Since Scripture is clear that Jesus, the Messiah, did exist prior to His conception, then the next question would be:
What was His existence from all eternity past (as Micah 5:2) states comprised of? Luke 1:26, 38 identify Jesus as the Messiah spoken of in this Micah passage.
Unitarians believe like Ronald Whittmore: that Jesus existed as an idea or plan in the mind of God. I have yet to find this teaching anywhere in Scripture that He existed as God with the Father ( John 1:1-3; John 12:41(Is. 6:5).
John 6:46 that Jesus came from the Father and has seen the Father. An idea or plan does not see. And an idea or plan is not God as John so plainly teaches.
Jesus said that before Abraham was, I Am. in John 8:56-58, using the term "I Am" as YHWH did to Moses in Exodus 3, which means, "I exist because I exist", or "I ever exist" or "I am self-existent".
Scripture clearly teaches ( Jn. 1:1-3, Phil 1:5-8) state that Jesus (The Word who became flesh- John 1:14) existed as God prior to becoming human. This indicates that He was clearly not an idea or a plan but a real divine person in relationship with the Father, another divine person. But we also know that there is only one being that is God. Being a distinct person of the Godhead is a different category that the Being of God, not a different God, but a distinction within the one Divine Being.
In Hebrews 1 Jesus is spoken of as the begotten Son of the Father that the Father brought into the world (in the flesh) but He existed as the Son of the Father eternally before He was conceived. In John 1:8, Psalm 45:6-7 is quoted and attributed to the Father speaking to the Son, "Thy throne, O GOD; is forever and ever." The Father is calling the Son God!
John 17:5 has Jesus asking the Father to restore to Himself (Jesus) the glory that He shared with the Father prior to His (Jesus) humbling Himself to become human as well as retaining His Deity.
I have been considering your questions and praying how I can respond to help you. First of all, I will say that you can receive thoughtful responses on this forum. You can also find good answers to these two questions by searching the internet with these questions. The responses there may be as good if not better than what I or others have done so here on this forum. Not all internet sources are equally sound from a biblical perspective just as not all responses to your questions here are such. I would recommend the Got Question site as a start. They give a fairly concise explanation to your questions.
As I was thinking on your questions, I came to these responses:
1) Does Scripture speak of Jesus existing prior to His conception in Mary?
The first Scripture I will cite is John chapter 1. It does tell us that Jesus is the Word of God, who also is God, who was with God from the beginning. Jesus is said by John to have created all that has been created. And that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
John 8:56: Jesus says that He existed before Abraham existed. He used the term "I AM" in this verse which is a specific reference to the name God gave to Moses in Exodus 3, which means "I self-exist" or "I exist because I exist".
In many verses Jesus states that He came from heaven to earth, from the Father, being sent from the Father, that He is from above. The Gospel of John is replete with verses that state this.
John 8:23; John 1:18; John 3:1,17; John 6:38; John 17:21; John 3:34; John 18:36; John 1:15; John 3:12-13, 31-36; John 16: 27-28.
John 12:41refers back to Isaiah 6:5 where Isaiah saw the LORD seated on the throne and all the angels said "Holy, Holy, Holy".
John here says that Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus on the throne because he was speaking of Jesus is verses 37-40.
The New Testament states explicitly in many places that Jesus is the Christ (Jewish Messiah). In Micah 5:2 states that the Messiah existed for all eternity past.
As a man, yea as a Son, Jesus now talks to & prays to His Father in Heaven. He also said that He came to only do His Father's Will ( John 6:38), so in every respect, Jesus laid aside His Glory that He enjoyed with & in God, & as a Man waited upon His Father continually.
To the natural mind, how could Jesus be God & then be found praying to & worshiping Him? My answer is that Jesus laid aside that Glory & Position to become a Man, a Man Who came to be sacrificed ( John 12:27), and now a Son, subservient to His Father in all things. So how does God then become a Son? That is why God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son & Holy Spirit - if one aspect of His Nature is removed, I believe that God ceases to be God. Just as if our spirit or soul or body is removed or put to death, we instantly cease to be the person that was once born into the world. God exists as a Tripartite God - He can't exist as any other - that is Who He is (as revealed to us). For our sakes, God chose to take that part of Himself & give it flesh (what we otherwise understand as and called, His Word). This act doesn't render God speechless or in any way deficient in knowledge, for His Word is still active in Christ & by His Spirit. And He has given us His Word (both in Christ & the written Word) & His Spirit, thus causing us to truly become new creatures, alive in Jesus & to be lovingly called, the children of the Most High. What a great privilege - what an undeserved position we have been granted, as those already seated in the heavenlies, IN CHRIST ( Ephesians 2:4-7). And that is how our Father sees us & receives us - His blood-bought, His special children, His Spirit-sealed, forever His - because of His Work alone to ransom us. Onto Page 5.
Hello Fuji. That's a good question, because if we try to find reference to what the people said in John 12:34 in the Mosaic Law, even in the Pentateuch, then we will be disappointed. Sometimes, reference to the Law doesn't imply the Mosaic Law, but the Laws & all of the Word of God that is the body of the Old Testament. An example of this would be when Jesus answered the Jews in John 10:34, "Is it not written in your LAW, I said, Ye are gods?" It was never written in the Mosaic Law, but in Psalm 82:6, "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High." And "gods" here is the other meaning of Elohim, and that is 'judges or rulers'. Another example is in John 15:25 (cf Psalm 35:19 & Psalm 69:4) or 1 Corinthians 14:21 (cf Isaiah 28:11,12).
So, the reference you gave won't be found in the Mosaic Law, but derived from the references elsewhere to Christ's eternal existence. And my Bible cross references the following to John 12:34: Psalm 110:4, Isaiah 9:7, and Daniel 7:13,14. Hope this helps a little.
I hope you don't mind. Concerning the crucifixion and resurrection days, if we compare all the gospels, all four give the clearest truth.
In John 12:1-12, we learn that six days before Passover, Jesus visited the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany. The following day, He rode into Jerusalem, five days before Passover. This event was significant because it coincided with the 10th of Nisan, the day the lambs were selected and held until the 14th when they would be sacrificed for Passover, the same time Jesus died on the cross, Exodus 12:1-14. These Passover lambs were eaten the night of the 15th the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the day Israel went out of Egypt.
Sunday Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-22:7, and John 12:12-50.
Monday, Matthew 21:18-19Mark 11:12-19 This was the 11th, four days before Passover the 2nd day of the week.
Tuesday, Matthew 21:20 to 26:2 Mark 11:20 to 14:2 This was the 12th, three days before Passover, the third day of the week.
Wednesday, Matthew 26:6-16Mark 14:3-11Luke 22:1-6 This was the 13th, and at sunset is Passover day the 14th. The Last Supper, the arrest, sent to Pilot, the crucifixion, and placed in the tomb were all on the 14th, Passover day. Friday would be the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Jesus was in the tomb Thur. Day, Fri, Night, Fri. Day, Sat. Night, Sat. Day, Sun. Night, three days, and three nights. Jesus rose on the first day of the week and fulfilled the Feast of First Fruits, Leviticus 23:10-14 This coincides with what Jesus told Mary, touch me not, He had not ascended to His Father, John 20:17. The Feast of First Fruits as we see is on the first day after the Sabbath after Passover Day.
If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, the women could have gone to the tomb on Friday because Friday is a preparation day for the weekly Sabbath.
"Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God."(Nu.10:10) This is Gospel of peace spoken by Jesus Christ. So the voices the Israelites heard was that Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
Trumpets serve as condemnation on the nation of Israel. They were so unnerved by the voice, "And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) How effective was it. They were as farther off than then when the voice from heaven spoke at the time Jesus was among them, "Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again./The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him./Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes./Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." ( John 12:28-31). In the Book of the Revelation the trumpets stand for judgment according to the gospel.
John 12:3 - Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Then Mary took a pound of ointment. It is actually not a pound as we know it. The Greek word means three quarters of a pound of ointment, and of spikenard, very costly. And spikenard is an oil extract from a plant in India. It is very costly, about 300 day's wages, almost a year for us. So, she took this ointment and poured it on the feet of Jesus. This was while they were at the table to eat supper.
John 12:5 - Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
A DENARIUS is one day's wage, so 300 DENARII would be 300 days wages. So, Judas is calculating and saying, "What a waste!" It could have been sold and we could have given the money to the poor.
John 12:6 - This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Judas was stealing out of the treasury of the disciples. He was stealing out of the money bag. All he could see is 300 days wages that could be in his bag, but instead she wasted it on Jesus.
John 12:34 - The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
There are two terms for Jesus; Son of God, and Son of man. Son of God means spiritually He is all God. Son of Man means that He's the head of the human race.
This is taken from Daniel 7:13-14, where it is first used that the Son of man will come. He inherits everything from the human race, and He is God. He is the Son of God and the Son of man. He is 100% God and 100% man.
John 10:36 - Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
I hope you make the connection? They didn't say to Him "It is because you said you are the Son of God." It says because you said you are God. That's because as I have mentioned to you before, the title "Son of God" is to the Jew a title of God Himself!
The word "son" in Greek does not mean somebody who is a son by birth. It is never used of Jesus in the scripture. He is not the son of God in that there's "father God," and "mother God," and they had a child named Jesus.
John 11:16 - Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Didymus means "The Twin."
John 11:47 - Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
This would be the Sanhedrin, the highest council of the Jews, both of civil and religious affairs. 70 priests and scholars plus the high priest make up the Sanhedrin.
John 12:2 - There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
The word "sat" is not a correct translation. How they ate in those days, they didn't sit in chairs. They had a table close to the ground and they would lean on the table with their right arm, and they would have their legs and feet spread straight out. They were actually leaning (reclining) on the table.
Some translations of the New Testament actually use the word "reclining" because that's how they used to recline at the table.
So, Jesus' feet were facing the back. And so, she pours (she anoints) the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Mark 14:3 - And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
We know from John 12:3 that this woman is Mary, the sister of Martha, and sister to Lazarus. I just want to point out something about this "alabaster box." It is not a box. It is actually a flask. It had a long neck on it. And they were generally made out of marble. And in order to pour this, which is actually a burial spice, but in order to pour this on the body, they would break the long neck and just pour the contents out.
Spikenard is actually from two words. It's actually named nard. It is from a plant that's found primarily in India. But it is the word pure, pure nard, genuine, unadulterated, which is the reason why it was so expensive. And she comes in with this alabaster flask and she breaks the flask and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:5 - For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
300 pence is 300 DENARI, almost a year's wages. This again is something we as English-speaking people are not going to catch just by reading this verse.
Mark 14:21 - The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
Keep in mind that the word woe (whoa) is only a good word if you are a horse. If you are not a horse you are in trouble because woe means destruction, OUAI in Greek means destruction.
Mark 14:32 - And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
You may already know this, but Gethsemane is the Hebrew transliteration of the wine and olive press on the Mount of Olives. The winepress is called Gethsemane.
I removed my previous post because I wanted to emphasize the name "LORD of hosts" and what it meant.
It comprises the Trinity which I believe to be true.
However,
other portions of the posts I believe I should have completed the study before I revealed it, or proofread before I posted it right before bed time.
There was a lot left out that I should have included, for instance, When John quoted Isaiah 53:1 "who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
We should ask ourselves what was reported that they were blind to.
Then I would list
Isaiah 9:6 along with Isaiah 53:1-12.
John 12:32-33 Jesus states If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
In John 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? WHO IS THIS SON OF MAN?
The should have known about coming and purpose by the fulfillment of many OT scripture.
Difference between God and Satan: Transformation of the soul
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ( Psalm 103:2).
The scripture states in detail and multiple passages that we are to be crucified in Christ ( Gal. 2:20); the illustration of a seed from a dying plant going into the ground and renewing life ( John 12:24) and other verses on putting to death the old man and putting on the new ( Romans 8:12-13).
Nonetheless unlike the mindset of the world dying to self doesn't detract from our uniqueness or individuality. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16).
I am not going to delve into whether the soul dies and the spirit lives upon death; in any case we are dead spiritually until salvation then alive after death ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
As with my last posting; the enemy has a plethora of "experiences" where it appears that some prophetic implications have been verified; other times there are parts of things often proven false and with enough delusion it seems some of the mega churches believe things that prove blatently false they are so deceived. Here are some things we often see.
1. Dreams or visions seem to come to pass. The enemy clearly has some insight on the future and can be involved in the lives of other people as well to bring about what appears to be our "soul mates" as a common tactic. The methodology to even the slightest discerning individual clearly is an attempt to lead one astray (as often is the case when people drift into affairs). Bringing someone what they want in what appears to be the exact thing we desire means we likely are ignoring James 4:3 in particular. The Lord doesn't work like a genie in a bottle to consume ourselves with our own lusts. He gives us what we truly need and teaches us to want things that He provides and reject cheap substitutes that have no lasting value for the Kingdom.
This shows we must heed Matthew 6:33 rather than putting ourselves first.
"The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)All the blessings God promised in his Son were wasted on the nation. Having the Law Moses but without faith it was as though they were thrust out into the outer darkness. This is what the Parable teaches? The Age of Apostles began with such signs and wonders have now become rogue what with false shepherds going into politics! We who believer in our Saviour Lord ought to say, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Those planted by God shall be gathered for new heavens and the new earth. Those who belong to the outer darkness shall be cast out for the wrath of the Lamb. Of which those who find salvation shall be found on the earth and for them the light of the Lamb shall set their lives. "for the healing of the nations," they shall need the tree of life. Instead everlasting life their lives shall be covered according to months. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In 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."(Re.22:1-2
River of time brings this who were first to the last. How did it happen? Many are called but few are chosen since they did not gather with Christ. Even what they had they lost/
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath./And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness."
What is darkness? Absence of light, of course. God separated light from darkness. John applies it to the nation of Israel. And the darkness comprehended it not." ( John 1:4) refers to the verse below. "He (Jesus Christ) came unto his own, and his own received him not." (1:10-11)The world and Israel in particular, did not receive for the reason they did not have the light in themselves. It is to which Jesus referred,"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"(Matt.6:23). In them the word as a seed meant nothing so it was as though God did not plant them at all. For this reason what fruits they could have produced? They were thistles and thorns only fit for fire.
Illustrations we can see how Israel became synonymous with outer darkness.
In Ex.24:3 Israel vows, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." They also saw God, " and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "In his clearness" was in effect was blind since they did not comprehend the true Light when he walked among the. In him was the light of men but where did they fail? "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."( 1 John 2:11).
Another time they said,"And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) Did that help them when a voice from heaven sounded, "The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)
In this segment I am going to attempt to discuss many facets of sin; from the corruptible flesh we currently possess to the contamination of the soul resulting in eternal death. In comparison to the saved soul of course eternal fates are polar opposites.
I plan on discussing some of what man was meant to be before the fall; which in some context may play out in the Millennial period which is the day of rest for God played out in the last 1000 years of earth's existence which is a sort of Sabbath rest bringing peace to the whole world.
I am going to pray here and send this message; Lord pity us for you know we are but dust ( Psalm 103:14). We all mourn as doves for our sins ( Isaiah 59:11). I pray that as painful as it is the readers will understand the levels and depth of our state and this will lead someone to repentance. May we heed as Proverbs states flee from wickedness ( Proverbs 4:15) as it relates to others; and to ourselves ( 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). Help us realize that all of our value comes from His life in us; and all the associations we have are only importance in what remains eternally. This world is going down; let us approach it with patience as we are told to in the last days ( James 5:7). Let us be filled with the Spirit to understand the indignation to come and proclaim it as a trumpet; and have the boldness to extricate ourselves especially from those who claim to be Christians but are living in lifestyles of sin as it corrupts the camp and grieves the Spirit. May we love the praise of God more than that of men ( John 12:43 stands as a warning not to do the opposite). Lord help us all to weep because of our sin; yet especially because of His mercy which is new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth that is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay
Thanks for sharing your understanding. We do disagree on this one. You mention John 3:34-35 which are very important verses. Literally, that second part of Verse 34 is that God has poured out His Spirit in its fullness upon Christ. He is all God! So, the principle is that He's the only one that has and speaks the words of God. In Colossians 2:9, Paul tells us that in Jesus is all of the Godhead in bodily form, everything there is of God and bodily form! God did not pour out His Spirit by measure but rather in His fullness. In order for me to believe that Jesus could have sinned, I would have to deny His deity. I would have to deny that He is God.
Now, in John 12:49-50 which you gave, I do agree that Jesus is saying these aren't my words. These are the Father's words. And the last half of Verse 50, Jesus says, "whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." Exact words! Not independent, not on His own, but they are the Father's words. When Jesus came, He didn't represent Himself. He represented God.
I'm sorry, but I do have to disagree with you on "why Jesus's name is called the Word of God." He was not called the word of God because He spoke God's word. There is no correlation between John 3:34-35 and Revelation 19:13.
The word "word" in Revelation 19:13 is the word LOGOS. It is the same word used in John 1:1, and also throughout the beginning of Chapter 1. LOGOS is the Greek word for the word "word." Jesus is called the word because He was the great thinker behind the universe and was already in existence at the time of physical creation. He was always in existence. He was the great thinker behind the universe, and He created all things.
Many follow the tradition of Jesus being crucified on Friday called Good Friday. Jesus fulfilled the Passover and is our Passover so if we look in Exodus 12:3-6 the lamb was taken up on the 10th of Nisan and killed on the 14th in the evening before sunset.
Passover day is one day it is a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread and is separate from the 7-day feast of the Feast of Unleavened Bread which is 7 days from the 15th to the 21st. Today as back then some call it either Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread and is 8 days, you can look at a calendar and you will see Passover is 8 days.
If we look at John 12:1-12 it is 6 days before Passover and the next day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, that would be 5 days before Passover making it the 10th that is called today Palm Sunday. This is the day the lambs were to be taken up that is the reason the money changers were there they were selling lambs and other animals for sacrifice to all the people who traveled to Jerusalem for Passover.
So, if Sunday, the first day of the week was the 10th and Passover day when the lambs were sacrificed, Thursday would be the 14th. When Jesus told them to go and prepare the upper room was on Wednesday and when the sunset it would be the beginning of Passover day when the Last Supper. The Last Supper was not a Passover meal because the lambs were not killed until the afternoon of that same day.
We see John 19:14 is the preparation of the Passover, that is Passover day the 14th, Thursday when Jesus was crucified, and He died at 3 PM the same time they were sacrificing the Passover lambs that would have been eaten that night the 15th the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
The Jewish day starts at sundown, the Last Supper was at the beginning of Passover day the 14th and Jesus was crucified the morning of the same day, died at 3 PM the same day, and was buried before the sun set the same day the 14th, Thursday.
Consider for a moment someone who is kind and considerate all his life to friends; family and others but either doesn't believe or never shares the Gospel with them. Many would say "he is a good man"-and we are reminded of those who said that about Jesus or that He was a prophet but not recognized as God in the flesh.
Meanwhile consider someone else who is characteristically gruff; loudmouthed; opinionated and overall a pain to be around who takes the time to correctly explain the Gospel; but of course befitting his usual character doesn't show empathy or bothers to listen much to any responses or otherwise be very helpful even with practical needs that are obvious to others such as atheists who reach out.
Natural man; of course would hang out with the first person and be repulsed with the second; but in all fairness the second person is the one who gives a message in which eternity hangs in the balance. Such a case study of course isn't to justify such an approach to witnessing; but to also avoid what is far WORSE; that is showing all sorts of compassion to someone but WATERING down the Gospel; and not giving a clear warning of the deadly and eternal destruction which every unbeliever is about to face as life is as a vapor.
Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Praise and highly esteeming a brother seems rare today but it can be edifying
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was JESUS, which had made him whole.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute JESUS, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the sabbath day.
17 But JESUS answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I WORK. John 10:30- I and my Father are One.
It was the fourth Day or around 4000 years after Adam.--> Genesis 1:16- GOD made two great lights; the Greater Light to rule the day( 1Thessalonians 5:4-6), and the Lesser Light to rule the night: He made the stars also. JESUS said: John 12:46 -->I am come a Light into the world (like the Sun), that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
And the Lesser light: Who is him? The lesser Light receives light from the Greater Light because he has no light of his own (like the moon). So, who is him?
And the stars, who are them? By the way, the red Dragon with his TAIL drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. Who are them?
Furthermore, the woman is clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars-Re.12:1
I like so much to decipher biblical enigmas/puzzles.
Matthew 5: 5 and 14 -
5- Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
14- Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
The Holy Spirit: Living out our faith vs. "smoke and mirrors"
I have discussed apparently more than once in Philippians 1 about how many preached out of envy to add to Paul's suffering as no doubt those preaching this way would bring the accusation that Christians truly are unhinged; and not in the way the Lord intends.
God says that He "draws all men to Himself" ( John 12:32) to be accomplished after the Resurrection.
When we see the sideshow that is so often the megachurch power and numbers game; which in reality is usually just "filthy lucre" as a motivation ( Titus 1:11; 1 Tim. 3:3 etc) it kind of reminds us of Judas Iscariot on steroids; everybody out for a buck and willing to pay into the system so that they can also gain earthly riches. The only one this works for is other hucksters hence we see the company many of these fraudulent Pastors keep which in reality is the only company they respect. I can only imagine what the true titles of some of their conference meeting motivational topics would be if exposed.
INTERNATIONAL conference on ways to fleece the flock: No holds barred. Special invite only for ministries grossing 10 Million a year: Highlights
How to pass the buck with the shell game approach; avoid paying taxes in the US; how to apply to YOUR country
How to impress your King or President with favors
How to maximize giving through flattery; guilt and confusion. Special EVENING devotion on the new "Shock and Awe" approach
How to make it happen: signs; wonders-get the right title for your ministry: "Healing" and "Deliverance ministries OFFICIAL decal for 5000 dollar annual fee.
I may get flagged for this sarcasm but these are techniques being used today. It is truly sobering to see that in many of the so called revivals in the last century there were serious problems; from the anarchy that was prevalent in the Azuza street ministry to many unverified "miracles" with A.A. Allen and others with questionable morals. And no persecution?
A conversation based on predestination and election and determining if "we're special".
Today; in the midst of competing a discussion on Psalm 2; somehow I made a fleeting statement on how I believed in Predestination (maybe related to those who perish in Revelation who take the mark of the Beast). In any event; along with a disagreement I had with one lady who is the most vocal at this Bible Study and who is a diehard Catholic she stated that we shouldn't consider ourselves "special" related to what she considered a misguided opinion that indeed I was called and chosen (her issue was that Christ died for everyone).
Of course; even a diehard Calvanist will be the first to tell you that we aren't picked because we have any value-it is simply God's grace. My point is now that we are saved and know it; how do we define this blessing now; and in the future when He exalts us in heaven? Being His adopted children now certainly is "special"; even though as Paul said he was treated as the scum of the world ( 1 Cor. 4:13). Jesus; of course whose visage was marred more than any man for our sake on the way to the cross ( Isaiah 52:14) was uniquely loved by the Father and has a singular exaltation as Creator above all of creation as He should.
As His children we are called to be different from the world and part of His Body (see John 17:15-21). We are to be "salt and light" ( Matthew 5:13-16) and His sheep hear His voice ( John 10:27-28). What draws all men to Himself ( John 12:32) started with His Resurrection; but I would argue continues with the Spirit of God convicting men that lives within His church. To not have the power of sin and the fear of damnation as a reality is something which no one apart from His children can experience.
We should stand out; not as arrogant but as truly blessed; which comes of course from our character as well as our reverence for His Word and instructions of living; prayer and sanctification. John 15:18 shows the world hates us.
He died by the hard of the Jews but all our sins put him on that cross!
He could have resisted but that is what he came to do.
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28"
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. John 10:17-18.
NO MAN TAKETH IT FROM ME, BUT I LAY IT DOWN OF MYSELF. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
If it was any other way his prayer was not answered in Matthew 26:42-44.
John 12:23-28 reads "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Also;
John 12:31-33. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Isaiah 53:7-12 spells it out!
Notice verse 10.
"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Before I begin; I want to say that I enjoy the fellowship here; as well as writing postings. If there was any time that I wanted to make an impact it is now on this subject. Other than the attributes of God; at least from my perspective and experience this is needed the most. Many go to either extreme (NOT unique to this subject). People either will exaggerate Satan and allow fear of him to paralyze them or will underestimate the threat. It is; and I hope everyone here agrees with this BEYOND our strength to fight the enemy of our souls; we only have Christ to help us; as evidence of Michael the Archangel appealing to the Lord in the case of the dispute over Moses' Body ( Jude 1:9). Since he WILL kick Satan out of heaven at some point; this is evidence of respecting God; although it could show that the combined forces of angels of God are needed to kick out Satan and his minions.
It also avoids presumptuous action as well as acting out before the proper time and without the direct command of God which involves a pride of sorts that Lucifer himself was brought to his downfall. In any case; what causes fear is either our own sin which God allows the enemy to torment us with and accuse us; or an unhealthy obsession with the media representation or occult practices rather than avoiding every appearance of evil. Knowing that Satan is the god of this world and offered all the Kingdoms to Christ and that everyone's name that is NOT in the book of life worships his masterpiece the Antichrist Beast we do well to heed to the warnings not to trivialize the enemy we face but to have an Ephesians 6 mindset.
Satan's "machinations"
Part One.-Self
John 12:25 states that if we love this life we will lose it and if we hate it we gain eternal life. Proverbs 16:18 says that pride comes before a fall. Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many ( Mark 10:45) and the verse begins talking about Him serving others than being served. I will discuss Matthew 16:23 next post.
"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."(v.3)
All the four gospels carry this incident where the woman had prescience to anoint Jesus for his burial. None present there except Jesus who understood the significance of her action. "He (Jesus Christ) knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."Besides he knew what he was there for, among them and also knew where he was going to. His deity was as the Word become flesh. In Luke we read thus, "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)
How can a woman of ill repute find the right occasion to be born again or in this case, Mary as John gives her a name, break the box unless her faith and of Christ was one?( John 12:3) God breathed into man and made him a living soul. Faith is what explains this relationship between God and man. "Faith is one."(Ep.4:5) So in her action she poured out herself in order to prepare him beforehand for her burial.
What is the significance of Bethany? In the Gospel of John Jesus was in the company of Lazarus whom he had raised from death. "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."( John 11:25).
The alabaster box is similar to the earthen vessel that Jeremiah broke as commanded of God. The box doubles for Mary whose faith became a memorial unto her. St Mark juxtaposes this with the breaking of bread during the Last supper.(v.22)
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ( Revelation 21:8)
These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.
There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.
The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
In John 12:1-16 this is 6 days before Passover and Jesus rides into Jerusalem the next day which would be the 10th, the day the lambs are taken up five days before Passover day which is called today Palm Sunday.
Each day is recorded in Matthew 21 through Matthew 27:56Mark 11:1 through Mark 15:41Luke 19:28 through Luke 23:49John 12:1 through John 19:37.
On the 1st day of the week, we call Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and returned to Bethany in the evening to lodge.
The second day shows Jesus going to Jerusalem and returning to Bethany.
The third day is two days before Passover Matthew 26:2Mark 14:1.
On the fourth day, Judas makes the deal to betray Jesus and toward the end of the day, the disciples ask him where he wants them to prepare to eat the Passover. God commanded it to be eaten inside the city walls but they did not eat the Passover, Luke 22:15-16.
When the sun went down the fourth day what we call Wednesday is the beginning of Passover day the 14th of Nisan the day the Passover lambs are killed, Mark 14:12Luke 22:7. What confuses things is then and now Passover day and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is referred to as an eight-day feast. Passover day is a preparation day for the seven-day feast of Unleavened Bread not part of the seven-day feast.
The lambs were killed on the 14th in the evening, the time when the sun starts to go down, any time after noon and before the sun sets. The Passover is eaten the night of the 15th the first day of the seven-day feast which is a holy convocation/Sabbath Exodus 12:8 the same night they went out of Egypt not on Passover day.
The Lord's Supper and the crucifixion were on Passover day the fifth day from when Jesus rode into Jerusalem which would make that the 5th day of the week we call Thursday.
Concluding thoughts for now on misuse of scripture.
Remembering the Pharisees shows us a prime example of how not to use scripture. Mark 7:11 is exhibit one in this subject matter; where for financial gain the needs of a parent were said to be avoided and was used in their logic to exonerate themselves for what was "dedicated to God". Psalm 105:15 stating to do no harm to God's anointed ones or prophets has also been mishandled by the "prosperity" preachers in particular and could of course be used by any cult leaders who are false prophets.
Again we know how much Satan knows scripture. Anything that can be used to tickle men's ears and misused such as God's promises for blessings being boiled down to presumption of financial gain for all of God's people is made even more insane when attempting to justify such logic with other scriptures. Jesus was clearly a man of sorrows as Isaiah prophesied; and was essentially homeless; or at least a full time missionary along with the disciples; fully dependent on God for provisions. If He could state that we shouldn't concern ourselves with food and clothing ( Matthew 6:25) it is more than a stretch to entrust him for a Lamborghinis or jet plane. Note that Jesus didn't even mention SHELTER; and also indicated that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head ( Matt. 8:20). No point going further on that subject!
A further consideration ties in with what I mentioned about the Pharisees in regard to making scriptures legalistic to maintain pride. This used to be more popular when parents were strict with children two and three generations ago. It still occurs in some denominations today under a guise of "holiness" but seen for what it is when Christ's love isn't on display. We can list all day long what we don't do or don't permit; but we also need to realize that it is the love of Christ that constrains us and draws people in ( 2 Cor. 5:14; John 12:32).
in short; scripture is truth unless used for another agenda
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).
When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.
It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).
This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
Scripture is clear Jesus had no sin, Hebrews 4:151 Peter 2:221 John 3:5Romans 5:12-15.
Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?
Both, Jesus said I and my Father are one John 10:30 and in other places, one means unity. Jesus was one with the Father not because Jesus was God but because He was filled with the Spirit and God dwelt in him, John 14:10, as we see God was in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19
God dwelt in Jesus and empowered Him by His Spirit that gave Jesus the power and authority like Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered to Jesus of His Father, Jesus did not have it, all was given to Him. God was manifest in Jesus, John 12:49John 14:10. This is why Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Jesus in His prayer asked the Father that we may be one, as He and His Father are one through the words of the disciples, John 17:20-23. God and Jesus will dwell in us and we in them, 1 John 4:13-161 John 3:23-24.
How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?
Jesus said He would pray to the Father to give another comforter, John 14:16, we see in John 14:26 the Father will send in Jesus's name. In John 15:26 Jesus said I will send but this is from the Father and the Spirit of truth that proceedeth from the Father. This is not a person it is the Spirit of God.
Please don't take this wrong, in the Trinity there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each Person is fully God, coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial. I'm sorry my understanding, is Scripture does not support that, Scripture is clear the Father is above all.
Thank you, GiGi, I hope this is what you wanted I am not the best at this.
Mark 2:1-12 "We never saw it on this fashion" (1 of 2)
"And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."
Authority of Jesus evidently came from the doctrine of his Father; and the word become flesh could say,"I am the truth". Unlike the scribes whose authority, as Jesus faulted them, reeked of hypocrisy (1:22) he walked the straight and narrow line. John testifies,"For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken./I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."( John 12:49-50) Where did he learn from? He was in the bosom of his Father so what he said and did was defining the Father inside out.( John 1:18)
While healing the man with palsy, his response we read,"immediately" he arose. He proved "I and my Father are one" and Mark's delineation spares no pains to tell this relation. "He that has the Father has the Son as well. He that has the Son has the Father also' when Jesus made it possible 'inso much that they were all amazed." They glorified God.( 1 John 2:23)
In the previous chapter he was in a synagogue in Capernaum, the unclean spirit 'cried out,"I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." In the world of the Spirit even unclean spirits know the Holy One of God" but they do not want to follow him. In what was the scribes and the Pharisees who did not live by what they preached? Their uncleanness arose from hypocrisy a spiritual malady. Mark here takes us again to Capernaum. In the domestic setting what does the scribes say," Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"(2:7) He was indeed of God to see through them. The tag 'immediately' in v.8 "And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit", is an indication that his deity worked even when he emptied himself.
I know you are an author and your vocabulary is greater than mine I will try to respond but to be truthful you are hard to follow. First MOU my understanding is a nonbinding agreement between parties stating their intentions. How can that be a covenant a covenant is a relationship between partners either conditional or unconditional and this covenant is between God the Father and God the Son. Would not the Holy Spirit be a part of this covenant and the will of God that the Son completes? John 6:38 It is God's will not Jesus's like He said in Luke 22:42.
If God is a triune God, would it not be the will of all three with no difference in authority or knowledge? Why the need for a covenant between them since all three are God and all three are equal?
At the beginning of each day, God said what was to be, the spoken word of God, and it was so. Other than speculation how can we say the Son was in agreement? Isaiah 45:18 In Genesis 1:28 would be an unconditional covenant, more of a blessing, God placed man above all that was created on earth and man was given dominion over it. God delegated the rule of man over His creation and no consequences were stated, we see how that turned out.
I agree Jesus did not need to be water baptized for remittance of sin, but He did need the anointing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit to become the Messiah/Christ. The word of God was in Jesus and by the Holy Ghost/Spirit Jesus did the works of His Father therefore Jesus was the tabernacle of God, the image of God for every word Jesus said was not His but the word of God the Father. John 4:34John 5:30John 12:44-45
Philip was the first to bring the gospel to the Samaritans.
This is my part 2
Since Scripture is clear that Jesus, the Messiah, did exist prior to His conception, then the next question would be:
What was His existence from all eternity past (as Micah 5:2) states comprised of? Luke 1:26, 38 identify Jesus as the Messiah spoken of in this Micah passage.
Unitarians believe like Ronald Whittmore: that Jesus existed as an idea or plan in the mind of God. I have yet to find this teaching anywhere in Scripture that He existed as God with the Father ( John 1:1-3; John 12:41(Is. 6:5).
John 6:46 that Jesus came from the Father and has seen the Father. An idea or plan does not see. And an idea or plan is not God as John so plainly teaches.
Jesus said that before Abraham was, I Am. in John 8:56-58, using the term "I Am" as YHWH did to Moses in Exodus 3, which means, "I exist because I exist", or "I ever exist" or "I am self-existent".
Scripture clearly teaches ( Jn. 1:1-3, Phil 1:5-8) state that Jesus (The Word who became flesh- John 1:14) existed as God prior to becoming human. This indicates that He was clearly not an idea or a plan but a real divine person in relationship with the Father, another divine person. But we also know that there is only one being that is God. Being a distinct person of the Godhead is a different category that the Being of God, not a different God, but a distinction within the one Divine Being.
In Hebrews 1 Jesus is spoken of as the begotten Son of the Father that the Father brought into the world (in the flesh) but He existed as the Son of the Father eternally before He was conceived. In John 1:8, Psalm 45:6-7 is quoted and attributed to the Father speaking to the Son, "Thy throne, O GOD; is forever and ever." The Father is calling the Son God!
John 17:5 has Jesus asking the Father to restore to Himself (Jesus) the glory that He shared with the Father prior to His (Jesus) humbling Himself to become human as well as retaining His Deity.
See Pt. 3
I have been considering your questions and praying how I can respond to help you. First of all, I will say that you can receive thoughtful responses on this forum. You can also find good answers to these two questions by searching the internet with these questions. The responses there may be as good if not better than what I or others have done so here on this forum. Not all internet sources are equally sound from a biblical perspective just as not all responses to your questions here are such. I would recommend the Got Question site as a start. They give a fairly concise explanation to your questions.
As I was thinking on your questions, I came to these responses:
1) Does Scripture speak of Jesus existing prior to His conception in Mary?
The first Scripture I will cite is John chapter 1. It does tell us that Jesus is the Word of God, who also is God, who was with God from the beginning. Jesus is said by John to have created all that has been created. And that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
John 8:56: Jesus says that He existed before Abraham existed. He used the term "I AM" in this verse which is a specific reference to the name God gave to Moses in Exodus 3, which means "I self-exist" or "I exist because I exist".
In many verses Jesus states that He came from heaven to earth, from the Father, being sent from the Father, that He is from above. The Gospel of John is replete with verses that state this.
John 8:23; John 1:18; John 3:1,17; John 6:38; John 17:21; John 3:34; John 18:36; John 1:15; John 3:12-13, 31-36; John 16: 27-28.
John 12:41refers back to Isaiah 6:5 where Isaiah saw the LORD seated on the throne and all the angels said "Holy, Holy, Holy".
John here says that Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus on the throne because he was speaking of Jesus is verses 37-40.
The New Testament states explicitly in many places that Jesus is the Christ (Jewish Messiah). In Micah 5:2 states that the Messiah existed for all eternity past.
As a man, yea as a Son, Jesus now talks to & prays to His Father in Heaven. He also said that He came to only do His Father's Will ( John 6:38), so in every respect, Jesus laid aside His Glory that He enjoyed with & in God, & as a Man waited upon His Father continually.
To the natural mind, how could Jesus be God & then be found praying to & worshiping Him? My answer is that Jesus laid aside that Glory & Position to become a Man, a Man Who came to be sacrificed ( John 12:27), and now a Son, subservient to His Father in all things. So how does God then become a Son? That is why God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son & Holy Spirit - if one aspect of His Nature is removed, I believe that God ceases to be God. Just as if our spirit or soul or body is removed or put to death, we instantly cease to be the person that was once born into the world. God exists as a Tripartite God - He can't exist as any other - that is Who He is (as revealed to us). For our sakes, God chose to take that part of Himself & give it flesh (what we otherwise understand as and called, His Word). This act doesn't render God speechless or in any way deficient in knowledge, for His Word is still active in Christ & by His Spirit. And He has given us His Word (both in Christ & the written Word) & His Spirit, thus causing us to truly become new creatures, alive in Jesus & to be lovingly called, the children of the Most High. What a great privilege - what an undeserved position we have been granted, as those already seated in the heavenlies, IN CHRIST ( Ephesians 2:4-7). And that is how our Father sees us & receives us - His blood-bought, His special children, His Spirit-sealed, forever His - because of His Work alone to ransom us. Onto Page 5.
So, the reference you gave won't be found in the Mosaic Law, but derived from the references elsewhere to Christ's eternal existence. And my Bible cross references the following to John 12:34: Psalm 110:4, Isaiah 9:7, and Daniel 7:13,14. Hope this helps a little.
I hope you don't mind. Concerning the crucifixion and resurrection days, if we compare all the gospels, all four give the clearest truth.
In John 12:1-12, we learn that six days before Passover, Jesus visited the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany. The following day, He rode into Jerusalem, five days before Passover. This event was significant because it coincided with the 10th of Nisan, the day the lambs were selected and held until the 14th when they would be sacrificed for Passover, the same time Jesus died on the cross, Exodus 12:1-14. These Passover lambs were eaten the night of the 15th the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the day Israel went out of Egypt.
Sunday Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-22:7, and John 12:12-50.
Monday, Matthew 21:18-19 Mark 11:12-19 This was the 11th, four days before Passover the 2nd day of the week.
Tuesday, Matthew 21:20 to 26:2 Mark 11:20 to 14:2 This was the 12th, three days before Passover, the third day of the week.
Wednesday, Matthew 26:6-16 Mark 14:3-11 Luke 22:1-6 This was the 13th, and at sunset is Passover day the 14th. The Last Supper, the arrest, sent to Pilot, the crucifixion, and placed in the tomb were all on the 14th, Passover day. Friday would be the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Jesus was in the tomb Thur. Day, Fri, Night, Fri. Day, Sat. Night, Sat. Day, Sun. Night, three days, and three nights. Jesus rose on the first day of the week and fulfilled the Feast of First Fruits, Leviticus 23:10-14 This coincides with what Jesus told Mary, touch me not, He had not ascended to His Father, John 20:17. The Feast of First Fruits as we see is on the first day after the Sabbath after Passover Day.
If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, the women could have gone to the tomb on Friday because Friday is a preparation day for the weekly Sabbath.
God bless,
RLW
"Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God."(Nu.10:10) This is Gospel of peace spoken by Jesus Christ. So the voices the Israelites heard was that Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
Trumpets serve as condemnation on the nation of Israel. They were so unnerved by the voice, "And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) How effective was it. They were as farther off than then when the voice from heaven spoke at the time Jesus was among them, "Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again./The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him./Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes./Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." ( John 12:28-31). In the Book of the Revelation the trumpets stand for judgment according to the gospel.
John 12:3 - Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Then Mary took a pound of ointment. It is actually not a pound as we know it. The Greek word means three quarters of a pound of ointment, and of spikenard, very costly. And spikenard is an oil extract from a plant in India. It is very costly, about 300 day's wages, almost a year for us. So, she took this ointment and poured it on the feet of Jesus. This was while they were at the table to eat supper.
John 12:5 - Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
A DENARIUS is one day's wage, so 300 DENARII would be 300 days wages. So, Judas is calculating and saying, "What a waste!" It could have been sold and we could have given the money to the poor.
John 12:6 - This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Judas was stealing out of the treasury of the disciples. He was stealing out of the money bag. All he could see is 300 days wages that could be in his bag, but instead she wasted it on Jesus.
John 12:34 - The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
There are two terms for Jesus; Son of God, and Son of man. Son of God means spiritually He is all God. Son of Man means that He's the head of the human race.
This is taken from Daniel 7:13-14, where it is first used that the Son of man will come. He inherits everything from the human race, and He is God. He is the Son of God and the Son of man. He is 100% God and 100% man.
John 10:36 - Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
I hope you make the connection? They didn't say to Him "It is because you said you are the Son of God." It says because you said you are God. That's because as I have mentioned to you before, the title "Son of God" is to the Jew a title of God Himself!
The word "son" in Greek does not mean somebody who is a son by birth. It is never used of Jesus in the scripture. He is not the son of God in that there's "father God," and "mother God," and they had a child named Jesus.
John 11:16 - Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Didymus means "The Twin."
John 11:47 - Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
This would be the Sanhedrin, the highest council of the Jews, both of civil and religious affairs. 70 priests and scholars plus the high priest make up the Sanhedrin.
John 12:2 - There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
The word "sat" is not a correct translation. How they ate in those days, they didn't sit in chairs. They had a table close to the ground and they would lean on the table with their right arm, and they would have their legs and feet spread straight out. They were actually leaning (reclining) on the table.
Some translations of the New Testament actually use the word "reclining" because that's how they used to recline at the table.
So, Jesus' feet were facing the back. And so, she pours (she anoints) the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Mark 14:3 - And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
We know from John 12:3 that this woman is Mary, the sister of Martha, and sister to Lazarus. I just want to point out something about this "alabaster box." It is not a box. It is actually a flask. It had a long neck on it. And they were generally made out of marble. And in order to pour this, which is actually a burial spice, but in order to pour this on the body, they would break the long neck and just pour the contents out.
Spikenard is actually from two words. It's actually named nard. It is from a plant that's found primarily in India. But it is the word pure, pure nard, genuine, unadulterated, which is the reason why it was so expensive. And she comes in with this alabaster flask and she breaks the flask and poured it on his head.
Mark 14:5 - For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
300 pence is 300 DENARI, almost a year's wages. This again is something we as English-speaking people are not going to catch just by reading this verse.
Mark 14:21 - The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
Keep in mind that the word woe (whoa) is only a good word if you are a horse. If you are not a horse you are in trouble because woe means destruction, OUAI in Greek means destruction.
Mark 14:32 - And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
You may already know this, but Gethsemane is the Hebrew transliteration of the wine and olive press on the Mount of Olives. The winepress is called Gethsemane.
I removed my previous post because I wanted to emphasize the name "LORD of hosts" and what it meant.
It comprises the Trinity which I believe to be true.
However,
other portions of the posts I believe I should have completed the study before I revealed it, or proofread before I posted it right before bed time.
There was a lot left out that I should have included, for instance, When John quoted Isaiah 53:1 "who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
We should ask ourselves what was reported that they were blind to.
Then I would list
Isaiah 9:6 along with Isaiah 53:1-12.
John 12:32-33 Jesus states If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
In John 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? WHO IS THIS SON OF MAN?
The should have known about coming and purpose by the fulfillment of many OT scripture.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ( Psalm 103:2).
The scripture states in detail and multiple passages that we are to be crucified in Christ ( Gal. 2:20); the illustration of a seed from a dying plant going into the ground and renewing life ( John 12:24) and other verses on putting to death the old man and putting on the new ( Romans 8:12-13).
Nonetheless unlike the mindset of the world dying to self doesn't detract from our uniqueness or individuality. Our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God ( Romans 8:16).
I am not going to delve into whether the soul dies and the spirit lives upon death; in any case we are dead spiritually until salvation then alive after death ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
As with my last posting; the enemy has a plethora of "experiences" where it appears that some prophetic implications have been verified; other times there are parts of things often proven false and with enough delusion it seems some of the mega churches believe things that prove blatently false they are so deceived. Here are some things we often see.
1. Dreams or visions seem to come to pass. The enemy clearly has some insight on the future and can be involved in the lives of other people as well to bring about what appears to be our "soul mates" as a common tactic. The methodology to even the slightest discerning individual clearly is an attempt to lead one astray (as often is the case when people drift into affairs). Bringing someone what they want in what appears to be the exact thing we desire means we likely are ignoring James 4:3 in particular. The Lord doesn't work like a genie in a bottle to consume ourselves with our own lusts. He gives us what we truly need and teaches us to want things that He provides and reject cheap substitutes that have no lasting value for the Kingdom.
This shows we must heed Matthew 6:33 rather than putting ourselves first.
"The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)All the blessings God promised in his Son were wasted on the nation. Having the Law Moses but without faith it was as though they were thrust out into the outer darkness. This is what the Parable teaches? The Age of Apostles began with such signs and wonders have now become rogue what with false shepherds going into politics! We who believer in our Saviour Lord ought to say, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Those planted by God shall be gathered for new heavens and the new earth. Those who belong to the outer darkness shall be cast out for the wrath of the Lamb. Of which those who find salvation shall be found on the earth and for them the light of the Lamb shall set their lives. "for the healing of the nations," they shall need the tree of life. Instead everlasting life their lives shall be covered according to months. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb./In 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."(Re.22:1-2
River of time brings this who were first to the last. How did it happen? Many are called but few are chosen since they did not gather with Christ. Even what they had they lost/
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath./And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness."
What is darkness? Absence of light, of course. God separated light from darkness. John applies it to the nation of Israel. And the darkness comprehended it not." ( John 1:4) refers to the verse below. "He (Jesus Christ) came unto his own, and his own received him not." (1:10-11)The world and Israel in particular, did not receive for the reason they did not have the light in themselves. It is to which Jesus referred,"But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!"(Matt.6:23). In them the word as a seed meant nothing so it was as though God did not plant them at all. For this reason what fruits they could have produced? They were thistles and thorns only fit for fire.
Illustrations we can see how Israel became synonymous with outer darkness.
In Ex.24:3 Israel vows, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do." They also saw God, " and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness."(24:10) "In his clearness" was in effect was blind since they did not comprehend the true Light when he walked among the. In him was the light of men but where did they fail? "But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."( 1 John 2:11).
Another time they said,"And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."(Ex.20:19) Did that help them when a voice from heaven sounded, "The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him."( John 12:29)
I plan on discussing some of what man was meant to be before the fall; which in some context may play out in the Millennial period which is the day of rest for God played out in the last 1000 years of earth's existence which is a sort of Sabbath rest bringing peace to the whole world.
I am going to pray here and send this message; Lord pity us for you know we are but dust ( Psalm 103:14). We all mourn as doves for our sins ( Isaiah 59:11). I pray that as painful as it is the readers will understand the levels and depth of our state and this will lead someone to repentance. May we heed as Proverbs states flee from wickedness ( Proverbs 4:15) as it relates to others; and to ourselves ( 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). Help us realize that all of our value comes from His life in us; and all the associations we have are only importance in what remains eternally. This world is going down; let us approach it with patience as we are told to in the last days ( James 5:7). Let us be filled with the Spirit to understand the indignation to come and proclaim it as a trumpet; and have the boldness to extricate ourselves especially from those who claim to be Christians but are living in lifestyles of sin as it corrupts the camp and grieves the Spirit. May we love the praise of God more than that of men ( John 12:43 stands as a warning not to do the opposite). Lord help us all to weep because of our sin; yet especially because of His mercy which is new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the destruction of the outer shell made from the dust of the earth that is the fate of all of us due to what is known as the 2nd law of thermodynamics where all things in the universe at present are in a state of decay
Thanks for sharing your understanding. We do disagree on this one. You mention John 3:34-35 which are very important verses. Literally, that second part of Verse 34 is that God has poured out His Spirit in its fullness upon Christ. He is all God! So, the principle is that He's the only one that has and speaks the words of God. In Colossians 2:9, Paul tells us that in Jesus is all of the Godhead in bodily form, everything there is of God and bodily form! God did not pour out His Spirit by measure but rather in His fullness. In order for me to believe that Jesus could have sinned, I would have to deny His deity. I would have to deny that He is God.
Now, in John 12:49-50 which you gave, I do agree that Jesus is saying these aren't my words. These are the Father's words. And the last half of Verse 50, Jesus says, "whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." Exact words! Not independent, not on His own, but they are the Father's words. When Jesus came, He didn't represent Himself. He represented God.
I'm sorry, but I do have to disagree with you on "why Jesus's name is called the Word of God." He was not called the word of God because He spoke God's word. There is no correlation between John 3:34-35 and Revelation 19:13.
The word "word" in Revelation 19:13 is the word LOGOS. It is the same word used in John 1:1, and also throughout the beginning of Chapter 1. LOGOS is the Greek word for the word "word." Jesus is called the word because He was the great thinker behind the universe and was already in existence at the time of physical creation. He was always in existence. He was the great thinker behind the universe, and He created all things.
Blessings!
Many follow the tradition of Jesus being crucified on Friday called Good Friday. Jesus fulfilled the Passover and is our Passover so if we look in Exodus 12:3-6 the lamb was taken up on the 10th of Nisan and killed on the 14th in the evening before sunset.
Passover day is one day it is a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread and is separate from the 7-day feast of the Feast of Unleavened Bread which is 7 days from the 15th to the 21st. Today as back then some call it either Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread and is 8 days, you can look at a calendar and you will see Passover is 8 days.
If we look at John 12:1-12 it is 6 days before Passover and the next day Jesus rode into Jerusalem, that would be 5 days before Passover making it the 10th that is called today Palm Sunday. This is the day the lambs were to be taken up that is the reason the money changers were there they were selling lambs and other animals for sacrifice to all the people who traveled to Jerusalem for Passover.
So, if Sunday, the first day of the week was the 10th and Passover day when the lambs were sacrificed, Thursday would be the 14th. When Jesus told them to go and prepare the upper room was on Wednesday and when the sunset it would be the beginning of Passover day when the Last Supper. The Last Supper was not a Passover meal because the lambs were not killed until the afternoon of that same day.
We see John 19:14 is the preparation of the Passover, that is Passover day the 14th, Thursday when Jesus was crucified, and He died at 3 PM the same time they were sacrificing the Passover lambs that would have been eaten that night the 15th the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
The Jewish day starts at sundown, the Last Supper was at the beginning of Passover day the 14th and Jesus was crucified the morning of the same day, died at 3 PM the same day, and was buried before the sun set the same day the 14th, Thursday.
God bless,
RLW
Meanwhile consider someone else who is characteristically gruff; loudmouthed; opinionated and overall a pain to be around who takes the time to correctly explain the Gospel; but of course befitting his usual character doesn't show empathy or bothers to listen much to any responses or otherwise be very helpful even with practical needs that are obvious to others such as atheists who reach out.
Natural man; of course would hang out with the first person and be repulsed with the second; but in all fairness the second person is the one who gives a message in which eternity hangs in the balance. Such a case study of course isn't to justify such an approach to witnessing; but to also avoid what is far WORSE; that is showing all sorts of compassion to someone but WATERING down the Gospel; and not giving a clear warning of the deadly and eternal destruction which every unbeliever is about to face as life is as a vapor.
Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Praise and highly esteeming a brother seems rare today but it can be edifying
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was JESUS, which had made him whole.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute JESUS, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the sabbath day.
17 But JESUS answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I WORK. John 10:30- I and my Father are One.
It was the fourth Day or around 4000 years after Adam.--> Genesis 1:16- GOD made two great lights; the Greater Light to rule the day( 1Thessalonians 5:4-6), and the Lesser Light to rule the night: He made the stars also. JESUS said: John 12:46 -->I am come a Light into the world (like the Sun), that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
And the Lesser light: Who is him? The lesser Light receives light from the Greater Light because he has no light of his own (like the moon). So, who is him?
And the stars, who are them? By the way, the red Dragon with his TAIL drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. Who are them?
Furthermore, the woman is clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars-Re.12:1
I like so much to decipher biblical enigmas/puzzles.
Matthew 5: 5 and 14 -
5- Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
14- Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Very profound. GOD BLESS
I have discussed apparently more than once in Philippians 1 about how many preached out of envy to add to Paul's suffering as no doubt those preaching this way would bring the accusation that Christians truly are unhinged; and not in the way the Lord intends.
God says that He "draws all men to Himself" ( John 12:32) to be accomplished after the Resurrection.
When we see the sideshow that is so often the megachurch power and numbers game; which in reality is usually just "filthy lucre" as a motivation ( Titus 1:11; 1 Tim. 3:3 etc) it kind of reminds us of Judas Iscariot on steroids; everybody out for a buck and willing to pay into the system so that they can also gain earthly riches. The only one this works for is other hucksters hence we see the company many of these fraudulent Pastors keep which in reality is the only company they respect. I can only imagine what the true titles of some of their conference meeting motivational topics would be if exposed.
INTERNATIONAL conference on ways to fleece the flock: No holds barred. Special invite only for ministries grossing 10 Million a year: Highlights
How to pass the buck with the shell game approach; avoid paying taxes in the US; how to apply to YOUR country
How to impress your King or President with favors
How to maximize giving through flattery; guilt and confusion. Special EVENING devotion on the new "Shock and Awe" approach
How to make it happen: signs; wonders-get the right title for your ministry: "Healing" and "Deliverance ministries OFFICIAL decal for 5000 dollar annual fee.
I may get flagged for this sarcasm but these are techniques being used today. It is truly sobering to see that in many of the so called revivals in the last century there were serious problems; from the anarchy that was prevalent in the Azuza street ministry to many unverified "miracles" with A.A. Allen and others with questionable morals. And no persecution?
Today; in the midst of competing a discussion on Psalm 2; somehow I made a fleeting statement on how I believed in Predestination (maybe related to those who perish in Revelation who take the mark of the Beast). In any event; along with a disagreement I had with one lady who is the most vocal at this Bible Study and who is a diehard Catholic she stated that we shouldn't consider ourselves "special" related to what she considered a misguided opinion that indeed I was called and chosen (her issue was that Christ died for everyone).
Of course; even a diehard Calvanist will be the first to tell you that we aren't picked because we have any value-it is simply God's grace. My point is now that we are saved and know it; how do we define this blessing now; and in the future when He exalts us in heaven? Being His adopted children now certainly is "special"; even though as Paul said he was treated as the scum of the world ( 1 Cor. 4:13). Jesus; of course whose visage was marred more than any man for our sake on the way to the cross ( Isaiah 52:14) was uniquely loved by the Father and has a singular exaltation as Creator above all of creation as He should.
As His children we are called to be different from the world and part of His Body (see John 17:15-21). We are to be "salt and light" ( Matthew 5:13-16) and His sheep hear His voice ( John 10:27-28). What draws all men to Himself ( John 12:32) started with His Resurrection; but I would argue continues with the Spirit of God convicting men that lives within His church. To not have the power of sin and the fear of damnation as a reality is something which no one apart from His children can experience.
We should stand out; not as arrogant but as truly blessed; which comes of course from our character as well as our reverence for His Word and instructions of living; prayer and sanctification. John 15:18 shows the world hates us.
Part 2.
Some say the Jews killed Jesus.
He died by the hard of the Jews but all our sins put him on that cross!
He could have resisted but that is what he came to do.
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28"
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. John 10:17-18.
NO MAN TAKETH IT FROM ME, BUT I LAY IT DOWN OF MYSELF. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
If it was any other way his prayer was not answered in Matthew 26:42-44.
John 12:23-28 reads "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Also;
John 12:31-33. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Isaiah 53:7-12 spells it out!
Notice verse 10.
"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
More to come.
Goodnight and God bless.
It also avoids presumptuous action as well as acting out before the proper time and without the direct command of God which involves a pride of sorts that Lucifer himself was brought to his downfall. In any case; what causes fear is either our own sin which God allows the enemy to torment us with and accuse us; or an unhealthy obsession with the media representation or occult practices rather than avoiding every appearance of evil. Knowing that Satan is the god of this world and offered all the Kingdoms to Christ and that everyone's name that is NOT in the book of life worships his masterpiece the Antichrist Beast we do well to heed to the warnings not to trivialize the enemy we face but to have an Ephesians 6 mindset.
Satan's "machinations"
Part One.-Self
John 12:25 states that if we love this life we will lose it and if we hate it we gain eternal life. Proverbs 16:18 says that pride comes before a fall. Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many ( Mark 10:45) and the verse begins talking about Him serving others than being served. I will discuss Matthew 16:23 next post.
"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."(v.3)
All the four gospels carry this incident where the woman had prescience to anoint Jesus for his burial. None present there except Jesus who understood the significance of her action. "He (Jesus Christ) knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."Besides he knew what he was there for, among them and also knew where he was going to. His deity was as the Word become flesh. In Luke we read thus, "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)
How can a woman of ill repute find the right occasion to be born again or in this case, Mary as John gives her a name, break the box unless her faith and of Christ was one?( John 12:3) God breathed into man and made him a living soul. Faith is what explains this relationship between God and man. "Faith is one."(Ep.4:5) So in her action she poured out herself in order to prepare him beforehand for her burial.
What is the significance of Bethany? In the Gospel of John Jesus was in the company of Lazarus whom he had raised from death. "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."( John 11:25).
The alabaster box is similar to the earthen vessel that Jeremiah broke as commanded of God. The box doubles for Mary whose faith became a memorial unto her. St Mark juxtaposes this with the breaking of bread during the Last supper.(v.22)
These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.
There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.
The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
In John 12:1-16 this is 6 days before Passover and Jesus rides into Jerusalem the next day which would be the 10th, the day the lambs are taken up five days before Passover day which is called today Palm Sunday.
Each day is recorded in Matthew 21 through Matthew 27:56 Mark 11:1 through Mark 15:41 Luke 19:28 through Luke 23:49 John 12:1 through John 19:37.
On the 1st day of the week, we call Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and returned to Bethany in the evening to lodge.
The second day shows Jesus going to Jerusalem and returning to Bethany.
The third day is two days before Passover Matthew 26:2 Mark 14:1.
On the fourth day, Judas makes the deal to betray Jesus and toward the end of the day, the disciples ask him where he wants them to prepare to eat the Passover. God commanded it to be eaten inside the city walls but they did not eat the Passover, Luke 22:15-16.
When the sun went down the fourth day what we call Wednesday is the beginning of Passover day the 14th of Nisan the day the Passover lambs are killed, Mark 14:12 Luke 22:7. What confuses things is then and now Passover day and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is referred to as an eight-day feast. Passover day is a preparation day for the seven-day feast of Unleavened Bread not part of the seven-day feast.
The lambs were killed on the 14th in the evening, the time when the sun starts to go down, any time after noon and before the sun sets. The Passover is eaten the night of the 15th the first day of the seven-day feast which is a holy convocation/Sabbath Exodus 12:8 the same night they went out of Egypt not on Passover day.
The Lord's Supper and the crucifixion were on Passover day the fifth day from when Jesus rode into Jerusalem which would make that the 5th day of the week we call Thursday.
God bless,
RLW
Remembering the Pharisees shows us a prime example of how not to use scripture. Mark 7:11 is exhibit one in this subject matter; where for financial gain the needs of a parent were said to be avoided and was used in their logic to exonerate themselves for what was "dedicated to God". Psalm 105:15 stating to do no harm to God's anointed ones or prophets has also been mishandled by the "prosperity" preachers in particular and could of course be used by any cult leaders who are false prophets.
Again we know how much Satan knows scripture. Anything that can be used to tickle men's ears and misused such as God's promises for blessings being boiled down to presumption of financial gain for all of God's people is made even more insane when attempting to justify such logic with other scriptures. Jesus was clearly a man of sorrows as Isaiah prophesied; and was essentially homeless; or at least a full time missionary along with the disciples; fully dependent on God for provisions. If He could state that we shouldn't concern ourselves with food and clothing ( Matthew 6:25) it is more than a stretch to entrust him for a Lamborghinis or jet plane. Note that Jesus didn't even mention SHELTER; and also indicated that the Son of Man has no place to lay His head ( Matt. 8:20). No point going further on that subject!
A further consideration ties in with what I mentioned about the Pharisees in regard to making scriptures legalistic to maintain pride. This used to be more popular when parents were strict with children two and three generations ago. It still occurs in some denominations today under a guise of "holiness" but seen for what it is when Christ's love isn't on display. We can list all day long what we don't do or don't permit; but we also need to realize that it is the love of Christ that constrains us and draws people in ( 2 Cor. 5:14; John 12:32).
in short; scripture is truth unless used for another agenda
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).
When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.
It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).
This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
Part 5 and last Trinity discussion,
Do you believe that Jesus lived a sinless life?
Scripture is clear Jesus had no sin, Hebrews 4:15 1 Peter 2:22 1 John 3:5 Romans 5:12-15.
Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?
Both, Jesus said I and my Father are one John 10:30 and in other places, one means unity. Jesus was one with the Father not because Jesus was God but because He was filled with the Spirit and God dwelt in him, John 14:10, as we see God was in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19
God dwelt in Jesus and empowered Him by His Spirit that gave Jesus the power and authority like Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered to Jesus of His Father, Jesus did not have it, all was given to Him. God was manifest in Jesus, John 12:49 John 14:10. This is why Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Jesus in His prayer asked the Father that we may be one, as He and His Father are one through the words of the disciples, John 17:20-23. God and Jesus will dwell in us and we in them, 1 John 4:13-16 1 John 3:23-24.
How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?
Jesus said He would pray to the Father to give another comforter, John 14:16, we see in John 14:26 the Father will send in Jesus's name. In John 15:26 Jesus said I will send but this is from the Father and the Spirit of truth that proceedeth from the Father. This is not a person it is the Spirit of God.
Please don't take this wrong, in the Trinity there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each Person is fully God, coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial. I'm sorry my understanding, is Scripture does not support that, Scripture is clear the Father is above all.
Thank you, GiGi, I hope this is what you wanted I am not the best at this.
God bless,
RLW
"And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."
Authority of Jesus evidently came from the doctrine of his Father; and the word become flesh could say,"I am the truth". Unlike the scribes whose authority, as Jesus faulted them, reeked of hypocrisy (1:22) he walked the straight and narrow line. John testifies,"For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken./I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."( John 12:49-50) Where did he learn from? He was in the bosom of his Father so what he said and did was defining the Father inside out.( John 1:18)
While healing the man with palsy, his response we read,"immediately" he arose. He proved "I and my Father are one" and Mark's delineation spares no pains to tell this relation. "He that has the Father has the Son as well. He that has the Son has the Father also' when Jesus made it possible 'inso much that they were all amazed." They glorified God.( 1 John 2:23)
In the previous chapter he was in a synagogue in Capernaum, the unclean spirit 'cried out,"I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." In the world of the Spirit even unclean spirits know the Holy One of God" but they do not want to follow him. In what was the scribes and the Pharisees who did not live by what they preached? Their uncleanness arose from hypocrisy a spiritual malady. Mark here takes us again to Capernaum. In the domestic setting what does the scribes say," Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"(2:7) He was indeed of God to see through them. The tag 'immediately' in v.8 "And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit", is an indication that his deity worked even when he emptied himself.
I know you are an author and your vocabulary is greater than mine I will try to respond but to be truthful you are hard to follow. First MOU my understanding is a nonbinding agreement between parties stating their intentions. How can that be a covenant a covenant is a relationship between partners either conditional or unconditional and this covenant is between God the Father and God the Son. Would not the Holy Spirit be a part of this covenant and the will of God that the Son completes? John 6:38 It is God's will not Jesus's like He said in Luke 22:42.
If God is a triune God, would it not be the will of all three with no difference in authority or knowledge? Why the need for a covenant between them since all three are God and all three are equal?
At the beginning of each day, God said what was to be, the spoken word of God, and it was so. Other than speculation how can we say the Son was in agreement? Isaiah 45:18 In Genesis 1:28 would be an unconditional covenant, more of a blessing, God placed man above all that was created on earth and man was given dominion over it. God delegated the rule of man over His creation and no consequences were stated, we see how that turned out.
I agree Jesus did not need to be water baptized for remittance of sin, but He did need the anointing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit to become the Messiah/Christ. The word of God was in Jesus and by the Holy Ghost/Spirit Jesus did the works of His Father therefore Jesus was the tabernacle of God, the image of God for every word Jesus said was not His but the word of God the Father. John 4:34 John 5:30 John 12:44-45
Philip was the first to bring the gospel to the Samaritans.
I hope you can make sense of this.
God bless,
RLW