Passion of Christ

by fact-s.net

Passion of Christ

Today, I finally got to see Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ”. It was a powerful and moving experience to see what the Pope allegedly described as “it is as it was” and for which Billy Graham wept. While it is a fiction, though based on a true story, one cannot but praise Mr. Gibson for his courage, perseverance, tenacity and indomitable spirit in producing and directing this film, in spite of headwinds in the Hollywood culture. Box-office gross revenue shows that the film was a blockbuster and still raking profits. True to what his plan was, Mel emphasized, as best he could in a graphic way, the physical torture Jesus suffered in the hands of Roman soldiers before his death.

Traditional teaching:

That Jesus died as a propitiation for the sins of humanity, past-present-future is a basic Christian doctrine known to many. That he paid with his own pristine life for the penalty of sin, which is death, for the whole humanity to be reconciled to God the FATHER is well known and has been emphasized for sometime. That he existed as LOGOS prior to his human birth is a well-accepted tenet among Christians, testified to in John 1:1. However, the truth and significance of Jesus’ death came to be understood only later and mainly through the exegesis of Paul. But, what has not come to the radar screen and scrutiny of established religion are the reasons known at that time that got Jesus killed in the first place. What was the rallying force that made the people at that time to come together in unison to kill him? What did Caiaphas, the High Priest, know and what role did he play to bring to finality the death of Jesus Christ? The truth will surprise anyone who is bold enough to open his/her eyes and ears to these facts written in the Bible, yet not emphasized. Knowing the truth will give us proper perspective on who we are, our destiny, what our attitude and behavior in this life should be.

Consider the following:

Reason #1: Blasphemy

In John 10:30-35, one reads that Jesus was being stoned for blasphemy. This was also the only accusation against him before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod, that had unifying and broad support of the masses. What was this blasphemy? Coming from his accusers, they said, “you being man ( flesh-and-blood) make yourself God.” Yes, it was blasphemy to them for someone who is human to claim he is “god”. All through the ages, the people at that time were taught that God is spirit. Yet, they saw Jesus, flesh-composed, as human as they were. Also, they were grounded on the Shema doctrine that God is one. How then could Jesus also be God? That would make God more than one, a claim that was unfathomable to them. Naturally, the people were seething mad and came together as an angry mob to kill him. As expected as that reaction was from the masses, what was more poignant and amazing was how Jesus retorted. He said, ” Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods?, and the scripture can not be broken”. Let us pause at this time, evaluate, analyze and think what Jesus just said. Christ, the reservoir of truth, the one who was with the Father from the foundation of the world, the way-the-truth-and-the-life, classified man ( even as flesh) as…what?…god!

Putting it plainly, Jesus was correcting their mistaken understanding of what the meaning of the word “god” is. Even while flesh-and-blood (man), they are also “gods”. Jesus, even as man, is also classified as “god” and therefore not committing blasphemy. That was a new revelation to them. Basic Christianity teaches that we were created to be in the kingdom of God and that we were created to be like Christ. But, no one in memory have I heard in any organized religion that says man is classified as god, i.e., already in the God-kind while still in the flesh as Christ was. Man is classified in the God-kind, in the kingdom of God and not in any other kingdoms like the “plant-kingdom” nor “animal kingdom”.

When one goes back to the narrative in Genesis, it is obvious that after non- living objects were created, viz., the cosmos, God subsequently created living things, i.e., plants and animals. And, they were to reproduce only after their own kind, i.e., principle of Genetics. Plants can only have plants after their image/likeness or “plant-kind“, as animals can only beget animals after the “animal-kind“. Then, God said, ” Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (1). And so, man became in the “image of God”. Notice that living things like plants reproduce after their own plant-kind, as animals reproduce after their own animal-kind. While there are many species of plants and animals in their particular “kingdom” or “family”, they are all unique in each class. A rose-plant cannot become an hydrangea-plant, as it is impossible for a dog to beget a cat. And, when it came to man, the reproduction was not after the plant-kind nor the animal kind but in the “god-kind”, as in, “..man after our image…” (2). Notice, in the god-image, not in the man-image, even for the sake of argument of paleontologists that there was man before Adam. Indeed, as plants in the plant-kingdom are called plants, and animals in the animal-kingdom are called animals, so man in the god-kind can rightfully be called and classified as “god”. This was what Jesus testified to about man, as in, “…I said ye are gods…”(John 10:34). Our Creator God has planned and is in the process of reproducing the god-kind through man, a template. Truly, man is in the “phylum, class or kingdom” of God, in the god-kind, in the kingdom-of-God. And this august status of man was planned by God from the very beginning of time, even before we were born, even before you and I have done anything right or wrong. What a marvelous gift from God to put us in that high-esteem and category among his creation, a manifest expression of his love and grace for all humanity! This is why our attitude, behavior and responses must be consistent with one being in the “family or kingdom of God”.

Blasphemy was the charge for which Jesus was condemned to death. Classifying man as god was “blasphemy” for which Jesus was crucified. To them at that time (and even currently), that revelation of Jesus was farthest from the truth. Actually, according to Jesus, the Savior (3), he was god as Logos/Creator (4) before his incarnation, was god as man/Immanuel(5), was god as Christ(6)/ human/flesh, and still is God as High Priest Melchizedek(7)/resurrected Son of God/spirit and in the “right hand” of the Father God. His “deity” did not change; it was his body that changed from flesh-composed to spirit-composed, from “mortal-to-immortal”. For centuries and for many generations, we were distracted from the focus man’s destiny deserves.

Reason # 2: Caiaphas knew Jesus as the Messiah

In John 11:47-53, one finds that there was a debate as to what do with “blasphemous Jesus”. Then, Caiaphas who was the High-Priest at that Passover time “prophesied” that Jesus should die for that nation, the children of God scattered abroad, v-52, and the whole world (8). Notice, killed for the nation as well as “other nations”. That suggests that Caiaphas considered this role of Jesus as Messiah Savior. He then convinced the chief priests and Pharisees about who Jesus was and implemented a plan of killing this true human-Passover( not an animal/lamb Passover) at the right time, day and year that many lambs were being slaughtered in Jerusalem. As High-Priest bound by his annual duty, he plotted to kill the Passover to be offered as a sacrifice for the sins of all. Only the High-Priest can offer this Passover sacrifice through the “holy-of-holies” ( the 3rd segment of Jerusalem temple, a type or foreshadow of the 3rd heaven abode of the Father), once a year for all Israel. When “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (9), this signifies Jesus’ flesh (10) being torn and the blood of the true Passover offered to the Father through the anti-type or real “holy-of-holies” by Jesus (the true High Priest) himself after resurrection. Yes, from Caiaphas himself came the testimony that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah/Passover. All Israel and the world must take heed. No need to wait for another Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah/Passover for all.

In summary, Jesus was killed for:

1. An erroneous and concocted charge of blasphemy and the failure of those people at that time to accept the truth about this concept of the God-kingdom, i.e., that man (as flesh as Jesus was) belongs to the god-kind and can accurately be called god or classified in the “phylum, class or kingdom” of god. Jesus, even as man/flesh, did not commit any sin, much less the sin of blasphemy, by classifying himself as god, as He did others. The Logos/Word/Creator (4) took off his spirit-body, but not his deity, and became man ” to be obedient unto death” (11). Otherwise, without incarnation as human, he would not have died (12). Jesus was “created into the image of God”, as man was (13). He is the precursor (the ” beginning-and-the-end, the Alpha and the Omega the one who started and will bring to fruition) for the creation of the god-kind, god-kingdom. This concept that man should be classified as god is not dissimilar to the fact that, as we were created as flesh, and so Jesus had to. As we are humans, so did Jesus incarnate and became human. We will follow the path of our leader, “author and finisher” of our salvation(14). After death, Jesus subsequently “changed” into spirit-body, as others will, being similarly promised. First, Jesus (the first of firstfruits), then the “firstfruits” (15), at his coming to start the Millenium, then finally after the Millenium the “latter-fruits” in “a twinkling of an eye” (16) from mortal to immortal, from flesh to spirit-body. He is our Elder Brother(17) and we are members of his body, the “church”. Indeed, among the “gods“, there is none like him (18), the YHVH/Creator God Jesus; He is God of all Gods and Lord of all Lords (19) in the Old Testament. We should bow to no other gods (20) but YHVH in Old Testament times. When this YHVH incarnated into Jesus, he introduced his Father and directed us to pray to Him in his name. All of us in the God-Kind, with Jesus-God, will subsequently in the “new heaven and earth” kneel down and worship only the sovereign Father God (21).

2. Being the True Passover/Messiah.

His death is the fulfillment of the prophecy that a Passover-lamb (22) has to die and be offered as a “sweet savor” (23) for the sins of all, to reconcile (24) man to the Father. As death came to all because Adam sinned, so then his sin came to be reckoned by the Father and imputed to all (25). Conversely, Jesus’ death, which is a penalty for sin, was then imputed by the Father to all and for “many offenses”, in faith, as though we died and paid for the penalty of sin. As a Passover-Lamb,  he was killed for us and his “blood cleansed us of our sins” fulfilling the “type” of  narrative in Exodus when the “death-angel passed over” and did not kill the “firstborns” of Israel. His death reconciled us to the Father and initiated or began the road to our salvation, but it did not finally save us. Jesus is the “beginner and finisher” of this plan.  It was his resurrection or “his life” that empowered him to send the Spirit as the Father promised. Without his resurrection, the Spirit would not have been sent . Remember what he said, and I am paraphrasing, ” it is expedient that I die and be resurrected to go the Father” ? Salvation is a process brought about by and through the action of the Spirit sent to mankind for the first time at Pentecost (26) to nurture, develop and sanctify our spirit into the fullness of the “body of Christ“. Indeed, we “shall be saved by his life” (24); …”in Christ shall all be made alive” (25). He will ” finish” what he started.

As we contemplate on the agony of his suffering and mourn his death, let us rejoice in his resurrection and thank God for his love/grace and “faith of” (27) Jesus.

References: Retrieved from the Bible, King James Version.

1. Gen. 1:26. 2. Gen. 1:27. 3. Matt. 1:21. 4. John 1:1. 5. Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23

6. I John 5:1; Matt. 16:16. 7. Heb. 5-7; Ps. 110:4; Gen. 14:18. 8. I John 2:2

9. Matt 27:51. 10. Heb 10:20. 11. Phil. 2:8. 12. I Cor. 15:12. 13. Heb 2:6-9

14. Heb. 5:9; 12:2. 15. I Cor. 15:23. 16. I Cor. 15:52. 17. Heb 2:11-12

18. Ps. 86:8. 19. Deut. 10:17. 20. Ex. 20:3. 21. Eph. 3:14. 22. I Cor. 5:7

23. Gen. 8:21. 24. Rom. 5:10. 25. I Cor. 15:22. 26. Acts 2:1-4. 27.Rom.3:22

Posted: 03/26/2004

Reposted: 08/05/2014

DEIFICATION OF MAN…COMPLETION

by fact-s.net

DEIFICATION OF MAN…COMPLETION

In the article “Destiny of Man”, one sees that God is reproducing himself. Man as an “image of God” is an earthy flesh-composed reproduction or replica of Him, and “God saw “…it was very good.” [1]. As other living beings capable of reproduction have developed into kingdoms of their own kind, viz., plant-kingdom and animal-kingdom, so has God planned to develop and expand membership into his God-kingdom. Unlike plants and animals that God created after their respective kinds to reproduce their own image following the laws of genetics, man was never created after the man-kind. Rather, man was created after the God-kind, after God’s image [2]. One finds that man belongs to the highest order, the God-kind, and not to the animal-kind nor the plant-kind. Speaking of birds(animals), Jesus asked men “…Are you not of more value than they?” [3]. Yes, humans are higher in order than animals and currently lower than angels although in the future will be higher than them [4]. From the beginning, there was never God’s plan to have “kingdom of man”. In fact, all “human kingdoms” from Tower of Babel kingdom, Babylonian(Nebuchanezzar) and through its representative historic extensions all the way to the “ten toes of iron and clay” will be destroyed (Daniel 2:1-45).

As this conclusion that man is in the God-kingdom was deduced from the narrative in Genesis, can this truth be confirmed subsequently and unequivocally? And being in the God-kind, can man, as flesh and blood (not spiritual), be classified as god? To one’s surprise, it was Jesus himself who confirmed this concept, the very person who was there in the Garden of Eden as YHVH. Notice the discourse in John 10:33-35 when as a human being, like you and me, being flesh and blood, he was questioned about his claim of being god and classification as god, accused of blasphemy and stoned. People were saying“…being man (flesh and blood), make thyself God”. They could not fathom the concept that flesh-composed man is in the God-kind, and can be called god as well. Looking at him being human, they could not see how Jesus could claim deity. All the while and from the beginning of time, they thought of God only as spirit-composed being, and not flesh-and-blood; immortal not mortal. To them, that claim was blasphemy! He then answered “Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods?” If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken.” This “Word of God” is Jesus Christ as elucidated in John 1:1 as well as 10:36, “… whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world” and came to men(gods). The “Word of God” came to humans and not to plants nor animals. Yes, Jesus himself validated the classification of man as in the God-kind and can be called god as well. As man, as a human being, Jesus was in the God-kind, and his claim of being god is true, even after coming to this world as flesh. Instead of an epiphanic awakening and acceptance of this concept, the people turned seething mad. Subsequently, he was accused of blasphemy and was killed [5] [6] because of that claim. Since Jesus was bold and not evasive as a man and flesh to be called god and in fact faced death for it, all of us should be able to withstand criticism from people who may disagree with this concept. That humans even as flesh “…are sons(children) of God…” and in the God-kind and can therefore be called god as well, likewise was confirmed by John [7]. This concept that man be classified as god should not be considered ludicrous, as even angels were called “gods” (compare elohiym/aggelos: Ps. 97:7 and Heb 1:6 as well as Heb 2:7 and Ps. 8:5). The difference, though, between angels and man was explained by Paul in Hebrews 1:4-13, in that, in contrast to angels, there was a promise and plan for man to be like Christ and be part of his body. Also, angels lack understanding of God’s plan [8] [9] The concept of polytheism as against monotheism is alluded to by Paul “…gods many and lords many” [10] and by the psalmist , “…he judges among the gods” [11], “but YHVH is great…above all gods” [12]. But, most assuredly and unmistakenly “YHVH our God” [13] “…is God of all Gods and Lord of all Lords [14], and the only one in the Old Testament to be worshipped. Most definitely, we should have no other gods before him!

As there are differences in the plant-kind and animal-kind, so are there differences in the God-kind, i.e., our heavenly Father is unique,distinct and superior (John 14:28; “…for my Father is greater than I “) to the Son Jesus. While admittedly there are many different species, order or genus, anything in the Plant-Kind can be called plant, as anyone in the Animal-kind is categorized as an animal, whether dog, cat or whatever. Likewise, an offspring of man is a son of man and called man, as an offspring of God is a son of God and called god. Yet, why is it that when it comes to the God-Kind, people have difficulty in understanding that if one is in the God-Kind, he/she is also god? No wonder, as man, Jesus who claimed to be son of God ,was accused of blasphemy, stoned and killed. As Israel was at that time, we are fixed, deaf-and-blind to the concept that the word “god” can only mean spirit-composed and not flesh-composed. We need to re-evaluate our understanding of what God is and replace it with the truth of man’s actual position in the hierarchy and context of creation, that of being in the highest order. From hereon, as difficult a concept it is to others, we need to accept and get used to classifying man as god, as Jesus did, to show the eventual “destiny of man”. This understanding that man is in the God-Kind provides a synopsis of man’s superlative path to glory, gives meaning to why we are here, and provides proper perspective of who/what we are.

While man is classified as “god” he is still a work in progress and his process of spirit-composed deification is still ongoing. In much the same way that we regard a fetus in-utero as human, yet it still needs to develop to full humanhood. He is at this time only a type or foreshadow of god, an earthy mortal image of God and has not yet attained the fullness and glory that the spirit-composed God planned him to be [15].The attribute of God, i.e., immortality is not inherent in the material composition of man ( “for dust thou art, and unto dust shall thou return” [16]. One cannot claim realization of the promise of “dominion overall” [17] ” as we are still subject to disease and can be killed by lethal microbes as in bioterrorism. Our present life is fleeting “like a vapour”([18].The kingdom (of G0D) ...” to be delivered up to the Father “by Jesus Christ” I Cor.15:24, is yet future. While currently we bear the earthy image of God, we still SHALL bear the image of the heavenly [19]. While the type, Eve, the earthy-woman, the “flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone” [20] already came from the 1st Adam, the woman (spiritual church, you and I, the wife in Rev.19:7) still has to come out from the 2nd Adam, Christ [21], after his resurrection.

How then can completion of spiritual deification be achieved? What is the mechanism behind this? Notice the following verses:

Eph.1:5 Today’s English version, Good News Translation

“Because of his love, God …..had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children, this was his pleasure and purpose.”

Eph. 1:11 The Message;Colorado Springs,Newpress, 1993)

“It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eyes on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything……”

Eph 3:20 Living Bible,Wheaton Il. Tyndale House Publishers, 1979

“God…is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of..infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes.”

This concept is extremely important and needs to be emphasized…that it is only in and thru Jesus that man’s spirit-composed deification, our becoming “(spiritual) children of God”, will be realized, fulfilled and completed. What does that mean? Simply put, it was not and never was in the 1st Adam, the earthy-image of God, that this final and completion of deification will initiate and has never been planned like that. Rather, it was thru another man, the 2nd Adam, the one who did not come from the dust of the ground, not the earthy-Adam, but thru the man-Jesus, who was heavenly [22], not from this earth or dust of this ground, but “from above” [23],the “one and only begotten of the Father” [24], [25]. The “Word of God” (Jesus), as a matter of speaking, disrobed, renounced or abandoned his previous glorious spiritual body to become flesh, a human being, in a “fashion…as a man” [26], as planned. Imagine, being stripped of all spirituality and powers! As extremely difficult it was, he did it because of love for us. Moreover he did it on faith that his Father will “reconstitute” his spirit-body back to him, and better, i.e., higher than spirit-composed angelic-class. This gospel of love/faith goes back to the very beginning of time.Yes, from faith-to-faith, from the faith of Abraham all the way to the only faith that matters, the faith of Jesus ( [27], [28], [29], [30], that ultimately will bring man’s final deification to spirit-composed fullness and completion. As,” it was appointed unto man once to die …” [31] so did the 1st Adam die and still dead and under the ground waiting for resurrection and finality of deification. But, the man-Jesus (see Paul rendering of Christ, [32] died and was resurrected into life everlasting, mortality changed to immortality, physical changed to spiritual, and Jesus did not need to wait longer than 3 days and 3 nights to be transformed into this glorious spiritual body as prophesied and promised. In the entire human history, it was only the man-Jesus who died and rose spirit-composed [33], eventually completing the spirit-composed fullness of his deification. And only after Jesus reached and attained back his glory, i.e.transformed/resurrected into his glorious spiritual body, after the last/2nd Adam “became a life-giving spirit” [34] can he“..bring many sons to glory”. [35]. He is the precursor and has proven himself that final deification of man will be initiated and completed in Him, and finally for other humans, as well. “Death, where is thy sting?..grave, where is thy victory?” [36] is now only applicable (from victim-to-victor) to the resurrected Jesus who now has a spiritual body, but will materialize in the future for current humans when there physical body changes to spiritual. He is the “beginning-and-the-end”, the “Alpha-and-the-Omega”. As the earthy-Eve came about from and after the 1st Adam (flesh), so shall the spiritual-Eve(wife in Revelation, church) come about from and only after the 2nd-Adam’s spiritualization (resurrected Jesus, Son of God). Specifically, only that event of resurrection that makes it even more phenomenal. Remember what Jesus said that he has to be glorified and go to the Father, so that the Spirit will be sent [37]. Yes, Jesus the first of firstfruits and after that, the rest of the firstfruits at the start of the Millenium and subsequently at the end of the Millenium, the latter-fruits, thru the action of the Spirit. It is only through this transformational action of the Spirit coming into us that this will be realized. While human beings in their present state of flesh-and-blood are classified in the God-kind and can therefore be called “…gods”, they have not yet attained the fullness of deity or spiritualization which will come only thru and after Christ’s death and resurrection, by the works of the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit was first given to resurrected Jesus (John 16:7) and is the power given first at Pentecost, and is, in this present “age”, molding, preparing and sanctifying us into the future spirit-composed “sons/daughters of God”.

In the garden of Eden, notice the narrative surrounding the temptation posed to man by the serpent, ” Don’t you know that when you eat the fruit of the tree of good/evil, you will be like GOD, knowing good and evil?”( [38]. “…And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever” [39]. Careful evaluation of this event leads us to the following facts:

1. While man is classified IN the God-kind, he has not attained his full potential as GOD has planned for him, as it was still future.

2. Adam/Eve lack attributes of God, i.e., (a) wisdom to know good/evil on their own and (b)immortality. Much like a human newborn/child that is entirely and fully man but has not attained many things inherent in adulthood and needed time to mature to be fruitful. Remember,” to every thing there is a season ” [40]. We all started as spiritually-deprived infants, and Adam when he was formed from the ground was no exception. Christ welcomes “little children” [41] as a start of subsequent development into adulthood and maturity. Currently, we are in a developmental stage, some “newborn babes” [42], “babes in Christ” and need spiritual “milk“( [43], while others may tolerate “strong meat” [44]. The same principle applies to plants and animals that they need to mature before becoming fruitful.

3. In Gen. 2:17 Adam was admonished from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good/evil, why? This is the fruit that when eaten will give them the ability to “know good and evil”. So, why is it such a “forbidden fruit”? What’s so bad about “knowing” good and evil? Certainly, it is not that God/YHVH prohibited Adam/Eve to know good from evil, as before that verse, He already defined and taught them and let them know what was prohibited and what was allowable, i.e., the fruit of the tree of good/evil is bad and the rest were good, including the fruit of the tree of life. Also, he wanted us to know good and evil such that the Ten Commandments were given subsequently . Neither, is it the act of choosing between good/evil that is prohibited as we are asked and encouraged to choose and do what is good. It is therefore not the knowledge or choice of good/evil per-se that was prohibited but, rather, from the context it appears to be about man/flesh making a judgment on or defining what is good and evil. What is forbidden by God is the defining, judging and deciding for ourselves what constitutes good/evil. This is a prerogative of God/YHVH. Deciding what is good and evil is within the purview of YHVH/ELOHIM and not man’s, not in his yet infantile beginning. Adam, on his own, and by his choice, has usurped this attribute of YHVH/ELOHIM even when he was still flesh and spiritually deprived. Moreover, the fruit of that forbidden tree is eternal death or second death. And from the beginning, the 1st Adam was prohibited to “eat” (the fruit/death) as it was not the 1st Adam who was destined and planned to “eat”, i.e.. experience or suffer death for mankind but the second Adam, Jesus Christ. Yes, it was the man-Jesus who was planned to suffer death for mankind, be resurrected, be restored to a better glorious spiritual body and rank, completes his deification from flesh/blood, thereby receiving that attribute of ” knowing good and evil”, the prerogative of decision-making as to what constitutes good/evil, as well as immortality. Being “like him“(God), is a gift, but Adam/Eve wanted to get it thru their own efforts(works), i.e., eating the fruit, which is wrong.These, I believe, are the reasons why God forbade man to eat that forbidden fruit. The gospel of grace/gift and not our works is interwoven in this narrative, “so that no one can boast” ( Eph. 2:9).

4. Having eaten the forbidden fruit, is a de-facto choice by man himself to decide what is good and evil . On his own efforts(works), instead of as a gift thru grace, he wanted to get that attribute of God and to become “one of us” [45] to make judgment on what is good/evil. He chose to decide, on his own, on what constitutes good/evil, even while he was still flesh.This, to his peril as “my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor my ways, your ways” [46] thereby excluding him from staying in the Garden of Eden. He disqualified himself from continuing to live his mortal and finite life in the garden of Eden. That violation of God’s commandment is a major sin that was imputed to all mankind. As “by one man, all died…so with one man, (Jesus), all will live” [47].

Taken in context and factoring in what actually happened subsequently, the narrative in the garden of Eden about the temptation/prohibition for man to “eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good/evil”, to be “like God” and Adam/Eve getting barred from the garden and “tree of life”, can be summarized as follows:

A. To be “like God” is a gift and cannot be achieved by anyone’s own works, but Jesus’ works. Adam/Eve was tempted to do it, on their own, did it, “eat the fruit” and failed miserably.

B. The man-Jesus, the 2nd Adam, was the person planned to eat(experience, take-in) the fruit(death) of the tree of knowledge of good/evil and not the 1st Adam. Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements of the Law, did all good works, then died/resurrected and received back his spiritual body/immortality as well as the attribute of deciding what is good/evil(knowledge of good/evil). This occurred out of Jesus’ love for us and his faith in the Father, not of our works, but Jesus’ faith and works ! His works and his faith are then imputed to all of us, indeed an undeserved gift to us from the Father.

Again, to emphasize the centrality of the man-Jesus to the whole plan of ultimate deification, please consider the concept of Father/Son relationship. When was this concept first introduced? All the while, we see man called “son of man“. But for man to be categorized as “son of God“, this did not start until the man-Jesus came into the scene. While there are hints as in :

“The LORD (YHVH) said unto my Lord (Adown), Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Ps. 110:1 and,

“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s (anointed one) name, if thou canst tell?” Prov. 30:4,

This Father/Son concept did not materialize or came to realization until the man-Jesus was manifested. Notice the narrative in Matt. 3:13-17 and Matt. 17:5. when the man-Jesus was introduced officially as “…my beloved son, …in whom I am well pleased” The Holy Spirit even was a witness in the form of a dove and descended upon him. Also, in John 1:18 and 3:18, Jesus was called “the only begotten Son”. The qualifier, only, because he was the only flesh-and-blood who had that distinction at that particular point in time. Jesus, the only begotten son and after him, thru the works of the Holy Spirit, “…many sons…”. As Jesus was begotten by the Father , confirmed and authenticated by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, we are also begotten and witnessed by the Spirit who comes into man after having been sent by the Father after Jesus’ death/resurrection [48]

In a nutshell, one can glean from Genesis thru Revelation, that the mechanism of complete and full spirit-composed deification is as follows:

1.Creation of a template.

This earthy-image of God, 1st Adam, a “temple” of God has to be formed (as a template) for God to get into, as He will not enter nor dwell spiritually into a temple (physical edifice) made by man [49] [50] [51] or by hands.. Through the physical 1st Adam, humanity came about for the Spirit of God to take abode in the “spirit-of-man“, the anti-type of the “holy-of-holies” part of the temple in Jerusalem. 

2. The “Word of God” has to become flesh [52], the second-Adam, and be conceived or enter into a human, Mary as a surrogate mother. This man-Jesus, as a temple, has to receive (or be entered into by) the Holy Spirit of God and he did at River Jordan baptism, do all the good works with the power of the Holy Spirit, die as a human in the cross and be resurrected to a more glorious spiritual body for the Holy Spirit to be given to him and subsequently sent to mankind, first at Pentecost.

3. After Christ’s death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit was sent [53] to get into man, a “temple” made by God, for development into maturity, bear fruits of the Spirit, die/sleep [54] and eventually change from mortal to immortal, from physical to spiritual, as what happened to the man-Jesus.
Summary

Brethren, the concept that man is in the God-kind, an earthy-image of God, and is called god, predetermines the ultimate destiny of humanity. This is essential and critical in understanding the awesome future that God has planned for us, even before we were born, much less have done anything to merit this gift. By grace did we receive this glory. God, the Father, is expanding membership into His God-kingdom. Indeed, this gospel of the GOD-KINGDOM started with Jesus and He will bring it to completion. The “kingdom of God is at hand” was trumpeted only after the man-Jesus came to this earth. He is the”beginning of the creation of God-kingdom” [55], the “author and finisher of our faith” [56]. He is the “firstborn over all creation” [57] and “created” by the Father ( [58]. He is the “cornerstone” of a spiritual temple that we are a part of and “fitly framed together”( [59].The Spirit of God is currently working to ” bring many sons to glory“. Those who now have the spirit of God as a token, bears a token image of the heavenly and are called “children of God“. In a “twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” [60], when Christ returns at his second coming, our physical bodies will change to spiritual, the first-fruits of Christ’s first harvest. After that, at a time certain, post-Millenium, will follow the latter-fruits of Christ’s second harvest. Everyone, “in his own order” [61] first was the man-Jesus, the first of first-fruits, who became immortal, then the rest of the firstfruits, and lastly the latter-fruits. The “fullness of the Gentiles“( [62], “…fullness of God[63] will manifest and man’s deification will be completed for them, as well. When our physical body changes to spiritual, then will be fulfilled the covenant made in Genesis between the Father and Christ that man who was made in the image of God will have “dominion overall”[64]. The world now is “subject to angels” [65], but the world-to-come “will be subject to the sons of God”.
References:

[1] Gen. 1:31 [2] Gen.1:26 [3] Mat. 6:26 [4] Heb.1:4-13 [5] John 19:7 [6] Matt. 26:63-66 [7] I John 3:12 [8] I Pet. 1:12 [9] Eph. 3:10 [10] I Cor. 8:5 [11] Ps. 82:1 [12] Ps. 37:9 [13] Micah. 4:5 [14] Deut. 10:17 [15] Eph. 3:20 [16] Gen.3:19 [17] Gen.1:26 [18] James 4:14 [19] I Cor. 15:49 [20] Gen.2:23 [21] I Cor. 15:45 [22] I Cor. 15:47 [23] John 8:23 [24] Heb.1:5 [25] Heb.5:5 [26] Phil. 2:8 [27] Rev.14:12 [28] Heb. 12:2 [29] IITim.3:15 [30] Phil. 3:9 [31] Heb 9:27 [32] I Tim.2:5 [33] Acts 16:23 [34] I Cor. 15:45 [35] Heb. 2:10 [36] ICor. 15:55 [37] John 16:7 [38] Gen. 3:1-6 [39] Gen. 3:22 [40] Eccl.3:1 [41] Lu.18:16 [42] I Pet.2:2 [43] I Cor.3:1-2 [44] Heb.5:12-14 [45] Gen.3:22 [46] Isa.55:8 [47] I Cor.15:21-22 [48] I Pet.1:3 [49] Acts 17:24 [50] I Cor 3:16 [51] II Cor 6:16 [52] John 1:14 [53] Ps. 104:30 [54] I Cor 15:51 [55] Rev. 3:14 [56] Heb.12:2 [57] Col. 1:15 [58] I Cor. 3:10 [59] Eph. 2:20-21 [60] I Cor 15:52 [61] I Cor. 15:23 [62] Rom.11:25 [63] Eph. 3:9 [64] Gen. 1:26. [65] Heb.2:5.
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For any questions, comments, or article contribution for publication, please e-mailfoundationacts@yahoo.com

Posted:Sept 1/2003

revised:July 12, 2014

For further reading, access the following topics: Destiny of Man, What is Death?, Temple of God

What is God?

by fact-s.net

Sounds ridiculous? Yet surprisingly, many of us may be misinformed about what the word God is. Some may be atheist and denies existence of God. Others are agnostics and still groping for the answer. Admittedly, others know who their God is, one way or another. But, do we really know what the word God is? This question is not about the attributes of God, viz., omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, etc. Rather, it is about whether we comprehend what comprises or constitutes the word translated in English as “God”. Can this understanding help us in resolving the conflict between those who prove that Jesus, at incarnation, was God and man versus those who has equally compelling proof that he was only human and not God? 

Why did Jesus say in John 10:34 “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? The man-Jesus classified himself as well as other human beings as gods, for which reason they accused him of blasphemy, stoned him and subsequently killed him because uof this outrageous claim. Was Jesus right in classifying humans as gods? Does it really matter, who we are and where in creation do we belong? We are not in the plant-kingdom nor are we in the animal-kingdom. Are we really in the “god-kingdom” as classified by Jesus for which claim, he was persecuted and eventually died? This issue maybe so basic, yet so fundamental that the answer maybe so eye-popping as to help us understand the future and destiny of man. As the Bible says, “the only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is…” Rom. 12:3(The Message, Colorado Springs, Navpress, 1993)

To know the facts, we need to get to the original word in Hebrew (for the Old testament portion of the Bible/Tanach) and Greek (for the New Testament) that was translated into the English word God. Anyone who has a comprehensive concordance will be able to compile all the original words translated as God. Afterwards, to know the truth behind those words, one then looks at the usage/context of how the original word was used and whether other text or verses can confirm the true meaning of the original word. Following this format of research, one may be surprised about discovering many things that we were taught as a child/adult may indeed be deficient and fall under the category of misinformation, not intentional mind you, but misleading and confusing, nevertheless. As we delve into this critical subject, we will know what comprises the word “God”, concepts of polytheism/monotheism, variations/levels of powers, and where is the rightful position of angels, man, sons of God, Christ and the Father. And from these, we will then appreciate the spiritual significance behind knowing this subject well, and the hierarchy of creation.


POLYTHEISM/MONOTHEISM :
At the outset, let us look at the concept of polytheism/monotheism and verses that may appear confusing yet may eventually help us in exploring this subject: The startling fact is that the Pentateuch introduces the concept of plurality of the word God. Notice :
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.(Gen.1:1) 

Here, the word God translated from Hebrew is plural and this numerical concept is reiterated in (Gen.1:26) Then God said, 

“Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness, …
But also, consider the following verses:
“If after all, there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords”,( I Cor.8:5 )

God stands in the assembly of El ,in the midst of the gods he renders judgment”(Ps. 82:1)
None can compare to you among the gods, O sovereign Master! Your exploits are incomparable! (Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O lord) (Ps. 86:8)
Yes, I know the Lord is great, and our sovereign Master is superior to all gods.
(YHVH is above all gods ) (Ps.135:5),
For you, O Lord, are the sovereign king over the whole earth; you are elevated high above all gods.(above all gods ) (Ps. 97:9)
You shall have no other gods before me (Ex.20:3 Decalogue)
You must burn the images of their gods,(graven images of their gods ) (Deut.7:25),
…on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment (many deities ) (Ex. 12:12)
For thou, LORD, [art] high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods (Ps. 97:9)
The preceding verses from the Old/New Testament tell us that, indeed, there are many gods, but a Supreme Being among them is above all of them.
Traditional Christianity denies the reality of many “gods”. But, there are indeed many “gods” and with different names. To Abraham, his name was El Shaddai and to Moses, YHVH (Yahweh/Jehovah). To Muslims, the name is Allah, to Chinese and Hindus there are many names, see;

http://www.names-surnames.com/gods/864-chinese-gods-list
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_deities
Although, only one, I believe,should be worshipped and others not.
These verses affirm and did not deny the existence and reality of many gods. Polytheism is a fact in as much as there are many gods, and so is monotheism, in so far as there is One Supreme Being and One Above All gods is concerned. If in fact the preceding statement is true, and using this premise as a base, it then becomes imperative to get to the original word in Hebrew and Greek that was translated God . This will then help us understand what constitutes or comprises the word God, not only from the transliteration of the word, but also its context and usage
ELOHIM:
In Genesis, the Hebrew word translated God in English comes from the word ELOHIM/ELOHIYM. This is plural and a derivative of “El/Eloah(singular) meaning strong, mighty, power, POWERFUL ONES. (Brown,Driver,Briggs, Hebrew Lexicon, pp.42-44)
Likewise, in Strong’s Exhaustive Bible Concordance, comes the following Hebrew words:
430 ‘elohiym el-o-heem’ plural of 433 ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:–angels, X exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty.
433 ‘elowahh el-o’-ah; rarely (shortened) >eloahh {el-o’-ah probably prolonged (emphat.) from 410; a deity or the Deity:–God, god. See 430.
426 ‘elahh el-aw’ (Aramaic) corresponding to 433; God:–God, god.
410 ‘el ale shortened from 352; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):–God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in “-el.”
Why is Elohiym plural ? Some think this is numerical plurality but others take this to mean multiplicity or majesty of powers, functions or rank
Which, if any, could it be?
In Gen. 1:26, “And ELOHIYM said, Let us ….our likeness…” suggest there were others of the same likeness or image during this creation narrative, hence Elohiym is a word that connotes numerical plurality , but also that a particular being (not beings) actually did the creation itself or spoke the word of creating, e.g., using he in 
Gen.1:27 So ELOHIYM created man in his own image, in the image of ELOHIYM created he him; male and female created he them. 
1:31 And ELOHIYM saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Gen. 2:2 And on the seventh day ELOHIYM ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
V-3 And ELOHIYM blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which ELOHIYM created and made.
V-8 And YHVH ELOHIYM planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
and using I in Gen.1:29 And ELOHIYM said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
V-30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
YHVH ELOHIYM:
The identity of this particular Elohiym, was specified as YHVH ELOHIYM in 
Gen. 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that YHVH ELOHIYM made the earth and the heavens,
V-5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for YHVH ELOHIYM had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
V-7 And YHVH ELOHIYM formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
V-8 And YHVH ELOHIYM planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
V-9 And out of the ground made YHVH ELOHIYM to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
N.B. Also see chapters 3,4,5, etc. that specifies that the particular Elohiym was in fact YHVH.
YHVH is the creator in contradistinction to the other Elohiym, as in, Gen 6:2 sons of ELOHIYM. This specific and particular Elohiym is YHVH, who is the creator and the one who said “…Let us…our likeness ..” in Gen.1:26. This same person is the one who spoke to Moses and the one known to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as El Shadday. Notice the following:
Ex 6:2 And ELOHIYM spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am YHVH:
V-3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of EL SHADDAY, but by my name YHVH was I not known to them.
V-7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a ELOHIYM: and ye shall know that I am YHVH your ELOHIYM, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Deut 10:17 For YHVH your ELOHIYM is ELOHIYM of gods, and ADOWN of lords, a great EL, a mighty, …
Incidentally, the traditional English version of this was quoted in the prayer by Col. Oliver North who was a keynote speaker at the National Day of Prayer gathering at Washington, D.C. on May 6 2004
This is the Elohiym(God) of Israel, and specifically identified and named YHVH / El Shadday
This again is confirmed in the Shema doctrine found in
Deut.6:4 Hear, O Israel: YHVH our ELOHIYM is one YHVH:
V-5 And thou shalt love YHVH thy ELOHIYM with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Micah 4:5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of YHVH our ELOHIYM for ever and ever.
Yes, there is no other specific Elohiym known and introduced to Israel to be worshipped but YHVH / El Shadday who is ONE. The One and ONLY ONE above all gods.
From the preceding, one can see that the plural word Elohiym is a generic or common name for a powerful being and that it includes the creator as well as others of like image or likeness. But to specify the identity of this particular Elohiym as a creator of heavens and earth and the being who dealt with Abraham, Isaac,Jacob,Moses and Israel , the proper name YHVH / El Shadday was used.
Angel as ELOHIM:
To confirm this concept that Elohiym/God is generic/common name, notice the following:
Worship him, all ye gods (430, elohiym)Ps.97:7 and juxtapose this with the reference…angels (32 aggelos {ang’-el-os} of God worship him in Heb 1:6
The elohiym/gods in Psalm 97:7 is definitely referred to mean aggelos/angels. See also the scene when Jesus told an angel (Satan) to worship him and speaking of himself towards Satan :
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matt.4:10
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Lu. 4:8
And to identify which of the elohiym or angels is specifically referred to:
…. for Satan himself is transformed into an angel (32 aggelos {ang’-el-os} of light.
II Cor.11:14,
…prince of this world be cast out John 12:31
… god (2316 theos) of this world (Satan) II Cor 4:4.
See also Ps. 8:5 angel(elohim, Strong’s #43)
Yes, even angels are classified in the Elohiym/God. This could be the reason why “us” and “our” are used in Gen.1:26 as angels were there during man’s creation, as the “serpent” (Lucifer,Satan) was in the garden of Eden
Man, Jewish leaders, Judges as ELOHIM:
Following the same concept of commonality of the word Elohiym/God, notice these verses:
John 10:31 The Jewish leaders picked up rocks again to stone him to death.
V-32 Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good deeds from the Father. For which one of them are you going to stone me?”
V-33 The Jewish leaders replied, “We are not going to stone you for a good deed but for blasphemy, because you, a man, are claiming to be God.”
V-34 Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?
V-35 If those people to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’ (and the scripture cannot be broken), 10:36 do you say about the one whom the Father set apart and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
Ps.82:6 I have said, Ye are gods (430 elohiym); and all of you are children of the ELYOWN (God).
N.B. Children of Elohim/God are classified gods as well, as Jesus, the man, the son of God is God, as other humans who were stoning him are called gods as well. Jesus classified “…those people to whom the word of God came …as… ‘gods’ in v-35. The word of God came to humans, you and me, and not to plants nor to animals. That’s why we are gods ! See also, Ex. 21:6; 22:8-9,28 where judges are called elohim (Strong’s#430)
MOSES reckoned Elohiym:
Ex.4:16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of ELOHIYM. See also, Ex. 7:1
Kings of the House of David likened to Gods:
Zech.12:8 In that day shall YHVH defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as ELOHIYM, as the angel of YHVH before them.
Yes, even men/women are classified in the Elohiym/God. Notice also that in Zech. 12:8 both man(house of David) and angel are classified as elohiym.
Again, looking at the facts and deducing the truth from the usage and context of the verses quoted, there is no doubt that Elohiym/God constitutes and comprises:
1.YHVH/El Shadday – the creator ,above all gods, one and only god to be worshipped by Israel , and by extension all gentiles.
2. angels(including Lucifer),
3.and man/woman
.
This specific and inclusive concept is not “pantheism”. It is not that “God is all and all is God” and not “all reality is infused with divinity”(Who made God? Ravi Zacharias,pgs.41-43,2003 Zondervan). Christ was specific and excludes plants, animals and innanimate beings. Distinction among the “gods” is maintained,i.e. there are levels and ranks of powers. Moreover,Elohiym is a word that connotes numerical plurality but may also mean multiplicity or majesty of powers, function or rank, as in Adonai in Gen 42:30,33, Isa. 22:18; 51:22; Ezra 10:3; Malachi 1:6

THEOS:
This same concept in the Old Testament is carried through in the New Testament. Notice, that in Greek, the word God is translated from “theos” This word is singular, masculine, and in the nominative case (The New Analytical Greek Lexicon ,p. 201)
And yet, THEOS , by context and usage, is a composite and includes:
1. God the Father: 

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he looked upward to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you just as you have given him authority over all humanity, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. Now this is eternal life—that they know you, the only true God(theos,Strong’s#2316), and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. John 17:1-3
2. God the Son/Jesus: 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God(theos,Strong’s#2316), and the Word was fully God.(theos,Strong’s#2316) The Word was with God(theos,Strong’s#2316) in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.John 1:1-3;
She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel,” which means “God(theos,Strong’s#2316) with us.” Matt. 1:21-23
For this reason the sovereign master himself will give you a confirming sign. Look, this young woman is about to conceive and will give birth to a son. You, young woman, will name him Immanuel Isa. 7:14
Isa.7:14 Therefore the ADONAY himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
3. angel:
among whom the god(theos,Strong’s#2316) of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. … theos,Strong’s#2316 of this world (Satan) II Cor 4:4
4. man/woman:
Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’(theos, Strong’s #2316) ? If those people to whom the word of God (theos,Strong’s #2316) came were called ‘gods’(theos, Strong’s #2316) (and the scripture cannot be broken), do you say about the one whom the Father set apart and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’(theos,Strong’s #2316)? John 10:34-36
N.B. Jesus was human and was made in the image of the invisible God as we all are 2Cor 4:4. Jesus as man incarnate is God as He is also God in the pre-incarnate and post-incarnate state
The preceding verses show that “theos”, while singular, is a composite word as the plural “elohiym” is. Now comes the question, why is Elohiym plural but can be singular, while Theos is singular but maybe plural? This is because by usage/context the Elohiym/Theos maybe specific or generic. When the word is specific then it is described and identified, e.g. YHVH / El Shadday or Father, Son, angel, man.
This contextual usage is equivalent to the rendering of “ekklesia”(plural) as exemplified in:
I Cor. 12:12 For just as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body—though many—are one body, so too is Christ.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church
CoL 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which (is) in his house.
1Thes. 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which (is) in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Tim. 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which (is) the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which (are) written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect
Notice that when the plural word is modified by a singular verb, it coalesces the plural into singular connotation. Ecclesia , while plural, is one but composed of many members; as our body is one, yet made up of many members. This usage is akin to the United States is one country but composed of many states; as Israel is one nation but with 12 tribes and with the grafting of the gentiles could be even more.

Summary:
1.Elohiym/Theos refers to a composite of powers, the sum of divine and powerful beings, the totality of all attributes of deity. It is a generic term that may apply to a particular being. When it does, the specific name of that Elohim is identified, as in YHVH Elohim
2. Most of the time, Elohiym in the Old Testament refers to a specific YHVH Elohiym and Theos in the New Testament refers specifically to God the Father. At other times, it refers to those others in the generic Elohiym/Theos, i.e. Jesus, angels, humans.
3. In general, Elohiym/Theos is collective and not a selective term; common and not a proper name; inclusive and not exclusive; generic not proprietary; composite and not specific.
4. The usage and/or context of the word explains the intended meaning, whether plural/singular or numerical plurality/multiplicity of power, rank or position/function.
5. The word God/Elohim, as originally written,, includes different species, levels, class or rank. At the highest level is the Father, followed by Son(s) of. God, then angelic rank, and the lowest is man. However, man will be transformed into “sons/children of God”, spirit-composed at resurrection and higher than angelic-class.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Why know what the word “god” is ? Now that you know the facts and the truth behind the facts, the screaming spiritual significance of this truth can out-decibel anything ever heard of before! This has not been emphasized in traditional Christendom. Man is planned and classified by Jesus himself, to be categorized in the Elohiym. This classification of man in the Elohiym has far-reaching potential, seriousness and gravity that Jesus risked being stoned, charged with blasphemy and eventually gave his life for us to comprehend the magnitude of our destiny. Human beings are in the Elohiym/Theos, not in the plant-kind, nor in the animal-kind. We did not “evolve” from plants nor animals! In Genesis, you can see that after plants were created, they were planned to reproduce after their own kind. Likewise, when animals were created, they were to reproduce after their own kind. But, notice, after plants and animals were created to reproduce their own kind, God said, in Genesis,
1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness, .”
1:27 God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.
Yes, humans are in the image of God, as Jesus the man, was in the image of the invisible God.( “… Christ, who is the image of God… 2 Cor 4:4) God is reproducing and multiplying the numbers that compose the Elohiym, aside from angelic beings. We are created in the Elohiym/Theos. We are in the GOD-KIND ,the God-Kingdom ! This is the context of the gospel of the Kingdom Of God. Kingdom of “man” was not planed. In fact, all human kingdoms from the Tower of Babel through the succession of human kingdoms represented by the ” image of Nebuchadnezzar”, will all perish. While in the class of Elohiym, as man ,like Jesus was, we are currently below the level and rank of angels(see Heb. 2:7) But as Jesus is now in the right hand of the Father as “Son of God”, our High-Priest, man will also be in that position, higher than the angels(Heb. 1:4; 2:10), as we will be in Christ, as “Son of God”, who will bring ” many sons to glory”. The head, who is Christ, has to be with the body, which is the ecclesia, composed of many members. When this kingdom of God, the ecclesia, the priests of Melchizedek are finally composed and is delivered to the Father, then all of us, including Jesus, will bow down before the supreme God of all…the Father, as in:
And when all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all. 1 Cor.15:28
Thank God, this human destiny was decided even before man’s creation, and before man has done anything right or wrong. Being in that category or class of Elohiym is a gift, not of works, but of grace through faith and out of the love of God.
Brethren, the spiritual meaning of this concept that man is in the class of Elohiym is of enormous significance worthy of praise and glory of the Father. For centuries, we were distracted from this concept and now, through the blessing of the Spirit, the time has come for all of us to see our direction and destiny.
Complementary Articles:
Destiny of Man, Deification of Man, Passion of Christ
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Posted : June 17, 2004
Revised: June 29,2014

FATHER’S DAY_USA

by fact-s.net

FATHER’S DAY_USA.2014

Ever since it was championed by Sonora Smart Dodd, Father’s Day has been commemorated throughout the U.S.A. on the 3rd Sunday of June since 1910 (1). Today, on Fathers’s Day, what could be more apropos and timely to honor it than to know who the “Father” in the Old Testament is? Is he the same or different from that referred to in the New Testament? Is the Father in the Old Testament the same as the Father of Jesus in the New Testament? To provide context to these questions, consider a parallel question:

Who is the God of the Old/ New Testament?

Many grew up in a Christian family and were taught that the God of the Old Testament is the Father of Jesus. And, that of the New Testament is Jesus and/or his Father, as they “are one”. Does being “one” mean indistinct or inseparable? Are they similar or different? In what way if any or when are they the same or distinct from each other? Is this issue a mere exercise in futility, unnecessary minutiae, pure semantics or “splitting hairs”? Although not a recent phenomenon, these questions are confusing and distracting to many today. Even in mid-second century Rome, a prominent Christian leader by the name of Marcion who had a thriving shipbuilding business at the time of Justin, was confused (2).

Does it really matter who is the God of the Old and/or New Testament? Yes, it does. In fact, about 90 C.E., John who wrote “I and Father are one”(John 10:30) also said that life eternal hinges on this understanding: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). The Father, “the only true God” and Jesus are distinct and separate from one another, even when they “are one”.Always remember what Paul said in Heb 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” We need “assurance” that depends on evidence-based facts, not empty promises, unsubstantiated teaching, nor hope against hope. The answer to these questions may help enhance our understanding of the subject, thus solidifying even more our handle on the truth and fortifying our faith.

Old Testament God

There are many so-called “gods”, and polytheism is more than a phenomenon; it is a reality. While it is tempting to deny this fact, the presence of many “gods” is acknowledged to be true. And yes, this has been a crucial fact in the Old Testament, such that Israel has to be directed away from these real “gods” and commanded not to worship them. Instead, worship has to be to one particular and specific God. There was/is only one God to be worshipped. This is the basis from where developed the Jewish “Shema” doctrine of, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Ex.20:3) …above all gods”(Ps 95:3; 135:5); See also (3) https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/what-is-god/

Who, was the God of Adam, Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses?

This question maybe resolved if one accepts the fact that this God introduced himself with different names at different times. Strong’s Concordance helps in finding the derivation of the original words translated in English. And, while names are different, they refer to only one, the Creator. Getting right to the point, consider these documentation and confirmation:

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heaven(s) and the earth”. Here, without doubt, this God was introduced as the Creator. But, this particular God was not identified and was described as a uni-plural generic “Elohiym” (Strong Concordance 0430/plural form being supreme). But, in Ex.6:2-3, this God was identified with different descriptive names, “And God (Elohiym 0430) spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD (Yhovah 03068) : And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God (0410 El) Almighty (Shadday/07706), but by my name JEHOVAH (Yhovah 03068) was I not known to them”. This Creator God was God Almighty/ “El Shadday” to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but to Moses he was known as Lord/”Yhovah”.

Moreover, in Isa 45:11-12, this Creator God was also referred to as Lord, “Thus saith the LORD (03068/Yhovah), the Holy One (06918/qadowsh) of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.” That particular Creator God was The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,

Post Old-Testament times, this Creator God was also identified more specifically as the“Word”. In John 1:1-3, he said “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.” He then went further to identify this Creator God to be The Begotten Son, as in “So the Word became human and….And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father” (John 1:14, NLT). To make it even clearer, John reiterated that this Creator God was Jesus, as in “The one who existed from the beginning is the one we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is Jesus Christ, the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). The Creator God was Word God.

Paul also testified, that the Creator God was Jesus , “He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of creation. For by Him all things were created…all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:15-17 NASB).

This Creator God, who “fathered” all creation, incarnated into Jesus, the Christ/Messiah, as in Isa:9:6, “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(01,ab), The Prince of Peace.

From the preceding verses, one sees the “evidentiary facts” that the same specific and distinct person is known as:

God:(Elohiym 0430)
LORD: (Yhovah 03068)
God (0410 El) Almighty (07706 Shadday)
The “Holy One (06918/qadowsh) of Israel”
The “Word” (3056/logos)
“Begotten Son” (monogenes/3439)
The “only Son of the Father”
Jesus Christ, the Word of life (3056)
First-born of Creation (prototokos/4416)
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father(01,ab), The Prince of Peace.

Changes in Name, Position and Function

All these descriptive positions, tasks, functions and changes in name at a particular time are no different from our own experience as humans. All of us have been children and have parents and grandparents. As we ourselves became parents, we left our description as children. After we have grandchildren, we are now called grandparents. Our position and function changed but we are still the same person. Likewise, previously, one maybe secretary in an organization, but then can become vice-president or president. That person is no longer addressed as Mr Secretary; rather called Mr. President. The same person but different function, task and time. In general, unless described otherwise, when the word “God” is used in the Old Testament, it refers to El Shaddai/YHVH; in the New Testament, it refers to the FATHER of Jesus.

The Creator God and the only one commanded to be worshipped in the Old Testament was “El Shaddai” to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but to Moses he was “YHVH”. The same person was the “Word Creator” even before there was any creation. Subsequently, he incarnated, dwelt among humans and assumed a different function and name as “Jesus-Yhusuah/Massiach-Messiah, the Redeemer” (John 4:26). As an incarnate/ flesh-composed person, he was “begotten Son”. This official introduction ever, of the Father-Son relationship took place at the river Jordan when Jesus was baptized (Matt.3:13-17;Mk 1:9-11; Luke 3:21). The Synoptic gospels testified that the Father introduced the Son, as the Son also “declared” the FATHER (John 1:14,18) ; rightly so, as they knew each other from before the beginning of time. As he is the only one who had seen him, he was the perfect person to introduce his FATHER and ours as the “only true God” and commanded us to worship only his Father. No doubt, this is fool-proof identification of both of them as distinct and separate (I Cor.8:6) , even when they “are one”. Subsequently, he was then “declared Son of God” (spirit-composed) by the resurrection from the dead ( Rom.1:4 ) He is also now “head of the spiritual church…firstborn from the dead (Col.1:18), the “head and elder Brother” (Heb. 2:11) of his “fellows” (Ps.45:7; Heb.1:9 ) , the other “firstfruits” (I Cor.15:23; Rev. 14:4). As a Creator God/Word of all that is known, whether angelic spirits, inanimate universe and all living things, this ” Son of God” is now creating from humans, “spirit-composed firstfruits/harvest” to be his “body/church” and subsequently in due time, the ” latter-fruits/harvest”. Indeed, an “upgrade” of his position and glory, all given by our “FATHER” and planned from the beginning, much before “time.

Mechanism of How we are “saved”

The Word/El Shaddai/YHVH has to dis-empower himself, take-off his power, and incarnate as Jesus so that by being human, he could die as our “Passover” ( I Cor. 5:7 ). YHVH, being spirit and eternal, could not have died unless incarnated. Jesus’ power, being “flesh-blood” was not inherent in him but was spiritual powers/abilities given to him by the Father much like us humans with measured spirit-power given by the Father through the function of the Spirit ( Compare John 8:28, 19:11; Acts 1:5, 2:4; Luke 4:1 ). As the “FATHER” imputed the sins of mankind on the sin of the first Adam (I Cor. 15:45-50) at the garden of Eden and eternal death to all mankind, so was Jesus’/last Adam’s death (a consequence of sin) imputed to mankind ( Rom.5:12-21). His death was the propitiation/atoning sacrifice for our sins ( I John 2:2 ) and reconciled us to the “FATHER” ( II Cor. 5:8; Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:20-22 ); put us “at-one” with the “FATHER”. His death was only the beginning so that “death, where is thy sting?” ( I Cor. 15:55 ), will no longer have a hold on us. Having been reconciled, we are now “saved by his life” ( Rom.5:10 ). But, how are we saved by his life? How is this knowledge and understanding “life eternal” as in “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3)?

Now that from “flesh/human” incarnate Jesus was subsequently created by the Father as spirit-composed “Son of God” by the resurrection from the dead, higher than angelic spirits, Jesus “by his life” (after resurrection) is now creating his “body/church” of fellow “firstfruits”, “sons/daughters/children of God” and subsequently the “latter-fruits”. All spirit-composed, as in I Cor. 15:53, “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” He has to be first, a “Son of God” before he can bring other “sons/daughters” to glory as their “Elder-Brother and “Head of the church”. He is developing us into his “body/church” through the Spirit that he could not have sent until after his resurrection from the dead, (saved by his life) as in ” “When the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about Me. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 14:25,26; 16:7). This Spirit was sent at Pentecost (Acts 2) and getting into us to have power to develop into the “body/church” of Christ. And all of these as planned and implemented by God through his “first-born Son of God”.

SUMMARY

In the Old Testament, the Father and God that was commanded to be worshipped was the Creator God, El Shadday/YHVH, Jesus the Messiah/Christ. Since then, in New Testament times, Jesus himself introduced his “FATHER”; and rightly so, as he was the only one who saw the “FATHER”. As incarnate Messiah/Christ, he instructed us to pray to his “FATHER”, but through Jesus and in his name (John 15:16). Who to worship? In the Old Testament times, YHVH/El Shaddai/Jesus was commanded to be worshipped as he was “above all gods”(Ps 95:3; 135:5) known to all creation. But today and for all of us, the “FATHER” of Jesus, the only one referred to as God in the New Testament, is the only one to be worshipped and prayed to, but “in the name of Jesus”. The “Father” is the God and Father of Jesus and of us all (Eph.1:17). As the Creator God/El Shadday/YHVH took off that glory, honor and position by incarnating into “flesh” as Jesus/Messiah/Christ, by so doing he shifted and directed/introduced all of us to his Father as the only God to be worshipped today. The Father is greater than Jesus; they are not co-equal as in John 14:28 “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away,…for my Father is greater than I.”

On the side, this particular “FATHER” of Jesus, started a “new creation” (2Cor.5:17, NKJV), from the human “first-begotten” son Jesus (John 3:16) who then became the “first-born” (Col.1:18; Rom. 8:29) spirit Son of God, by the resurrection from the dead. Indeed, a position of “sonship” which is higher than the angelic category (compare Ps 8:4-6 and Heb. 2:6-18). Jesus is now the “the first/wavesheaf of the firstfruits” ( compare I Cor. 15:10,20,23 and Ex 34:26, Ezekiel 44:30; Lev. 23:10-12 ). After him, will follow the remaining “firstfruits” (Rev.14:4) at the resurrection to commence the “Millenium”. As the “FATHER” through (I Cor.8:6) Jesus/YHVH/Word created the “first known creation” (all non-living and living things including angels), the “FATHER” is now creating a “new creation” of “sons and children” of God, Jesus the “first of the firstfruits“, then through Jesus, “fellow firsfruits” will follow “at the last trumpet” ( I Cor. 15;52) , all of them spiritual beings, higher than angelic spirit-beings, and after the Millenium, the “latter-fruits“. This is Jesus’ “body” the church, being “one” yet with many members that are distinct/separate from each other ( I Cor.12:12-20) as we are altogether “one” with a distinct and separate “FATHER”. As incarnate Jesus/Passover, his death paid off mankind’s penalty for sins, reconciled us to the Father so we will all be like him. Everyone at their own time , first is Jesus becoming the Son of God, the first of the firstfruits, then fellow firstfruits at this dispensation to be manifested at the start of the Millenium, then subsequently after the Millenium will manifest the “latter-fruits”….all with “life eternal” ( John 17:3 ).

Buttressed with these facts, our appreciation of God”s love for all of us, hopefully, will be magnified and enhanced. We can have confidence and trust in God because of these facts. i.e., faith which is “evidence of things hoped for.” Remember, that this is the plan of God, the “FATHER”, even before the first creation by YHVH, before any of us have done anything right or wrong. Even our will to do good and to act are from God ( Phil. 2:13) so that “no one can boast” (Eph.2:9; I Cor. 1:29). Truly, grace and love manifested. Glory to God, our “FATHER”.

HAPPY FATHER’s DAY.

References:
1. Father’s Day.http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father’s_Day
2. Ehrman, Bart D., Misquoting Jesus, p.33-34, 2005.Harper Collins Publishers, 10 East 53rd St. NY, NY 10022.
3. What is God? https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/what-is-god/

Son of God…What does it mean ?

by Administrator

Son of God …What Does it Mean?
The blockbuster movie “Son of God” which was supported and encouraged for viewing by mega churches (1) had its world premiere on February 28, 2014. As a miniseries in History channel, it was touted by many to be phenomenal but even more awe-inspiring this time as a movie. Directed by Christopher Spencer and starring Diogo Morgado, “Son of God” is being marketed as a major motion picture event that “brings the story of Jesus’ life to audiences through compelling cinematic storytelling that is both powerful and inspirational, complete with exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score” (2). The interview of producers Mark Burnett and wife Roma Downey in Hannity/Fox on 2/21/14 (3) was no less riveting. The film tells the story of Jesus’ birth, his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. The focus was about the fact that Jesus is unequivocally the “Son of God”. However, the presentation did not delve further into the “truth or reason” behind this fact. And, this is a common inadequacy one finds in sermons/homilies that stop at merely identifying Jesus/Y’SHUAH/Ha-Mashiach (4) as the “Son of God”. As vital as that fact is, it does not equate with the far-reaching blessing from the “truth or reason” behind that fact. Hopefully, as we all acknowledge him as such, we will not be distracted from the underlying ultimate message and thus be haunted by the admonition in Matt.7:21-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Because of time constraints intrinsic to the creation of any movie, it was understandable that a number of crucial and essential truth was left out. What was missing though in this movie was the provision for the reason why he had to become”Son of God”? What is the underlying message behind that fact? What is it to us and to our future, for this human being, the “Son of Man” to become the “Son of God”? What for is that descriptive title in relation to the future of the human race? After the proclamation of Jesus as the “Son of God”, when did that title actually become a reality? Pre-incarnate, incarnate or post-incarnate? These are questions that are so important as they form a narrative to know why you and I are here in this world… the very reason for our existence, albeit our destiny.
( See also: http://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-destiny-of-man/ )

As already indicated in the miniseries, movie, gospels, prophecies, apostolic letters, revelation, secular writings (5), etc, Jesus in fact existed and walked on this earth and was proclaimed to be the “Son of God”. All Christian churches are well-equipped to prove that fact. But the purpose of this commentary is to explore and expound the proposition that there is more to this titular fact than meets the eye. And, although alluded to in the Bible and its significance not fully appreciated by mainstream Christianity, the truth behind this title is even more outstanding, faith-enhancing and grace-encompassing.

At the outset, as we continue to grow in understanding, let us consider the following:

A. His identity was already prophesied long before He came to this world.
This WORD-Creator/El Shaddai/YHVH (John 1:1-3, 14, Colossians1:16-17/Ex 6:3) took off his spirit-composition and glorious body to become flesh-and-blood. However, as a human being, he is identified as the Messiah(Isaiah 9:6-7), the Son of man(Matt 8:20), born of a virgin(Isa.7:14), a Nazarene(Matt 2:23), priest after the order of Melchizedek(Heb. 5:6,10), Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Immanuel(Matt.1:23), Passover-lamb(I Cor.5:7), etc.(6, 7). These are descriptive declarations when he was “flesh-and-blood”, i.e., as a human being. And this human incarnation of YHVH was for this purpose, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”(Hebrew 2:17)

B. This Messiah, the”flesh-and-blood” Passover-lamb/Christ was also declared/identified as the “Son of God”.

Ps.2:7,12 “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him”. Notice the word “begotten” (derived from “yalad”), i.e. not yet born, still in the womb being developed. Also, that the Father-Son relationship is yet future.

Matthew 3:16-17 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 16:15-17 “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Luke 1:35 – “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God”

Hebrews1:5 “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?”

While these preceding verses identified and declared the Man-Jesus/Messiah/Christ /Passover-Lamb as “Son of God”, they did not give us a definitive inkling as to when the realization of this “Sonship” occurred. If anything, it connotes a future (shall) timetable. Was that title achieved at that time when he was “flesh-blood” or was it yet in the future?

C. The title “Son of God” came to fruition only after resurrection. At which time, he transcended from “begotten” to “firstborn”, the first of the “first-fruits” (wave sheaf Lev. 23:10-13) with spirit-body, spirit-composed, albeit with the power to manifest as human (8). This did not happen after his death and through 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb as a corpse. It achieved reality only after he was transformed from “flesh-blood” to a living “spirit-composed being”.

Consider the following verses:
Romans 1:4″And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead”.

Colossians1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, thefirstborn (prototokus”) from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Colossians 1:15 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creation.”

Revelation1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood”

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren”

Hebrews 1:6 “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”

Acts 26:23 “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. ”

I Cor 15:20 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

Rom 8:19 “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”

Rom 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren”

Hebrews12:23 “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”

SUMMARY
The reason for the spirit-composed El/Shaddai/YHVH to change into Jesus/Y’SHUAH ( partaker of flesh and blood, lower than angels, Heb 2:7) is for him to fulfill the promise and undertaking of a Passover-Lamb/Messiah to suffer the penalty of mankind’s sins which is eternal death”(Hebrew 2:17). As all mankind’s sin was imputed to the sin of the “first” Adam(Rom.5:7-21), so was mankind’s penalty of death imputed to the death of the “last” Adam/Christ (1Cor 15:45), by grace and not by “works” so no one “can boast” ( Eph. 2:9 ). At resurrection, being spirit-composed, Jesus/Y’SHUAH then fulfilled the reality of being the “Son of God”, no longer “begotten”. Rather, he became the “firstborn” of a new creation-kind, created or made higher (Heb. 1:4) than angelic beings. Moreover, as he is the firstborn (the first of the firstfruits, the “wave-sheaf offering” Lev. 23:10-14), he will then get others (Rom 8:19) to become the “sons/children of God” also by resurrection or “twinkling of an eye” ( I Cor. 15:52 ) at his return to earth to commence the Millenium. A new “creation”(Gal.6:15; 2 Cor. 5:17) above angelic beings ( Ps. 8:4; Heb.2:5-18) is being composed, through this mechanism of “Sonship”. Jesus, the first-born “Son of God”, the first of the firstfruits (I Cor. 15:20) and afterwards “bringing many sons to glory”(Heb.2:10), the other firstfruits of the “spring-harvest” at the start of the Millenium in the first resurrection (Rev. 20:4,5; I Thes. 4:16,17), then the “latter-fruits” in the latter-harvest at the second resurrection. Based on this and “on this rock” ( the rock-solid meaning of “Son of God” Matt. 16:16-18), I will build my church (body), all spirit-composed. Through this rock-solid process of “sonship”, a new creation of spirit-beings will be realized, albeit a God-kingdom. This is the essence of the commission to proclaim the gospel (Matt.24:14) of the coming”kingdom of God”. The overall plan is to create a kingdom composed of spirit beings higher than angelic spirit-beings, the “kingdom of God”. While (9,10,11) there is a “plant-kingdom” and an “animal-kingdom”, there is no “human-kingdom created by God. In fact, all the ” human-kingdoms” from Adam who on his own “works” wanted to be like God (Gen 3:1-24), Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9), Israel-kingdom divorced by YHVH (Isa 50.1;Hosea 2:2; Jer.3.8), successive heathen kingdoms represented by Nebuchadnezzar’s dream(Daniel 2:1-48) have no longevity. As a “stone” will destroy the last human kingdom represented by 10-toes of iron and clay, only the kingdom created by God, spirit-composed “sons/daughters of God” (Kingdom of God) will be everlasting.

This present world is under subjection (11) to angels (Gal 3:19, Heb. 2:2).
But, the “world to come” will not be under angelic-spirits but under the “kingdom-of-God”, spirit-composed “Sons/children of God”, all higher in category than angels. As it is written in Hebrews 2:5-17 “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 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. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (by angels). For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

This is the deeper and final essence of the title “Son of God”, with Jesus/Y’SHUAH the firstborn/wavesheaf firstfruit by resurrection, taking on this new category, higher than angels. Subsequently, other “sons/daughters” will follow through this mechanism of “rock-solid Sonship”, as Jesus/Y’SHUAH builds his “body/church”. What an awesome gift and blessing from the Father by grace and not “by works”, a destiny that we are looking forward to!

Will there be a sequel in the offing that embodies this truth and message behind the title “Son of God”? Let us hope so.

References:
1. Megachurch Pastors Lead ‘Son of God’ Campaign to ‘Take Over’ Multiplex Theaters Nationwide: http://www.christianpost.com/news/megachurch-pastors-lead-son-of-god-campaign-to-take-over-multiplex-theaters-nationwide-114732/

2. Producers: “Son of God ” will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike:http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/02/28/son-god-movie-jesus-bible-american-audiences-religious/

3. Hannity/Fox on 2/21/14: https://74.217.254.62/tivo-tco/program/show.do?collectionId=tivo:cl…

4. Hebrew names of God. http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/Yeshua/yeshua.html

5.Early Secular writings regarding Christ:http://www.nelsonprice.com/early-secular-writings-regarding-christ/

6. Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled:
http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/a/Prophecies-Jesus.htm

7.Ten prophecies about Jesus birth:https://theresurgence.com/2012/12/24/10-prophecies-about-jesus-birth

8. How many times did Jesus appear after ….resurrection:http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/resurrectionofchrist.html
N.B. While the Son of God is higher than the angelic-spirits, the latter can also manifest as humans as in Gen. 19:1-5

9. Destiny of Man: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-destiny-of-man/

10.Deification of Man: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/26/deification-of-man-2/

11. Passion of Christ: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-passion-of-christ/

12. The law was given by angels: http://www.askelm.com/essentials/ess003a.htm

Judgment Day, May 21, 2011

by foundationacts

Tomorrow, according to Harold Camping (head of Family Radio Broadcasting Network) will be judgment day. Based on his calculations, this will be the Judgment Day, upon which the righteous – which totals 3 percent of humanity – will be “raptured”, leaving the rest of us to weather five months of extreme natural disasters until Oct. 21, whereupon God destroys the entire universe and everyone left in it ( O’Carroll, 2011).

All of us students of the Holy Scriptures must evaluate claims such as this one to see whether this has credibility. Personally, I doubt this prediction for the following reasons:

1. The image seen by Nebuchadnezzar and interpreted by Daniel as a succession of human world governments does not correlate with this prediction. Babylon, Medo-Persian empire, Greece and the Romans (with their two divisions) have been world governments. Where in this context are the “ten toes”? Where are the remaining “7 toes” that will eventually be “smashed by the stone” at the end-time?(Daniel 2:31-35)

2. How does this prediction correlate with the last “two witnesses” in Revelation? 11:3 ? They are supposed to be the ones to identify the “little horn” before their death in three and a half years of witnessing.

3. Where is the “little horn” that caused the fall of the three out of ten toes that will lead the remaining “seven toes”? (2Thessalonians 2:3)

The preceding questions beg an answer before one believes this prediction. Unless these prior events come to fruition, I seriously doubt that this prediction is credible.

Reference:

O’Carroll, E. (2011). Judgment Day, May 21. Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved May 20, 2011 from http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2011/0518/Judgment-Day-May-21-When-will-the-world-actually-end

Thanksgiving Day

by foundationacts

Thanksgiving Day



Throughout the whole U.S.A., the 4th Thursday of November by tradition has been set aside to give thanks to God for all the blessings we received individually and collectively, as a family or as a nation. Thanksgiving Day commemorates our appreciation for what the Almighty has done for all of us. Indeed, these blessings come in many forms. Some are thankful, inspite of Sept 11 2001, for relative peace, safety and tranquility. As global terrorism continues, local attacks of evil left victims with mangled bodies in streets of London/Europe, concert areas in Las Vegas, Florida Pulse gay bar , hallowed church in  Sutherland Springs,Texas and other “soft targets”. Still, many are blessed with good health or recovery from disease or festering ailment and have escaped being riddled with bullets or bomb blasts. Some give thanks for job promotion or financial security, and others for improved relationship with their loved ones . While these are legitimate reasons to be merry, many are not so fortunately endowed and are in the midst of suffering, pain and despair. One may ask, why some are blessed and others cursed?

What did I do to deserve this ? While there are immutable laws that bring about blessing or curse, i.e., blessing follows good deeds and curse comes because of evil deeds, they are not necessarily exclusive. There are evil people, who in our eyes and yardstick, flourish and good people who are swaddling in a series of failures or setbacks. Even so called blessed and chosen nation Israel went thru slavery in Egypt and even now does not have peace and security with their neighbor-states. Abraham, Moses, etc. died in hope, without seeing the promised land. David, Job, Daniel, to name a few in the Old Testament account, suffered. Even the apostles were in constant danger for their lives, including Paul, considered chief of them all. But, most of all, the man-Jesus, the very begotten Son Of God, the most blessed of all men, experienced the worst curse of all, dying a horrible and painful death by crucifixion. Brethren, the wisdom, power and control of God are transparent in these events occurring in man. Consider the following verses that should give us proper perspective of who our God is:

“Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel to honor and another for dishonor?“[1]

“…Wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.“[2]

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.”[3]

“I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity(evil): I the Lord do (or allowed) all these .“[4]

“Behold, I have created the spoiler to destroy“[5]

“If there is calamity in the city, will not the Lord have done (or allowed) it?”[6]

He prepared “..vessels of wrath/mercy…”[7]

These preceding verses undoubtedly focus on God’s ultimate authority and sovereignty to do or not do whatever/whenever he wants, to any of his creation. He is incomparable, unique and the only one[8]. So unsearcheable are his ways! It is therefore apropos for all of us to heed the advise, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”[9]. The time for “judgment” of evil will come in due time.

A Bright and Awesome Future
Notwithstanding whatever fate has for us in this present world, it pales in comparison with what God has in store for us ultimately. The blessing we now have is muted by the enormity of our future. The “curse” that we now suffer will be forgotten knowing fully well the supreme gift destined for us to have. For how many among us would consider it a blessing being in an exalted position as CEO/President of a company or institution? How about being in the White House staff, or being President yourself ? Or, for that matter, being a member of your favorite exclusive club,e.g., Honors Club, Debate Club,Golf Club,Chess club, or Country Club ? Take your pick, and all of us have this need and want /expectation to be in an elevated and better position. Yet, what if you know that God has, in fact, planned for us to be in a position far greater than anyone can imagine, better/higher than angels (Psalms 8:4-8; Hebrews 2:6-10-18) and “one” with the Father. Notice,

“God…is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of..infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes.“[10]
In the article “Destiny of Man”(11)  and Deification of Man”(12), one can see that we are created in the God-Kind, a very exalted “species“. We are now in the process started by Jesus to be a part of the “temple“(body) of God, a Family of Gods, a God-Kingdom. This is a supreme and exalted position reserved for us even before we were born, nor have done any works(good-or-evil), a testament to his mercy, faith, grace and love. Indeed, the wisdom of God, the depth and breadth of his sapience are far supreme. Let us therefore rejoice for when we think we are cursed, we are in fact blessed; and thinking we are blessed, we “ain’t seen anything yet” !


HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL !


References:

[1] Rom 9:21, [2] I Cor. 3:19, [3] Isa. 55:8, [4] Isa. 45:7, [5]Isa. 54:16, [6] Amos 3:6, [7] Rom. 9:22-23, [8] Isa 40:25, [9] Prov.9:10, [10] Eph 3:20 Living Bible,Wheaton Il. Tyndale House Publishers, 1979 

[11]Destiny of man. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-destiny-of-man/ 

[12]Deification of Man..Completion. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/07/12/deification-of-man-3/


Originally posted: November, 2003

Revised and posted November, 2017

CONTACT:

For any questions, comments, or written contribution for publication, please e-mail foundationacts@yahoo.com

The Destiny of Man

by foundationacts

The Destiny of Man

Why am I here? Did I exist because of evolution or creation? Why was I born? Is there any purpose in my life? These are questions people are asking themselves for guidance and direction in seeking self-worth, value and introspection.

Since the average lifespan is about 70-72 years, is that all there is to our longevity? Is our life on earth limited to a finite duration of time? Do telomeres predict our death? After death, then what? Should one care about whether there is life after death?

Different religions, whether Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Judaism, Christianity , etc., profess that there is an after-life, although they differ in details. Knowing what the future has in store for us, brings perspective to how we value our present life and helps us understand our responsibilities and obligations, as well as what attitude and behavior we all need to adopt and express.

Creation or Evolution?



Since time immemorial, philosophers, seers and thinkers come and go. Yet, no reliable answer from them to these questions is forthcoming. Granted, they are all intellectually endowed and respected by the society and era that they lived in. Nevertheless, they are all farther from the truth for reasons that are obvious. Introspection and use of their own judgments and human abilities to search for answers, only left them with more questions. Answers to these pivotal issues are not forthcoming if we anchor our existence on evolution. Logic and wisdom lead us to a Creator. Had they turned to their Maker, their eyes could have been opened to the truth. For “…my thoughts are not your thoughts…. my ways are higher than your ways..” Isa:55:8-9. Also, isn’t it logical to listen to the Creator, as described in Job Chapters 38 and 39? We listen to others  and believe their writings, scientific or not, yet why is it repulsive to believe in those who personally witnessed God?

Source of Education:

Learning comes either passive or active. The active mechanism to learn is via our sensory somatic experience, viz., fire burns or heat is hot, when one touches a burning wood or the light of a candle. Also active learning comes from what we see and hear from a primary source and/or personally experienced. Passive learning on the other hand is when what we see and hear are from secondary sources, e.g., being instructed/lectured that an item is in fact hot and does burn, without actual personal experience. This is a first lesson in faith/trust in God who tells us the truth, instead of relying on our own finite brains, feelings, sight or hearing. Adam/Eve chose to learn the hard and active learning way by an actual experience of eating the “forbidden fruit”, instead of heeding the verbal admonition of God against it, via the passive learning process. They both paid an ultimate and heavy price of eternal death for their bad choice. Sometimes, it is wiser to learn from an instructor than experience the aftermath of a bad choice and decision. Whether one believes it or not, there is a living God who is our Creator, who totally and completely knows us and has plans for us from the very beginning. As this subject is about destiny, it is vital to go to the instruction book of our Maker, the Holy Bible, for an eye-opening reality. And, there is no better place to start than from the beginning.

Sequence and Pattern:

In the book of Genesis, it is essential to consider the pattern being set by GOD/YHVH-ELOHIM in the process of creation, viz.,

1. That first, there was darkness followed by light… non-living things were created, then living things, as after death will follow life.

Notice, that “….darkness was upon the face of the deep…” [1] then there was light. He first created non-living things, e.g. the planets and stars of multiple galaxies, then the living things, e.g. plants and animals. These are facts as narrated in the Holy Scriptures. But, what is the truth behind these events? It appears that this narrative has spiritual and functional meaning. GOD is showing this pattern of death (darkness, non-living) to be followed by life everlasting, that is to say that there is hope of life (light) after death (darkness, chaos ), in the same pattern that after lies,deception,confusion, and different interpretation will come the truth…that from mortality (death) will follow immortality (life forever)…that our current physical nature is temporal and will change to spiritual which is everlasting. Isn’t this a very powerful message of hope and renewal being taught to all of us from the beginning of time? Yes, our destiny is not eternal death and oblivion but eternal life.

2. Every living creature reproduces its own kind or likeness or image…..foundation of genetics.

Notice that before there was any other living entity, GOD/YHVH and angelic beings were already there as the only living entities ( see also fact-s.net/2011/05/21/what-is-god/). As the scripture says “…In the beginning, God created…” [2].
To establish this pattern of reproducing like-for-like, kind-for-kind, class-for-class, and same image-for-image, GOD created the plants and animals. He showed that they can only reproduce after their own kind or likeness or image. And, within this concept is “adaptation changes” depending on stimuli. After the plants and animals were created, at that particular moment, there were only three living classes of creatures, viz., GOD, plants and animals. After the principle of genetics was established that plants and animals can only reproduce after their own kind or likeness or image, what did GOD say?
“Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness…” [3].

The plant-kind can only give rise to a plant, as the animal-kind can only reproduce the same kind. The same is true with the GOD-kind. Yes, God is reproducing himself thru the creation of man, human beings, flesh-composed, mortals. Man was created in the image of God..in the GOD-KIND, the highest and ultimate class of living entity. Not even was man ranked among the angels as Paul emphasized [4].

Man, although currently lower than angels, in the future will be higher than them. Starting from a “template“/temple of flesh-composed, the “spirit of man” the “breath of life” was put in there to experience life. This flesh-composed body is only temporary and will die. Subsequently, those who have “fruits of the Holy SPIRIT and are “overcomers” will be resurrected with “spirit-composed bodies”, immortals with eternal life. (See, http://fact-s.net/2016/12/21/kingdom-of-god-in-human-anatomy/).

So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being” the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:45-48).

This is indeed an awesome destiny for man to be in the GOD-KIND,, or KINGDOM of GOD, not Plant-kingdom nor Animal-kingdom but GOD-FAMILY…GOD-KINGDOM. No wonder Christ prayed that man be”ONE WITH HIM” [5], as he is one with the Father, that Paul testified that we will be”…like his glorious body…” [6] that this flesh will change in a “…twinkling of an eye …” in the future to become spirit, from mortal to immortality…that man will “have dominion “…”overall” [7] … as GOD is over all. Yes, GOD is a family, with Jesus as quoted by Paul, the “…first of the firstfuits…” [8]… “the firstborn among many brethren” [9], with Jesus as our elder brother, and his/our FATHER being all-in-all and above-all. And to think that this was all planned even before the creation of the world, before you and I were born, before anyone committed evil nor has done any good work, is a remarkable and compelling proof of GRACE and unwarranted GIFT to be in the GOD-KINGDOM and GOD-FAMILY.

SUMMARY:

Our destiny far-surpasses our imagination (2 Cor. 4:17-18; Eph. 3:20.) Our flesh-composed body is temporal, merely a template. It has the spirit of man which is a “temple” ( I Cor.6:19-20), the “holy-of-holies” for the Holy Spirit to dwell ( Acts 1:8; Lev.16:2, Matt. 27:51) so that man will be “begotten son/ child of God”. At the resurrection, this flesh-composed body will change to “born son “, “from mortality to immortality” from carnal to spiritual as “sons/children of God”. What happened to Jesus from flesh-composed man to now spirit-composed will be our destiny. He is the precursor for all of us. He is our Elder-brother, head of the church/body and we “are one”. Indeed, grace and love manifested !


References



[1] Gen. 1:2 [2] Gen. 1:1 [3] Gen 1:26 [4] Heb. 2:6-18 [5] John 17:21-23
[6] Phil. 3:21 [7] Gen. 1:26 [8] I Cor. 15:23 [9] Rom. 8:29
CONTACT:
For any questions, comments, or article contribution for publication, please e-mail foundationacts@yahoo.com
Original post:06/27/2003

Reposted:5/21/2011

Revised:4/24/2017

Revised:5/13/2018 Mother’s Day