I'm a writer, editor and publisher on the internet. The Web Site is called End Time Prophetic Vision.
http://www.etpv.org/whatsnew.html
Each week I publish 25 to 30 articles on the site, including my own writings at times. I have about 90+ articles posted there that I have written myself. I began this in 1996.
It's like doing a weekly magazine without having to deal with a printer, and it consists of essays, articles, prophecies, and accounts of dreams or visions.
All of these are supposed to be relevant to the belief that we are living in what's called the End Times, just before the Second Coming of Jesus.
Quix’s End Times pinglist, level one, in memory of Bill Somers, webmaster of End Times Prophetic Vision, who passed away last month.
Quix asked me to ping you to this thread. I will be archiving articles from Bill Somers’ site for reference purposes as well as for edification and instruction.
Prayers for Bill’s wife and for his entire family during their time of navigating this loss.
We remember Bill Somers and we rejoice that due to his faith in God’s Son the Lord Jesus Christ, Bill has a place in God’s eternal Kingdom.
FReegards,
Joya
RIP.
bttt RIP, you’ve been promoted Bill.
To Call Upon The Name Of The LORD
Bill Somers
March 9, 2010
For this essay we are going to try and shed some light on a paradox relating to salvation. And our method is to keep in mind that words in the bible, as in plain language can have multiple meanings.
One of these is believe. It can mean simply agreement with or mental assent. Or you can use a deeper meaning of it to where it means trust and obedience. And let’s take a quick example here. The devils believe there is one God, and tremble.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But can we say that the devils trust and obey God? I don’t think so! The difference can be illustrated in Romans 10:9 quoted here. One meaning of believe is covered by the phrase confess with thy mouth and the deeper meaning is expressed by the saying believe in thine heart. And the whole process is summed up in verse 13 namely calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 10:9-13
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.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Here in Acts 4 is another mention of calling upon the name of the Lord. It not only mentions salvation but also healing.
Acts 4:10-13
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
The other word is Name.
This paradox we spoke of comes when people concentrate on the literal meaning of what is written in regard to the name of Jesus, and neglect to seek for a deeper meaning. If I were to ask you ‘what is the name of Jesus’ you might find yourself wondering what planet I was from.
What I’m getting at is there are examples of people being saved right in the new testament without using the name of Jesus. Here they are.
The thief on the cross. All he said was Lord remember me.
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
The publican in the temple who prayed to God but never used the name of Jesus. Yet he was justified [saved].
Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
And then there was this guy named Saul of Tarsus who had a revelation of the Lord on the road to Damascus one day. This revelation was so powerful that he immediately know it was the Lord and he also immediately became obedient. Yet he had to ask in Acts 9:5 Who art thou, Lord. This was not calling on the name of Jesus either. Or was it?
Acts 9:3-6
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Look again at Romans 10.
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Calling upon the Lord is the same for Jews and Greeks. In fact people called upon the Lord before there even were any Jews or Greeks. Mankind knew about God long before Moses transcribed the Torah. And they did not use the name of Jesus either. Or did they?
Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
Men called upon the name of the Lord from the time of Seth and Enos. How did they get saved in Old Testament times if they had never heard of Jesus?
Ok what’s the catch?
Well somebody’s name can be what it says on their drivers license. That is a word they will answer to if you call it out. If Jesus had a drivers license it might say Jesus of Nazareth and so on. [I don’t think he has a drivers license, but if he needed one, it wouldn’t be a problem for him, for sure.]
The deeper meaning of a name is who you are, in the sense of what you are. With the case of the Lord, it’s his nature, character and authority. And what exactly is that you ask? His nature is love, his character includes justice, mercy and meekness; and his authority includes the power to forgive sin.
The doctrine of Christ, which is the same as Messiah, according to Hebrews 6 is this.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Faith and Repentance, these are what God is looking for. You can use the words Jesus help me, or call upon the Lord God in Heaven, or Messiah, or Jehovah or any language that refers to him in his character as a merciful God who forgives sins.
Summary:
Exactly what does it mean to call upon the Name of the Lord? In the bible God has many names given. Each of these reveal something about his nature, character or authority. This is what is meant by the Name of the Lord: His nature, character and authority. What is his nature: Love. What is his character: it includes mercy, justice, meekness, healing, salvation, deliverance etc. What is his authority: it includes the power to forgive sins. He is love, he is merciful, and he forgives sin. That is the name of the Lord that can save you. Jesus being the revelation of the father has that exact same name.
There is one other point we have to comment on. In Romans 10:9 we read this.
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.
So in the old testament times people had no idea that God had raised Jesus from the dead. What’s the catch here? Here it is. Romans 10 is giving an example of calling on the Name of the Lord. It is not giving us a full definition, just one of many ways to call upon the Lord.
Afterword:
He wants us to be like him. If we follow the wording of Micah 6:8 we will also be moving in mercy, justice and meekness. That’s an example of partaking in the divine nature.
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/tcotname.html
Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
Bill Somers
Amsterdam New York USA
December 2009
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Psalms 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, .....
We recently posted an article on ETPV where the author claimed that Martyrdom is not in God’s game plan. I wrote to this author suggesting he may want to rethink that statement.
Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
It certainly is and lots of it.
One shouldn’t be making such a statement without supporting it with a few bible quotes. So let’s look. What saith the scriptures?
In Revelation 12 it speaks of a manchild.
Revelation 12:5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne.
This is a group of overcomers who become the firstfruits, the manifested Sons of God.
There is a second group of overcomers involved here also.
As we continue to read in Revelation 12 we see that the rest of the seed of the woman are persecuted by the Dragon.
Revelation 12:10-17
10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accuseth them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.
.......
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
....
17 And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:
This second group of overcomers have several important features.
They overcome by
A. The Blood of the Lamb, [Jesus]
B. The Word of their testimony
C. They loved not their life even unto death
Other translations say: They were willing to give up their lives. Or they did not love their life—unto death;
Secondly, they keep the commandments of God, and they hold the testimony of Jesus. This implies they have come to the place of death to self and walk in perfect love and obedience.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
What happens to them? They become martyrs. The Dragon goes to make war against them. And as we read in Revelation 13, he overcomes them. Yet at the same time, they overcome him by being willing to die and dying without fear.
Revelation 13:7-8
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
In the Book of Daniel we see the same thing, speaking of the Saints of the Most High.
Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.
Daniel 7:21-22
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 8:23-24
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
As these verses imply, the Saints will take the kingdom, but at the same time they will be destroyed: the one who makes war against them will prevail over them. This is a direct parallel to what we saw in Revelation 13.
Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
Look at Revelation chapter 6.
Revelation 6:9-11
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
As the martyrs already in heaven cry out for vengeance, they are told there are more martyrs yet to come that must be killed. And when that point comes, watch out! When the remaining number are killed Jesus will avenge their blood.
This is promised in Luke Chapter 18.
Luke 18:7-8
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. ....
In Romans 12 we a similar promise of vengeance to come.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
And then in Revelation 19 we see this promise kept.
Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
Here is the promise to the Church at Smyrna.
Revelation 2:8-11
8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and lived again:
9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Is Martyrdom Part Of God’s Game Plan?
You betcha it is! And it’s high time we faced up to that fact.
Selah!
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/impoggp.html
Entrance Of The Kingdom
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
November 2009
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
In this essay we are going to try and clear up some issues regarding the Kingdom. There is a paradox in how the bible speaks of the kingdom. It there a kingdom now and a kingdom to come? Which is which? If there is both, then how and when does that kingdom to come appear?
The two most common names of the Kingdom are Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God. These are not the only ways the word speaks of His Kingdom. Quite often the bible speaks simply of the Kingdom, a Kingdom or His Kingdom. Recently I noticed an interesting one in the Book of Second Peter where it says the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
In this verse, entrance is a key word. There are places that speak of seeing the kingdom, inheriting the kingdom, entering the kingdom or being given the kingdom. There are these for example.
Matthew 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:
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Whether the bible speaks of the Kingdom being inherited, received or having an entrance ministered unto us, it all means the same. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit.
This can easily be seen in the full context of Second Peter 1.
2 Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Verse 1 mentions obtaining faith through the Righteousness of God, which is Jesus Christ. Verses 2 and 3 speak of having knowledge of God. Verse 2 mentions grace and peace. Verse 3 speaks of all things that pertain to life and Godliness. Verse 4 mentions partaking of the divine nature, and escaping corruption. Then the passage goes on to mention faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. Then it sums all this up with mention of fruitfulness in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words all of these things mentioned are fruit of the spirit, so we will not be unfruitful. Then in verse 10 the result is we shall never fall, having these fruits of the spirit. And verse 11 points out that the further result in to enter the kingdom. These fruits of the spirit will only come with a full outpouring of the Spirit. So this whole passage is about the Kingdom that is coming in these end times.
Let’s look at this passage from John 3 which points out an especially important difference between entering the Kingdom and seeing the kingdom.
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water [the word] and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Here there is a difference seen between two aspects of the kingdom. To see the kingdom and to enter the kingdom. The Greek word used in verse 3 has to do with seeing, comprehending or understanding. The Greek word used in verse 5 actually means to enter or go inside of.
One way of explaining it is that those who are born again can see the kingdom. Jesus comes and enters them so the kingdom is within them. But unless they make Jesus their king in their heart, he is not really their king. We have to have our selves removed from the throne in our heart, and Jesus take that place and rule our lives in every area.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Those who are led by the spirit, not just born again but born of the spirit, can enter into the kingdom. This is often spoken of as the baptism of fire.
When you are born again, the kingdom is in you.
Luke 17:20-21
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
When you are born of the Spirit, then you are in the kingdom. This is a major difference. One is Christ in you, the hope of glory. You are exercising faith in the Promise of a Kingdom to come.
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
The other is you in Christ, the glory revealed.
Romans 8:16-19
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are then Hidden in Christ and so transformed that you can never sin again, and never fall. You have entered the kingdom. Notice that I said you can never sin again, and never fall.
Let’s look back at the context of the verse we quoted above from Second Peter.
2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This idea that you can never fall is usually overlooked in discussing the kingdom, but there it is in plain old King James English.
Now consider what it means to be in Christ compared to having Christ in you. These following quotes all speak of being in Christ and what exactly that means.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 3:25-29
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Old Testament Promises Of A New Covenant.
Deuteronomy 30:1-9
1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
9 And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
This tells us of a new covenant that the Lord intends to make with his people. He will write his law in our hearts. And we shall all know Him. This is part of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Compare verse 31 above with Revelation 21:7.
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Here is another description from Jeremiah 32.
Jeremiah 32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Here we see that this new covenant will make it so that his people will not depart from him. Ezekiel explains it this way:
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
The Lord is promising that he will cause us to obey him!
Hebrews explains it like this.
Hebrews 8:6-8
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Hebrews 10:16-17
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
The Earnest of the Spirit
Many base their teachings on the idea that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church in Acts 2. However the events of Acts 2 can be seen on two levels. First, what literally happened was the giving of the Earnest of the Spirit. Second, in a prophetic sense, what happened was a type or foreshadowing of the Full Outpouring to come in the End Times. Let’s look at what the scriptures say about the Giving of the Spirit.
In Ephesians, it tells about being sealed by the Holy Spirit using the word earnest.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
These verses speak of a promise, a day of redemption yet to come. This day of redemption is the day of the Lord, the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Second Corinthians also mentions the earnest of the Spirit.
Second Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
This is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Second Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
This idea earnest of the Spirit is another factor usually overlooked in discussing the kingdom, but there it is in plain old King James English.
So What Is An Earnest?
Strong’s lexicon gives this definition:
earnest - a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest.
In other words, an earnest is a down payment. It’s only part of the payment. And the early church receiving this partial payment in Acts 2 means that it was a partial fulfillment of Joel 2.
The word for earnest is translated pledge in the Old Testament.
Genesis 38:18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.
Easton’s bible dictionary says this:
The Spirit is the earnest of the believer’s destined inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14 quoted above). The word thus rendered is the same as that rendered “pledge” in Genesis 38:17-20; “indeed, the Hebrew word has simply passed into the Greek and Latin languages, probably through commercial dealings with the Phoenicians, the great trading people of ancient days. Originally it meant no more than a pledge; but in common usage it came to denote that particular kind of pledge which is a part of the full price of an article paid in advance; and as it is joined with the figure of a seal when applied to the Spirit, it seems to be used by Paul in this specific sense.” The Spirit’s gracious presence and working in believers is a foretaste to them of the blessedness of heaven. God is graciously pleased to give not only pledges but foretastes of future blessedness.
Ephesians 1:14 describes the Holy Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. As we are looking at the earnest meaning pledge or down payment, this tells us that the rest of the payment will come at the time of the redemption of the purchased possession. This is speaking of the redemption of the church by the full outpouring of the Spirit in the last days i.e. the End Times.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
The New Creation
Being In Christ is a great transformation. You become a new creature, carried by the spirit into the Kingdom of God.
Second Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
One New Man
Ephesians 2:15 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;
The new man leaves old things behind.
First Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Race, Gender, And Status Are Eliminated In Christ
When we come into unity, the differences between us will be seen as childish things, left behind by coming into maturity.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
What Have We Shown So Far.
There is a difference between being born again of water or being baptized unto repentance and being born of the spirit i.e. baptized with the Holy Ghost and Fire. This exactly matches the difference between seeing the Kingdom and entering the kingdom.
This also matches up with the difference between the earnest of the Spirit and the full outpouring of the latter days.
And it matches the difference between Christ in you and you in Christ.
The earnest of the spirit is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The full outpouring leads to you in Christ, the glory revealed.
The entrance of the kingdom brings you to the place where you can never fall.
The new covenant brings you to where you are fully obedient and cannot sin.
So then the entrance of the kingdom comes with the New Covenant.
Seeing the kingdom is the faith that leads to salvation. It’s faith in the promise of salvation, the promise of a new covenant, the promise of a coming messiah, a coming king and his everlasting kingdom.
Entering the kingdom is the salvation revealed in the last days.
1 Peter 1:4-5
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
It’s the revelation of Jesus Christ and the establishment of his kingdom spoken of in Revelation 11 and 12.
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
This verse from Daniel 2 also speaks of the Kingdom coming during the ‘tribulation period’ not at its end
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Summary
The real deal bottom line goes like this.
The full outpouring of the Spirit in the latter days means the establishment of the New Covenant. So then The New Covenant is the Holy Spirit.
To enter the Kingdom means to be ‘in Christ.’ So then the Kingdom of God is Jesus. To seek the kingdom is to seek the king. To enter the kingdom is to enter the king.
Selah!
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/eotking.html
The Epistle To The Manchild
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
November 2009
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
I have recently noticed some features of the epistles to the Thessalonians which seemed very special. Research into word meanings brought out the following information.
Thessalonians are the people of Thessalonica, today known as Salonika.
Thessalonica was named after a Greek princess named Thessalonike.
And Thessalonike means victory in Thessaly, she was named in honor of a victory in Thessaly. I didn’t find any further information on the meaning of Thessaly. But the important part here is the word nike meaning victory. At that point the Lord spoke to me, saying ‘message to the victors.’ So the epistles to the Thessalonians are a ‘message to the victors.’ We are going to look at just how this is.
Recall the old song lyric, We’ve been made more that conquerors, overcomers in this life, we’ve been made victorious through the blood of Jesus Christ.
These definitions from Strongs’ may help us see the relationships between these words. They are all roughly synonymous.
Nike victory
nee’-kay
Apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), that is, (figuratively) the means of success: - victory.
Nikao overcometh
nik-ah’-o
From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): - conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
Hupernikao conquerors
hoop-er-nik-ah’-o
From G5228 and G3528; to vanquish beyond, that is, gain a decisive victory: - more than conquer.
Here in first John there is a reference to overcoming.
1 John 5:4-5
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Now we are going to take a look at a few points and make some spiritual interpretations. Here are the opening sections of the two letters.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-6
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
The first couple verses of each of the two letters are nearly the same. It mentions three authors, Paul, Silvanus and Timotheous which indicates that this is the full trinity of the Godhead speaking here.
Next note how it mentions that the Thessalonians are in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an important point if you consider Jesus prayer in John 17.
John 17:21-23
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Here Jesus is praying that his disciples would be in him and in the Father, verse 21. And he also mentions that the Father is in him and he is in the disciples. So this description of them speaks of a fulfillment of Jesus prayer in John 17. The same thought is echoed in 2 Thessalonians 1:12.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 That the name [nature, character and authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Note also that Jesus’ prayer includes the phrase that they may be made perfect. This speaks of perfect obedience the way Jesus was made perfect. Note also the idea of glory mentioned in John 17:23 quoted above and here in Hebrews 2.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
The question of obedience is also touched upon in 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4
2 Thessalonians 3:3-4
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
Both salutations pronounce Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Now understand that Grace, is the Spirit of Grace i.e. the Holy Spirit. And also Peace speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our peace. So God is saying here that He is granting them Grace in the person of the Holy Spirit and Peace in the person of Jesus.
Verse 3 in both passages mentions several traits of the Thessalonians which are fruits of the Spirit. These naturally follow from a full, end time outpouring of the Spirit. Faith, Charity, Patience, Enduring persecution and tribulation, are mentioned.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 says Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. This tells us the Thessalonians are Chosen, the elect.
Then verse 5 adds our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power. This is another clue to what’s going on here. As First Corinthians mentions this about the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
It should be apparent that God is saying they are chosen and have been given an entrance into the Kingdom. Note also that verse 6 mentions the joy of the Holy Ghost, which is an aspect of the Kingdom as this verse from Romans tells us.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Verse 6 also mentions that ye became followers of us. Compare that to what it says in Revelation 14 about the overcomers.
Revelation 14:4 …. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
2 Thessalonians 1:5 also mentions the Kingdom of God as does this next quote which speaks of the calling into the kingdom and glory. And we note that these Thessalonians had understanding of The Word from verse 13, knowing that it is not just a historical record or an inspired word, but the very word of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-13
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Summary
Looking at the letters to the Thessalonians through spiritual eyes shows us many traits they have in common with the Manchild of Revelation 12 and the 144 thousands of Revelation 14. And we conclude that the Lord is using the Thessalonians as a type of this Manchild in His Word. And it means the letters to the Thessalonians are letters to the Manchild. They are a message to the victors.
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
And most importantly there is a direct connection between the coming forth of the manchild and the coming of the kingdom of God, as you can read farther down in Revelation 12.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: ….
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/te2tm.html
In Jesus’ Name We Pray
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
September 3, 2009
I have gotten in the habit of ending all my praying with the phrase ‘In Jesus name we pray’. It’s almost as if this phrase is a magical formula that guarantees our praying will be effective. This is a habit I picked up early in my Christian walk from others who prayed that same way. Occasionally one of them would remind people that this is all based on a scripture.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 16:23-24
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
The problem with that is that it just doesn’t automatically work every time. Unless there is an anointing on it, there is no truth in it. Why? Simple logic. The anointing indicates the presence or inspiration of the Spirit of God who is also the Spirit of Truth, and of Grace. No anointing means no Spirit and therefore no truth.
Now we are not talking about praying the name of Jesus or using the name ‘Jesus’ in prayer. That is very powerful regardless. But there is a difference between using Jesus name in prayer and praying in the name of Jesus. And the promises Jesus gives in John 15 and 16 mentioned above have to do with praying in Jesus name.
What does it mean to Pray in Jesus’ Name?
In biblical language, your name is not just a word that you are called by. It indicates your nature, character and authority. So to Pray in Jesus’ Name means you must pray in his nature, character and authority, simple as that.
Character
We are called to be conformed to the image of Jesus, that would mean showing forth the character of Jesus..
Romans 8:29-30
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
That image we are to be conformed to is the Jesus who learned perfect obedience by the things he suffered.
Hebrews 5:8-9
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Nature
We are also to be ‘partakers of the Divine nature.’
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Authority
With these two in place, we are then to be able to speak God’s word with the authority of Jesus. And we know there is no limit to the authority of Jesus.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
This is what he is promising in John 15 and 16 quoted above. It’s not just a simple formula to get prayers answered.
So how does the fulfillment of this promise come about?
When God gives you a new name, it means he is changing your nature, character and authority. In Genesis, for example, he did it for Jacob who became Israel.
Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
A New Name
Here are a couple passages where God speaks of giving a new name.
Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
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.
Isaiah 62 has an end time context and of course, the book of Revelation has an end time context. So first we see that this is something to happen in the end times. Next, notice that the verses from Revelation tell us that the new name is given to ‘him that overcometh’. God’s not looking for survivors; he’s looking for overcomers. The overcomers are those who get the new name, which means a new nature, a new character and new authority.
Revelation 2:26-27
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
This is the same group of overcomers we see in Revelation 14. They are with the Lamb [Jesus] and they have his father’s name [nature, character and authority] written in their foreheads.
Revelation 14:1-5
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
These are also said to be not defiled, virgins, i.e. pure; having no guile; without fault before God and to follow the lamb wherever he goes. These are the ones that will pray, according to the Name of Jesus. And their prayers will be answered by the father.
In Luke 24, the bible speaks of Jesus commissioning his disciples to go and preach. Note verse 45 which speaks of understanding the scriptures. This is a prophetic picture of the overcomers in the end times who receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ, that they might understand the scriptures and preach in his name.
Luke 24:45-47
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
The Kingdom Of God And The Return Of The Lord
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
July 12, 2009
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Bible myths: commonly taught statements or assumptions that are not taught or supported by Holy Scripture.
Examples
The Bible never says there were three wise men who came to worship Jesus.
The Bible never says Mount Calvary was a mountain.
The Bible never says ‘God helps those who help themselves.’
There are many other examples that could be given. For now I want to concentrate on this one.
The Bible never says that Jesus sets up his kingdom [with Jerusalem as the capitol] after he returns.
Sometime back I did an article on Revival Redemption and Return of the Lord. [http://www.etpv.org/2009/rrnrotl.html]
In my opening remarks I said:
Let me start out by upsetting some peoples theology. God is not coming back so he can set up his Kingdom here on earth, he is setting up his Kingdom here on earth so he can come back.
Then I went into great detail to show why this is so. For now I just want to point to the scripture from Daniel 2 above as a secondary proof.
Notice where this verse from Daniel says ‘in the days of those kings’ It indicates that Jesus Kingdom comes into being, and then destroys the others. Which are represented by the 10 toes of the great image and also the ten horns of the beast.
The erroneous view is that Jesus destroys the other kingdoms and then sets up his after his return. Here is shows us that these things happen during the end times or so called tribulation period. All of this is to take place before his visible return as the white horse rider.
Preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom.
In the times past, the good news of the Gospel, was a promise of the coming Kingdom. It will soon be preached somewhat differently. It will be the announcement of the Kingdom. Not that the Kingdom is coming, but that the Kingdom is here. In other words Our God Reigns.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
One last example:
The Bible never says that the Holy Spirit will always agree with the ultimate authority of the written Word of God. Instead the ultimate authority of Holy Spirit is given to help us understand the written Word of God.
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/tkogatr.html
When Judgment Is Mercy
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
June 3, 2009
www.etpv.org.
Daniel 9:5 We have sinned, ….
This will be a short look at some scriptures dealing with Mercy and Judgment.
Judgment is mercy when:
It leads to people learning righteousness
It brings redemption to God’s people
It produces blessings
It makes the Lord better known and understood
It establishes the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Examples
It leads to people learning righteousness
Isaiah 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
It brings redemption to God’s people
Isaiah 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.
It produces blessings
Haggai 2:17-19
17 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD’S temple was laid, consider it.
19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.
Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
It makes the Lord well known and better understood as it the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
It establishes the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Psalms 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
Isaiah 16:5 And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.
Isaiah 28:15-17
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Psalms 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Righteous Judgment
Judgment is Mercy when it is Righteous Judgment.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/wjim.html
Who Was That Masked Man
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
www.etpv.org
March 25, 2009
Joshua and the Angel
Let’s take a look at a short but very interesting passage from the Book of Joshua.
Joshua 5:13-15
13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15 And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
So our question is who was that man?
Some commentators say it was an angel, some say it was the Lord himself, others have no clue at all. These days having a clue speaks of knowledge, and being clueless speaks of ignorance.
So what is a clue? Encarta says this:
clue [kloo] (plural clues) noun
1. aid in solving mystery: something that helps to solve a mystery or crime
Encarta® World English Dictionary ©
So a clue is not the answer, but an aid to finding the answer. Something that points to the answer is a clue.
In our example there are several clues for those who notice them.
1. Speaking of Joshua, it says he lifted up his eyes.
2. Also in verse 13, Joshua goes up to the man and speaks to him as someone he already knew. He does not ask who he is but what is he doing there. With a drawn sword.
3. Next in verse 14 the man gives an answer that reveals something about himself and just who he is.
4. Upon receiving this revelation Joshua does three things, he falls face down to the ground,
5. he worships and
6. he addresses the man as Lord, and the one who he serves.
7. The man tells him to loose his shoe
8. and the man tells him he is on holy ground.
9. Joshua instantly obeys.
To support the idea that this man is the Lord, lets look at each clue from the viewpoint of a believer.
1. He was looking up, speaks of being mindful of heavenly things, and seeking the Lord.
2. He knows the man, but only somewhat, after all Joshua spent a lot of time in the tabernacle in the Lord’s presence so he knew him up to a point. Joshua knew the Lord already.
3. He asks what the man is doing, because he held a drawn sword. The Lord was preparing for battle against Jericho.
3. The man reveals something more of his nature, he is a war leader! This is like the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
4. Joshua falls on his face in awe at the new revelation. John in the final book of the bible, the revelation of Jesus Christ knew Jesus very well. But in the first chapter of Revelation, Jesus appears in a totally unfamiliar form. John is awestruck, and falls over.
5. Joshua worships this man. Only the Lord is to be worshipped.
6. Joshua acknowledges him as Lord. So this identifies the man as the Lord.
7. He is told to loose his shoe just as Moses was before the burning bush, this also identifies the man as the Lord.
8. He is told he is on holy ground, also as Moses was in Exodus when the Lord spoke to him.
9. Joshua’s obedience is the expected behavior of someone receiving such revelation.
Now let’s look at the clues from a skeptical point of view.
1. Joshua was looking heavenward: All this means is Joshua was wondering about the weather.
2. Joshua knew lots of men,
3. he was just wondering why the sword was drawn.
4, 5, and 6. Joshua here is really worshipping an angel by mistake. It’s some warrior angel, that is no proof that he was the Lord.
7, 8. and 9. In Exodus, Moses was only worshipping an angel too. So none of this really proves beyond a doubt that the man was the Lord.
To be even more skeptical you could say this.
And besides that it doesn’t prove the man was an angel either. If the Bible says it was a man, then is has to be a man. As for Joshua’s actions, he could have been drunk or high on loco weed.
OK so what’s the difference between the believer and the skeptic. The believer takes the clues which are not really proof, just aids in solving a mystery, and then he gets a revelation from the Holy Spirit. And it’s the revelation that makes all the difference. The skeptic has the same clues available to him, but he is not looking for clues, not really paying attention to what he reads, and so the written word of the Lord doesn’t sink in because of lack of Faith.
Hebrews 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.
The skeptic is a victim of spiritual blindness. Is it any wonder that someone can study the bible for years, and still not be able to answer Jesus’ question, Who do you say that I am?
Part Two
Joshua Meets The Man or
What’s It All About Alfie
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
March 30, 2009
Exodus 3:8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Picking up from Who Was That Masked Man, let’s ask ourselves the next logical question. What is he doing here?
One way of inquiring of the Lord when it comes to bible study, is to keep asking questions.
Our first question is why is he here? To get to an answer, there are some intermediate things we can ask.
Why does this take place before Jericho?
Why does he have his sword drawn?
If Joshua knows him, why does he ask him, whose side are you on?
If Joshua approaches him as an old buddy, why does he suddenly fall on his face and worship at his feet?
The book of Joshua on the surface tells of how the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land and drove out their enemies and claimed their inheritance. The deeper meaning of the book relates to the end times and the church entering the promised kingdom of God.
The 40 years wandering in the desert represent 4000 years since Abraham, the 2000 cubits in Joshua 3:4, speak of the 2000 years since the time of Jesus. Crossing the Jordan represents death to self. The circumcision of the people is the cutting off of the flesh. This story of Joshua Meets The Man expresses some of the same ideas in a condensed form.
Why does this take place before Jericho?
This takes place before Jericho because it illustrates what must happen before we become ready to fight the end time battles.
Why does he have his sword drawn?
The sword is the word of the Lord. Seeing that the sword is withdrawn from it’s holster tells of the revelation of the Word. You don’t really know what a sword looks like while it’s still in the scabbard. It’s the same with the word of God. You won’t know the inner meaning till the Spirit reveals it. This is seen figuratively as the opening of the sealed book, mentioned in Revelation 5. It speaks of The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of him holding the drawn sword in his hand?
We have a similar scene in 1 Chronicles 21 that gives the meaning. In this context the Lord is bringing judgment upon his own people at Jerusalem. So this relates to Judgment beginning at the house of God, and the fact that God’s people are witnessing these judgments being carried out. Notice where David and the elders fall on their faces, once they see this, like Joshua did. The sackcloth here is a sign of repentance.
1 Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
If Joshua knows him, why does he ask him, whose side are you on?
There are two ways to answer this.
One speaks of division in the church where the denominations are at war with each other. [Civil War in the Church] So the question becomes what denomination are you with? And the Lord’s answer, Nay, but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come, is a way of saying I’m not here to take sides, I’m here to take over. It is also a way of saying I’m not for any denomination, I’m here to take charge and eliminate the denominations to bring my body into unity.
Two is the idea that God’s judgments against his own house will be severe like they were against Jerusalem in David’s time. This will be to the point where we will wonder if in fact God is for us or against us.
Fear of the Lord
If Joshua approaches him as an old buddy, why does he suddenly fall on his face and worship at his feet?
Joshua now sees the Lord in a completely new way, and acquires a profound Fear of the Lord. That is Joshua [as the church] receives a deep and profound revelation of the Lordship of Jesus. It is this Lordship of Jesus which is the rock upon which the church will be built. The revelation of Jesus Christ.
But how can we talk about the church, and turn around and say the church has yet to built? It’s one of those elements they call paradoxical truths.
Here are other questions that express similar problems.
How can we talk about the Kingdom of God, when the King is not around and everybody does just what they feel like? Or How can we claim to be the Family of God, when we’re just an episode of Family Feud? And how can we be the Sons of God, when we do not honor the Father’s name or reveal his nature to the lost world? Or can we fight the battles as the army of God, when nobody in hearing the General’s voice? How can we be the body of Christ when the parts are not assembled and not attached to the head? Or how can we be the temple of the Holy Ghost, when we ignore or reject him? And how are we to be the spotless, chaste Bride when we will do anything for money? All of these have one answer. We must receive the Fear of the Lord and this comes with presence of the Lord.
All these elements are basically the same. The Church, The Kingdom, The Family, The Army, The Body, The Bride, The Temple, The Sons of God, The congregation of the Lord, the Called out ones, the chosen generation, the Holy race, the peculiar people, the new Jerusalem, the spiritual Israel, the heirs of the promise. It’s looking at different aspects, or expressing truth in different terms. Each one is connected to another like a side of a polygon, or facet of a jewel.
Why does Joshua say What saith my lord unto his servant?
Here Joshua’s immediate reaction to the New Revelation is a desire to serve the Lord. Paul had the same reaction on the road to Damascus when he says Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?.
Why does Joshua worship at his feet? And why is that holy ground?
The bible speaks of worshipping at his feet, a place of holiness.
Psalms 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
Exodus 3 tells of Moses seeing the Lord and being told to loose his shoe because he is on holy ground. Also see Exodus 3:8 quoted above which mentions that the Lord is now come down. .
Why does the Lord say am I now come when we know he is always with us?
Here it means the Lord is coming in a new and powerful way. This is not just a visitation but the beginning of the habitation. This is the start of a permanent manifest presence. It’s the Latter Rain coming, that must happen before Jericho, the end time battles. He comes to judge, purge and purify his people to make them ready by dwelling among them. This is the beginning of the Kingdom here on earth. He will use the fear of the Lord and the revelation of his love to eliminate all the paradoxes we mentioned.
This is how he will put his family in order.
This is how he will muster his army.
This is how he will build his church on the rock.
This is how he will take back his Kingdom and reign as King.
This is how he will assemble his body.
This is how he will inhabit the Temple, his place of rest.
This is how he will make his bride holy and pure.
This is how he will make us become the Sons of God.
This is how he will conform us to the image of Jesus.
This is how he will get us to where we delight to do his will.
This is how he will bring in the harvest and redeem his people Israel
Recap
Before God’s people can fulfill their destiny in the end times certain things will have to happen.
When [and only when] the Church sees God’s judgments actually being carried out, she will begin to truly inquire of the Lord. Then the Lord will reveal himself with awesome power and irresistible holiness. This brings the church into the Fear of the Lord. This is a place of repentance, worship, holiness, joy and obedience. It’s the true beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth, and the millennial reign.
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/wwtmm.html
Helicopter Dream
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
March 18, 2009
In this dream I experienced a struggle with a long series of documents that spoke of or advertised worthy causes or events. I had to devote lots of time and energy to processing each one. It was making me very tired; I was loosing my peace.
Then still in the dream, the Lord showed me that these are just a lot of time wasters, and distractions. They are snares of the devil to get you to focus on the good, instead of the best i.e. God’s will for your life.
Next I found my self in the cargo bay of a military helicopter that was very cluttered. Suddenly a voice came over the loudspeaker system.
Take out the trash, and stow away the loose gear. Find your seats and buckle in.
The ‘Boss’ was getting into the pilot’s seat, and warming up the engines for takeoff. Remember a helicopter does not need a runway, it just goes straight up.
Interpretation
A Military Helicopter speaks of warfare.
A Combat Mission is in the works.
Trash speaks of the distractions in our lives, if we don’t need it get rid of it.
Loose gear is the important things that need to be put in order.
Your seat is your place of ministry.
Buckle in is to make your calling and election sure.
The Boss is Jesus, captain of the Host.
Getting into the Pilot’s Seat speaks of taking His place as head of the Body.
Engines starting speaks of the whirlwind.
Takeoff is ascending to heavenly places with Christ.
File under Rapture of the Manchild.
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/helodrm.html
On Universalism
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
www.etpv.org
March 21, 2009
In response to stirrings of the Spirit, we are going to share a few thoughts on the teaching of universalism, also known as ultimate reconciliation, also known as ultimate rec. also known as ultimate wreck.
This is the idea that Hell is not forever. There are quite a few writers these days trying to push this idea. [This includes some who formerly posted on ETPV.]
Some of these will bring up multitudes of bible verses that are claimed to prove their point. This is mixed with a great deal of other persuasive language in support of the idea. Almost all of them sooner or later have to somehow convince you that when the bible says forever and ever, that it does not mean for ever and ever. The way this is done is to question the translation from the original bible languages into English. And this usually centers on the Greek word eon that is used in scripture.
Keep in mind that regardless of how many other arguments or bible verses are used, this is the key. If they can’t convince you on this point, everything else they say is only a distraction.
What they have to say boils down to this. The bible translators took the Greek word eon and translated it as ever or forever. And this is wrong because the word eon means age. So when the bible says for ever and ever it really means from age to age. Therefore the punishment of hell only lasts for an age. [How long that is does not matter, just so you get the idea that sooner or later it comes to an end.]
All this is done to sound very convincing, but it does not stand up to an honest examination. It’s just an example of human wisdom.
There are several ways to show what’s wrong with this kind of thinking. And we will keep this short.
They are
to show that it’s is false conclusion.
to show the correct conclusion.
to illustrate the correct conclusion.
and to show that the false conclusion leads to a contradiction or impossible situation, and thereby has to be false.
First to look at the meaning of age to age. It means from one age to another, this is not the same as saying just one age. This itself should be pretty plain.
Second, to say from age to age, is a short way of saying from age to age to age to age and so on and so on and so on. Do you get the idea? It’s ad infinitum, Latin for to infinity [which also means forever.]
Third as an illustration, you could try to imagine a straight line that goes on into outer space and just keeps on going. But another way is to look at a circle. The signs of the zodiac in astronomy form a circle. Currently we are passing from the ‘age of Pisces’ to the ‘age of Aquarius’ and after that we will enter the ‘age of Capricorn’ and on around till we come back to Pisces and start the whole thing over. It just goes from ‘age to age’ and keeps on a-goin’.
And finally, let’s point out that the Greek word eon is used to describe the Kingdom of God in exactly the same way as it describes the eternal judgment of Hell. Eon is translated as ever in all the following verses.
Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
So if hell is not forever does that mean that heaven is not forever as well? Go figure.
Summary:
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/onuliv.html
A Tale Of Two Spirits
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
March 7, 2009
www.etpv.org
Two Spirits At Work In The End Times.
There will be two spirits at work in the end times; Spirit of Fear and the Holy Spirit of God. You will either yield to one or the other.
It’s the Spirit of Fear that Satan uses to keep men in bondage.
Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Overcomers in these end times will be those who get the victory over this fear. Others will be subject to it.
Luke 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Consider that men’s hearts fail them for fear because a Spirit of Fear abides in their hearts.
The Holy Spirit of God delivers us from fear.
Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
2 Timothy describes The Holy Spirit, given by God, as He gives the Kingdom. Power, Love and A Sound Mind stand out in great contrast to the Spirit of Fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Luke 12:31-32
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
We mention power as it is the power to obey and do the Lord’s will. The ability to prove what is that good and perfect, will of God is the same as ability to demonstrate the Kingdom of God. For to say, thy kingdom come means the same as thy will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Sometimes this is spoken of as grace. The Holy Spirit is Grace or the Spirit of Grace.
Philemon 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:29 … the Spirit of grace ….
We mention Love as it gives the Power to overcome fear.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
How does perfect love cast out fear? The Lord does this by entering your heart, driving out fear and taking it’s place when you yield to him completely. He stands at the door and knocks.
We mention having a Sound Mind. That is to have a mind transformed into the Mind of Christ.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
The unsound mind is subject to fear, delusion and self destruction.
2 Thessalonians 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
These are like the swine entered into by unclean spirits, they destroy themselves.
Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine [unclean persons]: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
In this verse from Mark 5, the phrase two thousand is a clue to an end time event, something to happen 2000 years later.
Several of the epistles open with a salutation like this one from Ephesians. It’s the Lord’s prayer and will for us.
Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s yield to the Holy Spirit fully in these times. His grace will see us through any storm.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/ato2s.html
How Principalities Fall
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
www.etpv.org
February 20, 2009
John 16:20-23
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Mike Bickle of the Kansas City IHOP posted a prophetic dream this past week that has some interesting aspects Victorious Church In The End Times by Mike Bickle
Here’s an excerpt that led to the present article.
Victorious Church In The End Times by Mike Bickle
Prophetic Dream On February 13, 2009
C. Immediately as I finished the second session at 5 PM, I saw a token of a few of the events that John prophesied in Revelation 12:7-9 when war breaks out in heaven between Satan and Michael the archangel, resulting in Satan being cast to the earth at the beginning of the Tribulation.
7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.
9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan…he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him… (Rev. 12:7-9)
D. I did not see Satan—I saw demonic principalities being cast to the earth. They looked like large snakes (over 100 yards long and 50 feet thick), each having a huge head that looked like a dragon, and many of them were coming from the sky down to the earth.
His angels [Satan’s] mentioned there in verse 9 are what we think of as demonic principalities.
Now Some Background
We want to add some insights to what’s going on there so we’ll start with some background.
Principalities
OK so what is a demonic principality? The best knows reference to these beings is in Ephesians 6.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
They are also mentioned a few other places, especially Daniel 10 which mentions the prince of Persia and of Greece. This verse from Ephesians 6 gives several descriptions of them, they may all be somewhat synonymous. Going a few chapters in Ephesians there is another important mention of them.
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Leading into this verse is a long discussion of various ideas. One of these verses mentions being raised up into heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
The idea here is that God’s people, those mentioned in Ephesians 2:6, are at some point raised to heavenly places to show God’s wisdom to the principalities and powers that hang out there. This may not be the only reason behind Ephesians 2:6, and it awaits fulfillment of the scriptures of the Book of Ephesians. As seen here in this next quote, it awaits the fullness of time.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
There is a similar thought in Isaiah 51:
Isaiah 51:16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
Old Testament Picture Of Wickedness
Now keep that in mind while we look at an allegory involving a character from the Old Testament who presents a picture of wickedness in high places.
This passage from Second Kings 9 shows the fall of Jezebel our image of a wicked principality. Here she is seen looking down from a window, which speaks of a high or heavenly place.
2 Kings 9:30-33
30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
33 And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
In this story, Jehu is a figure of Jesus and he is coming to take vengeance for the blood of Naboth [the name means fruit]. Remember here that Jezebel is a wicked ruler in a high place. Notice several things about those who throw Jezebel down. 1. They are on Jehu’s side, this speaks of being on the Lord’s side. 2. They obey instantly but do not act on their own, only at their Lords command. 3. They are on the same level as Jezebel, the same high window.
So to continue our comparison or allegory, what does it take to cast down a principality? It takes the same thing as it took to throw down Jezebel. Obedient servants of the Lord who can operate on the same level as the target principality.
The Eunuchs
Now keep that idea in mind too while we look at the meaning of eunuchs.
A eunuch is a castrated man, in particular one castrated early enough to have major hormonal consequences; the term usually refers to those castrated in order to perform a specific social function, as was common in many societies of the past. Over the millennia since, they have performed a wide variety of functions in many different cultures such as courtiers or equivalent domestics, treble singers, religious specialists, government officials, military commanders, and guardians of women or harem servants.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Eunuchs play a role in the Book of Esther where they have the task of preparing a bride for the King. They are incapable of desiring the bride for themselves, but only serve the Kings wishes.
In Matthew 19 Jesus makes a cryptic reference to eunuchs, speaking of those who make themselves eunuchs.
Matthew 19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
Here he also says He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. This is quite similar to he that has ears to hear, let him hear. So lets hear the meaning of this through our spiritual ears and consider what a spiritual eunuch might be. We find our answer in Revelation 14.
The 144,000
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
Revelation 14:4-5
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Here we find an answer to the nature of a spiritual eunuch. These are redeemed from among men, male or female. Which means they are virgins, that is, purified and without fault. They have made themselves that way by submitting unto God and resisting the Devil. They have allowed Jesus to enter their heart with his perfect love which drives out fear. So they have overcome fear, and the Devil has no power over them.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
You can find them mentioned in Revelation 7, the 144,000. How do we know they are the same bunch as mentioned in Chapter 14? Because they are called servants of our God and they are sealed in their foreheads. Here is the reference.
Revelation 7:3-4
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
The parallels with Chapter 14 are that they are standing atop Mt. Zion, a high place, with the Lamb, Jesus and have his fathers name written in their foreheads, and that they follow Jesus wherever he goes. This speaks of death to self and instant obedience to the Lord. So here we have spiritual eunuchs, the 144,000 seated together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:6.
These are said to come from all the tribes of Israel. Since most of these are what is considered the lost tribes, we are not just talking about Jews from Israel. Those in the lost tribes became gentiles. And lot’s of them are likely to be Muslims: Arabs, Iranians, Turks, Kurds, Indians, and Pakistanis! Secondly the tribes of Israel are figures for the denominations of the church, so these 144,000 could be believers from anywhere on the Globe.
The Manchild
In Mike Bickle’s article he quotes from Revelation 12 verses 7-9. Let’s back up a couple verses and pick up on what else is going on there.
Revelation 12:5-7
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Here you can see that just before there is war in heaven, a manchild is birthed and caught up to the throne of God. This event is sometimes called the Rapture of the Manchild. One thing we know about this manchild is that he shares with Jesus the authority to rule nations with a rod of iron.
The manchild is in verse 5 and the war in heaven is in verse 7, so it looks like one thing leads to another. The manchild going up somehow ‘triggers’ the war in heaven.
And where else to we see this mentioned but in Revelation 2.
Revelation 2:26-27
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Here Jesus gives a promise to a certain group of overcomers that they will receive authority to rule nations with a rod of iron. So these overcomers are later known as the manchild. See the quote from John 16:20-23 at the beginning of this essay. And besides that there is the promise in Rev 3:21.
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.
Next, how do we link this manchild to the 144,000. [The number is symbolic, and may also have a literal meaning.] Well how’s this. When the manchild is caught up to the throne of God, where else does he land but smack dab right on top of Mt. Zion with Jesus, the lamb like you see in Revelation 14? That makes the manchild people to be spiritual virgins or spiritual eunuchs.
Now what makes this Zion the throne of God? God’s choice as he says in Psalm 132.
Psalms 132:13-14
13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
And we’re not talking about some hill over in Jerusalem. We are talking about the Mt. Zion in Hebrews 12, in the New Jerusalem. That’s the Mt. Zion seen in Revelation 14.
Hebrews 12:22-24
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Summary
God has a group of overcomers, mentioned in Revelation 2. These show up in Revelation 12:5, known as a manchild. They are raised up into heavenly places as mentioned in Ephesians, and they have a message to bring to the principalities there.
Then they show up in Revelation 14, caught up to Mt. Zion, where they fit our description of spiritual eunuchs. We also see them in Revelation 7 as the servants of God, who are sealed in their foreheads.
And then as we have seen with our illustration of Jezebel, it takes eunuchs in high place to kick out the bad apple principalities and take their place. So this is exactly what’s going down in Revelation 12:7-9 and in Mike Bickle’s vision, where Satan’s angels get their eviction papers. And guess what comes next? The Kingdom Of God.
Revelation 12:10-12
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
There is also a second group of overcomers. You see them in verse 11 above. They are the end time martyrs.
The establishment of the Kingdom is also seen from a different perspective, in Revelation 11. Once the principalities fall, their domains, The kingdoms of this world come under new management. And coming under new management usually brings a Grand Opening doesn’t it.
Revelation 11:15-17
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
And that brings us back to Isaiah 51.
Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
And Isaiah 52.
Isaiah 52:7-8
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.
If My People
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
www.etpv.org
January 2009
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
We have heard this verse quoted time and time again. It is appears on banners. It forms the lyrics of songs. Ministries us it as their motto. We know of places scattered about the planet where it has actually been fulfilled on a small scale. But this promise, great and wonderful as it is, remains generally unfulfilled. And why not should be plain enough, we have not met the conditions God has set forth for this to happen.
Using The Whole Counsel Of God.
There is a way some speakers or writers play around with misquoting the bible to get people’s attention or to make a strong point. It works like this. You take a familiar verse from scripture and change is a little to mean something different. Then you ask: Is That what the Bible says? NO! Then you take and quote it correctly.
Here are a couple examples:
James 4:7 Submit yourselves under your pastor’s covering. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Is That what the Bible says? NO! Here is what it says:
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Or try this one.
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 to do the work of the ministry
Is That what the Bible says? NO! Here is what it says:
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Here’s another:
Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for thou hast employed the time tested literal method of interpretation.
Is That what the Bible says? NO! Here is what it says:
Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
One more example:
Galatians 5:18 But if ye be a faithful church member, ye are not under the law.
Is That what the Bible says? NO! Here is what it says:
Galatians 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Now try this one:
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray for Obama, then I will change his heart, and things will go back to normal.
Is That what the Bible says? NO! Here is what it says:
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Now we are going down a side trail, that will lead us back to the theme, If My People.
Here is a short excerpt from a excellent article from Hannah Weiss.
G-d’s Ultimate War Objective
Hannah Weiss
G-d’s War on the Israel-America “friendship”
What I saw [in a vision] was a big piece of cloth, which was a kind of map. The western half was the United States, the eastern half was Israel. There was a rip beginning at the top, and the two halves were coming apart. There were no hands visible - it was G-d who was ripping them apart. But on both sides of the map were tiny people running back and forth, trying to stop the ripping. It was a slow process, but they could no more stop it than ants could stop one of us from tearing a napkin.
The Lord then said, “I am tearing Israel away from America. The US is moving away from Me into darkness, and I will NOT let her take Israel, My inheritance, along with her. Israel is staying here with Me.” He said it in a tone of jealousy and possessiveness. He then said that the horrible string of terror attacks was a necessary part of the tearing process: America would not lift a finger to stop them; eventually Israel would see the falseness of such an “ally” and would stop fighting His plan to separate them.
Fullness of Iniquity
The Fullness of Iniquity is a concept relating to God’s judgments being held back, for he is slow to anger. But there comes a point where the sins of a people reach a fullness or tipping point; a point of no return. When this is reached, judgment falls. Here are a couple clues to this idea.
Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
Matthew 23:32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
There are three major issues in which America, and others have been walking a thin line, just short of the full measure of iniquity that it would take to bring down God’s severe judgments. They are abortion, homosexuality, and support of Israel. In Hannah’s word the Lord is saying the US is moving away from Me into darkness. I believe this is to say that the US and others, are about to step over the line and fill the cup of her sins. And this will be on all three major issues in very short order.
[This is the darkness spoken of in Isaiah 60. But when this darkness takes hold, his glory shall rest on his people.
Isaiah 60:2 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.]
A Look At The Long View
I believe there are two long range goals God has in mind for gentile nations before his final dealings with Israel.
First, for America and anyone else with the desire and ability to help Israel. Their power must be reduced to the point where they are simply unable to give Israel any support at all. This is a fixed minimum amount.
Second, for America and any other nation with a covenant relationship to the Lord. They must be judged and shaken to the point of repentance; the point where the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14 comes to pass. Then the Lord will heal that land and fight against their enemies. This is a variable amount. It depends on the prayers of the saints.
After This Manner Therefore Pray
Here is a short word from Glenn Jackson. I see it as another way of expressing a great truth from the word. Whatever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 14:23 … whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Exhortations From The Father
Glenn H. Jackson
January 23rd 2009
“Everything” in My Kingdom [relationships - beginning with one’s relationship with Me, positioning and, indeed, ALL things said and done] must be built on the foundation [rock] of revelation knowledge [Matthew 7:21-27]. For to approach ANY situation or circumstance in one’s own understanding [the mind of the flesh] instead of in the mind of Christ [1 Corinthians 2:16] surely means that one is unrighteously motivated and, thus, ALL that they say and do [regardless of how “good” it may appear or sound] is apart from Christ [John 15:5].
The Cry For Mercy Must Come First
Recently I have written a couple things about praying for Obama. There I came against legalistic prayers, and hypocritical prayers. These kinds of prayers are ‘not of faith’ others are. I still maintain that the cry for mercy needs to be louder than the cry for change.
Since then we have posted at least three major articles detailing how to pray, including praying for Obama. Like a shopping list, you add things to it as you go along.
Now if someone has a specific word or direction from the Lord to pray that way, then that is their assignment. If you take up someone else’s assignment and imitate their prayers, it’s not of faith. If you have a divine leading to pray in some other vein, then that is your assignment.
If you have no leading whatever on now to pray, pray in the spirit or enter into worship. Besides that the bible does give us a guideline on how to pray and what should take priority. [Priority and prioritize are words relating to what should come first, or what should come before something else.]
Now let’s take a look at how Jesus taught his followers to pray.
Matthew 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Here it’s pretty plain that “forgive us our debts” i.e. cry for mercy, should come before praying for Obama “deliver us from evil”. What we need today are apostolic leaders who will pray this way after the examples in Ezra 9, Daniel 9, and Nehemiah 1.
Nehemiah 1:6-9
6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.
7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
Also see 1 John.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Joel 2:12-13
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Revival In Israel Sooner Or Later
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
www.etpv.org
Jan 2009
Heinz’ Law of Eschatology says: For any given topic in end time bible prophecy there are 57 Varieties of opinion.
This essay will take a look at some of the ins and outs of various end time theories as they bear on revival in Israel and the Return of the Lord. If you hear some saying ouch, it’s that we may well step on some toes in our treatment of this issue. It will not be an exhaustive treatment, but more in the way of exploration and speculation. [An exhaustive treatment would be exhausting and probably never get written.]
Israel Closed To The Gospel
Years ago I was blessed by a set of teaching tapes done by Ralph Mahoney on the subject of Spiritual Influences on the Mind. Mahoney is one of those known as missionary statesmen. This would be like an apostle to the missionaries. A missionary himself in his early years, he went on to become a trainer and executive leader of missionaries.
A great part of the teaching had to do with spiritual influences of demonic princes determining whether a given country or region was open to the gospel. Missionary administrators have to determine which areas are open and which are not open for efficient deployment of their missionaries and their monies. Then he took time to lament the fact that a disproportionate number if the church’s resources were spent on missions in Israel, which was and is still closed to the gospel. And he noted that in terms of results, much of these resources should be sent somewhere else. In other words, a lot of the missionaries sent and money spent in Israel was a waste of effort.
That is not meant to say we shouldn’t be working in Israel. But if you are in Israel, please be sure that’s where you are called to be. Keep in mind the saying, Some were called, some were sent, others just packed up and went.
Romans 11:28 tells us that they are enemies of the Gospel.
Romans 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
While Romans 11:16 indicates that all Israel will be saved.
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
So for now, Israel is closed to the Gospel, but at some point all Israel will be saved. This has to mean there will come a point when the situation is turned around and Israel becomes open to the Good News Of The Kingdom Of God. The question is when? Sooner or later it will happen, when and how it will happen is the main focus of our discussion.
Theories, Theories, Theories Everywhere
Several theories I have come across recently suggest that the revival in Israel comes at the beginning of the tribulation. Just when this ‘tribulation’ begins or how long it lasts are points of disagreement. Some say 7 years, some say 3 and a half, some say it depends. But most agree there is going to be a time of tribulation of some kind. Remember Heinz’ Law.
All Israel Saved At The Beginning of the Tribulation
This theory is very widespread. It goes like this. A somewhat literal reading of Revelation 14:1-5 is seen as the Lord appearing with the 144,000 servants of God mentioned in Revelation 7:3-8, 12,000 from each tribe, in the city of Jerusalem on the hill called Mount Zion. So this is taken to mean a revival in Israel. Then this revival in Israel produces a great wave of evangelism so that the Gospel is preached through all the world. This world wide preaching of the Gospel is one of the conditions that must be met before the end will come, as explained in Matthew 24.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
While one view is that this 144,000 is a remnant of the Jews there is another view that is held by some, especially Messianic Jewish believers. This view is that the revival seen in Revelation 14 is the point when ‘All Israel’ gets saved.
Here are the key verses from Romans 11.
Romans 11:15 For if the casting away of them {Israel] be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
The reference, as it is written, points to Isaiah 59.
Isaiah 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
There are some who balk at this idea of All Israel saved. We hear talk of only a remnant saved, or mention that individual Jews can be saved but they must repent first, just like anyone else. Verse 23 mentions that they cannot remain in unbelief and still be restored.
Romans 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
Yet verse 26 says the deliverer shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob [Israel] To show exactly how it is that ‘all Israel’ gets saved this scripture from Zechariah is usually cited.
Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Here we see a mention of the spirit of grace and of supplications. This is the Holy Spirit, the Deliverer of Zion, which gives the people the grace to repent and to intercede. Since this grace is given to the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, we understand that to mean Israel. This is what makes it possible for ‘all Israel’ to repent and be saved at once.
Keep in mind that this can refer to literal sight, that is, physical seeing and to spiritual sight which is understanding. At this time they cannot see him physically because he has risen to heaven and sits at the Father’s right hand. Secondly, they cannot see him with their understanding because of the blindness mentioned in Romans 11. So when blindness is removed, spiritual sight is granted. And by this grace, Israel can make supplication, or in simpler language, make prayers of repentance.
Why is this needed? Let’s jump over here to Matthew 23 we see where Jesus says he will not return till his people pray and ask him to.
Matthew 23:39 For I say unto you, [speaking to Jerusalem] Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
How did this blindness get there? One view is that the blindness came because Israel missed their time of visitation. A close reading of Romans 11 however shows that it was there all along.
Romans 11:7-8
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
Here you see in verse 8, where is says as it is written, a reference to a verse in Deuteronomy 29 that supports the idea that it was there all along.
Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.
Let’s keep moving along with this theory that all Israel is saved at the beginning of the tribulation. Life from the dead [Romans 11:15] is seen to be the revival of “Israel” to fulfill her national calling. This calling is to be a light to the nations. The nations are the gentiles and thereby the 144,000 are those who will evangelize the world. And so the gospel of the kingdom is preached to all the world. And the harvest of the gentiles is completed. Then the end comes as Jesus returns and sets up a kingdom to rule from Jerusalem for 1000 years.
See: Revival Redemption and Return of the Lord http://www.etpv.org/2008/rrnrotl.html by Bill Somers
One problem with this is how the Lord is Revealing Himself to the Jews. According to Romans 11:25 this requires the removal of the blindness. This is in turn requires the fullness of the gentiles. If the fullness of the Gentiles speaks of the harvest of the gentiles, then the above scenario is a case of circular reasoning. That is they are saying in effect that the fullness of the gentiles yields a removal of the blindness. This produces the revival in Israel which brings about the fullness of the gentiles. Naturally there is a way around this if you claim that the fullness of the gentiles means something other than the harvest of the gentiles as is commonly thought. Remember Heinz’ Law.
Now we are going to focus on the idea of “All Israel Shall Be Saved” and the setting whereby this happens at the end of the tribulation.
All Israel Saved At The End of the Tribulation
A Spiritual reading of Revelation 14:1-5 would see it as depicting revival coming to the Church at the beginning of the tribulation, not to ‘all Israel’ or even part of Israel. In this case, Mt. Zion is the church, as in Hebrews 12:22-23. And the 144,000 are followers of the Lamb, Jesus. They are Jews and Gentiles from every group and denomination including the outcasts of Israel.
This does not rule out any sort of revival in Israel to come at any time. We certainly welcome any move of God in Israel. All we are saying is that Revelation 14:1-5 is not interpreted as applying to natural Israel.
This view sees it as linked to other passages which show the same event from differing vantages or express it in differing language. Some of these links are Revelation 12:10, Revelation 11: 15-17, Psalm 2:6, Isaiah 28:16, Zechariah 4:7 and others. All of these relate to the Kingdom of God. In this view, the church does not usher in the Kingdom, the church does not expand the kingdom, and the church does not establish the kingdom. Rather the church becomes the kingdom by way of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. We are still living in the days when there was no king is ‘Israel’ and every man did what was right in his own eyes. When the King comes, we can say, Our God Reigns. This is the Gospel of the Kingdom mentioned in Matthew 24.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The Gospel: Good News and Glad Tidings for all peoples.
The Gospel of the Kingdom has two expressions. One is the Promise of Salvation to all peoples in terms of saying there is a kingdom Coming.
It speaks of ‘salvation ready to be revealed in the last days.’
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
After it is revealed in the last days, i.e. the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Gospel will have a new expression. It will say “Our God Reigns” as those end time saints go forth proclaiming this good news. They have the lovely feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. And this is what truly enables world wide evangelization.
In the first expression, we say, like Jesus did, repent for the kingdom is at hand. In the second, we say the kingdom is now here.
Opposition To The Spiritual Approach
This whole approach is shunned by dispensationalists, i.e. pre-tribulationists, because it puts the church in the tribulation period. Any hint of such an approach triggers a ‘don’t go there’ reaction.
It is also loathed by messianic believers for several reasons. First is spiritualizes ‘Israel’ which can lead to a doctrine of demons called ‘replacement theology;’ a theory that leaves natural Israel out in the cold. Second, it puts off the salvation of ‘all Israel’ to the end of the tribulation, meaning that Israel would never fulfill her national calling to be a light to the nations and that she will remain an enemy of the gospel till the very day Jesus returns. And third, it undercuts the view that Jesus will set up a literal physical Kingdom, with it’s capitol in Jerusalem when it’s all over. And finally it sidesteps the issue of Israel’s right to inherit the land promised to it in the bible.
Israel Saved At The End: A Quick Summary
Revival in The church.
Church evangelizes the world.
Fullness of the Gentiles. Romans 11:25
Israel’s Blindness removed Romans 11:25
Israel receives the Spirit of grace and supplication Zechariah 12:10.
Israel calls on the name of the Lord and Jesus returns Matthew 23:39
Resurrection of the dead Romans 11:15
Jesus and the armies of heaven fight the battle at Armageddon. Revelation 19:19
Zechariah 12:10 Linked to the Second Coming
In the earlier discussion we looked at how it is that ‘all Israel’ gets saved, quoting from Zechariah.
Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
This indeed shows the means for All Israel being saved. But we also need to look at other cross references here that speak of the Second Coming. These following verses provide a picture of the Second Coming.
This shows him coming in the clouds.
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
This one tells us that when he comes in the clouds, everyone shall see him, especially those which pierced him, at the crucifixion, his own Jewish people.
Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
And then the mention of they also which pierced him takes us right to Zechariah 12:10 which mentions me whom they have pierced. So the work of the spirit of Grace and Supplications that is needed to bring about the salvation of ‘all Israel’ is directly tied to nothing less than the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this places the salvation of ‘all Israel’ right at the end of the tribulation.
Tie in to Romans 11 to Matthew 23:39
Matthew 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.
Romans 11:11-12
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
Romans 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Here the argument is that if the receiving of them i.e. the salvation of Israel, comes at the Second Coming, then the phrase life from the dead is the resurrection.
Romans 11:25-26
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Romans 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Battle of Armageddon
The Battle of Armageddon is laid out in these three quotes.
This shows all the world coming against Israel.
Zechariah 12:2-3
2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
This shows where they are gathered to battle.
Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
This shows that all those gathered to battle against Jerusalem, are there to fight against ‘Him that sat on the horse,’ Jesus.
Revelation 19:19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
There are many who will not like this scenario and present alternate views. Remember Heinz’ Law. There are many who don’t like the idea that ‘all Israel’ will be saved. And others who don’t want to believe that the hope of Israel is deferred to the very end of this tribulation, also known as Jacob’s trouble.
This is why you can find endless quibbling about who is Israel, who is a Jew, or what does ‘all Israel’ mean. What about the lost tribes? And some are saying the fullness of the gentiles refers to the times of the gentiles.
Further consequences for the church
Questions we need to ask.
Does the blindness get removed because the Holy Spirit comes? Or Does the Holy Spirit come because the blindness is removed?
What is the fullness of the gentiles? And what is the fullness of Israel? Besides the notion of ‘full number’, the context of Romans 11 seem to indicate that fullness means their salvation. In Genesis 48, Jacob prophesies over Ephraim. The Hebrew word there for multitude is also translated fullness, elsewhere in the Hebrew old testament.
Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
This idea of salvation here is linked to the idea of a multitude; we are speaking of the salvation of a multitude or large quantity of nations or gentiles.
Romans 11:11-12
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
In these verses, their fall is contrasted with their fullness, so fullness speaks of restoration or salvation. What if they had not fallen? Then salvation would not have been available to the gentiles. If they knew Him to be their Messiah, they would not have had him crucified, and then there would be no redemption for mankind.
While there is a promise that ‘all Israel’ shall be saved, there is no similar promise that ‘all gentiles’ will be saved. Still we see that the Gospel must be preached to all the world, and this fullness of the gentiles must have ‘come in to remove the blindness’. So if it is not all the gentiles, then it has to be some number gentiles. It has to be a vast multitude from every tribe and nation, still it is some number that has to be reached.
In the book of Revelation, when sixth seal is mentioned, there is a clue. Here it is saying the return of the Lord, to avenge his martyrs, must await the fulfillment of the rest of the martyrs that should be killed. There is a certain number to be fulfilled. That is a certain quantity.
Revelation 6:9-11
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Let’s spell this out very carefully. The request to Judge and Avenge in Revelation 6:10 is talking about the second coming of Jesus. Here it is seen in 2 Thessalonians where the bible tells of vengeance happening at the return of the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-8
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
So all this is to say there is a ‘certain number’ of martyrs that must be fulfilled before Jesus returns. While Romans 11:25 is saying there is a ‘certain number’ of Gentiles that must be fulfilled before Jesus returns. When you phrase it that way, the connection becomes very clear.
Is fullness of the martyrs then the fullness of the gentiles? And when that number is reached, will the Lord say Vengeance Is Mine, I will repay.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
If the fullness of the martyrs means the fullness of the gentiles, many will be quite unhappy with the idea that the church goes through the tribulation only to be martyred at the end. On the other hand, this means the martyrdom of the church which is fullness of the gentiles brings about the revival in Israel, and in turn this leads to the Return of Christ. This is something we should look forward to and be glad in.
All this reasoning involves long chains of logic. If any one of them proves to be a weak link, then the whole idea falls apart. Remember Heinz’ Law. Still this is what the Lord has shown me, as far as I understand it, and there are confirmations of it given in other articles I have written. Consider that the whole discussion beginning in Romans 10 has a conclusion in the use of the word therefore in Romans 12:1.
Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And this leads to the conclusion of Romans 12, a promise and a prophecy.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
What Have We Learned In 2008
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
December 3, 2008
Mark 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Just in case we didn’t realize it before, we learned that we are a House Divided Against Itself.
This applies to America, Israel and to the Church as a whole, world wide.
If you paid any attention to the controversy of the Lakeland Outpouring, Political strife in Israel, or the American Electoral Process, this should be clear.
God’s people are deeply divided. And we are divided in multiple ways. Doctrinal divisions, sects and denominations, political aims, culture and race.
We are not the church that Jesus is building. We are not walking in the spirit of holiness. We are not the kingdom of God that we claim to be. We are not come into unity; Nor are we dwelling on Mt. Zion under a new covenant of grace.
We are saying to ourselves, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; but really we are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [Revelation 3:17]
That’s what we have learned this year, right?
A Sobering Thought
Bill Somers
Mount Gilead Ohio USA
www.etpv.org
November 20, 2008
This past November 12 we posted a vision written by Steve Foss.
The End Time Battle Steve Foss
This was received by him and posted May 15th, 2000, and can be found on his website. http://stevefoss.com/endtimebattle.html
The vision shows the end time army of the Lord battling the enemy and freeing captives. Here is a quote of one of the paragraphs.
As the army got to the front lines of the enemy it was a one sided slaughter. The enemy was literally over run by the overwhelming power of the Army of the Lord. As the army got to where the camps were, the brightness of their light caused all to see who they were. Everyone reached out a hand to them as they passed by.
When they saw it was Christians all had a shocked look on their face. Many smiled a stretched their hand even more and were lifted up by one or more of the soldier and were placed into the army. They too became brilliantly white.
Others when they saw it was the church and that Jesus led the army, they got a repulsive look on their faces, pulled back their hands, and laid back down to the ground amongst the slaughter and the waste. They quickly became diseased and died. This was quite shocking to me as some of those who pulled back their hands said with great disgust when the saw Jesus and the Church, “Not YOU!!!”
As disgusting as their camps were and as brilliant Jesus and the church was, they didn’t want Him. They were offended at Jesus. They willfully rejected Him.
As I sought the Lord about this how this showed people rejecting him, I believe this is what he showed me. I’m working from the idea that Jesus does not always appear to people in his glory. Sometimes he appears as someone else, or as an angel. In this case, for those saying ‘Not You’ he is appearing as the one person they always hated and never could forgive. And with stubborn, prideful unforgiveness in our hearts, we cannot receive His mercy.
Now what could some possible examples of this be?
For those who railed against Catholicism and hated Catholics, he could appear as one of the Popes, Padre Pio, or even Bishop Sheen!
For those who loved their Jewish Brethren but despised the Arabs, he may look like Yasser Arafat.
To those who couldn’t’ stand Televangelists, he might appear as Benny Hinn!
For those who opposed pretribulationism, he might look like Tim LaHaye.
To those who cast scorn on the Holy Laughter, Toronto and Brownsville, he may appear to be Rodney Howard-Browne.
For those appalled by the Lakeland Revival, he might even look like Todd Bentley.
To those upset by the elections, he may look like Barak Obama!
He might even appear to you as your Ex!
I can think of quite a few of my Christian brothers and sisters who I am not exactly pleased with, and realize I must forgive them. If not I may be rejecting Jesus himself. What about you?
Excerpt ...
November 9, 2008
In the musical Fiddler On The Roof, there is a point where the village rabbi is asked to pray for the Russian Tsar, their oppressor. What he comes up with is a sort of politically correct bit of lip service and sarcasm. He says:
May The Lord God bless and keep the Tsar - - - far from our village.
Here is a perfect example of a religiously correct, hypocritical prayer. One that is prayed out of a sense of obligation. But there was no real intention to bless the Tsar there.
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http://www.etpv.org/bills_page/isnr4o.html