Author Archives: fact-s.net

In Search of an Ideal Government…a Perspective

by fact-s.net

Throughout history, this search is on-going.  

From the narrative in Genesis, Adam & Eve did not subject themselves to a theocratic government by disobeying God and were subsequently driven out of the “government in the garden of Eden“. Nimrod (the rebel), in a way, wanted to substitute his autocratic reach to the heavens (Gen. 11:1-9) through the Tower of Babel to make a “name for themselves“. Saul, David, Solomon, etc. also had a government that appeared to be aligned with God’s government. Yet, even these biblical patriarchs, supposed to be chosen by God, had a fleeting loyalty to him and “their kingdoms” succumbed. And throughout history, men of high esteem had leadership and moral compass yet were not durable nor lasting.

The Egyptian and Assyrian empires did not last. From the successive Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greco-Macedonian and Roman Empires, the common denominator they all share is disintegration and short life span. The 15th through the 20th century saw the demise of Spain, France, Germany and England as a world power. In WW II, Germany attempted to dominate Europe and even Russia. While in the Asian continent, Japan tried to sell a propaganda of Greater Asia Co-prosperity Sphere. All over-extended themselves and failed. Coming out of the ashes of WW II, the League of Nations did not see the “light of day” and was replaced with the United Nations. Will the latter succeed? In Europe, the European Economic Community (EEC/Common Market) was originally established as an economic integration by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, became European Community(EC) in 1993 by Maastricht Treaty, and eventually transformed into more than economic alliance, the European Union (EC) by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. In the Middle East, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/Levant (ISIS/ISIL), came into being and is a threat to global peace. Will these human geopolitical collaboration for dominance succeed or end much like the Tower of Babel and the “image of Nebuchadnezzar” that will “break in pieces” as prophesied in Daniel 2?

Now remains the U.S.A. as an undisputed world power with the $US as “reserve currency“, money held to pay international debts, since1944 Bretton Woods agreement setting exchange rate of 1oz. of gold to US$35. Yet, in spite of this currency advantage over other countries, fiscal and monetary policies to address mandatory and discretionary demands took the US to an unprecedented $18T debt and social programs like Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid to an unsustainable trajectory. Is the U.S.A over-extending itself, like others historically, to suffer through this vicious cycle towards oblivion? With additional socio-political unrest, racial division, illegal immigration within an atmosphere of terrorism and wars in multiple fronts, it becomes questionable whether the best form of government, a Constitutional Republic, will also be “transitory”.

These successive events should make one wonder. Did God really plan for us to have the best form of “human government” (aka “human kingdom”) as the ultimate in governance? Are there indications that point otherwise? Are humans, in their present composition,”the pinnacle of creation” or just “an image or likeness of him“, perfect yet temporary? What role are humans destined to play in “world government“? It may take a suspension of disbelief, for one to reconsider traditional teaching of biblical verses written millennia ago.

Consider that governance started off in the Genesis account, as a “theocracy” and not a democracy, not even a Constitutional Republic. One may argue that a supreme and powerful leader, answerable to no one, maybe the answer. Yet, history belies that even a benevolent king, or a charismatic dictator could be the answer. There is still something missing in a human leader. Undoubtedly, God is the best leader. But, why did it not work with Adam & Eve? After all, didn’t God have the power for theocracy to work by force at the garden of Eden? Puzzling indeed !

But is it really an enigma wrapped in mystery? It is clear that God did not use force for compliance and man’s “free will” prevailed at the garden of Eden. But why did Adam’s disobedience occurred ? Could that have been prevented or was that a “given” and expected by the Creator? Could the reason be that man himself, his nature, when and how he was originally and purposely created, was perfect yet temporary? After all, the omnipotent and omniscient God knows the limits of his creation.

Going back to the narrative in Genesis about the creation of man, may help answer this question. Gen. 2:7 states that he was formed from the “dust of the ground“, meaning that his composition was “material“, not spiritual. Continuing the verse, Adam was not alive when created from dust, but became alive only when the “breath of life” was breathed into him by God. Therefore a “living person” is now composed of “dust + breath of life” to become a “living soul“. The “dust” is the material part of man but what about the “breath of life“? Is this like the “air” we breathe? Remember, that without this “breath of life” the dust-body has no life, i.e., dead. In James 2:26, “the body apart from the spirit is dead”, suggesting that this “breath of life” is the “spirit of man“, therefore “spiritual” and given by a spiritual God. This “breath of life” is not the material gasses that we breathe like oxygen,nitrogen, etc. Rather, it could be a God-given “component” of man that “initiates life“, the spiritual component that “energizes” all human functions, like breathing, heart pumping, thinking, moving, feeling, etc. A “spirit-energy” much like the mechanical, electrical or nuclear energy that provides power for things to function. A living man or a “living soul” is thereby made up of “material and spirit components“, the body which is material and the spirit(breath of life) which is spiritual. Zech 12:1 attests that God formed this spirit in man. This spirit in man imprints the memory of everything one experienced through the 5 senses(1 Corinthians 2:11). It can be parallel to the “operating system” in a computer, without which all components are defunctionalized.

Death of man happens when this “breath of life”, this spirit of man, leaves the body. The two can be divided (Heb. 4:12); “the soul that sins, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). Also, Eccl. 12:7 explains that when man dies, “Then the dust (our body) will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit ( breath of life) will return to God who gave it.” Having thus stated, and that while man was created “perfectly” like God’s image (Gen. 1:27), it was nevertheless created only from “matter” (dust) and therefore “weak”. Notice what Jesus said, ” truly, the spirit (of man) is willing but the flesh is weak…” (Matt. 26:40-43). Not only is man “weak” (the body), but also only “a temporary dwelling“. Remember that the “tabernacle” in the Old Testament is a “temporary dwelling” of God. Read through Exodus chapters 35-40 about the tabernacle of God. See also the temple during Solomon’s time (1 Kings 8:11-12), the Temple rebuilt under Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:12; 6:15, 16). By Jesus’ time, the Temple had become a den of thieves. In A. D. 70, the Roman General Titus destroyed Herod’s Temple.

The message in all of these is God showing that these tabernacle and Temples are “temporary dwelling” of God. But notice that these temples are merely “types” of us and we are the actual temples that God planned to dwell in. Read Acts 17:24,”God who made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of Heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” Also, Acts 7:48, “the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands”. But it was prophesied that God, through the Holy Spirit will dwell in us. Read “. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit …” (Matthew 3:11); and “...you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38); [See also Acts 5:32; James 4:5; Rom. 5:5; Eph. 5:18.]

Essentially, man needs another component that was already planned by God from the beginning to imbue in us to assist the “weak flesh“, to be “strong” to overcome evil. “What is man that God is mindful of him?“, so asked David in Psalm 8:4-6 and repeated by Paul in Hebrews 2:6. God, as a Potter, has desired to work on his “clay” again as in Jeremiah 18:4, with the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, God desired to dwell in us, the temple not made by human hands, through his Spirit. This Spirit will again “energize and empower” our “weak flesh” by working with and guiding the “spirit of man” ( breath of life) which was already given before. This is another vital component, a new “operating system” that is given by grace and as a gift that can empower us to overcome evil. The first “operating system” that initiated life to Adam, the spirit of man/breath of life, needs this add-on new O.S. 

The Holy Spirit teaches that one must believe (Hebrew 11:6), repent (Acts 2:38), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16). Also, the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit in us, will “seal, sanctify, guide, teach, and give us power” to have the “mind of Christ“(Rom 12:2; Phil 2:5-11; 2 Tim 1:7) and be “conformed in the likeness of his Son Jesus“(Rom 8:29). Yes, we shall be like “his Son“(I Jn 3:2-3), different from each other and unique, yet “one” with Jesus(I Cor 12:12 ; Rom 12:4), as we will be “one” with the Father.

God has a timetable and a purpose for man. And that purpose is for the “Spirit of God” to dwell in us, the temple (I Cor.3:16). The spirit of man with the Spirit of God. In fact, Jesus died and resurrected, for us to receive this Holy Spirit of God. See John 16:17, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Also, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

In summary, all human governments will fail as they have never been the plan of Almighty God who knows what is best. In taking the Genesis creation of man into consideration, God has initially created an “image and likeness of Lord God (YHVH ELOHIM”). This “image” however was temporary, just a “temple or template” and therefore “weak“. As presently composed, man can not govern “self”, much less govern others with consistency of goodness. The “missing link” is for the Holy Spirit to in-dwell and proven after first in-dwelling in Jesus at the river Jordan. Eventually, God planned for mankind not to stay as “an image” only and not to stay “weak“. Instead, we will be “empowered” like him in our current state. Eventually, in the future, to receive a spirit-body, “put on immortality“, “one with him” as the “future world” will not be subjected again to angels but to us (Heb 2:5). As in I Cor. 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God” (the Father). Also, Eph 2:22 “…builded together for an habitation of God(Father) through the Spirit.” After creating the universe, plant and animal kingdoms, however with man, God is not creating a “human kingdom“, but a “God-kingdom” , all with immortal bodies, with Jesus as the Head and us with him as one. At the end of time, the Father will be over all and in all.

This world government will be a “theocracy“, a God-Kingdom. The theocracy in the garden of Eden did not work because of man’s deficient composition. Humans will have a role but only after having been transformed by the Holy Spirit working with the “spirit of man”, and be “one” with Christ, in an “immortal” state (not physical), at resurrection., with immortal bodies as God.  He that has “eyes to see and ears to hear“, may he be blessed to recover from blindness and deafness.

Salvation by faith and works?

by fact-s.net

On this question, the answer becomes understandable after addressing the confusion that arises from what one understands about:1.What salvation is and from what?

2. What is the mechanism of salvation?

3. Are we saved already or is this still future?

In reconciling the following 2 verses, I will make comments after quoting them:
A. Ephesians 2:8-9

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

COMMENT: Salvation is indeed by grace of the Father and a gift, not by our own works. Mankind has been alienated from Father God because of sin. Everyone’s sin reverted or defaulted to, by imputation, to Adam’s sin((Rom.5:12-21), so that death, as a consequence thereof, could be imputed to Jesus’ death. But, the proximate result of the death of Christ is to reconcile us to Father God, i.e., his death did not proximately or actually save us. As Rom 5:10 states, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God (through the death) of His Son, much more, having (been reconciled), we shall be saved by His life”. Notice, mankind has been reconciled to God by Jesus’ death but still (shall) be saved by his “life”, i.e., we will (still) need to be saved (future) by “his life”. Meaning, Jesus has to be resurrected to “life” before we can be saved. But, why does Jesus need to be resurrected? Notice in John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
And, after resurrection what would Jesus do: Luke 24:49 “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be imbued with power from on high.”

The “faith (of) Jesus” was for the Father after his death and resurrection, to provide the Spirit to be “in us”, as promised. It was prophesied that from a “stony heart” figuratively “tables of stone” that we had before, the Spirit will get into us to reside in the “fleshly tables of our heart” (2Cor.3:3;Ex.31:18; Ezekiel.11:19, 36:26; JeJer 31:33 changed from “stony heart” to “fleshly tables” of our heart, now open for learning, guidance and “wisdom”. As Pharaoh was “hardened and blind” (Ex 9:12), so were we “deaf and blind” (Jn 12:40; Mk 4:12; Isa 6:10) until the Spirit was given to us, starting on Pentecost. The Spirit is sorely needed by us because “the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:40-43).
Indeed, not our “own works”, but the “works” of Jesus’ dying and the Spirit given to mold us “like clay being shaped” (Isa 64:8; Jer 18:1-23; 18:2-6; Rom 9:21) into the mindset of Christ, the Head of the “body of Christ”, the church.

B. James 2:17-18

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith r apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

COMMENT: The context was about “showing”, our faith. The Spirit in us, molding the “spirit of man” will have “fruits of the spirit”(Gal 5:22-23). Our faith will then show or manifest in “good works”. Without these fruits manifested, how then can one be sure about the presence of faith?

In summary, salvation is being saved from the “second death” (Rev 20:14), where there is no resurrection. It is indeed by grace, a gift to us by the Father. This came about, not by “our works or our faith”. Rather, by Jesus’ works and faith in the promise of the Father. Yes, faith and works (of) Jesus. Because of Jesus’ death, we are then reconciled to the Father. After resurrection to “life”, the Spirit was given and dwelt in us, as it did to man-Jesus in the river Jordan at baptism. Having been imbued with this Spirit, we will then manifest the “fruits of the Spirit”. Faith without works is not shown and therefore dead, i.e. without proof that it existed in us. The actual realization of our salvation is still future at “the twinkling of an eye”(I Cor 15:52-57), at the second coming of Christ. True faith in God has to have works, manifested as “the fruits of the Spirit.” From faith-to-faith (Rom..1:17), i.e., from faith (of) Jesus (in) the Father, to our faith (in) Christ that transcends to the Father.

Did God die, since Jesus died?

by fact-s.net

Great question. The answers to this question maybe correct, but may get confusing because of one’s concept of “What is God?” and what comprises “death”.

To begin with, there is no “upper case” in the original Hebrew word “elohim” translated from Old Testament to an English word that starts with capital letter “G” as in “God”. Moreover, the word “elohim” beginning in Gen. 1:1 and on, is a generic or common name. It can refer to the only true God the Creator to be worshipped, false gods to be avoided, god as angels (like Lucifer the god of this earth/world), rulers, even ordinary man: see Concordance and definitions of elohim as well as http://fact-s.net/2014/06/29/what-is-god-2/.

Much like the common name Smith, the proper name John Smith identifies which particular Smith is referred to. In Genesis 1:1, the “common name” of the Creator God is “Elohim” and was specifically identified with a “proper name” in Gen. 2:4 as “YHVH ELOHIM” or Lord God in English. This YHVH ELOHIM is numerically one, “above all gods” (Ps. 95:3; 135:5) and the only Lord God commanded to Israel to be worshipped and not any other; this became the basis of Israel’s SHEMA doctrine ( Deut. 6:4).

The immortal Creator God “elohim” or YHVH ELOHIM/Lord God is also named LOGOS in John 1. He incarnated into man-Jesus to die for Adam’s and mankind’s sin to reconcile us to God the Father. This particular Elohim was the God referred to in the O.T. Whereas, the Father was the God referred to, in general, in the N.T. They are indeed different, yet “one”, as we are all different, yet “one” with our Lord God Jesus and our God the Father ( I Cor. 12:12; 12:20).

Without this incarnation into “mortal flesh” like Adam, the spirit-composed and immortal Creator God would not have died. This is an absolute expression of love and faith “of” Jesus (Rom. 3:21-22) for him to “give up his divine/ spirit composition”(Phil. 2:7) and be human to die. Indeed, there is no greater love than for one “to give his life for another”(Jn.15:13). As man-Jesus, a mortal flesh, he is still .”god”, as in John 10:34.

Regarding death, the mechanism can be understood by going back to the “creation of man”. Remember that Adam was formed “from the ground, and it was good” but became “living” or alive only after the “breath of life” was breathed into him (Gen. 2:7; 7:21-22). Presence of this “breath of life” in “mortal flesh” defines life or death. Functionally, we observe this among newborns; unless there is spontaneous or artificial breathing, they are dead.

This is why death happens when the “breath of life”, (the “spirit of man”) leaves the “mortal flesh”, goes back to God the Father and our physical body becomes “dust”. See Eccl 12:7. What happens to that ” breath of life/spirit of man” depends on what the Father decides. Without that ” breath of life” restored into another body, “physical or spirit- composed”, for practical purposes, the person is dead. Consider all “data” in the computer can be downloaded into a “thumb-drive” and you can take the “thumb-drive” anywhere you go. The computer may be buried/ destroyed but the “data/ memory” in the ” thumb-drive” can be “restored” in a “new” computer, thus like being “resurrected”.

With the context laid out in the preceding prolegomenon, Jesus is the Creator God YHVH ELOHIM, Logos and eternal, the “same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). As a Creator God and Logos, he is immortal. But, as incarnated “mortal flesh”, yes God “died” for our sake

Jesus, Author and Finisher?

by fact-s.net

To understand this verse, let us examine the original Greek translation from the verse, get the other English rendering of the words in question, parallel that with other writings of Paul for context and then get through the historic effectivity of what has happened on our “way to salvation”(Jn. 14:6).

Heb. 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author (archegos) and finisher (teleiotes) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The English translation “author” connotes “originator” and may not be accurate. It appears that the essence of “archegos” may actually be the “beginner” and not with connotation as an “author”. “Author” comes from Greek word “archegos” which also means chief leader; one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example, a predecessor in a matter, a pioneer. 
While the Son started it, a well-established truth is that it was the Father who planned all and the Son that executes the plan. This truth is proven by :
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God (Father) sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”(Galatians 4:4-6).  The Father did not just do the “sending” but also established the “time” when the Son will be sent or incarnate through ” a woman”(Mary). 

Even all creation, while actually done by the Logos/Creator God/YHVH (just saying the “word”) was also because of and planned by the Father (I Cor. 8:6; Jn.1:3; Col. 1:16). 
Moreover, Peter and Jude confirmed that it was the Father who orchestrated salvation in the covenant. Election, and foreknowledge (I Pet. 1:2), and Sanctification (Jude 1) refer to the initial act of God whereby He chose those whom He loved and set them apart to salvation before the foundation of the world. 
God(the Father) foreknew people,”For whom He did foreknow…” (Rom. 8:29). God’s choice of a people before the world began was based on His own initiative to establish a covenant relationship with those whom He loved: “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God…” Those whom He loved and chose, He also set apart for Himself, that is, He sanctified them (Jude 1). 
Similarly, the Father “sanctified” the Son (i.e. set Him apart in the covenant of grace) and sent Him into the world (Jn. 10:36, He also sanctified His people (again, He set them apart in the covenant as His own special people) and “sent redemption” to them: “He sent redemption to His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: holy and reverend is His name ” (Ps. 111:9). It was precisely this group of people, i.e., those set apart in the covenant, who were redeemed by Jesus Christ: “For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). 
The Galatians passage presents God the Father as the great Choreographer of salvation, dispatching (sending) the Son (v.4) and the Spirit (v.6) at the precise and appropriate time, in order to bring us into his family as His adopted sons. The Father who initiated the covenant also orchestrates and deploys the covenant requirements for salvation (Eph. 1:5).
As to “…finisher (teleiotes) of our faith”, consider the following:
While it was Jesus who started/began, as in  “And I am sure of this, that he who began (enarchomai) a good work in you…”

He will also “bring it to completion (epiteleo) at the day of Jesus Christ.”(Philippians 1:6)

enarchomai: to begin,commence

epiteleo:to fulfill further; to complete,to bring to an end, to make perfect.

Jesus is the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:28-30), and through Him we receive the promise of the Spirit (Gal 3:13-14).
“Finisher” is from “teleiotes”:a perfector; completer, consummater, one who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith.
” For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.    For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,    Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.    And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.” (Heb. 2:10-13)
“And being made perfect, he became the author (aitios) of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”(Heb. 5:9) aitios: that which is the cause of anything resides, causative, causing.
In summary, the Father planned everything and the Son concurred willingly with the strategic plan and executed his Father’s will. This occurred even before creation of “invisible and visible things”. The promise of the Father to Jesus (because of the “faith of Jesus”) has come true, viz., 
1. Jesus’ death would  be imputed as mankind’s death to reconcile mankind to the Father. 

2. That Jesus would be resurrected by the Father so the Holy Spirit would be sent. 

3. That the Holy Spirit will imbue us (as it did Jesus at river Jordan) to seal us and sanctify us, so all of us will be “one” with the Father(yet many) through his Son,…us being the “body of Christ”. 

4. That as the “flesh is weak” it needs the Holy Spirit “written in the fleshly tables of our heart” for all of us to follow the Law of Love which summarized the Ten Commandments .”written in tables of stones”. 

Those who have faith and works will reign. 

Since Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, do we have any role in this?

by fact-s.net

Verses will be quoted and afterward my comments with original words and other English translations:

A. Heb 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the (author and finisher) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

COMMENT: Being the author (archegos/chief leader, predecessor) and finisher (teleiotes/consummated, perfecter, set before us the highest example of faith)… means that he started or originated this faith, and he consummated or “perfected” it. As important as our individual faiths in God are, it’s the faith (of) Jesus, the only faith that counts and makes any difference. Notice the following verses:

Romans 3:22 “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (of) Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe”. His faith is imputed to us all.

Galatians 2:16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith (of) Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Notice, “even we have believed in” JC).

Galatians 3:22 “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith (of) Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Notice, because of faith of JC that the promise of the Holy Spirit was given).

Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith (of) Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”

B. Phil..1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform/ (epiteleo,complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ”.

COMMENT: Paul was expressing his v-20 “… earnest expectation..” God’s work in this period of time will be completed (Jesus the finisher) by the time (until) Jesus returns. In this period of time, prior to Jesus’ second coming, God is working in us, having started this work through the Spirit given to us. This work will be completed for the “firstfruits” or “first harvest”, but not for all, in this period of time. At the second coming, there will be “work” that continues for a Millenium, for the “latter fruits or “second harvest”.

The assumption that God, being most powerful, will be the sole deciding factor in our faith, smacks down and takes away our free will. No one will be coerced into submission. The Father does not want “robots”. Such an enormous and magnificent “gift” will not be forced onto us. Proof of the matter comes with what happened to the “first begotten Son of God”, Jesus. At the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42), he was not forced to “drink the cup”, even when he himself acknowledged that as far as he was concerned, he would “Let this cup pass”. But, the action he took was his free will, and humbly asked God the Father, “Let it be your will and not mine”.

As Jesus (not just the Father) was also a deciding factor, similarly our role cannot be negated; but voluntarily we should “all” say, “Let it be God’s will”. That is why, as Jesus has faith in the Father, we also have to have faith, even when the only faith that counts is the faith (of) Jesus, that faith being the original, the start and the complete one. Remember, “from faith-to-faith”.

“The publicans and the harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you?”

by fact-s.net

What did Jesus mean when He said, “The publicans and the harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you?”Matthew 21:31

ESV – 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.

The context in Matt 21 is about their “nature” and Jesus can see through their “hearts”. The key difference between them and the chief priests and Pharisees are found in the examples and comments Jesus gave:
1. Repentance= Matt:21:29 “He answered… I will not: but afterward he repented, and went”. See also v-32.
2. Belief = Matt.21:32 “For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him:” 
3. Fruits= Matt:21:43 “..,the fruits thereof.”
They “will go before them” because Jesus knew that it will be “easier” for publicans and harlots to believe, repent and express good “fruits” than the chief priests and Pharisees who even “sought to lay hands on him” (Matt 21:45-46).
It is about “timetable” for salvation. Each one at their own time already known to God.

Crucifixion/Resurrection?

by fact-s.net

Controversy continues as to the day of crucifixion and resurrection. That these happened is generally believed by many. But, does it matter when? Respectfully, I think it does.

Fundamental issues to resolve are:

1. Three days and three nights, Jesus was dead as Jonah was in the belly of the fish.

As written, ““For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).

“Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”(Jonah 1:17).

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” (Jonah 2:1-10)

The preceding narrative suggests that Jonas cried (Jo.2:2 ) as Jesus “cried out”(Matt.27:50) before they died and both “brought up my (to) life from corruption(death)” ( Jo. 2:6; Lu.24:3) as both were resurrected “three days and three nights”.

Why is this of a seminal event? Because the Jonas event is the only proof to that “evil and adulterous generation” that Jesus is the Messiah (Matt.12:39-40;16:4). Without this proof that it happened the way he described it, will cast doubt about him being the prophesied Savior.

2. Which Sabbath was referred to, annual or weekly?

In Lu. 23:54-56 “And that day was the “preparation”, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the “sabbath day” according to the commandment.”

Since Christ is the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29) and our Passover (I Cor. 5:7), then he had to be sacrificed on Nisan 14. According to Ex. 12:3-11, Nisan 14 is the day the Passover Lamb was killed. Following that day, starting sunset to sunset, is the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread, Nisan 15. This feast of unleavened bread has to be observed for 7 days, with the 1st and 7th day, as “annual Sabbath“.

Jesus was killed on “preparation day” (Passover day) and was buried towards the end of that day, Nisan 14, as the annual “Sabbath drew on“, Nisan 15.

The women had to “rest” that “annual” Sabbath of rest, Nisan 15, “according to the commandment” and therefore has to “prepare spices and ointments” sometime Nisan 16, a non-sabbath day. Then they rested on a “weekly” Sabbath (Saturday) Nisan 17.

There were 2 Sabbaths that week and year, an annual and weekly Sabbath of rest.

3. What day did Christ resurrect and when was the crucifixion ?

Notice that Mary, Joanna, Mary Magdalene and other women were bringing the spices and ointments “very early in the morning the 1st day of the week”(Sunday, Nisan 18), and the body was “not found”, the “stone that sealed the tomb rolled down” and “Peter running towards the sepulcher” confirmed this (Lu. 24:1-12).

With the preceding facts, one can see clearly that following the “only sign of Jonas” having been buried towards the end of the day(sunset), Jesus must have resurrected after complete “3 days and 3 nights” also towards the end of the day(sunset). Since the “body was not found “very early morning” of Sunday the 1st day of the week, Nisan 18, therefore the resurrection was Nisan 17, a weekly Sabbath, towards the end of that day, sunset. The crucifixion or death of Christ had to be Nisan 14 (Passover killed), Wednesday, before the “annual” Sabbath, Nisan 15. Additionally, prophecy in Daniel says:

Dan. 9:17: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease..,”

4. What is the “third day” referred to in the “Emmaus walk” narrative?

This day could not be Sunday the first day of the week as this was the 4th day from crucifixion and burial, not the 3rd day.

The narrative states that 2 disciples reached Emmaus on the 3rd day. The “third day” was the 3rd from Sunday when they started the trip from Jerusalem (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday). The “day was far spent” (Tuesday towards sunset and to begin the following start of Wedneday nightime) so they invited the resurrected Jesus to eat with them. And they started to rest that Wednesday night as it was the start of the 7th day of Unleavened bread, an annual sabbath, also a “rest day“. See also, Feast of Unleavened Bread in Lev 23:5-8 proving that Nisan 15 and Nisan 21 are annual or high Sabbaths.

Therefore, the “third day” has to be after Sunday, i.e., towards the end of Tuesday, the day prior to the beginning of Wednesday, the annual Sabbath Nisan 21(last day of UB). This then makes the “Emmaus walk” 3 days long, no matter how many miles the “distance from Jerusalem to the true Emmaus village”.
(http://www.biblewalks.com/Sites/emmaus.html).

5. What year and date was the crucifixion/resurrection?

Knowing that Nisan 14 crucifixion was Wednesday and Nisan 17 was Saturday, can the calendar at that time confirm these days? The best calendar to show the years of Jesus’ ministry can be accessed in:

http://www.studiesintheword.org/chart_22-36AD.htm

http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astronomical-applications/data-services/spring-phenom
http://www.judaismvschristianity.com/Passover_dates.htm.

Notice that in Molad years 23, 26, 30 and 33 AD, Nisan 14 (Crucifixion) was on Wednesday. Therefore, Nisan 17 towards sunset was Saturday, weekly Sabbath , when he was resurrected. And, on Nisan 18 Sunday the first of the week, Jesus’ “body was not found”. As to which exact year, one may have to research further.

Moreover, according to Lu. 3:23, Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his ministry after baptism at river Jordan which lasted 3 1/2 years. As E. Martin and others (1, 2,3) suggested that Jesus was born on Rosh Hashanah, Sept 11, 3BC, then his ministry was from 27 AD-31AD. Taking all things into consideration, then the year most likely was on 30 AD , month of March or April and his birthday may have to be re-evaluated. See also: https://jamestabor.com/jesus-died-on-a-thursday-not-a-friday/.

Summary

As the day, week and year are controversial, altogether and whatever the truth behind the facts of crucifixion and resurrection, the key message is:

Jesus is the Messiah/Passover who was crucified and resurrected for us.

God bless.

Original post: April 21, 2015

REFERENCES:
1. Martin, Ernest: Star that Astonished the World, 2nd Ed; ISBN 0-945657-87-0, 1995
2. Retrieved from:http://cortright.org/revsign.htm
3. Retrieved from:http://cortright.org/birth.htm

Different God in Old and New Testament?

by fact-s.net

Indeed they are different as they are distinct and separate although “one”. But, before answering “why” they are, we need to know “who” the God referred to by the writers of the O.T and the N.T.

Remember, that the God of the Old Testament is the Creator God, as in “In the beginning Elohim(God) created the heavens and the earth.”(Gen. 1:1).

The Hebrew word “Elohim” translated in English as “God” is a generic name. And, according to Moses, the writer of the Pentateuch, this particular Creator Elohim was specifically named proprietarily as YHVH Elohim, as in “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God (YHVH Elohim) made the earth and the heavens,”(Gen 2:4).

Furthermore, YHVH Elohim introduced himself with a different name, as El Shaddai to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but to Moses he was known as YHVH (Ex.6:2-3).

In the Shema doctrine(Deut.6:4; 11:13–17; Num.15:41), YHVH is the one and only Elohim to be worshipped as he is above all “gods” (Ps 95:3; 96:4;97:9;135:5; Ex. 15:11; IChr. 16:25). This means that, while there are many gods (polytheism), and unlike other nations of that time, Israel has to be monotheistic and worship only one God, this specific YHVH ELOHIM.

Fast forward to the N.T, according to the writer John, this Creator God (YHVH ELOHIM) was further named in Greek as “LOGOS” translated in English as “Word”, and further differentiated from the Father who was “THEOS” in Greek. Notice, “In the beginning was the Word(Logos), and the Word was with God (Theos), and the Word was God (Theos). The same was in the beginning with God (Theos). All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made”(John 1:1-3).

From the preceding, as the word Elohim was generic, so was the word Theos. But, to further specify who the specific Elohim was in the O.T., YHVH ELOHIM was used to refer to the Creator. YHVH ELOHIM in the O.T. was the only God to be worshipped by Israel at that time until the Father was declared in the N.T., as in John 4:21-25.

But, to refer to Jesus or the Father, the generic “Theos” was further delineated as such: “And the Word ( Logos) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Furthermore, Paul differentiated the Father as Theos and Jesus as Lord, as in Eph 1:3 “Blessed be the God (Theos) and Father of our Lord (kyrios)”Jesus Christ,”

Likewise, Peter differentiated the two, as in “Blessed be the God(Theos) and Father of our Lord (kyrios) Jesus Christ,”(I Pet. 1:3)

This Creator God, YHVH ELOHIM, Logos, incarnated into the man-Jesus, identified as Kyrios Theos (Lord God). As Jesus was the only one who saw God the Father, rightfully he was the only one to introduce and “declare” the Father to us, as in, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”(John 1:18). The Father God was not declared before incarnation except as “Ancient of days” (Dan.7:9-14) and even in that, it was a prophetic vision, not an official introduction as Jesus did.

But notice this, while in the O.T., YHVH ELOHIM was the only God to be worshipped, not others, this time, Jesus said in John 4:21-25 “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he”. Here , Jesus confirmed he is the Messiah and that true worshippers shall worship the Father.

This corroborates the fact that the God of the Old Testament to be worshipped was YHVH ELOHIM as he was worshipped in Matthew 2:11, 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52; John 9:38, 20:28, being a deity. But now (“the hour comes and now is”), Jesus himself directed and commanded us to worship the one and only Father God. Even Paul wrote that the “one God” is the Father and The Lord is Jesus, as in I Cor. 8:6 “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Paul said “one God, the Father” to worship, even as Jesus is also God.

On being ONE, Jesus (our Lord God) and God the Father are NOT one person, as we (being many) will be “one” with them, as well, as in: John 17:11, 22-23 “Holy Father, watch over them on account of your own name which you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are. Also, I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one. I in union with them and you in union with me, in order that they may be perfected into one, that the world may have the knowledge that you sent me forth and that you loved them just as you loved me.”

As to why YHVH ELOHIM in the O.T. appeared to be very strict with Israel following the laws, it was because his function as a parent/creator was to show from Adam on, that the man to follow all the commandments was the man-Jesus, not anybody else. The Ten Commandments, according to Paul, were “a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ” (Gal.3:24), i.e., for Christ to teach us that he was the “man” to fulfill all the commandments and to die so that in faith we can be justified and reconciled to God the Father. As we ourselves are adamant to our child to follow us in our “dictates” of good behavior, so was YHVH ELOHIM as we were still “spiritual-children”(I Cor. 3:2; I Pet.2:2). But, in the N.T. the role of YHVH ELOHIM was as a Messiah, Passover, and as a man to be meek and obedient unto death (Phil. 2:8-18). Moreover, his role was to “declare”(Jn.1:18) God the Father to us and his love(John 1:1).

In summary, Elohim the creator has many names, viz., El Shaddai, YHVH ELOHIM, LOGOS, MESSIAH, PASSOVER, depending upon his function. Yet, in Heb. 18:3, “He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” The roles of YHVH Elohim (Lord God), were different in the O.T. and the N.T., yet consistent with the plan of salvation. This particular Elohim was the God referred to in the O.T. Whereas, the Father was the God referred to, in general, in the N.T. They are indeed different, yet “one”, as we are all different, yet “one” with our Lord God Jesus and our God the Father.

Gospel of Jesus?

by fact-s.net

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the “good news” of the “coming kingdom of God” which is synonymous with the “coming salvation”.

This was prophesied and first announced after Jesus was imbued with the Holy Spirit (Mk. 1:1-25;Matt.3:2). Jesus needed this in-dwelling of the HS and the Father’s pronouncement identifying him as “my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”(Mk.1:10-11). Jesus is the rightful “messenger” of the gospel of God the Father.

This “gospel of Christ” manifests the “power of God(Father) unto salvation to everyone that believes”(Rom. 1:16). This gospel is about “how salvation comes about”.

This power of God the Father shows us how to “enter” the Kingdom of God, meaning how to be saved. “unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:19, 20). The “righteousness of God” is the “righteousness of faith”, by faith “of” Jesus (Rom. 1:17; 3:21-31; 5:1), who started it; He is the “author and finisher of our faith”(Heb. 12:2). And, this faith of Jesus continues “from faith to faith”(Rom.1:17). Meaning, we have to have faith in Jesus and by extension, faith in the promise of God the Father

Notice that the “kingdom of God” is still future, “the kingdom of God is near” (Lu. 21:31). Similarly, salvation is still future. While we are “saved by faith”, it only means the mechanism of how we are saved and not the “actual salvation” itself. Salvation is about “being” in the “kingdom of God”. How so?

Remember that everything is about the faith “of” Jesus who started it all. But, faith in whom and in what? Faith in the Father that what was promised to Creator YHVH ELOHIM (Logos, Jesus) will be fulfilled. And what was promised?

Looking back at Genesis narrative, God the Father was the Creator of and “purposed” all (Heb.1:2; Eph. 3:9-11), although creation was done actually by the Word/Logos or YHVH ELOHIM(Almighty God; Heb. 11:3) who incarnated into man-Jesus. The original plan was “purposed” by the Father (Eph. 3:11).The Creator God knew that created human beings, Adam & Eve, and for that matter all mankind, would sin against him. Mankind therefore has to be reconciled to the Father.

The “covenant” between the Father and YHVH ELOHIM/Creator Logos was for man to be “kingdom of God”. And for this to occur the Creator Logos has to incarnate into man-Jesus, die for mankind as a “reconciliation” event. Reconciliation did not actually “save”us, but positioned us to the state of Adam before he sinned. Having been reconciled, the “dead Jesus” would be resurrected to life so that we “shall be saved by his life”(Rom. 5:10); “shall” meaning not yet and still future”.

What has this resurrection of Jesus accomplished? Being alive, he can then “go to the Father” and receive the “promise of the Holy Spirit” to be sent to us (Jn. 16:7). The Holy Spirit is a “must” as the “flesh is weak”(Mk.14:38), and needed “re-doing like a Potter to marred clay” (Jer. 18:4;Heb. 2:6; Ps.8:4).

The in-dwelling of the HS in us, will “seal, sanctify, guide, teach, and give us power” to have the “mind of Christ”(Rom. 12:2; Phil. 2:5-11;2 Tim. 1:7) and “conformed in the likeness of his Son Jesus”(Rom. 8:29). Yes, we shall be like “his Son”(I Jn 3:2-3), different from each other and unique, yet “one”(I Cor. 12:12;Rom. 12:4).

Taking the Genesis creation of man into consideration, God has initially created an “image and likeness of YHVH ELOHIM”. This “image” however was just a “temple or template” for the Holy Spirit to in-dwell after first in-dwelling in Jesus at the river Jordan. Eventually, God planned for mankind not to stay as “an image” only. Instead, we will be like him in spirit-body, “put on immortality”, “one with him” as the “future world” will not be subjected again to angels but to us (Heb. 2:5).

This is the “gospel/good news”, the plan of “salvation”, for us to be in the “God-kingdom”, not in the “plant-kingdom”, nor the “animal kingdom

Still Physical Death, Why?

by fact-s.net

Humans were created “matter-composed”(from dust, earthy), not “spirit-composed”. As matter, man is mortal and can die, unlike “spirit-body” that is immortal. We were created as an “image” (Gen. 1:27) of the immortal God, although “matter-composed” we will be “like him” (I John 3:2), in the future, spirit-body and immortal. The “image” is “earthy”, meaning from dust or earth and unlike man-Jesus “from above” (I Cor. 15:46-48), who came from heaven and not formed on earth nor of ” dust of the ground”. But, at resurrection Paul states that we will change into immortality (I Cor. 15:51-57), “spirit-composed body”, like Jesus’ body post resurrection.

Sin did not need to be committed for us to die. Genesis 2:17 does not refer to 1st death that is “physical” and has resurrection, but to “eternal death”, wherein there is no more resurrection. All humans will die as man-Jesus died but resurrected “spirit-bodily”. Anyone who got resurrected to physical body (as Lazarus and others” John 11:14; Lu.7:15; 8:51-56;Acts 9:40-41;20:9-12) and died again, will again experience resurrection, whether to life or judgment. There is a first and second (or 3rd) resurrection as there is first and eternal death. See Rev. 20:4-6, v-14).

Meanwhile, the Spirit of God (Jn 16:7-8) that was promised by the Father after Jesus’ death and resurrection, will “in-dwell” to humans as it did to the apostles and others at Pentecost for the purpose of (v-6) “will reprove (elencho/rebuke) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment”. The spirit will also help us discern spiritual things (I Cor.2:14-16 ), as eyeglasses help poor vision and hearing aids for poor hearing ( Matt. 13:9-17; Mk. 4:9; Rev. 3:22), “empower” us “to heal the sick, raise the dead, etc.” and express the “fruits of the Spirit”( Gal. 5:22-23).

This is the “spirit” guiding us to follow the Law, “written” by this Spirit (2 Cor. 3:3) in the “fleshly tables of our heart(mind)”, not in “tables of stone” and as promised, the “new covenant” (Heb. 8:7-13). This Spirit is giving us the “mind of Christ” ( Phil. 2:5-11), so we will be “one” with him as he is “one” with the Father ( John 17:21).