This book of Remembrance is the book of the Lamb. This is the basis by which God has blessed man in his Son.("For he chose us in him before the creation of the world"-Ep.1:4-NIV) and it is left to the Son to determine whose names should be included or left out.
Consider those who compromised with temporal powers represented by the beast ,- they forfeited their place, "whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"(Re.13:8). They did not, as Jesus would say gather with him. "Truly they have received their reward in full"(Matt.6:2-NIV). They won in this world but not everlasting life, the reward Jesus could give. "My reward is with me to give every man and according his work shall be."(Re.22:12). So predestination is the Fellowship of God with Man for which the emblem of the slain Lamb signifies the everlasting covenant written in the book of the Lamb and countersigned by the blood of Jesus. The throne of God on one part and the throne of the Lamb on the other carry all the overcomers foreknown by God. Those who have been left out proved their DNA did not match the faith, which is one.
"Whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
We shall begin with the commandment of God, "Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one".(Nu.1:2-NIV).
The Heb. word Gulgoleth translates head. Christ as the Head gives him pre-eminence; and in the Fellowship of God with Man, every man is called to be counted in the Man component. 'Man created in our image' is not merely counted but is also written down in the book of the Lord. Under the name Zion there shall be names drawn from the earth. "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her." (Ps.87:5)
This distinction helps us to under the term Predestination better.
In the divine Will we shall examine the Father Son relationship in terms of Cause-Effect. Under the Law of Moses every head was counted under Cause. In this context we can consider the book of the Lord is about the breath of God rendering his glory in terms of the living soul. Though the Israelites did not make it to the Promised Land but for Joshua and Caleb they have their entry in the book. God shall not deny his Holiness.
Owing to sin it could be MTP or genetic mutations, nevertheless all are counted, 'one by one', and as the Psalmist would say, but they are entered in 'thy book'. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."(Ps.139:16)
What is 'thy book'? This book of the Lord is different from the Book of remembrance. So when God tells Noah "And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."(Ge.9:16).
When the prince enters, he is to go in through the portico of the gateway, and he is to come out the same way./When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate./
"And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.." (Ez.46:10)
Here the prophet is referring to the Prince of peace, which is Jesus Christ. The key verse is referring to the humanity of the Son, whom God sent to the world. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," ( John 1:14). The prince is to be among them and he knew what he was there for. So before his death he informs, "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end."( Luke 22:37), He was appointed to die once, even as they, Prophet Ezekiel speaks of it as go in and going out.
Now let us consider the manner the Prince enters in v.8. His Advent and Ascension is entirely at odds with how people of the land were to come in or go out. What is special about this?
In the Acts of the Apostles we hare given the Ascension. "And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;/ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Ac.1:10-11)
The Prince of peace was sent by God and it is to him he returned. As for the rest, the command is, "No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate."
I would also add that we can look to Christ Himself who apparently "broke" the Sabbath law by healing on the Sabbath; having Disciples eating grain and thus "doing work"; etc. ( Matt. 12:1). Jesus replied a few verses later that the Son of Man was Lord of the Sabbath. Therefore Christ in His obedience did what He always did as a member of the Godhead; did all the works of the Father and of course as a man lived sinlessly. The one who created the Universe and was Divine Himself no doubt with the Father created the very laws themselves as well as all laws of physics in the universe. He could also do things such as desire and demand worship and be a jealous God as well as being able to hate perfectly and love that way as well. God's nature therfore is reflected in the law; and the lawless one (Satan) comes to remove all restraint.
So therefore to be free from the law we can choose to follow the Spirit or God forbid use it as a license to sin. ( Romans 6:1). That is what determines if we are truly free as a slave to Christ; or living what seems right to us but leads to death ( Prov. 14:12). Freedom is in following Christ and part of the New Covenant; but doesn't remove the universal laws affecting things such as murder and divorce and adultery (such as seen in Mark 6:18). This shows how even pagans are under covenant vow obligations. There are ceremonial laws and special O.T. laws specifically for Israel (which would cover the Sabbath Day requirement). That differentiation can help us understand things better; Jesus goes one step beyond with murder and adultery with the state of the heart. We also need to look at sins of omission as well as commission and how things affect others with a sort of ripple effect. Outer actions reflect the fruit of our inner most being; and whether we have a new heart or heart of stone
( Ezekiel 36:26).
Christ needs to Lord of all or He is not our Master; we must fall on the rock or be crushed ( Matt. 21:44).
Simply put; the Holy Spirit is the method of displaying Christ's presence on earth. Hebrews 6:4-8 as well as 1 Peter 2:3 show that those who have tasted the heavenly gift and other things of the Spirit as well as the powers of the coming age to be renewed once again to repentance once fallen away. This ties in for several reasons to the text in Matthew 12:31. We must remember first of all that much like Satan Himself Christ's works were made manifest for all men to see and thus nothing more could be done after witnessing undeniable miracles such as blind being healed which had never been seen in O.T. times. Also; of course the Pharisees accused him of using the power of Beelzebub to perform His miracles; despite the fact that the Spirit even before the church age was there such as with John the Baptist to convict the world of sin; righteousness and judgment to come. ( John 16:8). The Pharisees denied the Divinity of Christ and that was after all they saw and Christ saying that He was the I AM ( John 8:58). Therefore they wouldn't accept worshipping Him and His Divinity as a member of the Godhead was hidden from them. Therefore Satan was truly their God. ( John 8:44).
Satan Himself was built on pride and self-exaltation therefore was mad enough to desire worship for himself despite being in heaven and seeing God's glory and no doubt the earth and the rest of Creation therefore he was given no chance of repentance ( Job 38:7). We see singing in that verse; something Lucifer as Cheribum was designed to do in charge of worship but it was turned to evil. By default then Satan is the God and loyalty of all who do this to the Spirit; most will sin and admit God is righteous or simply hate God or be afraid (as in the sixth seal); eventually Satan will be sent for those who LOVE not the truth but a lie ( 2 Thess. 2:10). Like it or not Antichrist will eventually blasphemy God and yet all those not in the Book of Life will worship him and be damned ( Rev. 13:8).
When God says what is 'unforgivable sin' we simply accept the truth. God's commandment to Adam did not allow him to argue. So simply accept or leave it. Wisdom which we use to argue belongs to carnal wisdom. This kind of argument does not solve the issue. Jas.3:14-17
""But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth./ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish./For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." There is only way we shall understand Him. We need wisdom from heaven which is free. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."(Jas.3:17)
Without truth as a moderator two may argue their heads off. Does it create peace in the end? So simply trust God and let his wisdom guide you. He has set Jesus as an example. When you receive him you have acquired wisdom as well. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"(1 Co.1:30)
Thanks. You seem to be my biggest prayer partner here. Surely have and still have many praying for me. It is the detailed prayers that I hope to see in my own church more often. We have one hour online prayer; mainly due to those few that are indisposed and shut in unable to attend live prayer or church.
So I ask that Lord willing as I attend church Sunday that somehow the message can be brought home even perhaps with the prayers for me for more in the church to involve themselves in prayer and not just in set apart times. I may have mentioned that there is scant prayer for women among themselves; I think some are in a side function of seniors. We have some younger women in particular that need; in my opinion to be more impromptu in prayer. Focus should be on praying BEFORE the sermon; those that DON'T attend Sunday school have more time that they could set apart to pray for new people attending which is one thing I am concerned about. Such activity after the service is good as well; we really need prayer by the elders offered for the sick which NEVER seems to be a part of the service such as anointing with oil or perhaps requesting anyone needing prayer to talk to the Pastor; elders or other parisioners after the service. Finally there is a plan called "operation saturation" where the Pastor and a few others are targeting every home in my community. Last time I was late getting there after work but asked the Pastor that next time we could pray before handing out the literature for our church.
As you can see prayer is something on my heart here. I have a feeling the suicide of one of the Pastor's sons decades ago has caused him to have some trepidation especially with instigating some sort of teen group in our church. One of the ladies holding our small group has the idea of getting a youth Pastor in training to help things get started.
You can pray the coffee house and bands coming will bring people to church Sunday as well.
I am so glad that your mom has been able to move from the hospital. I pray that she will thrive in the nursing facility.
I also pray for you in regards to receiving transportation assistance in every way you need it. May the Lord bless you and your mom everyday in so many ways. We all need Him so, and He is happy to meet our needs. God's blessings to you tonight and everyday. I will remember to pray for you and your Mom. Thanks for letting us know your news.
I have remembered you in my prayers. I noticed that you hadn't posted or a week or so since you got home from the hospital and I was thinking that maybe you needed to be readmitted. Oh, how wonderfully the Holy Spirit works in us, right!
I am so very sorry that you developed such a serious infection following your surgery and needed another hospital stay. But that is what was needed to get the infection cleared up and assist your gastrointestinal system during this time. Thankful for the care you received and that you are now back home. I will continue to pray for you and the recovery period you are facing. And know that we notice when you are not posting here! This is a BIG ordeal for you to go through and the outcome could have been so very different. God has preserved you through this illness. May the Lord strengthen your body, heal your immune system, allow you to get the nutrition your body needs, and help you get back to some normal routine activities soon.
My heart goes out to you as you have been through the ringer! There is a praise report somewhere in this, I am confident, but today, just getting through the moment is pretty much where you are at. Be built up in your spirit as you wait to return to normal as you reach the complete healing that God will provide for you.
I also would like to point out that strictly speaking, that we are all "wrong" in that we are NOT PERFECT. I see the truth as a great multi-faceted gem, each one of us "sees" a single facet, the key is to understand that there is much more to "The Gem" than our own understanding, and that there is much more that we cannot see. Thus we must rely upon each other to "describe" the other parts of it"
Hello Chris, I thank you for your response for I love discourse about God and His ways. I'll start off by making a distinction, I didn't say that your use of the word "abrogation" was wrong, for you used it correctly (as far as it can be used correctly), but I said I don't believe in it, not because it can't used correctly, but because to believe in it, that is, to hold it as foundational to faith leads to a veering from the way of God. For example: to believe in abrogation of the law is to contradict Matt.5:18 and I cannot believe that there is one contradiction in The Holy Bible. So as a way to remain safely within bounds of scripture I have thrown out the concept of abrogation, and instead use the concept of "maturation".
Now, you mentioned Jews that are under the old covenant and would be judged accordingly to show that under the old covenant there is no forgiveness for sin, only judgement; for forgiveness is Only with Christ not the letter of the law. I understand the point you are making, yet I point out that what you are actually pointing out is something else; Jews that believe in the letter of the law rather than Christ are under a curse and that curse is for our riches for they are "cut off" that we might be "grafted in".(please read Rom. Ch.11) So, what the Jews believe (the law) is not abrogated, but matured into The Spirit, that is, The Holy Spirit. So the Jews are wrong, yet they are wrong because God made them to be wrong, for our sake! For God Chose them for election, and a great thing about Election is that Election doesn't require any action from the elected, ONLY the act of God choosing! You see, there are two types of elect 1)the elect that are elect because God Chose them before the foundation of the world and, 2)the elect that are elected because The Elect are "cut off". So, to say that the two could never be fused together isn't correct because the elect are attached to The Elect
Thanks Jimbob. Our completely different understanding of those verses is clear, so others can decide as to what they speak of. But to your statement, "Most Bible-believing Christians see the New Testament as the prophecy, not the Old Testament as the prophecy", I guess I must be the odd-man out. I see the OT as the prophecy given & the NT as prophecy fulfilled, or yet to be fulfilled as the case may be.
Then to 2 Peter 2:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy". This word from Peter refers back to verses 16-18. Here, he affirms that what he is sharing about Jesus' Coming & Glory & also from his presence at Jesus' Transfiguration, were not the result of fables (maybe even from human imaginations), but his words to them were confirmation of the prophecies of old concerning Jesus. And this "sure word of prophecy" gave a double affirmation to his readers because he (Peter) was an immediate witness to Jesus' Life & Words, to His Glory & Power. So, the prophecy of Jesus was given in the OT, but Peter was a living witness to that prophecy, now fulfilled, having now a "sure word" to give them, to which they can't deny. So, I see no reference in this passage to "the Bible we have today". Blessings.
I would think every Christian who believes God preserved His Word and believes Every Word of God is pure would say ( 2 Pet 1:19-21) in context these holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Ghost to bring a ((more sure word)) of (prophecy) in old time are the translators of the KJB. This is how we got the KJB, If God preserved His Word like He promised us He would in ( Ps 12:6-7) Then ( 2 Pet 1:19-21) in context is the KJB translators who were moved by the Holy Ghost, that has Nothing to do with the OT prophets. IT IS PROPHECY.
Most Bible-believing Christians see the New Testament as the prophecy, not the Old Testament as the prophecy.
You said "holy men of God" clearly refers to the OT prophets".
( 2 Pet 1:19) "We have also a more sure word of prophecy" prophecy #4394; it means prediction (scriptural or other) prophesying.
That more sure word of prophecy is the Word of God, its the Bible we have today. If what you are saying is true then that would mean the more sure word of prophecy spoken of here is the Hebrew manuscripts, or the Old Testament!
You must know that's not accurate Chris.
The (prophecy) is the subject in these verses, it is in context, ( 2 Pet 1:20) "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation".
not just prophecy but ((prophecy of the scripture)) (scripture) is #1124; it means a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it) scripture.
These verses are very clear that to say the OT prophets are being spoken of here, is completely out of context!.
Again if any are seeking the Truth (Truth is Christ) on youtube will show you how the KJB is the perfect, Inspired Word of God.
Thank you for your comment Chris but I am not the one who's wrong on this one friend, you are.
Thanks Daruled for your explanation. And of course, what you say is correct, seeing that Romans 7:12 clearly tells us, "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." There was absolutely nothing wrong with the Words of that Holy Law given to Israel from the Mouth of God.
You've stated that my use of the word 'abrogation' isn't correct, rather you "look for the maturation of the old thing" (i.e. the Law). In one sense, I do agree to what you've stated that the old, through the gift Holy Spirit, has 'matured' into a New Law now applicable to the Saint. However, the way I look at the Old Law, hence my writing of its abrogation (abolishment), is that the Law was bound to the Old Covenant (there could be no separation at all). If a Jew continued to follow the words & compulsions of the Law, he was still under the Old Covenant & under it he would be judged. But under the New Covenant in Christ's Blood, the Old Covenant has been abolished with its requirements for rigid obedience to the Law that was intrinsic to it, with its resulting judgements. The Law that only led to death had to be abolished so that the Law that gives life ( Romans 8:2) might be established. The two could never be fused together.
So why are we seeing this differently? I agree to the Words of the Law given to Israel are everlasting & those words can certainly be applied under the New Covenant. Yet, it's not just the Words themselves, but the nature of the Old Covenant that is in question. The Words might be similar & applicable, but since the New Covenant supersedes the Old, the Old can only give the believer in Christ a 'skeletal' view of what God now requires of His children. And this, the Old Law could never show Israel - but only after Jesus came & then under the New Covenant, the Spirit can reveal the full meaning, implications, & requirement of God for holy living, now accomplished in His Power alone. This the Old Law could never do, for it wasn't in its design.
Myself and several others on this site have debated this topic often and when debating you we've made it very clear that if a person is continuing in habitual sin, he is not likely a saved person.
Adam, God chastise those that are his. He don't let his children get away with sin.
Where you say a Christian can lose his salvation, We've said Everyone Professing Christianity is not saved, siting Matthew 7:21-23 and highlighting verse 23 "And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".
Jesus said he knows his sheep.
He also said I will never leave or forsake us.
John 10:27.
Hebrews 13:5.
I've also referred people to this portion of scripture concerning this debated topic.
Romans 5:20 through Romans 6:4.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
It would be interesting Jimbob, to learn how many Bible-reading, Bible-believing Christians actually understand 2 Peter 1:19-21 as you do. Not speaking for others, & having addressed this point with you before, I reiterate that the "holy men of God" clearly refers to the OT prophets & writers that were inspired & moved by God's Spirit to pen these holy words. Nothing at all to do with the KJB translators or any translation work, simply because of context of the passage & the timeline (i.e. between the first recording & then the translation work into other languages).
This important understanding shows us, that when even a slight deviation from the meaning of the text is taken, we can then justify many other things. No doubt the KJB translators were greatly helped by the Spirit & these men were diligent in their business, but there has to be differences in, say the English versions, to the original Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek texts. When texts are modified, omitted, or added to, then there are a number of reasons for that, chiefly that the 'older' manuscripts were being used in translation & not the more reliable later Textus Receptus (from which we get our KJB & some others). GBU.
These 10 are one.Wouldn't they be the name of the father of the Jews? John 8:44-45.
I am asking because according to the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD-, Acts 4:11-12 say:
11-JESUS 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.(Yes, there is none other NAME under HEAVEN except JESUS,that is the NAME that the own GOD chose for He Himself.JESUS said:I and my Father are One- John 10:30.And in the fourth Day after Adam,or around 2000 years ago,JESUS said: My Father worketh hitherto(it was still the fourth Day),and I work- John 5:17). In my understand,GOD was never called by nicknames as above listed.The name of GOD is only one:JESUS.
I don't quite understand why people lend credence to Kabbalistic and esoteric, and spiritists, sources(?)Think about it.
"Yehovah", "Yehovih", et al. as above listed,are considered sacred names in Kabbalah,so what? I find this absurd. But what does the Word of GOD say? 1Tim.4:1-2:
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Beloved, believe not every spirit,but try the spirits whether they are of GOD:because many false prophets are gone out into the world- 1John 4:1.
1Jn 5:19-20:
19 We know that we are of GOD,and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 And we know that the Son of GOD is come,and hath given us an understanding,that we may know Him that is true,and we are in Him that is true,even in His Son Jesus Christ.This is the true God, and eternal life.
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us,and give us His protection, now,and for ever.
You said you don't want to speculate regarding the mind of God, yet you go on to say "I do believe however that God in His wisdom and mercy gave the translators a deep respect for the Word of God and caused them to produce an exceptionally faithful word for word translation" (a deep respect?) If the Holy Ghost was involved then whatever was translated was translated PERFECTLY! Why would God give them a "deep respect" for His Word when He could use holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost? Is anything to hard for God? Does God make mistakes?
David are you not speculating in making the statements you are making?
( 2 Pet 1:19-21) If these holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Ghost to bring the prophecy of the scripture from old time were the translators, and yes I do believe that to be the Truth. Then we do have a PERFECT Inspired Word of God today.
God would not preserve the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and then just stop at that and leave the rest up to men to translate, and make mistakes, would He?
You said "God has also guided men to provide the tools necessary to check out the KJV translation"
God did provide the tools necessary to check out the KJ translation so don't you think that translation would be His pure Words?
The only Bible that can be used with the Strong's Concordance to check the original meaning of the words in the Hebrew and Greek language is the KJB, there is a reason for that!
God does not make mistakes, God is not the author of confusion.
EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE! EVERY WORD!
( Ps 12:6-7) (Pro 30:5-6)
In ( Jn 14:23) "If a man love me he will keep ((my words))"
I will say again (Truth is Christ) on youtube is pretty much proof God preserved His Words in the KJB only, if you or anyone else seeking the Truth would spend a little time to do some research and watch some of the videos on this site!
After appendicitis and subseauent antibiotic for infection and inflammation of my intestines for 12 days; I had to go back less than 48 hours later and after another week just got back home; this time on a liquid diet much longer to make sure I can handle things.
I probably already mentioned my appreciation for several believers with the Chaplain staff and one intern in particular who stated that he was a Christian and likely would pray for me. I also found the people in my church who called me multiple times very faithful; as they are with prayer and visiting many members who are confined (and with their own volition not being prompted by the Pastor to do such things). I am thankful after 2 years in this city (Philly suburb) to have found such a church and become a member.
Also of course the serving of the staff day and night on 12 hour shifts helped me to be grateful for the work involved for patient care. The hospital was a local one; fortunately one of the better. They helped me be as independant as I could; learning to navigate an IV or TPN line (food line) around to the bathroom by myself after "graduating" from the port o potty. I don't recommend the stomach pump that goes down you nose for fun entertainment; but it had to be done and I put them through a hard time more than once. If the tube was out I could have serious issues but you cough up flem all night long.
God was with me no doubt; it allowed my parents to become friends with a couple in church to help them; and thankfully my employers will give me leave the next couple weeks until I can get back and my parents will help me with what my insurance didn't cover; the operation. It did cover all but 50 dollars a day for the stay which is a game changer!
I quoted "this is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" to one of the nurses today. No great response but I know I was there to be a witness. I appreciate your prayers.
Not sure where to intersect this; I am back after SECOND stint in hospital; out on full liquid diet. Seems my colon was infected the first time they are taking their time since I have had a tendency for inflammation. Anyway my church family has been faithful.
Since this is for commentary on your comment on the Levites I suppose I should say something related to that. It reminds me of the sons of Eli when they did the opposite; in molesting the young women and eating raw meat which was the extreme of lawlessness. The example you gave shows the Pharisitical behaviors; and also shows how things such as the Talmud and human tradition take away any real mercy as the Torah was also supposed to have; along with the Temple destined to be a place of prayer for all nations. The fact that they used the law to justify their actions of greed such a with their "Corbin" behavior which Christ excoriated them over makes it worse in some ways from those who just want to live licensiously.
What we CAN learn from the Levites and ordinances is we need to approach God on HIS terms; the consequences for any other way are clear in scripture (Ananias and Sapphira). God sees all and we must approach Him with fear and awe with the New Covenant as much as with the Old. God is the same yesterday today; Alpha and Omega.
Such an example could fit in with today's churches in some ways as well. Traditions of men such as styles of worship; attire; restrictions on dancing; movies; etc.; legalistic tithing and many other practices in themselves are useless; we should; however not go so casual as to disrespect God and make the Spirit decide to take the train to the coast so to speak as Don McLean's famous song would mention so poetically. Such a song as American Pie also makes us soberly think about America falling possibly in a day like Babylon. We could also extrapolate how music in the Christian music industry has "died" in some respect also although that may be a stretch.
Sorry to bothering you brother I text you several hours ago I got my birthday incorrect it's June the 20th of next year 2024 that's 10 months away thank you again for responding I'm not good in technology have a good day take care
That's wonderful. Hallelujah! A new brother in Christ. Please Jesus bless us with more praise reports. Father God, please bless Bibleman72, with transportation to go see his mom. Plus bless the driver. Bless us with the manifestation of Your power in all things. Amen
God framed the worlds by his word and they are upheld by the word of power, which coming from the Son brings the earth as part of the Father Son relationship. "His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;/ Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power," This being the case Jesus could claim, "I and my Father are one"( John 10:30). The Jews who heard his statement judged him and took stones to throw at him. In the Book of the Revelation we have the fall of Babylon which includes nations of the world, including Israel. The angel who threw the stone 'like a great millstone judged which came from the rightful Authority.(Re. 18:21).
Symbolic values of a stone and of a Lamb are the same, which is not the case of the natural world.
We shall consider this text: Re.22:3-5
"But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:/ And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads./ And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
It is significant that Jesus Christ reveals himself in the inaugural vision to John announcing, "and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."(Re.1:18)
At the end of the book we see Jesus Christ in his Omega aspect, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last./Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."(Re.22:13-14). Notice that gates to the city are no more shut? It indicates that we are looking at the day of Regeneration. "And the gates of it shall not be shut by day."
Abiding in Christ is to let his grace work perfectly in our lives. He.13:5
New heaven and new earth are for those who are born again. In order to be part of Alpha and Omega they are enjoined to walk in the true Light. In Alpha and Omega we were shown how John viewed the holy city of God came down.
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." In ch.22:2 as with the vision of Daniel in ch.12 he sees across the river of time the world of the body where the nations still require healing and are under the curse.
It is thus we shall consider the Alpha and Omega aspect with regards to our positions within the divine Will in which there is only a single tree of life.
Here we shall consider Jesus Christ as the beginning and the ending. It is in terms of day, which God established by a decree. This beginning has had day and night running sequentially. "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness./ And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."(Ge.1:4-5)
The symbolic value of the greater light and the lesser light put the entire world seen as temporal subject to the Father Son relationship. " And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness:" So when God said 'be ye holy as I am holy' he sent his Son as the visible image of the invisible God so man had a template to grown to its full stature. The sun, moon and the stars were not for themselves or for the natural world where change is the norm, but the key to holiness is in the kingdom of God. It is faith. (He.11:3)
The Book of the Lamb"
This book of Remembrance is the book of the Lamb. This is the basis by which God has blessed man in his Son.("For he chose us in him before the creation of the world"-Ep.1:4-NIV) and it is left to the Son to determine whose names should be included or left out.
Consider those who compromised with temporal powers represented by the beast ,- they forfeited their place, "whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"(Re.13:8). They did not, as Jesus would say gather with him. "Truly they have received their reward in full"(Matt.6:2-NIV). They won in this world but not everlasting life, the reward Jesus could give. "My reward is with me to give every man and according his work shall be."(Re.22:12). So predestination is the Fellowship of God with Man for which the emblem of the slain Lamb signifies the everlasting covenant written in the book of the Lamb and countersigned by the blood of Jesus. The throne of God on one part and the throne of the Lamb on the other carry all the overcomers foreknown by God. Those who have been left out proved their DNA did not match the faith, which is one.
Book Of The Lamb
"Whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
We shall begin with the commandment of God, "Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one".(Nu.1:2-NIV).
The Heb. word Gulgoleth translates head. Christ as the Head gives him pre-eminence; and in the Fellowship of God with Man, every man is called to be counted in the Man component. 'Man created in our image' is not merely counted but is also written down in the book of the Lord. Under the name Zion there shall be names drawn from the earth. "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her." (Ps.87:5)
This distinction helps us to under the term Predestination better.
In the divine Will we shall examine the Father Son relationship in terms of Cause-Effect. Under the Law of Moses every head was counted under Cause. In this context we can consider the book of the Lord is about the breath of God rendering his glory in terms of the living soul. Though the Israelites did not make it to the Promised Land but for Joshua and Caleb they have their entry in the book. God shall not deny his Holiness.
Owing to sin it could be MTP or genetic mutations, nevertheless all are counted, 'one by one', and as the Psalmist would say, but they are entered in 'thy book'. "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."(Ps.139:16)
What is 'thy book'? This book of the Lord is different from the Book of remembrance. So when God tells Noah "And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."(Ge.9:16).
When the prince enters, he is to go in through the portico of the gateway, and he is to come out the same way./When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate./
"And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.." (Ez.46:10)
Here the prophet is referring to the Prince of peace, which is Jesus Christ. The key verse is referring to the humanity of the Son, whom God sent to the world. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," ( John 1:14). The prince is to be among them and he knew what he was there for. So before his death he informs, "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end."( Luke 22:37), He was appointed to die once, even as they, Prophet Ezekiel speaks of it as go in and going out.
Now let us consider the manner the Prince enters in v.8. His Advent and Ascension is entirely at odds with how people of the land were to come in or go out. What is special about this?
In the Acts of the Apostles we hare given the Ascension. "And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;/ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Ac.1:10-11)
The Prince of peace was sent by God and it is to him he returned. As for the rest, the command is, "No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate."
So therefore to be free from the law we can choose to follow the Spirit or God forbid use it as a license to sin. ( Romans 6:1). That is what determines if we are truly free as a slave to Christ; or living what seems right to us but leads to death ( Prov. 14:12). Freedom is in following Christ and part of the New Covenant; but doesn't remove the universal laws affecting things such as murder and divorce and adultery (such as seen in Mark 6:18). This shows how even pagans are under covenant vow obligations. There are ceremonial laws and special O.T. laws specifically for Israel (which would cover the Sabbath Day requirement). That differentiation can help us understand things better; Jesus goes one step beyond with murder and adultery with the state of the heart. We also need to look at sins of omission as well as commission and how things affect others with a sort of ripple effect. Outer actions reflect the fruit of our inner most being; and whether we have a new heart or heart of stone
( Ezekiel 36:26).
Christ needs to Lord of all or He is not our Master; we must fall on the rock or be crushed ( Matt. 21:44).
Agape.
Satan Himself was built on pride and self-exaltation therefore was mad enough to desire worship for himself despite being in heaven and seeing God's glory and no doubt the earth and the rest of Creation therefore he was given no chance of repentance ( Job 38:7). We see singing in that verse; something Lucifer as Cheribum was designed to do in charge of worship but it was turned to evil. By default then Satan is the God and loyalty of all who do this to the Spirit; most will sin and admit God is righteous or simply hate God or be afraid (as in the sixth seal); eventually Satan will be sent for those who LOVE not the truth but a lie ( 2 Thess. 2:10). Like it or not Antichrist will eventually blasphemy God and yet all those not in the Book of Life will worship him and be damned ( Rev. 13:8).
When God says what is 'unforgivable sin' we simply accept the truth. God's commandment to Adam did not allow him to argue. So simply accept or leave it. Wisdom which we use to argue belongs to carnal wisdom. This kind of argument does not solve the issue. Jas.3:14-17
""But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth./ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish./For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." There is only way we shall understand Him. We need wisdom from heaven which is free. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."(Jas.3:17)
Without truth as a moderator two may argue their heads off. Does it create peace in the end? So simply trust God and let his wisdom guide you. He has set Jesus as an example. When you receive him you have acquired wisdom as well. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"(1 Co.1:30)
So I ask that Lord willing as I attend church Sunday that somehow the message can be brought home even perhaps with the prayers for me for more in the church to involve themselves in prayer and not just in set apart times. I may have mentioned that there is scant prayer for women among themselves; I think some are in a side function of seniors. We have some younger women in particular that need; in my opinion to be more impromptu in prayer. Focus should be on praying BEFORE the sermon; those that DON'T attend Sunday school have more time that they could set apart to pray for new people attending which is one thing I am concerned about. Such activity after the service is good as well; we really need prayer by the elders offered for the sick which NEVER seems to be a part of the service such as anointing with oil or perhaps requesting anyone needing prayer to talk to the Pastor; elders or other parisioners after the service. Finally there is a plan called "operation saturation" where the Pastor and a few others are targeting every home in my community. Last time I was late getting there after work but asked the Pastor that next time we could pray before handing out the literature for our church.
As you can see prayer is something on my heart here. I have a feeling the suicide of one of the Pastor's sons decades ago has caused him to have some trepidation especially with instigating some sort of teen group in our church. One of the ladies holding our small group has the idea of getting a youth Pastor in training to help things get started.
You can pray the coffee house and bands coming will bring people to church Sunday as well.
Agape RP
I am so glad that your mom has been able to move from the hospital. I pray that she will thrive in the nursing facility.
I also pray for you in regards to receiving transportation assistance in every way you need it. May the Lord bless you and your mom everyday in so many ways. We all need Him so, and He is happy to meet our needs. God's blessings to you tonight and everyday. I will remember to pray for you and your Mom. Thanks for letting us know your news.
I have remembered you in my prayers. I noticed that you hadn't posted or a week or so since you got home from the hospital and I was thinking that maybe you needed to be readmitted. Oh, how wonderfully the Holy Spirit works in us, right!
I am so very sorry that you developed such a serious infection following your surgery and needed another hospital stay. But that is what was needed to get the infection cleared up and assist your gastrointestinal system during this time. Thankful for the care you received and that you are now back home. I will continue to pray for you and the recovery period you are facing. And know that we notice when you are not posting here! This is a BIG ordeal for you to go through and the outcome could have been so very different. God has preserved you through this illness. May the Lord strengthen your body, heal your immune system, allow you to get the nutrition your body needs, and help you get back to some normal routine activities soon.
My heart goes out to you as you have been through the ringer! There is a praise report somewhere in this, I am confident, but today, just getting through the moment is pretty much where you are at. Be built up in your spirit as you wait to return to normal as you reach the complete healing that God will provide for you.
Now, you mentioned Jews that are under the old covenant and would be judged accordingly to show that under the old covenant there is no forgiveness for sin, only judgement; for forgiveness is Only with Christ not the letter of the law. I understand the point you are making, yet I point out that what you are actually pointing out is something else; Jews that believe in the letter of the law rather than Christ are under a curse and that curse is for our riches for they are "cut off" that we might be "grafted in".(please read Rom. Ch.11) So, what the Jews believe (the law) is not abrogated, but matured into The Spirit, that is, The Holy Spirit. So the Jews are wrong, yet they are wrong because God made them to be wrong, for our sake! For God Chose them for election, and a great thing about Election is that Election doesn't require any action from the elected, ONLY the act of God choosing! You see, there are two types of elect 1)the elect that are elect because God Chose them before the foundation of the world and, 2)the elect that are elected because The Elect are "cut off". So, to say that the two could never be fused together isn't correct because the elect are attached to The Elect
Then to 2 Peter 2:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy". This word from Peter refers back to verses 16-18. Here, he affirms that what he is sharing about Jesus' Coming & Glory & also from his presence at Jesus' Transfiguration, were not the result of fables (maybe even from human imaginations), but his words to them were confirmation of the prophecies of old concerning Jesus. And this "sure word of prophecy" gave a double affirmation to his readers because he (Peter) was an immediate witness to Jesus' Life & Words, to His Glory & Power. So, the prophecy of Jesus was given in the OT, but Peter was a living witness to that prophecy, now fulfilled, having now a "sure word" to give them, to which they can't deny. So, I see no reference in this passage to "the Bible we have today". Blessings.
That was very nicely explained.
Welcome to the site and God bless.
I would think every Christian who believes God preserved His Word and believes Every Word of God is pure would say ( 2 Pet 1:19-21) in context these holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Ghost to bring a ((more sure word)) of (prophecy) in old time are the translators of the KJB. This is how we got the KJB, If God preserved His Word like He promised us He would in ( Ps 12:6-7) Then ( 2 Pet 1:19-21) in context is the KJB translators who were moved by the Holy Ghost, that has Nothing to do with the OT prophets. IT IS PROPHECY.
Most Bible-believing Christians see the New Testament as the prophecy, not the Old Testament as the prophecy.
You said "holy men of God" clearly refers to the OT prophets".
( 2 Pet 1:19) "We have also a more sure word of prophecy" prophecy #4394; it means prediction (scriptural or other) prophesying.
That more sure word of prophecy is the Word of God, its the Bible we have today. If what you are saying is true then that would mean the more sure word of prophecy spoken of here is the Hebrew manuscripts, or the Old Testament!
You must know that's not accurate Chris.
The (prophecy) is the subject in these verses, it is in context, ( 2 Pet 1:20) "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation".
not just prophecy but ((prophecy of the scripture)) (scripture) is #1124; it means a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it) scripture.
These verses are very clear that to say the OT prophets are being spoken of here, is completely out of context!.
Again if any are seeking the Truth (Truth is Christ) on youtube will show you how the KJB is the perfect, Inspired Word of God.
Thank you for your comment Chris but I am not the one who's wrong on this one friend, you are.
Blessings to you and to all who seek His Truth.
You've stated that my use of the word 'abrogation' isn't correct, rather you "look for the maturation of the old thing" (i.e. the Law). In one sense, I do agree to what you've stated that the old, through the gift Holy Spirit, has 'matured' into a New Law now applicable to the Saint. However, the way I look at the Old Law, hence my writing of its abrogation (abolishment), is that the Law was bound to the Old Covenant (there could be no separation at all). If a Jew continued to follow the words & compulsions of the Law, he was still under the Old Covenant & under it he would be judged. But under the New Covenant in Christ's Blood, the Old Covenant has been abolished with its requirements for rigid obedience to the Law that was intrinsic to it, with its resulting judgements. The Law that only led to death had to be abolished so that the Law that gives life ( Romans 8:2) might be established. The two could never be fused together.
So why are we seeing this differently? I agree to the Words of the Law given to Israel are everlasting & those words can certainly be applied under the New Covenant. Yet, it's not just the Words themselves, but the nature of the Old Covenant that is in question. The Words might be similar & applicable, but since the New Covenant supersedes the Old, the Old can only give the believer in Christ a 'skeletal' view of what God now requires of His children. And this, the Old Law could never show Israel - but only after Jesus came & then under the New Covenant, the Spirit can reveal the full meaning, implications, & requirement of God for holy living, now accomplished in His Power alone. This the Old Law could never do, for it wasn't in its design.
Sorry for such a late response.
Myself and several others on this site have debated this topic often and when debating you we've made it very clear that if a person is continuing in habitual sin, he is not likely a saved person.
Adam, God chastise those that are his. He don't let his children get away with sin.
Where you say a Christian can lose his salvation, We've said Everyone Professing Christianity is not saved, siting Matthew 7:21-23 and highlighting verse 23 "And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".
Jesus said he knows his sheep.
He also said I will never leave or forsake us.
John 10:27.
Hebrews 13:5.
I've also referred people to this portion of scripture concerning this debated topic.
Romans 5:20 through Romans 6:4.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Goodnight and God bless.
This important understanding shows us, that when even a slight deviation from the meaning of the text is taken, we can then justify many other things. No doubt the KJB translators were greatly helped by the Spirit & these men were diligent in their business, but there has to be differences in, say the English versions, to the original Hebrew/Aramaic/Greek texts. When texts are modified, omitted, or added to, then there are a number of reasons for that, chiefly that the 'older' manuscripts were being used in translation & not the more reliable later Textus Receptus (from which we get our KJB & some others). GBU.
1-YHWH
2-Yahweh,
3-Yehovah,
4-Elohim,
5-Adonai,
6-HaShem,
7-Yahusha
8-YEHshia
9-Jehovah
10-YEHvah
These 10 are one.Wouldn't they be the name of the father of the Jews? John 8:44-45.
I am asking because according to the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD-, Acts 4:11-12 say:
11-JESUS 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.(Yes, there is none other NAME under HEAVEN except JESUS,that is the NAME that the own GOD chose for He Himself.JESUS said:I and my Father are One- John 10:30.And in the fourth Day after Adam,or around 2000 years ago,JESUS said: My Father worketh hitherto(it was still the fourth Day),and I work- John 5:17). In my understand,GOD was never called by nicknames as above listed.The name of GOD is only one:JESUS.
I don't quite understand why people lend credence to Kabbalistic and esoteric, and spiritists, sources(?)Think about it.
"Yehovah", "Yehovih", et al. as above listed,are considered sacred names in Kabbalah,so what? I find this absurd. But what does the Word of GOD say? 1Tim.4:1-2:
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy;having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Beloved, believe not every spirit,but try the spirits whether they are of GOD:because many false prophets are gone out into the world- 1John 4:1.
1Jn 5:19-20:
19 We know that we are of GOD,and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 And we know that the Son of GOD is come,and hath given us an understanding,that we may know Him that is true,and we are in Him that is true,even in His Son Jesus Christ.This is the true God, and eternal life.
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us,and give us His protection, now,and for ever.
Amen
Who created the carnal mind? Did not God create man and give him a carnal mind? YES
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity (in direct rebellion) against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
God created the problem and God solved the problem by the death and resurrection of Christ.
The old was done away with; behold. ALL THINGS have become NEW.
1 Corinthians 2:16 .....We have the mind of Christ ......
The GOSPEL is about BELIEVING what GOD HAS DONE.
Christ bowed his head in DEATH and SAID it is FINISHED. Three days later Christ arose and ALL THINGS BECAME NEW.
God Bless YOU!
I just got in from a two day work trip.
I will be posting and replying this weekend if God permits.
God bless
You said you don't want to speculate regarding the mind of God, yet you go on to say "I do believe however that God in His wisdom and mercy gave the translators a deep respect for the Word of God and caused them to produce an exceptionally faithful word for word translation" (a deep respect?) If the Holy Ghost was involved then whatever was translated was translated PERFECTLY! Why would God give them a "deep respect" for His Word when He could use holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost? Is anything to hard for God? Does God make mistakes?
David are you not speculating in making the statements you are making?
( 2 Pet 1:19-21) If these holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Ghost to bring the prophecy of the scripture from old time were the translators, and yes I do believe that to be the Truth. Then we do have a PERFECT Inspired Word of God today.
God would not preserve the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and then just stop at that and leave the rest up to men to translate, and make mistakes, would He?
You said "God has also guided men to provide the tools necessary to check out the KJV translation"
God did provide the tools necessary to check out the KJ translation so don't you think that translation would be His pure Words?
The only Bible that can be used with the Strong's Concordance to check the original meaning of the words in the Hebrew and Greek language is the KJB, there is a reason for that!
God does not make mistakes, God is not the author of confusion.
EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE! EVERY WORD!
( Ps 12:6-7) (Pro 30:5-6)
In ( Jn 14:23) "If a man love me he will keep ((my words))"
I will say again (Truth is Christ) on youtube is pretty much proof God preserved His Words in the KJB only, if you or anyone else seeking the Truth would spend a little time to do some research and watch some of the videos on this site!
(Truth is Christ) Watch and you will see.
Blessings to you David.
After appendicitis and subseauent antibiotic for infection and inflammation of my intestines for 12 days; I had to go back less than 48 hours later and after another week just got back home; this time on a liquid diet much longer to make sure I can handle things.
I probably already mentioned my appreciation for several believers with the Chaplain staff and one intern in particular who stated that he was a Christian and likely would pray for me. I also found the people in my church who called me multiple times very faithful; as they are with prayer and visiting many members who are confined (and with their own volition not being prompted by the Pastor to do such things). I am thankful after 2 years in this city (Philly suburb) to have found such a church and become a member.
Also of course the serving of the staff day and night on 12 hour shifts helped me to be grateful for the work involved for patient care. The hospital was a local one; fortunately one of the better. They helped me be as independant as I could; learning to navigate an IV or TPN line (food line) around to the bathroom by myself after "graduating" from the port o potty. I don't recommend the stomach pump that goes down you nose for fun entertainment; but it had to be done and I put them through a hard time more than once. If the tube was out I could have serious issues but you cough up flem all night long.
God was with me no doubt; it allowed my parents to become friends with a couple in church to help them; and thankfully my employers will give me leave the next couple weeks until I can get back and my parents will help me with what my insurance didn't cover; the operation. It did cover all but 50 dollars a day for the stay which is a game changer!
I quoted "this is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" to one of the nurses today. No great response but I know I was there to be a witness. I appreciate your prayers.
Rich P
Since this is for commentary on your comment on the Levites I suppose I should say something related to that. It reminds me of the sons of Eli when they did the opposite; in molesting the young women and eating raw meat which was the extreme of lawlessness. The example you gave shows the Pharisitical behaviors; and also shows how things such as the Talmud and human tradition take away any real mercy as the Torah was also supposed to have; along with the Temple destined to be a place of prayer for all nations. The fact that they used the law to justify their actions of greed such a with their "Corbin" behavior which Christ excoriated them over makes it worse in some ways from those who just want to live licensiously.
What we CAN learn from the Levites and ordinances is we need to approach God on HIS terms; the consequences for any other way are clear in scripture (Ananias and Sapphira). God sees all and we must approach Him with fear and awe with the New Covenant as much as with the Old. God is the same yesterday today; Alpha and Omega.
Such an example could fit in with today's churches in some ways as well. Traditions of men such as styles of worship; attire; restrictions on dancing; movies; etc.; legalistic tithing and many other practices in themselves are useless; we should; however not go so casual as to disrespect God and make the Spirit decide to take the train to the coast so to speak as Don McLean's famous song would mention so poetically. Such a song as American Pie also makes us soberly think about America falling possibly in a day like Babylon. We could also extrapolate how music in the Christian music industry has "died" in some respect also although that may be a stretch.
God framed the worlds by his word and they are upheld by the word of power, which coming from the Son brings the earth as part of the Father Son relationship. "His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;/ Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power," This being the case Jesus could claim, "I and my Father are one"( John 10:30). The Jews who heard his statement judged him and took stones to throw at him. In the Book of the Revelation we have the fall of Babylon which includes nations of the world, including Israel. The angel who threw the stone 'like a great millstone judged which came from the rightful Authority.(Re. 18:21).
Symbolic values of a stone and of a Lamb are the same, which is not the case of the natural world.
We shall consider this text: Re.22:3-5
"But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:/ And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads./ And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
It is significant that Jesus Christ reveals himself in the inaugural vision to John announcing, "and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."(Re.1:18)
At the end of the book we see Jesus Christ in his Omega aspect, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last./Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."(Re.22:13-14). Notice that gates to the city are no more shut? It indicates that we are looking at the day of Regeneration. "And the gates of it shall not be shut by day."
Abiding in Christ is to let his grace work perfectly in our lives. He.13:5
Re.21:24
New heaven and new earth are for those who are born again. In order to be part of Alpha and Omega they are enjoined to walk in the true Light. In Alpha and Omega we were shown how John viewed the holy city of God came down.
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." In ch.22:2 as with the vision of Daniel in ch.12 he sees across the river of time the world of the body where the nations still require healing and are under the curse.
It is thus we shall consider the Alpha and Omega aspect with regards to our positions within the divine Will in which there is only a single tree of life.
Here we shall consider Jesus Christ as the beginning and the ending. It is in terms of day, which God established by a decree. This beginning has had day and night running sequentially. "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness./ And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."(Ge.1:4-5)
The symbolic value of the greater light and the lesser light put the entire world seen as temporal subject to the Father Son relationship. " And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness:" So when God said 'be ye holy as I am holy' he sent his Son as the visible image of the invisible God so man had a template to grown to its full stature. The sun, moon and the stars were not for themselves or for the natural world where change is the norm, but the key to holiness is in the kingdom of God. It is faith. (He.11:3)