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Romans 1:16-18
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of GOD revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness;
May the Lord GOD bless you and your family
What I perceive from the belief of many now, that Israel ought to be considered a refused & cast-off people because of their rejection of their Messiah, is based wholly upon who the Church is now, those of believing Jews & Gentiles; that unbelieving Israel can have no part in this position & hope. To this point, I find agreement, that all who are unbelieving presently, whether Jew or Gentile, are judged with the same judgement.
But what of the Scriptures that point to the time when those of Israel still alive, see the 'One Whom they pierced' ( Revelation 1:7), that if Israel 'will no longer abide in unbelief, will be re-grafted in (along with other believers) ( Romans 11:23), & that 'salvation will still come to them in that future day as out of Sion shall come the Deliverer Who shall turn all ungodliness from Jacob' ( Romans 11:26)? This is still future and all about believing Israel & not Gentiles.
We shouldn't look at Israel now as a defeated, rejected people - sure, there still remains great hardship & tribulation ahead of them, and many will die an eternal death. But God has not forgotten His Covenant people & the time will come when those living will bend their knee to Jesus.
I guess I'd do better with a 10000 character limitation to these posts; although the reader may not have an appetite for that.
Anyway; another point here will fling to a common defence quoting Deuteronomy 29:29. Some things are hidden to us.
Feel free in dissenting viewpoints to doubt my compassion in making such harsh statements. I consider it necessary information.
The harsh reality is that none of us can bear in our natural minds to think of anyone lost and suffering eternal punishment. It seems to trigger a desire to find a believer and just ask for a hug or something for reassurance. We instinctually know as children to seek such comfort from a parent; but no human can offer any assurance that they will be there to greet us after they leave this earth from heaven or a "better place" in their imagination that is made up to substitute for God's atoning death and substitutionary redemption of His people. To take the example before of what a lost person would want those surviving on earth to know; surely a saved person would say something similar. The only example of that perhaps is when Samuel is disturbed by Saul; it ( 1 Samuel 28:15). It didn't go well for Saul; needless to say even if this really was Samuel's spirit risen from rest in the afterlife. We can be certain that those in heaven would feel sorry for us and think it odd or silly that we are feeling sad for them in some ways. Also we can realize that those spiritually dead but still LIVING on earth have no idea or concept of that fact; they cannot fathom anything LIVING that has passed from all they have known in this life with the body and all its 5 senses perished.
Maybe I'm focused more now than I've ever been watching my parents in their nineties whose bodies and minds are decaying.
God help all of us including myself not to hold onto one more day on earth because we want that more than being in His presence
Having as I usually do written something rather hastily I have taken certain chances as to not weighing carefully how this will affect people and attempt some subtlety. I could have bolstered this as a neater package with more careful and thorough scriptural framework. As I often do I am collecting further information "on the fly" and adding it to the original concept. Sorry if that unduly throws some people off.
The principle thing to be considered in all this is man's sin and it's cause his sin NATURE. When we hear of near death experiences and in fact many so called "Christian" experiences or testimonies for that matter it seems little is said of the matter. The best we seem to find is a reference to some particular sin that is tormenting someone or causing them; for instance to go to hell in an NDE. Any true "spiritual" experience should follow what God says of the Spirit in John 16:8-SIN; RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUDGMENT to come. We realize not so much from what we have done but by nature who we ARE; i.e. that STATE we are in. God's HOLINESS should cause us to be prostrate in fear; if it affected God's true prophets such as Daniel; John the "Revelator" and Isaiah those who are lost should really have a fear of the Lord if there has been any true revelation. Finally; of course we know that His judgment is coming. This means that hell primarily is a direct; proportional and FAIR distribution of punishment fitting for the crime. We will know that it is God's wrath; first and foremost whether or not demons are allowed to be involved in causing suffering for now in hades the holding place for hell. Perhaps that expresses my point a bit better.
On the other side of the coin; rather than our closest family members let us consider the vilest sinners; the scum of society.
Do we desire to see these despicable individuals transformed; enough to count the cost of our own comfort zones being violated? The world can't handle that either
There is no doubt that this series of posts is going to generate a lot of buzz; and some major backlash. I can only be as transparent as I can in regard to my past experience when it seemed I sensed the presence of my grandmother who now has been gone the better part of 40 years. I had a quick dream for a few seconds the night before she passed with me telling her she was about to stand before God. As far as I know she was unsaved. Even if there was some last minute repentance it isn't something I would have known about her. There was much surrounding her in terms of possessions and photos and things that I cannot have as keepsakes.
Again; for those who are saved it is in the new identity as a believer that one becomes part of the Body of Christ; this takes us from what in some sense is Satan's body; if not his dominion ( Eph. 2:2). To the lost world it would seem we lose our freedom; and our individuality in such an identity where we die to our old self. But there are many facets like a jewel which we are compared to in Malachi 3:17; the Lord has made us to uniquely minister in and through Him and we shall rule and reign with Him as well.
I did want to say if anyone is still reading this at this point that I believe children before they can understand sin will by God's grace enter heaven. Also when considering the only scriptural example we have of a lost man in hades; we see how he wanted to warn his family not to go there; hence we should in that sense be further emboldened to share the Gospel.
I am not here to try to convince anyone to think this way. On one hand Jesus said "let the dead bury their own dead" ( Luke 9:60); on the other hand someone who compassionately has taken care of a rebel all their life who passes certainly can mourn.
It is only when such a loss keeps us stunted permanently in our growth in God that we need to step back to evaluate ourselves.
A serious discussion about the mind and the state of our soul.
Some have described what they say are hell experiences where the same memory from the past goes over and over and demons are supposed to be putting thoughts in people's minds. I will say that it is possible that in the process of dying that people will see what they think is relatives and it is really demons; who sometimes reveal their true sinister nature as a person gets closer to death. It may even be possible that some demons who are now in what is in reality hades are authorized to torment people; but in the final judgment the demons themselves along with Satan face eternal suffering. What is likely is that in the second heavens so to speak entities try to affect the souls of men. Anyone who comes back to earth of course hasn't in reality had their final judgment or they wouldn't have returned.
I say all this to examine how a testimony about heaven would be even harder to come by; since what someone sees outside of the true doctrine of scripture is a lie; even if being sincerely narrated by someone. The enemy would love nothing less than to give some ethereal ecstatic experience to delude the person and spread further deception with some New Age concept so that men will stop fearing God and have a false assurance after leaving this earth. Therefore I want to make a major point.
Who a man is after salvation is a NEW man; the old has passed away ( 2 Cor. 5:17). A true believer would only WANT to be remembered in this way. This means for those who are unsaved we must rid ourselves of any affection or attribute once they have gone to the grave or we are GUARANTEED to have demons plant any pleasant thought as to sensing their presence around us. People are either in heaven or hell. This explains one big reason necromancy is against scripture. Often it is hard to know for sure if someone is saved in this life.
Romans 11:16-24 shows Israel as distinct from the Church: the "natural branches" are the Jews, and the "wild branches" are the Gentiles.
The "olive tree" is the collective people of God. The "natural branches" (Jews) are "cut off" the tree for unbelief, and the "wild branches" (believing Gentiles) are grafted in. This has the effect of making the Jews "jealous" and then drawing them to faith in Christ, so they might be grafted in again and receive their promised inheritance.
The natural branches are still distinct from the "wild branches," so that God's covenant with His people is literally fulfilled.
Romans 11:26-29, citing Isaiah 59:20-21 Isaiah 27:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34
Isaiah 62:11-12 "Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
Moses' prediction of Israel's permanent restoration to the land in Deuteronomy 30:1-10.
Moses said, "THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEARTS!!
SO HOW WILL "ALL ISRAEL BE SAVED?
Zechariah 8-14 , which speak of end-times Israel at Christ's return.
The key verse describing the coming to faith of the future remnant of Israel is Zechariah 12:10.
This occurs at the end of the tribulation.
Also; Zechariah 8:7-8.
Israel will be regathered from the ends of the earth ( Isaiah 11:12.
Isaiah 62:10.
Zechariah 13:8-9
Isaiah 12:1-6 is their song of deliverance.
God bless.
Every believer was called and has received gifts freely so we need understand that we are growing in our lives by faith and our works we do as natural extension of His grace. God sets Ezekiel as a watchman and by giving the word in the form of a roll he is to eat it. So it is the word that has to work. "And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." This being the case we do according to the grace given and leave the Lord to deal with the rest. At the fag end of my life I work being confident that it is God who is in charge of my life.
We live in perilous times and the signs all are out. Weird climate, flashfloods, tornadoes wildfires makes breadbaskets blighted and plagues and pestilences ravage body and mind; those who made little of truth are fed by steady dose of misinformation and for those who rejected the truth the AI is a wakeup call. The imposter churches and their congregation shall have no hiding places except they receive the word of God as intended. Literalism has shown as inadequate. Knowing these I work to present daily what is revealed to me. So I leave it at that. With joy and peace in Him,
I accidentally sent that message before I finished.
I wanted to agree with Jema, ww should be able to have these discussions peacefully, not dwell on the past and push forward.
God bless you.
We both claim to present the truth and most of the time we can sort it out but I believe we use different means of interpretation, so that would make it nearly impossible on this topic.
I will be sharing more of my thoughts on this later.
God blessed man who is created in 'our image and in our likeness'. This is part of the everlasting covenant. God has given the earth to man. Coming back to the key text, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: But the earth hath he given to the children of men. (Ps.115:16) Fellowship of God with Man acknowledges no nation per se but man. so salvation plan of God at one level uses Trinity where God the Father sends his only begotten Son. ( John 3;16). Second we have the Word. John's Gospel begins with it. The Word was with God. Only begotten Son in the sense that God taking on human likeness lived among the children of men. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."( John 1:14). "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one./And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." ( 1 John 5:7-8). Whosoever believed in the Testimony of the Three were aligned in their body, soul and spirit.
Faith with works meant the testimony of blood shed by the Son worked in the believer. By baptism of water he established that he died to sin and the world. If this is the case what value one ought to attach to notions of the Gentiles or on Israel? By literalism the imposter church would legitimize Israel as a nation despite of the word of God has set down as the holy writ.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is another and it connects God with man through the Son of man whose Ascension as promised was freely given to him.
The earth was void and empty. The Spirit works with symbols so fire water rock and wind make the earth as a whole in 'our image and our likeness. National identity of Israel or the Gentiles has no place.
(1) they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you;
(2) and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake;
(3) then shall many be offended;
(4) and shall betray one another;
(5) and shall hate one another.
(6) many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(7) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
The promise of our Lord JESUS
He that shall endure unto the END of the WORLD, the same shall be saved,
the gospel of the kingdom of GOD shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all NATIONS;
Then shall the END come; So,
when ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place-JERUSALEM-, (whoso readeth, let him understand: )
then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.- Daniel 12:1-
except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; BELIEVE NOT, - John 5:43-47-.
for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders( John 5:43-47 combined with Revelation 13:11-14-take a look- ; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Behold, I have told you before.
Get ready
1 of 2 -JESUS described two events:
1st EVENT-DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE
1-JESUS came out from the Temple,the disciples came to Him and shew Him the stones of the Temple.
2-JESUS said unto them,See ye not all these things?verily I say unto you,There shall not be left here one stone upon another,that shall not be thrown down.
The testimony of JESUS is the Spirit of prophecy.What He said was LITERALLY fulfilled in the year 70AD,40 years after His ascension. There should never again be built another similar Temple,the den of the thieves never came to be rebuilt as it was.
Notice that concerning the destruction of the Temple,it has nothing to do with Mount Olives;
Mount Olives has to do only with the DESTRUCTION of the WORLD of Devil in the current time,from now on.
Israel was destroyed from 70 to 1948,1878 years of severe punishments and curses- Deuteronomy 28:15-68-the Temple there should never again be built another.The father of the Jews- John 8:44-will be cast down into the bottomless pit,that he should deceive the nations no more- Revelation 20:1-4.
-2ND EVENT-DESTRUCTION OF THE DEVIL's WORLD & SIGNS OF JESUS's COMING
3JESUS sat upon the mount of Olives.The disciples came unto Him privately,saying:Tell us,when shall these things be?
1-What shall be the sign of thy coming?
2-And of the END of the world?
4JESUS gave a list of signs,saying what AT FIRST will happen:
(1)Take heed that no man deceive you;
(2)For many shall come in my name,saying,I am Christ( John 5:43-48);and shall deceive many;
(3)And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:see that ye be not troubled:for all these things must come to pass,but the END is not yet;
(4)For nation shall rise against nation,and kingdom against kingdom;
(5)and there shall be famines;
(6)and pestilences;
(7)and earthquakes,in divers places;
JESUS warned:All these are the beginning of sorrows.At first,all these things must come to pass,but the END is not yet.In fact,it is a PRETRIBULATIONAL PERIOD
1/2
Right to disagree is your privilege. Among brethren only truth can cement the brotherliness. If I were to please you I would not be serving truth that I understand as given to me by the grace of God. "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." I believe it is so. I would rather please God than please man.
With joy and peace in Him,
The subject has been brought up as rather common knowledge that many in the world suffer much greater persecution than we do in America at least up until this point; that appears to be rapidly about to change seeing the events of the last few months in particular. Part of what I have covered is the production of spiritual fruit; and how God uses hardships and trials to do this. Whatever our external circumstances; those today who are sold out for Christ know what it is like to be rejected; as well as having the enemy put a target on them. Necessary labor of the Great Commission is still being performed by a few faithful souls today but in the Tribulation is going to be "on steroids" as it were. Acts 5:41 often seems to be in the dust or some remote place in our thoughts in regard to rejoicing to suffer for His Name's sake.
Those who suffer that we know in the Tribulation should it be soon will also rejoice. We may wish we could be here but it is to THEIR advantage for us to be removed; or else they would never grow. Once the Rapture happens; many will realize how empty their life truly was after the shock of realization of what went down. I believe that there will be prayers in heaven for those about to be martyred ( Rev. 8:3-4 is one example). The parable of the 10 virgins seems on the surface to show the 5 foolish ones are hopelessly lost. This could represent some who thought they were believers or were believers that grew cold in their faith. A lot depends whether the last statement means "I never knew you" or "I know you not" as a lack of current intimate relation; and outer darkness could be being on the earth in the Tribulation or a representation of final hell. That is something I may have already discussed but could elaborate on. It behooves us to never be presumptuous in our faith; thinking we are bona fide Christians if our hearts are far from Him. In conclusion a great final harvest is coming.
A fundamental part of the Christian church experience should encompass not only the fellowship on Sundays or other congregational meetings and activities. A believer should be able to comprehend and experience his or her own personal ministry through their home life of prayer and intimate times between a husband and wife; rearing children and of course with alone times of devotionals. The majority of the week for most is in the workplace; thus a serving attitude; not cheating our employers with our time but working hard should also be our "reasonable service". This serves when the Lord opens a door as an opportunity to share our faith when we are able; and if the Lord allows us to start a lunchtime Bible study as it did for a friend of mine I used to know in Pittsburgh with his fellow bank employees; so be it. Obviously evangelism is something we should be prepared for "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
In my earlier post I discussed what could keep someone from wanting to think about the Lord's return; and how it relates to our anticipation of church activities we have grown accustomed to; and would also involve the social ties we have. It probably has annoyed many of my fellow believers hearing me say week after week saying that I'll see them again next Sunday or at the next study "if He doesn't return first". I guess I am hoping if it does happen in my lifetime it keeps me and other vigilant thinking about these things. Sadly; I have heard on at least one occasion someone saying they didn't want Him coming yet so they could see their kids get married or some other like sentiment.
Another issue; of course is our angst of those in our midst who have not yet come to faith and our concern about not being here one more day to witness to them. This; of course involves a fundamental lack of trust that God will draw all men to Himself and will use us or someone else; to reel them in.
2. Building towards the final piece of the puzzle. Eventually; everyone who will come to the Lord will be completed. Once we are called up to be with the Lord; of course the earth will be almost completely destroyed before being renewed. Our old church building and our old houses and all other man made structures will be crumbled; and nature itself will be transformed with every valley being exalted (See Isaiah 40:4-5).
3. We shall enjoy fellowship with all the O.T. saints and N.T. saints after the Resurrection of the just. Thus; it will be the fruition of all of God's promises; both to the nation of Israel and all the nations; as well as of the church triumphant. It also will encompass all those who died in faith during the Tribulation; a countless multitude ( Rev. 7:9).
4. When He returns; we can enjoy true peace and safety. I would imagine we will meet often outdoors; as well as of course yearly worshipping with the King in Jerusalem; whether in our new bodies or those who are in the Millennium who survive the Tribulation. ( Zech. 14:16 to end of chapter).
There is much to be said in these last days about preaching correct doctrine; and much can be gleaned from reading what the early church fathers; and those during the Reformation as well as more modern "heroes of the faith". It must be remembered though that all of us have sinned and therefore terms such as the Westminster Divines personally I find disturbing at best. There are things that can be said about Calvin and Luther and probably others that are disheartening to say the least as to their character. This is not to say that admirable examples aren't worth emulating; I would put Whitfield up there as he spend hours praying in tears before preaching in his revivals. Ultimately the Bible should be our standard; anything else should only be useful as a guide and any practices only as a spotlight on Christ and His life within us.
It would seem strange to think that because someone wants to continue on with their weekly church service and related activities that they would be hesitant to have the Lord come back but I can't help but think this happens more than we think. Certainly those who are in a false worship where the truth of the Gospel is utterly compromised or other religions and heresies have overtaken any truth that is told could be considered as fitting into this trap. Indeed it will be as a trap and a snare when the Lord returns and "they shall not escape" ( 1 Thess. 5:3).
I am focusing; however on fellowships that more or less have correct teachings. There can be a lack of discussion on the times we are living in; and the future prophetic implications soon to come in the book of Revelation as well as many other texts of future prophecies in the Bible. Here are some bullet point items to consider.
1. Families. My friend; who painstakingly led his mother to Christ after years of visiting her in a nursing home and who was ostracized by other family members as well as outright abused by his brother told me that his true family was that of brothers and sisters in the Lord. Finding the balance between personal boundaries that need to be maintained when raising kids; and the personal commitment to time to ourselves and building ties with others in the Lord as well as other families may vary; but the bottom line as I always say is that we're going to spend eternity together so we may as well start getting along with each other now. What is truly awesome is that people of completely different personalities; talents; interests; etc can find something in common with Christ. It is a sort of multidimensional way of extending ties with our friends that hopefully grows into associations with those of other nationalities whether home or abroad with missionaries on the ground who we can pray for and fellowship with.
The other day I heard about a falling out from a church I used to attend with a good friend of mine. It seems the Pastor only wanted to talk rather than hear what he had to say; and that there is a sort of mindset of exclusivity there in regard to it being the only genuine church denomination as my friend put it. The conversation is skewed by the fact that my friend tends to be very opinionated and rather vocal with an aggressive sort of personality.
I introduce this to say that a church can be increasingly legalistic; or on the contrary embrace the tidal wave of political correctness and hence be a Laodicean type church. in EITHER case I would dare say that a RELIGIOUS spirit can overtake people. There can exist the pride of performance; or the pride of the world and embracing all the damnable heresies in order to emphasize the "love" of God.
I have compared the end of the church "age" or "dispensation" with that of ancient Israel. We are reminded that God was to be worshipped in John 4:24 where the woman at the well was told that God was spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and truth.
The remnant always remains of true "Israel" (see Isaiah 10:20). There is also a confessing church and a small portion of them who are POSSESSING the Holy Spirit and thus truly children of God. It is not in a building; ordinances; catechisms and other structured parts of worship that in themselves have any meaning and indeed once we behold Him much of our current practices will be rendered as archaic and in the past. The end all of all things is heavenly treasure; and we are aliens and strangers on this earth. If we take our experience that we see with our five senses to heart without considering the unseen we are not going to progress. Yes; God uses local assemblies and our fellow believers to (hopefully) be discipled and grow together while enjoying legitimate blessings together of families and friends. But we look to the hope to come.
I completely disagree with everything you sated in this section!
This is where we depart in this discussion.
Thanks, and may the Lord bless you.
Part 2.
This section is not pointing fingers towards you are anyone in particular.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 is a portion of scripture that has made an envious world hate the Jews and sadly some of the body of Christ has been compromised by this evil.
"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt"
Verse 6 is what they take issue with. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, ABOVE ALL PEOPLE THAT ARE UPON THE FACE OF THE EARTH"
Some would like to have this said about them, so they render this to the Church.
However, be at ease the church was not in the world when this verse was given,
And the Church is never called people of the earth or earth dwellers.
However, If I'm wrong and God chooses them over the Church, he has the right to do so, it's his creation.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8 emphasizes God's elect! He didn't choose them for any particular reason. It is not the Church.
The Church was never redeemed out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Israel is part of God's plan of salvation explained in Romans 11:11-33.
I find it amazing that the same people who say you can't be saved by the law of Moses "and rightfully so"
They acknowledge scriptures like 2 Corinthians 3:6-7 Galatians 3:19-25 when defending their own imperfections but say Israel failed because they couldn't.
God bless.
Psalm 75:8 says "For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; It is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: But the dregs thereof, All the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them."
In Luke 16:24 "24 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 tormented in this flame."
My question is does the Luke 16:24 in any way cancel out Psalm 75:8. I understand the rich man was still in the not so good part of Abraham's bosom.
However I've been told that Psalm 75:8 would not be possible since there is no water thus no moisture in hell. Even tho that to me is clearly not the full extent of hell yet. Thank for any replies, Lester
"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Ki.8:27)
Jesus Christ is the brightness of His glory since he proved the Word was doable. With one sacrifice he perfected all those who were sanctified. His body prepared for him before the foundation of the world fulfilled the divine Will. Body as a temple. Jesus had declared, "Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."( John 2:19) Forever thy word is settled in heavens, the Psalm quote helps us understand the glory of Son which has both power and wisdom associated with the Law. (Ps.119:89) The four and twenty elders as a memorial commemorated the body. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;/Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high./Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." He is named and the name gives a clear distinction that he bears the name as befitting the visible image of the invisible God. Glory of the name is the Soul, and when we bear the name of Christians we are acknowledging we bring glory and honor to his his name. Our humility is not merely put on but withour lives we witness it. This explains why 24 elders remain unnamed. In trinity they witness the body along with the four beast. (Ph.2:5-9) This is the mind we ought to develop.
God is a Spirit. Thus Trinity is mirrored by all those saints called and blessed in the Son. Their body the church has only one name of the Son.
Bare with me and my slow responses.
I'm multitasking.
I'm at work.
I will try to get part 2 to you later today.
Thanks and God bless.
Glad your vacation was so very refreshing to you. It is always a blessing to speak with you.
I merely wanted to show that symbols used change according to the context so Israel as a nation was rejected when the lion in the night vision of Daniel was plucked and made to stand like man. "and a man's heart was given to it."(Dan.7:4) Monarchial system has been done away with and man's heart sets Jesus in the direct frame of reference. Where does that leave Israel? Their dominion has been taken away. This is night vision and this clue, " In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon" tells us that we are looking at the divine Mind. "As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time."(7:12) Instead vv.13-14 conform the holy city of God descending from heaven. ("And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end," Re.21:1-6) Alpha and Omega refers to the Son fulfilling the divine Will of the Father. Not David but Jesus Christ the king of kings. In Daniel's vision he is given dominion, glory and a kingdom. This is set in heaven and it is where he is established. Ps.2:6-7
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
With regards to Israel as a nation this verse says with finality: "And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down."( 2 Ki.21:13)
A remnant of Israel will be included once they realize their error and come to him in genuine repentance. Their error was in not accepting the spiritual aspect of Messiah and the spiritual kingdom.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.