married to unbelievers (the rest). Remember we must avoid the pain and hardship associated with the unequal yoking in our marriages. Paul does not mean by saying “I speak, not the Lord” that he following words are <em>not Scriptural</em>. What he means is that Jesus did not specifically address this issue in the Scripture we have. Paul had the Christ given authority (Acts 9: 15) to bring Christ’s Word to the Gentiles, Kings and the Jews. That being said it is possible for one of two married unbelievers to accept Christ and enter the family of God. After this occurs the believing spouse must not leave the other. Remember how Paul reminded the Corinthians that some of them had serious sins in their past but Christ washed them clean (I Corinthians 6:11). This can happen to the non-believing spouse. The believer should not leave the non-believer. The marriage will be difficult and may result in at the least a lack of tolerance and possibly worse. In a marriage like this the believing spouse might feel like they are single or all alone. Perhaps they are taking the children to church and receive no spiritual leadership or spiritual support in the family unit. We have all seen these situations. We must reach out to them and encourage them to bring their children up in the knowledge of Christ and seek to support and educate them in the Bible. Through prayer and leading a Godly life the believing spouse may bring about the conversion of the non-believer.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.</em><br />
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The primary reason that the two must remain married is that the believing spouse brings holiness to the marriage. We have at least two Old Testament examples to illustrate this situation.<br />
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Never, Never Underestimate the power of God<br />
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<em>Genesis 30: 27 And Laban said unto him, If now I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry: for I have divined that Jehovah hath blessed me for thy sake.</em><br />
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Laban who was deceitful knew that the Lord blessed him through Jacob. If Jacob had left earlier than he did Laban would not have received knowledge of God and he was aware of it.<br />
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<em>Genesis 39: 2-5 And Jehovah was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that Jehovah was with him, and that Jehovah made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found favor in his sight, and he ministered unto him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.</em><br />
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Again the Lord provided blessing to those around one of His believing children. Joseph was a child of the living God and the entire household of Potiphar the high-ranking officer in Pharaoh’s select personal guard was blessed. Non-believers can sense this in the lives of believers and seek it, if not for themselves, at least for their children. Some people who are non-believers will send their children to vacation Bible school, Christian schools or Sunday school because they know there will be some blessing that will be imparted to the children. The entire family will be blessed by the one believing spouse and especially the children.<br />
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<em>I Corinthians 7: 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.</em><br />
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God has provided and additional exception to the rule of no divorce. In addition to adultery, the situation where an unbeliever insists on a divorce, he is not to be denied. Should this occur, the Christian is not bound to maintain the marriage but is free to remarry. Paul did not say, as he did in verse 11, that the Christian in this case should “remain unmarried.” The believer has two choices in this instance. The believer can allow the marriage to dissolve or he/she can deny Christ and live with the unbeliever, as the unbelieving spouse would like to live; apart from God. No blessings will occur in this relationship. Only pain and hardship will ensue. Once a person truly accepts Christ the Holy Spirit enters them forever. If they try and deny Christ the Spirit will be grieved.<br />
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The second part of this verse in which Paul affirmed that God had called Christians to live in peace could be understood as a separate sentence. The same conjunction (but) which introduced the exception at the beginning of this verse was repeated by Paul, probably to indicate another shift in thought and a return to the main point in this section, namely, the importance for the Christian spouse of preserving the marriage union and living “in peace” with the non-Christian. Paul’s point was that a Christian should strive to preserve the union and to keep the peace, but with the understanding that marriage is a mutual not a unilateral relationship. This is a difficult situation for the believer, as they will comprise their Christianity and their desire to follow Christ as they seek to appease their spouse through a peaceful relationship. This is one more reason to never become unequally yoked together with unbelievers.<br />
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<em> I Corinthians 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?</em><br />
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Finally the principle reason for the believing spouse staying with the unbeliever is to pray for their salvation. This is a crucial reason why a Christian should stay married to a non-Christian. God might use the Christian spouse as a vessel of blessing possibly leading to the point where the unbelieving spouse would believe the message of the Cross and experience salvation. The apostle Peter said the same thing to us.<br />
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<em>1 Peter 3:1-2 In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives; beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.</em><br />
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Wives who fear the Lord just may be used to bring salvation to an unbelieving husband.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Insel TR, Winslow JT, Wang ZX, Young L, and Hulihan TJ. “Oxytocin and the Molecular Basis for Monogamy”. Advanced Experiments in Medical Biology. Vol. 395 (1995), pp. 227-34.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> Carter CS. “Neuroendocrine Perspectives on Social Attachment and Love”. Psychoneuroendocrinology. Vol. 23, no. 8 (Nov 1998), pp. 779-818<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-1087227730604722892017-05-06T17:26:00.000-07:002020-12-16T12:27:26.141-08:00SALVATION AND THE PLACE OF THE DEAD<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Salvation and The Place of the Dead<o:p></o:p></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">by Daniel E. Woodhead, Ph. D.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Salvation<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Salvation
as revealed in the Bible can be defined in two ways. First, it is deliverance
from physical danger, and second, it is deliverance by God from His eternal
punishment for sin. This article will focus primarily on the second instance,
the salvation God provides to mankind that saves them from His penalty of
allowing the power and practice of sin to control the lives of human beings on
this earth. It is quite clear that this salvation is only of God, and we receive
it according to His grace:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Ephesians
2:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman italic"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">8 </span></sup></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman italic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For by grace you have been saved
through faith, and that not of yourselves; <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">it is</span> the gift of God, <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">9 </span></sup>not of works, lest anyone should boast. <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">10 </span></sup>For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we
should walk in them. (MEV)</span></span></span></i><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman italic";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">God is
completely holy, and He punishes sin (Romans 1:18). Furthermore, mankind is
sinful and has broken God’s Laws (Romans 1:19-3:18). There is nothing that
mankind can do to earn God’s favor (Romans 3:19-20). The way of salvation is a
free gift from God through the atonement of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). It is
offered to all who would believe on Christ (Romans 1:16-17; 3:22-30; 4:2-8:24).
The only people who experience salvation are those who have actually accepted
Jesus’ atonement by belief in the Gospel of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Acts
4:10-12<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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. <sup>11</sup> This
is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head
of the corner. <sup>12</sup> Neither is there salvation in any other: for
there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
(KJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Sin and Its Origin<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Sin has
plagued mankind since Satan introduced it into the world. As “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the anointed cherub</i>” who covered God’s
throne, Satan was originally named Hallal that means “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">day-star</i>” in Hebrew, before he fell from God’s Grace. Ezekiel
states he was set over God’s throne until unrighteousness (sin) was found in
him. This is the only verse in the Bible mentioning the origin of sin:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Ezekiel
28:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thou
wast the anointed cherub that covereth: and I set thee, so that thou wast upon
the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the
stones of fire. <sup>15</sup>Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that
thou wast created, till unrighteousness</span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> [sin]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> was found in thee. (ASV, 1901, brackets added)</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Isaiah
describes his “fall” from heaven:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Isaiah
14:12-14<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut
down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations! <sup>13</sup>And thou
saidst in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven (ASV, 1901), I will exalt my
throne above the stars of God; and I will sit upon the mount of congregation,
in the uttermost parts of the north; <sup>14</sup>I will ascend above the
heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Because of
his sin, Hallal was thrown out of his exclusive Heavenly reign, and then was “</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">cut
down to the ground”, </span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">where
he continued his sinful activities as the one who “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">didst lay low the nations!”</i> We do not exactly when His name was
changed from Hallal to Satan, which is a Hebrew word meaning “adversary”. He is
God’s adversary. As a result of his Fall, He polluted the Heavenly Tabernacle
of God when sin was found in him, and that needed cleansing that is only
provided by the blood of Jesus Christ. Then he indwelt a serpent in the Garden
of Eden, beguiling our first parents Adam and Eve, causing them to disobey God.
This act then caused sin to enter the sphere of time and space, as it was
already in Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The result
of the Fall in the Garden of Eden was that death entered the pristine earth
through Adam and Eve’s sin, and more specifically the Garden of Eden where
Jehovah God has placed Adam and his wife. Even though the earth became corrupt
as sin entered it and caused death to reign over the creation, the more serious
result was spiritual death (Romans 5: 14, 17, 21). All physical matter became a
prisoner to the Laws of Entropy. Decay began at the point of the Fall, immediately
after eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and
Evil, and the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eyes of both of them were
opened.</i>” This means that Adam and Eve’s awareness expanded, but not to what
the Devil had led them to believe it would be. Acting on the prompting of the
Devil did not lead to divine enlightenment as he promised it would, but instead
it led to a sense of shame. Satan promised them wisdom, which he cannot
provide. Only the fear of God can bring wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The world seeks
Satan’s promises, and they always fail to receive them. Disobedience of God’s
Word will never bring any benefits, only grief and lack of spiritual blessings.
</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God immediately
set up a Redeemer, Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesis 3: 14 <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">14</span></sup>And
Jehovah God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou
above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou
go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:” (ASV, 1901) <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The
serpent, which allowed itself to be used by Satan and caused the downfall of
mankind, is now held responsible for its actions. It is cursed “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">above all cattle and above every beast of
the field</i>”. Following this, the Lord said that the serpent would be
destined to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">crawl upon thy belly</i>”.
This means that it was at one point it stood upright, but there is no mention of
any legs. Finally, the Lord states that the serpent would eat “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dust</i>” all the days of its life. Since
the serpent does not have an actual diet of dust, we see a Hebrew idiomatic
phrase “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eat dust</i>” used here as used
by a conqueror over his enemies. In a contemporary setting we see this in
automobile races where the winner states that the loser has “eaten his
dust.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Old Testament uses this term
in much the same way (Micah 7: 17; Psalm 72: 9 and Isaiah 49: 23).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesis 3: 15 <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i>“<sup>15</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and I will put enmity between thee and the
woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou
shalt bruise his heel.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">In theology
this verse is called “the Proto-Evangelium<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”</i>
because it is the first appearance of the Gospel. Conversely, it is also the
first prophecy the Lord gave us of the Antichrist. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The
fifteenth verse, which is directed at Satan, has four provisions: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hostility
between Satan and women.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Hostility between Satan’s seed, the Antichrist,
and woman’s seed, who is Christ the Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Christ bruising the head of Satan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Satan
bruising the heel of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The first
provision is that God will “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">put enmity
between thee and the woman”</i>. This state of hostility between Satan and
women is persistent, and is brought about because of women’s special redemptive
role of bringing the Messiah into the world. The first satanic attack on women
is described in Genesis chapter six where demons intermarry with human women in
an attempt to stop the coming of the Messiah by corrupting the quality of the
human race. A worldwide flood stopped this attempt. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The second
provision states that a hostile relationship will continue as the text states <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“between your seed and her seed.”</i> The
seed of the woman is the Messiah Himself, the Lord Jesus. In the Bible, genealogies
are traced through the male’s lines, but it is not until we read in Isaiah 7:
14 does the Bible explain the Messiah coming from the womb of a virgin. The
Lord Jesus had no human father, Mary’s husband Joseph was his stepfather. It is
important to note women do not have the seed for procreation, men do. However,
since Jesus was born of a virgin, the expression “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her seed”</i> represents a miraculous conception (Isaiah 7:14). The
reference in this verse to Satan’s “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seed</i>”
implies a supernatural, miraculous conception too. From this passage, and also
in Daniel 9: 26-27, it can be deduced that Satan will someday impregnate a
Roman woman who will give birth to Satan’s “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seed”</i>
who is going to be the Antichrist. That woman might not be a virgin because
Scripture does not affirm this, but he will be conceived through supernatural
means. Consider II Thessalonians 2:8-9:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i>“<sup>8</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And then shall be revealed the lawless one,
whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought
by the manifestation of his coming; <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">9</span></sup>[even
he], whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs
and lying wonders.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">In verse 9
of II Thessalonians chapter 2 above, the word “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">working”</i> is the Greek word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">energeo,
</i>which means, “to energize”. So then the coming of Antichrist will originate
by the “energizing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">”</i> that comes from
Satan. This counterfeit Son of the unholy Trinity will be brought about by a
counterfeit virgin conception. A time is coming when the events of Genesis chapter
six will be repeated, namely that the fallen, anointed Cherub, Satan (in the
Latin he is called Lucifer) will impregnate a Roman woman to give birth to
Satan’s son. The product of this conception will be a counterfeit “god-man”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The third provision
promises a curse, which is: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“he shall
bruise your head.”</i> The woman’s “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seed</i>”,
Jesus, gives the bruising to Satan by His death and resurrection (Hebrews 2:
14-18). The word “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bruise</i>” implies it is
a harmful condition, but not fatal especially since its target is the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">head</i>”. Satan is still alive, but will
eventually become placed in a terminal condition due to Christ’s finished work.
Because of Romans 16: 20 and Revelation 20:10 we know that Satan’s final demise
will be in the Lake of Fire. This will be a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">crushing</i>” of the head of the serpent, and his demise will be
eternal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The fourth
provision in Genesis 3: 15 is: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You shall
bruise his heel.”</i> Satan will bruise the heel of the Woman’s Seed, and this
represents the crucifixion. The bruising of the heel, while painful, is not
terminal. The bruising and crushing can be best understood with imagery
regarding the Hebrew’s method of dispensing of poisonous snakes in Israel. They
must crush its head in order to completely eliminate its threat. As the heel of
Messiah comes down on the serpent (Satan), the serpent rises up to bite His
heel causing pain but not pain leading to an eternal pain (death). As the heel
of Messiah continues to descend on Satan even though it has been bitten (the
crucifixion), He is not dead so the heel continues down to finally crush the
serpent’s head ending in his demise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Messiah is Prophecied<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The fact
that the Messiah had to come is well attested to in Scripture which starts with
this foundational verse, Genesis 3: 15. One unique aspect of the Scriptures of
Christianity is the prophecies and validated fulfillment at later times in the
long chronology of the Bible’s story. These alone attest to the Scripture’s
validity. Christ, after He was risen, explained many of the prophecies in the
Bible and the fact that He had to die in order to accomplish the task He was to
sent to do (Luke 24: 25-27). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Jesus accused the Pharisees of not knowing
who He was. In fact, He said that Moses knew He was coming and wrote of Him.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">John
5:43-47<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 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. <sup>44</sup> How can ye believe, which
receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God
only? <sup>45</sup> Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father:
there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust [</span></i>Deuteronomy
31:21. chapter 7: 19. Romans 2:12]</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <sup>46</sup> For had ye
believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me </span></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">[</span>Luke 24:27)]</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <sup>47</sup> But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye
believe my words? (KJV, brackets added)</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Following
His resurrection, He explained to some of His disciples the Old Testament text
relating to Himself to certify that He was indeed the Messiah who was clearly
prophecied:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Luke
24:25-27<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Then
he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets
have spoken: <sup>26</sup> ought not Christ to have suffered these things,
and to enter into his glory? <sup>27</sup> And beginning at Moses and all
the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things
concerning himself (KJV).</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Christ’s
first advent is well prophesied in Scripture. Some of those are:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be born in Bethlehem in the region of
Ephrathah. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Micah 5: 2 and fulfilled in Matthew 2: 1-5.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be the Son of God<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Psalm 2: 7 and fulfilled in John 3: 16-17.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be born into the Hebrew tribe of Judah<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Genesis 49:
10 and fulfilled in Hebrews 7: 14.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be born of a virgin<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Isaiah 7: 14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1: 18-22.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be a prophet like Moses<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Deuteronomy 18: 15 and fulfilled in John 7: 15-17.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be the king of Israel<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Zechariah 9: 9 and fulfilled in John 12: 12-15.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be rejected<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Isaiah 53: 3 and fulfilled in John 1: 11<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be beaten<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
In Micah 5: 1 and fulfilled in Mark 15: 19.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be silent during his interrogation<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Isaiah 53: 7 and fulfilled in Matthew 27: 12-14.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be betrayed<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Psalm 41: 9 and fulfilled in Mark 14: 17-20.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be tried and condemned<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Isaiah 53: 8 and fulfilled Matthew 27: 1-2<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be crucified<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Psalm 22: 16 and fulfilled in John 19: 17-18.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">His garments would be divided<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Psalm 22: 18 and fulfilled in John 19: 23-24.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He would be given gall and vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Psalm 69: 21 and fulfilled in John 19: 28-29.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">His bones would not be broken<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Exodus 12: 46 and fulfilled in John 19: 31-36.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i>
sacrifice<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Isaiah 53: 5-6 and fulfilled in I Peter 2: 24-25.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">He was raised from the dead<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Introduced
in Psalm 16: 10 and fulfilled in Luke 24: 1-7 and 47.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The
resurrection of Christ is the most significant event in all of world history.
It provides a remedy for the Fall, and for the sin of our first family, Adam
and his wife. If one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truly</i> believes
in the historical facts of the Gospel and is regenerated, one is granted
eternal life through the finished work of Jesus of Nazareth (Romans 6:23; Titus
3: 5). The gospel is clearly presented in several places in Scripture, and none
are clearer than I Corinthians 15:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">1 Corinthians 15: 1-4 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i>“<sup>1</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the
gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye
stand; <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">2</span></sup>By which
also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye
have believed in vain. <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">3</span></sup>For
I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures; <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">4</span></sup>And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third
day according to the scriptures,” (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Faithful Jews Awaited Jesus Arrival<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The Jews
were given a lot of evidence for the coming one who would take away the sins of
the world. We see Simeon and Anna waiting in anticipation at the Temple for the
baby Messiah to be brought there for His circumcision on the eighth day of His
life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Luke 2:25<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And
behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man
was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost
was upon him. <sup>26</sup> And it was revealed unto him by the Holy
Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. <sup>27</sup> And
he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the
child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, <sup>28</sup> then
took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, <sup>29</sup> Lord,
now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word: <sup>30</sup> For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation.<sup>31</sup> Which thou hast prepared
before the face of all people; <sup>32</sup> A light to lighten the Gentiles
and the glory of thy people Israel. <sup>33</sup> And Joseph and his
mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. <sup>34</sup> And
Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set
for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be
spoken against; <sup>35</sup> (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own
soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And
there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of
Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her
virginity; <sup>37</sup> and she was a widow of about fourscore and four
years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and
prayers night and day. <sup>38</sup> And she coming in that instant gave
thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for
redemption in Jerusalem. <sup>39</sup> And when they had performed all
things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their
own city Nazareth. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The
observant Jews of the Old Testament knew that the Messiah was going to arrive
to provide salvation as Simeon cried had out, “</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation.</span></i>“ It is also quite clear it is the
sacrifice of Jesus that provides our salvation from sin. Even though many knew
He was coming (and would in the future be sacrificed), how was salvation
guaranteed to the faithful in the Old Testament before Jesus’ sacrifice? First
it is important to consider what the Bible teaches on the place of the dead.
The Hebrew name for the place of the dead is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sheol,</i> and the Greek word is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hades</i>.
Frequently our English translations will simply states these words as “Hell”.
This is not accurate. The Old Testament declares in many places that people, both
the faithful and unfaithful, went to Sheol when they died. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Old Testament Place of the Dead<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">One phrase
that refers to death in the Old Testament is being “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gathered unto His people</i>.” A dead person is seen as joining the
company of people that preceded him in death. The physical death takes place,
then after that the individual is described as entering the company of those
who had passed on before him (“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gathered unto
his people</i>”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read this regarding
the death of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, and Jacob:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Genesis
25:8 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>8</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in
a good old age, an old man, and full [of years]; and was gathered to his people
(KJV).<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Genesis
25:17 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>17</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And these [are] the years of the life of
Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and
died; and was gathered unto his people. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Genesis
35:29a:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>29</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died and
was gathered unto his people…. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Genesis
49:33:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>33</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And when Jacob had made an end of commanding
his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and
was gathered unto his people. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">So, we see
in the first book of the Bible that after people die physically, they are “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gathered unto their people</i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are joining the company of people who
preceded them in death, and are consciously aware of them. Due to his
righteousness, the destination of Abraham in the good side of Sheol is described
in the Bible: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And he believed in
Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness”</i> (Genesis 15:6). The
following examples discuss this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Psalm 17:15 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>15</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As for me, I will behold thy face in
righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Here David
expressed a real faith that the soul will still be conscious in the fellowship
with God even after death. This is also taught in the following verse:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Psalm 73:23-25 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>23</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee:
thou hast holden [me] by my right hand <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">24</span></sup>Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward
receive me [to] glory. <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">25</span></sup>Whom
have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire
beside thee. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">In this
Psalm, the author Asaph expressed a real faith in immortality. Even upon his
death he saw himself as being conscious and with God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Ecclesiastics 12:7 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>7</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then shall the dust return to the earth as
it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Here
Solomon expresses the truth that the body returns to the earth to decay, and
finally become dust, but the spirit goes to be with God our creator.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The New
Testament expresses this same concept in at least four verses. They are found
in: II Corinthians 5:1-8; Luke 23:43; John 14:3; Philippians 1:22-23. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Consciousness of the Souls in Sheol<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Souls in “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sheol”</i> are seen as having continuous
consciousness. One good example of this is found in Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Isaiah 14:9-11 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i><sup>9</sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sheol from beneath is moved for thee to meet
[thee] at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, [even] all the chief
ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the
nations. <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">10</span></sup>All they
shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become
like unto us? <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">11</span></sup>Thy
pomp is brought down to the Sheol, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is
spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">In this
passage, the soul of the king of Babylon enters into “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sheol”</i>, and into a particular section of Hell, where all the souls
that preceded him in Hell suddenly rise in astonishment as they see this one
also entering the domains of Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are able to ask questions and carry on a conversation. It should not be missed
that these dead ones are portrayed as being conscious. Here, in the “bad side”
of Sheol, there is punishment for the king of Babylon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The same
concept is taught in the New Testament in Luke 16:19-31. This is the story of
the rich man and Lazarus. Here the distinction is made by Jesus of the two
sides of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sheo,l</i> or as it is called in
the Greek, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hades</i> since this is a New
Testament story:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Luke
16:19-31<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19</span></sup></i></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen,
faring sumptuously every day: <sup>20</sup>and a certain beggar named Lazarus
was laid at his gate, full of sores, <sup>21</sup>and desiring to be fed with
the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and
licked his sores. <sup>22</sup>And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and
that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man
also died, and was buried. <sup>23</sup>And in Hades he lifted up his eyes,
being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. <sup>24</sup>And
he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish
in this flame. <sup>25</sup>But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy
lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things:
but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. <sup>26</sup>And besides
all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would
pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from
thence to us. <sup>27</sup>And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that
thou wouldest send him to my father’s house; <sup>28</sup>for I have five
brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of
torment. <sup>29</sup>But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let
them hear them. <sup>30</sup>And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to
them from the dead, they will repent. <sup>31</sup>And he said unto him, If
they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one
rise from the dead. (ASV, 1901)</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">So, there is clearly a good side and a bad side to the place of the
dead. At the time of Jesus telling this story, He was essentially referring to Old
Testament people. Abraham is in a location within “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hades</i>” Jesus calls “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Abraham’s
bosom</i>”. He also made reference to it as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paradise</i>” to the thief on the cross that expressed belief in Jesus as
his savior (Luke 23:43). The rich man is in a place of torment also in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hades</i>. There are then multiple
compartments to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sheol</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hades</i>. The Old Testament saints had to
wait until Jesus was sacrificed in order to go to Heaven. When He died, He went
to the “good side” of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hades </i>to
release them, and took them to Heaven. Most of the Old Testament verses using
the word “Heaven” refer to the atmospheric Heaven, not the place of the dead.
The New Testament does refer to “Heaven” as a place where the dead go as well
as “Hell”. “Heaven” in the New Testament is the equalivant of “Paradise” in the
Old Testament place of the dead. The folks who die in the New Testament era
either go to “Hell”, the place for the unsaved, or “Heaven”, the place for the saved.
After Jesus was complete with His resurrection body, the implication was that He
descended again to Hades to gather the Old Testament saints and transport them
from Hades to Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Jesus Released the Dead Old
Testament Saints Who Waited For Him<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">When Christ ascended to the Father, He took “captivity captive”,
meaning He took the righteous Old testament saints from the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bosom of Abraham</i>” to Heaven. This
apparently was done on the Resurrection Day:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Psalm 68:18<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>18</sup> Thou
hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captive Thy captives; Thou hast received
gifts among men,… (NASB)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Ephesians 4:8-11<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>8</sup> Therefore
it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And
He gave gifts to men."<sup> 9 </sup>(Now this
expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also
had descended into the lower parts of the earth? <sup>10</sup> He who
descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, that He
might fill all things.) <sup>11</sup> And He gave some as apostles,
and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and
teachers…. (NASB)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">The Old Testament saints were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">captives</i>”
in the sense that they were not permitted to go to the presence of the Lord
before He died on the Cross. Now, however, Christ led their souls in a great
procession as a conquering general, to present them to the Father in Heaven as
fully redeemed saints, awaiting their own resurrection from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">When Christ went to Hades what did He say? Peter says He proclaimed
a message to the spirits in prison who were disobedient before the Flood, but
He probably also announced to the Old Testament saints that it was now time for
them to go with Him to Heaven. The debt for sin had now been fully paid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">1 Peter 3:18-20<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>18 </sup>For
Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that
He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive
in the spirit; <sup>19</sup> in which also He went and made
proclamation to the spirits now in prison, <sup>20 </sup>who once
were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah,
during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons,
were brought safely through the water. (NASB)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Peter says that Christ died, and preached “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to the spirits in prison</i>”. The ones he mentions were certain ones
who were disobedient at the time of the Flood of Noah. However, it also seems
clear that He had a great message for the Old Testament saints about their
coming elevation to Heaven. However, the unrighteous souls were destined to
remain in the Place of Torment in Hades until they face the Judge at the Great
White Throne, and the Lake of Fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">Salvation
before the death of the Messiah placed Old Testament saints in one of several
places in Sheol, or the place of the dead. This place was also called
“Abraham’s Bosom, or “Paradise” because of the loving care they received there
while awaiting the opening of heaven to them by the death of Christ on the
cross. The non-believers went to a place of torment in Sheol, and from there Christ
will judge them before their final destination in “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the lake of fire</i>” (Revelation 20:11-15). The following chart depicts
the all the destinations of the dead, and clearly delineates the different
sections: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzuCPzkGvEe-Hl6KjK8VjQVRmXDRINKSoQHnPqD7x6U67bDDyZbhaKQWhThAoecassCn8bgXEBL1N-1jKsXrnOo0HrCOt8u7oJe6k_kzIQq6VAUyIyAFgqrw2sFUk0AbbJm61XnWiOzs1/s1600/The+Nether+World+Destinations+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzuCPzkGvEe-Hl6KjK8VjQVRmXDRINKSoQHnPqD7x6U67bDDyZbhaKQWhThAoecassCn8bgXEBL1N-1jKsXrnOo0HrCOt8u7oJe6k_kzIQq6VAUyIyAFgqrw2sFUk0AbbJm61XnWiOzs1/s1600/The+Nether+World+Destinations+copy.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-60906607747993259702017-04-22T05:41:00.004-07:002017-04-22T06:52:15.358-07:00THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE NEW COVENANT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The most important event in all of human history is the resurrection of Jesus the Christ from the dead. In the resurrection, we see that Jehovah God sent Himself, a suffering servant, in the body of a man to atone for the sins of the world (Isaiah 49-57). The New Covenant is spoken of first in the book of Jeremiah, and is found in Jeremiah 31: 33-34, Ezekiel 36: 24-28, and Hebrews 8:8. This is one of the most difficult covenants to understand because of its timing and its relationship to the Church and Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is announced by the prophet Jeremiah, launched at the death of Christ on the cross, but does not become operational until a later date when <u>the Jews accept Him as their Messiah at the end of the Great Tribulation</u>. Therefore, there are three stages to this Covenant: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The Announcement<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The Launching, or Ratification <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The Inauguration, or Enactment<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before we can fully realize the uniqueness of this Covenant, we must first review the Abrahamic Covenant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God’s Covenant With Abraham<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The New Covenant is an outcome of God’s initial covenant to Abraham, who was a Gentile, when this covenant was first made. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first reference to this contract is found in the Abrahamic promises of Genesis 12:1-3. These promises were subsequently referred to and amplified throughout the book of Genesis (Genesis 13:14-17; <a href="http://www.spiritandtruth.org/bibles/nasb/b01c017.htm#Gen._C17V1"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">17:1-8</span></a>). The Abrahamic promises were codified into covenant form in Genesis <a href="http://www.spiritandtruth.org/bibles/nasb/b01c015.htm#Gen._C15V1"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">15</span></a>. In the Abrahamic Covenant, God essentially promised Abraham that He would do seven items for Abraham’s physical descendants delineated in Genesis 12:2-3: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will make of thee a great nation,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I will bless thee,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and make thy name great;<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and thou shalt be a blessing:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will bless them that bless thee,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and curse him that curseth thee:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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From these seven “I Wills" flows God’s entire plan for all of mankind. All other covenants between God and man are build on this one. For example, items 5 & 6 are the basis for the "Sheep and Goat Judgment" of the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat at the end of the Great Tribulation, which closes the "times of the Gentiles" (Matthew 25:31-46). God also foreknew Satan's anti-Semitism, and history is patterned after Satan attempting to bring about this reality (Zechariah 2:8). The Abrahamic Covenant was affirmed to Abraham’s progeny, Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because the Abrahamic Covenant is the foundation of God’s further covenant promises, <o:p></o:p></div>
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the New Covenant should not be understood by separating it from God’s other covenant activity. Rather, it should be viewed as the natural out working of the Abrahamic Covenant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The New Covenant expands the promise to Abraham of blessing to “all the families of the earth”, which is the seventh “I Will” statement, and reveals the means by which man can have his sins forgiven in order to enjoy eternal fellowship with God. The chart below lines up the remaining covenants with the timeline of the Nation Israel:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OQpUmsRIxdD41fDvvotBqr9Sq9IQJiCLHdnaSryfPcpHUpklWcDF_FSMFsFeyFuGXMb39eTpSrH9-S6Zs0p5sa8tqayiJ2vHEoL4-Gzt4K9dKdG-Szdfe8GMr6Jbwd6o4-UEC0weICfs/s1600/Covenant+Chart.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OQpUmsRIxdD41fDvvotBqr9Sq9IQJiCLHdnaSryfPcpHUpklWcDF_FSMFsFeyFuGXMb39eTpSrH9-S6Zs0p5sa8tqayiJ2vHEoL4-Gzt4K9dKdG-Szdfe8GMr6Jbwd6o4-UEC0weICfs/s640/Covenant+Chart.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chart by Randall Price<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Stage 1-The Announcement of the New Covenant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Old Testament Mosaic Law was the old covenant that God had established with His people, and it required their obedience to uphold what they had agreed to do when they accepted God’s communication with them through Moses, during their 40 years in the wilderness (Exodus20). The Mosaic Law required that the people perform rituals and sacrifices to atone for their sins. In order to please God, and remain in His grace, this was necessary because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). These sacrifices by God’s people had to be given in the spirit of earnest acknowledgement of the their sins. God also told His people there was a New Covenant coming that He would make with them, and first announced this in the book of Jeremiah:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jeremiah 31:31-34<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>31</sup>Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: <sup>32</sup>not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith Jehovah. <sup>33</sup>But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. <sup>34</sup>And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more (ASV, 1901).<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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God through, the prophet Jeremiah, said that there would be a time when He would make a New Covenant with the nation of Israel.
“ ‘The day will come,’ says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of <u>Israel and Judah</u> . . . . But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> day,” says the Lord. I will put my law in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:31, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Jeremiah%2031.33"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">33</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although<span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">God</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>had<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">been</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>faithful<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">keeping</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>His<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">terms</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>of <span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">the conditional Mosaic Law (also called</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> Mosaic </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">), </span>Israel<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>had<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">been</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>faithful to uphold their part of the covenant,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> thus </span>resulting<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Israel breaking the Mosaic Covenant.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.85pt;"> </span>While<span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Mosaic<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>described<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>standard<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>righteousness,<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>which<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> Mosaic </span>Law<span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>demanded,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>God did not<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>provided<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">power</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> to the people </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">to</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">keep</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>it.<span style="letter-spacing: 2.8pt;"> </span>But<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">that</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">problem</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">be </span>rectified<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> the New </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>as stated in verse<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>33 above<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> through </span>regeneration of the people’s heart,<span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span>and this<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">provide</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>internal<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">power</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>necessary<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">to</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>meet<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">keep</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span>righteous<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>standards<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">God.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.85pt;"> </span>The<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>result<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">be</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> total</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"> </span>national<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>regeneration<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>Israel,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>as described in verse<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>34 with the New Covenant in their hearts, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them.” </i>This will not happen until the end of the Great Tribulation when the remaining Jews all become believers in Jesus the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">How the New Covenant applies the Church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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It is also important to determine what this covenant means to the Church at the announcement stage, because it seems to the casual reader, that the New Covenant applies to the Church. It is quite clear that the passage God gave to Jeremiah announcing the New Covenant is strictly meant to apply to the Nation Israel in Jeremiah 31:31. For God said, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.”</i> Some commentators blur the clear distinction between Israel and the Church, and use this as the basis for applying the New Covenant to the Church. But the text here is quite clear, it is written to Israel. God is not “finished” with Israel because they rejected Jesus as their Messiah, and to those who say that He is finished with them, the apostle Paul counters their assertion saying that God has “hardened” them against the acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah for only a specific amount of time:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Romans 11:25-31<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>25 </sup>For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, lest you be wise in your own estimation, for a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. <sup>26 </sup>And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will remove ungodliness from Jacob”; <sup>27 </sup>“for this is My covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins.” <sup>28 </sup>As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sake, but as regarding the election, they are beloved for the sake of the patriarchs. <sup>29 </sup>For <u>the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable</u>. <sup>30 </sup>For just as you once were disobedient to God, but have now received mercy through their disobedience, <sup>31 </sup>so these also have now been disobedient, that they also may receive mercy by the mercy shown to you. (MEV, underlining added)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The apostle Paul makes it clear that God has not cast off His people. In fact, in answering this rhetorical question, Paul responds with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God forbid!</i>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Romans 11:11<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>11 </sup>I say then, have they </i>[the Jews]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> stumbled that they should fall? God forbid! But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, <u>to make them jealous. </u>(MEV, brackets and underlining added)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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So, one of the reasons for establishing the Church is to make the Jews jealous so that they will want what the Church has, and that will lead them to belief in their Messiah. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Stage Two- Launching the New Covenant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">launch</i> the New Covenant between God, and His people the Jews. The Old Covenant was written in stone, but the New Covenant will be written on their hearts, and that is made possible only by faith in Christ, who shed His own blood to atone for the sins of the world. Luke 22:20 says, Jesus took another cup of wine and said, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.”
</i> Since the Church had not yet been formed, He was speaking to His apostles, who were Jews, at the last supper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What the Lord Himself told His Jewish disciples at the Last Supper is key to understanding what the New Covenant means to us. Christ made two statements about the New Covenant: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>This is My blood of the new covenant (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>This is the new covenant in My blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The blood of the New Covenant is not itself the New Covenant, nor is the New Covenant His blood. What<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Scripture<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">teaches</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">this</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>matter<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">to</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>recognize<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">that</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Old</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Testament<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">promise</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>contained<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">both</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spiritual<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span></i>and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>material<span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">benefits</span></i><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.8pt;"> </span>The<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Church<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>indeed<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>enjoying<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>spiritual<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">benefits, such as </span>salvation and<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>indwelling<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> of the </span>Holy<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>Spirit,<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">but</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the </span>Church<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>experiencing<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the </span>material<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">benefits, </span>which<span style="letter-spacing: 1.25pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>remain<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>unfulfilled.<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>The material benefits will<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>remain<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>unfulfilled<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>until<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>the entire nation of<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Israel<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>is regenerated at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which ends the Great Tribulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">At that time, the New </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">will be inaugurated to provide both </span>its<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>spiritual<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> physical benefits </span>to all believers in Christ,<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> these benefits will continue </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">throughout</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>Messianic Kingdom (Romans<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>15:27). The<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Testament<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>does<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>violate<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Old</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.05pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>Testament<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>statements<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>when<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>it<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>includes<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">than</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>was<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>revealed<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Old</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.1pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Testament.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Stage Three – The Inauguration of the New Covenant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">The book of</span><span style="letter-spacing: .25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .2pt;">Hebrews</span><span style="letter-spacing: .25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .15pt;">was written to </span><span style="letter-spacing: .2pt;">second, </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">and</span><span style="letter-spacing: .25pt;"> third</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.55pt;"> </span>generation<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>Hebrew<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>Christian <span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">believers</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; letter-spacing: -0.05pt; position: relative; top: -5.5pt;"> </span>in the <span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Church </span>Age. In Hebrews 8:6-23, the author describes that the<span style="letter-spacing: 1.45pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inauguration</i> or<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> enactment </i>of<span style="letter-spacing: .45pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: .45pt;"> </span>New<span style="letter-spacing: .45pt;"> </span>Covenant <u>for the Jews</u><span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span>be<span style="letter-spacing: .45pt;"> </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in<span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;"> </span>future<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;"> </span></i></span>(<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Hebrews</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.45pt;"> </span>8:6–13).<span style="letter-spacing: 1.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">The writer states in Hebrews 8:13b:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1pt;"> “</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>what<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>becoming<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>obsolete<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt;"> </span>growing<span style="letter-spacing: 3.8pt;"> </span>old<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;"> </span>ready<span style="letter-spacing: .25pt;"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;"> </span>vanish<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;"> </span>away”,<span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span></span></i><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">which literally means,</span><span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;"> </span>“Now<span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span>that,<span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span>the Mosaic Covenant, which<span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: 1.7pt;"> </span>growing<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>old<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>aging,<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>near<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> to </span>disappearing.”<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> For the Jews, </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>Old<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> Covenant </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: .85pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">yet</span><span style="letter-spacing: 3.95pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">disappeared</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">because</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> Covenant </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">has</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><u><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">not</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">come to them</span></u><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">, yet.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">Nowhere</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">does</span><span style="letter-spacing: 2.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.9pt;"> </span>Scripture<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>say<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>New<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>already<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>come<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span>into<span style="letter-spacing: .7pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">existence so that they benefit from its spiritual and material blessing before the acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah by the Jews. The writer of Hebrews continues:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Hebrews 9:15<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>15 </sup>For this reason He </i>[Jesus]<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> is the Mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (MEV)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Another way to understand this is illustrated in the following chart:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Title: How Christ is Launching and Inaugurating the New Covenant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Source: Daniel Woodhead<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Covenant,<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">prophesied</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Old</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Testament<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">was</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>made<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>with<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> the two segments of </span>Israel that it had divided itself into, that is, the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.<span style="letter-spacing: 1.35pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>The<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Church,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">though</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>formal<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">partner</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: 1.3pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>Covenant,<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">participates </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> New </span>Covenant<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">both</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>as<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> </span>subject<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>living a new life based on redemption in Christ,<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>as<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>recipient<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">God’s promises to Abraham in the </span>Abrahamic<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>Covenant.<span style="letter-spacing: 1.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">The promise that effects the Church</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>come<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">through</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Seed<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>Abraham who is Jesus<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Christ,<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>as first presented as the seventh “I Will” of the Abrahamic Covenant. <span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">The</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Church<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> does not </span>“fulfill”<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> New </span>Covenant, <span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">that is strictly for the Nation</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Israel<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">the</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>future<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>Messianic Kingdom.<span style="letter-spacing: 2.6pt;"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">The New Covenant was inaugurated at Christ’s death (Matthew 26:27–28; Luke 22:20), and the Church, by her<sup> </sup>union with Christ, is sharing in many of the spiritual blessings promised to Israel the New Covenant (Romans 11:11–27; Ephesians 2:11–22; II Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 8:6–13; 9:15; 12:22–24). For we are told:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;">Ephesians 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>7 </sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">In Him we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. (MEV)</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">But, though the Church’s participation in the New Covenant is strictly as a participant, it is not the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise. The fact that believers today enjoy the spiritual blessings of the New Covenant, such as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forgiveness of sins, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, does <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> mean that spiritual <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> physical blessings will not be realized by Israel. That still awaits the day when Israel will acknowledge her sin, and turn to the Messiah for forgiveness (Zechariah 12:10–13:1)</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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One way to illustrate the Church’s participation in the New Covenant is to view the New Covenant as an airplane that takes off. Let’s view the plane as the Covenant and its load of missiles as the Church. The Church (Missiles) gets dropped off in the Church Age and the plane (New Covenant) continues on until it lands in the Messianic Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-62656606552373658542017-02-23T08:28:00.001-08:002017-04-22T06:58:30.978-07:00The Role of The Shepherd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In chapter 34 of the book of Ezekiel God is using a familiar illustration of the “shepherd” and his “sheep” to describe the leaders and the people of the Nation Israel. The Bible frequently uses this terminology to refer to the spiritual leaders with responsibility over a group of people (Psalm 78:70-72; Isaiah 44:28; 63:11; Jeremiah 23:1-4; 25:34-38). Their primary role was to guard the nation like a shepherd would guard his flock. Every society needs a recognized and well-ordered leadership for its own safeguard and prosperity. God chose elders, priests, kings and prophets to connect Him to the people in ancient Israel. There are earthly “shepherds” to carry out the Lord’s will in leading the people to God, and King David recognized this:</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" style="color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2217" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" height="238" src="https://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 1em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="212" /></a></div>
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Psalm 23:1-6</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></i><i>The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever. (KJV)</i></div>
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In this Psalm David categorized the many benefits of the Lord as our “Shepherd”, and who also is a gracious host. The Lord protected David from life’s dangers, and God’s persistent living protection enabled him to enjoy a secure communion with Him all the days of his life.</div>
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The Lord also described the future, earthly appearance of the Messiah of Israel as a “<i>shepherd</i>” who will feed and gently carry the young of His flock (Isaiah 40:11). The same is important in New Testament times as well (Proverbs 8:15; Romans 13:1). During His appearance in time and space as the Lord Jesus, He called Himself the “<i>Good Shepherd</i>”, while describing the bad shepherd as a thief and a robber:</div>
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John 10:1-16</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span> “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span> But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> 3 </span>To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> 4 </span>And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span> Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.</i></div>
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<i> </i><i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>All who ever came before Me[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.</i></div>
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<i> </i><i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span> “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span> The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span> I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span> As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span> And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (NKJ)</i></div>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Good Shepherd (Asia Minor, c. 390; Cleveland Museum of Art)</dd></dl>
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The Shepherds of Israel</h3>
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The kings and princes who ruled over the Nation Israel became evil and self-serving instead of doing God’s work ministering to the people. God was getting ready to take them to task for what they were not doing (Ezekiel 34:1-2).</div>
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Characteristics and Results of Evil Shepherds</h3>
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Ezekiel 34:3-6</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></i><i>Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought back that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have ye ruled over them. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the beasts of the field, and were scattered. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my sheep were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and there was none that did search or seek after them. (ASV, 1901)</i></div>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Wolf in sheep's clothing - artist unknown</dd></dl>
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These appointed leaders did not serve the flock as the Good Shepherd intended them to do. At the expense of the common people they were using the offices that they held to achieve personal gain, and become wealthy. Their view of the people as a source of wealth replaced fulfilling their obligation to the Lord who had entrusted them with the administration of His love, care and accurate promulgation of His Word in an organized and systematic manner. Instead of taking their God-given role seriously, they ruled with harshness and brutality. They did not strengthen those who were diseased, they failed to adequately heal and care for the sick, and they did not care for the lost, either physically or spiritually. Through the truth of Scripture, they should have nurtured the people, and brought them to a positive, genuine relationship with God. Another error in their flagrant disregard for the people was failing to watch over them. Instead they let the sheep wander from the safety of the flock. Their shepherding of the flock was diametrically opposed to what Jesus characterized as the appropriate action of a Good Shepherd:</div>
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Matthew 18:12</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? (NASB)</i></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Lost-sheep.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Lost-sheep.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2421" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Lost-sheep.jpg" height="360" src="https://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Lost-sheep.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="640" /></a></dt>
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Sheep will wander. It is one of their characteristics, and when the sheep become scattered they are vulnerable to predatory wild animals. As much as he can, the caring shepherd will make sure they are not wandering off in a direction that will harm them. These leaders were so self-serving that they failed to provide any oversight, and did not notice, or care, that the people of Israel had left the flock in terms of spiritual purity and physical safety. When leaders abandon truth for personal gain of any sort they are placing their flocks in danger. When the message of truth is corrupted or is inadequately conveyed, a person will leave their acceptance of the authority of Scripture’s spiritual truth and is lost. They no longer have the safeguard of its protective doctrines, and are in danger of losing the path to eternal salvation.</div>
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Since the mid 1800’s many of the spiritual leaders of the Church have been abrogating their spiritual responsibility to care for their flocks. They cause many to leave because they began denying, or arguing over some of the fundamentals of the faith. Denominations and church after church have split over denials of the Trinity, the incarnation and the Second Coming. The roots of this began in Europe, particularly with German Rationalism where the inerrancy of the Scripture was denied with the development of Biblical Criticism and particularly with the “documentary hypothesis”. Julius Wellhausen was the principal developer of this concept. He insisted that human reason only, not the Bible, could be trusted. He presented the idea that the Bible, far from being God’s Word, was just a collection of human documents. These destructive denials of the fundamental truth of the Bible caused the church leaders to quote everything but the Bible, and preach everything but the gospel. Religious liberalism led to the calamities that came upon Europe such as Communism, Nazism, fascism, and promulgation of the occult. Other diseased ideas have been promoted by the absence of a spiritual core that makes up the divine life and spiritual blessing. Wellhausen and his liberalism destroyed the spiritual life in Europe, and nearly succeeded in the spiritual destruction of the United States. Today less than 1% of the population of Europe is made up of Evangelical Christians. <a data-mce-href="#_ftn1" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;">[1]</a></div>
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If you think that men are not able to negatively influence others to keep them out of the Kingdom, listen to what the Lord Jesus had to say to the Pharisees:</div>
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Matthew 23:13</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span></i><i>But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (KJV)</i></div>
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TRUTH MUST NEVER BE SACRIFIED FOR PEACE. IT NEVER WORKS!</h5>
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In more recent times modern “false shepherds” have led many into a totally new phase of misleading the believer. The old phase, under the liberal intellectuals of the 1800’s, can be characterized as “destructive denials” of Scripture authority. This new phase claims to affirm the fundamentals of the faith, but they have made a paradigm shift away from the Bible as being the final authority in determining divine truth, and focus on experience as being equally valid, or taking priority over Scripture. If the Bible contradicts a particular practice, or “experience” promoted by the modern day church, then that practice is justified by them as a “new move of the Spirit”, and what the text of the Scripture actually says can be contradicted by this new “experience”. This represents itself as a more “spiritual” of a way of denying the truth of God, and therefore far more deceptive. The Holy Spirit will never move in a manner that is contrary to Scripture.</div>
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The New Evangelicalism or The Emerging Church</h3>
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<b><u> </u></b>The New Evangelicalism, also called the Emerging Church, is perhaps the most insidious of all the apostasies. It is characterized by catering to the desires of the people. Instead of being inculcated with God’s Word and having our personal world view and behavior be patterned after God’s Word, the New Evangelicalism gives the people what they want. One New Testament passage clearly predicts this reversal of worship of God to worshipping man:</div>
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Romans 1:25</div>
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<i> </i><i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span></i><i>Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen (KJV)</i></div>
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The idea of this new wave apostasy is to “soft-sell” the Bible and salvation. This apostasy does not want to upset anybody, there is never any mention of Hell, or the outcome of an unsaved life. Instead they offer a path away from an aimless, meaningless life here on earth. They say they “believe” strongly in salvation through Jesus Christ, but their actions differ sharply from what they say. Salvation is given lip service, and evangelism with real confrontation or teaching Biblical doctrine is thought to be too “divisive”. Usually their Bible teaching is characterized by an over emphasis on application, which is the “middle of the road” approach. Our “experiences” and “quality of life” here on earth are more important than total service to God, and the blessed assurance that He will soon come to lift us out of this sinful decaying world. Paul warned us that the end times would be characterized with a departure from sound doctrine, and from the truth:</div>
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II Timothy 4:3-4</div>
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<i> </i><i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></i><i>For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></i><i>And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV)</i></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/american_river_ganges_large.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/american_river_ganges_large.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-2418" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/american_river_ganges_large-1024x735.jpg" height="617" src="https://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/american_river_ganges_large-1024x735.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="860" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">From an 1871 editorial in Harper’s magazine. The fanged beasts coming from the sea are false shepherds.</dd></dl>
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The New Evangelicals believe if they do not emphasize “man-pleasing”, they will lose members of their congregation, and more importantly, their funding. A total dependence on God for their resources is abandoned for “sound business” practices or “fundamental marketing techniques.” Total reliance on God by elders through prayer and patience is exchanged for parliamentary procedure, schemes for man-made self-advancement, and the development of career goals. The pastor is considered a CEO, not the teacher of God’s Word. Mission statements and strategic plans are formulated to accommodate personal plans. The Bible is subordinated to man’s desires.</div>
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The thought of prophecy is anathema to the New Evangelical for they say it causes “division”. This “division” of course is between those non-literal Bible expositors and the literal Biblical expositors. Some have characterized the New Evangelical as being seduced by the world spirit of this present age. You can see it in the leaders who are popularized. Usually they have a high degree of prominence in the government or sports, and their testimonies are sought after for paid speaking engagements and book endorsements. But you will never see a Sunday school teacher, or poor inner city pastor held up by them as pillars of the faith. Christ went to the lowest members of society to bring the truth to the world. He did not go to the popular and prominent because they had already compromised the Truth for self gain.</div>
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The New Evangelicals represent a spirit of disobedience to, and a mood of compromise of what God has asked us to do in times of confrontation. It is a rejection of many of the difficult aspects of New Testament Christianity. They promote an attitude of “positivism” where they would rather be passive diplomats, not focused fighters, and infiltrators rather than separatists. They would not be restricted by a separationist mentality as we are asked to do if God’s word is violated. The New Evangelical would rather pursue dialog, intellectualism, and appeasement than standing firm for Biblical truth.</div>
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Our culture has become deeply entrenched with psychology, and its teachings are rapidly becoming the norm in Christian Schools and churches to “add to” or replace the teachings of the Bible. The weakness and carnality of the church in recent decades has allowed this psychological mind-set of the world to flow into the church. Psychology offer remedies outside of God’s word in the Bible, and has brought about a redefining of many foundational matters of the Christian faith. The correct understanding is that man's condition is sin, and God's remedy is His saving and transforming grace (Romans 5:12, 17). Psychology teaches that man must esteem himself, affirm himself, and actualize himself. All of this new thinking is coming from psychological theory, which is primarily a man-based philosophy of life. In conclusion, we are strongly warned in the word of the Lord not to be guided by the philosophy of the world:</div>
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Colossians 2:8</div>
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<i> </i><i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span></i><i>Beware lest anyone take you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (KJV)</i></div>
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It is clear from the beginning passages in Chapter 34 of Ezekiel that man (who are “sheep”) tended to stray from God to follow his own self-willed path (Isaiah 53:6). We need to deny ourselves, take up His cross, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). We need to follow the leading of our Good Shepherd, who loves us, and died so we could be eternally secure and free. The Good Shepherd is just the opposite of the bad shepherds who let the sheep die because they cannot be bothered to do their job.</div>
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The Indictment of The False Shepherds</h3>
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Ezekiel 34:7-8</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></i><i>Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely forasmuch as my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my sheep; (ASV, 1901)</i></div>
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Our Lord here addresses the wicked shepherds directly with the command to “<i>hear the word of Jehovah”. </i>God begins again to stress the situation the wicked shepherds created causing the sheep to scatter, and become prey “<i>to all the beasts of the field</i>”. The shepherds did not look for the sheep that were scattered. God still calls the sheep His own, which obviously means that He has never relinquished His rights to sheep entrusted to the shepherd of the flock. These wicked men were given temporary custody and this is their indictment; they failed to look after the people of God to whom they were entrusted.</div>
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This should be a sober message to anyone who has responsibilities to teach the Word of God. God is very serious about the quality of the teaching of His Word, and will chastise those who cause the sheep to scatter because of poor quality teaching, including denial of essential doctrines necessary for the sheep to flourish. The false shepherds had brought Israel to ruin, and now He would intercede to rescue His chosen people. The fact that God will cause His people to hear the truth, and bring the genuine sheep out from under false shepherds cannot be missed. There also is a component of responsibility on the sheep to seek out the truth of God’s Word where it is taught clearly, and to abandon the false teachers. Only the truly saved will seek the truth.</div>
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God Will Deliver the Sheep</h3>
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Ezekiel 34:9-10</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span></i><i>therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of Jehovah: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span>Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; and I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them. (ASV, 1901)</i></div>
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<i> </i>The main objective of God in this situation was to bring about the deliverance of the sheep and their well-being. God does not desire the ruin of anyone. This text primarily rebukes Israel’s false shepherds. The sheep are meant to receive comfort, and He promises that He has not forgotten about them. The Lord God will deliver His sheep from the hand of the unfaithful shepherds, and He personally would gather His scattered sheep. Throughout the history of the Church this is also very apparent. When the shepherds have gone “bad”, and are no longer are feeding the flock of sheep, God intervenes and leads the sheep to a new shepherd who will feed them.</div>
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False Shepherds Today</h3>
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Revelation chapters two and three can be seen as a chronological exposition of a broad overview of Church history. We can see the letters to the churches describe an accurate chronological depiction of the problems encountered throughout church history. The last letter to the church at Laodicea provides an clear picture of the apostasy of the visible Christian Church, also called The Church of the Apostasy, and represents Church history from A.D. 1890-to the present day:</div>
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Revelation 3:14-22</div>
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<i> </i><i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span></i><i>To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: '<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">'17</span>Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. </i></div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">“20 </span></i><i>Behold</i><i>, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (NASB)</i></div>
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<b> </b>This letter is directed to the Laodiceans, whose name means “people ruling”, and it is a church entirely ruled by men, which this is diametrically opposed to God’s ruling in the church. This is because the Holy Spirit is not present and doing His ministry of guiding, teaching, and illuminating. While this has happened throughout the history of the Nation Israel, it is far worse in the Church Age since the 1890’s. God says that in the latter times some will be led by demons away from faith in God. This is what led the Israelite shepherds away from God as they worshipped the Canaanite idols on the “high places.” The following passage clearly describes the shepherds who are given authority to bring God’s Word in the Church Age, and why they fail:</div>
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I Timothy 4:1-3</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></i><i>But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons , <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></i><i>men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. (KJV)</i></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Satan.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Satan.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-1867" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Satan.jpg" height="324" src="https://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Satan.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="432" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Artist Unknown</dd></dl>
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The source of the apostasy is demons. Apostates have essentially given in to seducing spirits and are preaching a system of doctrine that is a doctrine of demons. Furthermore, they speak lies through hypocrisy, and their consciences have stopped working. We can see how the shepherds through their adherence and interest in demonic activity have been led to teach a whole host of unbiblical requirements. As they turn from clearly teaching God’s Word, they deny its authority:</div>
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II Timothy 3:1-5</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></i><i> This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span> For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span> without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span> traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV)</i></div>
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This passage from II Timothy begins with a description of the general character of false shepherds of God Word. Many of these characteristics are true today. Verse five specifically identifies the false front put on by the shepherds. These men have “<i>a form of godliness</i>”, but deny the power of God’s Word. Consider apostate clergy who wear flowing clerical gowns and embrace church hierarchical titles or dress in a manner appearing to be “one of us”. They appear to have a form of “godliness”, but they deny “<i>the power thereof”,</i> for they have denied the true power of godliness. They claim to trust in God, but are actually trusting in worldly methodologies. They bring the world’s attractions into the church to lure the sheep into remaining, even when they stop affirming the authority of God’s Word. This is one aspect of the sheep scattering from the false shepherd that no longer carry’s the voice of God to the sheep. We are commanded to separate from them. Here are four important points to understand what this really means:</div>
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<li>Separation is not an optional part of Christianity; it is a commandment (Romans 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; I Timothy 6:5; II Timothy 2:16-18; 3:5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 18:4).</li>
<li>Separation is not mean or unloving; it is obedience to God.</li>
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<li>“Mark them . . . avoid them” (Romans 16:17)</li>
<li>“Be ye not unequally yoked together with” (II Corinthians 6:14)</li>
<li>“Have no fellowship with” (II Corinthians 6:14)</li>
<li>“Come out from among” (II Corinthians 6:17)</li>
<li>“Withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:5)</li>
<li>“Shun” (II Timothy 2:16)</li>
<li>“Purge oneself from” (II Timothy 2:21)</li>
<li>“From such turn away” (II Timothy 3:5)</li>
<li>“Reject” (Titus 3:10)</li>
<li>“Receive them not into your house neither bid them Godspeed” (II John 10)</li>
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<li>Separate even from brethren who are living in disobedience, and do not follow the traditions Christ taught us (II Thessalonians 3:6).</li>
<li>Separation is a wall of protection against spiritual danger. Failure to separate from error leaves one open to the influence of error (I Corinthians 15:33). The reason a shepherd separates the sheep from wolves is to protect them. Likewise, a faithful and godly Bible teacher will seek to separate his flock from spiritual dangers that are even more destructive than wolves. As evidence of this we see many false prophets, corrupt denominations and seminary teachings.</li>
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Another activity of the false shepherds is mockery of the fundamentals of the faith and the creation schisms or separations:</div>
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Jude 17-19</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span></i><i>But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span></i><i>How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span></i><i>These be they who <u>separate themselves</u>, sensual, having not the Spirit. (KJV)</i></div>
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They begin denying some of the fundamentals of the faith such as the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures, the Virgin Birth, the Substitutionary death of Christ, and His physical resurrection from the dead. Then they attempt to convince some to their heresies, but not all will accept them. As the Lord said, many sheep will know His voice and only follow Him, and not a false shepherd (John 10:1-5). In the course of time this produces a split within the visible church. Throughout the Church age there has been <i>schism after schism</i>. Church after church and denominations have split over denials of the Trinity, the incarnation and the Second Coming.</div>
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Like the example we have in Ezekiel’s day, these scatterings of the sheep through heretical teachings and deeds of separations have become prevalent as church history has progressed from the time of Jesus to the present day. Liberalism, also called Modernism, and other attempts like them to keep God’s Word from clearly reaching the sheep have accelerated since the early 1900’s. The decade of the 1920’s was characterized by the great Modernist-Fundamentalist battles. There were many attempts to fight Modernism within the church. Toward the end of that decade, it was apparent that the Modernists were firmly in control of both the denominational church positions (this included all the major denominations except the Southern Baptist Convention) and their schools.</div>
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This led to the separatist movement of the 1930’s as the Fundamentalists pulled out of the denominations and started their own denominations or independent churches. Emerging from the United Presbyterian Church of the United States of America was a group led by J. Gresham Machen, which subsequently split into three separate denominations (Orthodox Presbyterians, Bible Presbyterians and the Evangelical Presbyterians) due to internal struggles. Out of the American Baptist Convention came the General Association of Regular Baptists (GARB). Out of the United Methodist Church came the Evangelical Methodists. The following chart is a partial depiction affirming these splits:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Untitled.png" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Untitled.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2415" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Untitled.png" height="721" src="https://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Untitled.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="900" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Protestant Denominations since Christ by http://protestantism.co.uk/denominations</dd></dl>
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Additionally, ecumenical movements have been prevalent during the 1940’s through to the present day. Ecumenism is a demonic attempt to tie “bad” teaching and practices to “good” ones, which only results in bad theology and doctrine. The fundamental Bible believers either cave in to the liberal apostates, or separate by breaking off in order to clearly receive God’s Word from other sources. In 1948, the World Council of Churches was organized on two principles: <i>First,</i> the unity of all the Churches in the basis of <u>liberal </u>beliefs; and <i>second,</i> the unity of all religions. In 1950, the old Federal Council of Churches was reorganized into the National Council of Churches, again attempting to unify all churches in the United States along liberal beliefs. Consequently, the visible church is primarily apostate today. Even among conservative denominations, the threat of apostasy is taking over of the theological and seminary schools and results in the supplying of liberal ministers for the pulpit.</div>
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God Affirms His Deliverance of His Sheep</h3>
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Ezekiel 34:11-16</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span></i><i>For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>And I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited places of the country. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>I will feed them with good pasture; and upon the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord Jehovah. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice. (ASV, 1901)</i></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/lost-sheep_orig.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/lost-sheep_orig.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-2419" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/lost-sheep_orig.jpg" height="500" src="https://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/lost-sheep_orig.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="400" /></a></dt>
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God always will take charge of His genuine sheep even though the false shepherds ignore the sheep in order to chase after their own desires and profit. He says that He “<i>will search for my sheep, and will seek them out”.</i> Jesus expressed this same truth in John chapter ten. In very loving text God says that He will bring the Jews out of all the places in the world where they have been scattered, and place them again in the land of Israel. He will not allow them to suffer again anything they need because He will supply it. The Lord’s treatment of His flock is diametrically opposite to that of the false shepherds. In verse 16 God states there will also be judgment on the wealthy, or “<i>the fat and strong</i>” of the nation who have oppressed the poor. God’s Word tells us that excessive prosperity causes people to forget God:</div>
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Proverbs 30:8-9</div>
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<i><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span></i><i>Remove far from me falsehood and lies; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is needful for me: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God. (ASV, 1901)</i></div>
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All these promises to Israel and the Church seen in Ezekiel 34: 11-16 will be realized in the Messianic Kingdom.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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<a data-mce-href="#_ftnref1" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;">[1]</a> Breese, Dave, <i>7 Men Who Rule The World From The Grave</i>, Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 1992</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-60427019739019147592017-01-02T18:22:00.000-08:002017-01-02T19:23:52.776-08:00Isaiah Prophecies Jesus' Appearance and Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The New Testament frequently realizes fulfillments of Old Testament prophetic passages in various manners. Some have stated that there are in excess of six hundred allusions and quotations in the New Testament from the Old Testament. Others have alluded to the book of Revelation as having that many all by itself. Prophecy is obviously a significant component of the New Testament. Therefore, it is important for a correct reading of the New Testament to understand this issue so you can accurately assimilate the message that God is communicating. Without an appropriate understanding of the proper reading of God’s Word, it becomes “jammed up” in its meaning, and the reader will receive an erroneous message. Just as earthly warfare has combatants attempting to “jam” each other’s communications to gain an advantage, the Biblical text has an enemy that is seeking to cast doubt on God’s Word. Satan has been trying to cast doubt on what God has spoken since the Garden of Eden. He will use any means possible, including poor hermeneutics, poor grammar and incorrect theology.</div>
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It is important to understand the different written forms of texts in the Old Testament in order to understand how the prophecy came about. The same is true for all the all other biblical writers. The manner, or form, somebody says or writes in has everything to do with formulating a proper understanding of what they mean. For example, in the seventh, eighth and ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah there are discussions taking place which refer to specific activities taking place in Isaiah’s day needing resolution, but the resolutions will be completed by God at a later time. Isaiah wrote his book in standard narrative and Hebraic poetry forms, and this makes a difference in how we read Isaiah’s words. One of the keys to understanding Isaiah is to come to grips with the poetic genre of communicating. Reading poetry requires us to read it at a different pace, to pay closer attention to the text, and to remind ourselves that it is not a straight narrative, therefore we must focus on the words more intently.</div>
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He will be born of a virgin (Circa 714 B.C.)</h4>
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‘Joseph’s dream ’ (1645) from the workshop of Rembrandt</div>
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Most of us are not familiar with poetry’s decorative manner of presenting concepts, and therefore understanding it does not come naturally. One factor of poetry that helps us understand it is the attempt to put God into language. Since He is outside of our experience, He not easily rendered with straightforward words. But poetry can express what has been called “divine communication” because it exceeds normal comprehension. Isaiah frequently made use of the method called “parallelism”. Simply stated, one sentence would be followed by another, but stating the same thing in a different manner. Isaiah expressed many of the offices and characteristics of the coming Messiah this way. For example, see how in about 714 B.C. Isaiah presents the characteristic of Christ as being born of a virgin, and pay especial attention to sequence in verse 14:</div>
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Isaiah 7: 1-14</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 1 And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart trembled, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest tremble with the wind.</i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 3 Then said Jehovah unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shear-jashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, in the highway of the fuller’s field; </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 and say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither let thy heart be faint, because of these two tails of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.</i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have purposed evil against thee, saying,</i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 6 Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set up a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeel; </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 thus saith the Lord Jehovah, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.</i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken in pieces, so that is shall not be a people</i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">: 9 and the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 And Jehovah spake again unto Ahaz, saying, </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11 Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah. </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to weary men, that ye will weary my God also? </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel (ASV 1901).</i></div>
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Queen of Sheba Before Solomon Nicolaus Knupfer</div>
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To give you some background on this passage, about 930 B.C. after Solomon died, there was a civil war in Israel. The name “Israel” became attached to the apostate ten tribal regions in the north. “Judah” became the name attached to the faithful southern region. Ahaz was king of Judah in the southern kingdom (Cir. 714 B.C.). As the text tells us, the king of Israel Peka, the king of Syria Rezin, and the nation Ephraim laid siege to Jerusalem. This scared Ahaz so that he thought that the Jews would be wiped out, and also the tribe of Judah through which the Messiah would come. God sent Isaiah, along with his son Shear-jashub, to comfort Ahaz by telling him that Judah would not lose the battle, or be exterminated. God, through Isaiah, then wanted Ahaz to realize that he could rely on God to provide protection for him and his people. They would not be destroyed since the Messiah had to come through the tribe of Judah, and He would be born from a virgin who would be God Himself. In the Hebrew language the word “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">virgin</i>” refers to a young unmarried girl, and is pronounced <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ha’almah</i>, which means <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“the one who is not yet betrothed.”</i></div>
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In the Hebrew culture under the Mosaic Law, an unmarried girl had to be a virgin or she would be stoned to death. So while the word <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ha’almah</i> does not translate directly as “virgin”, this is what is understood based upon the ancient Hebrew culture. The Hebrew word for “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God with us</i>” is <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emmanuel</i>, and by specifically stating this word<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">,</i> God wanted Ahaz to know that just as it had been prophesied from previous times, God’s promises would come to pass. They always do. When we weary of our circumstances, remember this story that God gave Ahaz to comfort and even to rebuke (“<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ye will weary my God also?”) </i>him for not trusting God to do what He said He would do. The parallelism demonstrated in this passage is that God would protect Ahaz within the immediate future, and there will be an even greater protection in the distant future when <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emmanuel</i> is born.</div>
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God Warns Isaiah Not to Be Like Many People</h4>
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Isaiah 8:11-22</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span></i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For Jehovah spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>Say ye not, A conspiracy, concerning all whereof this people shall say, A conspiracy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be in dread thereof. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>Jehovah of hosts, him shall ye sanctify; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>And many shall stumble thereon, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span></i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bind thou up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span>And I will wait for Jehovah, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion. </i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span></i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>And they shall pass through it, sore distressed and hungry; and it shall come to pass that, when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse by their king and by their God, and turn their faces upward: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>and they shall look unto the earth, and behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and into thick darkness they shall be driven away (ASV 1901).</i></div>
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The Prophet Isaiah by Michelangelo cir 1508-1512</div>
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The only proper way to determine truth is to go to first the Word of God. Many have departed from this, and look to other sources such as personal experiences or a denomination’s hierarchy to tell us what is true. Frequently people will experience something, whether it is in the news or from a church leader, and then try to find verses to justify the activity rather than be willing to admit that the experience—no matter how wonderful or supernatural it felt—was simply not of God. As evidence they will say that they “feel better” by validating the experience with a particular verse or others, usually taken out of context from the original scripture passage, and think that this justifies the experience. God’s Word must be the primary source of truth, not any experience.</div>
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Within the Book of Isaiah God frequently demonstrates by means of comparison a difference between actual believers and those that do not believe. In verse 16 above, we see just what value each places on Scripture. The “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">law”</i> is the Law of Moses, and the “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">testimony”</i> is the words of the Prophets. The Believers actually believe Moses and the Prophets (The Old Testament). The non-Believers reject the Scriptures as the ultimate authority, and were trying to make God more “real in their experience” by finding gods they could see, feel, and touch. In verse 19, Isaiah warns them that they are not to go after counterfeit spirits and teachers “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that chirp and that mutter</i>.” People who follow after those “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that chirp and that mutter”</i> could have some great feelings, but Isaiah rejects all this. The only valid testimony is what he declares in verse 20: “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To the law and to the testimony!</i>” In other words, go back to the Scriptures as the only final authority. And in closing he says “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them</i>.” Isaiah makes it quite clear: Whatever the experiences, if it does not align with the <u style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">written </u>Word of God there is simply no morning “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">light”</i> for them. A person’s failure to heed God’s Word means he has no spiritual light (John 3:19–20). God will eventually judge all Spiritists, mediums, and those who consult them (Isaiah 8:21–22). In their distress they will look up to God and curse Him, and look to the earth where they will face distress, and then be thrust into darkness (2 Peter 2:17). Ironically those who seek to consult the dead will be forced to join them!</div>
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The Light of the World Will Come</h4>
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The troubles of Israel shall end through the birth of a very Special Child. This section of the prophecy actually started with chapter 7:1, and ends in this wonderful and gracious promise:</div>
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Stained Glass Artist and location Unknown</div>
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Isaiah 9:1-7</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>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, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this (ASV, 1901).</i></div>
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The essence of the whole section is that Israel shall not suffer from Pekah and Rezin, and her oppressors shall be Assyria and Babylon. They shall overwhelm her, crush her, lay her low, and she shall remain awhile in gloom and darkness, but later the darkness is going to end. Then a “great light” shall shine forth, first in the north, then over all the land, and “the rod of the oppressor” shall be broken. A Child shall be born, who shall bear marvelous names, and shall rule over the full kingdom of David in justice and righteousness forever. God has spoken, and God will perform this.</div>
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Verse 1 states that “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">contempt</i>” was brought upon the more northern part of the Holy Land, first when it was overrun and ravaged by the Syrians (1 Kings 15:20) under Benhadad, and then when it suffered under the Assyrian attack (2 Kings 15:29) under Tiglath-Pileser. Under Gentile domination, that area was then called “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Galilee of the nations</i>” meaning the gentiles, <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not</i> Galilee of the Jews. Isaiah then moves on to cite a time is coming when the people will see what God will do as stated in verse 1b where He states “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” </i>This was area was the home of Jesus. He was a Galilean, and lived and ministered there. For thirty years he had lived at Nazareth, in Zebulon. There He had first come forward to teach in a synagogue (Luke 4:16–21). Also in Galilee He had done his first miracles at Capernaum, “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zebulon and Naphtali</i>” (John 2:11; 4:54).</div>
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All the world was “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in darkness</i>” when Christ came, but especially the Jews. They had the light of God and seemingly rejected it. “The Light of the world,” “the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” first came in the North of Israel “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by the way of the sea</i>,” when Jesus came forward to teach and to preach in “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Galilee of the nations</i>.” Jesus first streamed forth His light, glorifying the Northern Israeli region on which “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">contempt</i>” had long been poured. Verse 3 tells us Jesus will make the nations joyful as when a bountiful harvest is reaped. So this verse is offering relief to the people who have been deceived and downtrodden. The result will be that a very special son will come to them who will be a blessing in the northern part of Israel.</div>
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The coming of the Messiah sets the Israelites free, removes the yoke from off their neck, breaks the rod where their shoulders were beaten, and delivers them from bondage into the “glorious liberty of the children of God.” In verse 4, the “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">yoke of his burden</i>” is that of sin, the “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">oppressor</i>” is that prince of darkness, who brought all mankind under his dominion. However Christ will break it when the Messianic Kingdom arrives, and the heavenly Kingdom will come on earth just as it is in Heaven. And then all need for military equipment will vanish as it is burned up because He will cause peace and justice to prevail on this earth.</div>
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In verse 6 we are told that a child will be born who will eventually rule the entire world. The government will indeed “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be upon the shoulders”</i> of the Messiah as He bears the work of managing the government of the entire world during the Messianic Kingdom for a thousand years:</div>
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Psalm 2:6-8</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, You are my son; This day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession</i> (ASV, 1901).</div>
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Also in verse 6, His name will be called “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wonderful</i>” and is a direct reference to Judges 13:18. Here Samson’s father asks the Angel of the Lord who He is, and gets the reply of <i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Why do you ask My name,” the Angel of the LORD asked him, “since it is wonderful.”</i></div>
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The word “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wonderful</i>” can also be translated as “secret” or “extraordinary”, “supernatural”, or even “incomprehensible”. This is the nature of God. Jesus the Messiah will be a “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">C</i><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ounsellor</i>”, and the people will gladly listen to Him as the authoritative One. In the Messianic Kingdom many people will be anxious to hear the Messiah teach God’s ways. As the Messiah He will also be “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mighty God</i>” who is strong, powerful, and mighty. As the “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Everlasting Father</i>” He is eternal and has no end as the Father of all mankind. The title “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Everlasting Father</i>” is an idiom used to describe the Messiah’s Deity, not His relationship to the other Members of the Trinity. He is God the Son. He will endure continually for Messiah is God. The Messiah is also called the “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prince of Peace</i>”, the One who will bring in and maintain the time of millennial peace when the Jewish nation, and the world at large, will be in obedience to the Lord. Together, these four titles give a beautiful picture of the coming Lord that is future in Isaiah’s day (and yet future to our day too) and Messiah’s character.</div>
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According to the passage in Isaiah, verse 7 tells us this child will be born into a Jewish family of the lineage of king David with whom the control of the entire world’s government will rest. Isaiah expands on this here:</div>
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Isaiah 16:5</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And a throne shall be established in lovingkindness; and one shall sit thereon in truth, in the tent of David, judging, and seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness</i> (ASV, 1901).</div>
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“<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Of the increase of his government and peace</i>” there shall be no end, which means the Messiah’s kingdom shall ever increase more and more, and there shall be no limits to it. Ultimately it shall fill the world (Matthew 28:18, 19). The continual spread of Christianity tends to the accomplishment of this prophecy. “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom</i>” means that the Messiah is to sit on the throne of David, which signifies His Davidic descent. A gradual establishment of the kingdom as Christianity spreads is the first stage that is also taught in the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33). From “<i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">henceforth even forever”</i> means the kingdom is to be both universal in respect of extent, and in respect of eternal duration. God’s jealousy of his own honor will assure the performance of all that is prophesied.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-56541507670319251032016-04-28T16:03:00.002-07:002016-04-28T16:03:05.337-07:00God's Grace Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness Part V & VI The Restoration of Judah<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0.3em;">
Restoration of The Harlot and Her Sisters</h3>
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This is the fifth section of the parable and is covered in verses 53-58.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3jsw_orgy.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3jsw_orgy.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Orgy by William Hogarth Cir 1733" class="size-full wp-image-2055" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3jsw_orgy.jpg" height="331" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3jsw_orgy.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="400" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Orgy by William Hogarth Cir 1733</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:53</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">53</span>And I will turn again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Now God begins to give Ezekiel the assurance that Judah would be restored. Judah and Jerusalem have been associated with their “sisters” of Sodom and Samaria, both of whom God said sinned less than Jerusalem (Ezekiel 16:46-47). In the process of restoring Judah and Jerusalem into His good favor, God says that He will include both Samaria and Sodom in the deliverance. The time of this deliverance is a subject of much discussion. God must be speaking of the Messianic Kingdom when the restoration of all things on this earth will occur. This has not happened any time before in history. The inhabitants of the Southern Kingdom of Judah came back to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, but there has never been a time when the sinful cities of Sodom and Samaria have been restored. God is saying that He will be fair and restore Judah’s “sisters” too. This means these cities will be restored in the Messianic Kingdom. It does not refer to the individual sinners who were within them because they will suffer the punishment of eternal fire. The wicked always receive their justified eternal punishment:</div>
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Jude 1:7</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span> Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (KJV)</em></div>
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The two cities of Sodom and Samaria, which were judged earlier in history, shall also be the first to receive God’s mercy and restoration. He will then restore Jerusalem along with the other cities of Judah. These areas are located within the area given to the tribe of Judah by God (Joshua 15). This is not a restoration to their sinful state, but to their original state before the massive sinning took place.</div>
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Judah Will Be Shamed</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Judah and Tamar by Cornelis van Haarlem cir 1596" class="size-large wp-image-2270" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52-1024x599.jpg" height="503" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52-1024x599.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="860" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Judah and Tamar by Cornelis van Haarlem cir 1596</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:54</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">54</span>that thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be ashamed because of all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Within the restoration there will be an element of humiliation for Judah. Jerusalem will be ashamed to realize that Sodom and Samaria have been “restored” to God’s favor with her. This will be a comfort to those who saw that Jerusalem’s sins were greater than the cities of Sodom and Samaria. Both of these cities will take comfort from the fact that Jerusalem, who had “looked down on them” received the greater punishment and was only restored because they were, in other words Judah’s misfortune was a comfort to Sodom and Samaria.</div>
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The Restoration</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:55</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">55</span>And thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate; and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate; and thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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In the Messianic Kingdom God will provide them all a complete restoration, and this is described in Deuteronomy:</h5>
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Deuteronomy 30:3-5</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>That then Jehovah thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the peoples, whither Jehovah thy God hath scattered thee <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>If any of thine outcasts be in the uttermost parts of heaven, from thence will Jehovah thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>and Jehovah thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.</em> <em>(ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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As a result of their repentance, God will exercise His tender compassion and gather the nation and bring her back to her land. He will restore all of Israel’s fortunes. This is a theme that He has frequently stated through His prophets (Jeremiah 30:18; 32:44; 33:11, 26; Joel 3:1). This great restoration to the land, which was promised to Abraham will not be fully complete until the return of the Messiah after the Tribulation, and just before the beginning of His millennial reign on the earth (Isaiah 59:20–62:12) (See also Jesus’ teaching of the regathering in Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27). This will be a time of spiritual unity under the Messiah, and material prosperity greater than the Nation Israel, or the world, has ever known (Deuteronomy 30:5).</div>
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Sodom’s Warning Ignored</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Eve of the Deluge by William Bell Scott Cir 1865" class="size-full wp-image-2053" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" height="432" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="655" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Eve of the Deluge by William Bell Scott Cir 1865</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:56-57</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">56</span>For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">57</span>before thy wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, that do despite unto thee round about. </em><em> </em></div>
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At the height of Judah’s prideful existence, she did not consider Sodom’s fate as a warning of what could and would happen to her through God’s judgment. The depth of wickedness in Judah was revealed during the time of the reign of King Ahaz when Judah was subjected to attacks, and was defeated by both Syria and the Philistines:<em> </em></div>
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II Kings 16:5-6</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drove the Jews from Elath; and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there, unto this day. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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II Chronicles 28:16-19</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span>For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the South of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Soco with the towns thereof, and Timnah with the towns thereof, Gimzo also and the towns thereof: and they dwelt there. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>For Jehovah brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he had dealt wantonly in Judah, and trespassed sore against Jehovah. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Before this time when kings sinned they has some sense of modesty to keep it concealed, but during King Ahaz’s reign it was shamelessly extravagant, openly displayed, and had become so flagrant that it spread throughout the entire country. If King Ahaz and the others had taken the experience of Sodom to heart, they could have avoided the tragedy they experienced. They caused the idolatry to increase to a level not known before, and that would result in their total destruction 140 years later by the Babylonians.</div>
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Punishment Must Be Meted Out</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Conquest_of_Jerusalem_by_Emperor_Titus.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Conquest_of_Jerusalem_by_Emperor_Titus.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Conquering of Jerusalem by Titus Painting by Nicholas Poussin 1638" class="size-full wp-image-976" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Conquest_of_Jerusalem_by_Emperor_Titus.jpg" height="441" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Conquest_of_Jerusalem_by_Emperor_Titus.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Conquering of Jerusalem by Titus Painting by Nicholas Poussin 1638</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:58</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">58</span>Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith Jehovah </em></div>
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God says that they have been punished for their abominations. They have suffered the result of their extreme sinfulness. He is essentially saying to them that He has punished them according to the oath he made with them in the Mosaic Covenant (Leviticus 26), a conditional Covenant made at Mount Sinai with all the children of Israel:</div>
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Deuteronomy 29:11-13</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>Your little ones, your wives, and thy sojourner that is in the midst of thy camps, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>that thou mayest enter into the covenant of Jehovah thy God, and into his oath, which Jehovah thy God maketh with thee this day; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>that he may establish thee this day unto himself for a people, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he spake unto thee, and as he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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God’s Everlasting Covenant</h3>
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Verses 59-63 make up the sixth section of this parable.</div>
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Ezekiel 16:59-60</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">59</span>For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will also deal with thee as thou hast done, who hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. </em></div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">60 </span>Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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In contrast to the Jews who did not keep any covenant with God for very long, God is now saying that He will keep His part of the covenant He made with the Nation Israel at Mount Sinai. God is steadfast in His truth and promises. “<em>The days of thy youth”</em> is a reference to the time between the Exodus and their entry into the Promised Land, also called Eretz Israel. Jeremiah also speaks of this:</div>
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Jeremiah 2:1-2</div>
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<em>And the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, I remember for thee the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals; how thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>Israel was holiness unto Jehovah, the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall be held guilty; evil shall come upon them, saith Jehovah (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The “<em>everlasting covenant</em>” found in verse 60 of Ezekiel 16 is the New Covenant, which will be fully activated when the Nation Israel has experienced a national regeneration, and entered the Messianic Kingdom:</div>
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Jeremiah 31: 31-37</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31</span>Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32</span>not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith Jehovah. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33</span>But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">34</span>And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. </em></div>
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[God Will Never Forget Israel]</h5>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">35</span>Thus saith Jehovah, who giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar; Jehovah of hosts is his name: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">36</span>If these ordinances depart from before me, saith Jehovah, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span>Thus saith Jehovah: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, then will I also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith Jehovah. (ASV, 190, bracketed title added)</em></div>
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The National Regeneration of Israel</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lorenzetti_intocht_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lorenzetti_intocht_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Entry into Jerusalem by Pietro Lorenzetti Cir. 1320" class="size-full wp-image-1711" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lorenzetti_intocht_grt.jpg" height="773" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lorenzetti_intocht_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="900" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Entry into Jerusalem by Pietro Lorenzetti Cir. 1320</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:61-63</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">61</span>Then shalt thou remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder sisters and thy younger; and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">62</span>And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am Jehovah; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">63</span>that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I have forgiven thee all that thou hast done, saith the Lord Jehovah. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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One of the principal reasons for the Great Tribulation is to break the will of “<em>the holy people</em>”, the Jews (Daniel 12:7). Their shame will be confessed according to Leviticus 26:40-42, Jeremiah 3:11-18 Hosea 5:15. The Nation Israel will plead for their Messiah to return (Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 23:37-39). Hosea chapter five says that Jews will confess of their sins. Hosea chapter 6 follows with the leaders telling the nation to confess their sins and repent:</div>
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Hosea 6:1-3</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></em><em>Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. (KJV)</em></div>
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Israel’s leaders will finally realize that the entire Tribulation, and all their previous punishment, has come upon them due to their turning away from Jehovah and the Lord Jesus. In establishing the New Covenant with Israel, God will change the relationship between them and the “sisters” of Sodom and Samaria. Jerusalem will now be responsible for them in the Messianic Kingdom. God’s judgment and subsequent restoration would have a humbling effect on the nation, and their sins of pride and idolatry would be eliminated forever.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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Reference</div>
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<em>Babylonian Talmud: Tractate Sandredin</em>. Folio 109a. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from <a data-mce-href="http://www.halakhah.com/sanhedrin/sanhedrin_109.html" href="http://www.halakhah.com/sanhedrin/sanhedrin_109.html" style="color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;">http://www.halakhah.com/sanhedrin/sanhedrin_109.html</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-41968874824767929092016-04-25T19:40:00.000-07:002016-04-25T19:40:34.024-07:00God's Grace - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness Pt IV The Convict Becomes a Proverb<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0.3em;">
The Convict Becomes a Proverb</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/4-ChristandtheWomanofSamaria-Mignard-1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/4-ChristandtheWomanofSamaria-Mignard-1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Christ and the Woman of samaria by Pierre Mignard Cir 17th Century" class="size-full wp-image-2258" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/4-ChristandtheWomanofSamaria-Mignard-1.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/4-ChristandtheWomanofSamaria-Mignard-1.jpg" height="768" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="982" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Christ and the Woman of samaria by Pierre Mignard Cir 17th Century</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:44</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">44</span></em><em>Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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This begins the fourth section of the long parable and is found in verses 44-52. The actions of the queen were so repulsive that the people would describe them as a saying, a “<em>proverb</em>”, or warning to others NOT to do the same. This “<em>proverb</em>” is similar to what is said in modern or contemporary parlance, “like father, like son”, only here it says, “<em>As is the mother, so is her daughter.” </em>In keeping with the abandoned female infant who grew to be a queen, then descended into a harlot, the “<em>proverb</em>” takes the feminine character. Therefore how could Jerusalem, who was more depraved than ever, even consider that they would not be judged?</div>
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God Repeats Jerusalem’s Background</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:45</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">45</span></em><em>Thou art the daughter of thy mother, that loatheth her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was a Hittite, and your father an Amorite (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The Hebrew here for “<em>loatheth” </em>is better translated as “vomited out in rejection”. This describes the level of intense hatred Israel had for God and her children. This adds to the motivation she had to become a harlot, destroying herself and her children in the process. By being disloyal to her God-given destiny of holiness, she rejected God. By sacrificing her children at the Canaanite altars, she shows her “loathing<em>” </em>of them<em>.</em> This “vomiting out<em>”</em> is in accordance with the Mosaic Law that stated God would not tolerate sin within the boundaries of the Nation Israel. Israel had been warned that if they did not live according to the Laws of God as laid out in the Torah, He would “vomit them out of the land” just as He rejected the Canaanites before them:</div>
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Leviticus 18:25-30</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span></em><em>and the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land vomiteth out her inhabitants. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span>Ye therefore shall keep my statutes and mine ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the home-born, nor the stranger that sojourneth among you; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">27</span>(for all these abominations have the men of the land done, that were before you, and the land is defiled); <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28</span>that the land vomit not you out also, when ye defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29</span>For whosoever shall do any of these abominations, even the souls that do them shall be cut off from among their people. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">30</span>Therefore shall ye keep my charge, that ye practise not any of these abominable customs, which were practised before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am Jehovah your God (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Jerusalem is Worse than Sodom and Samaria</h4>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/NY_SMG_253-2-1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/NY_SMG_253-2-1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Martin, John; The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; Scarborough Collections; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/the-destruction-of-sodom-and-gomorrah-8950" class="size-large wp-image-2263" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/NY_SMG_253-2-1-1024x667.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/NY_SMG_253-2-1-1024x667.jpg" height="560" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="860" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Martin, John; The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; Scarborough Collections; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/the-destruction-of-sodom-and-gomorrah-8950</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:46-47</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">46</span></em><em>And thine elder sister is Samaria, that dwelleth at thy left hand, she and her daughters; and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">47</span>Yet hast thou not walked in their ways, nor done after their abominations; but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast more corrupt than they in all thy ways. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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The first part had been discussing Jerusalem as an adulterous wife, and this part compares Jerusalem to her “sisters” who historically preceded her. Two cities, Samaria (from the Northern Kingdom) and Sodom (from the time of Abraham) are described as her “sisters”. Both of those areas received severe judgment for their sins. The land of Canaan can be viewed as Israel’s mother because she grew up there in its bosom. The “sister” of Sodom (along with Gomorrah) was exceedingly depraved cities during the time of Abraham. Their sins are the prototype of depravity, embodied the pride of Satan, and were intolerable to God because they took place within the Holy Land (Genesis 19:5). This city was destroyed just as the Canaanites would be destroyed. God’s charge or complaint to them is as if He is saying, “Why have you behaved in this manner? Your mother Sarah and your father Abraham lived among the Hittites and Amorites without being influenced by them.”</div>
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The “sister” of Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam when the civil war took place in 931 B.C. This was the center of pagan worship (I Kings 16:32-33). The Southern Kingdom of Judah should have learned from Samaria’s downfall. However, Judah’s transgressions were worse because their idolatry was in the Temple itself. We have seen the manner in which the elders worshipped the sun, and relieved their personal dung in the direction toward the Temple in defiance of God (Ezekiel 8:16-18).</div>
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Samaria is viewed as the bigger, or “<em>elder</em>” sister because when the split took place, ten of the twelve tribal regions went to the north, and only two stayed in the south. When one faces east in Israel, the north would be on the left hand and the south would be on the right hand. On the north side is Samaria’s and her “<em>daughters</em>”, which are the suburbs of Samaria (Numbers 21:25). Sodom is characterized as having fewer citizens than Samaria, and is situated toward the south. If Israel had not had sinned in a manner that exceeded the cities of Samaria and the city of Sodom then it would have been a small matter. But they were more corrupt and it became a very big issue to God.</div>
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The Iniquity of Sodom</h4>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sodom_and_gomorrah_desktop_1023x697_hdwallpaper460772_20141022102912.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sodom_and_gomorrah_desktop_1023x697_hdwallpaper460772_20141022102912.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Last Days of Pompei by Karl Briullov Cir 1799-1852" class="size-full wp-image-2265" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sodom_and_gomorrah_desktop_1023x697_hdwallpaper460772_20141022102912.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sodom_and_gomorrah_desktop_1023x697_hdwallpaper460772_20141022102912.jpg" height="697" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1023" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Last Days of Pompei by Karl Briullov Cir 1799-1852</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:48-50</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">48</span></em><em>As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">49</span>Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: pride, fulness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">50</span>And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Even the other cities (“sisters”) did not exchange their god for nothing as the inhabitants of Jerusalem had done. Sodom’s sin was pride, which is the basis of all sin, and he gave it to the world by his pollution of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Sodom’s sins were fueled by her pride, which led to her haughty unconcern for the needs of others in spite of her wealth. The Jewish non-biblical text of Tractate Sanhedrin 109a says that Sodom’s wealth came from its fertile fields that produced unlimited food, and the rich veins of gold and precious stones that ran beneath the earth (Babylonia Talmud, Folio 109a, ¶ 6). Their unlimited material wealth stimulated the bad habits of self-indulgence that led to abominations and sexual perversions. God says that because of this “<em>therefore I took them away as I saw good.” </em>We know from Genesis, and history, they were completely destroyed by fire and sulfur that rained down upon both Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). The sin of Samaria, though not specifically stated, was her idolatry.</div>
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Jerusalem’s Sins Worse Than Her Sisters</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:51-52</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">51</span></em><em>Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters by all thine abominations which thou hast done. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">52</span>Thou also, bear thou thine own shame, in that thou hast given judgment for thy sisters; through thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they, they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou also confounded, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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But Jerusalem’s sins were so vile (“<em>more abominable”)</em> that in comparison, the sins of both Sodom and Samaria seemed almost tolerable. Before her own moral collapse, Jerusalem looked down on the other cities in a “self-righteous manner”. God is saying it was as if Sodom and Samaria had almost been “<em>righteous</em>” in comparison!</div>
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<em> Daniel E. Woodhead</em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-26091594601168281742016-04-11T15:41:00.001-07:002016-04-11T15:41:37.896-07:00God’s Grace –Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness Part III The Queen Becomes a Harlot<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0.3em;">
God Summarizes The Harlot’s Sins</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2053" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Eve of the Deluge by William Bell Scott Cir 1865" class="size-full wp-image-2053" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" height="432" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="655" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Eve of the Deluge by William Bell Scott Cir 1865</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:35-36</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">35</span></em><em>Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of Jehovah: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">36</span>Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness uncovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers; and because of all the idols of thy abominations, and for the blood of thy children, that thou didst give unto them (ASV, 1901);</em></div>
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This begins the third section of the parable and is covered in verses 35-43. In this part of the parable the wronged husband is prepared to extract His vengeance from His faithless wife. Jerusalem the harlot is the queen that had become like a brazen prostitute who did not take any payment for her services to her lovers. She was an adulterous wife as well as a prostitute because she preferred strangers to her own husband. She had resorted to giving bribes to get the attention that earlier had been lavishly bestowed upon her by her admirers. God had tried to stop her descent into destruction but she would not listen to His warnings through His righteous prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel. So now God has had enough with the harlot’s behavior. He says, “<em>thy filthiness was poured out” </em>indicating the summary designation of all her behavior. Interestingly the Hebrew word for “<em>poured out</em>” is <em>nechoshet</em> and is used to describe the lower part of a female’s body which has the same root of <em>nachash</em> the word for the serpent. Hebrew’s play on words shows the source of her wickedness, Satan. Her wickedness included:</div>
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<li>Exposing herself to her many lovers.</li>
<li>Worshipping pagan idols instead of her genuine husband.</li>
<li>Sacrificing her children to the pagan gods.</li>
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Now God, who is the faithful husband in this parable, will curse her as He had promised many years ago in His covenant with the Nation Israel:</div>
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Deuteronomy 28:15-23</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span></em><em>But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day, that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span>Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, the increase of thy cattle, and the young of thy flock. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>Jehovah will send upon thee cursing, discomfiture, and rebuke, in all that thou puttest thy hand unto to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the evil of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>Jehovah will make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest in to possess it. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>Jehovah will smite thee with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span>And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The Lord Will Bring The Lovers Against Jerusalem</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kaulbach_Zerstoerung_Jerusalems_durch_Titus.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kaulbach_Zerstoerung_Jerusalems_durch_Titus.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2243" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Titus Destroying Jerusalem by Wilhelm von Kaulbach Cir 1845" class="size-large wp-image-2243" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kaulbach_Zerstoerung_Jerusalems_durch_Titus-1024x849.jpg" height="713" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kaulbach_Zerstoerung_Jerusalems_durch_Titus-1024x849.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="860" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Titus Destroying Jerusalem by Wilhelm von Kaulbach Cir 1845</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:37</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span></em><em>therefore behold, I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them against thee on every side, and will uncover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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All the nations will join in the plunder of Jerusalem. Even former allies like Egypt, Assyria, and the Chaldean (Babylonians) will join together with their perpetual enemies such as the Philistines to plunder Jerusalem. The Jews bonded together with these pagan nations, and assimilated their despised religious idolatry into Jehovah God’s pure relationship with them. In the Mosaic Law a harlot’s punishment is prescribed and included tearing off the clothes, public humiliation in nakedness, public trial, public stoning till death, dismemberment of the body, and burning of their house (Leviticus 20:10–12; Deuteronomy 22:22). Israel will likewise be exposed to attack without any protection.</div>
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Disgrace Will Come Upon Her</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/joseph-angel-3.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/joseph-angel-3.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2245" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Joseph's disgrace upon hearing that Mary was pregnant. By Gaetano Gandolfi cir 1790." class="size-full wp-image-2245" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/joseph-angel-3.jpg" height="400" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/joseph-angel-3.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="317" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Joseph's disgrace upon hearing that Mary was pregnant. By Gaetano Gandolfi cir 1790.</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:38</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">38</span></em><em>And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will bring upon thee the blood of wrath and jealousy (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Israel’s guilt is now summed up and her punishment announced. It will correspond to the sins she has committed. Her sins are made the means of her reparation. She will be punished as the adulteress she is, and condemned to public shame. Because she had openly carried out her sin, she shall be openly exposed and made a spectacle to the world. God will disgrace before the world those who exchange the offer of a relationship with God for love of the world. The Babylonians hurled stones on Jerusalem during the siege, and slew the people with the sword thereby fulfilling the Mosaic Law’s punishment of an adulteress. God clearly states “<em>I will bring upon thee the blood of wrath and jealousy”, </em>which represents God pouring out His jealousy on Jerusalem, by shedding the blood of his unfaithful wife, Israel, by Him, her spiritual husband.</div>
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The Harlot’s Paramours Become Her Persecutors</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:39-40</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">39</span></em><em>I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thy vaulted place, and break down thy lofty places; and they shall strip thee of thy clothes, and take thy fair jewels; and they shall leave thee naked and bare. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">40</span>They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Those nations with whom she sinned become the instruments of His judgments. “<em>Vaulted place</em>” is the same high places that are cited in Ezekiel 16:24. The “<em>vaulted place</em>” is literally a fornication chamber. This is connected with the impure rites of idolatry, and spiritual fornication on the “<em>lofty places</em>.” During their invasions, the Babylonians treated these places as local sanctuaries, and laid them waste.</div>
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The clothes and the jewels are all outward tokens of stateliness and prosperity. They will take both clothes and jewelry from the harlot, and leave her naked. Stripped of the riches she had received from God, but had lavished upon her lusts, she should no more be able to gratify herself in this way. She had fully proved her Canaanite descent. The final punishment of stoning and being thrust through by the sword will destroy both city and kingdom and Jerusalem will be laid waste. This “stoning” and “thrusting through” will not completely annihilate the people, just Jerusalem, because other verses say the Jews will never be completely rejected by God (Leviticus 26:44-45; Jeremiah 31:35-37).</div>
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The City Will be Burned</h3>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Jerusalem Burning by David Roberts Cir 1850</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:41</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">41</span></em><em>And they shall burn thy houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women; and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou shalt also give no hire any more (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The punishment of death within the Mosaic Law was made more ceremonially severe by burning the corpse after it had been stoned or run through with a sword (Leviticus 20:14; 21:9). In a like manner, the burning of the houses can be regarded as intensifying the punishment. The judgment being executed is “<em>in the sight of many women</em>” refers to the many heathen nations surrounding Jerusalem, according to the description of Jerusalem, or Israel, as an unfaithful wife. It is a humiliating punishment to an adulterous woman to be exposed for this before other women. Accordingly the humiliation of Israel’s punishment will be to stand exposed in its sin before the eyes of all other nations. This is the way in which God will put an end to the fornication (“<em>give no hire any more”)</em>, and appease His wrath and jealousy upon the harlot. It is His way to cause a person to cease to be or do anything. Since other passages discuss the burning of the city of Jerusalem, this prophecy had a literal fulfillment as well (II Kings 25:9; Jeremiah 52:13).</div>
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God’s Wrath Will End</h3>
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The jealousy of the injured husband is appeased by the execution of the judgment. God had earlier declared this in chapter 5 before all the captives were in Babylon:</div>
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Ezekiel 5:13-14</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span></em><em>Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my wrath toward them to rest, and I shall be comforted; and they shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken in my zeal, when I have accomplished my wrath upon them. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>Moreover I will make thee a desolation and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Ezekiel 16:42-43</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">42</span></em><em>So will I cause my wrath toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">43</span>Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast raged against me in all these things; therefore, behold, I also will bring thy way upon thy head, saith the Lord Jehovah: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness with all thine abominations (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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God, the husband of Israel, is now saying that He has been satisfied with the punishment they deserved that He personally meted out to them. The cause or source of Jerusalem’s sin was her failure to remember the Lord’s gracious favor. All her grandeur came as a result of His blessings. Therefore when she turned from Him she was cutting herself off from the only true source of blessing. He became enraged because it was Him who had raised her to greatness. As God said through Isaiah “<em>they rebelled, and grieved his Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them”</em> (Isaiah 63:10). By saying in verse 43 that “<em>thou shalt not commit this lewdness with all thine abominations”,</em> He is saying He will leave them with a sense of guilt that revolts and shocks them.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-76574223475809565442016-04-09T22:13:00.001-07:002016-04-09T22:13:54.547-07:00God’s Grace –Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness Part II The Queen Becomes a Harlot<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0.3em;">
The Queen Becomes a Harlot</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/circe_offering_the_cup_to_ulysses.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/circe_offering_the_cup_to_ulysses.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2232" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses, By John William Waterhouse, 1891" class="size-full wp-image-2232" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/circe_offering_the_cup_to_ulysses.jpg" height="768" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/circe_offering_the_cup_to_ulysses.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="458" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses, By John William Waterhouse, 1891</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:15</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span></em><em>But thou didst trust in thy beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy whoredoms on every one that passed by; his it was.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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This is the second part of the parable and covers verses 15- 34. It begins with the success and beauty of the “Queen”, which is a reference to the blessings the Nation Israel enjoyed under the reign of King Solomon. God says,”<em> But thou didst trust in thy beauty.”</em> Israel had wealth, culture and beauty because she had God. While outwardly brilliant, a society may be inwardly corrupt. This was the case with the old heathen nations, and is where America is heading. Civilized wickedness means elaborate and creative wickedness. It shows up in the cessation of moral behavior, to the point the immoral practices become law. This was the case with all nations who fell from some greatness, such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Sin becomes the norm, and it brought them down.</div>
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The Jews knew that their blessings came from God. Israel was supposed to be a light to the surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). But instead of trusting in God alone, she became narcissistic and thought she had achieved all her greatness by herself. King Solomon initiated alliances with heathen nations to strengthen his kingdom. It began when King Solomon made a marriage alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt early in his political career by taking Pharaoh’s daughter to be one of his wives (I Kings 3:1). This practice continued and became the downfall of his empire:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SolomonsIdolatry.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SolomonsIdolatry.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2233" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Solomon's idolatry, Frans Francken II, Flemish, 1622." class="size-full wp-image-2233" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SolomonsIdolatry.jpg" height="474" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SolomonsIdolatry.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="660" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Solomon's idolatry, Frans Francken II, Flemish, 1622.</dd></dl>
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I Kings 11:1-8</div>
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<em>“<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></em><em>Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>of the nations concerning which Jehovah said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as was the heart of David his father. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and went not fully after Jehovah, as did David his father. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>And so did he for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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These actions were in direct violation of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 34:12-16; Deuteronomy 7:3-4). God said these practices would be a “snare” or “trap” for them, and God promised His anger would be kindled to the point of destroying them. Once the nearby nations desired the Jews, because of the blessings (beauty) they had, the Jews surrendered themselves to the pagans instead of teaching the pagans about God. Many of Israel’s kings after Solomon went formed alliances with foreign women to the chagrin of God and His Word. Some examples are listed here:</div>
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Asa King of Judah trusts Syria</h4>
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II Chronicles 16:7-9</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></em><em>And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and hast not relied on Jehovah thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thy hand. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge host, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? yet, because thou didst rely on Jehovah, he delivered them into thy hand. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Ahab Marries the Daughter of the Sidonians</h4>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Jezebel and Ahab as lovers From the New World Encyclopedia, Artist Unknown.</dd></dl>
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I Kings 16:31-33</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31</span></em><em>And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32</span>And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33</span>And Ahab made the Asherah; and Ahab did yet more to provoke Jehovah, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Amaziah Worships the gods of Seir</h4>
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II Chronicles 25:14-15</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span></em><em>Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>Wherefore the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, who said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which have not delivered their own people out of thy hand?” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Ahaz Bows to Assyria</h4>
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II Kings 16:7-8</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></em><em>So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of Jehovah, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.” (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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II Chronicles 28:20-21</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span></em><em>And Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of Jehovah, and out of the house of the king and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but it helped him not.” (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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This spiritual failure, which God refers to as “harlotry”, is evident on at least three levels:</div>
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<li>Political harlotry: which is turning to foreign governments for help and advice instead of God.</li>
<li>Spiritual harlotry: which is not worshipping God, but worshipping pagan gods, goddesses, and in effect, worshiping demons (I Corinthians10: 20).</li>
<li>Physical harlotry: which is defined as being unfaithful to one’s spouse, having sex with strangers, adopting the abominations of sacred prostitution, practicing human sacrifice, and forgetting justice, mercy and love.</li>
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The Harlot Makes High Places</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:16</div>
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<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span></em><em>And thou didst take of thy garments, and madest for thee high places decked with divers colors, and playedst the harlot upon them: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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“<em>High places</em>” are areas of worship dedicated to idol worship, which were elevated above ground, or on raised altars in low lands such as a valley (Numbers 33:52; Leviticus 26:30). This was especially practiced among the Moabites (Isaiah 16:12). These shrines often included an altar, and a sacred object, such as a stone pillar or wooden pole in various shapes representing the object of worship (for example, animals, stars and planets, goddesses, and fertility deities). They were elaborately adorned. The words in verse 16 imply that the shrines upon “<em>the high places</em>” were adorned with multi-colored tapestries, much like that of a Persian carpet. The hangings, or carpets were the harlot women’s bed in the Proverbs designed to attract men to her house:</div>
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Proverbs 7:16-17</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span></em><em>I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span>I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Ezekiel 16:16 closes with “<em>the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so.” </em>Essentially God is saying this behavior is not proper, and should NOT be done.</div>
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God’s Gifts Given To Idolatry</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:17-19</div>
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<em> </em><em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span></em><em>Thou didst also take thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest for thee images of men, and didst play the harlot with them; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>and thou tookest thy broidered garments, and coveredst them, and didst set mine oil and mine incense before them <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>My bread also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou didst even set it before them for a sweet savor; and thus it was, saith the Lord Jehovah.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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The very blessings that God had given the Jews were made into objects of their unnatural, raging sexual lust. They made phallic symbols out of gold and silver. Isaiah mentions autoerotic activity with cast metal phallic objects (Isaiah 57:8). Jerusalem was given over to sexual idolatry of the worst type. Additional disdain for the gifts from God included taking the embroidered clothes and putting them on the metal images of foreign gods and phallic symbols. This practice was done in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and Jerusalem was essentially just “doing what everyone else does” (II Kings 23:7). In addition, they took the provisions of fine flour, olive oil, and honey and offered it before these non-gods, as if they could actually provide for them as Jehovah God had done (Hosea 2:8).</div>
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Killing The Children</h4>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Slide1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Slide1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2236" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Sacrifice of Jephthah's Daughter by Rombout Van Troyen Cir. 1643" class=" wp-image-2236" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Slide1.jpg" height="564" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Slide1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="752" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Sacrifice of Jephthah's Daughter by Rombout Van Troyen Cir. 1643</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:20-21</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span></em><em>Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Were thy whoredoms a small matter, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>that thou hast slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire unto them.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Worse of all was their offering up their own children as human sacrifices to these idols of stone and wood adorned with jewels and elaborate tapestries. How deluded they had become to kill their own children! The practice gradually crept into the Nation Israel, and by Ezekiel’s time, child sacrifice was practiced openly in Jerusalem (II Kings 21:6; Jeremiah 7:30–31; 32:35). God asks, “Was your harlotry not enough that you slaughtered my children and made them pass through the fire for the idols?” In other words, He asks, “<em>Your</em> actions were heartbreaking enough, but did you have to include <em>our children</em>, too?” The practice of child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech included a ritualized slaughter followed by burning the bodies to ashes (II Kings 23:10; Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5). Sometimes they just cast the infants into the red-hot ovens while they were still alive. God calls these children “<em>my children</em>” since all children are God’s. This phrase “<em>my children</em>” specifically meant either the first-born son, or a son older than an infant, who was going to be devoted to God in studying to be a priest.</div>
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How Soon They Forgot</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:22</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span></em><em>And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast weltering in thy blood.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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They did not remember all the acts of kindness that the great God of the Universe had given to them. Out of all the world’s population He had chosen them, and they were to be a demonstration of what He would do if only the world would turn to Him in love and obedience. He was kind to them in Egypt. Even though He knew what they would do to Him in disobedience, He brought them out of Egypt and into the Promise Land.</div>
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The spiritual adultery that will characterize the end of the Church age will be even greater than that of Jerusalem during this time. It will be practiced worldwide, in spite of the Messiah has been here offering salvation to those who will believe in him as their Saviour. The apostasy of ancient Israel will not compare to the rising of the final apostasy in which Satan’s chosen man, the Anti-Christ, will demand and receive the worship that rightly belongs to the Lord. The Antichrist’s characteristics are apparent in our present day, ultra prideful leaders who embody the man of sin. When he arrives, it will be the consummation of the greatest departure from, and defiance towards God, the world has ever seen, and will result in a judgment that also will be greater than what the Jews have ever suffered.</div>
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All Her Wickedness</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:23-24</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span></em><em>And it is come to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord Jehovah)<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> 24</span>that thou hast built unto thee a vaulted place, and hast made thee a lofty place in every street (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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God’s response was to cry, “<em>woe, woe</em>” to Israel, and is an expression of lament and horror that was given just prior to a disaster. God was horrified that they would not listen to His prophets, but increased their places of sinning. He says that because you were disloyal to Me, you will once again become naked and forsaken as you were in the days I called you out of the abandonment where I found you. Jerusalem developed an ever-increasing lust for idols. Her harlotry moved from the “high places” to the common places as shrines to foreign gods were erected at every location and on every street.</div>
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The Degree of Sin</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:25</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span></em><em>Thou hast built thy lofty place at the head of every way, and hast made thy beauty an abomination, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredom (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Now God says that they desecrated their holiness and opened their legs, or “<em>feet</em>” to every one that passed by. (In Hebrew leg and feet are both called <em>regalime</em>). This is an obvious expression of flaunting their lewdness in offering their spiritual fornication to everyone. It reflects their shameless abandon of going after idols and the open sexual behavior associated with it. The Israelites sought this out, and courted them all to increase her harlotry. The “<em>multiplication of her whoredom”</em> means the idolatrous nations yielded to her, and gave nothing in return. She had yielded so much that, like a worn-out prostitute, her tempters became weary of her.</div>
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Fornication With Neighbors</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:26-29</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span></em><em>Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians, thy neighbors, great of flesh; and hast multiplied thy whoredom, to provoke me to anger. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">27</span>Behold therefore, I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, that are ashamed of thy lewd way. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28</span>Thou hast played the harlot also with the Assyrians, because thou wast insatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet thou wast not satisfied. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29</span>Thou hast moreover multiplied thy whoredom unto the land of traffic, unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Her desire for idolatry drove her to seek out “lovers” other than her husband to satisfy her lust. Her whoredoms included Egypt (v. 26), Assyria (v. 28), and Babylon (v. 29). The fact that God mentions these nations implies not only Jerusalem’s desire for new foreign gods to worship, but also her foreign intrigues and alliances started by King Solomon continued and expanded under subsequent kings after the kingdom split in two.</div>
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The Jew’s desire for spiritual fornication with the Egyptians was not just for carnal desire. God says that they wanted to intentionally provoke Him to anger. He brought famine upon them as a result of their attitude toward Him such as in the days of the Judges (Ruth 1:1). Jerusalem’s abominations became so great that the daughters of the Philistines became ashamed of her lewd way. They “<em>played the harlot also with the Assyrians” </em>because they could not control their lust. Not only did they follow the basest and most corrupt idolatries that further degraded Jerusalem, but developed a corresponding moral degradation.</div>
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The Canaanites (“<em>thy neighbors”</em>) and the other nation’s most shameless and vilest practices of the flesh were performed in the midst of the idolatrous city. Isaiah commented on this saying, <em>“How is the faithful city become a harlot”</em> (Isaiah 1:21)! As is always the case with lust, it can never be satisfied as God says to them in verse 28, “<em>and yet thou wast not satisfied.” </em>They had made Judea as much the scene of abominations as the corrupt Canaanites, and the land had become utterly Canaanitish. They were dragging these practices with them on the road to “<em>Chaldea</em>”, or Babylon.</div>
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The Magnitude of Wickedness</h4>
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Ezekiel 16:30-34</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">30</span></em><em>How weak is thy heart, saith the Lord Jehovah, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an impudent harlot; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31</span>in that thou buildest thy vaulted place at the head of every way, and makest thy lofty place in every street, and hast not been as a harlot, in that thou scornest hire <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32</span>A wife that committeth adultery! that taketh strangers instead of her husband! <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33</span>They give gifts to all harlots; but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and bribest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredoms. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">34</span>And thou art different from other women in thy whoredoms, in that none followeth thee to play the harlot; and whereas thou givest hire, and no hire is given unto thee, therefore thou art different (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Their heart has been completely cut-off from the wickedness of their ways. They were no longer able to discern good from evil. Their hearts were hardened to the point that they were ruled by lust and deceit. Normally, a harlot would down play the beautiful gifts given to her to obtain a better one, or to get more. God says the Jews however would make do with anything. Jerusalem was worse then a brazen prostitute. She was an adulterous wife as well as a prostitute because she preferred strangers to her own husband. Jerusalem was a corrupt spiritual adulterer. She had even resorted to paying bribes (rather than receiving a fee) to get the attention that earlier had been lavishly bestowed on her. Such a reversal showed her debased preference to idolatry and foreign alliances. As she left God and His protective laws, He then withheld His blessings that He had so freely given to them in earlier days.</div>
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Normally one would expect nations to be loyal to their own gods and denigrate the gods of another nation. Israel rejected their own God by denigrating Him and following after the gods of the nations surrounding them. The stress in this verse is the depravity of Israel in comparison to the nations that they chose to follow. Instead of realizing her sin and returning to the true God, she sought out still more gods and offered larger “bribes” to induce these other gods to bless her. Jerusalem was squandering her wealth on things that could not begin to bless her as the true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had done. Israel prostituted herself, not merely for any small reward without demanding more<em>,</em> but for “no reward.”</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-80958860663823828332016-04-04T13:57:00.000-07:002016-04-05T07:42:42.140-07:00God's Grace & Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness Part I The Orphan Becomes a Queen and Marries The King<div class="mceTemp" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px;">
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;">THE GRACE of GOD TOWARD THE NATION ISRAEL</dt>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jan-lievens-dutch-1607-1674-the-feast-of-esther-c-1625.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jan-lievens-dutch-1607-1674-the-feast-of-esther-c-1625.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2219" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Feast of Esther by Jan Livens Cir 1625" class="size-full wp-image-2219" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jan-lievens-dutch-1607-1674-the-feast-of-esther-c-1625.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jan-lievens-dutch-1607-1674-the-feast-of-esther-c-1625.jpg" height="480" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="608" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Feast of Esther by Jan Livens Cir 1625</dd></dl>
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In the sixteenth chapter of the book of Ezekiel God gives Ezekiel a parable to share with both the Jews in Babylon, and those who will be coming from Jerusalem after Nebuchadnezzar invades them for the final time in 586 B.C.. This is a very long message of sixty-three verses, and the central theme can be divided into are six sections:</div>
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<li>The rejected orphan who marries the king (Ezekiel 16:1-14).</li>
<li>The queen who became a harlot (Ezekiel 16:15-34).</li>
<li>The harlot who becomes a convict (Ezekiel 16:35-43).</li>
<li>The convict who became a “proverb” (Ezekiel 16:44-52).</li>
<li>The convict and her Sisters repent (Ezekiel 16:53-58).</li>
<li>The convict is saved, cleansed and restored (Ezekiel 16:59-63).</li>
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This lengthy parable can be viewed as God holding up a mirror to the Jews so they can see themselves as He sees them. The grace of God is met with ingratitude, indifference and abomination. It is similar to the story of Hosea and Gomer (Hosea 1-3).</div>
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The effectiveness of a parable lies in the abstract manner it uses to describe a direct condemnation to the recipient, and at the same time subtlety let them know the thrust of the message is directed at them. Jesus used about forty-six parables in His teachings because of their effectiveness in conveying a concept. In the following example of an effective parable, the prophet Nathan came to King David and caused him to realize the depth of his sin with Bathsheba towards God:</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" rel="attachment wp-att-2217" style="color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Unknown" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2217" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Unknown.jpeg" height="238" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 1em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="212" /></a></div>
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II Samuel 12:1-10</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></em><em>And Jehovah sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own morsel, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him, but took the poor man’s lamb, and (killed) dressed it for the man that was come to him. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As Jehovah liveth, the man that hath done this is worthy to die: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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The Orphan</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:1-3</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span></em><em>Again the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto Jerusalem: Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of the Canaanite; the Amorite was thy father, and thy mother was a Hittite (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The first section of the parable is covered in verses 1-14. Ezekiel is again told to let Jerusalem know the depth of her abominations. We read this in the text that says, “<em>cause Jerusalem to know her abominations.” </em>The Hebrew text uses the verb form for “<em>know</em>” that indicates the intensity of the message God is telling Ezekiel to convey to the Jewish people. Ezekiel used the God given parable which is an effective way to cause them to listen to the parable. God does not <u>just </u>want Ezekiel to let them know, He wants Ezekiel <u>to make sure</u> they know.</div>
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God starts the parable by saying Jerusalem was like an orphan of a mixed union. She came from a pagan land called Canaan, had an Amorite as a father and a Hittite as a mother. This lineage of an Amorite and a Hittite had nothing to offer this child other than a pagan influence. Under the leadership of Joshua, seven Canaanite nations were driven out of their territory before God’s covenant people could live in there. As the newborn nation grows, it will be influenced by the social and cultural practices of the people around them. Gradually there was nothing in Israel’s manner of living that distinguished it from the pagan, sinful Canaanites. Eventually, after 820 years, they became just like the despicable nations they replaced in every aspect of their behavior.</div>
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Jerusalem Became an Orphan</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:4-5</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span></em><em>And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to cleanse thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>No eye pitied thee, to do any of these things unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, for that thy person was abhorred, in the day that thou wast born (ASV, 1901). </em></div>
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The story continues with the story of an infant girl who was abandoned by her parents at birth. She is found dirty and neglected, which indicates she was rejected and possibly hated. She is left to die in an open field. God describes the proper birth practices that nobody did for her, such as cleaning a newborn with salt, water, and oil, and then wrapping the baby in cloth strips. Without the proper care she is facing certain death. Israel is portrayed as a female baby, abandoned at birth with no one to care for or have pity on her helplessness. This parable also describes the city of Jerusalem’s birth in a Canaanite nation that was basically spiritually vacant of any reverence towards God.</div>
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Ezekiel 16:6</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></em><em>And when I passed by thee, and saw thee weltering in thy blood, I said unto thee, Though thou art in thy blood, live; yea, I said unto thee, Though thou art in thy blood, live.” (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Now the King says, “<em>I</em>” (this means God since He is giving this narrative) was passing by and sees her wallowing in the placental blood of her birth. He says to her that even though you are in a pagan land, I will cause you to live. This represents a “word picture” of the family of Jacob (also called Israel) being taken to Egypt as the result of a famine. There they would be able to live in safety and security under their brother, Joseph, the prime minister.</div>
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Israel Thrives and Grows</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:7</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></em><em>I caused thee to multiply as that which groweth in the field, and thou didst increase and wax great, and thou attainedst to excellent ornament; thy breasts were fashioned, and thy hair was grown; yet thou wast naked and bare (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The first part of this verse describes how the baby infant, Israel, would thrive within a Egypt’s favorable environment. She flourished like sprouts in a field reminding the Jews of how God “grew” them in Egypt. Seventy people in Jacob’s family went to live in Egypt, and four hundred years later Moses led out a nation with 603,550 males over twenty years of age (Numbers 1:46). Since this number did not include the Levites, or the women and children, the total population was conservatively closer to 1,300,000. They had truly become a nation in the sense of size when they were led out of Egypt in the Exodus.</div>
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The parable continues with a description of a baby who grows up into a young adult woman. She has a fully developed body, the developed breasts and growing hair represents spiritual maturity. Yet, she is described as “<em>naked and bare</em>”. What does this mean? It means that even though the Nation Israel had grown and matured as a nation, had seen the Shekinah Glory, and were protected by God in the first Passover, they still did not have His commandments, therefore were “<em>naked and bare</em>” in a spiritual sense. They were mature enough to understand spiritual desires, but had not yet committed themselves to God. The importance of having and following the commandments of God, or the Mosaic Law, will be explained using the marriage relationship next.</div>
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The King Takes His Bride</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wedding_Marie_Henry_IV.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wedding_Marie_Henry_IV.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2223" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Wedding of Marie de' Medici to King Henri IV By Rubens Cir 1622-25" class=" wp-image-2223" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wedding_Marie_Henry_IV.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Wedding_Marie_Henry_IV.jpg" height="645" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="482" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Wedding of Marie de' Medici to King Henri IV By Peter Paul Rubens Cir 1622-25</dd></dl>
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Ezekiel 16:8</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span></em><em>Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord Jehovah, and thou becamest mine.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Now God declares that with this maturity, it was time for the young woman to become the wife of Adonai. So, in His love for her, He performed the ancient ritual of “spreading the corner of His garment” over her claiming her for His bride. This ritual is explained in the book of Ruth. Ruth comes to Boaz, her kinsman redeemer, and asks him to spread the skirt of his garment over her, by which she is saying that she wants to be under his protection as his wife. He complies, and accepts the offer as her kinsman redeemer and husband (Ruth 3:9).</div>
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Similarly here God says “<em>I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord Jehovah, and thou becamest mine.”</em> The Nation Israel now belongs to God when the marriage ceremony took place at Mount Sinai, in which the entire corpus of the Mosaic Law (actually containing 613 commandments) was ratified (or made official) by two blood covenants. The covenants were the Passover offering, and circumcision. Now the marriage is complete, and the Nation Israel has become the wife of Jehovah.</div>
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The Ritual of The Marriage</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:9-12</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span></em><em>Then washed I thee with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span>I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with sealskin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and covered thee with silk. (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Continuing with the parable, God says He washed her “<em>with water</em>”, which washed away the blood and anointed her with “<em>oil</em>”. Then He clothed her with fine garments, of “<em>sealskin</em>”, “<em>fine linen</em>” and “<em>silk</em>”. These represent the loving care and adornment He provides for His wife whom He loves. When Israel received the Mosaic Law, she was also given the Tabernacle where God would meet with the Nation Israel. It was adorned in a similar manner:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2200" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Tabernacle Cutaway from divinerevleations.info " class="size-full wp-image-2200" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" height="523" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="700" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Tabernacle Cutaway from divinerevleations.info</dd></dl>
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Exodus 26:1</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span></em><em>Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shalt thou make them.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Exodus 26:14</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span></em><em>And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sealskins above.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Exodus 26:29-30</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29</span></em><em>And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">30</span>And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof, which hath been showed thee in the mount.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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Ezekiel 16:11-12</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span></em><em>And I decked thee with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>And I put a ring upon thy nose, and ear-rings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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The adornments described here are part of God, the King, ceremonially claiming Israel as His bride, and puts “<em>a beautiful crown</em>” on her head to signify that she is now His Queen.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1250fc4f35ae1d3923d2ce6072e950b9.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1250fc4f35ae1d3923d2ce6072e950b9.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2224" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Queen Elizabeth I Cir. 1588 Artist Unknown." class="size-full wp-image-2224" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1250fc4f35ae1d3923d2ce6072e950b9.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/1250fc4f35ae1d3923d2ce6072e950b9.jpg" height="400" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="339" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Queen Elizabeth I Cir. 1588 Artist Unknown.</dd></dl>
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The gifting of jewelry is important because it was part of the process by which a young woman accepted an offer of marriage, and shows that the two families have agreed upon the union. For example, Abraham’s servant claimed Rebecca to be Isaac’s bride by adorning her with jewelry:</div>
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Genesis 24:47-53</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">“</span></em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">47</span></em><em>And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the ring upon her nose, and the bracelets upon her hands. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">48</span>And I bowed my head, and worshipped Jehovah, and blessed Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter for his son. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">49</span>And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">50</span>Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from Jehovah: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">51</span>Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as Jehovah hath spoken. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">52</span>And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth unto Jehovah. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">53</span>And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.” (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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The Blessing of The Nation Israel is Complete</h3>
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Ezekiel 16:13-14</div>
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<em>“</em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span></em><em>Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil; and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper unto royal estate. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>And thy renown went forth among the nations for thy beauty; for it was perfect, through my majesty, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord Jehovah (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The final blessing of the woman is complete. She is completely adorned with all the finest raiment, jewels, silk and embroidered work. She eats the finest food and has matured into a lovely woman who was exceedingly beautiful. She had become prosperous, and her renown went forth among the other nations. She had become the queen to the King whose “<em>majesty</em>” made her “<em>perfect</em>”.</div>
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Israel was the orphan who became a queen. All the figures used in the parable so far were reminders of the providential care God gave Israel from the time of Abraham, to nationhood, and forward. The city of Jerusalem became exceedingly beautiful, and prospered into a kingdom. The city’s renown went forth among the nations on account of her beauty. It is generally agreed that King Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest man who has ever lived. All this is a striking allegory of Jehovah’s mercy to Jerusalem, and the culmination refers to the days of the glorious kingdom under King Solomon. In fact, the Queen of Sheba had to see the splendor of Solomon’s empire for herself:</div>
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I Kings 10:6-7</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></em> <em>And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, </em><em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></em> <em>but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard (ESV).</em></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Knupfer_Nicolaus-ZZZ-Queen_of_Sheba_before_Solomon-1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Knupfer_Nicolaus-ZZZ-Queen_of_Sheba_before_Solomon-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2221" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Queen of Sheba before Solomon by Nicolaes Knüpfer Cir 1640" class="size-large wp-image-2221" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Knupfer_Nicolaus-ZZZ-Queen_of_Sheba_before_Solomon-1-1024x915.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Knupfer_Nicolaus-ZZZ-Queen_of_Sheba_before_Solomon-1-1024x915.jpg" height="768" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="860" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Queen of Sheba before Solomon by Nicolaes Knüpfer Cir 1640</dd></dl>
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Jehovah had done all this for her, and not a word of gratitude or love came back to God, the King, from His Queen who represented the Jews and Jerusalem.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-20505665510475559832015-12-20T17:09:00.001-08:002015-12-20T17:09:52.440-08:00Why Did The Lord Jesus Have to Come?<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 1em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0.3em;">
Introduction</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Rembrandt.png" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Rembrandt.png" rel="attachment wp-att-2199" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Holy Family With Angels Rembrandt Cir 1645 " class="size-full wp-image-2199" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Rembrandt.png" height="992" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Rembrandt.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="841" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Holy Family With Angels Rembrandt Cir 1645</dd></dl>
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There are three main reasons Jesus Christ, the son of God and the second person of the Trinity, had to come onto the earth as a human being:</div>
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<li>Cleanse the sin from the Heavenly Tabernacle of God.</li>
<li>Cleanse the sin from the earth.</li>
<li>Fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant with the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom.</li>
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Reason One</h4>
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The Cherubim have the most prominent role of all the created heavenly beings because:</div>
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<li>They are the closest to God in His heavenly throne room.</li>
<li>They surround God in all His glory.</li>
<li>They play a prominent role at God’s command in the Third Heaven, which is outside time and space.</li>
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We have seen them in Ezekiel chapter 1, and in Ezekiel chapter 10 they are lifting God’s physical manifestation (the Shekinah Glory) up out of the Temple in Jerusalem. They are also seen in the heavenly Throne Room of God in several passages of the Book of Revelation (Revelation 4:6-9; 6:1,3,5-7). The highest of the Cherubim was called in Hebrew <em>Hallal</em>, and is translated into Latin as “Lucifer” or “Daystar, son of the morning”.</div>
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Sin began in heaven with Lucifer when he desired to usurp God’s authority. Due to his rebellion his name was changed to <em>Satan</em>, which is Hebrew for “adversary”. Satan was not created evil. Instead of remaining the special Cherub overshadowing the Throne of God, he now wished to become the one <u>on</u> the Throne, or God Himself. As a result of this behavior, his sin polluted the Heavenly Tabernacle of God. The earthly Tabernacle, and later the Temple in Jerusalem, are important because they were built according to God’s directions, and “<em>serve as a copy and shadow</em>” of His Heavenly Tabernacle here on earth. (Hebrews 8:5). They are also where God resided on the earth in the midst of His chosen people, the Nation Israel.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2200" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Tabernacle Cutaway from divinerevleations.info " class="size-full wp-image-2200" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" height="523" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tabernacle-cutaway.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="700" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Tabernacle Cutaway from divinerevleations.info</dd></dl>
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Christ said He saw Satan fall from Heaven (Luke 10:18), and Isaiah says:</div>
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Isaiah 14:12-14</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span></em><em>How are you fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, that did lay low the nations! <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>And you said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; and I will sit upon the mount of congregation, in the uttermost parts of the north; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High</em> (ASV, 1901).</div>
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He said, “<em>I will exalt my throne above the stars of God</em>”, and whenever the word “<em>stars</em>” is used, it symbolically represents angels. With the second “<em>I will”</em>, he declared his desire to become the sole authority over all the angels that God had created. By so doing, he intended to depose Michael from his position and become the Archangel all by himself (Daniel 10:13). These “<em>I wills”</em> resulted from the pride of Satan that caused him to lead a revolt against God. He also drew one-third of the innumerable angelic host in Heaven into the rebellion with him (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation, 12:3-9). It is presumed that these “fallen angels” became the demons. From that point on there has been a war in Heaven as described in Revelation 12:7-9:</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/509300650.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/509300650.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-55" style="color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt=" Angels and Demons or Angel of Light © George Grie, March 2008" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-55" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/509300650.jpg" height="449" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/509300650.jpg" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 1em auto; max-width: 100%;" width="600" /></a></div>
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Revelation 12:7-9</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">“7</span> And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span> and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span> And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (KJV)</em></div>
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Reason Two</h4>
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After God created the heavens and the earth as described in Genesis 1:1, Satan indwelled a serpent in the Garden of Eden. In this form he caused our first parents, Adam and Eve, to violate God’s Word, and that brought sin into the world. So there now are essentially two “Falls”: the first was Satan and his angels from Heaven, and second was Adam and Eve on the earth. Now the Heavenly Tabernacle (Reason 1) and the earth (Reason 2) both required cleansing from the sin of Satan and his demonic forces.</div>
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Christ’s cleansing of the heavenly Tabernacle that is clearly affirmed in the Epistle to the Hebrews is not developed very much in the rest of the Bible. We have seen that sin, which is alienation from God, did not begin on earth but in Heaven. There was sin in heaven before there was sin on earth. The rebellious demons led by Satan instruct and encourage men to rebel against God. Heaven was still infected by vestiges of that demonic rebellion prior to Christ’s cleansing of it. A particularly difficult aspect for us to understand of that contamination was Satan’s ability to stand before the Almighty as man’s Accuser (Job 1:11; 2:15; Zechariah 3:1; Luke 33:21; 1 Peter 5:8). The Bible assures us that this situation will end. We have our protection in Christ Jesus, the Jewish Messiah from his accusations, and someday he will no longer be able to even make accusations:</div>
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Revelation 12:10-11</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span> And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span> And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (KJV).</em></div>
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Hebrews 9:23-28</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span> It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">24</span> For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span> nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span> for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">27</span> And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28</span> so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.</em></div>
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When we consider the reasons that the Lord Jesus came to earth, the most important one is for the salvation of this earth and mankind. Because of the sin that our first parents Adam and Eve brought into the world, God said that He would send a redeemer to correct this event. God made a covenant with Adam immediately after the Fall from the Garden of Eden when God declared to Adam what man's life would be like now that sin is in the world. The conditions of this covenant will exist until the Messianic Kingdom Age (Romans 8:21).</div>
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This covenant is unconditional which means there is no appeal, and there are no human conditions or responsibility involved. Mankind has no personal activity requirement, for example, if you do this, then I (God) will do that. The outcome of the arrangement is entirely based on God and His sovereign control. Elements of the covenant are the cursing of the serpent used by Satan (Genesis 3:14; Romans 16:20; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14; Revelation 12:9), and the promise of a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15).</div>
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Because of the two “Falls” (first in in Heaven and then on earth) both locations have received the curse of God. The most significant curse was the “spiritual death” that Adam and Eve experienced "<em>on the day they ate of the fruit</em>." This death was a break in the relationship they had enjoyed with God Himself while in the Garden and which caused them to be removed from the Garden. Cherubim, with a flame and swords that turned in every direction, was placed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden as a testimonial to covenantal restriction of Adam and Eve ever being allowed there again, and to guard the Tree of Life that was within the Garden (Genesis 3:24). Also according to the covenant, God made specific promises to bring the Lord Jesus, who would cleanse the Heavenly Tabernacle and make an end to sin on the earth (Genesis 3:15). Without Jesus’s sacrifice mankind has no access to Heaven upon death.</div>
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The fact that the Messiah had to come is well attested to in Scripture which starts with the foundational verse of Genesis 3:15:</div>
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Genesis 3:15</div>
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<em><span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span></em><em>And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel </em><em>(KJV).</em></div>
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One unique aspect of the Scriptures is the prophecies and their validated fulfillment at later times throughout the long chronology of the Bible’s story. These alone attest to the Scripture’s validity. Christ, after He was risen, explained many of the prophecies in the Bible and the fact that He had to die in order to accomplish the task He was to sent to do (Luke 24: 25-27). He is called the “Lamb of God” that takes away the sins of the world for a reason (John 1:29). Christ’s first advent is well prophesied in Scripture. Some of those are:</div>
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God Would Provide Himself A Sacrifice.</h6>
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Introduced in Genesis 22:8 and fulfilled in John 19: 17-18.</div>
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He would be born in Bethlehem in the region of Ephrathah.</h6>
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Introduced in Micah 5: 2 and fulfilled in Matthew 2: 1-5.</div>
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He would be the Son of God</h6>
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Introduced in Psalm 2: 7 and fulfilled in John 3: 16-17.</div>
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He would be born into the Hebrew tribe of Judah</h6>
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Genesis 49: 10 and fulfilled in Hebrews 7: 14.</div>
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He would be born of a virgin</h6>
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Introduced in Isaiah 7: 14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1: 18-22.</div>
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He would be a prophet like Moses</h6>
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Introduced in Deuteronomy 18: 15 and fulfilled in John 7: 15-17.</div>
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He would be the king of Israel</h6>
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Introduced in Zechariah 9: 9 and fulfilled in John 12: 12-15.</div>
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He would be rejected</h6>
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Introduced in Isaiah 53: 3 and fulfilled in John 1: 11.</div>
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He would be beaten</h6>
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Introduced In Micah 5: 1 and fulfilled in Mark 15: 19.</div>
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He would be silent during his interrogation</h6>
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Introduced in Isaiah 53: 7 and fulfilled in Matthew 27: 12-14.</div>
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He would be betrayed</h6>
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Introduced in Psalm 41: 9 and fulfilled in Mark 14: 17-20.</div>
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He would be tried and condemned</h6>
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Introduced in Isaiah 53: 8 and fulfilled Matthew 27: 1-2.</div>
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He would be crucified</h6>
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Introduced in Psalm 22: 16 and fulfilled in John 19: 17-18.</div>
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His garments would be divided</h6>
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Introduced in Psalm 22: 18 and fulfilled in John 19: 23-24.</div>
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He would be given gall and vinegar</h6>
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Introduced in Psalm 69: 21 and fulfilled in John 19: 28-29.</div>
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His bones would not be broken</h6>
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Introduced in Exodus 12: 46 and fulfilled in John 19: 31-36.</div>
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He is <em>our</em> sacrifice</h6>
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Introduced in Isaiah 53: 5-6 and fulfilled in I Peter 2: 24-25.</div>
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He was raised from the dead</h6>
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Introduced in Psalm 16: 10 and fulfilled in Luke 24: 1-7 and 47.</div>
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The resurrection of Christ is the most significant event in all of world history. It provides a remedy for the “Falls” that we have seen which came into Heaven and the earth as a result of the sin caused and originated by Satan. If one <em>truly</em> believes in the historical facts of the Gospel, and is regenerated, one is granted eternal life through the finished work of Jesus of Nazareth (Romans 6:23; Titus 3: 5). The gospel is clearly presented in several places in Scripture. None are clearer than I Corinthians 15:</div>
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1 Corinthians 15: 1-4</div>
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<em>“<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; <span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures,” (KJV).</em><em> </em></div>
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Reason Three</h4>
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This is not the end of Christ’s work. God made a covenant with a man named Abraham, who the Bible calls the first Hebrew (Genesis 14:13). The Messianic Kingdom will be the final fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, and is the third reason Christ had to come to earth as a man. The Messianic Kingdom will happen after the seven year Great Tribulation is conducted by Jesus (Revelation 5). The purposes of the Great Tribulation are to make and end of sin, to conduct the greatest evangelistic effort the world has ever seen, and to bring the Jewish people (as a nation) to national regeneration through belief in their Messiah.</div>
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The chief characteristics of the Mosaic system were law and obedience. The chief characteristics of the present system, also called the Church age, are belief and grace. The chief characteristics of the Messianic Kingdom will be peace and righteousness (Isaiah 2.1-5, 11.1-10; Jeremiah 23.5-8). Other characteristics of the Messianic Kingdom are long life, perfect environment, and wealth.</div>
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There are many verses in the Old Testament prophesying the Messianic Kingdom. The orthodox Jews have long awaited it, and the Jews, who have not accepted Jesus as their Messiah, believe that He (their Messiah) will appear to set up the Messianic Kingdom. Some Old Testament references to the Kingdom are listed below:</div>
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<li>Isaiah 52:1 Jerusalem will be pure and no longer trodden down by the Gentiles (uncircumcised and unclean ones).</li>
<li>Isaiah 60:3 Gentiles with their leaders will serve the Jews.</li>
<li>Psalm 15:1-5 People in the Kingdom will possess a kind of righteousness.</li>
<li>Isaiah 11:6-9 Universal peace will be prevalent and the world’s animals will be at peace with each other and be vegetarians.</li>
<li>Isaiah 65:17-25 Here Isaiah describes the Messianic Kingdom’s new heaven and new earth, which is actually a renovation of the earth as we know it now. (This is not a description of the eternal order, which will be a complete new order to the heavens an earth described in Revelation 21-22.)</li>
<li>Micah 4:1-5 Jehovah’s house in the Messianic Kingdom becomes a center of attention with Messianic teaching and the absence of war and universal peace.</li>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-1703" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Peace By William Sttrutt Cir 1896 depicting Isaiah 11:6-7" class="size-full wp-image-1703" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" height="730" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1000" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Peace By William Sttrutt Cir 1896 depicting Isaiah 11:6-7</dd></dl>
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It was this Messianic Kingdom that John the Baptizer proclaimed when he said, "<em>Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"</em> (Matthew 3:2). Jesus proclaimed the same message that John had begun, <em>"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand"</em> (Matthew 4:17). While the nation of Israel rejected their Messiah and His coming kingdom after Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples continued to expect it to come. Right before His ascension the disciples said,<em> “And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying,</em> <em>‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ "</em> (Acts 1:6). Jesus replied that He could not reveal this knowledge. Jesus did not reject the idea of the Messianic Kingdom or spiritualize it. He simply discussed it and His answer affirmed the prophetic Scriptures, but He just could not reveal the timetable. All the prophecies in the Old Testament related to the Messiah’s first advent have literally been fulfilled, therefore we can expect that the prophecies related to the Messiah and His Kingdom will also be literally fulfilled. Some New Testament references to the Kingdom are:</div>
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<li>Mark 1:15 - "the kingdom of God is at hand."</li>
<li>Luke 17:20, 21 - "the kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed... behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst."</li>
<li>John 3:3 - unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.</li>
<li> Romans 14:17 - "the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."</li>
<li>Matthew 3:2; 4:17 - "the kingdom of heaven is at hand."</li>
<li>Matthew 5:3,10 - "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."</li>
<li>Matthew 5:19,20 - "enter the kingdom of heaven."</li>
<li>Ephesians 5:5 - "inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."</li>
<li>Colossians 1:13 - "the kingdom of His beloved Son."</li>
<li>II Peter 1:11 - "eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"</li>
<li>Matthew 6:33 - "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..."</li>
<li>John 18:36 - "My kingdom is not of this world/realm."</li>
<li>Acts 20:25 - "went about preaching the kingdom."</li>
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Jesus taught His apostles to pray: “<em>Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”</em> (Matthew 6:10). The Messianic Kingdom is coming, and He let them know that the when the Messianic Kingdom comes upon earth, it would mirror God’s heavenly Kingdom. This was to be sometime yet future to the time of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and to the time of Acts 1:6-7. With the world in increasingly worse turmoil we can say that the Messianic Kingdom has not yet arrived, and it is still yet future to us.</div>
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Conclusion</div>
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These are the reasons that Jesus had to come. He had to die to fulfill God’s requirement of justice for payment for sin.</div>
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As we celebrate His arrival this Christmas for the 2015th time we are assured that He came to save us from our sins. God loves us so much that He gave us Himself as a gift to a fallen and sinful world. He has also promised to return. We look for His return……..</div>
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John 3:16</div>
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<em>“<span style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span> 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.” (KJV)</em></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/geb_botti_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/geb_botti_grt.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-2201" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="The Birth of Christ by Sandro Fillpepi Botticelli Cir. 1500" class="size-full wp-image-2201" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/geb_botti_grt.jpg" height="800" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/geb_botti_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="609" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Birth of Christ by Sandro Fillpepi Botticelli Cir. 1500</dd></dl>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-53036913551132488292015-12-09T10:30:00.001-08:002015-12-09T10:30:30.855-08:00Just Who Were The Magi?<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 2.25em; line-height: 1em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0.3em;">
The Magi</h2>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-weight: bold;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/aertsen_aanbidding_midden_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/aertsen_aanbidding_midden_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; color: #ba1111; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Adoration of the Magi by Pieter Aertsen 1507-08" class="size-full wp-image-646" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/aertsen_aanbidding_midden_grt.jpg" height="1031" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/aertsen_aanbidding_midden_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1100" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Adoration of the Magi by Pieter Aertsen 1507-08</dd></dl>
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As part of the birth of Jesus we read an account in Matthew’s Gospel of Herod the king of Judea receiving some people from an eastern land who were alerted that the true “King of the Jews” had been born. As a result of their visit Herod and the general population of Jerusalem were threatened. Just who were these people and why was Herod threatened? God was bringing His long awaited Messiah to the earth and the ungodly were going to try but would not be able to stop His plan.</div>
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<em>Matthew 2:1–12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him. And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet,</em></div>
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<em> </em><em>(From Micah 5:2)“And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah,</em></div>
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<em>Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah:</em></div>
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<em>For out of thee shall come forth a governor,</em></div>
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<em>Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel. “</em></div>
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<em> </em><em>Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him. And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.</em></div>
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The vast majority of Jewish people, who should have been looking for their Messiah, were unaware of the birth of Christ, whereas these Gentiles, who were not God's people at that time, did seek to acknowledge this King. The same situation exists today as we anxiously anticipate His second arrival. Most could care less; but those of us who know Him look for Him to appear at any time (Matt 24: 42-44; Mark 13: 33-37; I Thes 4: 4-6; II Tim 4:8; II Peter 3:12 etc.).</div>
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Not only was Christ a physical earthly King by virtue of His lineage from David, but also by virtue of the fact that those in the world who were official kingmakers recognized Him as such. The Magi were from Media-Persia and were Persian kingmakers. After the Babylonian Empire fell in 539 B.C. the Media-Persian Empire took control of that region of Mesopotamia. Following that empire Alexander’s armies conquered it for the Greeks in 328 B.C. When Alexander died in 323 B.C. one of his generals, Seleucus Nicator, took control of the area and finally lost control of it to the Parthians in 139 B.C.</div>
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Magi is the Old Persian word <em>magav</em>, which refers to a certain very wise hereditary priestly tribe of people who came from the Medes. This term is also translated as “megistanes” from which we get our term magistrates. The Magi were so powerful that historians (Herodotus) tell us that no Persian was ever able to become king except under two conditions: he had to master the scientific and religious discipline of the Magi, and he had to be approved of and crowned by the Magi. In effect, they controlled who could be king within the Mesopotamian region. Having through the years risen to a place of great prominence in the kingdoms of Babylon, Media, and Persia, they served as advisors to the rulers, and so the term became synonymous in many ways with being a wise man. This is how our English translations render the word <em>magav</em>. Now, some time after the birth of Jesus, some God-fearing Magi arrived in Jerusalem asking for the King of the Jews.</div>
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<strong>Herod The Great</strong></div>
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Herod was half Jew and half Idumaean, being a partial descendant of the Edomites who lived southeast of Israel. He gained favor with the Romans, who controlled the land of Judea. As the son of Antipater, the procurator (governor) of Jerusalem and Judea, Herod had played up so much to the Romans that they appointed him as the tetrarch of Galilee in 47 B.C. It was a lesser position in significance, but nonetheless it was a position of honor among the Romans. Seven years later in 4O B.C. when the eastern Parthian Empire attacked the Romans at Israel, civil war broke out and Herod quickly fled to Rome. Convincing the Senate that he was pro-Roman, and from that part of the world, he knew how to handle regional political situations. The Romans made him the king of the Jews, gave him an army and charged him with the job of bringing Israel under control. After three years, Herod being successful, was finally able to gain the full authority that had been promised and truly became the king of the Jews, a title that he maintained until he died.</div>
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Politically speaking, Rome was strategically concerned with the eastern empire of Parthia, as the old Medo-Persian Empire became known. Rome had stretched its tentacles out to rule the world, but they never really felt secure about the Parthian Empire because they did not conquer them. Israel (situated between these two powers) became the battle ground between these violent enemies in 63, 55 and 40 B.C.</div>
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Rome's anxiety over this eastern empire was accurately reflected in Herod's response to the arrival of the Magi in Matthew 2:3: "When Herod, the king, had heard these things, he was troubled...." When he heard that Magi, the oriental, Parthian kingmakers had arrived in Jerusalem, he became justifiably politically insecure. By the time of Christ, the Magi still had tremendous power in the east. Whereas some of them used their power, position, and skills with a great amount of human wisdom, others prostituted their craft. Both kinds of Magi were very common in the Mediterranean area when Christ was born (Acts 8 & 13 speak of corrupt ones).At the time of Christ in the eastern empire there was a ruling body called the Megistanes who would be similar in function to the United States Senate. It was totally composed of Magi who had the right of absolute choice for the selection of a king. They were kingmakers.</div>
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When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem asking for the whereabouts of the new king that had been born, Herod panicked, knowing that those Persian kingmakers had come to find their king. They were no doubt traveling in full force with all their oriental pomp, riding Persian steeds (rather than camels). And accompanying them, historians estimate (from John MacArthur) there were a thousand mounted Persian cavalrymen.</div>
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When they came into the city of Jerusalem and Herod saw them he became very nervous. That's why the Bible says that Herod was "troubled." The Greek word conveys the idea that he was agitating like a washing machine--literally shaking. As the King of the Jews, the great dream of his life was to get that little buffer state in the middle of two huge contending empires, under his control. All of a sudden this massive group of Persians arrived in the city and he panicked because the new king they were coming to find would be a threat to the realization of his dream.</div>
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At that time both Herod and Caesar Augustus were aged and close to death. Also because the retirement of Tiberius, Augustus’ future successor, the Roman army was left without a commander-in-chief. The Parthians’ were aware that this would be the ideal time to bring about an eastern war against the west. Herod knew this too. The Bible says that they worshiped Christ. They saw more than just a king. They saw the Messiah they had heard about from the days of Daniel. The Magi who came to Jerusalem were God-fearing Gentiles who probably envisioned this Savior, the Anointed One (Messiah), as the king who would gather all the people of the East together against the oppression of Rome.</div>
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Knowing that the people of Israel were on their side rather than Rome's, the Magi came into town and started asking the people where this new King was. Most of the ruling Jews were blinded by their unbelief. Interestingly some of the first people in the world to recognize the arrival of the King were Gentiles. History reflects that irony of rejection in John 1:11 where it says, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." But in spite of the general rejection of the King by the Jews, the Magi knew this Child could be the great Messiah that Daniel had prophesied. They could have hoped this would be the one who could unify the east and go against Rome with invincibility. Most Jews were looking for a Messiah that would resemble a strong military man capable of throwing off the suzerainty of the Romans and freeing them. And so, into Jerusalem rides the group of Magi, kingmakers of the east on their fine Persian steeds, and escorted by a thousand mounted cavalrymen.</div>
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They came into town asking, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews?", and Herod became afraid. A little of the shock of this whole scene is indicated in Matthew 2: 1. It was completely unexpected and shocking for Magi to come from the east, asking where the King of the Jews had been born.</div>
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Historians record for us that at that general time there was a strange expectation in the world for a coming king. The people in the east had it, which partly explains why the Magi came. People in many places were anticipating the arrival of a king, something even the Roman historians acknowledged:</div>
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1) Suetonius wrote in the <em>The Twelve Ceasars</em>, "There had spread over all the Orient an old and established belief, that it was fated at that time for men coming from Judea to rule the world." Writing during the second century A.D. about such things as Vespasian's conquering of Israel in A.D. 70, Suetonius looked back and said that the first century was a day when there was an expectation for men coming from Judea to rule the world. Consequently, people's eyes were focused upon that place.</div>
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2) Tacitus, the famous Roman historian, tells of the same belief in <em>The Annals</em> that "there was a firm persuasion...that at this very time the East was to grow powerful, and rulers coming from Judaea were to acquire a universal empire."</div>
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3) Josephus, in <em>Wars of the Jews</em>, said that the Jews had a belief that "about that time one from their country should become governor of the habitable earth."</div>
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The Magi came to Jerusalem based upon information they had received from Daniel and other Jews (who were now living in their land since the captivity), upon their own sense of faith in the true God who would fulfill His Word, and upon what they saw in the sky. They repeatedly asked the Jews "Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." (Mt 2:2)</div>
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Herod must have known that Child was more than a human king. He apparently knew that this was the Messiah, the Anointed One, which the Magi were seeking. Herod knew that the true King of the Jews, and the Messiah of Israel, were one and the same. Like the Wise Men, he was aware that there was more than a humanly king coming to the earth. He knew that someday a God sent Messiah would arrive.</div>
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Herod's interrogation of the chief priests, about where the Christ was to be born, shows how subtly deceptive he really was. It is amazing how many people look to the Bible for information. But they will not accept Christ as their Savior and Lord. The chief priests and the scribes quoted Micah 5:2 to Herod, informing him that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. They knew that, and still paid absolutely no attention to the events in Bethlehem. It's amazing that these orthodox literalists had perfect head knowledge, but were never touched in their souls. No wonder the Bible says, "...for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life" (2 Cor. 3:6b.) It didn't take long before the indifference of the chief priests and scribes issued in the hateful plotting of Christ's murder. From the indifference of Matthew chapter two to the plots and the murders at the end of the Messiah’s life, they had full knowledge of all the prophecies being fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and yet they rejected them with full information. Jesus Himself even reminded them that all they had to do was to check the Scriptures which they were supposed to be so expert in: "Search the scriptures; for...they are they which testify of Me" (Jn. 5:39).</div>
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<strong>Bethlehem</strong></div>
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Bethlehem has an interesting history. In the book of Genesis, Jacob buried Rachel there, setting a marker by her grave (Gen. 35:19-20). Ruth married Boaz and she lived in the town of Bethlehem (Ruth 4:11), from where she could see her homeland, Moab, across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Bethlehem was the home and city of the great king of Israel David. It is called the city of David, as 1 Samuel indicates (16:1; 17:12; 20:6). It was there in that little village that the people of God had long expected their Messiah to be born, in accordance with the prophecy of Micah 5:2. They waited for David's greater Son, the Messiah, to come out of David's city. But when the time of His birth did arrive, few were even aware of it.</div>
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Herod was afraid that this little baby would interfere with his status in life. Jealous and fearful, he sought to eliminate Him. People felt the same way thirty-three years later, successfully completing Herod's original plot of killing Jesus. Some people feel that way today. Jesus is interference in their life. He bothers them, upsetting their plans, and if they had their choice, they too, would eliminate Him. Like the book of Hebrews says, those people know all about Christ and still reject Him, in effect, "crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame" (Hebrews 6: 6b). Jesus cautioned His disciples about the hatred and the hostility of the world toward Him and His servants: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you" (Jn. 15:18). "...the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service" (Jn. 16:2b). And, of course, we see the hatred and the hostility exemplified by Herod.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-top: 0.8em;">
The chief priests and the scribes, who were engrossed in their political intrigues and their acquisition of power as well as making money in the Temple at the expense of the people, didn’t care that their Messiah had been born. There are many who are indifferent like that today. They conduct church services for the sole purpose of making a living as if the work of Christ was a business. They will be the people the Bible speaks of as having no awareness of His coming for His Church (Matthew 24: 36-51).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-top: 0.8em;">
The Magi came to worship Him knowing full well who he was and what He represented. This was all due to what they learned from Daniel the prophet. Daniel was chosen to become chief of the Magi when he demonstrated his superior ability in interpreting dreams (Dan. 5:11). By the "divine coincidence" of having a great Hebrew prophet to rule the Magi six hundred years before Jesus was born, God was, in effect, setting up the situation so that one day, when a baby was born in Bethlehem, some of those Magi would find their way to the house where the young child was so that He could be acknowledged as King by known Gentile kingmakers.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-top: 0.8em;">
God controls human history; and we are seeing God at work. Long ago He picked out a man named Daniel and put him in a place to influence some men so that they could arrive in perfect timing. Interestingly, the people who should have known the great significance of the event missed it, and the people from way off who should have never guessed it could happen, showed up and worshipped the One who came to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles (Rom. 1:16). Jesus came and said, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt. 15:24). Israel turned her back on Christ, and so He called a people from those who were not formerly His (Rom. 9:25). He reached out to the Gentiles, Romans says, and grafted us in (11:17). Even the unbelief of His own people could not prevent the Messiah from being honored as Jesus made clear in Luke 19:40 that if the people wouldn't praise Him, "the stones would immediately cry out." Therefore, when the King arrived, and His own people wouldn't praise Him, then God made sure that there was somebody there to do it.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-top: 0.8em;">
And you know in our world today, people celebrate Christmas by passing around Christmas cards and giving gifts. They look at the Wise Men, but few really understand the significance of their presence before that Child. There are some of us, however, who have followed the example of the Wise Men and bowed down to the "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:16b).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-top: 0.8em;">
SEE THE COROLLARY STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arimo, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-top: 0.8em;">
Daniel E. Woodhead Ph.D.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-61589444890555382812015-11-23T20:53:00.000-08:002015-11-29T18:39:59.381-08:00The Temple Rulers in Jerusalem Were Wickedly Steeped in The Occult<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Lord Visits Ezekiel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ezekiel
8:1-2<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">1</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">And it
came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the
month, as I sat in my house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the
hand of the Lord Jehovah fell there upon me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2</sup>Then I beheld, and, lo, a likeness
as the appearance of fire; from the appearance of his loins and downward, fire;
and from his loins and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as it were
glowing metal (ASV, 1901).</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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As
Ezekiel relates the events speaking in the first person he says that on the <span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">17<sup>th</sup> of September 592 B.C., which
was more than a year after he had received his call into the prophetic
ministry, God visited him again with a new series of visions. Ezekiel was at
home in Tel-abib and elders of Judah, who were the leaders of the community in
exile, were with him. They frequently met with Ezekiel regarding the affairs of
the nation Israel and events transgressing back in Jerusalem. With this new set
of visions we see a new section of the book. The visions in chapters three –
seven spoke directly against Judah and Israel. In this section from chapter
eight to eleven God directs His attention toward Jerusalem and the remnant
under King Zedekiah. Those with Ezekiel might have been looking forward to an
early release from captivity and a return to Jerusalem. Now they are told that
the people in Jerusalem both king and Temple magistrates have grievously
persisted in their sins. In fact the religious leaders were committing worse
sins than Ezekiel had ever imagined before. God will supernaturally transport
Ezekiel’s spirit with Him to Jerusalem to witness the actual abominations being
carried out by those responsible for connecting the people to their God. They
had become wicked and were leading the people astray away from God. Israel’s major
spiritual decline began with the construction of temples to pagan gods on the
sacred temple mount area during Solomon’s reign. Solomon married many pagan
wives and allowed each who wished to do so to build a temple and altar to her
god (I Kings 11:1–8). This spiritual deterioration led to a resurrection of
Baal worship (I Kings 16:31–34; 17:1–17) and resulted in the division of the
nation into northern and southern kingdoms at the death of Solomon (1 Kings
11:41–12:33). When the leader of a country endorses paganism it flourishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ezekiel is suddenly spiritized or led into a
supernatural spiritual state by the Lord God of the universe. This is a
reappearance of the same vision relative to the Shekinah Glory he saw in
chapter one verses 26-28. Only he saw these vivid visions. The elders did not
see them but Ezekiel would later relate the experience to them (11:24b).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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He
had the appearance of a man. The <span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Hebrew
text designates the color of the fire and the metal like object as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chashmal </i>(great purity and clarity). The
chashmal seems to be divided at the waist of God on His Throne. Fire seems to
begin at the waist and extend upward and downward in both directions
simultaneously. The brightness he saw extended all around Him. Daniel and John had
a similar visions and experiences (Daniel 10:5-6; </span>Revelation 1:13-15<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ezekiel is Taken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ezekiel 8:3-4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3</sup>And he put forth the
form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up
between earth and heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to
the door of the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the north; where was
the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. <sup>4</sup>And,
behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the appearance
that I saw in the plain (ASV, 1901). <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Jehovah
then took Ezekiel as it were by the hair indicating a strong urgent desire by
God. He wanted to get Ezekiel’s attention and to impart the seriousness of the
events He wanted Ezekiel to witness. God spiritually lifted him to a sense of
spiritualization (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">between earth and heaven</span></i>) wherein he was fully conscious and aware
but seeing Jerusalem. This same transportation will be recorded in the fortieth
chapter when God carries him again to Jerusalem to see the details of the
Messianic Temple. It will be a much more positive experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
is taken to the door of the North Gate of the inner court where the leaders of
Israel had set up an image, to provoke God to jealousy. The north gate was one
of three gates that opened from the outer court to the inner court. The other
two were located on the east and south sides. Since Ezekiel was at the
“entrance” to the north gate, he was probably positioned in the outer court
looking south toward the inner court. This is where he was in the presence of
the Lord God of Israel who would give him a tour of the abominations of the
Temple leaders of Israel. The leaders of Israel provoked God to jealousy intentionally,
which caused pain to the Lord because they wanted to test Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing He is a jealous God from their
scriptures they also knew the outcome of such provocations. They were led by
the evil one Satan and could not fully comprehend the finality or certainty of
the outcome of such abdominal behavior. Since there was temporal ecstasy
associated with idol worship such as sexual experiences they were deceived into
thinking that God would not see them. This is the level of deception that Satan
is able to bring on one who is not steeped in continual connection with God.
Satan creeps in and leads one away from the truth with doubt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Exodus
20:4-5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">4</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Thou
shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of any thing that is
in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under
the earth: <sup>5</sup>thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve
them; for I Jehovah thy God am a jealous God, <u>visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation of
them that hate me</u> (ASV, 1901).</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
This
is an idol of Babylonian origin, which Isaiah describes as the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Customs from the east</i>” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Isaiah
2:5-8 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">O
house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of Jehovah. <sup>6</sup>For
thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they are filled with <u>customs
from the east</u>, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they strike
hands with the children of foreigners. <sup>7</sup>And their land is full of
silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land also
is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots. <sup>8</sup>Their
land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that
which their own fingers have made (ASV, 1901).</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ezekiel Sees The Image<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
8:5-6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then
said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north.
So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold, northward of the
gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. <sup>6</sup>And he said
unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that
the house of Israel do commit here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary?
But thou shalt again see yet other great abominations (ASV, 1901). <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">God now directs Ezekiel’s attention to the gate,
which opens to the north where he sees the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">image
of jealousy in the entry.</i> God tells Ezekiel to look at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what they do</i>, not just the image that they had set up. God sees
everything but the elders did not think God in their satanic deception would
see what they were doing (v. 12). While his body remained in Babylon Ezekiel’s
very lucid spirit saw the first of four forms of apostate worship. This image
of jealousy was not given a physical description but was positioned at the
north gate to the inner court. Hezekiah’s evil son Manasseh set up an idol as
described in II Kings 21:7 & II Chronicles 33:7, 15 (cir. 650 B.C.). Prior
to him idol worship was carried out in secret as the Jews married into the
Canaanite families. But with Manasseh it was carried out in the open flagrantly.
Approximately twelve years later good king Josiah purged Judah and Jerusalem of
these things upon notification of the righteous scribe Shaphan who read the Law
of Moses to Josiah (II Chronicles 34). After Josiah died in battle the evil
idolaters reversed his reforms (II Chronicles 36:5, 9; Jeremiah 3:10). This is
probably the idol restored after Josiah’s death. There was a history of setting
up unlawful images and altars in the temple precincts under various
circumstances (II Kings. 16:10–16; 21:4–7, etc.). This was probably some type
votive altar and image of Asherah, “the queen of heaven.” This was a cult,
which was widespread in Jerusalem at that time and associated with Babylonian
occultic worship (Jeremiah 7:17–18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 28px; left: 0px; margin-left: 282px; margin-top: 187px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 42px; z-index: 251666432;"></span><!--[endif]-->They
had turned so far away from God and were so flagrant with it that we can see
that their hearts had gotten away from
God because they erected the image of jealousy in open sight at the very gate through
which men approached God. What caused God the most anger and pain was the beast
worship they carried out as He said, “<i>seest
thou what they do?” </i> There was
certainly a sexually immoral component to this beast worship because they had
to derive some ecstatic pleasure from this to continue doing it. It is sick and
forbidden in the Bible (Leviticus 18:6-29). God is saying that what they do
here is designed to cause Him to <i>go far
off from my sanctuary. </i>They wanted God and His moral order of the Universe
to leave them alone so they could conduct their abdominal behavior without any
reminder that what they were doing was wrong. God ends this section of
scripture by saying to Ezekiel, “<i>But thou
shalt again see yet other great abominations.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Takes Ezekiel to The Inner Court North
Door<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ezekiel 8:7-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">7</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">And he
brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold, a hole in the
wall. <sup>8</sup>Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and
when I had digged in the wall, behold, a door. <sup>9</sup>And he said unto me,
Go in, and see the wicked abominations that they do here. <sup>10</sup>So I
went in and saw; and behold, every form of creeping things, and abominable
beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round
about. <sup>11</sup>And there stood before them seventy men of the elders of
the house of Israel; and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of
Shaphan, every man with his censer in his hand; and the odor of the cloud of
incense went up. <sup>12</sup>Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen
what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in his
chambers of imagery? for they say, Jehovah seeth us not; Jehovah hath forsaken
the land. <sup>13</sup>He said also unto me, Thou shalt again see yet other great
abominations, which they do (ASV, 1901).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Now
Ezekiel sees the door to the court and is told to dig in the wall to see a
concealed door. He then is commanded to go in to the inner court where he sees
the despicable practices that the Jewish religious leaders are performing even
more so than outside the door. This was a pantheon of idolatry. He saw beasts
being worshipped. There were pictures on the walls of all sorts of reptiles and
other abdominal beasts as well as the idols of the people of Israel. He also
saw the seventy elders worshipping these images with incense censers in their
hands. This was probably the worshipping of the animal cults of Egypt (Romans
1:23). <span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Jaazaniah, the son of Shaphan, is singled
out for mention. Shaphan was the scribe, who received from the high priest,
Hilkiah, the book of the law, and who read it before King Josiah (II Kings
22:8–11; Jeremiah 39:14). The son of this God-fearing man was the leader of the
animal-worshippers. It was an evidence of the great apostasy, which had
engulfed the nation. And these depraved men said: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jehovah seeth us not; Jehovah hath forsaken the land</i>.” They denied
His omniscience and omnipresence. The apostasy in Christianity is going the
same way. God again concluded this section of scripture saying, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thou shalt again see yet other great
abominations which they do.” </i>There is much more to come.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Worshipping Tammuz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ezekiel 8:14-15</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">14</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then
he brought me to the door of the gate of Jehovah’s house, which was toward the
north; and behold, there sat the women weeping for Tammuz. <sup>15</sup>Then
said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? thou shalt again see yet
greater abominations than these (ASV, 1901).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
saw women weeping for Tammuz originally a Babylonian cultic figure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
In Genesis
chapter ten is an introduction to a man named Nimrod. He was the sixth son born
of Cush. His name in Hebrew means to rebel. He was the founder of Babylon and
Assyria. He is mentioned in I Chronicles 1: 10, Micah 5: 6 and in Genesis 10:
8b-9. The Hebrew text states that he was a mighty hunter before (Hebrew against)
the Lord. This is indicative of his antagonism and opposition to God. He was
wicked and made the whole world rebel through the building of the Tower of
Babel. He was the first to establish kingdoms. This happened in two stages. The
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i> is in Shinar, which included
Babel, Erech, Accad and Calneh. The second kingdom is Assyria called the land
of Nimrod in Micah 5: 6. After the language was separated in confused by God it
drove him to Assyria from Babylon. The two have been intertwined since then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Cultic Background<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tradition suggests that Nimrod died a violent death. One
tradition says that a wild animal killed him. Another says that </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shem"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Shem</span></a><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> killed him because he had
led the people into the worship of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Baal</span></a><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to ancient Egyptian and Babylonian traditions, his
mother was Semiramis; sometimes Semiramis is referred to as the mother of
Nimrod, and sometimes as his wife, leading to the belief that Nimrod married
his mother. Also according to these traditions, Semiramis, who rose to
greatness as the "Queen of Heaven" because of her son, was presented
with a difficulty when her son died, so instead she pronounced him to be a god,
so that she herself would become a goddess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though Semiramis claimed to be a virgin she had another
son, named </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammuz"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Tammuz</span></a><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, whom she said was the reincarnation of Nimrod. She became
known as the "Virgin Mother", "Holy Mother" and the
"Queen of Heaven" and was symbolized by the Moon (Symbol of Islam).
So began the worship of Semiramis and the child-god, and the whole
paraphernalia of the Babylonian religious system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From various ancient sources, it seems that Nimrod’s wife/mother;
Semiramis was high priestess of the Babel religion and the founder of all
mystery religions as well as goddess. After the tower was destroyed, the
languages confused and the people scattered she was worshiped as a goddess
under many different names. She became Ishtar of Syria, Astarte of Phoenicia,
Isis of Egypt, Aphrodite of Greece, and Venus of Rome—in each case the deity of
sexual love and fertility. Her son Tammuz also came to be deified under various
names and was the consort of Ishtar and god of the underworld.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to the cult of Ishtar, Tammuz was conceived by a
sunbeam, a counterfeit version of Jesus’ virgin birth. Tammuz corresponded to
Baal in Phoenicia, Osiris in Egypt, Eros in Greece, and Cupid in Rome. In every
case, the worship of those gods and goddesses was associated with sexual
immorality. The celebration of Lent, which has no basis in Scripture, began
from the pagan celebration of Semiramis’, mourning for forty days over the
death of Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14) before his alleged resurrection. This is another
of Satan’s mythical counterfeits.</span><span style="font-family: "arialmt" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the decline of Babylon,
their priests fled to Egypt and transported their religion with them. There the
people worshipped Isis and her son Osiris (otherwise known as Horus). The same
mother and child deities appeared in Greece as Ceres, the Great Mother, with
the babe at her breast, or as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eirene"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Irene</span></a><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the goddess of Peace, with
the boy Plutus in her arms and in Pagan Rome as Fortuna and Jupiter. Other
cultures embraced this concept such as Cyprian and Indian. This is the classic
mother child worship we see in the contemporary Roman church too. </span><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">God again ends this section of scripture by
saying to Ezekiel, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But thou shalt again
see yet other great abominations.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is saying to Ezekiel, “there is more evil
to come.” In all of these mother child cults the child never grows to
adulthood. This is true of the Madonna and Child, which became Mariolatry in
the Middle Ages.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-78316194383565618282015-11-10T06:06:00.001-08:002015-11-10T09:14:03.428-08:00God Always Punishes Sin. Is It Too Late For America?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<h4>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large; font-variant: small-caps;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">In this passage of Scripture God Tells the Jews through the prophet Ezekiel that He has had enough of their sins. He goes on to tell them that doom is coming upon Jerusalem and all the land of Israel. Seeing how God only tolerates sin in a nation for so long before He brings judgment, we must ask: Can America's judgment be coming soon</span></span><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">? </span></span></h4>
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ezekiel Told To Alert The Idolaters to What is Coming<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ezekiel
6:11<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">11</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Thus
saith the Lord Jehovah: Smite with thy hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say,
Alas! because of all the evil abominations of the house of Israel; for they
shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence (ASV, 1901).</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Now
the Lord commands Ezekiel to proceed with His judgment upon Israel with a
strong gesture to alert them to what is coming. He says to Ezekiel, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Smite
with thy hand, and stamp with thy foot,”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i>which is a known way to alert others for
mourning or rejoicing. In Hebrew it is better translated as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pound with your hand and stamp with your
foot”.</i> Smiting (clapping) hands together, was a sign of rejoicing (2 Kings
11:12; Psalms 98:8) or mockery (Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15; Ezekiel 21:14,
17; 22:13; 25:6, “clapped your hands”; Nahum 3:19). The phrase here was a
symbol of contemptuous ridicule ending the idolatry (cf. Ezekiel 25:6). The
clapping of the hands was also a custom of the paid Jewish mourners. Stamping
ones foot is also a common symbol for ending some undesirable activity by the
person with authority. One says, “he put his foot down over that activity,
essentially ending it.” This illustration punctuates and sets the tone for the
admonition what follows. God now tells Ezekiel that the decision has been made
in the divine councils and now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“they
shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.” </i> There is no turning back and no repentance will be effective. The decision to carry out God's vengeance has been made. This seems to be true of America. We don't turn from sin, we nationalize it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Who Will Die of What Means?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Ezekiel 6:12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">12</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">He
that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by
the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus
will I accomplish my wrath upon them (ASV, 1901).</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
God in His earnestness of following through on what He has
prophecied through Ezekiel make a decree. <span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The three judgments, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sword, famine</i>,
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pestilence</i>, are divided between
those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">far off, nearby</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">any who are left</i>. The swords of the
Babylonian army will get many after they starved the city through a blockade.
Pestilence always follows war. With no food and war wounds disease follows. Obviously,
this judgment includes everybody. There was now no way for the people to escape
the wrath of God when they continued their wicked practices after sufficient
warning. It would only be when these judgments overwhelmed them that they would
realize the extent of their depravity and God’s holiness. This might have been
an irksome task for Ezekiel to keep repeating these warnings. The constant flow
of warnings to the Jews left them without excuse for the results of their
abdominal practices.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Realization Will Come to Israel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
6:13-14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">13</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">And ye
shall know that I am Jehovah, when their slain men shall be among their idols
round about their altars, upon every high hill, on all the tops of the
mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the places
where they offered sweet savor to all their idols. <sup>14</sup>And I will
stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate and waste, from the
wilderness toward Diblah, throughout all their habitations: and they shall know
that I am Jehovah (ASV, 1901). <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
God
now clearly states that the entire nation will know who God is when they see
all the dead among the idols surrounding the pagan altars. This is His Royal
Seal of the events to be conducted very soon. The place of their death will be
exactly where they offered incense and their adoration to the idols. God is
using the place where they worshipped in abominable adoration to the Canaanite
occultic gods to be the death ground for the Jews. <span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The desolation will extend from the southern <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wilderness</i> (around Beersheba) to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Riblah</i>, near the northern border of modern Lebanon. Riblah was
where Zedekiah the king was captured fleeing. He was captured by Nebuchadnezzar
at Riblah, and there his eyes were blinded after his children were killed (2
Kings 25:5, 7; Jeremiah 39:6–7; 52:8–11, 26–27). Riblah is a city on the Orontes
River in Syria. The text says Diblah. There is no mention of a city named
Diblah in Judah. However, it is probably meant to be Riblah due to the
similarities of the Hebrew letter for R is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">resh</i>
(</span><span style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: JA;">ר</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">) and D</span><span style="mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dalet</i> (ד)</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">. A Scribe could easily have copied these in
error.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Babylonian Invasion is Near<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
7:1-4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">1 </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me,
saying, <sup>2</sup>And thou, son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto the
land of Israel, An end: the end is come upon the four corners of the land. <sup>3</sup>Now
is the end upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee
according to thy ways; and I will bring upon thee all thine abominations. <sup>4</sup>And
mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity; but I will bring thy
ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye
shall know that I am Jehovah (ASV, 1901)</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The frequency
of the warnings seems to the modern reader as unnecessarily repetitious.
However they were necessary to provide to all the certainty of the impending
judgment of God upon the nation Israel. The pleas of the God had fallen on deaf
ears. The people by and large did not care and even went so far as to
characterize the true prophets as false because their message was contrary to
how the people and their leaders wanted to behave. God is now saying that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">An
end: the end is come upon the four corners of the land. </span></i><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">No part of the land would be exempt.
Interestingly God says that He will bring <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">upon
thee all thine abominations.</i> He will no longer have pity upon Israel for
her conduct and their repayment is now immanent. Israel was being repaid in a
divine sense for the detestable practices she committed. God is going to repeat
verses 3 and 4 in 8 & 9. In the midst of the judgment they will know that
it is God who is doing this and also what it is they have done.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Doom Will Come Upon The Land<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
7:5-9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Thus
saith the Lord Jehovah: An evil, an only evil; behold, it cometh. <sup>6</sup>An
end is come, the end is come; it awaketh against thee; behold, it cometh. <sup>7</sup>Thy
doom is come unto thee, O inhabitant of the land: the time is come, the day is
near, a day of tumult, and not of joyful shouting, upon the mountains. <sup>8</sup>Now
will I shortly pour out my wrath upon thee, and accomplish mine anger against
thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways; and I will bring upon thee all
thine abominations. <sup>9</sup>And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I
have pity: I will bring upon thee according to thy ways; and thine abominations
shall be in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, do smite
(ASV, 1901).</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
is told to repeat what God is saying. God says, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">An evil, an only evil; behold, it
cometh. An end is come, the end is come; it awaketh against thee; behold, it
cometh..” </span></i><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">In saying this He
means that what was about to come upon Jerusalem had no historical parallel.
They had like so many today have a uniformitarian view of world events. Namely,
the way things are today are as they have always been and always will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many do not believe in divine judgment or
that many of their activities constitute sin in God’s economy. The manner of
the written warning is becoming more urgent as can see from the style of the
Hebrew text. The Hebrew phrases are becoming short and choppy, and the words
“coming” or “came” occur six times in verses 5–7. Ezekiel had been proclaiming,
Disaster! A here-to-fore unknown disaster is coming. A sense of urgency is
being conveyed. Sin had run its course and only judgment was left. There was no
turning back now because God says,”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup> </sup>Now
will I shortly pour out my wrath upon thee, and accomplish mine anger against
thee,” </i>Because of the repetition of the warnings there is an element of
monotonous tiring on God’s patience for the degree and volume of sins the Jews
were committing against Him. Nearing the day of judgment there would be panic,
not joy, upon the mountains. Those who had been leisurely practicing their
idolatry on the high places (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">joyful
shouting, upon the mountains</i>) would be thrown into a state of apprehension
when overtaken in judgment. Such is the case with the segments of the
population that are without God’s Spirit living within them. During the coming
Tribulation men will realize that it is God who is bringing the calamities on
the earth and they will defy Him. After nearly half of mankind had been destroyed
and much of the earth is ruined. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The Fourth & Fifth Bowl Judgments</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Revelation
16: 8-9 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>8</sup>And the fourth angel poured out
his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. <sup>9</sup>And
men were scorched with great heat, and <u>blasphemed the name of God</u>, which
hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory,<sup> 10</sup>
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his
kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, <sup>11 </sup>And
blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and
repented not of their deeds (KJV).<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
fourth Trumpet judgment will destroy one-third of the light source causing a
partial darkening of the earth. This judgment makes the sun hotter so that men
on the earth are scorched with increased temperatures. Again those on the earth
that have aligned themselves with the satanic government blaspheme God and do
not repent of their sins. They will recognize that God is doing all this to
them and still they will not repent. They have aligned themselves with the sins
of the world and the satanic deception brought through the Antichrist. The people
and especially the leaders of ancient Israel realized that the judgment coming
upon them was from God and most did not care. They were in a sense blaspheming
the name of God for their desired lifestyle was being interrupted and they did
not like it. The fifth bowl judgment will result in the fourth blackout of the
end times. The entire kingdom of the beast (Antichrist) will become dark. Only
the refuge areas in the three Trans Jordanian nations where light will continue
to exist. In addition to the darkness men receive a gnawing pain that causes them
to blaspheme God all the more. There will be a thick darkness, which can be
felt too. This parallels the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Closeness of the Calamity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Ezekiel
7:10-13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">10</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Behold,
the day, behold, it cometh: thy doom is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed,
pride hath budded. <sup>11</sup>Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness;
none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of their wealth: neither
shall there be eminency among them. <sup>12</sup>The time is come, the day
draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is
upon all the multitude thereof. <sup>13</sup>For the seller shall not return to
that which is sold, although they be yet alive: for the vision is touching the
whole multitude thereof, none shall return; neither shall any strengthen
himself in the iniquity of his life (ASV, 1901).</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
God
still assuring the nation Israel that the doom is a foregone conclusion uses imagery
of a rod or a branch that has buds appearing indication the full bloom is near
in time. Most view the rod as Nebuchadnezzar and the bud as how near he was to
breaking through the walls of Jerusalem to get at the people. It was his pride
that carried him to desire the earth as his domain to conquer. In verse eleven
the rod becomes a symbol for the judgment, which will be used to flog, the
disobedient people that is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">a rod of wickedness. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">God’s judgment would have a devastating effect
on the economy. When it struck, none of the people would be left, none of that
crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing of value would remain.
Because of the Captivity, property and material possessions became worthless. All
of the people’s personal possessions would become the property of the
Babylonians. The property owners would be torn from their land and carried to
Babylon. God through Ezekiel says, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">let
not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is upon all the
multitude thereof</i>.” The buyer who normally rejoiced over a good business
deal should not be happy because he would not be able to possess the land he
had purchased. And one forced to sell his land should not grieve because he
would have lost it anyway. Normally according to the Mosaic Law when land was
sold in Israel, the transaction was always temporary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Every 50 years after seven Sabbaths, during the
Year of Jubilee, the property reverted to its original owners (Leviticus 25:10,
13–17). However, God’s coming judgment would prevent original owners from
reclaiming their properties; they would be in exile along with the buyers. In
ancient Israel, land wasn’t sold in <i>fee simple</i><sup><span style="color: #365c90;"> </span></sup>as we are used to. This is <span style="color: #1a1a1a;">a permanent and absolute tenure of an estate in land with
freedom to dispose of it at will. </span>Since God was the real landowner,
Israel was simply a tenant under conditions of obedience. When land was “sold,”
what the buyer received was only the <i>use</i> of the land, not clear title.
There were conditions under which a kinsman of the seller could “redeem” the
land back to the </span>original family such as we see in the book of Ruth.
Here Boaz performs the role of the “Kinsman-redeemer.” By his intervention, the
forfeited lands are returned to Naomi. All this is according to the temporary
ownership of the land under the Mosaic Law. God is the actual landowner, the
fee simple holder and can assign its temporary rights to anybody He decides to.
In this case it is the Babylonians. In the twentieth century after being out of
the land for 1878 years (since the Roman destruction of 70 AD) God exercised
His rights under the fee simple ownership and restored the Jews to the land of
Israel in 1948 on the eastern banks of the Mediterranean Sea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
No
human effort could hinder God from accomplishing His plan in 586 B.C. Though
they would call soldiers to battle by the trumpet, no one would go into battle.
Jerusalem would try to defend herself, but she would fall with little
resistance to a foe with God’s force behind him.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
To Listen To An Audio of This Message click on the link below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=1025151814198">AUDIO OF MESSAGE</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-32383393268357449772015-10-13T15:20:00.003-07:002015-10-14T05:09:13.611-07:00The Earth's Population in The Messianic Kingdom<h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 20px 0px 0px;">
<strong style="border: 0px; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">People in The Messianic Kingdom</strong></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
Who will live in the Messianic Kingdom (Millennium) at the end of the Tribulation? What will they look like? How many will there be? These are good questions, and Scripture supplies a lot of the answers.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
During the Millennium there will be two people groups on earth: the Jewish people, and the Gentiles. Additionally, there will be two different types of bodies for the Millennial population, resurrected bodies and natural bodies.</div>
<div class="mceTemp" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em;">
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 1010px;" id="attachment_1703" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1010px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Peace By William Sttrutt Cir 1896 depicting Isaiah 11:6-7" class="size-full wp-image-1703" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Peace.jpg" height="730" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="1000" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Peace By William Sttrutt Cir 1896 depicting Isaiah 11:6-7</dd></dl>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
Those going into the Messianic Kingdom in resurrected bodies will be:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: square inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The people who are in the Church from the first Pentecost until the Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:14-17; I Corinthians 15:54; Jude 1:14; Revelation 19:14).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Old Testament Saints (Isaiah 26:19).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Great Tribulation Saints (Revelation 20:4).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Possibly the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (to be described later).</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
Those going into the Messianic Kingdom in natural bodies will be:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: square inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Jews who made it through the Tribulation.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Gentiles who survived the Tribulation and the Lord’s judgment in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
It is impossible to determine the population numbers of the Messianic Kingdom for these reasons:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: square inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Unknown number of the members of the Church for its entire length of time.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Unknown number of the Old Testament saints.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Unknown number of Tribulation Saints.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Unknown number of the Gentiles who enter the Kingdom.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Jewish People in the Messianic Kingdom</strong></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rabbi_tying_phylacteries_arm_hi.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rabbi_tying_phylacteries_arm_hi.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="STC172909 A Rabbi tying the Phylacteries to the arm of a boy (oil on canvas) by Jewish School (19th century) oil on canvas Private Collection The Stapleton Collection Israeli, out of copyright" class="size-full wp-image-2116" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rabbi_tying_phylacteries_arm_hi.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rabbi_tying_phylacteries_arm_hi.jpg" height="341" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="450" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">STC172909 A Rabbi tying the Phylacteries to the arm of a boy (oil on canvas) by Jewish School (19th century)</dd></dl>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
The present world wide Jewish Population stands at 13, 900,000</div>
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(2015, <a data-mce-href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population" href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">www.worldometers.info/world-population</a> ). During the Tribulation two thirds (2/3), or 9,174,000, will die (Zechariah 13:8). That leaves 4,726,000 who will remain. This remaining 4,726,000 is known as “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the remnant</em>” because they made it alive through the Great Tribulation. Within this group, 144,000 will be “sealed” (Revelation 7:4). “Sealed” in the Greek is the word is sphragízō, from Strongs G4973, which means “to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security” or “preservation from Satan (literally or figuratively, or possibly resurrected)” for the purpose of evangelizing the world for Christ during the last half of the Tribulation. The protection they have appears to come from a resurrected body. 4,582,000 Jews with natural bodies remain. This is a minimum number of Jewish people going into the Messianic Kingdom.</div>
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The New Covenant With Israel</h4>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Jeremiah 31:31-34</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31</span>Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32</span>not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith Jehovah. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33</span>But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">34</span>And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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All the Jews going into the Messianic Kingdom will be converted and become connected to God. As Jeremiah said, God will place His law in their hearts and they all will know Him.</div>
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The Remnant will be Sinless</h4>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zephaniah 3:13</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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This verse clearly states that “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the remnant</em>” of Israel will be sinless in the Messianic Kingdom. They will do <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">no</em> iniquity, nor speak <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">any</em> lies, or utter <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">any</em> deceit.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Ezekiel 36:25</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span>And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span>A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">27</span>And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28</span>And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29</span>And I will save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the grain, and will multiply it, and lay no famine upon you (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em>God says to the Nation Israel, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, <u style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">will I cleanse you.” </u></em>He also says that He will give them “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you”. </em>He says He “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">will put my Spirit within you, and <u style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">cause</u> you to walk in my statutes” </em>which will create a sinless state in each Jew. None of this will be resisted by “the remnant” ,who now clearly believe in the Messiah.</div>
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Israel’s Population Will Increase in The Messianic Kingdom</h4>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/exodus.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/exodus.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Scene from the 1956 movie The Ten Commandments." class="size-full wp-image-2117" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/exodus.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/exodus.jpg" height="315" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="500" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Scene from the 1956 movie The Ten Commandments.</dd></dl>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Ezekiel 36:37-38</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span>Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: For this, moreover, will I be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them: I will increase them with men like a flock. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">38</span>As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am Jehovah (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em>This text follows from the previous section, and explains that the national salvation of the Nation Israel will result in a population increase of Jews, all knowing the Lord. This increase must come from the remnant of 4.5 million who made it through the Tribulation because they will have the natural bodies.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Ezekiel 37:23</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span>neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling-places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em>This is another affirmation that the Jews in the Messianic Kingdom will be sinless as the Lord will “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">cleanse them”</em> and they will no longer defile themselves with idols, detestable things, or any other sins. As a result they will not participate in the Gog and Magog uprising led by Satan at the end of the Messianic Kingdom (Revelation 20:7-9).</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong><strong style="border: 0px; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Gentile People in the Millennial Kingdom</strong></h3>
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There will be three groups of Gentile people in the Messianic Kingdom:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Those who were part of the Church.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Those who were saved during the Great Tribulation.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Those who survived the Great Tribulation and the Lord’s judgment in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.</li>
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The Bible does tell us something of the number of Gentiles who will perish during the Tribulation. The present world population is approximately 7,300,000,000 (2015, <a data-mce-href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population" href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">www.worldometers.info/world-population</a>). Combining the different verses of the book of Revelation, we learn that about 58% of the world’s population will die in the Great Tribulation:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Roman Destruction of Jerusalem by David Roberts Cir 1850" class="size-full wp-image-2000" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" height="510" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="800" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Roman Destruction of Jerusalem by David Roberts Cir 1850</dd></dl>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 6:8</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span> And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth (KJV).</em></div>
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This verse in Revelation describes what happens as the Lord Jesus opens the fourth seal of the scroll. It releases a figure that is named “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Death and Hell</em>” (in the Greek “Hades”) who rides the pale horse, and he kills 25% of the earth’s population, that is, about 1,825,000,000 people. Some of these will be Jews and are accounted for in the two-third reduction.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 9:15, 18</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span> And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men…. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span> By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths (KJV).</em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em></div>
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Here the “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">four angels</em>” that are released to kill “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths</em>”, and an additional 33% die. Note that these “angels” are specifically prepared for this job to be done at a certain predetermined time. This happens during the sounding of the sixth trumpet judgment. This amounts to another 2,409,000,000 dead of the world’s population. Many more Gentiles will be killed at the Campaign of Armageddon, which are unquantifiable. Some of these will be Jews and are accounted for in the two-third reduction.</div>
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To summarize these figures so far:</div>
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Approximate Word Population Reduction</div>
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7,300,000,000 people in the world as of 2015</div>
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9,174,000 Jews who die during the Tribulation</div>
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1,825,000,000 25% who die in the fourth seal judgment</div>
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<u style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">2,409,000,000</u> 33% who die in the sixth trumpet judgment</div>
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3,066,000,000 Remaining, minus the unknown Campaign of Armageddon deaths</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Nature of the Two Bodies in the Messianic Kingdom</strong></h3>
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The Bible speaks of two types of human bodies that will be in the Messianic Kingdom, natural and resurrected, and Jews and Gentile will be present in both types of bodies.</div>
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Natural bodies do not need further explanation, but resurrected bodies do.</div>
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Resurrected Bodies</h4>
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The very act of resurrection implies immortality in which we are raised to live forever.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/doodsbeen_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/doodsbeen_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="The Resurrection of Israel in The Vision of Ezekiel by Francisco Collantes Cir 1630." class="size-large wp-image-2118" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/doodsbeen_grt-1024x878.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/doodsbeen_grt-1024x878.jpg" height="454" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="530" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">The Resurrection of Israel in The Vision of Ezekiel by Francisco Collantes Cir 1630.</dd></dl>
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The Doctrine of the Resurrection states that at death the human spirit is separated from the body (Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:8). A “resurrection” is an event where a dead body is raised to immortal life for an explicit purpose. This is different from somebody “coming back to life”. This doctrine is two-fold and pertains to (A) the resurrection of Christ and (B) the resurrection of humanity, including both saved and unsaved. In other words death does not end life it <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">starts</em> it!</div>
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In the Old Testament, the Doctrine of Resurrection is taught in Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2-3; Hosea 12:14. It was believed by the patriarchs, and revealed through the prophets (Genesis 22:5; with Hebrews 11:19; Job 19:25-27). The word “resurrection” does not appear in the Old Testament. It is usually described as dead men rising from the earth to life.</div>
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In the New Testament it is taught in John 5:25-29,I Corinthians 15:20-23; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; and Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15. This doctrine contains the implication of immortality, which means that <u style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">they are raised to live forever</u>. Christ was the first one to be raised from the dead with a <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">resurrected </em>body. Others were raised from the dead, such as Lazarus, had a normal body and physically died again later.</div>
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The Resurrection of the dead Believers occurs in five stages, beginning with 1 Corinthians 15:20-23:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">1 Corinthians 15:20-23</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span>But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (KJV)</em></div>
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The rest of the stages of resurrection are described in other books of the Scripture:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">First, Christ rose from the dead (I Corinthians 15:2-23).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Next will be the resurrection of the Church age believers at the Rapture. (I Thessalonians 4:16).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Next will be the resurrection of the two witnesses in the middle of the Great Tribulation. (Revelation 11:11-12)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Next will be the resurrection of Old Testament Saints (Isaiah 26:19).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Last will be the resurrection of the Tribulation Saints (Revelation 20:4)</li>
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There is one more resurrection, and <u style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">it is for unbelievers only</u>. It happens after the one thousand year Millennial Kingdom on earth is completed, and none of these unsaved people will be in the Eternal Kingdom (Revelation 20:13).</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>Our Bodies Change</h4>
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These verses in I Corinthians 15:54-58 describe that the body changes from corruption to incorruption, and is the final victory over death:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Unknown.jpeg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Unknown.jpeg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="From Godlikeproductions.com Artist unknown." class=" wp-image-2119" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Unknown.jpeg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Unknown.jpeg" height="393" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="524" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">From Godlikeproductions.com Artist unknown.</dd></dl>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">I Corinthians 15:50-58 </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">50</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">51</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">52</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">53</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">54</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">55</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">56</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">57</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">58</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)</em></div>
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The nature of the glorified body is described here:</h4>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">1 Corinthians 15:35-49 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">35</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">But some [man] will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">36</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[Thou] fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other [grain]: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">38</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">39</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">All flesh [is] not the same flesh: but [there is] one [kind of] flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, [and] another of birds. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">40</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[There are] also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the terrestrial [is] another. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">41</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">42</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">43</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">44</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">45</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">46</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">47</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">48</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are heavenly. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">49</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (KJV)</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>Believers have a glorified, incorruptible body. We have Christ’s Risen body as an example:</h4>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Philippians 3:21 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV)</em></div>
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Some further information may be seen from the resurrected Jesus’ body, but we do not know what attributes are from the resurrection and which are attributed to His deity:</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bellini_opstanding_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bellini_opstanding_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Resurrection by Giovanni Bellini cir 1475-79" class="size-full wp-image-1725" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bellini_opstanding_grt.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bellini_opstanding_grt.jpg" height="400" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #111111; display: block; font-size: 1em; height: auto; line-height: 1.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="343" /></a></div>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0.5em;">Resurrection by Giovanni Bellini cir 1475-79</dd></dl>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">His voice was recognized as being the same one He had before His death. (John 20:16)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">His physical features were recognized although not always immediately. (John 20:26-29)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">It was a real body of flesh and bone since it was embraceable. (John 20:17; 27)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">He was able to suddenly disappear. (Luke 24:31)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">He could go through walls. (John 20:19)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">His body could eat food. (Luke 24:41-43)</li>
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To summarize, a resurrected body will be:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">A body of resurrection power.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">A spiritual body.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">A heavenly body.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">An immortal body.</li>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Conclusion</strong></div>
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The population of the Messianic Kingdom will be made up of both Jews and Gentiles who will have either a resurrected body or a natural body. All will acknowledge Jesus as their King and Messiah. The Jews with resurrected bodies will consist of those who were in the Church, The Old Testament Saints, and those who were martyred because they will be believers in Jesus. The Other Jews going into the Messianic Kingdom will be those who converted during the Tribulation and survived it. They will not have resurrected bodies but will be sinless.</div>
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Daniel E,. Woodhead</div>
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Reference</div>
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<br style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" /></div>
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<br style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" /></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population" href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">www.worldometers.info/world-population</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-12740388467641483312015-09-10T06:59:00.001-07:002015-09-10T08:11:05.498-07:00The Heavens Opened to The Prophet Ezekiel<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Heavens Opened to Ezekiel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of
the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, that the heavens
were opened, and I saw visions of God. <sup>2</sup>In the fifth day of the
month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, <sup>3</sup>the
word of Jehovah came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the
land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Jehovah was there
upon him.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the first verse of the Book of Ezekiel we are given the exact timing of the
visions he received. Even though there is much disagreement among commentators
regarding the specific designation of the term “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thirtieth year</i>”, the thirtieth year is most appropriately
designated as the thirtieth year of his life. He was in the resettlement area
by the river Chebar (a canal off the Euphrates River) that flowed to the east
of Babylon. Since he was taken captive along with King Jehoiachin in March of
597 B.C., this first vision would be on July 31, 593 B.C. Ezekiel saw heaven “open”.
This is similar to the experience of Jesus, where at His baptism He was thirty
years of age, and at the banks of the Jordan River when He saw heaven “open”
(Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21)). Ezekiel cites five notable experiences, which start
the introduction to his prophetic ministry. These remained constant throughout
his prophetic career:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Heavens were opened.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He saw visions of God.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Word of the Lord came upon him. This
expression means he knew God was speaking directly to him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The hand of the Lord was upon him. This
expression means that the Lord God was moving the prophet to do something.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The visions came solely to him. The Hebrew word </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">hai </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">means “expressly”, and is this word
is used in Jeremiah and Ezekiel to describe the reception of God’s Word given
uniquely to that prophet.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other
men for whom God opened the Heavens to were Daniel, Isaiah, Elisha, Stephen,
Paul and John. The phrase “the hand of the Lord was upon him” or “came upon me”
is found exactly seven times in the Book of Ezekiel (1:3; 3:14, 22; 8:1; 33:22;
37:1 and 40:1). This describes Ezekiel’s direction for his ministry. He was not
acting on his own. These visions were from God, who chose him to minister in a
very detailed manner, to the Nation Israel at a critical time in their history
when they would have been quite sensitive and receptive to God’s Word.
Prophetic divine revelation to a legitimate biblical prophet is an overpowering
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many
commentators have difficulty with the following passages. The imagery “opened
up” to Ezekiel is impossible to describe using human terms. As a result he uses
similes and metaphors (“as” and “like”) to describe the indescribable. He sees
visions within the Throne Room of God that he cannot describe, but he must do
so anyway. He is attempting to put the magnificence of the infinite into our
finite minds. This is the task of the prophet, to convey the infinite to the
finite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Storm from The North<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
I looked, and, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with
a fire infolding itself, and a brightness round about it, and out of the midst
thereof as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Photo from Sone of Sharecroppers: </span>https://sonofsharecroppers.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/constabulary/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
vision opens with Ezekiel looking towards and focusing his attention on “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the north</i>” where a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stormy wind, a great cloud, with a fire infolding itself is in view”.</i>
In Jeremiah 1:14 he clearly explains that the Babylonians came from “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the north</i>” and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“From the north the misfortune will break forth.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This great cloud with a stormy wind gives us
the impression that there will be an appearance of God as in other Scriptures
(Isaiah 29:6; Psalm 18:7-15, 104:3). The “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fire
infolding itself” </i>gives the imagery of judgment, which was threatening to
come upon Judah for her sins. Fire is associated with judgment in the
Scriptures (Amos 7:4; Jeremiah 15:14; Isaiah 4:4; 29:6; 66:16; Ezekiel 28:18;
30:8; Amos 1:14; Zechariah 13:9). This description of the fire lets us realize
that the fire is consuming itself without expiring. It is essentially taking
in, or engulfing itself. It is feeding or kindling itself, and adding itself as
fuel to continue the fire. It is fire, feeding fire! Picture a great wind with
clouds, bringing a fire consuming and feeding itself with the flames circle
inward, perpetually without end. This description of the consuming fire only
appears here and in Exodus 9:24 where God’s judgment is coming on Egypt in a
series of plagues. Moses relates the experience as, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such
as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.<sup>”</sup></i>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next
the prophet describes a metal-like substance that projects out of the middle of
the fire that has the property of glowing like a red-hot iron that has been
prepared in a blacksmith’s forge for a special task. The Hebrew text designates
the color of the fire and the metal-like object as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chashmal</i>. The Hebrew word<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
chashmal,</i> is from two roots, which mean “smooth” and “brass” (Ezekiel 1:7;
Revelation 1:15). The Septuagint and Vulgate Bible translate it, “electrum”
which is described as a brilliant metal composed of gold and silver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Cherubim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:5-11<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this
was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man; <sup>6</sup>and every one
had four faces, and every one of them had four wings. <sup>7</sup>And their
feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s
foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass. <sup>8</sup>And they had the
hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their
faces and their wings thus: <sup>9</sup>their wings were joined one to another;
they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. <sup>10</sup>As
for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and they four had
the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on
the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle. <sup>11</sup>And their
faces and their wings were separate above; two wings of every one were joined
one to another, and two covered their bodies.” (ASV, 1901)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Chapter 10 these four living creatures are identified as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cherubim</i>” in verses 5 and 20. The Hebrew word for living creature
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chayot </i>and it is used in a number
of places in the Old Testament. They guard the Garden of Eden with flaming
swords, which closed off access to the Garden (Genesis 3:24). Cherubim were
placed on the top of the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Their likeness
was embroidered on the curtain of the Tabernacle to guard the Holy of Holies
(Exodus 25: 10-22; 26:31). The apostle John saw the same four living beings in
the Throne Room of God and around God (Revelation 4-5). The wings of the
cherubim just touch each other across the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies (I
Kings 6:27). The human shape supersedes the other characteristics as the
predominate form. Each Cherub has four faces and four wings, which correspond
to the human characteristics of each one. This is not a likeness of God (which
is expressly forbidden), and these are beings He created, but are not Him
(Exodus 20:4). They are obedient to His will, are His instruments used for His
highest purposes, and they carry out His commands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Placement
wise, they are the closest celestial beings to God in His Throne Room. In these
verses they appear to be underneath the throne because Ezekiel is looking at
the vision from the vantage point of being on the earth. In Revelation 4-5
John’s vision is from the vantage point of being in Heaven and in the Throne Room
of God, and he sees the cherubim covering (or encircling) the Throne. We see a
similar scene in Ezekiel chapter 28 where he describes the fall of the anointed
cherub Halal (Latin: Lucifer), who became Satan the adversary. Before his fall,
Hallel was covering the throne of God, and was above it as the arch cherub. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So,
while the appearance of the Cherubim has the dominant characteristic of a
human, they also have feet like an ox, which are straight, or upright. There is
no foot set at a 90˚ angles from the leg. The sole of their feet in this vision
is said to be like glowing brass, as if they were burning in a furnace. This
has the implication of trampling the earth in righteous judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
all had human hands under their wings. In contrast to the legs and feet, the
hands provided them with dexterity, which the lower extremities did not have.
The hand is the symbol of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">leading</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">power, guided by skillfulness”</i> (Psalm
78:72). These creatures were not four footed, that is like an animal with four
feet, they were like a human. Their hands are under wings, which show that they
are fitted for service in the celestial sphere. The wings are joined together
so there is perfect unity of action among the four living creatures. That is,
they moved together in perfect harmony of motion as the Lord directs. He guides
and governs their actions. In the Throne Room scene in the Revelation 4:7 and chapter
5 the four living creatures are separated, but here they are united for a
different purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They had the face of a man; and they four
had the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox
on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle.” </i>Here as
mentioned, the dominant feature is of a man, followed by a lion, then an ox and
finally an eagle. In the Revelation 4:7 the order of their likeness is the lion
first, followed by man, then the calf (ox), and finally a flying eagle. The
activity that is being carried out at God’s command is what seems to dictate
what face is described first, and in what order. In Revelation 5 the Lion of
the Tribe of Judah, our Lord Jesus, is taking control of the earth when He
takes the seven-sealed scroll, the title deed to the earth, from the hand of
God the Father (Revelation 5:5-10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Ezekiel 1:10 the focus is on man, and his face is the first described,
indicating God’s tenderness of judgment. On the right Ezekiel sees the lion, on
the left the ox, and the face of the eagle is behind. The human face represents
the thought that man, who is made “after the image of God”, is the highest
symbol of the Eternal Order (Genesis 1:27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lion is the emblem of sovereignty, both in the Temple and in
Solomon’s palace (1 Kings 7:29; 10:20; 2 Chronicles 9:18, 19). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
ox here is aligned with the lion, as demonstrated in the twelve oxen that
supported the “sea” or “laver” in the Temple, and clearly indicates doing work
or providing a service (1 Kings 7:25, 44). Here also we have an example of
sovereignty, where the natural symbol of strength (ox) is made subservient to
human uses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
eagle is the emblem of kingly power, and is used elsewhere (Ezekiel 17:3, 7).
The human face represents the Son of Man who shared in the glory of the Father.
Jesus Christ is also linked to the ox with that of His sacrifice; with the lion
with that of His sovereignty over Israel, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah
(Revelation 5:5); and with the eagle with Him bearing His people on eagles’
wings into the highest heavens (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>direct<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>connection<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>between<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Gospels</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Cherubim that has<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>been<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>recognized<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">since</span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.05pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>early<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Church<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Fathers
(Brown, 1997).</span><span style="letter-spacing: .8pt; mso-text-raise: 5.5pt; position: relative; top: -5.5pt;"> </span>The<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
Church </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Fathers</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>identified<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>them<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">with</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>four<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Gospels like this:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>Lion. <span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">The
</span>Lion<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>expresses<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>royalty, and calls Christ the<span style="letter-spacing: 1.1pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>Lion<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.15pt;"> </span>Tribe<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Judah,
and is Christ’s prominent feature in the Book of Matthew.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the<span style="letter-spacing: -.1pt;"> </span>Ox. The<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">
</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Ox,</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> expresses </span>laboring<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>endurance,<span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;"> and</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>Christ’s<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;">
</span>prominent<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">feature</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;">
</span>in<span style="letter-spacing: 1.25pt;"> the Book of </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Mark.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span>Man.
The<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Man,</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> expresses </span>brotherly<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">sympathy</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">with</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">whole</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>race<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>man,<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> and is </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Christ’s</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>prominent<span style="letter-spacing: 1.35pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>feature<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> the Book of </span>Luke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>Eagle. The<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Eagle,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> expresses </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">soaring</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>majesty and also<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>as<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: 1.15pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Divine</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.65pt;"> </span>Word, and<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> is Christ’s prominent </span>feature in<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> the Book of </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">John</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDDRtrKNGUOz2YkGlp5QBWX47It8vwymCAqEpuzjfa-eJrJ9JJZKXgwefH5JeMNuFx8sHsUBkxyvk2s8ZuYNBrAgX8U07L6GjtsP_SeIvU9S4LpFb1a7OBi_HNJNcoo-Snbsiel2QQRxS/s1600/Book+of+Kells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDDRtrKNGUOz2YkGlp5QBWX47It8vwymCAqEpuzjfa-eJrJ9JJZKXgwefH5JeMNuFx8sHsUBkxyvk2s8ZuYNBrAgX8U07L6GjtsP_SeIvU9S4LpFb1a7OBi_HNJNcoo-Snbsiel2QQRxS/s320/Book+of+Kells.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> From Book of Kells </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>interesting<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>regarding<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>these<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">symbols</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>is<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>they<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>do<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>not<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span>express<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">
</span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>personal<span style="letter-spacing: 1.1pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>character<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Evangelists,<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>but<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> express </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>different<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;">
</span>characteristics<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span>Lord<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">Jesus</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>our<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>Christ<span style="letter-spacing: 1.05pt; mso-font-width: 99%;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>relation<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;">
</span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.05pt;">world.</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
section of Scripture closes with “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and
their faces and their wings were separate above”, </i>that is they were
stretched upward, touching the neighboring wings at the tip, and so appear
“joined,” while the other two wings covered their bodies and were never
stretched out or up. The effect was to form a “box-like” pattern with a Cherub
at each corner. Because they were ministering in God’s presence, they covered
their bodies in holy reverence toward God the Father who is seated on the
Throne.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Mercy Seat over the Ark of the Covenant was made of gold after a pattern of the
“chariot” of the Cherubim (which is described in detail in the upcoming
verses). Their wings spread out over the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. This
description was conveyed to David from God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I Chronicles 28:18-19<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and
for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of
the chariot, even the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the
ark of the covenant of Jehovah. <sup>19</sup>All this, said David, have I been
made to understand in writing from the hand of Jehovah, even all the works of
this pattern.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Chariot</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:15<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
as I beheld the living creatures, behold, one wheel upon the earth beside the
living creatures, for each of the four faces thereof.” (ASV 1901) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Wheels within Wheels by Larsen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Ezekiel
next sees “</span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">the living creatures</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">”
(Cherubim) as having mobility with a set of wheels (in Hebrew the word is </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">opan</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">). Even though this vision was of a
Heavenly scene, the wheels of the Cherubim extend to the earth indicating God’s
sovereignty over the earth. He saw four wheels, one for each of the four faces on
each Cherubim. The wheels are said to be “</span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">beside</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">”
the Cherubim. The wheels Ezekiel saw were the lowest part of the chariot-throne,
and sat on the ground below the Cherubim. We get the image of the Cherubim
being attached to the wheels, as if they themselves are the wagon or platform
of the wheels. This completes the vehicle on which God will be transported, or
supported, from one location to another.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
prophet Daniel was allowed to see a vision of a similar nature. He saw the
glory of God on His Throne and the wheels of the Cherubim’s chariot of fire:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daniel 7:9-10<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancient of days did sit: his
raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne
was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire. <sup>10</sup>A fiery
stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered
unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment
was set, and the books were opened.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Wheels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:16<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto a beryl: and they four
had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel
within a wheel.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel
begins to describe the wheels of the chariot and starts by describing them as
the color of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beryl</i>”, which was
probably a green, or turquoise. The Hebrew word for “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beryl</i>” is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tarsheesh, </i>and
suggests the name of the region where the stone is mined, which is Tarshish.
This is a divine color and is found on the fourth row of the breastplate of the
high priest (Exodus 28:20). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each
of the four wheels had another wheel within itself, placed at a right angle. It
had the appearance of a gyroscope. A gyroscope is a device with a spinning
wheel, consisting of another wheel within it, that spins rapidly like a child’s
top. The spinning motion keeps the stability evenly fixed regardless of the
direction in which it moves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
gyroscope is an accurate navigational instrument and an effective stabilizing
device in ships and airplanes. Having a wheel inside a wheel allows the chariot
to immediately change direction. It is as if the wheel inside a wheel produces
a freedom of movement unique to Heaven, apart from the constraints of the physics
of time and space in the universe. They can be said to “hover” as opposed to
simply move. This high level of mobility symbolizes the omnipresence of God.
This is a crude comparison, but it is helpful to try and describe God’s great
motion as the Cherubim in the chariot move Him as He commands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:17-18<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
they went, they went in their four directions: they turned not when they went. <sup>18</sup>As
for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full
of eyes round about.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
wheels sparkled with the color. The sparkling wheels appeared to Ezekiel like the
appearance of precious stones, which could roll in four directions without
turning themselves. Ezekiel describes the wheels as rims, and says they were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">high and dreadful” (</i>in Hebrew the word
is<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> yerah). </i>His description is one of
witnessing wheels that were large, an astounding, or awesome sight, but not one
that is frightening. His vision is further compounded by the appearance of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eyes</i>” all around the rims of the wheels.
These are symbolic of God’s divine omniscience in the creation at all levels,
and all times (II Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 16:3; Zechariah 3:9, 4:10;
Revelation 4:6). They represent God’s complete, perfect divine intellect.
Simply put, God knows everything, including our thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:19-21<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the
living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. <sup>20</sup>Whithersoever
the spirit was to go, they went; thither was the spirit to go: and the wheels
were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the
wheels. <sup>21</sup>When those went, these went; and when those stood, these
stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up
beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.” (ASV,
1901) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Cherubim clearly moved in concert with the chariot and its wheels, and also in
whatever direction it moved. Since they were seen from the vantage point of
being on the earth as well as in Heaven, their direction of movement appeared
to be lifted up from the earth toward Heaven. The directions for the movement come
from the Spirit of God Himself. The Hebrew word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ruach</i> (which means “wind”) is used by Ezekiel to describe the
Spirit of God. So, the movement of the Cherubim and their chariot was given
over entirely to the Spirit of God who directed them. In verse 20 Ezekiel
describes the four Cherubim as one by specifying them as singular; he says “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the spirit of <u>the</u> living creature was
in the wheels” </i>(underlining added). In some way the Spirit of God was
directing the motion of the Cherubim through the wheels of the chariot, but all
three were interconnected, or bound up together, as they moved from position to
position. In this instance the activity Ezekiel sees is a single unit of God’s
Spirit, the Cherubim and the wheels of the chariot moving in concert up from
the earth. This interconnectedness is important for us to grasp since it is
repeated in verse 21. The only difference between the two verses is that verse
20 describes the Spirit’s designation of direction, and verse 22 is affirming
this with the added statement, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When those
went, these went; and when those stood, these stood.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Firmament<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:22-24<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">22</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of a firmament,
like the terrible crystal to look upon, stretched forth over their heads above.
<sup>23</sup>And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward
the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had
two, which covered on that side, their bodies <sup>24</sup>And when they went,
I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice
of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of a host: when they stood,
they let down their wings <sup>25</sup>And there was a voice above the
firmament that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.”
(ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbrhAxhq1l-UJwI6uwuB3UOLI3M_mO8iSWxDXd8feCsAg7vJAw5nd9ArKZHjsvE9jg67TUpvkfW5iWXqxowce_0BXHGyJ3qDrFfXuF26xheAa8bCqh5oCe1txQIeMPiTVWqhJekRWmyBD/s1600/7397463_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbrhAxhq1l-UJwI6uwuB3UOLI3M_mO8iSWxDXd8feCsAg7vJAw5nd9ArKZHjsvE9jg67TUpvkfW5iWXqxowce_0BXHGyJ3qDrFfXuF26xheAa8bCqh5oCe1txQIeMPiTVWqhJekRWmyBD/s320/7397463_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Cherubim had their wings outstretched so that they rose above their heads. This
image lets us see the adoration the Cherubim have for the Almighty God. Their
wings extended into the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">firmament</i>”
or space (in Hebrew the word is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rakeeah</i>),
which had the appearance of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">terrible
crystal</i>”, or gleamingly awesome. This Hebrew word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rakeeah </i>means, “to spread out” or “stretch”. Some other places in
Scripture where this same expression is used are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->He alone stretches out the heavens. (Job 9:8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The heavens are stretched out like a tent
curtain. (Psalm 104:2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God stretches out the heavens like a curtain and
spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. (Isaiah 40: 22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Lord has stretched out the heavens. (Jeremiah
10: 12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God stretched out the heavens. (Zechariah 12:1)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
usages of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rakeeah</i> are not quaint
poetic hyperbole or exaggerations. They are meant to express the properties of
the heavens that we cannot see, or fully understand. Space is not an empty
vacuum. We have difficulty defining space and understanding this concept of the
property of space. Scripture gives us some insight as to some of its
properties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Space can be torn. (Isaiah 64: 1) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It can be worn out like a garment. (Psalm 102:
25) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It can be shaken. (Hebrews 12:26; Haggai 2:6; Isaiah
13:13).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It can be burnt up. (II Peter 3:12) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It can be split apart like a scroll. (Revelation
6:14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It can be rolled up like a mantle, or scroll.
(Isaiah 34: 4, Hebrews 1:12)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
shining brilliance of the expanse above the Cherubim that Ezekiel saw reminded
him of crystals sparkling in the light of the sun. When the Apostle John was
spiritized on the Isle of Patmos, he saw the Throne Room of God, and he said
the expanse around God’s throne is clear as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">crystal</i>” (Revelation 4:6). As the Cherubim moved their wings they
created a sound that Ezekiel likened to a great waterfall, with its deafening
sound so loud<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that it
overpowered any other sounds. As the creature moved, Ezekiel also hears a
second sound, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">like the voice of the
Almighty</i>,” which resembles thunder, or the movement of ancient armed forces
(“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a host</i>”). These sounds only
occurred as the Cherubim were in motion. Clearly their wings enabled them to
propel themselves as the motion stopped when their wings stopped moving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Throne of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:26<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as
the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a
likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
the Cherubim came to a stop Ezekiel noticed another sound. It was a voice that
came from the firmament over the heads and upstretched wings of the Cherubim.
This is the voice of God on His Throne in Heaven, but connected to the earth in
divine sovereignty. He had the appearance of a man. Daniel also saw and
commented on God as having the appearance of a man (Daniel 7:9). Since humans
were made in the image of God, this appears to be the form of God, that is, He
has a semblance of a human being, which is His created creature (Genesis 1:26).
In the chapters 4 and 5 of the book of Revelation, He has a dual appearance as
God on the Throne, and the Lamb. The Lamb is the Lord Jesus, and is distinct
from God the Father. In this vision it appears that the two characteristics of the
Spirit and human form are combined. The preincarnate visions of the Lord given
to Ezekiel and Daniel allowed them to see the human-like characteristic of God.
(It is interesting to note that those details were only given to them, and
other prophets, but was not given to Moses.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Throne itself is the color blue, which appears to resemble a sapphire, or the lapis
lazuli stone. This vision is similar to that which was witnessed by Moses and
the seventy elders:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exodus 24:10<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and
they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a paved
work of sapphire stone, and as it were the very heaven for clearness.” (ASV,
1901) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God on His Throne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:27<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round
about, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the appearance of
his loins and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was
brightness round about him.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Focusing
his entire attention on the Lord of all creation, Ezekiel again describes the color
of the fire and the metal-like object in what the Hebrew text calls <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chashmal</i>. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chashmal </i>seems to be divided at the waist of God on His Throne. The
fire seems to begin at the waist, and extend upward and downward in both
directions simultaneously. The brightness he saw extended all around Him. All
Ezekiel could do was to describe the burning brilliance and magnificence of the
color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel, also, had a similar
vision and experience:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daniel 10:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose
loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: <sup>6</sup>his body also was like
the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming
torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of
his words like the voice of a multitude.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Apostle John had a similar vision of the risen Lord in His glorified state: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Revelation 1:13-15<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and
in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed
with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. <sup>14</sup> His
head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as
a flame of fire; <sup>15</sup> and his feet like unto fine brass, as if
they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.” (KJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
similarity of these visions lets us know that God has a general human-like
appearance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel 1:28<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .4in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the
appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the
likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I
heard a voice of one that spake.” (ASV, 1901)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .4in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surrounding
the Throne was a brilliance that appeared to be a rainbow. Within the
brilliance of the fire, and brightness of the glory of the Lord, Ezekiel again
describes the shape, or form, of a man in its midst. Ezekiel was overcome with
what he saw, and immediately sensed the need to prostrate himself in worship in
front of Him. This fantastic opening vision of Ezekiel’s ministry affirms three
significant truths about God that are summarized here: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The vision reaffirms the nature of God as holy,
powerful, and majestic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
rainbow is a reminder that God makes and keeps His promises, and that God can
and will help humanity. (Genesis 9:13, 16). </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">It is an
assurance that nothing, including geographic location, can ever separate a
believer from God (Romans 8:38–39).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 49.5pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reference<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 49.5pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: .05pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-width: 105%;">Brown,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: -.45pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-width: 105%;"> David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: -.55pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-width: 105%;">(</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-width: 105%;">1887,<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;">
</span>1997).<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">Commentary,</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>Critical<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>Explanatory,<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>on<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>Old<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">New</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.4pt;"> </span>Testaments<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;"> </span></i><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">Oak</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;"> </span>Harbor,<span style="letter-spacing: -.45pt;">
</span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">WA: </span>Logos<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;">Research</span><span style="letter-spacing: -.5pt;"> </span>Systems,<span style="letter-spacing: -.55pt;">
</span>Inc.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Encyclopedia Judaica</span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. (1999). CD ROM Vol. 6.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wenger, Paul D. (1999). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Journey from Texts to Translation, the Origin and Development of the Bible.</i>
Grand Rapids, MI: Bridge Point Books Division of Baker Books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 49.5pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rosenberg, Rabbi A.J. (1991). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Book of Ezekiel</i>. NY: The Judaica
Press, Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-74864774023575346962015-08-01T10:59:00.002-07:002016-02-14T20:31:01.712-08:00Are Christians Under The Old Testament Law?<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">THE LAW</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CIMG0048.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CIMG0048.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-120" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CIMG0048-225x300.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CIMG0048-225x300.jpg" height="300" style="border: 0px; color: #111111; float: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" title="CIMG0048" width="225" /></a></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>There are four aspects of the Law that the Christian needs to understand in order to form a sound basis for understanding what the Law is and what its intent was as given by God.</div>
<ol start="1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">There are a total of 613 Laws</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
The first 10 that commonly are referred to as the Ten Commandments are not the Law. The Law is a singular word and it is used in Scripture to refer to this unit of 613.</div>
<ol start="2" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">The Law was given by angels to Moses</span>.</li>
</ol>
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The angelic delivery was not revealed in the O.T. but was always in Jewish lore. It does appear in the N.T in three places.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Act 7:53 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Galatians 3:19 b </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Hebrews 2:2 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;</em></div>
<ol start="3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">The Law had five purposes</span>.</li>
</ol>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
We will examine each in light of the Scripture that explains the purposes to us. First we must fully understand that the Law was <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">never</em> a means of salvation. If that were true then salvation would be achieved by works and not by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Scripture is very clear on this point. Further if one in any dispensation could perform some human act to achieve salvation there would be no need for Christ to have come to earth and shed His blood. Now the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">content</em> of faith changes from dispensation to dispensation or administration to administration. By content we mean that the level of revelation that God has made available to the particular dispensation. The individual’s faith can only be up to the level or content of what God has revealed within that dispensation. We believe in progressive revelation whereby God has chosen to reveal increasingly more about Himself as human history advances over time. The person who believes then is responsible to the “content” of faith that is available to him in each dispensation. We call them saints.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
When an Old Testament Saint died, his body went into the ground and his soul went to Abraham’s Bosom because the sacrifices required by the Law were insufficient to get him into Heaven. They were sufficient to keep him out of Hell. Sin in every dispensation have to be removed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Old Testament unsaved who died went to Hell. When Christ died he went to Hades (side 1), not Hell to free the captives. Today when a New Testament saint dies his body goes into the ground and his soul goes straight to Heaven. The unbelievers go straight to Hell. After the thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth (Millennium), the inhabitants of Hell, Tartarus, and the Abyss will be cast into the Lake of Fire. (The Greek word for the Lake of Fire is Gehenna, which means a burning garbage dump)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
The Five Purposes are:</div>
<ol start="3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;"><ol start="1" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: upper-alpha inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">To reveal the holiness of God and the standard of righteousness that God demanded.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">To Provide a conduct of life for the Old Testament Saint</span>. The Law then was give to those who loved God and wanted to keep His commandments as much as humanly possible. Those who did not love God would have no desire to keep the law and fulfill its obligation. Eli’s sons are an example of this. The outward demonstration of a believer’s faith in the O.T. was to keep the Law.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 3:20 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 3:28 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.</em></div>
<ol start="3" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 0px 20px 1.5em;"><ol start="3" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: upper-alpha inside; margin: 0px 0px 5px 1.5em;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">To reveal sin. </span></li>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px;">
<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;"> </span><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 3:19-20 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 7:7 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.</em></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">To make one sin more.</span> The sin nature uses the Law as a basis of operation. So as the Law becomes known humans have a tendency to want to challenge the Law by increased sin. One statement that helps to clarify this is when one it told to follow the Law that person will say, “Oh yeah? Well make me!’ Therefore the level of sin grows and becomes more evident.</li>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 4:15 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression.</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 7:8 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead.</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 7:9-13 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">I Corinthians 15:56 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.</em></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">To lead us to faith. </span>It did this as our tutor or teacher as the Apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 3:24.</li>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Galatians 3:24 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.</em><br />
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">4.</em><span style="font-size: 1em; text-decoration: underline;">THE LAW HAS COME TO AN END</span></div>
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We must realize that the Mosaic Law has come to an end. It is no longer operative and it has fulfilled its purpose. Some believe that there are three sections of the Law; the ceremonial, the moral and the civil; and the moral is continued in the New Testament. The moral aspects of God’s desire for us have been restated in the N.T. It is not a rehashing of the Law nor has the Law passed through to the N.T. We must realize that the Law expired and is no longer operative at all. As mentioned earlier the Law had 613 individual components but they were regarded as one unit. Therefore if one of the 613 was broken then the entire Law was violated. Because the blood of Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the Law it provides the believer all that is necessary for righteous behavior and salvation as well.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 10:4 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.</em></div>
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So Christ give us His righteousness at the moment of salvation.</div>
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Of the various components of salvation there are two that need to be noted.</div>
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<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">Justification and Sanctification</span></div>
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The Law justifies no one.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 3:20 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.</em></div>
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<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">The Law also sanctified no one</span>. It made nothing perfect.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Hebrews 7:19 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.</em></div>
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The Law was temporary until the Seed would come. (the seed of the woman is Christ)</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Galatians 3:19a </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made;</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>With the change from the Law of Moses to the Law of Christ came a change in the priesthood.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Hebrews 7:11-14 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>The O.T priest had to be of the tribe of Levi and the Kings all had to be of the tribe of Judah. Since Christ is of the tribe of Judah the New Covenant accommodates this by annulling the Law. Christ is a King and a Priest after the order of Melchisedec.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Hebrews 7:18-19 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For there is verily an (annulling) of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>The Law was a wall of separation between the Jews and the Gentiles.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Ephesians 2:11-15 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace;</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Ephesians 3:5-6 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:</em></div>
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There are four unconditional covenants that God made with the Jews.</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Abrahamic</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Land (Palestine)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Davidic</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">New Covenant</li>
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Each had spiritual and material blessings. As long as the Mosaic Covenant was in effect there was no way for Gentiles to enjoy the blessings of the Covenants. The only way for them to join in these blessings was to become proselytes. This was the legal separation between the two groups.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Spirit-World-Destinations2.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Spirit-World-Destinations2.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-123" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Spirit-World-Destinations2-1024x768.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Spirit-World-Destinations2-1024x768.jpg" height="397" style="border: 0px; color: #111111; float: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;" title="Spirit World Destinations" width="530" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-20435161500802366172015-07-15T15:30:00.002-07:002015-08-03T20:34:54.133-07:00NEW COMMENTARY BY DR. WOODHEAD<br />
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THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH - GOD REMEMBERS THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL<br />
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The name Zechariah comes from the Hebrew verb zakar that means “remember”. The last half of his name is a reference to the Lord as Yah.Therefore the meaning of the name of Zechariah is that of the “Lord remembering” and is a fitting one because the entire prophecy is one in which the Lord remembers Israel.</div>
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Zechariah is quite a common name in the Old Testament where it is found forty three times and references at least twenty different individuals. The prophecies in this book are covering the time from about 520 B.C. through to the time of the second coming of the Messiah.</div>
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This book may be viewed as the Old Testament apocalypse, or the continuation of prophecies of</div>
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the prophet Daniel. This book has great importance today because it give insight into God’s mind and His plans for Israel which are still future to us today.</div>
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Zechariah was born in Babylon and was both a prophet and a priest.</div>
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He was a contemporary of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Haggai. Haggai and Daniel</div>
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were much older than Zechariah and had seen the Temple in Jerusalem before</div>
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its final destruction in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians (Haggai 2:3). In 539 B.C.</div>
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the Persian emperor Cyrus conquered Babylon and ruled with a completely</div>
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different attitude towards the Jews and Jerusalem. Cyrus granted the Jews</div>
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permission to return to rebuild Jerusalem and their Temple in 536-35 B.C.</div>
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In 530 B.C. the son of Cyrus, Cambyses II, succeeded him. Darius I succeeded</div>
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Cambyses II in 522 B.C. It was during Darius I’s reign that the Lord gave</div>
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Zechariah his prophecies. Click on this link to order it now.<br />
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/commentary-on-zechariah/">http://doctorwoodhead.com/commentary-on-zechariah/</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-55044198896679649082015-06-15T21:22:00.000-07:002015-06-15T21:25:21.437-07:00Jesus Did Claim to be The Messiah of Israel?<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Jesus Reveals His True Nature and Mission to an Inferior Samaritan Woman</span></h3>
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/the-samaritan-woman-at-the-well.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #1d4c82; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="The Samaritan Woman at the Well by Annibale Carracci Cir 1560-1609" class="size-large wp-image-1988" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/the-samaritan-woman-at-the-well-1024x803.jpg" height="416" style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="530" /></a><br />
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The Samaritan Woman at the Well by Annibale Carracci Cir 1560-1609</div>
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Some of the Bible’s and the Lord Jesus’ detractors say that He never claimed to be the Christ. Well He did and revealed himself to a lowly Samaritan woman not to the arrogant religious authorities of His day.</div>
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John 4:1-4</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span></em><em>When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span> (though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span> he left Judea, and departed again into Galilee. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span> And he must needs go through Samaria (KJV).</em></div>
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The Lord Jesus needed to go through Samaria on His way back to Galilee. He had previously told His disciples not to go the way of the Gentiles or to enter into any city of the Samaritans. (Matthew 10:5) His first mission on earth was to present Himself to National Israel. (Matthew 10:6; 15:24) He wanted Israel to have the first chance at the gospel and He did not want the disciples time diluted with trying to reach the Gentiles along with the Jews. Even now the gospel is to go to the Jews first then the Gentiles. (Romans 1:16; 2:10) The Lord did not create foreign missions and domestic missions. He simply said “go to the Jew first and then the Gentiles.”</div>
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When the Israelites divided into two kingdoms, because of the civil war after the death of King Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel was established in the northern section of the Promised Land, in accordance with the lands allotted to the ten tribes in that area.</div>
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Shechem was the original capital, until Jeroboam moved it to Tirzah. Later, in approximately 880 B.C., Omri, the sixth king of Israel, established the capital at Samaria, a new town built on a hilltop about 7 miles (11 kilometers) northwest of Shechem.</div>
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“Samaria” came to be used interchangeably for both the city, and the region. After the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom in 722 B.C., the region then known as Samaria was reduced in size. The Assyrians in their conquest raped women and repopulated the area with other people groups causing the next generation to become half-breeds. This group of Samaritans worshipped Jehovah the same as the Jews and followed the Torah. Because of their arrogance the Jews would not talk or deal with the Samaritans in any way except to sell to them.</div>
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By the time of Jesus Christ, Samaria was bounded by Galilee to the north, The Mediterranean Sea to the west, Judea to the south (in which Jerusalem was located), and the Jordan River to the east. Today, it is in the so-called “West Bank” area.</div>
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/samaria.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #1d4c82; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Map of Samaria from Daily Bible study. http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/samaria.htm" class="size-full wp-image-1983" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/samaria.jpg" height="400" style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="400" /></a><br />
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Map of Samaria from Daily Bible study. http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/samaria.htm</div>
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John 4:5-6</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></em><em> Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span> Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour (KJV).</em></div>
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Picture the Lord in His humanity resting by this special and providential well. He makes an opportunity to begin to reach the Samaritans with His message about who He actually is. He waited for a fallen poor woman whose story He knew well. This is one example of His divine grace reaching out to sinners with compassion. The greater the sin in our lives the greater then is the value of the forgiveness, which He offers. Only God can truly forgive sins. (Luke 5:21) For it is to Him that all sin is directed, whether we realize it or not. (II Samuel 2:13)</div>
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Williams472007T133231.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #1d4c82; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well by Jacob van Oost cir 1668" class=" wp-image-1984" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Williams472007T133231.jpg" height="322" style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="578" /></a><br />
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Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well by Jacob van Oost cir 1668</div>
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Samaritan woman</div>
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John 4:7-9</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></em><em> There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span> (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span> Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans (KJV).</em></div>
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She realized that He was Jewish and astonished at the same time that He would have anything to do with her. He simply asks her for some water. It was just she and He alone. He realizes that she is ignorant and exhibits much patience with her in His desire to reach her with the truth of who He is. This is a much different way He treats her than He does with the Jewish religious rulers. For them, he had little patience and heaped upon them much condemnation. (Matthew 23) They should have known better. She was an innocent bystander so to speak on religious matters.</div>
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John 4:10-13</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span></em><em> Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span> The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span> Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span> Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again (KJV).</em></div>
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Now she is perplexed. Jesus begins to bring up water that she is not aware of, for she is thinking of actual water. But Jesus is speaking of a much greater water that that. He is speaking of the Holy Spirit, which is known as the water. (John 7:37-38) Jesus is always answering a different question than what was asked. In this instance Jesus is telling the woman that the water He brings will not quench thirst but would provide eternal satisfaction.</div>
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John 4:14-15</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span></em><em> but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span> The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw (KJV).</em><strong><em> </em></strong></div>
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She was probably still thinking of actual water and not realizing the spiritual lesson He is teaching her. Never thirsting is a description of the fulfillment that saving grace knowledge of Christ brings to a human being. It provides purpose to our lives and gives us certainty of life eternal and allows us to endure the hopelessness that many on this earth are saddled with. This Christ satisfies the inner longing that each person on this earth has for significance and inner peace. Many try to find it through money, sex, intoxicants, work etc. But until we accept Christ and are filled with His Spirit we are continually longing for something that we can’t quite define.</div>
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John 4:16-19</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span></em><em> Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span> The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span> for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span> The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet (KJV).</em></div>
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<strong><em> </em></strong>Jesus now enters a phase of the conversation where He is going to uncover her sin. This is a self-realization that one must make. We are sinners by our very nature. When the Jews came to the Tabernacle and the Temple the very first step in that ancient worship process was the brazen altar. This was where the sacrifice took place. They were required to offer sacrifice to God so as to admit their sin and receive the temporary atonement. The same is true today. We must admit our sins in front of God to Him alone so we can draw close to Him.</div>
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John 4:20</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span></em><em> Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship (KJV).</em></div>
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The new worship is going to be introduced in the next verse. She was thinking He was going to tell her that the Temple in Jerusalem was where she should worship. The Samaritans worshipped on Mt Gerizim. She was pointing to that mountain as the place where their fathers had worshipped. This was the mountain where Sanballat had built a temple that was eventually destroyed by John Hyrcanus in 129 B.C. Sanballat was one of the chief opponents of Nehemiah when he was building the walls of Jerusalem and carrying out his reforms among the Jews. “Sanballat,” is connected with the Assyrian “Sinballidh,” and means, “Sin has vivified.” He was called also “the Horonite,” and was associated with Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arabian (Nehemiah 2:19, 4: 7). But his home was at Samaria. When the Jews threw off the yoke of the Greeks under John Hyrcanus that temple was destroyed.</div>
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John 4:21-24</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span></em><em> Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span> Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span> But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">24</span> God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (KJV).</em></div>
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Jesus now begins to tell her of the dawning of the Christian era. Now we have no need for a Temple. Our bodies are now the holy Temple. This is where the Spirit takes up residence after a person accepts Christ and becomes “saved.” He is telling her that she will not have to worship the Father on any mountain or in Jerusalem. This only pertains to “true” worshippers. That is, those that love God and have accepted His salvation that He offers through Christ alone (John 14:6) Since God is spirit we worship Him in spirit too. We don’t have to go to some particular location to worship God. Anywhere will do so to speak.</div>
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Salvation comes through the Jews. It was given at the time of the Abrahamic Covenant. This is one of the unconditional covenants that God made with Israel. The Abrahamic Covenant promised a seed, land, and blessings. The three major promises of this covenant were personal promises to Abraham, national promises to Israel and universal promises to all the people of the earth. God promised that He would bless him and make him a blessing to others, to make his name great, to give him many descendants, to make him the father of a multitude of nations, to give him the land of Canaan for always and to bless them that blessed Abraham and to curse them that cursed him. (Genesis 12; 13; 15 & 17) God also made national promises concerning Israel. They are: to make a great nation of his descendants; to give land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates to his descendants forever; and to give the Abrahamic covenant to his descendants for ever. Finally, God made universal covenants to Abraham that would affect everybody on the earth; it would affect all families of the earth who would be blessed. This promise is intended to be applicable to Israel regarding the blessing and cursing effects. Parts of the covenant have already been fulfilled. For example God did bless him with wealth. His name is great and Israel is a great nation. The blessings to all have been given to all through the oracles of God they received and they brought forth the Messiah. The promise of the land has not been completely fulfilled yet. His descendants are in the land but, in unbelief and do not have the boundaries set forth in Scripture as of yet.</div>
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<a href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ivanov-messiah.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #1d4c82; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Appearance of the Messiah by Alexandr Ivanov Cir.1806-1858" class="size-full wp-image-1985" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ivanov-messiah.jpg" height="400" style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="576" /></a><br />
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Appearance of the Messiah by Alexandr Ivanov Cir.1806-1858</div>
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John 4:25-26</div>
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<em><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span></em><em> The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span> Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he (KJV).</em></div>
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Jesus answers her about this Messiah that she knew was coming. The Jewish writings were rife with a God-Man that would appear on the planet some day and remove all of Israel’s problems. In Hebrew the word for this God-man is Mashiach which Anglicized is Messiah. It is the same as the Greek Christos or Christ. Jesus tells her that He is the long awaited Jewish Messiah.</div>
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Some of the prophetic writings about Him are in the Old Testament, which is the Jewish Bible at the time of Christ. They have been fulfilled in Jesus just as He told this Samaritan woman.</div>
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Some OT Messianic Prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 Fulfilled in Matthew 2:1</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Son of God: Psalm 2:7 Fulfilled in John 3:16-17</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Of the tribe of Judah: Genesis 49:10 Fulfilled in Hebrews 7:14</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 Fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-22</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15 Fulfilled in John 7:15-17</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The King of Israel: Zechariah 9:9 Fulfilled in John 12:12-15</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rejected: Isaiah 53:3 Fulfilled in John 1:11</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Beaten: Micah 5:1 Fulfilled in Mark 15:19</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Silent: Isaiah 53:7 Fulfilled in Matt 27:12-14</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Betrayed: Psalm 41:9 Fulfilled in Mark 14:17-20’</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tried and condemned: Isa 53:8 Fulfilled in Matthew 27:1-2</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Crucified: Psalm 22:16 Fulfilled in John 19:17-18</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">His garments divided: Psalm 22:18 Fulfilled in John 19:23-24</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Given vinegar and gall: Psalm 69:21 Fulfilled in John 19:31-36</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">His bones not broken: Exodus 12:46 Fulfilled John 19:31-36</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He is our sacrifice: Isaiah 53:5-6 Fulfilled in 1 Peter 2:24-25</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And raised from death: Psalm 16:10 Fulfilled in Luke 24:1-7, 47</li>
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<h2>
Daniel E. Woodhead </h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-65049794988830157662015-05-22T13:45:00.002-07:002015-05-22T13:45:34.664-07:00Nothing Has or Ever Will Stop God's Plans<h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
Judah's Sons,Tamar, and The Messianic Line</h2>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1681_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1681_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Judah and Tamar by Arent de Gelder cir. 1681" class="wp-image-1969 " data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1681_grt.jpg" height="494" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1681_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="702" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Judah and Tamar by Arent de Gelder cir. 1681</dd></dl>
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Genesis 38: 1-11</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. And he took her, and went in unto her. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>And she yet again bare a son, and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>And Er, Judah’s first-born, was wicked in the sight of Jehovah. And Jehovah slew him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto her, and raise up seed to thy brother. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>And Onan knew that the seed would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give seed to his brother. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span>And the thing which he did was evil in the sight of Jehovah: and he slew him also. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in-law, Remain a widow in thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown up; for he said, Lest he also die, like his brethren. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house (ASV 1901).</em></div>
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Judah, who was aligned with Reuben in steering the other sons of Jacob away from killing Joseph left them and travelled to Adullam. This was a town in the Judean lowlands southwest of Bethlehem. It later in the invasion under general Joshua was made a part of the tribal inheritance of Judah and it was also associated with the life of David (I Samuel 22: 1-2 etc.). Judah must have had a disagreement with his siblings regarding the disposition of Joseph because he chose not to stay with them. This account will span a time frame of approximately twenty-three years.</div>
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In Adullam Judah meets and befriends a man named Hirah. Through Hirah he is introduced to Shua who has a marriageable daughter. So he marries this unnamed Canaanite woman and ends up having three children with her. Interestingly, both Abraham and Isaac went to great lengths to prevent their children from marrying Canaanite women. Esau of course violated that and intermarried with the Canaanites and the Ishmaelites. Judah who was of the chosen family line began the intermarriages into the Canaanites. The text simply says that <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">he took her, and went in unto her</em>. He then had three sons by her: Er (עֵר), Onan, and Shelah. Judah named Er and his wife named Onan and Shelah since he was away in the nearby town of Chezib. Hebrew naming shows the parents wish to commemorate some meaningful event through the child’s name. Er means <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">forsaken or lonely</em>. Onan means <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">sorrow</em> and Shelah means <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">deception</em>. This seems to indicate that Judah was quite remorseful over the events that brought Joseph into slavery into Egypt.</div>
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When Er was grown he was married to a woman named Tamar. The text further tells us that he was wicked in the sight of Jehovah. The Hebrew word for wicked is <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">ra</em> רַע. It is a designation of a degree of wickedness that merits divine retribution. And in this case his death was the result of Jehovah God taking his life in some undisclosed manner. Jehovah who knows all things was keeping Tamar from this evil man. As a result of his death Judah instructs the second born son Onan to do his duty and “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto her, and raise up seed to thy brother.”</em> This concept is called the law of levirate marriage. It was codified into the Mosaic Law and became a standard practice (Deuteronomy 25: 5-6, Ruth 4: 5-6; Matthew 22: 24). The idea was to keep the name of the individual who died through his son. This would also preserve an in family transfer of land and material wealth. The first-born son would be the heir and would also have an obligation along with the new husband to care for the widow. Widows in ancient Israel would be forced to beg without this law. So in this way the widow was protected from becoming destitute. Finally, the son would keep the family name alive even though the father was not alive to propagate. One clear example of this is the marriage of Ruth to Boaz</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/boaz_ruth_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/boaz_ruth_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Summer (Boaz and Ruth) by Nicholas Poussin cir. 1660-64" class="size-full wp-image-1970" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/boaz_ruth_grt.jpg" height="472" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/boaz_ruth_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="650" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Summer (Boaz and Ruth) by Nicholas Poussin cir. 1660-64</dd></dl>
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Levirate Marriage</h4>
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Deuteronomy 25: 5-6</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no son, the wife of the dead shall not be married without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother unto her. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And it shall be, that the first-born that she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother that is dead, that his name be not blotted out of Israel (ASV 1901).</em></div>
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Onan seemed to have no qualms against marrying Tamar Er’s widow. He seemed to accept the easy part of having sexual intercourse with her and accepting his inheritance. Er was first born so he would have gotten Judah’s estate when he passed. Er realized this and complied with Judah’s instructions. However, Onan realized that the children would not be his per se but that of Er’s so during intercourse with Tamar he continually withdrew from her before he deposited his semen into her. Thus, she was not allowed to become pregnant. Some mistakenly teach through this example here that God prohibits contraception. The sin here was, Onan did not want to obey his father and honor his brother by taking up the responsibility that was given to him. Because his sin was in the same category of wickedness of his brother Er the Lord executed His divine will and caused him to die too. Tamar was now a widow again and Judah instructed her to “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Remain a widow in thy father’s house, till Shelah my son be grown up; for he said, Lest he also die, like his brethren.”</em> Judah was certainly considering Tamar to have some major issue that both her husbands received divine executions. So he told her that when his third son Shelah was of age she could have him in levirate because he feared that Jehovah would take him too. Judah had no intention of letting Tamar marry Shelah because of the curse he thought she had. She trusted Judah and went to her father’s home to live and wait for Shelah to come of age and marry her.</div>
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The Strange Case of Tamar and Judah</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1667_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1667_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Judah and Tamar by Arent de Gelder Cir 1667" class=" wp-image-1971" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1667_grt.jpg" height="561" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/degelder_juda-tamar1667_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="733" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Judah and Tamar by Arent de Gelder Cir 1667</dd></dl>
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Genesis 38: 12-26</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>And in process of time Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheep-shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold, thy father-in-law goeth up to Timnah to shear his sheep. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>And she put off from her the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is by the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she was not given unto him to wife. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot; for she had covered her face. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Come, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee: for he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law. And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"> 17</span>And he said, I will send thee a kid of the goats from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet and thy cord, and thy staff that is in thy hand. And he gave them to her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>And she arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>And Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand: but he found her not. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>Then he asked the men of her place, saying, Where is the prostitute, that was at Enaim by the wayside? And they said, There hath been no prostitute here. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>And he returned to Judah, and said, I have not found her; and also the men of the place said, There hath been no prostitute here. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span>And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be put to shame: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">24</span>And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and moreover, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span>When she was brought forth, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and the cords, and the staff. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span>And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She is more righteous than I; forasmuch as I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. (ASV 1901)</em></div>
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So time passed and Judah was making no effort to arrange another levirate marriage between Shelah and Tamar who desired children and not wanting to make a career of widowhood. She was still a young woman. Judah’s wife died and he went through a period of ritual mourning as the text says that <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">and Judah was comforted. </em>Later he and his friend Hirah went up to the sheep-shearers. This was a festive time for them and Judah now done with mourning was going to join in the party atmosphere.</div>
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Tamar became aware of Judah’s travel to the party with the sheep shearers with Hirah and she devised a plan to force him into a role of a levir for her. In her contrivance she planned to entrap him. She changed out of her widow’s clothes and made herself appear as an adherent of Astarte, which was a sacred prostitute. She then put on a veil, which had several connotations of that day. Brides principally wore them on their wedding night and so did prostitutes wanting to appear as a wholesome bride. So a veiled woman in public gave off the message that she was a prostitute available for sexual intercourse. She had essentially dressed herself as a cult prostitute and waited for Judah to appear at the city gate of Enaim. Her actions while retaliatory for not getting Shelah put her into a doubly sinful situation. She was legally betrothed to Shelah regardless of what Judah was preventing and she was planning on an incestuous relationship with Judah.</div>
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When Judah saw her he was enticed by her. She played the role of seductress and lured him into a sexual union. It was Judah who suggested the sex when he said to her, ”<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Come, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee: for he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law.”</em> He was coming off a period of mourning and was exceptionally vulnerable to temptation of this sort and didn’t realize that this was his daughter-in-law in disguise. Tamar who played the role of a prostitute asked for payment for gratifying his sexual desires. This was a normal request from a prostitute. She says, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?” </em>He promised her a kid of the goats of the flock at a later time for sexual favors now, but she did not trust him and wanted something of more significance as a promissory to pay. She was actually looking for something to provide as evidence proving him to be the father of the child who would come from the union. So Judah asks, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">What pledge shall I give thee? </em>She being very savvy says to him in response, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Thy signet and thy cord, and thy staff that is in thy hand.”</em> These three items had identifying significance for her to later prove who the father’s child was. The signet was used to seal documents, the cord was a necklace that the ring was kept on, and the staff in his hand established his profession. So she received them and she had sex with him, after which she became pregnant. She then left, removed the veil and put back on the widow’s clothes.</div>
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Judah then tried to make good on the promise to give her a goat kid. He sent Hirah to her with the payment. He of course wanted his personal items back, which she was holding as a deposit. When Hirah was unable to find her he begins asking <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the men of her place, saying,” Where is the prostitute, that was at Enaim by the wayside?”</em> they just said, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">There hath been no prostitute here.”</em> Hirah tried to honor Judah’s commitment to pay her and when that failed he returned to Judah with the kid. Judah decided to forget the entire incident.</div>
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Now comes the revelation to Judah of what actually happened. After three months when Tamar is just entering her second trimester a report was given to Judah that Tamar had become a harlot and she is pregnant as a result of her prostitute activities. So Judah still not knowing that he impregnated her says in response to learning what she did, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.”</em> He was the patriarch of the clan and had a right to do this since she was guilty of prostitution. During the trial she pleaded, <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and the cords, and the staff.”</em> Judah then had to confess when he was exposed and simply admitted his guilt by saying, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">She is more righteous than I; forasmuch as I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.”</em></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Tamar Presents her proof Artist Unknown" class="size-large wp-image-1972" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52-1024x599.jpg" height="310" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cornelis_Cornelisz_van_Haarlem_-_Juda_and_Tamar_1596_FHM01_OS-I-52-1024x599.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="530" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Tamar Presents her proof Artist Unknown</dd></dl>
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Twins are Born to Judah and Tamar</h4>
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Genesis 38: 27-30</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">28</span>And it came to pass, when she travailed, that one put out a hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">29</span>And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself? Therefore his name was called Perez. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">30</span>And afterward came out his brother that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zerah. (ASV 1901)</em></div>
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This section of Scripture regarding the story of Judah and Tamar ends with the birth of twin sons. When they were about to be born one put his hand out of the womb and the midwife tied a scarlet thread on his hand to indicate he was the first born. However he drew his hand back in and returned into the womb. So the second one was born first. This caused the midwife to say, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself?”</em> This is a Hebrew play on words, which means you breached a breach or you forged through. This is the meaning of the name Perez who was the first-born. He became a seed son of the Messianic line (Ruth 4: 12, 18-22; Matthew 1:3; Luke 3:33). The second son then came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand and he was named Zerah meaning the shining one probably due to the scarlet thread. This account while seemingly out of place in the story of Joseph traces the Messianic line. It also shows that they were intermarrying into the Canaanites. This is one of the reasons God took Judah and the rest of the family into Egypt. Finally there is a strong contrast illustrated here between Judah and Joseph. One brother was resisting temptation and the other caving in to it.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-48306763668770941602015-05-21T16:28:00.001-07:002015-05-21T16:28:35.274-07:00The 75 Day Interval<h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
The Seventy-Five Day Interval</h2>
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The Millennium (also called the Theocratic Kingdom, or the Messianic Kingdom) does not start right away at the close of the Great Tribulation. Scripture tells us that the duration of the first half of the Great Tribulation is 1,260 days (3 ½ years). This is the length of the time between two significant events. They are the signing of the covenant with Israel by the Antichrist, initiating the Great Tribulation, and the Abomination of Desolation being set up in the Temple, which is the mid point event. Scripture also tells us that the last half of the Tribulation will be 1,260 days counting from the Abomination of Desolation to the demise of the Antichrist. These two sets of 3 ½ years each equal a total of seven years. When comparing several Scripture passages, that reference the Great Tribulation’s duration, another specific time interval is noted. This is a seventy-five day interval at the end of the Great Tribulation and prior to the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. The interval is described in Daniel, and the differences in numbers are intentional, they are not scribal error:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Daniel 12:11-12 </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand and two hundred and ninety days </em>[1290].<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days </em>[1335]<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">.” </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">(KJV, brackets added)</em></div>
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The Daniel passage gives us two additional figures. The first is 1,290 days, or an additional thirty days, during which time the Abomination of Desolation will remain in the Temple before it is removed. The second figure is 1,335 days, which is another 45 days beyond the 1,290 and 75 days beyond the 1,260 days. A special blessing is pronounced upon those who survive to the 1,335th day. The blessing is, for those who survive, to be able to enter into the Messianic Kingdom. Many will not make it that far, even though they made it to the end of the Tribulation. The events and the time intervals are illustrated on the following chart:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide04.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide04.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="75 Day Interval Chart by Daniel Woodhead" class="size-full wp-image-2014" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide04.jpg" height="540" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide04.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="720" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">75 Day Interval Chart by Daniel Woodhead</dd></dl>
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There are nine events that occur during this 75-day period are:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The removal of the Abomination of Desolation from the Temple.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The final destination of the Antichrist.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The final destination of the False Prophet.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The binding of Satan.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The judgment of the Gentiles.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The resurrection of the Old Testament Saints.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The resurrection of the Tribulation Saints.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Marriage Feast of the Lamb (this is the formal start of the Millennium)</li>
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1. The Removal of the Abomination of Desolation</h3>
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The pivotal event, which signals the mid-point of the Great Tribulation, is the Antichrist’s takeover of the Jewish Temple. He breaks his covenant with the Jews, and declares himself “The Almighty God” (II Thessalonians 2:4). He also begins a serious persecution of the Jews, which will last for 1,260 days. The False Prophet sets up an inanimate image of the Antichrist in the Temple and Satan, through the False Prophet, causes it to become alive. The Antichrist is in control of the world for those 1,260 days and then he will be killed. The image stays in the Temple for additional thirty days.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Daniel 12:11</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand and two hundred and ninety days.” (KJV)</em></div>
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The desecration of the Jewish Temple continues an additional thirty days beyond the end of the Great Tribulation. It will then be destroyed, which brings the Abomination of Desolation to an end. It is not clear why God allows the Abomination of Desolation to remain in the Temple for 30 days after the Great Tribulation ends.</div>
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2. The Judgment of the Gentiles</h3>
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The Olivet Discourse of Jesus to His inner circle of Peter, James, John, and Andrew comes to an end with the Judgment of the Gentiles. Even though a significant number of Gentiles will be killed during the Great Tribulation (and their armies will be slaughtered in the Campaign of Armageddon) some will make it through alive. They will be gathered together for the purpose of a special judgment.</div>
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There are two passages of Scripture that give the insight into the Judgment of the Gentiles:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 25:31-46 </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And before him shall be gathered all nations:<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">34</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">35</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">36</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">38</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">39</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">40</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">41</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">42</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">43</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">44</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">45</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">46</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (KJV)</em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </strong>This passage confirms the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">timing</em> of the judgment, which will be after the Second Coming of the Messiah, when the Throne of David will be set up as described in verse 31 above.</div>
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The <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">place</em> of the judgment is not given in this passage, but the prophet Joel does discuss it:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Joel 3:1-3 </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into <u style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the valley of Jehoshaphat</u>; and I will execute judgment upon them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>and they have parted my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have given a boy for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.” </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">(KJV, underlining added)</em></div>
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This judgment that will take place just outside the City of Jerusalem, in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which lies between the city and the Mount of Olives.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Untitled.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Untitled.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Ancient City of Jerusalem and Valley of Jehosaphat." class="size-full wp-image-2013" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Untitled.jpg" height="324" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Untitled.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="290" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Ancient City of Jerusalem and Valley of Jehosaphat.</dd></dl>
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Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ancient_Jerusalem_Modern_Jerusalem.jpg</div>
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Joel also confirms that this judgment is to occur near the time of the restoration of the Nation Israel, which is at the end of the Great Tribulation. All the Gentiles surviving after the war will be gathered into the Valley of Jehoshaphat for the judgment. This is the same place on the east of the Temple Mount next to the Mount of Olives where the final battle took place. The term “Gentiles” is the same as <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“all nations”</em>. This judgment will be for the purpose of determining their individual final destination of eternal life or eternal hell. Therefore, it is a very serious event. The basis for the judgment will be how they treated the Jews during the Tribulation. The sins cited by Joel include: scattering the Jews in the middle of the Great Tribulation, parting the land during the Campaign of Armageddon, and selling the Jews into slavery (Zechariah 14:1-2).</div>
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Each Gentile will be judged on the basis his or her participation in, or refusal to participate in, these actions. The Lord Jesus gave us the results of the judgment during the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 25:31-46). He identifies the judge, the judgment, and those who are judged in Matthew’s gospel:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 25:31-33</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">31</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">32</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And before him shall be gathered all nations: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">33</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” (KJV)</em></div>
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The Judge</h4>
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Jesus (<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“</em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Son of man”</em>) is the judge who will sit on a throne in the all His glory in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.</div>
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The Judged</h4>
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The <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">subjects</em> of the judgment are individuals, and not a judgment of nations (verses 32-33). The Greek word for <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“nations”</em> is <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">ethnos</em>, which is Strong’s #1484, and it means “all those who are not Jews”. In other words it means the Gentiles. The word <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“nations”</em> is the common term for Gentiles used in the Bible. All the Gentiles who survive the Tribulation, and the Campaign of Armageddon, will be gathered into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and will then be separated by the Messiah. There are three specific groups mentioned in this passage: the<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> “sheep”</em> Gentiles, the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“goat” </em>Gentiles, and the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”</em>. Some Gentiles are brought to His right-hand side and are called <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em>, and those Gentiles brought to His left-hand side are called <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“goats”</em>. Note the positional aspect of the decision, being put to the right or left side of Jesus the Judge. The pro-Jewish Gentiles are known as the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em> camp and the anti-Jewish Gentiles are known as the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“goat”</em> camp. Matthew also discusses the pro-Jewish sheep camp:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 25:34-40</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">“34</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">35</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">36</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">37</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">38</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">39</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">40</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.” </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">(KJV)</em></div>
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“The Sheep” - Gentiles Helping The Jews</h3>
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Jesus describes those who helped His <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”,</em> the Jews, during the Great Tribulation as <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em>. Remember, the church had not yet been formed when Christ’s Olivet Discourse was given. Therefore, His usage of the term <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”</em> in this context refers to the Jews. These Gentiles will be putting themselves in mortal danger, just as it was during World War II when the Nazis were hunting the Jews and killing those non-Jews who hid or aided them. The Jews will flee into the wilderness without provisions. The pro-Jewish <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em> will provide them with food, clothing and shelter. They will visit them in prison, and in general show kindness toward them. The result of their judgment is being given permission to enter into the Messianic Kingdom. It is the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em> Gentiles who will be involved in the destruction of Babylon (Isaiah 13:1-5). They will be the “resistance fighters” who are instrumental in overthrowing the one-world government that will be headquartered at Babylon.</div>
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Some have tried to interpret the term <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren” as </em>referring to saints in general, but this makes the passage meaningless. If the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”</em> are saints in general, then who are the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em> since they too have eternal life? It would be very confusing to make both the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”</em> and the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren” </em>as saints of the same order. From this context alone, it should be very evident that the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”</em> must refer to Jewish people because the saints are the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep” </em>and the unsaved are the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“goats”</em>. Furthermore, the parallel passage of Joel 3:1-3 makes it certain that these <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”</em> are the Jewish people of the Great Tribulation. The term <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren” </em>here is used in the sense of “brethren in the flesh.” The fact that only Matthew records this segment of the Olivet Discourse also teaches the same truth. Matthew’s gospel was directed at a Jewish audience, and since his is the most “Jewish” of the Gospels, his primary concern has been how the Messiah’s coming will affect the Jewish people.</div>
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The <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“sheep”,</em> which are pro-Jewish, are clearly stated to be the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“righteous”</em> ones. Will they be saved because they are pro-Jewish? This cannot be true because that would make their salvation be based on their works, and not the work of God. This passage is an example of James 2:14-26, that distinguishes between perfecting one’s faith through our works, as compared to one who is basing their salvation only on faith without any works. Because these Gentiles are already believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, they will refuse to do the commands of the Antichrist to destroy the Jews. So, while Jews will undergo a great persecution, these believing Gentiles will do what they can to help the Jews under these conditions. A believer will follow Christ’s commandments, and will not follow the Antichrist. Their works toward the Messiah’s <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“brethren”</em> will prove their faith. They will be allowed to enter into the Messianic Kingdom because they are saved Gentiles, and they will be the ones to populate the Gentile nations during the Messianic Kingdom (vv.34-40).</div>
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The “Goats” - Gentiles Who Harmed The Jews</h3>
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On the other hand, the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“goats”</em> will be the anti-Jewish Gentiles who, because of their unbelief in Jesus, will join the ranks of the persecutors under the Antichrist’s authority. They will show their lack of faith by their works. They are the ones who will <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">not </em>be “watching”, “ready” or “laboring”, in violation of the five parables. For this reason they will be left out of the Messianic Kingdom:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 25:41-45 </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">41</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">42</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">43</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">44</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">45</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.” (KJV)</em></div>
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They will be killed and sent directly to Hell. This judgment is not judging them on works, but whether or not they believed in the Messiah, and sends those who harmed the Jews to Hell.</div>
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3. The Antichrist’s Final destination</h3>
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Revelation 19:20 makes is quite clear the Antichrist will meet his final demise:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 19:20</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (KJV)</em></div>
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The text states that the Antichrist will be <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“cast alive”</em> into the Lake of Fire. The Antichrist is killed at the end of the Great Tribulation and while his body will not be buried, his soul will be in Hell (Habakkuk 3:13b; II Thessalonians 2:8; Isaiah14:3-11; 16-21). As armed forces of the Antichrist flee Christ’s slaughter, his body will be trampled under their feet (Isaiah 14:19-21). So if the text states that he will be <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“cast alive into a lake of fire”,</em> he must come back to life in order for that to occur. There is the Second Resurrection and it only applies to the resurrection of the damned (those who did not accept Christ when they had the opportunity), which like the First Resurrection also comes in stages. Jesus, the second person of the Holy Trinity, is the “first fruits” of the First Resurrection. Interestingly, the Antichrist will be the “first fruits” of the Second Resurrection. The result of his resurrection will end with his eternal destiny in the Lake of Fire.</div>
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3a. The Lake of Fire</h4>
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The<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> “lake of fire burning with brimstone” </em>is that which Christ referred as <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Gehenna</em>, and is also called the Lake of Fire (Matthew 5:22, 29-30, 10:28, 18:9, 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5). The Greek work for the Lake of Fire is <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Gehenna</em>, and is named for the Valley of Hinnom just south of Jerusalem. It was at this site that the Jews offered their children to god Molech (II Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31; 19:2-6). In later times it served as a continually burning garbage dump, and therefore provided the imagery that the Bible uses to describe the place of everlasting punishment. The Lake of Fire is where all those who do not believe in Christ will reside forever. The Lake of Fire is where the contents of Hell will be deposited. Hell is a place of a spiritual punishment. The Lake of Fire will be a place of punishment for the resurrected bodies of the unbelievers and their spirits. Being thrown into the Lake of Fire is the Second Death, and is the final destination of the wicked.</div>
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3b. The False Prophet</h4>
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According to Revelation 19:20 the False Prophet will have a counterfeit gift of performing miracles for the sole purpose of deceiving the world so that they worship the Antichrist (beast) and take his mark of 666.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 19:20</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (KJV)</em></div>
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He will be <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“cast alive”</em> into the Lake of Fire along with the Antichrist. These two members of the “unholy trinity” (the Antichrist masquerading as the counterfeit “son”, and the false prophet masquerading as the counterfeit “holy spirit”) will the only occupants for the first 1,000 years that the Lake of Fire will be operational. What a appropriate destiny for the two men who instituted Hell on earth for seven years!</div>
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4a. Satan’s Binding</h4>
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Satan, who masquerades as the counterfeit father in the “unholy trinity”, will be cast into the abyss.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 20:1-3</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” (KJV)</em></div>
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Here we see the binding of Satan, who was cherub and of the highest order of celestial beings in Heaven. The one who does the binding is a common angel, who is the lowest order of celestial beings in Heaven. How fitting for Satan who was the highest of the highest rank of celestial beings to be bound by one from the lowest rank! Satan will be bound for 1,000 years, which is the duration of the Millennial Kingdom on earth. He will no longer be free to be the great deceiver of mankind. He will reside in the Abyss. The binding is done with the promise that Satan will be released for a short time to again test mankind at least one more time.</div>
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4b. The Abyss</h4>
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The New Testament tells us that this is the temporary dwelling place of the imprisoned demons (Revelation 9:1-21). In classical Greek it is the adjective <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">abussos</em>. It refers to an “unfathomable or boundlessly deep place”. Many of the demons that Jesus expelled from the earth were committed to the abyss. They dreaded going there before their appointed time (Luke 8:31). Millions of them will be let loosed during the Great Tribulation in two separate invasions to wreck havoc on the earth. At this time they begin to appear so the human population can see them. Up until this time, when the fifth and sixth trumpets are sounded, the demonic world is unseen to the human eye (Revelation 9).</div>
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5. The First Resurrection</h3>
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The first resurrection involves only believers and it is found in Revelation 20:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Revelation 20:5-6</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (KJV)</em></div>
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According to verse five, the resurrection of the Great Tribulation saints completes the First Resurrection. It is separated from the Second Resurrection by one thousand years. The whole point of verse six states that the First Resurrection involves only believers, and that is why it is a <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“blessed”</em> event for those who participate in it.</div>
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It is important for us to realize that the First Resurrection is not a general resurrection of all the dead at one time. The Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 15: 20-23 that it is an orderly sequence and occurs in the five stages:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">1 Corinthians 15:20-23</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span>But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” (KJV)</em></div>
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This shows that all of the Christians shall live again, or be resurrected, and that there is an orderly progression to the stages of this resurrection. After declaring that a resurrection of the righteous will occur in verse 23, Paul states that the righteous will be resurrected each <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“in his own order”.</em> The word <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“order”</em> is a military term used to describe the orderly procession of troops marching to battle (in Greek it is <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">tagma</em>). It always refers to an orderly procession such as the movement of troops, or an orderly procession of the priests in the Old Testament. The central point of this passage is that there is an orderly, and sequential process, to the first resurrection, and includes these five stages:</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide09.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide09.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="The First Resurrection Stages" class="size-full wp-image-2016" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide09.jpg" height="540" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Slide09.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="720" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">The First Resurrection Stages</dd></dl>
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6. The Resurrection of Old Testament Saints</h3>
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We must keep in mind that the Rapture only includes the Church, that is, those who have accepted Jesus of Nazareth and confessed His name before other men on this earth:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Romans 10:9</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (KJV)</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em>This verse, along with many others, further refines and gives explicit instruction in how to actualize our faith. We must tell others what has taken place in our hearts. It is similar to being obedient, and carrying out the commandment to be baptized. Both are outward signs attesting to the transformation that the Lord has brought about within us. So those, who have done this prior to the Great Tribulation, will have already gone up to Heaven to meet the Lord in the air at the time of the Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).</div>
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The following two passages speak about believers from the Old Testament times who loved God, and who were waiting for His coming in the flesh. However, they died prior to Christ appearing on the planet. This is not to say they kept the Law, it means that they believed God and took Him at His Word. The Old Testament saints were the righteous ones waiting for the Lord’s appearing, like Simeon was in Luke 2:25. They will be rewarded for their belief:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Isaiah 26:19</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.” (KJV)</em></div>
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This passage states that the Old Testament saints were guaranteed a resurrection, but it does not say when. Other verses bring the concept into clearer focus for us:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Daniel 12:2</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.” (KJV)</em></div>
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This passage draws a very clear distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous. Within the context of the twelfth chapter of Daniel, this verse is speaking of a particular time at the “end.” It is addressed to the Jews who are identified as <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“your people”</em> (Daniel 12:1)<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">.</em> Only the righteous will be resurrected at this time to partake in the blessing of the Millennial Kingdom. These are also known as <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“the friends of the bridegroom”</em> spoken of by John the Baptist (John 3:29). Since the context of Daniel chapter twelve is speaking of the events after the Great Tribulation, it is at that time that the Old Testament saints will be resurrected.</div>
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7. The Resurrection of Tribulation Saints</h3>
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There will also be a resurrection of those saints who became believers and were killed during the Great Tribulation. Revelation 20:4 tells us the facts surrounding this event:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 20:4</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (KJV)</em></div>
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Here the apostle John sees two groups of people co-reigning with the Lord Jesus. The first group is those who already had received their judgment for their works from Christ. The judgment, called the Bema Seat Judgment, is referenced in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. This will be the Church age saints who are resurrected at the Rapture of the Church. They receive the judgment of their works, and their rewards, right after they enter Heaven from Christ (1 Corinthians 3).</div>
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The second group is identified as those souls who have been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus. They were beheaded because they would not worship the Antichrist, nor would they consent to receive the mark of the Beast (666). These are the Tribulation saints. They go into the Millennial Kingdom with Christ.</div>
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8. The Marriage Feast of the Lamb</h3>
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In the ancient Jewish wedding, the wedding feast was the last of four stages. The four stages of the ancient Jewish wedding are reflected in the events planned long ago by God the Father:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Father of the Groom made the arrangement for the Bride and paid the bride price. In this case the price was the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 5:25-29).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The fetching of the Bride is when she is ready and waiting to be escorted by her Bridegroom to the home of his father. This is comparable to the Rapture of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The marriage ceremony of the Bride to the Groom, or when the Church weds the Messiah happens immediately after arriving at his father’s house (Church age saints are now in Heaven with Christ) (Revelation 19:6-8).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The wedding, or marriage feast, is the last event of the sequence and lasts for seven days. The Marriage Feast of the Lamb is the event that begins the Messianic Kingdom.</li>
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The Church is the bride and is married to Christ in Heaven after the Rapture. The First Resurrection brings the Old Testament saints, who are the friends of the bridegroom, and the Great Tribulation saints, who are also invitees, to complete the invited “guest list” to the wedding, and now the wedding feast can take place. The invitation has already been issued:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Revelation 19:9</em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (KJV)</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em>The result of this invitation is the First Resurrection to be followed by the wedding feast, which will last for seven days. Christ spoke of this during the Last Supper as He raised His glass of wine with His apostles:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 26:27</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">27</span>And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (KJV)</em></div>
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This event concludes the seventy-five day interval and inaugurates the Millennium. The wedding feast parable told by The Messiah is connected with the Kingdom:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 22:1-14</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span>So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>For many are called, but few are chosen.”(KJV)</em></div>
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The main point of this parable is that those who were originally invited to the wedding feast, the Pharisees and the Jewish generation of Jesus’ day, will not partake of the feast or enter into the Messianic Kingdom. This is because they committed the unpardonable sin of attributing the works of God to Satan (<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“made light of it”</em>)<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">.</em> This is also known as “blaspheming the Holy Spirit” (Mark 3:29) The Jews of the Tribulation period will be at the supper and enter into the Kingdom. All unbelievers will be cast <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“into outer darkness”</em> and will be excluded from entering the Messianic Kingdom:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Matthew 25:1-13</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span>And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”(KJV) </em></div>
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The contrast that Christ speaks of here is not between two types of believers, but between believers and unbelievers. The <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“wise”</em> virgins are the believers and they have oil, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, while the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“foolish”</em> virgins have no oil at all. They had not been prepared through belief. Some think there is plenty of time before they have to commit their lives to Christ, or they just do not want to believe that there is a God. We never know the day or the hour when He will come. The <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“foolish”</em> ones were excluded from the wedding feast and from ever going in to the Messianic Kingdom. That is why they are <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“foolish”:</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Psalm 53:1a</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity…” (KJV)</em></div>
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Isaiah also connects a feast with the Kingdom and a resurrection of the dead:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Isaiah 25:6-8</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering that covereth all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>He hath swallowed up death for ever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the reproach of his people will he take away from off all the earth: for Jehovah hath spoken it” (KJV)</em></div>
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So the Great Tribulation has ended, and the final events have been accomplished during the seventy-five day interval. This concludes with the Marriage feast of the Lamb Jesus who welcomes all believers into His Kingdom.</div>
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Daniel E. Woodhead</div>
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Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Footsteps of the Messiah</em>: <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">A Study of the Sequence of Prophetic Events</em>. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries. 2004.</div>
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Gabelein Arno C. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Gabelein’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible</em>. Neptune, NJ: Loizeauz Brothers. 1970.</div>
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Peters, George H. H. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The Theocratic Kingdom in Three Volumes</em>. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publication. 1952.</div>
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Unger, Merrill F. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Great Neglected Bible Prophecies.</em> Chicago, IL: Scripture Press Book Division. 1955.</div>
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Walvoord, John F. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Daniel The Key to Prophetic Revelation. </em>Chicago: The Moody Bible Institute. 1971.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-70039435529869864152015-04-14T20:48:00.001-07:002015-04-14T20:50:33.383-07:00And So All Israel Will Be Saved<h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
All Israel will Be Saved</h2>
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Romans 11:25-26</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span> For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">26</span> And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (KJV): </em></div>
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Their Salvation Will Come After The Great Tribulation</h4>
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All Nations Will Come Against Jerusalem</h5>
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Zechariah 12:1-8 actually describes a battle that is the fifth of eight stages that comprise the Campaign of Armageddon. This takes place in the future and begins with the sixth bowl judgment during the middle of The Great Tribulation (Revelation 16:12-16</div>
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Jerusalem Will be a Cup of Reeling</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:1-3</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>The burden of the word of Jehovah concerning Israel. Thus saith Jehovah, who stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him: <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling unto all the peoples round about, and upon Judah also shall it be in the siege against Jerusalem. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples; all that burden themselves with it shall be sore wounded; and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Roman Destruction of Jerusalem by David Roberts Cir 1850" class="size-full wp-image-2000" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jerusalem-destruction-70-ad-painting-by-roberti.jpg" height="510" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="800" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Roman Destruction of Jerusalem by David Roberts Cir 1850</dd></dl>
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God begins this oracle by stating that this particular message that is about to be delivered is heavy, or a “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">burden</em>” (in Hebrew <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">massa</em>). That is, it is important and burdensome to be given, and to be heard. It is not pleasant but must be heeded in the same seriousness in which it was given. This is the second such <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">massa</em> in this book. The first encompassed chapter 9:1 through chapter 11:17. The first one graphically depicted Israel’s rejection of her Messiah and the rise of the worthless shepherd, which will be the Antichrist. His rise to power must precede Israel’s deliverance. God will use him to plunge the Nation Israel into its most severe time of testing foreseen by the prophet Jeremiah as the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Time of Jacob’s Trouble,”</em> (Jeremiah 30:5-7). The prophet Daniel was given a revelation regarding this time as well; he recorded, <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book”</em> (Daniel 12:1). Daniel finished this verse by stating that the Jews will be delivered.</div>
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God then goes on to describe the attitude of Jerusalem’s enemies. Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel and will be the future capital of the world in Christ’s Millennial reign. The characterization of Jerusalem as the Nation Israel seems to align with the grammatical technique of “merism”, where one name stands for all of a particular subject. In this case it is the capital city representing all of Israel. In Zechariah 11:2 God says Jerusalem will become “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">a cup of reeling.” (</em>It is called a “cup of trembling” in the King James translation.<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">)</em> “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">A cup of reeling</em>” means a cup filled with an intoxicating drink that will cause anyone who drinks it to reel or stagger. This particular siege takes place in the future when all nations come against Jerusalem in battle. Further He uses the term “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">burdensome stone</em>” in His description of Jerusalem to give the reader the sense of lifting a very heavy stone. It will cause grievous injuries to those who try and lift it. The divine penalty for the nations that try and lift this stone (Jerusalem) is that they will suffer sprains or dislocation and tear themselves to pieces.</div>
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God Confounds The Invaders</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/feestmaal_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/feestmaal_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Belshazzar's Feast by Rembrandt cir. 1635" class="size-full wp-image-1289" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/feestmaal_grt.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/feestmaal_grt.jpg" height="478" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="600" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Belshazzar's Feast by Rembrandt cir. 1635</dd></dl>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:4</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>In that day, saith Jehovah, I will smite every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">smite every horse of the peoples with blindness (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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All this will happen as the text says “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">in that day</em>” (Hebrew <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">bayyom hahu</em>). “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">In that day</em>” refers to the particular time period called the “latter days” or “end of days”. This is the same as the “Day of the Lord” or the “Great Tribulation”. It is important to note that the text says, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it.” </em>Bearing in mind this prophecy was given in 485 B.C., it was inconceivable that there could be a conflict that engaged the entire world. 135 countries took part in World War I, and more than 15,000,000 people died in the war.<a data-mce-href="#_ftn1" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[1]</a> World War II, which began shortly after on September 1, 1939, was the second time a large number of nations gathered to battle and this time more that 80,000,000 perished or about 2.5 % of the world’s population.<a data-mce-href="#_ftn2" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[2]</a> Now that these massive conflicts have occurred it is no longer difficult to accept God’s Word stating that, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it.”</em></div>
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During the invasion of Jerusalem God will cause the all the military forces coming against Jerusalem to be filled with terror and blindness. His love for the Jewish people is evident as He says, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah.”</em> Their enemies will be rendered useless for achieving their goal, which is the destruction of Israel and particularly Jerusalem. The normally brave enemies will suffer chaotic frenzy and they will not be able to see out of their vehicles.</div>
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The Jewish Leaders and The People React</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:5-7</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span>And the chieftains of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Jehovah of hosts their God. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>In that day will I make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left; and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span>Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem be not magnified above Judah (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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This verse verifies the change of heart the Jewish leaders will have toward God as the battle rages against Jerusalem. For once they will see what He has done to the invaders for them and they begin to turn to Him. The true strength of the inhabitants of Jerusalem is the Lord of the armies, their God. In verse 6 the unique imagery of a strong fire is used by God when He says, the “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about”. </em>God will now use them to defeat their foes because of their faith. Finally God says that He will save the Jews who live outside the walls of Jerusalem. He separates them out for special protection first when He says, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first,” </em>Then He will protect those inside the walls so that two segments of the population will receive equal protection and blessing.</div>
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Inhabitants of Jerusalem Receive Supernatural Strength</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:8</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8</span>In that day shall Jehovah defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of Jehovah before them (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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God now describes the level of protection He will give to the Jews living in Jerusalem during this battle. He is the defender of Jerusalem to be sure but the strength He will impart to the Jews is supernatural. The Jews will have a marvelous strength to fight the invaders. The weakest of the population will become as strong as their warrior King David. The strong ones, designated as “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the house of David</em>” or the household or family of David, are to be like God meaning they will be superhuman beings. They will be like the angel of Jehovah who goes before Israel. The point in making this comparison is that all of Israel will receive supernatural strength from the weakest members to the strongest of the population.</div>
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Destruction of All Nations That Come Against Israel</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:9</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9</span>And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The national regeneration of the Nation Israel is tied to the destruction of Babylon, which will be the world headquarters of the Antichrist (Jeremiah 50:43). Every Jew will become strengthened to fight the enemy as the Lord is incapacitating the foes with blindness and mental panic, and the Nation Israel will prevail.</div>
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The National Mourning Begins</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:10</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10</span>And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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Then the Lord pours out His “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">spirit of grace and of supplication”</em> which causes the Jews to realize that it was <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">them</em> who persecuted Jesus and had Him nailed to the cross at Calvary. The Lord in the first person (“<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">me</em>”) begins to describe the mourning process the Jews will go through when they finally realize that it was God Himself who died for them as Jesus the Messiah. He uses the analogy of losing a child to express the degree of mourning that will be felt. This degree of mourning is unparalleled in the lives of humans because the loss of a child is one of the greatest pains one can experience. He says not only is it the loss of a child, but it is as if it is the parent’s only male child and further defines the situation as losing a son who is their first-born child. Our first-born children are the ones with whom we learn parenting and spend the most time and effort attending to their care. We usually invest more of ourselves into the first-born child than any other child. A loss of this child will give us an immense amount of pain that will never leave us while we are still on this earth. This is the extent of pain the Nation Israel will experience when they finally realize what they have done to their Messiah Jesus.</div>
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Example of Previous Mourning</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/yellowstar.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/yellowstar.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Nazi Yellow Star Pined on Jews" class="size-full wp-image-2001" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/yellowstar.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/yellowstar.jpg" height="365" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="385" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Nazi Yellow Star Pined on Jews</dd></dl>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:11</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11</span>In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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The extent of the mourning that the Jews will have over their treatment of Jesus is likened to the mourning the nation had when Josiah died. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Hadadrimmon”</em> was a city near Jezreel. It was in the plains of Megiddon where Pharaoh Necho II fatally wounded the good king Josiah, one of the few kings of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) that honored God. He started to reign when he was only eight years old and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. At the age of sixteen he began to pray earnestly seeking the Lord God. As a result of his relationship with God he began to remove the occultist’s symbols from Jerusalem and forbade their sexual sins. At the age of twenty-six he sent several of his advisors and confidants to repair the Temple. During the repair work, the books of Moses (first five books of the Bible) were found, and taken to the king. When Josiah read them he expressed deep sorrow and realized how angry God was with the Nation Israel for not keeping His Word. He then started worship services again in the Temple. Josiah removed all the abominations in the kingdom and caused all the children to turn to their God. His death and the national mourning are recorded in II Chronicles:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> </em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">II Chronicles 35:20-25</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war; and God hath commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23</span>And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">24</span>So his servants took him out of the chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had, and brought him to Jerusalem; and he died, and was buried in the sepulchres of his fathers. <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25</span>And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations unto this day; and they made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations</span> (ASV 1901, emphasis added).</em></div>
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Israel Mourns for Jesus</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 12:12-14</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12</span>And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their wives apart; <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>all the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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These verses describe the extent of the mourning in every family from the leaders of the government and the Temple down to the general population. All will mourn in national repentance for the way they rejected the Lord Jesus when He came the first time.</div>
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The Cleansing of Sin from Israel</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 13:1-6</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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“<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">In that day</em>” means this is a revelation from the God about the events during Israel’s future salvation as a nation. Israel had been guilty of the rejection of their Savior and had been suffering a substantial amount of guilt over this. Their hardness of heart was keeping them from national belief in the truth of Jesus. Earlier in the text of chapter twelve Israel, as an entire nation from the highest elected officials and the Temple guardians down to the common citizens, realized that their ancestors had caused the death of their Messiah Jesus. They are also guilty of perpetuating this lie. All at once, in one day, those whom the Lord has chosen will be “born again” together. As the text says, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">there shall be a fountain opened.”</em> The Hebrew word used here for “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">fountain</em>” is <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">maqor.</em> Here it is referring to a substantial amount of blessing, which God Himself will pour out on “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the house of David,</em><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"> and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem”.</em> His blessing will essentially gush forth to all Israel (Romans 11:26). We see the same usage of “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">fountain</em>” used in Psalm 36:9: “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">For with Thee is the fountain of life</em>”; and in Jeremiah 2:13 and 17:13 it is used as the figure of Jehovah Himself, “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">the Fountain of living waters</em>.”</div>
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It is clearly used here to illustrate the abundance of God’s blessings pouring out to remove sin and impurity from the nation Israel. Not only will the purification cover bodily defilement from abominable practices (such as drug and sexual abuse) but moral and the spiritual defilement of idolatry as well. The blessed fountain is none other that our Lord the Jewish Messiah Jesus. On</div>
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the day that our Lord was crucified, God’s fountain was opened for all to see and receive it’s blessing. At the Second Coming of Christ the Nation Israel will finally partake in that fountain and finally all Israel’s spiritual regeneration will occur (Jeremiah 31:31–37; Ezekiel 36:25–32; Romans 11:26–27).</div>
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Removing Idolatry and False Prophets from Israel</h3>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/idolatry-608x462-1.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/idolatry-608x462-1.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Idolatry Artist Unknown" class="size-full wp-image-2002" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/idolatry-608x462-1.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/idolatry-608x462-1.jpg" height="462" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="608" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Adoration of the Golden Calf by Nicholas Poussin Cir.1594-1665</dd></dl>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 13:2</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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When God pours out His Spirit upon the Israelites they will immediately realize that the false prophets and their idols are an anathema and God will cause them to be removed from Israel. False prophets lie, and typically promised peace when there was no peace to be had (Jeremiah 6:13-14; 8:11; 14:3; 23:17; 27:14 28:2, 11; Ezekiel 13:10; Zechariah 13:3; Micah 3:5). They deceive the people with their dreams and their visions were drawn out of their own demonically fed hearts (Jeremiah 14:14; 23:16; 29:8; Ezekiel 13:2-3 ; 22:28 ). They prophesy by the alleged authority of pagan gods such as Baal, and threaten the lives of the true prophets (Jeremiah 2:8; 23:13; 26:7). The false prophets gave the people what they wanted to hear and "whitewashed" over every situation, no matter how perverse it appeared (Ezekiel 13:10-12,14-15; 22:28).</div>
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The Foundation for False Prophecy</h3>
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Some false prophets used magic others appeared to use divination, soothsaying, witchcraft, necromancy, and sorcery, which were all forbidden arts and practices in the Mosaic Law (Ezekiel 13:17-23). Deuteronomy says:</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deuteronomy 13:1-5</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder, <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for Jehovah your God proveth (is testing) you, to know whether ye love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>Ye shall walk after Jehovah your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deuteronomy 18:15-22</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>Jehovah thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>according to all that thou desiredst of Jehovah thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of Jehovah my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span>And Jehovah said unto me, They have well said that which they have spoken. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18</span>I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19</span>And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words, which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20</span>But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21</span>And if thou say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken? <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22</span>when a prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Jehovah hath not spoken: the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously, thou shalt not be afraid of him</em> <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">(ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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These two sections from Deuteronomy contain at least seven commands regarding prophets:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites must leave a prophet quickly if he does a sign or a wonder that actually occurs, and at the same time he encourages a belief in other gods.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites must realize God tests us as to whether we love Him or act according to false prophets.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites must serve the true God (called here “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Jehovah</em>”).</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites must believe that there was a succession of God’s prophets after Moses, then Lord God will rise up a prophet in the midst of Israel that will be as He is, and this will be Jesus the Messiah.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites must believe the prophets of God will be speaking God’s Word.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites are not to be afraid of a false prophet if he rose in the midst of the Israelites.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Israelites must put false prophets to death.</li>
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In the Church Age we do not have the legal ability to rid ourselves of false prophets through death. This is because Christianity is not a nation as Israel is; Christians live in every nation on earth. However, we can test what they say by comparing it to Scripture. If what they tell us to do is not Scriptural, we must not listen to them. We are to call them out as false prophets, and do not fear them. If they are the leaders in a particular fellowship we are in, then <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: underline;">we must leave it</span>. It is a test of obedience to God. We have the example of the Bereans of Acts 17:11 to provide us with guidance, which says to always test what a prophet, pastor, or teacher says against Scripture. Make sure they live their life in accordance with their teaching (Matthew 7:15-16). Some examples of modern day false prophets are those who:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Engage in legalism, which is making non-biblical rules binding for salvation and or sanctification.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Set dates for Christ’s return.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Encourage immoral behavior, including abortion and sexual deviancy.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Encourage fellowship with religious groups that do not hold to the inerrancy of Scripture.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Follow after the occult and occultic groups.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deny the deity of Christ.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deny the Second Coming.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deny the virgin birth.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deny the authority of the Bible.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Deny the substitionary atonement.</li>
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We must not be unequally yoked together with them and we must separate from them (II Corinthians 6:14). Separation is not an optional part of Christianity; it is a commandment (Romans 16:17-18; II Cor. 6:14-17; I Timothy 6:5; II Timothy 2:16-18; 3:5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 18:4). Separation is not mean or unloving; it is obedience to God. Look at the verbs used in these passages:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Mark them . . . avoid them” (Romans 16:17, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” (II</li>
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Corinthians 6:14, KJV)</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Come out from among” (II Corinthians 6:17, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Have no fellowship with” (Ephesians 5:11, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Withdraw yourself from every brother that walketh disorderly” (II Thessalonians 3:6, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:5, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Shun” (II Timothy 2:16, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Purge himself from” (II Timothy 2:21, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“From such turn away” (II Timothy 3:5, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Reject” (Titus 3:10, KJV)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">“Receive them not into your house neither bid them God speed” (II John 1:10 KJV)</li>
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Separation provides a wall of protection against spiritual danger. Failure to separate as commanded leaves one open to the <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">influence </em>of error (I Corinthians 15:33). The reason a shepherd separates the sheep from wolves is to protect them. Likewise, a faithful and godly Bible teacher will seek to separate his flock from spiritual dangers that are even more destructive than wolves.</div>
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God Deals With the False Prophets of Israel</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 13:3-4</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span>And it shall come to pass that, when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of Jehovah; and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span>And it shall come to pass in that day that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he prophesieth; neither shall they wear a hairy mantle to deceive: (ASV, 1901).</em></div>
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During the Great Tribulation, and even leading up to it, there will be a seven-fold increase in false prophets due to the intense demonic prevalence of this era (Matthew 12:43-45). The greatest evidence will be the world’s worship of the Antichrist and the False Prophet culminating with Israel’s treaty with him (Daniel 9:27). At the time of Israel’s national salvation, which rejects any connection to the Antichrist, God will be starting the Millennial Kingdom, which is a Theocracy, and will have His will enacted into Law (see Appendix 4). One of these will be the elimination of false prophets by death. In this verse it is quite clear that even parents who find a false prophet among their children will kill him with a spear-like object at the point. Therefore they<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">, “shall no more be remembered”</em> as stated in verse 2 of this chapter and their parents will not mourn these demonically controlled children.</div>
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As a result of this divine pouring out of God’s Spirit many false prophets will feign righteousness, claiming to be ashamed for “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">every one of his vision</em>”. They will even take off the attire of a righteous prophet, which they wore and described as the “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">hairy mantle to deceive</em>.” Elijah wore such a mantle of rough sheep or goatskin called an <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">addereth</em> meaning to be “wide or great”. Elijah cast his off and gave it to his successor Elisha (II Kings 19:13, 19). The false prophets of future Israel will act ashamed that they put on the genuine prophet’s clothes as part of their deception, and they will be exposed as the wolf under the sheep’s clothing!</div>
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False Prophets Avoid Detection</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Zechariah 13:5-6</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>but he shall say, I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondman from my youth. <span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.8em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6</span>And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds between thine arms? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends (ASV, 1901)</em></div>
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When the false prophet is confronted with his deception he will claim to be a “<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">tiller of the ground</em>”, or a farmer. He will even claim to have been bound to another as a servant since he was a boy (“<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">made a bondman from my youth</em>”). Because of the laws of the Theocracy that will be set up in Israel, they will do anything to avoid execution. Execution will be the only way to deal with them to end their pollution. The Mosaic Law of the Old Testament described how false teaching is to be dealt with, and only death will eliminate it. The only difference between the Mosaic Law and the Theocracy’s dealing with a false prophet is the manner of execution. The Mosaic Law called for a false prophet to be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 13:5-11). The Theocracy will have them thrust through with a spear.</div>
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Those confronting the false prophet will view the scars on his arms and chest as evidence that he is indeed a false prophet (“<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">What are these wounds between thine arms?”)</em>. He will only be able to put forth a feeble lie saying he got them from his friends (“<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends”)</em>. Incisions on the body were characteristic of pagan cultures in ancient Canaan. In response to this sign of paganism, God warned the priest, prophets and people of Israel to not do such things in the interests of maintaining pure faith (Leviticus 19:28; Deuteronomy 14:1). The purpose of these self-lacerations associated with pagan rituals was to induce certain actions by their gods. Consider the contest between Elijah and the Baal prophets at Carmel described in 1 Kings chapter 18. After those false prophets had prayed and pleaded for Baal to ignite their sacrifices, with no success, they became frenzied and began to cut themselves until the blood poured from their veins and arteries (I Kings 18:28). In the latter days of the Church Age, and with the rise of neo paganism, we see an abundance of body markings including the cutting and scaring of skin to make symbols. This is additional evidence of drawing closer to the practices of the pagan cultures that are removed from God.</div>
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Daniel E Woodhead</div>
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<a data-mce-href="#_ftnref1" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[1]</a> <a data-mce-href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/casualties.htm" href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/casualties.htm" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/casualties.htm</a> accessed November 16, 2013</div>
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<a data-mce-href="#_ftnref2" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6935513241783383555#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">[2]</a> <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties</a> accessed on November 16, 2013</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-19045889344914173912015-03-25T10:19:00.000-07:002015-04-12T10:31:48.014-07:00The Biblical Meaning of the Term "Our Neighbor"<h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 25px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR?</h2>
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Frequently we see the word neighbor in Scripture. Just as frequently it seems there is some confusion as to exactly who this word refers to when it appears. Some teach that neighbor is narrowly defined as another believer. Others teach that it is broadened to include all of humanity that are in close proximity to believers. The issue can be clarified with an examination of the various contexts that the word appears as well as the different forms.</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/christ-healing-the-mother-of-simon-peter-john-bridges.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/christ-healing-the-mother-of-simon-peter-john-bridges.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="Jesus Healing the Mother of Simon by Peter John Bridges Cir 1818-1954" class="size-full wp-image-1493" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/christ-healing-the-mother-of-simon-peter-john-bridges.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/christ-healing-the-mother-of-simon-peter-john-bridges.jpg" height="639" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="900" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Jesus Healing the Mother of Simon by Peter John Bridges Cir 1818-1954</dd></dl>
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In the Old Testament the word appears in four different Hebrew forms. They are Strong’s #’s 5997; 7138; 7934; 7453; 7468. In the New Testament there is only one form in the Greek. It is Strong’s # 4139. Generally, the various Hebrew forms refer to someone that is extremely close to you. The Jewish usage of the term neighbor always means any member of the Hebrew nation and commonwealth. That is, another Israelite. It can refer to a brother, lover, companion, friend, or husband. Some forms include a general member of the human family, a person that lives in close proximity or even an enemy. The Greek usage is similar but with only one word it does not have the subtle individual usages found in the Old Testament Hebrew.</div>
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Perhaps the verses which exemplifies its usage the most is Jesus' words recorded in Matthew. In this section of Scripture the Lord is responding to a challenging question from one of the lawyers trying to trap Him in a theological issue related to the Law.</div>
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Matthew 23:38-39</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 'All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (KJV).</i></div>
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Christ in His teaching here is referring them back to the Mosaic Law in Leviticus 19:18 where the neighbor is narrowly defined as another Jew.</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Leviticus 19:18 </i></div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">" 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD (KJV).</i></div>
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The New Testament was written by and first given to the Jews. In fact Christ made the declaration early in His ministry that He had come only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt 10:6; 15:24). Paul tells us that the Gospel is to go to the Jew first and then to the Gentile (Romans 1:16). It is important to consider the Jewish roots of Christianity in order to properly understand the Biblical text. Stephen in his dissertation to the High Priest in Acts presents the term neighbor as a fellow Hebrew.</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Acts 7:24-25 And seeing one [of them] suffer wrong, he defended [him], and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not (KJV).</i></div>
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Here Stephen speaking of Moses’ issue attempting to defend another Jew against an Egyptian calls the Jew a neighbor (<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">brethren</i>). Fellow Christians are referred to as neighbors in the New Testament (Romans 15:2; Eph. 4:25; James 4:11-12). This is consistent with the context of which Jesus referenced Leviticus 19 talking about fellow Christians. He means other Christians are neighbors. Christ in the same passage of Matthew told the lawyers that we must love God first and then love our neighbors the same way we love ourselves. We must consider the context also of Christ’s commandment to love one another as related in John’s gospel.</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (KJV).</i></div>
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As Christians we are commanded to have a love for one another. This is consistent with Christ’s usage of loving our neighbors in Matthew 22:39. Here He narrowly defines the love we are to have for others is to be first directly to others in the Body of Christ. Others being those outside the Christian community will see our special relationship to God. The apostle John captures this subject in his first epistle. He demonstrates that a true believer loves the brethren (other believers) otherwise stated as our neighbors.</div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">1John 3:14</i></div>
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<i style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren (KJV).</i></div>
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This follows directly from the Matthew passage in that Christ said the first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second as mentioned is to love your neighbor the same way you love yourself. This is not a commandment to engage in loving oneself. He knows that with the sin nature still in us we already love ourselves. The sin nature obviates the need for this commandment.</div>
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These passages do not refer to us loving, in a humanistic sense, the whole world’s population. The love Christians have for each other is to mark us as Christ’s disciples. If the commandment to love others were to the general population then there would be nothing significant about the passage in John 13. We are commanded to love other believers. That is real believers, not pretenders or those that hate us. They that hate us are depicted as being non-believers in the 1 John passage. Notice that we are not commanded to hate back. In fact Christ tells the listeners of His sermon on the mount to love those that hate and curse you. (Matthew 5:43-44) What does that mean? It is important to realize the nature of Christ’s statement so as not to confuse it with the passages commanding us to love other believers.</div>
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The Sermon on the Mount is Christ’s interpretation of the standard of righteousness, which the Law demanded, put in contrast with the Pharisaic interpretation of the kind of righteousness, which the Law demanded. The Pharisees interpretation was treating the Levitical passage as license to hate everyone that was not a Jew and particularly not a Pharisee. The Mosaic Law never intended this commandment to be carte blanche to hate any enemy. Rather, the Mosaic Law was given in the sense that one must love God and love those whom God loves and conversely hate those who God hates. As an example God hated the Canaanites because of their extreme wickedness and He commanded the Jews to exterminate them. Therefore the O.T. commandment was never meant to hate individuals through personal animosity or enmity. The proper interpretation is to hate what God hates and love what God loves. We must first love God and hate what God hates. God hates sin and we must hate sin. As far as loving our neighbor we must first love other believers. We are not commanded to hate those that harm us or do not believe. Then we are to extend our love to the unbelieving community in that we would like to see them become children of God as we have become. In fact when we encounter (not go looking for) unbelievers that need our help we should treat them as our neighbor and help them, Jesus taught this in the parable of the good Samaritan. All people are made in the image of God and a have worth. We should treat them with respect and concern. The love Christians have for each other is unique and a special living testimony to our connection to the Lord Jesus and the salvation that He has given to us. Our first love must be for God then to other believers. Finally we should not hate the rest of the world and extend the love of God to them given the opportunity. The term neighbor is narrowly defined though as other believers.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">The sequencing of our love is:</b></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Firstly, realizing that other Believers (Christians) are our neighbors.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Our primary love is to be directed to God.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Secondarily our love is directed to other believers.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">Lastly our love is directed to those outside the church that need our assistance.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">We are to love those people first that God loves.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">We are to hate sin.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">We are to offer God’s love to sinners in hope that God will choose to save them. This stage is only after we have offered love and assistance to other believers. We are not commanded to first offer God’s love to those outside the church.</li>
</ol>
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FINALLY</div>
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The Greatest Love is:</div>
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John 15:13</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;">13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (KJV)</em></div>
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He did it for the entire world. Most of which either hate, deny or ignore Him. He did it anyway.....<br />
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<dl class="wp-caption alignleft" data-mce-style="width: 810px;" id="attachment_1494" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: #f3f3f3; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); float: left; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 10px 0px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 810px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5em;"><a data-mce-href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tissot_uitzicht_grt.jpg" href="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tissot_uitzicht_grt.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em;"><img alt="View From The Cross by James Tissot Cir.1886-94" class="size-full wp-image-1494" data-mce-src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tissot_uitzicht_grt.jpg" src="http://doctorwoodhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tissot_uitzicht_grt.jpg" height="864" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; color: #111111; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="800" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">View From The Cross by James Tissot Cir.1886-94</dd></dl>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01280883569260231474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935513241783383555.post-23964829776856295842015-03-10T20:27:00.002-07:002015-03-10T20:27:46.904-07:00Jesus Reveals His True Nature and Mission to an Inferior Samaritan Woman<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Reveals His
True Nature and Mission to an Inferior Samaritan Woman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">John 4:1-4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">1 </span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">When therefore
the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more
disciples than John, <sup>2</sup> (though Jesus himself baptized not, but
his disciples,) <sup>3</sup> he left Judea, and departed again into
Galilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4</sup> And he must
needs go through Samaria (KJV).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Lord Jesus needed to go through Samaria
on His way back to Galilee. He had previously told His disciples not to go the
way of the Gentiles or to enter into any city of the Samaritans. (Matthew 10:5)
His first mission on earth was to present Himself to National Israel. (Matthew
10:6; 15:24) He wanted Israel to have the first chance at the gospel and He did
not want the disciples time diluted with trying to reach the Gentiles along
with the Jews. Even now the gospel is to go to the Jews first then the
Gentiles. (Romans 1:16; 2:10) The Lord did not create foreign missions and
domestic missions. He simply said “go to the Jew first and then the Gentiles.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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When the Israelites divided into two kingdoms, because of
the civil war after the death of King Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel was
established in the northern section of the Promised Land, in accordance with
the lands allotted to the ten tribes in that area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Shechem was the original capital, until Jeroboam moved it to
Tirzah. Later, in approximately 880 B.C., Omri, the sixth king of Israel,
established the capital at Samaria, a new town built on a hilltop about 7 miles
(11 kilometers) northwest of Shechem. <o:p></o:p></div>
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"Samaria" came to be used interchangeably for both
the city, and the region. After the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom in
722 B.C., the region then known as Samaria was reduced in size. The Assyrians
in their conquest raped women and repopulated the area with other people groups
causing the next generation to become half-breeds. This group of Samarians
worshipped Jehovah the same as the Jews and followed the Torah. Because of
their arrogance the Jews would not talk or deal with the Samaritans in any way
except to sell to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the time of Jesus Christ, Samaria was bounded by Galilee
to the north, The Mediterranean Sea to the west, Judea to the south (in which
Jerusalem was located), and the Jordan River to the east. Today, it is in the so-called
"West Bank" area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John 4:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">5</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> Then cometh
he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground
that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. <sup>6</sup> Now Jacob’s well was
there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well:
and it was about the sixth hour (KJV).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Picture the Lord in His humanity resting by
this special and providential well. He makes an opportunity to begin to reach
the Samaritans with His message about who He actually is. He waited for a
fallen poor woman whose story He knew well. This is one example of His divine
grace reaching out to sinners with compassion. The greater the sin in our lives
the greater then is the value of the forgiveness, which He offers. Only God can
truly forgive sins. (Luke 5:21) For it is to Him that all sin is directed, whether
we realize it or not. (II Samuel 2:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John 4:7-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">7</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water:
Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. <sup>8</sup> (For his disciples
were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) <sup>9</sup> Then saith the
woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of
me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the
Samaritans (KJV).<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">She realized that
He was Jewish and astonished at the same time that He would have anything to do
with her. He simply asks her for some water. It was just she and He alone. He
realizes that she is ignorant and exhibits much patience with her in His desire
to reach her with the truth of who He is. This is a much different way He
treats her than He does with the Jewish religious rulers. For them, he had
little patience and heaped upon them much condemnation. (Matthew 23) They
should have known better. She was an innocent bystander so to speak on
religious matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John 4:10-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">10</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou
knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink;
thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. <sup>11</sup> The
woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is
deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? <sup>12</sup> Art thou
greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof
himself, and his children, and his cattle? <sup>13</sup> Jesus answered
and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again (KJV).</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Now she is
perplexed. Jesus begins to bring up water that she is not aware of, for she is
thinking of actual water. But Jesus is speaking of a much greater water that
that. He is speaking of the Holy Spirit, which is known as the water. (John
7:37-38) Jesus is always answering a different question than what was asked. In
this instance Jesus is telling the woman that the water He brings will not
quench thirst but would provide eternal satisfaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John 4:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">14</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall
give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in
him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. <sup>15</sup> The
woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come
hither to draw (KJV)</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">She was probably
still thinking of actual water and not realizing the spiritual lesson He is
teaching her. Never thirsting is a description of the fulfillment that saving
grace knowledge of Christ brings to a human being. It provides purpose to our
lives and gives us certainty of life eternal and allows us to endure the
hopelessness that many on this earth are saddled with. This Christ satisfies
the inner longing that each person on this earth has for significance and inner
peace. Many try to find it through money, sex, intoxicants, work etc. But until
we accept Christ and are filled with His Spirit we are continually longing for
something that we can’t quite define.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John 4:16-19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">16</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> Jesus saith
unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. <sup>17</sup> The woman
answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said,
I have no husband: <sup>18</sup> for thou hast had five husbands; and he
whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. <sup>19</sup> The
woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet (KJV).</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #304393; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus now enters a phase of the conversation
where He is going to uncover her sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a self-realization that one must make. We are sinners by our
very nature. When the Jews came to the Tabernacle and the Temple the very first
step in that ancient worship process was the brazen altar. This was where the
sacrifice took place. They were required to offer sacrifice to God so as to
admit their sin and receive the temporary atonement. The same is true today. We
must admit our sins in front of God to Him alone so we can draw close to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John 4:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">20</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> Our fathers
worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where
men ought to worship (KJV).</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The new worship is
going to be introduced in the next verse. She was thinking He was going to tell
her that the Temple in Jerusalem was where she should worship. The Samaritans
worshipped on Mt Gerizim. She was pointing to that mountain as the place where
their fathers had worshipped. This was the mountain where Sanballat had built a
temple that was </span>eventually destroyed by John Hyrcanus in 129 B.C.
Sanballat was one of the chief opponents of Nehemiah when he was building the
walls of Jerusalem and carrying out his reforms among the Jews.
"Sanballat," is connected with the Assyrian "Sinballidh,"
and means, "Sin has vivified." He was called also "the
Horonite," and was associated with Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the
Arabian (Nehemiah 2:19, 4: 7). But his home was at Samaria. When the Jews threw
off the yoke of the Greeks under John Hyrcanus that temple was destroyed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 4:21-24<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">21</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the
hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem,
worship the Father. <sup>22</sup> Ye worship ye know not what: we know
what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. <sup>23</sup> But the hour
cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in
spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. <sup>24</sup> God
is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth
(KJV).</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus now begins to
tell her of the dawning of the Christian era. Now we have no need for a Temple.
Our bodies are now the holy Temple. This is where the Spirit takes up residence
after a person accepts Christ and becomes “saved.” He is telling her that she
will not have to worship the Father on any mountain or in Jerusalem. This only
pertains to “true” worshippers. That is, those that love God and have accepted
His salvation that He offers through Christ alone (John 14:6) Since God is
spirit we worship </span>Him in spirit too. We don’t have to go to some
particular location to worship God. Anywhere will do so to speak. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salvation comes through the Jews. It was given at the time
of the Abrahamic Covenant. This is one of the unconditional covenants that God
made with Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Abrahamic Covenant
promised a seed, land, and blessings. The three major promises of this covenant
were personal promises to Abraham, national promises to Israel and universal
promises to all the people of the earth. God promised that He would bless him
and make him a blessing to others, to make his name great, to give him many descendants,
to make him the father of a multitude of nations, to give him the land of Canaan
for always and to bless them that blessed Abraham and to curse them that cursed
him. (Gen 12; 13; 15 & 17)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God also
made national promises concerning Israel. They are: to make a great nation of
his descendants; to give land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates to his descendants
forever; and to give the Abrahamic covenant to his descendants for ever.
Finally, God made universal covenants to Abraham that would affect everybody on
the earth; it would affect all families of the earth who would be blessed. This
promise is intended to be applicable to Israel regarding the blessing and
cursing effects. Parts of the covenant have already been fulfilled. For example
God did bless him with wealth. His name is great and Israel is a great nation.
The blessings to all have been given to all through the oracles of God they
received and they brought forth the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The promise of the land has not been completely fulfilled yet. His descendants
are in the land but, in unbelief and do not have the boundaries set forth in
Scripture as of yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 4:25-26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: .4in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">25</span></sup></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias
cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. <sup>26</sup> Jesus
saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he (KJV).</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus answers her
about this Messiah that she knew was coming. The Jewish writings were rife with
a God-Man that would appear on the planet some day and remove all of Israel’s
problems. Jesus tells her that He is the long awaited Jewish Messiah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Some of the
prophetic writings about Him are in the Old Testament, which is the Jewish
Bible at the time of Christ. They have been fulfilled in Jesus just as He told
this Samaritan woman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Some OT Messianic
Prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Born in Bethlehem: <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Micah 5:2 Fulfilled in Matthew
2:1<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The Son of God: <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Psalm 2:7 Fulfilled in John 3:16-17</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Of the tribe of Judah: <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Genesis 49:10 Fulfilled in Hebrews
7:14</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Of a virgin:<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Isaiah 7:14 Fulfilled in Matthew
1:18-22</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">A
prophet like Moses: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Deuteronomy
18:15 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> John
7:15-17<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The
King of Israel: <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Zechariah
9:9 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> John
12:12-15<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Rejected:
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Isaiah
53:3 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> John 1:11<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Beaten:
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Micah
5:1 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> Mark 15:19<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Silent:
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Isaiah
53:7 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> Matt
27:12-14<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Betrayed:
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalm</span> 41:9 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> Mark 14:17-20’<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tried
and condemned:<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Isa 53:8
Fulfilled<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> in</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew</span> 27:1-2<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Crucified:
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalm</span> 22:16 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> John 19:17-18<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">His
garments divided: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalm</span> 22:18 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> John 19:23-24<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Given
vinegar and gall: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalm</span> 69:21 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> John 19:31-36<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">His
bones not broken: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Exodus
12:46 Fulfilled John 19:31-36<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">He is
our sacrifice: <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Isaiah
53:5-6 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> 1 Peter
2:24-25<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">And
raised from death: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Psalm</span> 16:10 Fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">in</span> Luke 24:1-7, 47<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daniel E. Woodhead<o:p></o:p></div>
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