The Apostle Paul ( Romans 1:1), who was originally named Saul ( Acts 7:58) of Tarsus ( Acts 22:3), but eventually became known as Paul ( Acts 13:9), dictated the letter to Tertius ( Romans 16:22). The account of most of what is known about his life story was written about by Luke in the Book of Acts. Acts 7:58-60, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 9:1-31, Acts 11:25-30, Acts 12:24-25, Acts 13 to Acts 28.
The Apostle Paul is recognized as the author of most of the Epistles (Apostolic letters) in the New Testament, which include Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Some also consider him the author of Hebrews, but the authorship of that book is not known for sure.
Hello Sabrina. The Greek word for 'Church' is ekklesia, and this word means, 'an assembly, a congregation, but specifically used of the called out people purchased with Christ's Blood'. We see it used by Stephen in Acts 7:38, where he spoke of the "church in the wilderness", referring to the Israelites who were the special called out people chosen of God to receive His commandments.
But after Jesus died for mankind's sins, all who put their faith in Him to save them from the penalty of their sins, are drawn into His Church by the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 1:18, we read, "And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." This verse alone tells us that the Church is His Body to which He is the Head. It speaks to us vividly that those He has purchased with His Blood are now inseparably part of Him & the Church derives its life, power, eternal existence, & continual hope & longing, because of her Head's constant ministry of Love & Grace. And this Jesus does by the Presence of His Spirit in each of His children.
So, who is the Church? It certainly isn't any particular denomination or sect of Christianity. It isn't any particular assembly of believers as seen in the 'churches' mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. The true Church of Christ, known as Christ's Body, are those who have been forgiven of their sin, having the Spirit of Christ within, & living according to the dictates of the Spirit. When Jesus comes to take away His Church, we might be surprised as to where the members of His Body come from, because the Church is not a particular group meeting together, but of those saved individuals that comprise the group, the Church.
I normally don't like to add to anything so well stated if there's no improvement.
This is just a side note.
Jesus is referred to as the "Son of Man" 88 times in the New Testament. In fact, Son of Man is the primary title Jesus used when referring to Himself Matthew 12:32; 13:37; Luke 12:8; John 1:51). The only use of Son of Man in a clear reference to Jesus, spoken by someone other than Jesus, came from the lips of Stephen as he was being martyred Acts 7:56.
Son of God.
Son of Man.
These are both titles of Our Blessed Saviour. The title Son of God, emphasised His Divinity, and that He is "part" of the Trinity, and God Himself. The Title Son of Man is from Daniel and emphasises His humanity and His messianic purpose in coming to save us, as it points back to the prophecy, which it fulfills. Rapture included.
In Genesis chapters 12 to 50, there is only one Covenant, that God made with Abram.
Genesis 12:1-3, the Covenant made. But of this Covenant, several 'expansions' to it were made to fully express it. And they are:
Genesis 15:18, God ratifies that Covenant in a national perspective.
Genesis 17:4-6,16, God ratifies that Covenant in an international perspective.
Genesis 17:7, God ratifies that Covenant as an Everlasting Covenant.
Genesis 17:10-14, God ratifies that Covenant by an act of circumcision (also in Stephen's message in Acts 7:8).
So, if you're thinking of these 'aspects' of the Covenant, then one can see & appreciate several Covenants. However, I believe most would deduce that only one Covenant was made with Abram, which composed of these four separate parts of the One.
I believe the Lord hardened Pharoahs heart bringing out what was in him. In Acts 7:18. Stephen states "Till ANOTHER king arose, which knew not Joseph." I've heard the word another being used here suggests a different type in the Greek. There is 2 words used for "another" in the Greek. One is when you want another of the same and the other is one of a different kind. the second is used here. This Pharoah might have been an Assyrian.
Isaiah 52:4. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the ASSYRIAN oppressed them without cause.
God Magnified his Great name YHWH in Egypt and all the World feard the God of Israel as he will do again in the latter days.
Ezekiel 38:22-23. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
A little off topic, but I wonder if Paul knew that Moses was a murderer? Exodus 2:11-15
In his retelling of Moses's killing of the Egyptian in Acts 7:23-29, Luke casts Moses in the image of Jesus, as a rejected deliverer. What's that called when govt does that same thing with their fallen heroes?
The Israelites' rejection of Moses, which Luke reads into Exodus 2:11-15, is placed in parallel to the Jews' rejection of Jesus, which is understood as the crux of Christianity's break from Judaism.
Hi Charles. I'm glad your question asked this of a "true believer". Unfortunately, there are many 'believers', some just with head knowledge of the Lord & His Salvation, and others, coming to Jesus not recognizing the gravity of their sins & coming judgement, but superficially enjoying 'Church' & the fellowship of others - many even baptized & partaking of the Lord's Table. The Spirit might yet be drawing them into a state of true understanding, sorrow & repentance leading to salvation, but I believe that anyone who hasn't been fully possessed by the Holy Spirit, given power to love, live & witness His Name, may well "draw back", because of love for the world or fear of man rather than God.
I'm always reminded of Stephen's witness (in Acts 6:8-15 & Acts 7:1-60) as a worthy example. Stephen preached the Word with boldness knowing the volatile reaction of both the Jews & their Council. And even when dragged away to be stoned, Stephen had every opportunity to recant his faith or at least retract his accusatory message against them - but he remained faithful to the Lord. And notice the special enabling by the Spirit upon Him in Acts 7:55-60, giving him a special revelation of Heaven's Glory, hence the certainty of his death. All he saw from that time on was the Triune God & his own soon departure to that blessed place. The anger, the jeers & stones of death that pummeled him were no match to what God had prepared for him.
How would we respond if facing a similar situation? How many 'Christians' would do whatever they could to save their lives rather than lose it for Christ's sake? For most of us, we've never had to face such a threat, but for many all over the world, they would rather remain faithful to the Lord Who bought them than deny Him. This gives us a glimpse of a "true believer": one in whom the Spirit dwells & will stand faithful by the Spirit's enabling in the hour of temptation. "Not many who say Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven".
Hi Rod; When speaking about the law being destroyed, I am talking about the Old Testament, which is also called the Mosaic Law. It was this law that was destroyed by the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary according to the wisdom of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:14-16 and Colossians 2:14-15 Knowing as Christians if we obey one of those laws we are cursed to obey them all. Galatians 3:10 which is a quotation from Deut. 27:26 Now in your argument you thought I was speaking about the Ten Commandments in stone according to Matthew 5:17-18 This is referred unto in scripture as the old covenant, as in Deut. 5:2-3 and Hebrews 9:4 These are two different laws, the one O.T. is the law of Moses, while the other one, old covenant, is the Law of the Lord, or Law of God, or moral law. These are not the same, although they share the same name as the word law, but have two distinct different meanings. While the Old testament was created by angels, as in Acts 7:53 and Galatians 3:19 knowing the word disposition and ordained share a similar meaning, to set in order or create, yet the Ten Commandments in stone, was written by the finger of God. Now this law had an expiry date, Christ did not come to destroy this law, but to fulfil this law, but once it was fulfilled it was then dead, as In Matthew 5:18 - Luke 16:16 - Romans 7:6-7 If you read carefully those scriptures I have mentioned, and need be, pray over them, you should come to the understanding of the Apostle Paul on this matter as he fought against obeying these two things in many of his epistles, as he was against Christians obeying the Old Testament and the old covenant. Because you mentioned the least commandments in Matthew 5:19 I would like to say, these twelve hundred commandments found in the gospels and epistles, are all to be considered the least commandments, while only the two greatest commandments on how to love God, and how to love your neighbor need interpretation by these least commandments of how this is done
Hi Chris; Whenever I refer unto the Old Testament I also call it the law of Moses, because he was the mediator between God and Israel, however; the old covenant simple means the Ten Commandments in stone as in Deuteronomy 5:2-3 & Hebrews 9:4 - Jer. 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-7 Genesis holds three covenants created before the Old Testament, Adam, Noah and Abraham all received a covenant, which was not the Old Testament. Then the angels created the Old Testament, Acts 7:53 & Galatians 3:19 During that dispensation, about 1,600 years or so, God gave the old covenant (Ten Commandments in stone) and the Davidical covenant, howbeit, neither of these were the Old Testament. It is generally speculated that the Old Testament has 613 laws, actually all of which should be in the book of Leviticus, meaning the O.T. specifically is only Leviticus, all other books before the New Testament are not the Old Testament, they are written during that dispensation, although some of them, like Exodus, numbers and Deuteronomy have some of the O.T. written within it. Therefore; you cannot put the four gospels in the Old Testament, as they do not contain any Old Testament laws, neither do they contain obedience to the old covenant, meaning the Ten Commandments in stone. The old covenant was magnified by the Lord Jesus Christ Isaiah 42:21 making it spiritual, harder to obey, and was written in the heart of all Christians Jer. 31:31-34 - Hebrews 8:6-13 & James 1:21 This n.c. sets us free from the o.c. as in Romans 8 for the law of life in Christ Jesus, has made me free from the law of sin and death. It should be noted that the Old Testament was destroyed by the death of Christ on Calvary as in Ephesians 2:14-16 and Colossians 2:14-15 Knowing if we obey one commandment from that law we are cursed according to Gal. 3:10 and Deut. 27:26 Yet the old covenant was magnified, not destroyed, but fulfilled as in Matthew 5:17-18 although it had an expiry date, as in Luke 16:16 I hope this is clear.
Thank you for taking the time to write back, Dr. Lee. From what you've written, the Old Testament was an angelic creation, ordained by them, & not part of the given Law. I hope I've understood this correctly. However, when re-reading Acts 7:53 & Galatians 3:19, I see that in both verses, the Law is spoken of (not splitting it between the Decalogue & the 613 Laws, where one is the Law & the other, the Old Testament).
When we consider that the title, 'Old Testament' was the creation of a division because of the increased volume of books (NT) & for necessity's sake, done in the 2nd Century AD, we accept that the Old Testament was simply an identification & creation of a partition of what was a collection of biblical records pre-Christ from those post-Christ. Indeed, much of the Gospels should actually be placed in the OT for that reason. And the word "testament", which means 'a covenant, an agreement', would simply show that this older part of the Bible contained the five covenants made by God with His people & all that transpired from them. But I see that you understand this term, 'Old Testament', differently, & it's this aspect that intrigued me, & even after the references you gave, I still cannot see the meaning you shared (at least from the Scriptures), between the Old Covenant (singular, pertaining to the Mosaic) & the Old Testament (incorporating all the Covenants plus the prophecies & other writings).
Glad to see your interest in the difference between the old covenant and the Old Testament, as the old covenant was writing with the finger of God, the Old Testament was created by angels. We are first told this truth from Steven in Acts 7:53 he taught the law of Moses was given by the disposition of angels, then the apostle Paul taught in Galatians 3:19 the Old Testament was ordained by angels. These words are interchangeable, as they have the same meaning, to set in order, or to create, meaning, it was not God who created the Old Testament, it was the angels. When understanding that this law was destroyed by the Lord Jesus on Calvary from Ephesians 2:14-16 and Colossians 2:14-15 our focus must be only on those 613 laws regarding, the seven feasts of Israel, animal sacrifices, clean and unclean, new moons and sabbaths, and such like. We never refer to the prophecies that were written during that dispensation as part of the law being destroyed, as these were not the law of Moses at all. Just like Psalms and proverbs and so forth, these are not the Old Testament, they were written during that dispensation, but this does not make them part of that ceremonial law. Today we follow the New Testament and the new covenant, which are the Ten Commandments written in the heart, we also observe the gospel and the gospel of the kingdom, as Christians today, but we are forbidden to obey one Old Testament law as it will bring a curse upon Christians to obey all the O.T. Galatians 3:10 Therefore in conclusion, we understand the will of God today as follows, the gospel, the New Testament, the gospel of the kingdom and the new covenant. If you desire to learn the difference between any of these four categories which make up the will of God, please let me know and we can look into together. Stay blessed
Regarding Hebrews 8:5 = GOD commanded Moses to construct the Old Testament Tabernacle as the instrument of HIS presenting HIMSELF to Israel ( Exo. 25:22; cp. 30:6 & 36):
"There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the Mercy Seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the Ark of the Testimony, of all things which I will give thee in Commandment unto the children of Israel."
This verse ( Heb. 8:5) records three terms which demonstrate the purpose and value of the Old Testament Levitical Priesthood and of the Tabernacle that GOD commanded Moses to replicate on earth. These terms provide a comprehensive perspective "figure" ( Heb. 9:9) of that which is "of Heavenly Things".
1st, they served as "the example of Heavenly Things", meaning an exact copy or reproduction of the original and "True Tabernacle, which The LORD pitched, and not man" (v.2). Compare the terms "figure", "pattern", and "fashion" in the following references: Exodus 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; and Hebrews 9:9;
By design, the example demonstrates the purpose and value of the original. This example is not a counterfeit, but rather a replication of the actual Heavenly Tabernacle which speaks of the saints dwelling in the very Presence of CHRIST ( Rev. 13:6; 15:5; 21:3).
2nd, they served as a "shadow of Heavenly Things", meaning it only typified, symbolized, represented, and pointed to the Heavenly Tabernacle. A literal shadow is intangible which reveals simply the outline or profile of the actual object. The earthly Tabernacle simply revealed "a figure for the time then present."
3rd, they served as GOD's earthly "pattern" which was enforced only temporarily until CHRIST established HIS "more Excellent Ministry" (v.6) as exclaimed in Hebrews 10:9-12.
You may find what you're looking for in Genesis 1:1. In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth.
Elohim is used in the plural form.
Genesis 1:26. And Elohim said, Let "US" make man in "OUR" image, after "OUR" likeness: The us and our being used here is embodied in the Elohim. They're not angels. Angels did not assist in making man but the word of God did!!
John 1:1-3. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Elohim is used throughout until you get to Genesis 3:21. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the "LORD God" make coats of skins, and clothed them.
After he made coats of skin from that day forward I believe he uses the covenant name LORD GOD "YHWH ELOHIM."
In Genesis 3:15. we come to the seed of the woman. That's a reference and title to the Lord Jesus Christ. The term itself is a contradiction Biologically and according to the Hebrew grammar. Biologically the seed is of the man. BUT JESUS WASN'T CONCEIVED BY MAN!! Jesus wasn't tied to Adam genetically. He was the 2nd Adam directly out of the bosom of the Father, meaning out of Everlasting. He's part of the Elohim.
In the Hebrew Genealogies the seed always referenced the man but Jesus Genealogy links directly to God. That's why it doesn't say seed of Adam.
In the Torah Moses referred you to him.
Deuteronomy 18:18-19.
Acts 7:37-38.
And this is how Jesus refer to himself,
Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Hi Catherine. I think you're referring to what is commonly termed, 'Oneness Pentecostalism', or more familiarly, 'Jesus Only Movement'. That is a particular branch of pentecostalism that is not widely accepted even amongst pentecostals. As you asked, "anyone here Believe "Jesus IS God"?" Many of us here would agree with you with that statement, but I also know that Oneness teaching is that the Triune God is manifested in Heaven as Jesus only - to this most would disagree.
The primary reason for my disagreement would be, that Jesus, whether on Earth or in Heaven, is seen as distinct from His Father - Father God never disappears or is infused in His Son. While on Earth, Jesus always spoke to His Father (John chapter 17 is but one example). And after His Resurrection & Ascension back into Heaven, we read that He is at the Father's right Hand ( Acts 7:55; Colossians 3:1; Luke 22:69; Hebrews 10:12; etc.). So with all these before us in God's Word, it would be difficult to argue for three separate Beings within the Godhead, being found in the one Jesus.
I would be quite happy if you wanted to present your case to show otherwise - you won't be considered a trouble-maker - but a sister who wants to express her belief from the Scriptures & from experience. And the matters of being water baptized only in Jesus' Name and speaking in tongues as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, have been discussed at length here as well. To find those discussions, go to the Advanced Search, typing in (e.g. tongues, water baptism) & then click on 'Discussions' - hopefully you'll get an idea of what has been discussed already. And you'll even find some who are in agreement with your understanding of these topics.
Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Luke 22:69
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Mark 14:62
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:64
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Hebrews 1:3
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;
Acts 7:55
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Psalms 118:16
The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Colossians 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
"I AM, THAT I AM," If i had my Exhaustive Concordance I could try & tell you the Hebrew, Greek, etc. It may be significant that HE, GOD ALMIGHTY says Exodus 3:15,
Exodus 4:5, Genesis 26:24, John 8:39, Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, Mark 12:26, Matthew 22:32, Luke 20:37, Acts 7:32,
I have been to many different denominations including Pentecostal and I have seen and experienced some of the same. Some use the gifts falsely aimed at people's senses by signs and wonders. I am amazed you were in that congregation for seven years. I know, you go to a church and attendance is the main focus, or the teaching is more about the world, feeling good, our emotions, sermons just to tickle the ears and fill the money plate, and more.
2 Corinthians 11: 13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
But there are true teachers out there, as preaching the gospel, sometimes an act of kindness can be as good as preaching a sermon, it may be the first time someone was kind to them. I feel both feelings and actions contain love, our actions towards our fellow man will reflect the love of God in us.
If you honestly hate a person, you would not give them a sandwich. Love as a born-again believer in Jesus we must try to relate everything to Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection, and through faith, the Spirit of Christ, living in us enables us by the love God in us flows to others. Things that are done through us, we may never see the results, and not let actions of man damper our spirit.
After Pentecost, all the apostles were in Jerusalem and all the Church were of the house of Israel, and until Stephen was stoned and they plugged their ears ( Acts 7:53-58). But in the early Church, there were debates after Paul with the gospel of grace to the gentiles. ( Acts 15) there are scriptures on this debate on circumcision or not. We as flesh all mess up, but "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Matthew 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the SON of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which IS in heaven. (IS means present time)
44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE} - In Reply - 3 years ago
Precious Susan, I will try one more time with Part I, if this website considers me a robot... Be Encouraged In God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided. In JESUS' Precious Name (Authority):
When the powers, signs, and wonders were in effect, 'everyone' was healed - this 'authority' was Of God, "Confirming Through HIS apostles, That His Word Was The Truth!" Plus, All 'believers' in God's 'Prophetic' Program had this, from Christ, on the earth:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name {'Authority'} shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after The LORD had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on The Right Hand Of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, The LORD Working with them, and 'Confirming The Word With Signs following.' Amen." ( Mark 16:16-20)
Notice, not all 'believers' at that time had the "authority to raise the dead." That "belonged to the apostles Only!" ( Acts 9:39-40)
Act 5:12 "And by the hands of 'the apostles' were many signs and wonders wrought among the people... compare Acts 5:13-16 = everyone was healed.
However, after Israel "fell" ( Acts 7:51-60), God "raised up Paul," who Also had signs, wonders, and powers "apostolic authority," which Also 'Included' raising the dead. ( Acts 20:9-10)
After "God Finally set 'Israel' aside, and Paul went to the Gentiles Only" ( Acts 28:28), God 'Withdrew this {temporary} authority.' Since Paul's Revelation of The Mystery in Romans Through Philemon 'Fulfills/Completes' Scripture ( Colossians 1:25), 'Confirmation' was no longer necessary. What do we have for our 'infirmities' Today, Under GRACE?:
continued in Part II (6 days below this post...) Be Richly Encouraged!
Who is Seated to God's Left on the Throne - In Reply - 3 years ago
Revelation 22:3 and, Acts 7: 55-60
In both verses, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. No one is seated on His left hand.
Other people have alluded that Archangel Gabriel (the Messenger) stands near Gods left; but he is not seated. There is no scripture for that assertion, that I have seen.
No. The signs, wonders, miracles, tongues (languages), and prophecies were given to prove to the lost sheep of the house of Israel that Jesus was the prophesied Christ, the Son of God who had come to restore the Kingdom to Israel. After the Jewish people had rejected their Messiah the second time by stoning Stephen ( Acts 7:54-60) and rejecting the kingdom gospel proclaimed by the Apostle Paul and Barnabas ( Acts 13:6), the signs, wonders, miracles, tongues, and prophecies faded away. To my knowledge, the last person raised from the dead was a young man named Eutychus who was raised from the dead by the Apostle Paul ( Acts 20:7-12). Note: Scripture says the coming Antichrist and False Prophet will be given great power by Satan to perform lying signs and wonders. See 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14; 16:14.
Hebrews 8:5 = GOD commanded Moses to construct the Old Testament Tabernacle as the instrument of HIS presenting HIM-SELF to Israel ( Exo. 25:22; cp. 30:6 & 36):
"There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the Mercy Seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the Ark of the Testimony, of all things which I will give thee in Commandment unto the children of Israel."
This verse ( Heb. 8:5) records three terms which demonstrates the purpose and value of the Old Testament Levitical Priesthood and of the Tabernacle that GOD commanded Moses to replicate on earth to provide a comprehensive perspective "figure" ( Heb. 9:9) of that which is "of Heavenly Things".
1st, they served as "the example of Heavenly Things", meaning an exact copy or reproduction of the original and "True Tabernacle, which The LORD pitched, and not man" (v.2). Compare the terms "figure", "pat-tern", and "fashion" in the following references: Exodus 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; and Hebrews 9:9;
2nd, they served as a "shadow of Heavenly Things", meaning it only typified, symbolized, represented, and point-ed to the Heavenly Tabernacle. A literal shadow is intangible which reveals simply the outline or profile of the actual object. The earthly Tabernacle simply revealed a "a figure for the time then present."
By design, the example demonstrates the purpose and value of the original. This example is not a counterfeit, but rather a replication of the actual Heavenly Tabernacle which speaks of the saints dwelling in the very Presence of CHRIST ( Rev. 13:6; 15:5; 21:3).
3rd, they served as GOD's earthly "pattern" which was enforced only temporarily until CHRIST established HIS "more Excellent Ministry" (v.6) as exclaimed in Hebrews 10:9-12.
Jesus came to fulfill the law, the first covenant, flesh had to live a sinless life under the law of Moses given by God before it was considered an executed contract (fulfilled). The prophets, all prophecy pointing to the coming of their Messiah had to be fulfilled. These two things had to be completed before God could make a new covenant. The first covenant was made with the house of Israel and the second was offered to the house of Israel first but they rejected Jesus as their Messiah.
We see in ( Matthew 10:5-8) that Jesus told the twelve, to go only to the house of Israel and not to go by the way of Gentiles. God even told them when the Messiah would come, ( Daniel 9:25) and in ( Ezekiel 34:23-24) they were told a Shepard was coming. but they did not want to give up their authority and wealth they were enjoying, meaning the Sadducees and Pharisees.
Even when Jesus was born, they heard that it was in Bethlehem they were troubled ( Matthew 2:3) they did not even want to go see if it was their King/Messiah. We see in Acts when they totally said they reject Jesus and the new covenant, when they killed Stephen.
Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
The Apostles continued to confirm the new covenant to the house of Israel until Peter had his dream and Paul was converted and what God told Abraham came to be, and the mystery was revealed and confirming to the house of Israel stopped. The branch was broken off so we may be grafted in.
Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Other verses that use this Greek word translated "alway" are:
2 Cor 4:11
2 Cor 6:10
Col 4:6
1 Thes 2:16
2 Thes 2:13
Tit 1:12
Heb 3:10
This Greek word is translated "always" in these verses:
Acts 7:51
1 Pet 3:15
2 Pet 1:12
I hope this helps.
I've heard it taught by Chuck Missler that this Pharoah may have not been an Egyptian.
Here's his reasoning.
Acts 7:18. Till "ANOTHER" king arose, which knew not Joseph.
There is two words for another in the Greek. allos and heteros.
allos means "one of the same."
heteros means "one of a different kind."
If you gave me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and I asked for another/allos sandwich, you would give me another peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
If I asked for another/heteros sandwich, you would give me another but different sandwich, perhaps a turkey sandwich.
Stephen uses heteros in Acts 7:18. signaling the Pharoah was a different kind of Pharoah, perhaps not an Egyptian.
Perhaps an Assyrian.
Isaiah 52:4. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.
The Assyrians was a brutal people. This is why Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh. "The capital of Assyria."
Perhaps worthy of some research.
God bless.
The Apostle Paul ( Romans 1:1), who was originally named Saul ( Acts 7:58) of Tarsus ( Acts 22:3), but eventually became known as Paul ( Acts 13:9), dictated the letter to Tertius ( Romans 16:22). The account of most of what is known about his life story was written about by Luke in the Book of Acts. Acts 7:58-60, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 9:1-31, Acts 11:25-30, Acts 12:24-25, Acts 13 to Acts 28.
The Apostle Paul is recognized as the author of most of the Epistles (Apostolic letters) in the New Testament, which include Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Some also consider him the author of Hebrews, but the authorship of that book is not known for sure.
Peter also speaks about Paul in 2 Peter 3:15-16.
But after Jesus died for mankind's sins, all who put their faith in Him to save them from the penalty of their sins, are drawn into His Church by the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 1:18, we read, "And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." This verse alone tells us that the Church is His Body to which He is the Head. It speaks to us vividly that those He has purchased with His Blood are now inseparably part of Him & the Church derives its life, power, eternal existence, & continual hope & longing, because of her Head's constant ministry of Love & Grace. And this Jesus does by the Presence of His Spirit in each of His children.
So, who is the Church? It certainly isn't any particular denomination or sect of Christianity. It isn't any particular assembly of believers as seen in the 'churches' mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. The true Church of Christ, known as Christ's Body, are those who have been forgiven of their sin, having the Spirit of Christ within, & living according to the dictates of the Spirit. When Jesus comes to take away His Church, we might be surprised as to where the members of His Body come from, because the Church is not a particular group meeting together, but of those saved individuals that comprise the group, the Church.
I fully agree with Jc.
I normally don't like to add to anything so well stated if there's no improvement.
This is just a side note.
Jesus is referred to as the "Son of Man" 88 times in the New Testament. In fact, Son of Man is the primary title Jesus used when referring to Himself Matthew 12:32; 13:37; Luke 12:8; John 1:51). The only use of Son of Man in a clear reference to Jesus, spoken by someone other than Jesus, came from the lips of Stephen as he was being martyred Acts 7:56.
Son of God.
Son of Man.
These are both titles of Our Blessed Saviour. The title Son of God, emphasised His Divinity, and that He is "part" of the Trinity, and God Himself. The Title Son of Man is from Daniel and emphasises His humanity and His messianic purpose in coming to save us, as it points back to the prophecy, which it fulfills. Rapture included.
God bless.
Genesis 12:1-3, the Covenant made. But of this Covenant, several 'expansions' to it were made to fully express it. And they are:
Genesis 15:18, God ratifies that Covenant in a national perspective.
Genesis 17:4-6,16, God ratifies that Covenant in an international perspective.
Genesis 17:7, God ratifies that Covenant as an Everlasting Covenant.
Genesis 17:10-14, God ratifies that Covenant by an act of circumcision (also in Stephen's message in Acts 7:8).
So, if you're thinking of these 'aspects' of the Covenant, then one can see & appreciate several Covenants. However, I believe most would deduce that only one Covenant was made with Abram, which composed of these four separate parts of the One.
I believe the Lord hardened Pharoahs heart bringing out what was in him. In Acts 7:18. Stephen states "Till ANOTHER king arose, which knew not Joseph." I've heard the word another being used here suggests a different type in the Greek. There is 2 words used for "another" in the Greek. One is when you want another of the same and the other is one of a different kind. the second is used here. This Pharoah might have been an Assyrian.
Isaiah 52:4. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the ASSYRIAN oppressed them without cause.
God Magnified his Great name YHWH in Egypt and all the World feard the God of Israel as he will do again in the latter days.
Ezekiel 38:22-23. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Jeremiah 16:13-15.
Jeremiah 23:6-8.
Thank you and
God bless.
In his retelling of Moses's killing of the Egyptian in Acts 7:23-29, Luke casts Moses in the image of Jesus, as a rejected deliverer. What's that called when govt does that same thing with their fallen heroes?
The Israelites' rejection of Moses, which Luke reads into Exodus 2:11-15, is placed in parallel to the Jews' rejection of Jesus, which is understood as the crux of Christianity's break from Judaism.
I'm always reminded of Stephen's witness (in Acts 6:8-15 & Acts 7:1-60) as a worthy example. Stephen preached the Word with boldness knowing the volatile reaction of both the Jews & their Council. And even when dragged away to be stoned, Stephen had every opportunity to recant his faith or at least retract his accusatory message against them - but he remained faithful to the Lord. And notice the special enabling by the Spirit upon Him in Acts 7:55-60, giving him a special revelation of Heaven's Glory, hence the certainty of his death. All he saw from that time on was the Triune God & his own soon departure to that blessed place. The anger, the jeers & stones of death that pummeled him were no match to what God had prepared for him.
How would we respond if facing a similar situation? How many 'Christians' would do whatever they could to save their lives rather than lose it for Christ's sake? For most of us, we've never had to face such a threat, but for many all over the world, they would rather remain faithful to the Lord Who bought them than deny Him. This gives us a glimpse of a "true believer": one in whom the Spirit dwells & will stand faithful by the Spirit's enabling in the hour of temptation. "Not many who say Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven".
When we consider that the title, 'Old Testament' was the creation of a division because of the increased volume of books (NT) & for necessity's sake, done in the 2nd Century AD, we accept that the Old Testament was simply an identification & creation of a partition of what was a collection of biblical records pre-Christ from those post-Christ. Indeed, much of the Gospels should actually be placed in the OT for that reason. And the word "testament", which means 'a covenant, an agreement', would simply show that this older part of the Bible contained the five covenants made by God with His people & all that transpired from them. But I see that you understand this term, 'Old Testament', differently, & it's this aspect that intrigued me, & even after the references you gave, I still cannot see the meaning you shared (at least from the Scriptures), between the Old Covenant (singular, pertaining to the Mosaic) & the Old Testament (incorporating all the Covenants plus the prophecies & other writings).
Glad to see your interest in the difference between the old covenant and the Old Testament, as the old covenant was writing with the finger of God, the Old Testament was created by angels. We are first told this truth from Steven in Acts 7:53 he taught the law of Moses was given by the disposition of angels, then the apostle Paul taught in Galatians 3:19 the Old Testament was ordained by angels. These words are interchangeable, as they have the same meaning, to set in order, or to create, meaning, it was not God who created the Old Testament, it was the angels. When understanding that this law was destroyed by the Lord Jesus on Calvary from Ephesians 2:14-16 and Colossians 2:14-15 our focus must be only on those 613 laws regarding, the seven feasts of Israel, animal sacrifices, clean and unclean, new moons and sabbaths, and such like. We never refer to the prophecies that were written during that dispensation as part of the law being destroyed, as these were not the law of Moses at all. Just like Psalms and proverbs and so forth, these are not the Old Testament, they were written during that dispensation, but this does not make them part of that ceremonial law. Today we follow the New Testament and the new covenant, which are the Ten Commandments written in the heart, we also observe the gospel and the gospel of the kingdom, as Christians today, but we are forbidden to obey one Old Testament law as it will bring a curse upon Christians to obey all the O.T. Galatians 3:10 Therefore in conclusion, we understand the will of God today as follows, the gospel, the New Testament, the gospel of the kingdom and the new covenant. If you desire to learn the difference between any of these four categories which make up the will of God, please let me know and we can look into together. Stay blessed
"There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the Mercy Seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the Ark of the Testimony, of all things which I will give thee in Commandment unto the children of Israel."
This verse ( Heb. 8:5) records three terms which demonstrate the purpose and value of the Old Testament Levitical Priesthood and of the Tabernacle that GOD commanded Moses to replicate on earth. These terms provide a comprehensive perspective "figure" ( Heb. 9:9) of that which is "of Heavenly Things".
1st, they served as "the example of Heavenly Things", meaning an exact copy or reproduction of the original and "True Tabernacle, which The LORD pitched, and not man" (v.2). Compare the terms "figure", "pattern", and "fashion" in the following references: Exodus 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; and Hebrews 9:9;
By design, the example demonstrates the purpose and value of the original. This example is not a counterfeit, but rather a replication of the actual Heavenly Tabernacle which speaks of the saints dwelling in the very Presence of CHRIST ( Rev. 13:6; 15:5; 21:3).
2nd, they served as a "shadow of Heavenly Things", meaning it only typified, symbolized, represented, and pointed to the Heavenly Tabernacle. A literal shadow is intangible which reveals simply the outline or profile of the actual object. The earthly Tabernacle simply revealed "a figure for the time then present."
3rd, they served as GOD's earthly "pattern" which was enforced only temporarily until CHRIST established HIS "more Excellent Ministry" (v.6) as exclaimed in Hebrews 10:9-12.
Elohim is used in the plural form.
Genesis 1:26. And Elohim said, Let "US" make man in "OUR" image, after "OUR" likeness: The us and our being used here is embodied in the Elohim. They're not angels. Angels did not assist in making man but the word of God did!!
John 1:1-3. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Elohim is used throughout until you get to Genesis 3:21. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the "LORD God" make coats of skins, and clothed them.
After he made coats of skin from that day forward I believe he uses the covenant name LORD GOD "YHWH ELOHIM."
In Genesis 3:15. we come to the seed of the woman. That's a reference and title to the Lord Jesus Christ. The term itself is a contradiction Biologically and according to the Hebrew grammar. Biologically the seed is of the man. BUT JESUS WASN'T CONCEIVED BY MAN!! Jesus wasn't tied to Adam genetically. He was the 2nd Adam directly out of the bosom of the Father, meaning out of Everlasting. He's part of the Elohim.
In the Hebrew Genealogies the seed always referenced the man but Jesus Genealogy links directly to God. That's why it doesn't say seed of Adam.
In the Torah Moses referred you to him.
Deuteronomy 18:18-19.
Acts 7:37-38.
And this is how Jesus refer to himself,
Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
As Moses said, "Like unto me, Hear you him.
God bless.
This full thought of the scriptures you want clarity on : Acts 10:26-46, starts in Acts 10:10-15, with the vision.
Acts 10:28 , I believe Peter was referring to Leviticus 10:10-11, Old Testament Law,
Acts 10:26, Peter didn't want Cornelius to worship him, or reverence him that way, he corrected him.
Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3:21-22, Luke 4:14-15,
Mark 16:6-17, New tongues, Jesus risen from the (grave), ate with them,
Acts 7:8, promise of Covenant, circumcision ; Genesis 17:10, Romans 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 7:18,19, Galatians 5:6, Colossians 3:11,
Hopefully these are all helpful & pray for understanding
The primary reason for my disagreement would be, that Jesus, whether on Earth or in Heaven, is seen as distinct from His Father - Father God never disappears or is infused in His Son. While on Earth, Jesus always spoke to His Father (John chapter 17 is but one example). And after His Resurrection & Ascension back into Heaven, we read that He is at the Father's right Hand ( Acts 7:55; Colossians 3:1; Luke 22:69; Hebrews 10:12; etc.). So with all these before us in God's Word, it would be difficult to argue for three separate Beings within the Godhead, being found in the one Jesus.
I would be quite happy if you wanted to present your case to show otherwise - you won't be considered a trouble-maker - but a sister who wants to express her belief from the Scriptures & from experience. And the matters of being water baptized only in Jesus' Name and speaking in tongues as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, have been discussed at length here as well. To find those discussions, go to the Advanced Search, typing in (e.g. tongues, water baptism) & then click on 'Discussions' - hopefully you'll get an idea of what has been discussed already. And you'll even find some who are in agreement with your understanding of these topics.
Numbers 14:31-33*, read all of Numbers 14, Numbers 20:12, Acts 7:40-43, Hebrews 8:9,
Hopefully this is helpful & adds well to your discussion.
Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Luke 22:69
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Mark 14:62
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:64
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Hebrews 1:3
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;
Acts 7:55
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Psalms 118:16
The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
Colossians 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Exodus 4:5, Genesis 26:24, John 8:39, Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, Mark 12:26, Matthew 22:32, Luke 20:37, Acts 7:32,
Galatians 3:6,
An unsaved person told me yesterday he was told "there is nothing like rapture" Is it true?
You are replying to a comment by "Victor Anyanwu"
Hello Victor,
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
verse 16: these Dead in Christ shall rise first. for example:
1. ( John 11:11) Lazarus he died again
2. ( Acts 7:55,59, 60) Stephen after saying this, he fell asleep in death. (the vision he saw was in heaven)
3. ( 1 Corinthians 15:6) 500 seen Jesus appear after his death. but some of
them died.
4. Some of Jesus apostles died of old age, most died under roman oppression (by the "ad." "c.e." Jews)
(they were put in prison like Paul as you brought out in Philippians 1), some died in captivity.
Verse 17: Those alive or remain will like Jesus will go to heaven.
( Revelation 14:3/ 144,000). notice the first died. if the second is to be caught up together with them.
they will have to die from flesh...to be taken from earth. ( Acts 1:9,10; Revelation 20)
so no... rapture is not a word in the bible. when Jesus was impaled the scripture said
after that his spirit ( Matthew 27:50 invisible/ john 4:24) yielded up. no human can see the spirit.
( Jas. 2:26)
Hopefully this helps
Hello Victor,
I have been to many different denominations including Pentecostal and I have seen and experienced some of the same. Some use the gifts falsely aimed at people's senses by signs and wonders. I am amazed you were in that congregation for seven years. I know, you go to a church and attendance is the main focus, or the teaching is more about the world, feeling good, our emotions, sermons just to tickle the ears and fill the money plate, and more.
2 Corinthians 11: 13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
But there are true teachers out there, as preaching the gospel, sometimes an act of kindness can be as good as preaching a sermon, it may be the first time someone was kind to them. I feel both feelings and actions contain love, our actions towards our fellow man will reflect the love of God in us.
If you honestly hate a person, you would not give them a sandwich. Love as a born-again believer in Jesus we must try to relate everything to Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection, and through faith, the Spirit of Christ, living in us enables us by the love God in us flows to others. Things that are done through us, we may never see the results, and not let actions of man damper our spirit.
After Pentecost, all the apostles were in Jerusalem and all the Church were of the house of Israel, and until Stephen was stoned and they plugged their ears ( Acts 7:53-58). But in the early Church, there were debates after Paul with the gospel of grace to the gentiles. ( Acts 15) there are scriptures on this debate on circumcision or not. We as flesh all mess up, but "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"
God bless,
RLW
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Matthew 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matthew 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the SON of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which IS in heaven. (IS means present time)
44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
Acts 7:55
1 Samuel 28
Matthew 17:2
Luke 16 Luke 16:19-31
2 Corinthians 5:6
John 14:2
1 Thessalonians 4
Here are some scriptures I found on the subject, I hope these are helpful.
When the powers, signs, and wonders were in effect, 'everyone' was healed - this 'authority' was Of God, "Confirming Through HIS apostles, That His Word Was The Truth!" Plus, All 'believers' in God's 'Prophetic' Program had this, from Christ, on the earth:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name {'Authority'} shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after The LORD had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on The Right Hand Of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, The LORD Working with them, and 'Confirming The Word With Signs following.' Amen." ( Mark 16:16-20)
Notice, not all 'believers' at that time had the "authority to raise the dead." That "belonged to the apostles Only!" ( Acts 9:39-40)
Act 5:12 "And by the hands of 'the apostles' were many signs and wonders wrought among the people... compare Acts 5:13-16 = everyone was healed.
However, after Israel "fell" ( Acts 7:51-60), God "raised up Paul," who Also had signs, wonders, and powers "apostolic authority," which Also 'Included' raising the dead. ( Acts 20:9-10)
After "God Finally set 'Israel' aside, and Paul went to the Gentiles Only" ( Acts 28:28), God 'Withdrew this {temporary} authority.' Since Paul's Revelation of The Mystery in Romans Through Philemon 'Fulfills/Completes' Scripture ( Colossians 1:25), 'Confirmation' was no longer necessary. What do we have for our 'infirmities' Today, Under GRACE?:
continued in Part II (6 days below this post...) Be Richly Encouraged!
In both verses, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. No one is seated on His left hand.
Other people have alluded that Archangel Gabriel (the Messenger) stands near Gods left; but he is not seated. There is no scripture for that assertion, that I have seen.
Mishael
"There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the Mercy Seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the Ark of the Testimony, of all things which I will give thee in Commandment unto the children of Israel."
This verse ( Heb. 8:5) records three terms which demonstrates the purpose and value of the Old Testament Levitical Priesthood and of the Tabernacle that GOD commanded Moses to replicate on earth to provide a comprehensive perspective "figure" ( Heb. 9:9) of that which is "of Heavenly Things".
1st, they served as "the example of Heavenly Things", meaning an exact copy or reproduction of the original and "True Tabernacle, which The LORD pitched, and not man" (v.2). Compare the terms "figure", "pat-tern", and "fashion" in the following references: Exodus 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; and Hebrews 9:9;
2nd, they served as a "shadow of Heavenly Things", meaning it only typified, symbolized, represented, and point-ed to the Heavenly Tabernacle. A literal shadow is intangible which reveals simply the outline or profile of the actual object. The earthly Tabernacle simply revealed a "a figure for the time then present."
By design, the example demonstrates the purpose and value of the original. This example is not a counterfeit, but rather a replication of the actual Heavenly Tabernacle which speaks of the saints dwelling in the very Presence of CHRIST ( Rev. 13:6; 15:5; 21:3).
3rd, they served as GOD's earthly "pattern" which was enforced only temporarily until CHRIST established HIS "more Excellent Ministry" (v.6) as exclaimed in Hebrews 10:9-12.
The lost sheep of Israel ( Jeremiah 50:6)
Jesus came to fulfill the law, the first covenant, flesh had to live a sinless life under the law of Moses given by God before it was considered an executed contract (fulfilled). The prophets, all prophecy pointing to the coming of their Messiah had to be fulfilled. These two things had to be completed before God could make a new covenant. The first covenant was made with the house of Israel and the second was offered to the house of Israel first but they rejected Jesus as their Messiah.
We see in ( Matthew 10:5-8) that Jesus told the twelve, to go only to the house of Israel and not to go by the way of Gentiles. God even told them when the Messiah would come, ( Daniel 9:25) and in ( Ezekiel 34:23-24) they were told a Shepard was coming. but they did not want to give up their authority and wealth they were enjoying, meaning the Sadducees and Pharisees.
Even when Jesus was born, they heard that it was in Bethlehem they were troubled ( Matthew 2:3) they did not even want to go see if it was their King/Messiah. We see in Acts when they totally said they reject Jesus and the new covenant, when they killed Stephen.
Acts 7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
The Apostles continued to confirm the new covenant to the house of Israel until Peter had his dream and Paul was converted and what God told Abraham came to be, and the mystery was revealed and confirming to the house of Israel stopped. The branch was broken off so we may be grafted in.
Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
God bless,
RLW