Revelation
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I am not one to put my faith in politics and am not going to attest to any clear evidence our Commander in Chief is a Christian.
I'll let others argue that point; nonetheless I am grateful that today as with other recent meetings he has consulted on the phone with Mr. Putin. There is apparently some sane conversation; albeit Russia is intransigent on achieving its goals which seem pretty evident to include almost complete annihilation of the country in question where they have been at war since 2022. There have been other discussions which may bring temporary peace; at least to the African nations he has brokered peace with Rwanda and Congo last week. In terms of the expanded Abraham Accords we certainly can't avoid implications that either lead toward or will ultimately broker the covenant confirmed with many in Daniel 9:27; since the 2 state solution obsession lives on after decades of failed efforts. Nonetheless; I am grateful for every day we don't have judgment on this country; but mark my words the time is coming. War; famine and pestilence in the seal judgments are coming in their fullness soon; and perhaps some other things will have partial fulfillment beforehand.
I am sorry to say that there has been things in my life regarding sin that have dragged me into a feeling of hopelessness and doom. I can probably say that all of us here need to walk consistently in the Spirit to overcome; especially today. The doom that is coming SHOULD make us motivated to warn others to flee the wrath to come; whether it be the Tribulation or hell (a sort of simultaneous thing if we read ( Revelation 6:8). I believe Satan wants us to be afraid that we will be left behind. Truly the Lord warns us in Luke 21:36 to be praying we are worthy to escape all these things to come to pass; and that same concept is shown by the overcomers in the Philadelphia church in Revelation 3:10. Let us submit our lives fully to the Spirit
I hope this does you good. I heard someone say How easy it is, with time and emotion, to allow the truth received to become diluted. But now I'm moving towards true love is also watchfulness. - But keeping it, oh, that part is harder. My soul, made for feeling, hasn't always known how to watch.
So, I hope that these words - will be for you a reminder that true faith is simple, the way is narrow, and God's heart is wide in mercy. (Be it Revelation 3:20; See Matthew 12:7; See Hosea 6:6) But our Lord declared firmly and tenderly: 'I want mercy, not sacrifice'. Thus, even those who see themselves without religious titles or external merits can find welcome in Him, for the door that is Christ - as John tells us - there is no key, no ritual, but only trust and step by step. ( Matthew 9:13; John 10).
(Part 2):
To answer your questions, the first one being, "The Rapture doctrine, where the Church is taken to heaven before the second coming of Jesus, does it fit scripture?"
My answer would be yes. First of all, the phrase "shall be caught up" is translated from the Greek word HARPADZO, which means to be caught up, to be snatched up by force, to be seized. The Latin translation of the same Greek word is RAPTUS, which is where the word rapture comes from. So, whether we call it the rapture, or the HARPADZO, or caught up, it is all talking about the same thing.
HARPAGESOMETHA.
This "caught up" is when the dead in Christ are risen first, and then the living believers (church) together meet the Lord in the air. This is not the second coming of Jesus. At Jesus' second coming, He comes all the way down to the ground and the church comes with Him. Now, when we go to Revelation 19:8, we see that we are with Christ in heaven and we are clothed in white, fine linen. This is taking place in heaven before the second coming of Christ.
A few verses later in Revelation 19:14, it says, "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." The armies will be us, the church. We come back with Christ at His second coming.
In Revelation 3:10, Jesus says, "Because you kept the Word of My endurance, I also will keep you from out of the hour of the trial, the one being about to come upon the whole inhabited world in order to try the ones dwelling upon the earth." This also fits perfectly with Daniel 12:1.
This is Jesus' promise to His people who are faithful. He has promised that they will not go through the tribulation and trial that is to come upon the whole earth.
You quoted part of one of my posts and completely twisted it and accused me something I did not do. I have never, nor would I ever compare anyone with Christ. How you come to that conclusion is beyond me. I pray that no one else takes my words the same as you have. What you quoted from me has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus coming down from heaven. Perhaps if you read the entire post, you might be able to figure out what I was trying to present. You seem to be an intelligent individual, so I see no need to further clarify what I wrote. I see nothing amiss and nothing in my post that I should change. If you're the only one offended, then I've done well!
Mr. Thomas,
From your picture I've seen online, you look like a nice person. And by the way, I do like the big bushy moustache. It looks good on you! However, they say that looks can be deceiving, and you have been rude not only to me, but also to others in this forum. No one here deserves to be belittled or torn down the way you have done, so maybe it's you who needs to "knock it off," not me. In a separate post from you, you told me that I need to learn to rightly divide the word of truth. Well, if that means to divide it the same way you do and post things that cannot be understood, as you do, then I say no thanks! I will stick with and be happy with what little the Lord gives me.
Regardless of what you might think, I have the same Spirit of Christ in me that you have in you, and it is His Spirit that leads me to treat others in this forum with kindness and respect, not with such rudeness that you have displayed with folks here.
Jesus says in Revelation 3:20," Behold, I have stood at the door and I am knocking. If anyone should hear My voice and should open the door, I will enter to him, and I will dine with him, and he with Me."
What a beautiful piece of scripture, a verse not to be confused with what you quoted me on!
In short, here is my understanding of the two verses you asked me about. Revelation 3:10-11 is the exhortation to the church. Verse 10 is His promise to His people who are faithful. He has promised that they will not go through the tribulation and trial that is to come upon the whole earth. In Verse 11, He says that no man take thy crown. My understanding is that this is not salvation that is taken but the rewards given to the believers.
As far as the Tribulation Period goes, I understand it to be a 7-year period, with the last 3-1/2 years being called the Great Tribulation, a time where God's wrath will be poured out on an unbelieving world. As far as resurrections, I have never made any reference to there being three. I believe there will be two resurrections, one for the just (believers), and another one at the end of the 1,000-year reign for those who rejected Christ. The resurrection of the saints, the collecting of Christ, that many call the rapture, when the dead are raised first, and we are raised with them, that is the first resurrection. There is a second resurrection, and that is when the unbelieving dead are raised after the thousand-year reign of Christ.
I have read Foxe's book of Martyrs, and I agree with you that the early church went through some excruciating torture and death. I hope I am misunderstanding you, but it seems as though you feel we as the church should have to go through the same brutality. Again, I hope I am just misunderstanding what you stated. I do apologize for the late reply. I had a couple of busy days, plus I have been trying to focus and finish up the last of this New Testament study.
Blessings!
Thanks, brother. If you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts on Revelation 3:10-11, I feel it connects with verse 12. The one thing we must understand is that the great tribulation and the wrath of God are not the same thing. As we will see later in Revelation, there will be two resurrections; a rapture of the Church would make three. Why would the last of the Church be spared what all those in Christ from the beginning of the Church have not been spared? History has recorded their faith and the horrendous ways they were killed.
God bless,
RLW
Revelation 3:12 - Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
To the one overcoming (Present Participle), I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: That pillar being that stationary permanent fixture in God's temple in heaven. He says you'll never go out again.
Earlier, I said that if you hang in there and read the rest of the scriptures, it tells you what the new name is. And I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down from out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. It's His name, name of ownership!
Revelation 3;14 - And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, the direction to John, write; and then we see the description of Christ: These things says the Amen. This is found twice in Chapter 1, but it is from a Hebrew word, AMEIN, which means of a truth, or so be it. Christ is the Amen.
In Chapter 1, He is the faithful and true witness, and He is the beginning of the creation of God, which is a paraphrase of Him being the first begotten from the dead which is a title to be the head of those who have died. He is the beginning of the creation of God.
Revelation 3:21 - To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
To the one who is overcoming (Present Participle), will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also have overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Talk about an intimate fellowship that time will be!
Revelation 3:5 - He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
He that overcomes, and again, that's a Present Participle. To the one who (is) overcoming, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
There are references in the Old Testament that tell us there's more than one book ( Exodus 32:32-33, Daniel 12:1-2, Psalm 69:28). There's the book of life which has listed in it everybody that has received human life. And then there's the book of the Lamb, those who belong to Christ.
In the book of life, if a person rejects Christ, their name is removed from the book of life as if they've never been born. They're gone! But no one is ever blotted out of the Lamb's book of life. If you go back into the Old Testament and you study from those references, it will show you that there's more than one book. And the Jews knew that.
It's not that God has books up there. But it's just a human example or an illustration that God knows everything, all the people that have been born, and all the people that belong to Christ. He says I will not blot out his name out of the book of life. And I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Jesus said that He would do that.
Revelation 2:26 - And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
And he who is overcoming, again that's a Present Participle. He who (is) overcoming, and keeps my works. The word keeps is not to do. It's TEREO, which means to guard against outside influence interfering with the Lord's works. Who keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 2:28 - And I will give him the morning star.
Beginning in the book of Numbers, there's a prophecy given to the Jews that the star represented the Messiah. In Revelation 22:16, we will see that Jesus says He is the morning star. It represents the Messianic rule of Christ.
Revelation 3:3 - Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. The phrase "hold fast" is the word TEREO which means to guard.
Yes, I realize that Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God. We see that in Revelation 3:14. This is one of the verses that is used by those (especially the JW's) who deny the deity of Christ. They claim that Jesus is a created being. I strongly disagree with that.
I agree that "God does not have a God." I agree because there are no other gods besides the one true God who consists of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all three being eternal.
Brother, you don't have to worry about offending me. You never have in the past and you haven't now. It does not offend me in the least bit that you believe differently than I do. Concerning the deity of Jesus Christ, your mind is already made, up as is mine. So, with that being said, I see no point in trying to convince each other one way or another.
I believe in the deity of Christ. I also believe that Jesus is God because there are so many places in scripture that teach that He is indeed God. We have discussed this several times in the past, and I provided scripture to show why I believe the way I do. Jesus is not God the Father. He's God the Son. The bible clearly tells us that we are only to worship God, and yet Jesus was worshipped, and not once did He ever rebuke those who worshipped Him.
Blessings to you in Christ our Saviour!
Thank you for your reply. I understand and know the verses you have shared. Many on this site share the same understanding as you, and if we differ, we should be inspired to study, not to prove we are right and you are wrong, but in search of the truth. My understanding is that Jesus was the beginning of the creation of God, in the plan of God, Revelation 3:14.
Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:20. Everything started with Jesus; God, knowing the end from the beginning, says things that have not been as they have been, Romans 4:17.
We should pray and clear our minds of preconceived biases, as Jesus said, "he who has ears to hear, let him hear." John 8:24 is the same with us today, if we do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who God sent and He shed His blood and died for us, we will die in our sins, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9.
God bless,
RLW
Part 1
Thank you for your reply, I certainly do not mind. I understand that this subject is delicate, and I am blessed to have brothers and sisters on this site willing to discuss it. Revelation is a challenging book, and I am looking forward to Jesse getting through it.
You have listed some exciting verses, and I hope to share my thoughts on them and your post, not to determine who may be right, but rather to view the discussion as a nudge to pray and study. On the verses you listed, John 12:49-50, Jesus is saying the Father gave Him a commandment and what the Father told Him to say, Jesus was obedient.
John 8:28-29, the Pharisees were debating with Jesus who He was, and He said that in verse 28-29 when He is lifted up/crucified, they will know who He is. We see in Matthew 28:54 when Jesus died and those things that happened, the centurion and those who were there greatly feared and said, "Truly this was the Son of God.
John 7:16-19, the gospels, reveal the glory of the Father who sent Jesus; all that Jesus did was accomplished by the Father through the Holy Spirit, with which Jesus was anointed without measure.
In John 4:34, John 5:19, John 5:30, and John 8:26 all say that it is the Father, not Him, on in John 14:10 Jesus was in the Father and the Father was in Him this was from the time Jesus was anointed without measure the Holy Spirit when He was baptized and made the Messiah.
Jesus was and is the Word of God; John 1:14. God was in the flesh in Jesus through the Holy Spirit, just like these verses say. The beginning in John, many understand it as the beginning of creation, my understanding is the beginning of Jesus' ministry, as we see in Mark 1:1, Luke 1:2, and 1 John 1:1.
To me, Jesus was the first in the plan of God, Revelation 3:14, and everything was created in Jesus, not by Him, and all was created for Jesus and the purpose of the Father. Revelation 13:8 and 1 Peter 1:18-21.
See part 2
That's okay about the name; I wrote that I understand you, and many on this site believe Jesus is God, for the reason this subject can be offensive to some, and I do not want to offend anyone. I agree, truth only comes to us with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure, as He said all He said and all the works that were done, it was the Father, not Him. Jesus was clear that only the Father knows the time when Jesus will return, and yes, we are to watch to be ready, not trying to predict a time or date, as many have done.
Do the titles Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, which all have the same meaning, apply only to God? Do we let the red letters that some Bible interpreters have used influence us? Does the new creation, of which Jesus is the head, warrant these titles? Are these the words of Jesus or of God the Father, who gave this revelation in Revelation 1:8?
Revelation is a book that can only be studied with the Holy Spirit; it is not written in chronological order. There are things that God has not revealed, and we must not try to fill in, because it warns us against adding to or taking away from this prophecy.
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Col.1.17). Yes, Jesus, in God's plan is the beginning of the creation of God, Revelation 3:14. All was created in Him and for Him, and the purpose of God and His counsel shall stand, Isaiah 46:10.
God bless,
RLW
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. ( Revelation 3:10). Also see the next verse Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
This first verse no doubt could have a primary reference to enduring until the end of the Tribulation; but it also means that we should continue steadfast until the end of our lives on this earth; or the Rapture.
My last posting mentioned those who would think they are doing God a favor by killing us ( John 16:2). We must keep in mind that the first seal of Revelation brings about a false peace; as tied in to the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many. Naturally; the mindset of unregenerate man considers those against peace as being warmongers or traitors to the cause of world unity thence their removal from the world helps to promote the onset of the utopian society envisioned by those of such a mindset. Naturally; there will not only be the concept of a cessation of hostilities by armies fighting one another but that which promotes sin; veiled as free love; PRO deviant lifestyle; and prosperity for all. For such things to come to pass; there must be recognition of all religions; cultures and nations no matter how appalling their dogmas and practices. The surface appeal to whatever god you choose is; as 2 Timothy 3:5 states is a form of godliness denying its power (loosely translated) which is warned will be the doctrine of false teachers in the last days. All the false religions will seemingly have their prophecy of a "savior" come to pass; whether the 12th Imam (Mahdi); Maitreya or whatever false version of Christ one maintains faith in other than the literal Son of God. There will be twisting of Bible scriptures to validate as well.
First of all; as many would state correctly Easter is essentially a Pagan event coming from the word ishtar. Jesus was the final Passover as it were ( 1 Cor. 5:7).
I have been in the persuasion to some extent that the last trump mentioned signifying the Rapture ( 1 Cor. 15:52) may be different than the last trumpet judgment which seems to correspond with a time marker; perhaps the translation of the Tribulation saints.
At any rate if the Rapture did occur around this time of year; what would those left behind celebrate?
Passover reminds us of how we are to eat in haste ( Exodus 12:11-13); and this should also be our attitude in doing things while there is still day as it were to fulfill the Great Commission and expect His arrival at any day now. In this case haste doesn't make waste; it is the object of our efforts that motivates us. It doesn't mean being reckless in how we spread the truth or mean we should be void of wisdom; but it does mean that we should be swift to put Him first as a priority and time above all our other work and give Him glory in anything else we do besides outright evangelism.
For the world; it will be this way For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. ( Isaiah 60:2).
Judgment begins with the house of God; one could argue if this means just the church or perhaps the nation of Israel or both in the Tribulation (at least new believers). Again I am not going to make this a deep analysis of eschatology but will say that we need to be preparing our hearts daily and that it is preferable to repent now rather than chance being left behind. Whether that means become a Christian now or get our affairs in order as a believer to be delivered from lukewarmness again isn't something I am specifying. We want to certainly avoid a Revelation 3:11 error.
Rejoice ( Philippians 4:4).
John 17:1-5,
All pre-existed in the mind, thoughts, reason, and doctrine of our God the Father, the definition of logos. Revelation 3:14, the beginning of the creation of God, the starting point, the predetermined position of authority that God would give to His Son at the point in time that God planned before creation.
Jesus understood all the Scriptures that foretold the glory destined for Him in the mind of God the Father before creation. God's thoughts and plans began with Jesus, who became the tabernacle of God in flesh on earth. Through Him, eternal life can be bestowed upon all who believe in Him. Every word Jesus spoke was God's word: John 7:15-16, John 12:49, John 14:24.
How should we understand verse 3? Jesus, in prayer to the Father, states that eternal life is dependent on knowing the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the Messiah whom God sent.
Jesus knew who He was. He said in John 20:17, He had a Father and a God. Jesus is praying to His Father, He had no power of himself; all he did and said was the Father working in him. Jesus perfectly submitted to God's will by choice and obedience; the glory Jesus was praying for was yet to be realized, only in the knowledge He had from Scripture and the Holy Spirit He was anointed with, without measure of what it would be.
We must confess Jesus is the Son of God.
I am sorry for this long post; read it, study it, or ignore it. I love you guys.
God bless,
RLW
Part 7.
Hebrews 4:3 references Psalm 95, which describes the Israelites' journey with Moses through the wilderness, enduring dunes, rocky paths, and scarce food and water. Those who did not remain faithful, trusting in God's promise, did not enter God's rest. This passage stresses faith and the rest God has promised to those who, in faith, overcome the trials of this life filled with challenges, temptations, and struggles.
Revelation 3:5 shows us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot earn our salvation through our actions; rather, this rest is dependent on accepting the grace and redemption offered in Christ, works that were finished from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:7-8 states that all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. This time is still to come; only true believers will be able to resist this hour of temptation that is foretold in Revelation 3:10. We see this same language in the concept that the Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world.
The challenge and reward are found in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 13:9-10, "He who has ears, let him hear." We can read and study the Bible without grasping the truth of its message for different reasons, truth comes from prayer. Our ears are connected to our eyes; if we cannot hear, we are also blind.
We have these verses to consider.
Before being ordained, Jeremiah 1:5, Acts 13:48, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 1:15
The foreknowledge of God, Acts 2:23, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:26-27, 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 1:20
Predestination, Acts 4:27-28, Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:10-12
God's plan.
2 Kings 19:25, Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 14:27, Isaiah 22:11, Isaiah 25:1, Isaiah 37:26, Isaiah 46:10, Jeremiah 29:11.
See last part 8
The earthly Kingdom will appear again, but the grace age believes in the Body of Christ Jesus will be taken up in the Rapture first.
2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look fornewheavens and anewearth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
New Jerusalem will be the new kingdom on earth.
Revelation 3:12
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which isnewJerusalem, which cometh down out ofheavenfrom my God: and I will write upon him mynewname.
Jesus Christ will be the New Messiah drinking the cup in New Jerusalem.
Mark 14:25
Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in thekingdomof God.
The Twelve Disiples will have there New Jerusalem, the kingdom on earth.
Luke 22:30
That ye may eat and drink at my table in mykingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Kingdom of Heaven on earth will appear again.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Thank you, you definitely can contribute I do not doubt your knowledge of Greek. I understand Greek words have several meanings in English like ev can mean in, by, and through. I may have misunderstood but I must say Revelation 3:14 makes more sense to me, the beginning of the creation of God rather than the principalities of the creation of God. Forgive me if I misunderstood.
Do we see in these verses if Jesus is the creator or God? If Jesus is the start of God's plan, all creation was done for what Jesus would become. Who would gather together all things in Christ in heaven and earth, the new creation?
I agree, this day I have begotten you, refers to Jesus's resurrection, not His conception. He is the first begotten of the dead. I believe His conception was at the fulness of times, Ephesians 1:9-11 when God would send His Messiah to do His will. Jesus at the right hand of the Father putting things in order in heaven, earth, and things to be.
So, if the plan of God is based on who Jesus would be it is understandable that things would be done in, by, or through who Jesus would be.
I know I probably don't make sense, thank you for your knowledge of Greek.
God bless,
RLW
Thanks, brother, it's me again. I just wanted to give my understanding. Jesus was the beginning of God's plan and everything that was created was on the account of Jesus. As in Revelation 3:14 Jesus was the beginning of the creation of God. Jesus was in God's plan before anything was created and when the fullness of times; Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of Mary.
Colossians 1:16 starts with the Greek word hoti which means because, to explain reasons, and ev meaning in, because in him were all things. Also, the same Greek word ev, all things were created in him and for him, same in verse 17 Jesus was before, the Greek word pro, meaning in front of, in him all things were created. My understanding is that Jesus was the reason and purpose of all creation, to me this ties to Ephesians 1:9-11. The mystery of God's will in the fullness of times all things in Christ that were in God's plan that Jesus was the beginning of.
I know some believe Jesus created all and some believe Jesus is the tool that through Him God created all. To me, all of Scripture shows God the Father the one and only God created all. Jesus was the beginning of God's plan and all was for the sake of Jesus who is God's only begotten Son who was not until the fulness of times conceived by the Holy Ghost in Mary.
Ephesians 1:19-23 We have seen and are now seeing God's plan being fulfilled in Jesus all in heaven and earth until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Jesus did not have the authority He was given the authority. We were created for Jesus for the glory of God.
God bless,
RLW
From Heaven Jesus reigns and teaches in his heavenly kingdom His present relationship with any man whom hears his voice. What better place to teach than the Churches of God?
To your second question on Colossians 1:15, "Who (i.e. Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature". In this verse, we can't read it as 'Jesus being the first to be born (or created) of all living things'. If this was so, then the following verses ( Colossians 1:16,17) are incorrect & meaningless, for it's not possible that a first born or created being should also be the creator of other beings; nor was Jesus born/created before Adam & Eve, rather, He came onto the earthly scene only two millenia ago.
The only way that Jesus could be involved in creating, and to be "before all things" & to hold all things together, is for Him to not be made alongside the creation of humans, creatures, etc. Therefore, when we read Colossians 1:15, the word "firstborn" of every creature refers to Jesus' Rank & Rights that a firstborn would hold; and this also speaks of Jesus' preeminent position over all that He has created. As also in Romans 8:29, where Jesus is said to be "the firstborn among many brethren". Here as well, it has nothing to do with a birth, but that Jesus would be the cause (the beginning) & preeminent One of His newly formed Body, His Church, leading us into the family of God His Father.
Revelation 3:14, "..the beginning of the creation of God". Here, it speaks of Jesus as the One Who is the Originator, or the beginner of God's Creation. It certainly cannot be that Jesus was the first creation of God's creative Work; if this was so, then Jesus was created back in eternity past & everything else was created after him by God - and the other Scriptures refute this, confirming that Jesus was actually involved in creating. I realize that this verse can be confusing, but when read in line with other associated passages which tell us of Jesus' Work of creation & His Divinity, then it (and other passages) fit in well together. Hope this was helpful & others may contribute; & thanks again for those good questions.
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6 Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Thank you and God bless,
RLW
Thank you for your reply, this is true, whatever this mark will be whether it is an electronic chip, a barcode, or whatever it is it will have to be shown. A first-class ticket to the lake of fire. The same as the Decian persecution in 250 AD done by Emperor Decius, many were killed or died in prison but the ones who apostatized had to show a certificate. As you said it will not be good, it will be a worldwide tribulation this world has not seen, Matthew 24:21.
We must be strong in our faith, many will be deceived and many will die, there is a verse I believe is about when this happens we will be given the strength to not take this mark, it is Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Our strength is in Jesus we must put on the full armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18.
We must take to heart what Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. this is what is coming, and many will fall away/apostatize.
God bless,
RLW
Now what took place later on (maybe as you went into your late teens & twenties) you would know, but my belief (even from my own experience) is that the Holy Spirit very quickly alerts us when the line of godly living is being crossed - for that is His Work in our lives. Did you ever sense this alerting & correcting work in your life? Even as the Lord spoke to a Church in The Revelation, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent". ( Revelation 3:19). Because Jesus loves His children so much, His discipline is always given in love & for full restoration. When a person who believes he is saved & has absolutely no sense of the Spirit's Ministry of guiding, convicting & drawing back into fellowship, then that person has never known the Lord, for He always deals with us as children & not as illegitimate. ( Hebrews 12:5-10).
From your submission, it appears that you have sensed this estrangement from the Lord but now felt that He has cut you off. I think that the Lord has brought you to this point in time to repent & return to your first love, having allowed you over the years to taste the world & indifference to Him & find them unsatisfying & sinful. He sometimes allows us slack, but He will always draw us to repentance & restoration. Is this you?
Part 3
Satan then goes after the remnant of her seed those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The remnant of her seed is the faithful people here when the tribulation starts. Like the ones before us who have been persecuted and killed, the fathers and prophets, and after Jesus the thousands upon thousands who have been tortured and killed in the name of Jesus, why would the last be spared when the first was not?
This starts the 3.5 years of tribulation as we see in Revelation 13, in the original text it is Satan standing on the sand of the sea to give his power, his seat, and great authority to the beast. We see in Rev. 11:7 and Rev. 17:8 that this is the bottomless pit. There are not seven years as some say we see when Satan is cast down and the beast rises, he is given only 42 months, and that is 3.5 years Revelation 13:5. It all starts when Satan is cast down the short time he has is 3.5 years.
The end of the 3.5 years will be when the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, Luke 21:24 Romans 11:25 Revelation 11:2. Then the second coming of Jesus, Matthew 24:29-31 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Revelation 1:7 Revelation 3:11 Revelation 19:11-16 Revelation 22:12.
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
This is what is coming, everyone will be tempted to take the mark of the beast, Jesus will give us if we are here the strength to say no even if we face death. Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 15:2
God bless,
RLW
Not all of us believe in the pre-rapture teaching, what we should all be, is strong in our faith in Jesus, our walk, and be ready and watching for Jesus's second return.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
God bless,
RLW
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 10:9
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
NOTE: Nowhere in the word of "God" says you have to join a church, to get Saved ! Or join a certain denominations.
Romans 10:13
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. It does not say, if, maybe, could be. It says "Shall" be "Saved".
"PRAISE THE LORD" Question: If you would pass away tonight/today. Do you know you are saved?
A difference between Adam and Christ in his humanity.
Adam was born Naked "metaphorically Vulnerable "
Jesus was clothed with light even while here on earth.
Some people view the two as both sons of God and one failed and the other endured and succeeded with both being capable of sin.
One of many differences between the two may be seen in the usage of the word "naked" in Genesis with the focus being on Adam.
As mentioned in my previous post, In Revelation it mentions nakedness along with being shame.
Revelation 3:17-18 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, AND THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, LEST HE WALK NAKED, AND THEY SEE HIS SHAME.
(Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.)
Nakedness is unclothed and meaning vulnerable. Perhaps to be ashamed one would have to have knowledge of good and evil.
In Genesis it mentions Adam and Eve being naked along with NOT being ashamed.
Genesis 2:25 it reads "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were NOT ASHAMED.
After they ate of the fruit they covered themselves!
This emphasizes they now were ashamed.
Keep in mind they were already naked, uncovered and vulnerable.
So the question is what caused their shame? Was it the Knowledge of Good and Evil?
-->19 And the temple of GOD was opened in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8), and there was seen in His temple the Ark of His Testament: and there were(will be) lightnings, and VOICES, and thunderings, and an earthquake( Revelation 16:18), and great hail.
Luke 13:29
29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the Kingdom of GOD.
Come up hither, yeah, come up hither, unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not...it will be a waste of time to want to buy now, the bridegroom has come and shut the door, the door is shut( Luke 13:25 combined with Revelation 3:7), and he that was /is ready goes in with Him to the marriage: and the door is closed-->for ever.
Lord, Lord, open to us. Oh Lord, open to us, open to us... Lord, Oh Lord ...open...
Luke 13:25-27
25 When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he answers and says unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 And ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Lord, Lord, open to us. Oh Lord, open to us, open to us... Lord, Oh Lord ...open...