Well Rob, I don't struggle with this as the Scriptures are clear to me. You asked if there was a "man at the right hand of God?" To answer that as you gave it, I would say NO, only because that short statement doesn't reflect Christ's true personality & remains open to confusion & speculation. It only reflects His Humanity, devoid of His eternal existence & the Nature of His Resurrection.
But if you asked, 'is there One called Jesus Christ, who came to Earth from Heaven ( John 3:13; John 6:38), from within the Person of God ( John 1:1-14), to become Man, died, arose from the grave, & now ascended to the right Hand of the Father, ever living as the Word of God made flesh (where Divinity has merged with Humanity) making intercession for His people, & one day returning to Earth in the same state that He left this Earth (as the Word of God: Revelation 19:13)?', then I would say, YES. Any other Jesus is, from my understanding of the Scriptures, to be another Jesus - One assumed maybe from incorrect teaching and/or a bias against the Plan of God to secure our salvation.
If I avoided certain pertinent Scriptures revealing the full Nature of Christ, I could well agree with you. And some of us have shared those Scriptures, but receiving no exposition.
Hi One Eighty. You may care to peruse my comment to Doug (to save repetition). Thank you.
But to certain things you stated. I think you understand the verse "which I had with thee before the world was" to mean that God created Jesus before He created mankind: "Jesus was an extension (creation) of God before man entered the world."
I can't recall any verse to show that God ever created someone called Jesus. Rather, the Bible tells us there is only One God - there is none beside Him. Yet, we find that within the Person of God there lies Entities (also referred to as Persons) called the Word & the Spirit. We don't have trouble defining & understanding the Spirit, but when the Word is brought up, we struggle & have wildly different opinions. Yet, we have clear Truths given to us, as in Revelation 19:13, that when Jesus returns, He is seen as the One "clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." Not only is Jesus seen as the Word of God placed into humanity, but this One Who holds an intrinsic part of God's Person, returns with that same title. Jesus is ever God's Word, but for our sakes, took on humanity for the suffering of death.
So, I don't see anything about a creation of a Jesus - I read that God sent His Word (from within Himself), born into humanity, being called Jesus (Immanuel, 'God with us') & never ceasing to be vitally a part & connected to the Godhead. Jesus is always God's Word, but in the incarnation, God made a material change, taking that spiritual Essence of Himself & clothing Him with flesh (the best I can describe it). You do refer to a Triunity of God, but I would question Jesus being a created Being (Adam was a created being - Jesus was begotten from God), & I agree, Jesus can never be said to be a Creator of God.
Doug , you bring up a great point that almost no one teaches on , much less has a clue about. So you have provided a number of verses on "clouds" allow me to provide a few more that will open things up for you and all else who read this.
Psalms 104:3 " who maketh the clouds his chariot" .... that is the KEY to the clouds . A cloud or clouds plural are actually referencing his chariot and fleet of chariots in Psalms 68:17 "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels:
the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place." 20,000 chariots would be a flying fleet of aircraft/spacecraft, as he comes down from heaven and maneuvers through the skies of earth. Look at Isaiah 66:15 "For behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his CHARIOTS....." this is at the second coming ! This clearly ties in with the armies in heaven which follow him in Revelation 19:14
That should open things up a little for you. A detailed study of the Mt of Transfiguration where a cloud comes with the Father in it bringing Moses and Elijah.... "and they feared (the disciples) as they (Moses and Elijah) ENTERED INTO THE CLOUD".. Like 9:34. Yeah, I bet they did. First off, Moses was resurrected - Jude 1:9. Elijah went up in a chariot in 2 Kings 2. They then return in one of these Cloud-Chariots with the Father to talk to Jesus before his death. This fulfills the prophecy Jesus gave the week before about some standing here not tasting death till they see the kingdom of God .... Matthew 16 end - Matthew 17:1-10Mark 9:1:10 Luke 9:26-36
As for the Ascension of Christ in Acts 1, it is likely the same cloud of the Mt of Transfiguration, as Jesus goes to sit on the right hand of the Father. This doctrine is virtually unknown to most all Christians, much less those that teach or preach to them. Thanks be to God I happened across a website a few years back where the late Patrick Cooke laid this all out in detail. Opened my eyes quite a bit.
Hello Edith. Revelation 1:16 is but one verse within the whole Book of the Revelation given to the Apostle John, to record what he sees ( Revelation 1:19). And what the risen Lord Jesus revealed to him in this verse was a part of how Jesus appeared to him (vv 13-16).
In verse 16, John saw seven stars in Jesus' right Hand. We understand that these stars represented the angels (possibly, the leaders) of the seven Churches (the golden candlesticks) in Asia Minor (Turkey): v 20. These were real assemblies of believers in those seven cities & were precious to the Lord, as is indicated by His position amongst them & having them close to Him (in His right Hand). Yet, as we read in the following chapters, not all of them were pure in His Sight & they would be judged & disciplined. Yet the Lord would persevere with them (as He does with us when we go astray) as He also did with Israel, when the promise was given them, "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." ( Isaiah 62:3).
John also saw a sharp two-edged sword proceeding from Jesus' Mouth. This is the primary weapon that Jesus uses to subdue His enemies (maybe at that great final battle). We know that the sword is often used to denote the Word of God ( Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:13). And God's Word is Truth - it is pure, it cuts & divides, it converts, it blesses. No enemy, both now & in that final day, will be able to withstand God's Truth. Where they once rejected it, even rejecting God's Word made flesh, they will feel the keenness of the 'blade' & will fall, succumbing to the power of that Word. Even Satan flees when God's Word is brought to bear upon him.
And Jesus' countenance appeared to John as the midday Sun in its zenith. One can imagine John turning away from such Brightness. As we read in Malachi 4:2, "the Sun of righteousness" arises to heal those who fear Him, but will also burn the chaff into ashes of those who do wickedly.
Yes, Christ is our blessed hope and we are not appointed unto His wrath. I think 1 Thessalonians 5:9 is often overlooked. The grace of God teaches us to deny all ungodliness. The word deny means to reject. When we're faced with ungodliness, we're to reject it. We have a position down here. We have an approach to the world and life down here, that we should reject the lusts, and the ungodliness, but live rightly lined up with God in respect and reverence for Him. But at the same time, looking for that blessed hope, that living hope that you mentioned, the glorious appearing. In the Greek text, it talks about the appearing of His glory, the appearing of the glory of the great God, and our Savior Jesus Christ. So that's our position. That's our life summed up in the believer right there.
Now, where does this put us once we are raptured. We will not be here during the tribulation period. What purpose would we have here during that time? It wouldn't be to reach people for Christ. God already has a plan for that. During this terrible time on earth, once God's Spirit is removed, we will be participating in the marriage supper of the lamb. We are given this in Revelation Chapter 19. It talks about armies in heaven that will follow Christ upon white horses when He comes at His second coming. Who are these armies? That would be us. We are the ones who are clothed in fine linen, white and clean. ( Revelation 19:7-8).
It surely is high time to seek the Lord. Nothing we do naturally will 'work' if these are God's judgments coming upon us because of sin. If America would TRULY repent, and turn to God, then HE makes our enemies to be at peace with us. It is sin that has removed God's hand of blessing and protection, and nothing else matters but for America to turn to Jesus!
You said something at the beginning of your post, namely,
"I was taught that Israel was the center of "Bible Interpretation", the World.
Israel is NOT the center of true Bible interpretation. JESUS CHRIST is ALWAYS the center of true Bible interpretation. The Bible is the Lamb's Book; it is all about Him, start to finish. He is the Alpha and the Omega. One old-time preacher I so value is Charles Spurgeon. He saw Christ in every book of the Bible, and speaks so eloquently of Him in his sermons. I have a book by Charles Spurgeon, "Christ in the Old Testament' and have wept my way through those pages, just uplifted in my soul and spirit by the glorious revelation of Christ as shown through those types and shadows of the old dispensation.
......The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ. ( Revelation 19:10b)
It is ALWAYS about Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we will never go off course!
The Last Battle after the Tribulation - In Reply - 2 years ago
Revelation 14:20
And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
Revelation 19:19
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him (JESUS) that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Revelation 19:21
And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his MOUTH: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
[This passage uses the symbolism of grapes in a winepress to describe the eventual defeat of the wicked in the end times. As grapes are crushed and broken to release wine, the bodies of God's enemies will be smashed in a bloody defeat. Taken in absolutely literal terms, this verse describes a cascade of blood some five or six feet (2 meters) high and 180 miles (290 kilometers) long. Most interpreters see this as primarily symbolic. Some suggest that what's described is a 1600-stadia zone of carnage during battle, so violent that blood is splattered as high as the head of a horse.
Whether entirely or partly poetic, one thing is certain: this judgment creates a gory scene. Revelation 19:13 pictures Jesus as having blood on His robe as He rides into warfare against the wicked. Although some believe this is the blood Jesus shed on the cross, others see this as the blood of His enemies. The interpretation that it is the blood of His enemies is supported by the prophetic picture given in Isaiah 63:2-4. Jesus' defeat of His enemies at the end of the tribulation will be absolute and terrible.]
Thanks for adding that! Later after I posted the answer. I remembered I didn't include the amazing gift of Salvation, that we ourselves could not accomplish with out Christ JESUS!
Okou Agnatius,
I answered the question as I would have, to someone who had already received the gift of Salvation through believing in Christ. Chris was right to add that! It does cover that issue some in: 1Peter 1, but in my spirit, I did feel afterward that I had not given you the best most complete answer & it bothered me as I was trying to rest.
Please also see: John 3:15-16, Revelation 19:1, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, Romans 10:10, 1Thessalonians 5:8-24, Hebrews 2, Hebrews 5:9,
Tom, The word of God is a parable. The Spirit of Christ wrote the Bible.
Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (the words) of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus to the multitudes in parables, and without a parable spake he not into them.
Numbers 23:7 And he took up this PARABLE ....
Numbers 23:18 And he took up this PARABLE .....
Numbers 24:20-21 ...and he took up his parable ....
Job 27:1 Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Job 29: Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....
Ezekiel 17:2 ... and speak a parable ...
Ezekiel 24:3 ..... utter a parable .....
Micah 2:4 ..... take up a parable .....
Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all take up a parable against him .....
Know this is what happens when you don't BELIEVE GOD when he says he speaks in parables.
Proverbs 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal, SO IS A PARABLE IN THE MOUTH OF FOOLS.
Heaven is a parable of the place GOD LIVES.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....CHRIST IN YOU .....GOD LIVES IN MAN
The angle of the Lord is a ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) the angle of the Lord is GOD, therefore that ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is planting his SEED (inpregenating) man with TRUTH AND LIFE; creating man in the IMAGE OF GOD.
YES, ANGLES (MEN, that has left this body of flesh, and BECOME ministering spirits being BORN AGAIN (FATHER by the HOLY GHOST) and ONE WITH CHRIST are inpregenating creation with the SEED OF GOD.
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
I've never heard a pre-trib view taught that there is 3 comings of Christ, I always understood that there is the 1st coming and the second coming to Earth.
The rapture is called the "harpazo" in the Greek. meaning "to snatch away" or "to seize," The Lord don't come to the earth, We go to him!
1 Thessalonians 4:17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD IN THE AIR: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
His second coming he comes to the Earth with judgment.
In these 2nd coming verses there's no mention of the removal of saints.
Here's just a few of many.
Zechariah 14:4.
Revelation 19:11-16,
Revelation 20:1-6.
Matthew 25:31-32.
The 2nd coming he comes with his saints.
If he raptured in his 2nd coming when he comes and make war against the nations who's going to populate the Millennium?
God is Wonderful to those who Seek - In Reply on John 5 - 2 years ago
In a reference Bible there are some explanation to that passage. I'll list them:
Isaiah 41:4, 6
Daniel 7:13, 10:5, 7:9
Daniel 2:18
Revelation 19:12-16
Alpha- beginning
Omega- end
I didn't see it for a long time, but one day I was reading Genesis 1:1 in Hebrew. It said, "In Beginning".
My brain exploded.
First Day, God created TIME for earth. God exists outside of time and inside of time. That is how He sees us "alpha" and "omega". He knows who will and who will not receive the Salvation He has prepared for us.
PRAYER can change things or how we can accept things. The woman who tithed the widows mite, impressed Jesus.
All of our days are recorded in a Book. Which means unborn children are known by God. He called prophets from the womb.
Time is for weather, seasons, plant, harvest, animals mate, give birth; eggs to be hatched. It's huge just thinking about all the things that depend on time.
Time is the one thing scientists couldn't find formulas of its origins. They have carbon dating, bigger space projects. No one is going to publish a Formula for Time.
Genesis isn't the only place in the Bible where it speaks of Gods creation. They don't want to give God credit for it.
"They" thought we'd understand it better if they added THE: in the beginning. Other stuff-God doesn't step in and stop car wrecks. But if we pray, we'll survive with just a little damage. He honors our free will.
I think alpha and Omaha are Greek words.
God has spread gold nuggets of revelation all through the Bible. Just laying there. If we read too fast, we will race past it.
I was reading Ezekiel 37 about the bones. I know it's Israel. (I had dry bones in my life). I skimmed past where God says prophesy UPON these bones.
The Holy Spirit tells me to prophesy. I said aloud the scriptures. Then he said, you can prophesy over YOUR dry bones!
I'm scared to say THUS saith THE LORD. I cower while I'm thinking of dead things in my life.
We must not look for one country, when the beast ascends from the bottomless pit and Satan gives his power, seat, and authority to him Revelation 13, this world will change. The ten horns of the beast are ten kings/leaders, they give their strength and power to the beast. We do not know what nations and armies they will control, but we do know it will be the nations of the world.
The battle of Armageddon will start just before the return of Jesus, Revelation 19:11. The ten kings/leaders, along with the beast and false prophet will make war with Jesus, Revelation 17:14 we know what happens Revelation 19:19-21.
The Bible has a number of places that speak of animals in glory.
1. Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
2. Isaiah 65:24-25
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.
3. Revelation 19:13-14
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
There are other things that could be added to this short list. But this is a good place to start.
Please see these references: Mark 9:1-7, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Revelation 19:11-16, Revelation 1:14, Mark 16:5, John 20:12, Acts 1:10, Ecclesiastes 9:8, Revelation 3:4,5, Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 20:11, Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 6:2,11, Revelation 9:18, Daniel 11:35, Revelation 4:4, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 2:17, Daniel 12:10,
John 4:35,
But Also : Genesis 40:16-23, Joel 1:7, Leviticus 13, Revelation 15:6,
Brother Charles, My very first statement in fact does state that during CHRIST JESUS's crucifixion, HE did bleed HIS own blood and HE did die for our sins. My point disagrees with many who erroneously believe CHRIST dipped HIS vesture in HIS own blood which HE shed on Calvary's cross. This is their interpretation of the expression, "HE (LORD JESUS) was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood" ( Rev. 19:13).
This blood on HIS vesture is not HIS own, but rather that of HIS enemies of whom HE slays (v.15).
CHRIST shed HIS blood to save HIS people. HE did so during HIS crucifixion. But the context of Revelation Nineteen is not a context of vicarious sacrifice, but rather of war ( Rev. 19:11), bloodshed (cp. Rev. 14:20), and death ( Rev. 19:15 & 21).
Dude if you don't think that Christ shed his blood on the croos you are lost and God lied, Everyone thinks they can interpreate Rvealations but miss the one most important part Rev1:3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. So what are we to keep? Do you know what I get out of revelations, I don't want to live through it and if Revelations doesn't make us fear God nothing can. The fear of the lord leads to salvation. Man's wisdom is foolishness to God. So much more to focus on to live godly in the Bible so you don't suffer God's wrath. Revelations is God's wrath
Close and accurate with the exception of the blood not being of Christ. The necessity to be born of virgin not a man's will, he took on the form of flesh and was made a little lower than the angels for the atonement "I will build a new covenant in my blood!
"For if the blood of goats could take away sin there would not be a need to enter in a second time!
the only thing that protects us from the Holy Wrath of God is the precious blood of Jesus, after that everything is accurate
"If you would be shy of me, I would be shy of you in front of my father"
All sinners saved by Grace, our only defense " The Blood of the Lamb of God"!
Reading Revelation, you will find that the Ark of the Testament is in heaven. This means that it was moved; as was the Tree of Life.
Realistically, it would take time to slay a 200 million man army + Antichrist's army. More than a day. I can't think of Jesus chopping off heads, arms or legs.
I'm just thinking that the Ark will be on the battlefield. It will be opened and his enemies will drop dead.
Revelation Chapter 11
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ARK of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
I just have to go with what I know about our Lord. He's not a butcher. He's the King of kings; Lord of lords. We'll be there too, so however it goes down, we'll be part of it. Mishael
Rev. 19:13 = This blood is not CHRIST's own that HE shed during HIS crucifixion. No, this blood is the blood of CHRIST's enemies that HE will draw during Armageddon. Verse fifteen speaks of CHRIST treading the winepress (see also 14:20). Deuteronomy 32:14 describes the juice of the grape as blood. Interpret the graphic language to mean CHRIST will violently attack HIS enemies with such force that HE will splatter their blood on HIS vesture with such abundance that it will become soaked and dripping.
All soldiers experienced in combat, and all who study war, know that soldiers often bloody themselves with the blood of those they kill. When JESUS CHRIST engages in the Battle of Armageddon, HE intends to save no one, nor take prisoners, for HE battles to slaughter the armies of the Antichrist without mercy. Even Revelation 19:21 describes CHRIST ensuring HE kills every last one of the Antichrist's rebellious armies: "the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth ..." The blood drenching HIS vesture is that of HIS enemies.
Isaiah 63:1-4 describes JESUS CHRIST fighting Armageddon. Isaiah recorded that prophecy in the prophetic perfect tense. In verse one, Isaiah asks, "WHO is THIS that comes from Edom, with dyed {bloodied} garments from Bozrah?" The mentioning of Edom and Bozrah suggests Armageddon is a series of battles culminating in Armageddon. The PERSON in question is The MESSIAH/CHRIST.
In verse two, Isaiah asked another important question: "Wherefore art THOU red in THINE apparel, and THY garments (including HIS vesture) like him that treadeth in the winefat?" This question accepts the fact that when one stomps grapes in the wine press, he traumatically expels the "blood of the grape" (Deu. 32:14) resulting in splattering the wine presser's clothing with grape juice. This metaphor proves that the blood drenching CHRIST's vesture is not HIS Own, but that of HIS enemies.
I'm not sure that's in scripture the way you put it. Here's a link.
The imagery and symbolism of marriage is applied to Christ and the body of believers known as the church. The church is comprised of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ, theBridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride ( Ephesians 5:25-27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him ( 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At therapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official "wedding ceremony" will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized ( Revelation 19:7-9;21:1-2).
1 Timothy 3:16 KJV - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Matthew 1:23 KJV - Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
John 1:1-3 KJV - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Revelation 19:11-16 KJV - And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Colossians 2:8-9 KJV - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Hebrews 1:8 KJV - But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
"Word was God"
It flat out says the Word is Jesus in John 1:14 and onward. It also calls Jesus God in other scripture too, so one has to deny much of the Bible in order to deny Jesus's divinity. Why are people so motivated to deny Jesus, one might ask? Matthew 10:32-33
The Word was God literally means the Word was God. It doesn't say the Word wasn't God. It doesn't say the Word was a different God. It doesn't say the Word was God the father. It doesn't say was kind of a God, but not really. People seem to really enjoy twisting this and trying hard to make it mean something else, but it doesn't mean something else. The Word was God still means the "Word was God." It cannot be denied what it so clearly says.
I heard someone who seemed motivated to not want Jesus to be his Lord or God go on to say that the Word didn't mean Jesus and wanted it to mean the Bible. But that person forgot that the Bible already says the Word is Jesus in John 1:14. It again calls Jesus the Word in Revelation 19:13.
So, all the other speculation doesn't really matter. People's devised human arguments in order to rationalize or distort to fit what one wants to believe is all irrelevant. The fact is John 1:1 says Jesus is God and the real question is does someone believe in the Bible as God's word or not? I choose to believe it. I hope others do too. Satan loves deceiving and tricking people into rationalizing away and cherry picking certain things over others.
1 Corinthians 8:6 (Jesus made all things), John 1:1 (Jesus was there in the beginning), John 5:18, (equal with His father), Jesus is the John 8:58, "I AM", Exodus 3:14, Revelation 1:8. John 20:28.
There are spiritual forces at work trying to deceive and twist and misinterpret. Beware of false teachers. The Bible already says what it means. Do we choose to believe and trust?
That's easily seen in scripture.
The Church didn't bring on the man child "Christ". Revelation 12:5. and Revelation 19:15-16.
Christ brought on the Church!!
Here's just two of many.
Matthew 16:18.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11.
As you said Israel is the woman and she brought on the man child who is Christ. " Romans 9:4-5."
Also Revelation 12:1. parallels with Genesis 37:9-10. It gives a description of who the Sun and the Moon and the twelve stars are.
Now hold on to your hat!
God bless.
But if you asked, 'is there One called Jesus Christ, who came to Earth from Heaven ( John 3:13; John 6:38), from within the Person of God ( John 1:1-14), to become Man, died, arose from the grave, & now ascended to the right Hand of the Father, ever living as the Word of God made flesh (where Divinity has merged with Humanity) making intercession for His people, & one day returning to Earth in the same state that He left this Earth (as the Word of God: Revelation 19:13)?', then I would say, YES. Any other Jesus is, from my understanding of the Scriptures, to be another Jesus - One assumed maybe from incorrect teaching and/or a bias against the Plan of God to secure our salvation.
If I avoided certain pertinent Scriptures revealing the full Nature of Christ, I could well agree with you. And some of us have shared those Scriptures, but receiving no exposition.
But to certain things you stated. I think you understand the verse "which I had with thee before the world was" to mean that God created Jesus before He created mankind: "Jesus was an extension (creation) of God before man entered the world."
I can't recall any verse to show that God ever created someone called Jesus. Rather, the Bible tells us there is only One God - there is none beside Him. Yet, we find that within the Person of God there lies Entities (also referred to as Persons) called the Word & the Spirit. We don't have trouble defining & understanding the Spirit, but when the Word is brought up, we struggle & have wildly different opinions. Yet, we have clear Truths given to us, as in Revelation 19:13, that when Jesus returns, He is seen as the One "clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." Not only is Jesus seen as the Word of God placed into humanity, but this One Who holds an intrinsic part of God's Person, returns with that same title. Jesus is ever God's Word, but for our sakes, took on humanity for the suffering of death.
So, I don't see anything about a creation of a Jesus - I read that God sent His Word (from within Himself), born into humanity, being called Jesus (Immanuel, 'God with us') & never ceasing to be vitally a part & connected to the Godhead. Jesus is always God's Word, but in the incarnation, God made a material change, taking that spiritual Essence of Himself & clothing Him with flesh (the best I can describe it). You do refer to a Triunity of God, but I would question Jesus being a created Being (Adam was a created being - Jesus was begotten from God), & I agree, Jesus can never be said to be a Creator of God.
Psalms 104:3 " who maketh the clouds his chariot" .... that is the KEY to the clouds . A cloud or clouds plural are actually referencing his chariot and fleet of chariots in Psalms 68:17 "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels:
the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place." 20,000 chariots would be a flying fleet of aircraft/spacecraft, as he comes down from heaven and maneuvers through the skies of earth. Look at Isaiah 66:15 "For behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his CHARIOTS....." this is at the second coming ! This clearly ties in with the armies in heaven which follow him in Revelation 19:14
That should open things up a little for you. A detailed study of the Mt of Transfiguration where a cloud comes with the Father in it bringing Moses and Elijah.... "and they feared (the disciples) as they (Moses and Elijah) ENTERED INTO THE CLOUD".. Like 9:34. Yeah, I bet they did. First off, Moses was resurrected - Jude 1:9. Elijah went up in a chariot in 2 Kings 2. They then return in one of these Cloud-Chariots with the Father to talk to Jesus before his death. This fulfills the prophecy Jesus gave the week before about some standing here not tasting death till they see the kingdom of God .... Matthew 16 end - Matthew 17:1-10 Mark 9:1:10 Luke 9:26-36
As for the Ascension of Christ in Acts 1, it is likely the same cloud of the Mt of Transfiguration, as Jesus goes to sit on the right hand of the Father. This doctrine is virtually unknown to most all Christians, much less those that teach or preach to them. Thanks be to God I happened across a website a few years back where the late Patrick Cooke laid this all out in detail. Opened my eyes quite a bit.
In verse 16, John saw seven stars in Jesus' right Hand. We understand that these stars represented the angels (possibly, the leaders) of the seven Churches (the golden candlesticks) in Asia Minor (Turkey): v 20. These were real assemblies of believers in those seven cities & were precious to the Lord, as is indicated by His position amongst them & having them close to Him (in His right Hand). Yet, as we read in the following chapters, not all of them were pure in His Sight & they would be judged & disciplined. Yet the Lord would persevere with them (as He does with us when we go astray) as He also did with Israel, when the promise was given them, "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." ( Isaiah 62:3).
John also saw a sharp two-edged sword proceeding from Jesus' Mouth. This is the primary weapon that Jesus uses to subdue His enemies (maybe at that great final battle). We know that the sword is often used to denote the Word of God ( Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:13). And God's Word is Truth - it is pure, it cuts & divides, it converts, it blesses. No enemy, both now & in that final day, will be able to withstand God's Truth. Where they once rejected it, even rejecting God's Word made flesh, they will feel the keenness of the 'blade' & will fall, succumbing to the power of that Word. Even Satan flees when God's Word is brought to bear upon him.
And Jesus' countenance appeared to John as the midday Sun in its zenith. One can imagine John turning away from such Brightness. As we read in Malachi 4:2, "the Sun of righteousness" arises to heal those who fear Him, but will also burn the chaff into ashes of those who do wickedly.
Yes, Christ is our blessed hope and we are not appointed unto His wrath. I think 1 Thessalonians 5:9 is often overlooked. The grace of God teaches us to deny all ungodliness. The word deny means to reject. When we're faced with ungodliness, we're to reject it. We have a position down here. We have an approach to the world and life down here, that we should reject the lusts, and the ungodliness, but live rightly lined up with God in respect and reverence for Him. But at the same time, looking for that blessed hope, that living hope that you mentioned, the glorious appearing. In the Greek text, it talks about the appearing of His glory, the appearing of the glory of the great God, and our Savior Jesus Christ. So that's our position. That's our life summed up in the believer right there.
Now, where does this put us once we are raptured. We will not be here during the tribulation period. What purpose would we have here during that time? It wouldn't be to reach people for Christ. God already has a plan for that. During this terrible time on earth, once God's Spirit is removed, we will be participating in the marriage supper of the lamb. We are given this in Revelation Chapter 19. It talks about armies in heaven that will follow Christ upon white horses when He comes at His second coming. Who are these armies? That would be us. We are the ones who are clothed in fine linen, white and clean. ( Revelation 19:7-8).
Blessings to you also!
Romans 12:6,
2Peter 1:16-21,
1Timothy 4:14,
Revelation 1:3,
Gifting working within the Body: 1Corinthians 12, 1Corinthians 13, direction concerning in Church: 1Corinthians 14:29-40,
Prophets yet to come: Revelation 11:3-19, false prophet yet to come: Revelation 16:12-15, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10,
Revelation 19:10,
Revelation 22,
John the Baptist referred to as Prophet: Luke 1:76, Luke 3:4, Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke 4:24, Luke 7:26,28, Luke 20:3-20, John 1:19-37,
Acts 3:22-26, Acts 7:35-60, Titus 1:12,
Matthew 10:41,
Jesus talking about Prophets in HIS day, referred to himself also: Matthew 21:26, Matthew 11:9, Mark 11:32, John 4:4,
Luke 13:33, Luke 24,
Paul & others acknowledged prophecy, Prophets, even Women that did Prophecy: Acts 21:8-14,
Hope these are helpful
You said something at the beginning of your post, namely,
"I was taught that Israel was the center of "Bible Interpretation", the World.
Israel is NOT the center of true Bible interpretation. JESUS CHRIST is ALWAYS the center of true Bible interpretation. The Bible is the Lamb's Book; it is all about Him, start to finish. He is the Alpha and the Omega. One old-time preacher I so value is Charles Spurgeon. He saw Christ in every book of the Bible, and speaks so eloquently of Him in his sermons. I have a book by Charles Spurgeon, "Christ in the Old Testament' and have wept my way through those pages, just uplifted in my soul and spirit by the glorious revelation of Christ as shown through those types and shadows of the old dispensation.
......The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ. ( Revelation 19:10b)
It is ALWAYS about Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we will never go off course!
Blessings!
And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
Revelation 19:19
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him (JESUS) that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Revelation 19:21
And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his MOUTH: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
[This passage uses the symbolism of grapes in a winepress to describe the eventual defeat of the wicked in the end times. As grapes are crushed and broken to release wine, the bodies of God's enemies will be smashed in a bloody defeat. Taken in absolutely literal terms, this verse describes a cascade of blood some five or six feet (2 meters) high and 180 miles (290 kilometers) long. Most interpreters see this as primarily symbolic. Some suggest that what's described is a 1600-stadia zone of carnage during battle, so violent that blood is splattered as high as the head of a horse.
Whether entirely or partly poetic, one thing is certain: this judgment creates a gory scene. Revelation 19:13 pictures Jesus as having blood on His robe as He rides into warfare against the wicked. Although some believe this is the blood Jesus shed on the cross, others see this as the blood of His enemies. The interpretation that it is the blood of His enemies is supported by the prophetic picture given in Isaiah 63:2-4. Jesus' defeat of His enemies at the end of the tribulation will be absolute and terrible.]
Thanks for adding that! Later after I posted the answer. I remembered I didn't include the amazing gift of Salvation, that we ourselves could not accomplish with out Christ JESUS!
Okou Agnatius,
I answered the question as I would have, to someone who had already received the gift of Salvation through believing in Christ. Chris was right to add that! It does cover that issue some in: 1Peter 1, but in my spirit, I did feel afterward that I had not given you the best most complete answer & it bothered me as I was trying to rest.
Please also see: John 3:15-16, Revelation 19:1, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, Romans 10:10, 1Thessalonians 5:8-24, Hebrews 2, Hebrews 5:9,
John 14:6
Forgive me, I ask
Revelation 19:10 .... for the testimony (the words) of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus to the multitudes in parables, and without a parable spake he not into them.
Numbers 23:7 And he took up this PARABLE ....
Numbers 23:18 And he took up this PARABLE .....
Numbers 24:20-21 ...and he took up his parable ....
Job 27:1 Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Job 29: Moreover Job continued his parable ...
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable ....
Ezekiel 17:2 ... and speak a parable ...
Ezekiel 24:3 ..... utter a parable .....
Micah 2:4 ..... take up a parable .....
Habakkuk 2:6 Shall not all take up a parable against him .....
Know this is what happens when you don't BELIEVE GOD when he says he speaks in parables.
Proverbs 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal, SO IS A PARABLE IN THE MOUTH OF FOOLS.
Heaven is a parable of the place GOD LIVES.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....CHRIST IN YOU .....GOD LIVES IN MAN
The angle of the Lord is a ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) the angle of the Lord is GOD, therefore that ministering Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is planting his SEED (inpregenating) man with TRUTH AND LIFE; creating man in the IMAGE OF GOD.
YES, ANGLES (MEN, that has left this body of flesh, and BECOME ministering spirits being BORN AGAIN (FATHER by the HOLY GHOST) and ONE WITH CHRIST are inpregenating creation with the SEED OF GOD.
God Bless You!
King James Version
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
John 16:22,
Revelation 19:7, isn't quite here yet
Thanks for your reply.
I've never heard a pre-trib view taught that there is 3 comings of Christ, I always understood that there is the 1st coming and the second coming to Earth.
The rapture is called the "harpazo" in the Greek. meaning "to snatch away" or "to seize," The Lord don't come to the earth, We go to him!
1 Thessalonians 4:17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD IN THE AIR: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
His second coming he comes to the Earth with judgment.
In these 2nd coming verses there's no mention of the removal of saints.
Here's just a few of many.
Zechariah 14:4.
Revelation 19:11-16,
Revelation 20:1-6.
Matthew 25:31-32.
The 2nd coming he comes with his saints.
If he raptured in his 2nd coming when he comes and make war against the nations who's going to populate the Millennium?
Here's parallel verses to
Mathew 24:31.
Isaiah 11:12.
Jeremiah 23:7-8.
Jeremiah 16:14-15.
Ezekiel 34:12-13.
Isaiah 45:4.
Goodnight Kay and God bless.
1 Peter 1:23-25, Proverbs 30:5, Luke 4:4, Acts 19:20, Romans 10:17,
John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:11-16.
Isaiah 41:4, 6
Daniel 7:13, 10:5, 7:9
Daniel 2:18
Revelation 19:12-16
Alpha- beginning
Omega- end
I didn't see it for a long time, but one day I was reading Genesis 1:1 in Hebrew. It said, "In Beginning".
My brain exploded.
First Day, God created TIME for earth. God exists outside of time and inside of time. That is how He sees us "alpha" and "omega". He knows who will and who will not receive the Salvation He has prepared for us.
PRAYER can change things or how we can accept things. The woman who tithed the widows mite, impressed Jesus.
All of our days are recorded in a Book. Which means unborn children are known by God. He called prophets from the womb.
Time is for weather, seasons, plant, harvest, animals mate, give birth; eggs to be hatched. It's huge just thinking about all the things that depend on time.
Time is the one thing scientists couldn't find formulas of its origins. They have carbon dating, bigger space projects. No one is going to publish a Formula for Time.
Genesis isn't the only place in the Bible where it speaks of Gods creation. They don't want to give God credit for it.
"They" thought we'd understand it better if they added THE: in the beginning. Other stuff-God doesn't step in and stop car wrecks. But if we pray, we'll survive with just a little damage. He honors our free will.
I think alpha and Omaha are Greek words.
God has spread gold nuggets of revelation all through the Bible. Just laying there. If we read too fast, we will race past it.
I was reading Ezekiel 37 about the bones. I know it's Israel. (I had dry bones in my life). I skimmed past where God says prophesy UPON these bones.
The Holy Spirit tells me to prophesy. I said aloud the scriptures. Then he said, you can prophesy over YOUR dry bones!
I'm scared to say THUS saith THE LORD. I cower while I'm thinking of dead things in my life.
We must not look for one country, when the beast ascends from the bottomless pit and Satan gives his power, seat, and authority to him Revelation 13, this world will change. The ten horns of the beast are ten kings/leaders, they give their strength and power to the beast. We do not know what nations and armies they will control, but we do know it will be the nations of the world.
The battle of Armageddon will start just before the return of Jesus, Revelation 19:11. The ten kings/leaders, along with the beast and false prophet will make war with Jesus, Revelation 17:14 we know what happens Revelation 19:19-21.
God bless,
RLW
1. Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
2. Isaiah 65:24-25
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.
3. Revelation 19:13-14
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
There are other things that could be added to this short list. But this is a good place to start.
Isaiah 26:20 before the storm, little moment.
Revelation 19:2 after the storm, Babylon falls.
Isaiah 54:7 promise of resurrection, small moment.
John 4:35,
But Also : Genesis 40:16-23, Joel 1:7, Leviticus 13, Revelation 15:6,
Hopefully these are helpful.
This blood on HIS vesture is not HIS own, but rather that of HIS enemies of whom HE slays (v.15).
CHRIST shed HIS blood to save HIS people. HE did so during HIS crucifixion. But the context of Revelation Nineteen is not a context of vicarious sacrifice, but rather of war ( Rev. 19:11), bloodshed (cp. Rev. 14:20), and death ( Rev. 19:15 & 21).
"For if the blood of goats could take away sin there would not be a need to enter in a second time!
the only thing that protects us from the Holy Wrath of God is the precious blood of Jesus, after that everything is accurate
"If you would be shy of me, I would be shy of you in front of my father"
All sinners saved by Grace, our only defense " The Blood of the Lamb of God"!
Realistically, it would take time to slay a 200 million man army + Antichrist's army. More than a day. I can't think of Jesus chopping off heads, arms or legs.
I'm just thinking that the Ark will be on the battlefield. It will be opened and his enemies will drop dead.
Revelation Chapter 11
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ARK of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
I just have to go with what I know about our Lord. He's not a butcher. He's the King of kings; Lord of lords. We'll be there too, so however it goes down, we'll be part of it. Mishael
All soldiers experienced in combat, and all who study war, know that soldiers often bloody themselves with the blood of those they kill. When JESUS CHRIST engages in the Battle of Armageddon, HE intends to save no one, nor take prisoners, for HE battles to slaughter the armies of the Antichrist without mercy. Even Revelation 19:21 describes CHRIST ensuring HE kills every last one of the Antichrist's rebellious armies: "the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth ..." The blood drenching HIS vesture is that of HIS enemies.
Isaiah 63:1-4 describes JESUS CHRIST fighting Armageddon. Isaiah recorded that prophecy in the prophetic perfect tense. In verse one, Isaiah asks, "WHO is THIS that comes from Edom, with dyed {bloodied} garments from Bozrah?" The mentioning of Edom and Bozrah suggests Armageddon is a series of battles culminating in Armageddon. The PERSON in question is The MESSIAH/CHRIST.
In verse two, Isaiah asked another important question: "Wherefore art THOU red in THINE apparel, and THY garments (including HIS vesture) like him that treadeth in the winefat?" This question accepts the fact that when one stomps grapes in the wine press, he traumatically expels the "blood of the grape" (Deu. 32:14) resulting in splattering the wine presser's clothing with grape juice. This metaphor proves that the blood drenching CHRIST's vesture is not HIS Own, but that of HIS enemies.
I'm not sure that's in scripture the way you put it. Here's a link.
The imagery and symbolism of marriage is applied to Christ and the body of believers known as the church. The church is comprised of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ, theBridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride ( Ephesians 5:25-27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him ( 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At therapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official "wedding ceremony" will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized ( Revelation 19:7-9;21:1-2).
God bless.
1 Timothy 3:16 KJV - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Matthew 1:23 KJV - Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
John 1:1-3 KJV - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Revelation 19:11-16 KJV - And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Colossians 2:8-9 KJV - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Hebrews 1:8 KJV - But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:
The Bible flat out says Jesus is God in John 1:1.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
"Word was God"
It flat out says the Word is Jesus in John 1:14 and onward. It also calls Jesus God in other scripture too, so one has to deny much of the Bible in order to deny Jesus's divinity. Why are people so motivated to deny Jesus, one might ask? Matthew 10:32-33
The Word was God literally means the Word was God. It doesn't say the Word wasn't God. It doesn't say the Word was a different God. It doesn't say the Word was God the father. It doesn't say was kind of a God, but not really. People seem to really enjoy twisting this and trying hard to make it mean something else, but it doesn't mean something else. The Word was God still means the "Word was God." It cannot be denied what it so clearly says.
I heard someone who seemed motivated to not want Jesus to be his Lord or God go on to say that the Word didn't mean Jesus and wanted it to mean the Bible. But that person forgot that the Bible already says the Word is Jesus in John 1:14. It again calls Jesus the Word in Revelation 19:13.
So, all the other speculation doesn't really matter. People's devised human arguments in order to rationalize or distort to fit what one wants to believe is all irrelevant. The fact is John 1:1 says Jesus is God and the real question is does someone believe in the Bible as God's word or not? I choose to believe it. I hope others do too. Satan loves deceiving and tricking people into rationalizing away and cherry picking certain things over others.
1 Corinthians 8:6 (Jesus made all things), John 1:1 (Jesus was there in the beginning), John 5:18, (equal with His father), Jesus is the John 8:58, "I AM", Exodus 3:14, Revelation 1:8. John 20:28.
There are spiritual forces at work trying to deceive and twist and misinterpret. Beware of false teachers. The Bible already says what it means. Do we choose to believe and trust?