There are certain movements and certain theologies in the religious world today that label themselves as having "Dominion Theology" or "Kingdom Now". This theology is not based on the work of God but the work of man as the builder of the Church.
Dominion Theology is not a new theology as its being going on since the first century in the days of Augustine. Having came out of a Dominion Theology teaching educated this writer early in my Christian walk. For twenty three years I have researched the "Why" and "How" of dominion theology and have only concluded with the context of my writings at ChristianBlog and other various Blogs on the Internet. God Blessed this writer 23 years ago with His Divine Grace and since that time He has been continuously teaching me how to rightly divide the Word of Truth.
Here's a for instance. Those who teach the doctrine of Dominion Theology use the following Scripture...
Gen 1:26-28... And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Adam had dominion over natural Law, over animals, and over tangible Earth because He was created in the image of God with power over physical earth. Adam had a divine nature and also had dominion over tangible Earth. All this was lost in the Fall...as a result of the"original Sin".
When Jesus came He came to restore the Kingdom on Earth. This Kingdom was called the Kingdom of Heaven. Within this Kingdom on Earth man will have dominion over tangible Earth once again just like Adam had in the Garden of Eden...before the Fall. John the Baptist came preaching the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Mat. 10:6...These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Here's where the snag comes in.
Matt 10:1-6...And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
During the ministry of our Lord...Jesus gave His disciples power. He delgated His power to them! He gave them power over devils, sickness, and tangible earth. Peter even walked on water! Man was given dominion...but it was lost due to a lack of faith and doubt.
Matt 14:29-31...And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
During the ministry of Christ while establishing the Kingdom on earth Jesus delegated power and authority to His disciples as witnesses for God to set up HIs promised Kingdom! The object was to establish the Kingdom of Heaven in Jersalem. To restore earth to the Garden of Eden! Jesus had power to "speak" and calm the storm. Man likewise would have power over this same natural law. Unfortunately Israel doubted and lost faith...thus without faith they would not have power and dominion over tangible Earth. This was caused from doubt and unbelief. In the Kingdom to come...Man will have power in that Kingdom and will be able to calm storms and move mountains. When Jesus withered the fig tree He also spoke of this dominion that man will have in the Kingdom of Heaven. Examine these words closely...
Matt 21:21...Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Luke's explanation defines it this way...
Luke 17:6... And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
In the Kingdom of Heaven man will have dominion like Adam had. This is Kingdom Authority. This is man's dominion over tangible Earth! This dominion was lost because Israel did not have faith the size of a mustard seed.
Kingdom Authority that Christ delegated in His Earthly ministry does not exist today in the Church. Man is not building the Church today either. Christ is! Christ said He would build the Church. Mat. 16 Christ is the Head of the Church now! Christ has all authority in Heaven and on Earth! Man does not have dominion over tangible earth...but man will have dominion over tangible earth in the future Kingdom of Heaven!
In the Kingdom Age Christ gave men authority to set up His Kingdom in Isreal! It did not happen because Isreal rejected the King and the Kingdom message! In the Church Age today Christ has all authority in Heaven and on Earth. Devils are subject to Him! Sickness is subject to Him! Don't mix up the Kingdom Age during the ministry of our Lord with the Church age now under Grace! ! You don't have to bind or loose anything or any demon. The New Testament after the death of Christ says...Submit to Christ...resist the Devil and He wil flee. Why does the Devil flee? Because you are subject to Christ the Head of the Church.
Rightly divide the Word of Truth! Make distinction between the Kingdom Age and the Church Age! See the difference between Law and Grace. Study to show thyself approved as a good workman to Christ! Don't get tangled up in movements or theologies that teach the bondage of human works. If you want to get tangled up in something get tangled up in Christ the Head of Church! He adds to the Church daily! He gives gifts unto men! He rules and reigns from the Throneroom. It's a greater blessing since He went to Calvary! Glory!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Israel trodden under the foot of man...not the Church
Often, from the four Gospels people mix up passages about Israel and apply them to the Church today. This can be harmful to the student of God's Word and can also lead to confusion or a frustrated faith in the person of Christ. I write these words at ChristianBlog to those who study their Bible and desire to rightly divide God's Word as a good workmen for Christ should.
The Kingdom Message given to Israel during the 3 years of Jesus' Earthly ministry is not to be mixed up with the message of the Gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ foretold by the Prophets...preached today in the Church to both Jew and Gentile.
Here's a little comparison between Israel and the Church
Jesus said in Matthew 5:13...Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
When Jesus used the expression, "salt of the earth", He could not have been describing Christians. If this metaphor is applied to the Church, Jesus would have declared the Body of Christ would be cast out and trodden under foot of men. This contradicts what Christ said of the Church:
Matt 16:18... I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
As I have written previously in two recent Blogs...
Jesus "spoke" Judgment on the fig tree..."literally"
Jesus cried over Israel's rejection...
The gates of hell have prevailed against Israel through the pages of history, but never the Church. Israel was the salt and light of the nations, but they lost their savor and have been trodden under foot of men historically.
During the ministry of Christ Israel rejected the Messiah. In the future Millennium (after the Rapture and Great Tribulation) all of Israel will "accept" the Messiahship of Christ. Divine Judgment and flaming fire will renovate the Earth. There will be unity between all human beings. There will be unity between man and Christ. Perfect unity will be restored on Earth. There will be no rejection toward the truth of the Torah and the Messiahshp of Christ.
Jesus spoke of this perfect unity on Earth in Matthew's Gospel.
Matt 18:19...Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
This is a picture of the perfect unity that Jesus was describing in the Kingdom on Earth. The perfect unity of all Israelites must be first enacted before Israel can have the earthly Kingdom. Notice that when it says, "agree on earth as touching any thing" ,"it does not say agree in "faith" nor does it say agree in "prayer". Instead, this agreement is a condition of Israel's inner being where they are to be so united with each other that it would bring in the Kingdom of Heaven. When Israel moves into perfect harmony, all the Kingdom is going to be granted to them and the dominion of earth will also be granted to man by our heavenly father. This truth is brought out in many other passages in the four Gospels.
Jesus also said in,
Matt 6:14-15...For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses
Israel had to forgive those who transgressed against them in order to be forgiven. The holiness of the Law is the full requirement for Israel to have the Kingdom on earth.
At the same time Christ taught these things, He also condemned the Hebrew nation for not performing the works of the Law. He openly condemned the Hebrew nation for violating the Law by not practicing what they preach. In Matthew Jesus describes the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees:
Matt 23:2-3...Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus made a simple statement,
Matt 5:16...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
What were the good works Jesus was speaking of? It was Israel's obedience to the Law of Moses. Obedience was a light that shined to God and to humanity. Without light Israel walked in darkness and could not accept Christ as the promised Messiah.
Israel was the "salt of the Earth". Israel lost its savor. Israel has been trodden under the foot of men throughout the pages of history.
Matthew 5:13...Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
The Kingdom message to Israel is the object of the four Gospels. The Kingdom message is a simple message that's slighted this day and Age and sometimes even "spiritualized". The ministry of Christ (under Law) to Israel is not to be confused with the ministry of Holy Spirit (under Grace) to both Jew and Gentile in the Church. This is right division of God's Word. The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached under Law. The Gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection is preached under Grace. This is right division of God's Word.
Christ purchased the Church with His own blood. Acts 20:28, Christ is the builder of the Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. The Church is not trodden under the foot of men. Christ is the Head of the Church. Christ exercises His power and authority in His Church of which we are all members.
In the Glory of the cross we see this beautiful picture of unity between Jew and Gentile in the Church today under Grace...Why? Christ abolished the enmity of the Law and through His suffering and death at Calvary He now gives us the Spirit of God...under Grace. Glory!
Eph 2:15-18...Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
The Kingdom Message given to Israel during the 3 years of Jesus' Earthly ministry is not to be mixed up with the message of the Gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ foretold by the Prophets...preached today in the Church to both Jew and Gentile.
Here's a little comparison between Israel and the Church
Jesus said in Matthew 5:13...Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
When Jesus used the expression, "salt of the earth", He could not have been describing Christians. If this metaphor is applied to the Church, Jesus would have declared the Body of Christ would be cast out and trodden under foot of men. This contradicts what Christ said of the Church:
Matt 16:18... I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
As I have written previously in two recent Blogs...
Jesus "spoke" Judgment on the fig tree..."literally"
Jesus cried over Israel's rejection...
The gates of hell have prevailed against Israel through the pages of history, but never the Church. Israel was the salt and light of the nations, but they lost their savor and have been trodden under foot of men historically.
During the ministry of Christ Israel rejected the Messiah. In the future Millennium (after the Rapture and Great Tribulation) all of Israel will "accept" the Messiahship of Christ. Divine Judgment and flaming fire will renovate the Earth. There will be unity between all human beings. There will be unity between man and Christ. Perfect unity will be restored on Earth. There will be no rejection toward the truth of the Torah and the Messiahshp of Christ.
Jesus spoke of this perfect unity on Earth in Matthew's Gospel.
Matt 18:19...Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
This is a picture of the perfect unity that Jesus was describing in the Kingdom on Earth. The perfect unity of all Israelites must be first enacted before Israel can have the earthly Kingdom. Notice that when it says, "agree on earth as touching any thing" ,"it does not say agree in "faith" nor does it say agree in "prayer". Instead, this agreement is a condition of Israel's inner being where they are to be so united with each other that it would bring in the Kingdom of Heaven. When Israel moves into perfect harmony, all the Kingdom is going to be granted to them and the dominion of earth will also be granted to man by our heavenly father. This truth is brought out in many other passages in the four Gospels.
Jesus also said in,
Matt 6:14-15...For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses
Israel had to forgive those who transgressed against them in order to be forgiven. The holiness of the Law is the full requirement for Israel to have the Kingdom on earth.
At the same time Christ taught these things, He also condemned the Hebrew nation for not performing the works of the Law. He openly condemned the Hebrew nation for violating the Law by not practicing what they preach. In Matthew Jesus describes the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees:
Matt 23:2-3...Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus made a simple statement,
Matt 5:16...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
What were the good works Jesus was speaking of? It was Israel's obedience to the Law of Moses. Obedience was a light that shined to God and to humanity. Without light Israel walked in darkness and could not accept Christ as the promised Messiah.
Israel was the "salt of the Earth". Israel lost its savor. Israel has been trodden under the foot of men throughout the pages of history.
Matthew 5:13...Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
The Kingdom message to Israel is the object of the four Gospels. The Kingdom message is a simple message that's slighted this day and Age and sometimes even "spiritualized". The ministry of Christ (under Law) to Israel is not to be confused with the ministry of Holy Spirit (under Grace) to both Jew and Gentile in the Church. This is right division of God's Word. The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached under Law. The Gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection is preached under Grace. This is right division of God's Word.
Christ purchased the Church with His own blood. Acts 20:28, Christ is the builder of the Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. The Church is not trodden under the foot of men. Christ is the Head of the Church. Christ exercises His power and authority in His Church of which we are all members.
In the Glory of the cross we see this beautiful picture of unity between Jew and Gentile in the Church today under Grace...Why? Christ abolished the enmity of the Law and through His suffering and death at Calvary He now gives us the Spirit of God...under Grace. Glory!
Eph 2:15-18...Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Jesus "spoke" Judgment on the fig tree..."literally"
When Jesus walked the earth physically He was God in the flesh. Jesus had power to forgive sin as well as heal the sick. Jesus could walk on water, turn the water into wine, or even rebuke the winds and calm the storms by saying, "Peace be still".
Mark 4:37-41... And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Jesus had dominion over every tangible thing on Earth. Jesus had power over the laws of nature. Jesus delegated power to His disciples. Jesus as God in the flesh could literally "wither or curse" the fig tree. Jesus spoke Judgment on the fig tree.
Matt 21:19-20...And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
This pronunciation of Divine Judgment on the fig tree also pointed to the Divine Judgment that would come upon Israel for rejecting the Messiah and the Kingdom on earth offered to Israel for three and on half years. Jesus as God in the flesh had power to literally wither a fig tree...but there was much, much more behind this curse pertaining to Israel.
Jesus "reproved" Israel for their doubt and rejection. Jesus "exposed" the sin of the Pharisees when He went into the Temple grieved in His heart that Israel "rejected" the Kingdom that God offered to restore in Jersalem. Jesus thus pronounced Judgment on the Temple. Jesus "spoke" Judgment that happened in 70AD.
Matt 23:39-24:2...For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
This was Jesus foretelling (speaking) the destruction of Temple that actually took place in 70AD. 800, 000 Jews were slaughtered and the Roman government took years to tear down the stones and destroy the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This annihilation was simply the aftermath of Jesus' pronunciation of Judgment on Israel when He cursed the fig tree. After the Jewish Temple's destruction...by the Roman government... for centuries the Jews were scattered and persecuted throughout Europe. The Roman Church dominated the European countries in the name of "Spiritual Israel". If scattered Jews would not accept " water baptism" in the name of Christ they were murdered or imprisoned by the Roman Church. This "inquisition" or opposition against Israel went on for 12-14 centuries. Jews that would not comply to the common doctrine of "Spiritual Israel" were killed and annihilated under Roman dominion for centuries. This was the ongoing ripple effect of Jesus' pronunciation of Judgment on Israel for rejecting their promised Messiah. Destruction and misery did not end and the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD or the Inquisition for 12-14 centuries, it continued in the Holocaust under the reign of Hitler where millions of Jews were slaughtered because antisemitism. This curse continues now in the Israeli Arab conflict, and will continue throughout this Church Age until the curtain comes down "after the Rapture of the Church" and "after the seven year Jewish Tribulation". Israel will then "accept Christ as the promised Messiah" and the Earthly Kingdom will be established.
Isa 9:7...Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
Jesus spoke Judgment on the fig tree when he said...Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward. No fruit has grown in Israel since that day. This curse that Jesus pronounced upon Israel will not be lifted from Israel until they say as a nation...Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Matt 23:39..For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
This will not happen until the end of the Great Tribulation when Christ returns with His bride and sets up the promised Kingdom on Earth (that was rejected during His Earthly ministry). Jesus began His ministry offering the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist preached the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. The twelve disciples were sent out by Christ to preach the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. Jesus even ordained the 70 and sent them out two by two to preach the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. This all took place in three and one half years after Christ was 30 years of age when baptized of John. The Kingdom of Heaven message was commanded by Christ to be preached ...not to the Gentiles or Samartians...but only to the lost sheep of Israel!
Matt 10:5-7...These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
When all the curse that Jesus pronounced upon the nation of Israel transpires (all of Isreal will accept the King...the Kingdom will be restored)...at the end of the Great Tribulation Christ in flaming fire and in Divine Judgment will then speak the following words...
Matt 25:34...Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
This pronunciation of Judgment happened to Israel when Jesus withered the fig tree. When Jesus spoke things happened! Glory!
P.S. All this is written to say one thing. Don't mix up the Bible as mixing it up brings confusion. Confusion can bring a frustrated faith down the road. Let God be your teacher! Mixing up the Kingdom Message that Christ preached to Israel...with the Gospel message preached to both Jew and Gentile in the Church today can become a confusing matter. Examine the Scriptures. Rightly divide God's Word. Put the Bible in its proper context. The Lord blesses! Love you all!
Mark 4:37-41... And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Jesus had dominion over every tangible thing on Earth. Jesus had power over the laws of nature. Jesus delegated power to His disciples. Jesus as God in the flesh could literally "wither or curse" the fig tree. Jesus spoke Judgment on the fig tree.
Matt 21:19-20...And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
This pronunciation of Divine Judgment on the fig tree also pointed to the Divine Judgment that would come upon Israel for rejecting the Messiah and the Kingdom on earth offered to Israel for three and on half years. Jesus as God in the flesh had power to literally wither a fig tree...but there was much, much more behind this curse pertaining to Israel.
Jesus "reproved" Israel for their doubt and rejection. Jesus "exposed" the sin of the Pharisees when He went into the Temple grieved in His heart that Israel "rejected" the Kingdom that God offered to restore in Jersalem. Jesus thus pronounced Judgment on the Temple. Jesus "spoke" Judgment that happened in 70AD.
Matt 23:39-24:2...For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
This was Jesus foretelling (speaking) the destruction of Temple that actually took place in 70AD. 800, 000 Jews were slaughtered and the Roman government took years to tear down the stones and destroy the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This annihilation was simply the aftermath of Jesus' pronunciation of Judgment on Israel when He cursed the fig tree. After the Jewish Temple's destruction...by the Roman government... for centuries the Jews were scattered and persecuted throughout Europe. The Roman Church dominated the European countries in the name of "Spiritual Israel". If scattered Jews would not accept " water baptism" in the name of Christ they were murdered or imprisoned by the Roman Church. This "inquisition" or opposition against Israel went on for 12-14 centuries. Jews that would not comply to the common doctrine of "Spiritual Israel" were killed and annihilated under Roman dominion for centuries. This was the ongoing ripple effect of Jesus' pronunciation of Judgment on Israel for rejecting their promised Messiah. Destruction and misery did not end and the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD or the Inquisition for 12-14 centuries, it continued in the Holocaust under the reign of Hitler where millions of Jews were slaughtered because antisemitism. This curse continues now in the Israeli Arab conflict, and will continue throughout this Church Age until the curtain comes down "after the Rapture of the Church" and "after the seven year Jewish Tribulation". Israel will then "accept Christ as the promised Messiah" and the Earthly Kingdom will be established.
Isa 9:7...Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
Jesus spoke Judgment on the fig tree when he said...Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward. No fruit has grown in Israel since that day. This curse that Jesus pronounced upon Israel will not be lifted from Israel until they say as a nation...Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Matt 23:39..For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
This will not happen until the end of the Great Tribulation when Christ returns with His bride and sets up the promised Kingdom on Earth (that was rejected during His Earthly ministry). Jesus began His ministry offering the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist preached the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. The twelve disciples were sent out by Christ to preach the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. Jesus even ordained the 70 and sent them out two by two to preach the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. This all took place in three and one half years after Christ was 30 years of age when baptized of John. The Kingdom of Heaven message was commanded by Christ to be preached ...not to the Gentiles or Samartians...but only to the lost sheep of Israel!
Matt 10:5-7...These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
When all the curse that Jesus pronounced upon the nation of Israel transpires (all of Isreal will accept the King...the Kingdom will be restored)...at the end of the Great Tribulation Christ in flaming fire and in Divine Judgment will then speak the following words...
Matt 25:34...Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
This pronunciation of Judgment happened to Israel when Jesus withered the fig tree. When Jesus spoke things happened! Glory!
P.S. All this is written to say one thing. Don't mix up the Bible as mixing it up brings confusion. Confusion can bring a frustrated faith down the road. Let God be your teacher! Mixing up the Kingdom Message that Christ preached to Israel...with the Gospel message preached to both Jew and Gentile in the Church today can become a confusing matter. Examine the Scriptures. Rightly divide God's Word. Put the Bible in its proper context. The Lord blesses! Love you all!
Jesus cried over Israel's rejection...
In order to write this Blog I have to take everyone back to one week before the crucifixion of Christ. The Kingdom of Heaven message was rejected by Israel as a nation and so was the Promised King. God had promised the King and the Kingdom message to be presented to Israel. Isreal rejected both.
It broke Jesus' heart to witness the attitude of rejection that came from the nation of Isreal His home country and fellowkinsmen. Jesus mourned, He sorrowed, and He cried. He cried because Israel rejected God's promised earthly Kingdom which is a hugh portion of prophetic truth contained in the Old Testament records. Jesus cried because Israel rejected the ones (the twelve and the seventy) He sent out preaching, "The Kingdom of Heaven was at hand". The message of the Kingdom to Isreal had to be presented! The Apostles, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself presented it! If the Kingdom message would not have been presented for the first three years of Jesus' ministry... even the stones would have cried out!
Luke 19:40-41...And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
In Matthews account of these final days of Christ he spoke of Jesus literally withering the fig tree. This literal withering of the fig tree was actually a pronounciation of Judgment by Christ upon Israel for their rejection of the King and the Kingdom message. It broke Jesus' heart to do such because the Kingdom of Heaven promised from the foundation of the world was rejected and therefore postponed until the 1000 year reign of Christ.
Matt 21:19-20... And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Marks account of Jesus's literal curse upon the fig tree spoke as such.
Mark 11:20-21... And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away
After Christ realized that Israel "lacked faith" so much that the Kingdom could not be established He wept over Israel. He knew their lack of faith. He knew their rejection of the Torah. He knew their rejection of the Messiah. It sorrowed Him in His heart for the Judgement that was to come. The curse of the fig tree actually pointed to Israel's future destruction of the Temple in 70AD. Jesus foretold this destruction. The curse of the fig tree also pointed to Israel's lack of faith and doubtful rejection of the Messiahship of Christ.
When Jesus spoke of Isreal having faith the size of a mustard seed He wasn't praising Israel... He was reproving them for their lack of faith and rejection of the King and the promised Kingdom. In Matthew you have these definative words about faith concerning if they would have recieved the Kingdom on earth...which was the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matt 21:21...Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
This moving of a mountain that Jesus spoke of was a "literal moving of mountains" just like the withering of the fig tree was a "literal withering of the fig tree" that pointed to Jesus' pronounciation of Divine Judgement upon Israel. You see...in the Kingdom on Earth (The Kingdom of Heaven) those who reign with Christ will have power over tangible Earth just like Christ had. That by the way is how Peter walked on water. In the Kingdom Age...Jesus gave the disclples power over tangible earth, natural law, demons, scorpions, the weather, etc. Whatever they would say or wouild do would happen. Man was to have dominion over the natural laws of Earth in the Promised Kingdom.
When Jesus wept the Kingdom on Earth was postponed until after the Rapture of the Church. Many things happened when Jesus wept!
It is my prayer that God makes a way for this message to be expounded on at ChristianBlog.com . Glad to be back...in Christ's name.
PS...If Israel would not have rejected their own Torah...they would have recogized the Messiahship of Christ. The Torah spoke of Christ. Unfortunately, Israel followed the teaching of the Talmud more than the Torah which was the first five books of the Bible. Jesus himself taught the the Torah.
It broke Jesus' heart to witness the attitude of rejection that came from the nation of Isreal His home country and fellowkinsmen. Jesus mourned, He sorrowed, and He cried. He cried because Israel rejected God's promised earthly Kingdom which is a hugh portion of prophetic truth contained in the Old Testament records. Jesus cried because Israel rejected the ones (the twelve and the seventy) He sent out preaching, "The Kingdom of Heaven was at hand". The message of the Kingdom to Isreal had to be presented! The Apostles, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself presented it! If the Kingdom message would not have been presented for the first three years of Jesus' ministry... even the stones would have cried out!
Luke 19:40-41...And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
In Matthews account of these final days of Christ he spoke of Jesus literally withering the fig tree. This literal withering of the fig tree was actually a pronounciation of Judgment by Christ upon Israel for their rejection of the King and the Kingdom message. It broke Jesus' heart to do such because the Kingdom of Heaven promised from the foundation of the world was rejected and therefore postponed until the 1000 year reign of Christ.
Matt 21:19-20... And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Marks account of Jesus's literal curse upon the fig tree spoke as such.
Mark 11:20-21... And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away
After Christ realized that Israel "lacked faith" so much that the Kingdom could not be established He wept over Israel. He knew their lack of faith. He knew their rejection of the Torah. He knew their rejection of the Messiah. It sorrowed Him in His heart for the Judgement that was to come. The curse of the fig tree actually pointed to Israel's future destruction of the Temple in 70AD. Jesus foretold this destruction. The curse of the fig tree also pointed to Israel's lack of faith and doubtful rejection of the Messiahship of Christ.
When Jesus spoke of Isreal having faith the size of a mustard seed He wasn't praising Israel... He was reproving them for their lack of faith and rejection of the King and the promised Kingdom. In Matthew you have these definative words about faith concerning if they would have recieved the Kingdom on earth...which was the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matt 21:21...Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
This moving of a mountain that Jesus spoke of was a "literal moving of mountains" just like the withering of the fig tree was a "literal withering of the fig tree" that pointed to Jesus' pronounciation of Divine Judgement upon Israel. You see...in the Kingdom on Earth (The Kingdom of Heaven) those who reign with Christ will have power over tangible Earth just like Christ had. That by the way is how Peter walked on water. In the Kingdom Age...Jesus gave the disclples power over tangible earth, natural law, demons, scorpions, the weather, etc. Whatever they would say or wouild do would happen. Man was to have dominion over the natural laws of Earth in the Promised Kingdom.
When Jesus wept the Kingdom on Earth was postponed until after the Rapture of the Church. Many things happened when Jesus wept!
It is my prayer that God makes a way for this message to be expounded on at ChristianBlog.com . Glad to be back...in Christ's name.
PS...If Israel would not have rejected their own Torah...they would have recogized the Messiahship of Christ. The Torah spoke of Christ. Unfortunately, Israel followed the teaching of the Talmud more than the Torah which was the first five books of the Bible. Jesus himself taught the the Torah.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The enthronement of Christ
Since Christ's ascension to Heaven the Grace of God keeps the Holy Spirit present in our lives. The enthronement of Christ allows the Holy Spirit to minister to the needs of humanity. In David's revelation we find these word's concerning an enthroned Christ.
Ps 110:1The ...LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Since Christ ascended to Heaven He continues to save and prepare members of His body for the Rapture of the Church. This preparation also includes deliverance from sin and disobedient conduct on this side of Heaven. This calling out of Christ's body is simply the Churches escape from the wrath and Judgement of an angry God that takes place during the seven year Tribulation.
The present tense enthronement of Christ allows the unbelieving world to hear the call of the Gospel, to turn from evil, and to accept Christ on this side of Heaven. From Heaven Christ in the Throneroom is what changes the heart on soul of all those who accept Him for personal forgiveness. This is the power of an enthroned Christ reaching the hearts of men and women like you and I. The builder of the Church I am writing about on this Blog is and enthroned Christ. Glory!
Divine Grace is the power of an enthroned Christ that allows any believing soul to have a clean heart and a God given righteousness on this side of Heaven.
2 Cor 5:21... For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
In the new birth a sinful man finds forgiveness because Christ purchased the Church with His own blood. After man is delivered from sin...he finds a new life from an enthroned Christ. This new life is governed by a living Christ that is seated in the Throneroom in Heaven.
Many things happen in the heart and soul "when" man believes and accepts Christ. The Bible teaches that man gets a new nature from God after his sins are forgiven. The Bible says man is given a God given righteousness in the new birth. This righteousness comes from an enthroned Christ. Christ is presently King and Head over the Church. Christ makes us righteous. Christ gives us peace. Christ gives us joy. Christ from His blessed enthronement in Heaven is able to make all these blessings possible for His Church...through the presence of His Holy Spirit. Glory! I can't see Him but I know He's there! He changes things because He rules from Heaven
Rom 14:17...For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Getting beyond Calvary automatically gets the believer into the Throneroom where Christ is presently seated...until Christ makes all His enemies His footstool. That's why the Apostle states the following words concerning the enthronement of Christ...
Col 3:1...If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
In recent studies on the Kingdom message we find two Kingdom's mentioned in the Bible. One Kingdom being a present and invisible Kingdom. The other Kingdom being a future and visible Kingdom. Both Kingdoms have an an enthroned Christ. In the present Kingdom Christ "rules" from His Spiritual Throne in Heaven. In the future Kingdom Christ will rule from His Physical throne in Jerusalem. By having a glimpse of both Kingdoms the student of the Bible is able to recognize where the Kingdom of God presently is...according to scripture. In the present Kingdom the Father is the one who "translates", "redeems", and "delivers" the unbelieving soul into the Kingdom of his dear son. This Kingdom is a spiritual and invisible Kingdom...where Christ is King... now, present tense.
Col. 1:13-19... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.
Until our precious enthroned Christ descends from Heaven to call out His Church to meet with Him visibly in the air...the Kingdom of God remains to be a spiritual and invisible Kingdom where Christ continues to be the...Head of the Church. Present tense. The Kingdom of God is now through the blessing of the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God is where every believer's righteousness, peace, and joy comes from. Glory! Christ is the King and the Church is His Kingdom!
Ps 110:1The ...LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Since Christ ascended to Heaven He continues to save and prepare members of His body for the Rapture of the Church. This preparation also includes deliverance from sin and disobedient conduct on this side of Heaven. This calling out of Christ's body is simply the Churches escape from the wrath and Judgement of an angry God that takes place during the seven year Tribulation.
The present tense enthronement of Christ allows the unbelieving world to hear the call of the Gospel, to turn from evil, and to accept Christ on this side of Heaven. From Heaven Christ in the Throneroom is what changes the heart on soul of all those who accept Him for personal forgiveness. This is the power of an enthroned Christ reaching the hearts of men and women like you and I. The builder of the Church I am writing about on this Blog is and enthroned Christ. Glory!
Divine Grace is the power of an enthroned Christ that allows any believing soul to have a clean heart and a God given righteousness on this side of Heaven.
2 Cor 5:21... For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
In the new birth a sinful man finds forgiveness because Christ purchased the Church with His own blood. After man is delivered from sin...he finds a new life from an enthroned Christ. This new life is governed by a living Christ that is seated in the Throneroom in Heaven.
Many things happen in the heart and soul "when" man believes and accepts Christ. The Bible teaches that man gets a new nature from God after his sins are forgiven. The Bible says man is given a God given righteousness in the new birth. This righteousness comes from an enthroned Christ. Christ is presently King and Head over the Church. Christ makes us righteous. Christ gives us peace. Christ gives us joy. Christ from His blessed enthronement in Heaven is able to make all these blessings possible for His Church...through the presence of His Holy Spirit. Glory! I can't see Him but I know He's there! He changes things because He rules from Heaven
Rom 14:17...For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Getting beyond Calvary automatically gets the believer into the Throneroom where Christ is presently seated...until Christ makes all His enemies His footstool. That's why the Apostle states the following words concerning the enthronement of Christ...
Col 3:1...If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
In recent studies on the Kingdom message we find two Kingdom's mentioned in the Bible. One Kingdom being a present and invisible Kingdom. The other Kingdom being a future and visible Kingdom. Both Kingdoms have an an enthroned Christ. In the present Kingdom Christ "rules" from His Spiritual Throne in Heaven. In the future Kingdom Christ will rule from His Physical throne in Jerusalem. By having a glimpse of both Kingdoms the student of the Bible is able to recognize where the Kingdom of God presently is...according to scripture. In the present Kingdom the Father is the one who "translates", "redeems", and "delivers" the unbelieving soul into the Kingdom of his dear son. This Kingdom is a spiritual and invisible Kingdom...where Christ is King... now, present tense.
Col. 1:13-19... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.
Until our precious enthroned Christ descends from Heaven to call out His Church to meet with Him visibly in the air...the Kingdom of God remains to be a spiritual and invisible Kingdom where Christ continues to be the...Head of the Church. Present tense. The Kingdom of God is now through the blessing of the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God is where every believer's righteousness, peace, and joy comes from. Glory! Christ is the King and the Church is His Kingdom!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Adamic nature...
The Adamic nature is a subject of the Bible that is not taught on much today. One reason is because the Adamic Nature is highly misunderstood. Another reason is because there are divided opinions on the Adamic Nature that vary from denomination to denomination. Some say that Christian's always live with the Adamic nature. Others say that Christian's can never get rid of it. I personally am led to believe the Bible teaches the Christian can be rid of the Adamic Nature's stronghold through crucifixion of self and the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.
Here are some Biblical terms used throughout the Bible to express of the Adamic nature or man's inherited propensity to sin against God.
The "Law of Sin and Death" is a spiritual expression of the Adamic nature. This is man's knowledge of the inner inclination that cause's man to do wrong.
The "Flesh" is the physical expression of the Adamic nature. This is the physical act of the wrong that man does in the eyes of God.
The "Carnal Mind" is the mental expression of the Adamic nature. This is the actual thinking behind man's wrongdoing in the eyes of God.
All the above terms are something man has knowledge of. Law brings knowledge. Knowledge brings obligation, or responsibility.
Rom 8:2...For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
The law of sin and death is mans knowledge of the inner, the physical, and the mental capacity of indwelling sin.
Here are some Biblical terms used throughout the Bible to express of the Adamic nature or man's inherited propensity to sin against God.
The "Law of Sin and Death" is a spiritual expression of the Adamic nature. This is man's knowledge of the inner inclination that cause's man to do wrong.
The "Flesh" is the physical expression of the Adamic nature. This is the physical act of the wrong that man does in the eyes of God.
The "Carnal Mind" is the mental expression of the Adamic nature. This is the actual thinking behind man's wrongdoing in the eyes of God.
All the above terms are something man has knowledge of. Law brings knowledge. Knowledge brings obligation, or responsibility.
Rom 8:2...For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
The law of sin and death is mans knowledge of the inner, the physical, and the mental capacity of indwelling sin.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Heirs of Righteousness...
The Bible teaches that man is a fallen being. Man without God can produce no righteousness of his own. Righteousness is imputed to a faithful man through the action of God’s Justification. Within this Divine favor, Justification is granted to man because of man’s belief, trust, and consent of the human will to the person of God. The subject of this discourse focuses primarily on how the believer in God can be made righteous through what the Bible terms as, “Justification by faith”. Justification by faith allows any unjust man to receive God’s righteousness because of the finished work that Christ did at Calvary.
• Isa 53:11…by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
• 1 Peter 3:18… For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God,
What is Justification? Justification is an act of God that pardons man from all sins of the past. Justification by faith declares man innocent from past sins committed and places this believer into right standing with God. Why? Man believes, trusts, and gives consent to God from the innermost depth of his heart. Justification by the Grace of God removes guilt from the conscience of man and allows fallen man to live and stay right in the sight of God.
• Rom 3:24-25…Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God
Justification by Grace through man’s faith in God has always been the bridge for fallen man to obtain righteousness from God. Justification given to fallen man is and has always been based on the promise of a Savior’s love for humanity.
• 1 Peter 1:19-20…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world,
God gave the first prophetic utterance of a Savior to the serpent that deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). During that age according to man’s enlightenment to the revelation of God, the Bible teaches that Abel the son of Adam was a righteous man.
• Heb 11:4…By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Why was Abel a righteous man? Two reasons: First: he believed from his heart. Second: He obtained from God, a witness in his heart. Abel’s moral righteousness was given through the Divine favor of God. Divine favor was given because of Abel’s faith. Based on the Creator’s prophetic truth of a Savior, man has always been able to receive righteousness from above by faith in God. The revelation of God that enlightened man in the days of Abel was received, passed down, and witnessed through “Creation itself” and “verbal communication between man and God in the Garden”.
From the beginning God audibly revealed himself to Adam and Eve in the Garden. Down through the Ages God continued to reveal Himself through creation itself and the conscience of man. Only people who received God into their hearts were declared righteous through the Divine favor of God’s Justification. Since the fall of Adam through God’s promise of a Savior man has always been able to find right standing with God through faith. The Bible teaches that Noah was a righteous man and also a preacher of righteousness.
• Heb 11:7…By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
• 2 Peter 2:5… And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
Faith allowed Noah to hear the voice of God. Obedience to God proved Noah’s faith. Noah experienced and knew about God-given righteousness through faith in his heart. Noah was thus compelled to be a preacher of righteousness so that others also could share the same righteous experience he personally knew with God. The revelation of God from that period of time was thus conveyed to humanity through preaching as well as creation, and the human conscience. From Adam, to Abel, and to Noah’s day…God was thus revealed to the human soul. All writers of the New Testament Epistles looked back to how God was made known in the Old Testament. Preaching stems all the way back to the days of Noah.
• Heb 4:2…For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
• 1 Peter 4:6…For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
After the flood in Noah’s day Divine Judgment and creation was known of men, remembered, and continued to be passed down verbally through the ages. Preaching continued to enlighten men to the truth about God the Creator and the God of Divine Judgment from the days of the flood.
God continued to reveal himself to the conscience of man in the days of Abraham. God promised Abraham that through him all the families on earth would be blessed. The New Testament revealed this blessing was Christ the promised seed. The blessing of this promise is received today in the Church the body of Christ because of Abraham’s righteousness of faith.
• Rom 4:13...For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
• Gal 3:29... And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Abraham’s righteousness proves that God justified him through faith. Even today believers in Christ receive the same righteousness from God. Righteousness is only granted to the heart of man through the Justification of God.
• Rom 4:1-5…What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
• Rom 4:20-24… He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
• Isa 53:11…by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
• 1 Peter 3:18… For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God,
What is Justification? Justification is an act of God that pardons man from all sins of the past. Justification by faith declares man innocent from past sins committed and places this believer into right standing with God. Why? Man believes, trusts, and gives consent to God from the innermost depth of his heart. Justification by the Grace of God removes guilt from the conscience of man and allows fallen man to live and stay right in the sight of God.
• Rom 3:24-25…Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God
Justification by Grace through man’s faith in God has always been the bridge for fallen man to obtain righteousness from God. Justification given to fallen man is and has always been based on the promise of a Savior’s love for humanity.
• 1 Peter 1:19-20…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world,
God gave the first prophetic utterance of a Savior to the serpent that deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). During that age according to man’s enlightenment to the revelation of God, the Bible teaches that Abel the son of Adam was a righteous man.
• Heb 11:4…By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Why was Abel a righteous man? Two reasons: First: he believed from his heart. Second: He obtained from God, a witness in his heart. Abel’s moral righteousness was given through the Divine favor of God. Divine favor was given because of Abel’s faith. Based on the Creator’s prophetic truth of a Savior, man has always been able to receive righteousness from above by faith in God. The revelation of God that enlightened man in the days of Abel was received, passed down, and witnessed through “Creation itself” and “verbal communication between man and God in the Garden”.
From the beginning God audibly revealed himself to Adam and Eve in the Garden. Down through the Ages God continued to reveal Himself through creation itself and the conscience of man. Only people who received God into their hearts were declared righteous through the Divine favor of God’s Justification. Since the fall of Adam through God’s promise of a Savior man has always been able to find right standing with God through faith. The Bible teaches that Noah was a righteous man and also a preacher of righteousness.
• Heb 11:7…By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
• 2 Peter 2:5… And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
Faith allowed Noah to hear the voice of God. Obedience to God proved Noah’s faith. Noah experienced and knew about God-given righteousness through faith in his heart. Noah was thus compelled to be a preacher of righteousness so that others also could share the same righteous experience he personally knew with God. The revelation of God from that period of time was thus conveyed to humanity through preaching as well as creation, and the human conscience. From Adam, to Abel, and to Noah’s day…God was thus revealed to the human soul. All writers of the New Testament Epistles looked back to how God was made known in the Old Testament. Preaching stems all the way back to the days of Noah.
• Heb 4:2…For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
• 1 Peter 4:6…For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
After the flood in Noah’s day Divine Judgment and creation was known of men, remembered, and continued to be passed down verbally through the ages. Preaching continued to enlighten men to the truth about God the Creator and the God of Divine Judgment from the days of the flood.
God continued to reveal himself to the conscience of man in the days of Abraham. God promised Abraham that through him all the families on earth would be blessed. The New Testament revealed this blessing was Christ the promised seed. The blessing of this promise is received today in the Church the body of Christ because of Abraham’s righteousness of faith.
• Rom 4:13...For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
• Gal 3:29... And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Abraham’s righteousness proves that God justified him through faith. Even today believers in Christ receive the same righteousness from God. Righteousness is only granted to the heart of man through the Justification of God.
• Rom 4:1-5…What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
• Rom 4:20-24… He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
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