(More scriptures added)
I have not yet written about the meaning of our symbolic outer garment/robe. But here is a reply to a question, that refers to one use of this symbolic meaning.
Question:
"I have a question about Stephen's stoning. At Acts 7:58, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of Saul. In your article, "Your King Comes to You on a Donkey and a Foal", you say that our outer garment symbolizes our identity before others and/or, before God. How then would this symbolism be applied to Acts 7:58?
My Reply:
"Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.".
First... "the witnesses". These would be those liars who bore false witness to Stephen's supposed sin (Acts 6:8,11,13; 7:58). There was more than one, so he was considered, convicted (Deut.17:6; Ps.56:5; Prov.6:16-17) under the supervision of Saul (Acts 22:20).
Now if we remember from the execution of Christ, the Jews did not normally take it upon themselves to execute their own criminals (John18:31).
But Saul sought out authority from the Jewish leaders, to empower him to change how Christians [who were considered a corrupt sect of the Jewish nation (Acts 28:22)], were dealt with (Acts 9:1-2). That change, included execution (Acts 9:1-2,14,21; 22:4-5; 26:10).
To "bring them bound to Jerusalem", was for the purpose of being tried and killed. Although not stated within Acts 7; Sauls responsibility for the murder of Stephen is clearly seen at Acts9:1; 22:4; 26:10.
Many Jews harbored a common fear found among mankind (Prov.29:25), for approval from those in power (John12:42; 7:13; 9:22; 12:43).
Ambitious men are willing to conform to the expectations of those in power, to receive elevated stature/worldly "riches". When they conform their actions to those in power; the deeds which they do as a result, establishes the identity of their master (Rom.6:16; Gal.1:10).
So when we read, "laid their coats at the feet... of Saul";
it signifies an eager surrender of their identity and integrity, making them subject to the desires of Saul (whose desire was the murder of Stephen).
In this way, they received approval, not only from Saul, but from the leaders from whom Saul carried letters of direction. They could thereafter, be identified as in the service of Saul, and those whom he represented. Their symbolic garments, were laid at Saul's feet.
(Acts 10:25; Rev.19:10)
How human it is for corrupted men to desire association with the powerful, whether that power be for good or bad, it matters not.
Such men are senseless cowards... willing to compromise their standing/integrity/identity before God, thereby, enlisting themselves into the service of the powerful to gain a shared identity with them.
It is my perception, that when the false "witnesses" (who likely relished their "judicial authority") were afforded the opportunity to display their loyalty and zeal to those in power (as represented/embodied by the presence of Saul); they surrendered their identity over to Saul, to share in Saul's guilt/identity, as a man slayer of the Christ (Acts 9:4; Matt.25:40).
How this account mirrors what we see today!
The elders also relish their judicial authority as slandering witnesses and judges of the "sinful". This is why they zealously act as guardians of the Beast's image. Should letters arrive from the governing body as was given to Saul, (concerning, "keeping the congregation, clean");... The "elders" (like Stephen's false witnesses), are eager to be identified as guardians/members/channels, of the beast and it's powerful image; laying down their own individuality/reputation/identity ("outer garment") at the feet (service of) their chosen leaders... and ready to prove their alliance by obediently murdering the faithful (1John3:15; Matt.10:22; John16:2; Rev.6:9-11; 11:7-10) because the truth "torments" them (Micah 2:6; Isa.30:10).
(Elder Bloodguilt).
Another tangible reason for laying their outer garments at the feet of Saul, was so that while under Saul's oversight, their garments would not become stained with the blood of Stephen. As we know, blood stains are difficult to remove. The murderous work of those false witnesses, was a bloody one. By laying their garments at the feet of Paul, they assume that their garments would be protected from blood stains (Jer.2:34-35; Isa.59:3,2).
If we transfer this scene over to its spiritual significance, we can also make application to the present religious system/WT.
The November 15, 2013 Watchtower said on page 20,
“At that time, the lifesaving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
Other WT articles have also brought out, similar reasoning..., It is purported that if we obey "Jehovah's organization", (even if we believe that what we are being asked to do is wrong); we are always right to obey. It is purported by WT false doctrine, that those who directed us are the ones held accountable by God, for what we do under their direction. If our obedience results in sin, we are supposedly, not to blame. The WT asserts that those who directed us, are the ones held accountable by God. That teaching contradicts God's Word
(Eze.18:20; Matt.16:27; Rom.2:6; 14:12; Matt.25:40).
The example of Abraham is used to support their false reasoning.
How is his example mis-used?
Abraham did not understand why God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham did not know that God was going to hold Abraham's hand back from murdering his son. Abraham simply obeyed.
Well, this might seem to justify obeying religious leaders, even when their direction "does not seem practical or sound".
But let us not forget, that men did not tell Abraham to kill his son, nor was Abraham obeying men when he prepared to do so. (Obey Men?)
Abraham's faith and obedience was toward God, not toward an organization of men (Ps.146:3; Isa.2:22). God told Abraham directly, what to do (Gen.22:2; 26:5), and because it was God Himself who directed Abraham... this is why he obeyed. Abraham's obedient faith was toward Gods words (Deut.11:18)... not toward an organization (Rev.13:16) (MARK) (666) which is touting the false claim of being God's representative (Rev.13:5-8), as the WT does today (2Thess.2:4; Dan.11:36-37,31; Mark 13:14; Dan.8:11-13,17,24; Rev.11:2; 13:7,10; Luke 21:24,22,20; Rev.20:9; 11:5; Jer.5:14; Hosea 6:5; Zech.12:3; Jer.23:29; Matt.24:51).
The Bible is clear about the issues raised, and disagrees with the previous Watchtower doctrines.
We are each accountable before God, for whatever we choose to do (2Cor.5:10; Job 34:11; Matt.16:27; Eze.18:20). Even the WT teaches that baptism is a request made to God for a clean conscience (1Pet.3:21). God expects us to use that conscience in harmony with the Word of God, and not be like Eve, who blamed the serpent (Gen.3:13)... or like Adam, who blamed his wife (Gen.3:12) (Who-is-to-blame?).
Jesus warned us about false prophets (Matt.24:4-5,24-25; 7:15,18,20), because we cannot rest our judgment by God, on the claim that our trust was displaced
(Eze.14:10; Rev.19:20; 14:9-10; 13:8; 20:15).
If we become slaves to men (Rom.6:16; Gal.1:10), we are no longer a slave of God, as Abraham was (Heb.11:8,10).
Gods faithful chosen, are not subject to "Gentile" justice (1Cor.2:15; Rom.8:33,1; 5:1; 2:29)
If the elders "slay" the faithful in obedience to their leaders direction, they cannot transfer their bloodguilt to those who directed them, contrary to the false doctrine cited above. (symbolic-death)
What does all this have to do with the murderers of Stephen, laying their coats at the feet of Paul, in order to avoid staining their garments with Stephen's blood?
Certainly those who stoned Stephen, did so knowing that this was the will of Saul and the religious leaders. Under that umbrella of authority and power, even murder was excused. In the service of (at the feet of) the religious authority, the murderers thought they were free of blood-guilt. At the feet of Saul, their coat was kept free of bloodstain. But men do not see as God sees (Luke16:15; Prov.15:11; 16:2; 24:12).
In God's eyes, their visible identity/"garment" is soiled with innocent blood, that cannot be washed clean (Jer.2:34,22; Lam.4:14).
Members of the WT do well to remember that their judge is the Word of God through Christ (John12:48)...
(Basis of Judgment)
... not the word of religious leaders through local minions (Rom.3:4).
God holds the killers of innocent blood accountable to Himself (Num.35:33; Prov.6:16-17).
The excuse that those "taking the lead" directed me..., will not wash with God (Eze.14:10).
There is another Bible example of this same situation.
King Saul sanctioned the murders of God's priests, for a reward and with amnesty (1Sam.22:7,18).
Even the rank and file "JW" is eager to surrender their "garment"/individuality/identity, to the Beast they admire...
as it says in the baptism vow...
"Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you ("enrobes/dresses you"), as one of "Jehovah's Witnesses" in association with his "spirit-directed" organization?"
(John20:22) (Rev.13:15; 16:13-16; 19:20)
Yes... they desire an identity that belongs to and is associated with, the powerful...
and so they too, surrender their robes of individuality/personal reputation of integrity before God, to "don" their new garment/identity, as one of "Jehovah's Witnesses", under blind obedience to it's hierarchy under the wicked steward/harlot.
As a result, their new identity is also stained with the blood of the innocent. Their "witness" against the faithful brothers of Christ, within the "City"/congregations, is one of slander and complacency when the execution is announced
[Micah 7:2; Isa.57:1; Luke17:34,29-30... (Rev.11:8) ...Luke17:32-33; Isa.1:21; Luke21:21-22; Gen.19:15-17; Matt.24:16; Heb.13:13]
(Marriage Feast) (Keep Awake).
The charge is the same lying accusation as was made against Stephen. The "JWs" sanction and approve of such "murder"
(As Paul did Acts 8:1; 26:10; 1John3:15; Rom.1:32)...
which is proven by their own choice to shun, and treat the expelled, as dead.
(Symbolic-death-by-means-of-world)
Oversight of their identity/"garments" at the feet of the "elders" and their directors, will not keep the members free of blood-guilt before God.
This shared accountability of bloodguilt, is the reason behind God's command, at Rev.18:4.
Just as Paul came to realize that by persecuting Christ's brothers, he was in fact, persecuting Christ himself (Acts 9:4);
one day the members of the Beast/WT (Rev.13:15; 11:3,7; 6:9-11), will have to acknowledge the same accountability
(Rev.1:7; Jer.6:26; Eze.20:43; Amos 8:10; 5:17-22,23-24; Isa.28:17-19; Amos 7:8; Isa.28:17; Matt.25:41-46).
For past posts about the symbolism of our outer garment/robe:
(Search Results)
LINK TO DIRECTORY OF BLOGS
LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM
I have not yet written about the meaning of our symbolic outer garment/robe. But here is a reply to a question, that refers to one use of this symbolic meaning.
Question:
"I have a question about Stephen's stoning. At Acts 7:58, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of Saul. In your article, "Your King Comes to You on a Donkey and a Foal", you say that our outer garment symbolizes our identity before others and/or, before God. How then would this symbolism be applied to Acts 7:58?
My Reply:
"Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.".
First... "the witnesses". These would be those liars who bore false witness to Stephen's supposed sin (Acts 6:8,11,13; 7:58). There was more than one, so he was considered, convicted (Deut.17:6; Ps.56:5; Prov.6:16-17) under the supervision of Saul (Acts 22:20).
Now if we remember from the execution of Christ, the Jews did not normally take it upon themselves to execute their own criminals (John18:31).
But Saul sought out authority from the Jewish leaders, to empower him to change how Christians [who were considered a corrupt sect of the Jewish nation (Acts 28:22)], were dealt with (Acts 9:1-2). That change, included execution (Acts 9:1-2,14,21; 22:4-5; 26:10).
To "bring them bound to Jerusalem", was for the purpose of being tried and killed. Although not stated within Acts 7; Sauls responsibility for the murder of Stephen is clearly seen at Acts9:1; 22:4; 26:10.
Many Jews harbored a common fear found among mankind (Prov.29:25), for approval from those in power (John12:42; 7:13; 9:22; 12:43).
Ambitious men are willing to conform to the expectations of those in power, to receive elevated stature/worldly "riches". When they conform their actions to those in power; the deeds which they do as a result, establishes the identity of their master (Rom.6:16; Gal.1:10).
So when we read, "laid their coats at the feet... of Saul";
it signifies an eager surrender of their identity and integrity, making them subject to the desires of Saul (whose desire was the murder of Stephen).
In this way, they received approval, not only from Saul, but from the leaders from whom Saul carried letters of direction. They could thereafter, be identified as in the service of Saul, and those whom he represented. Their symbolic garments, were laid at Saul's feet.
(Acts 10:25; Rev.19:10)
How human it is for corrupted men to desire association with the powerful, whether that power be for good or bad, it matters not.
Such men are senseless cowards... willing to compromise their standing/integrity/identity before God, thereby, enlisting themselves into the service of the powerful to gain a shared identity with them.
It is my perception, that when the false "witnesses" (who likely relished their "judicial authority") were afforded the opportunity to display their loyalty and zeal to those in power (as represented/embodied by the presence of Saul); they surrendered their identity over to Saul, to share in Saul's guilt/identity, as a man slayer of the Christ (Acts 9:4; Matt.25:40).
How this account mirrors what we see today!
The elders also relish their judicial authority as slandering witnesses and judges of the "sinful". This is why they zealously act as guardians of the Beast's image. Should letters arrive from the governing body as was given to Saul, (concerning, "keeping the congregation, clean");... The "elders" (like Stephen's false witnesses), are eager to be identified as guardians/members/channels, of the beast and it's powerful image; laying down their own individuality/reputation/identity ("outer garment") at the feet (service of) their chosen leaders... and ready to prove their alliance by obediently murdering the faithful (1John3:15; Matt.10:22; John16:2; Rev.6:9-11; 11:7-10) because the truth "torments" them (Micah 2:6; Isa.30:10).
(Elder Bloodguilt).
Another tangible reason for laying their outer garments at the feet of Saul, was so that while under Saul's oversight, their garments would not become stained with the blood of Stephen. As we know, blood stains are difficult to remove. The murderous work of those false witnesses, was a bloody one. By laying their garments at the feet of Paul, they assume that their garments would be protected from blood stains (Jer.2:34-35; Isa.59:3,2).
If we transfer this scene over to its spiritual significance, we can also make application to the present religious system/WT.
The November 15, 2013 Watchtower said on page 20,
“At that time, the lifesaving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
Other WT articles have also brought out, similar reasoning..., It is purported that if we obey "Jehovah's organization", (even if we believe that what we are being asked to do is wrong); we are always right to obey. It is purported by WT false doctrine, that those who directed us are the ones held accountable by God, for what we do under their direction. If our obedience results in sin, we are supposedly, not to blame. The WT asserts that those who directed us, are the ones held accountable by God. That teaching contradicts God's Word
(Eze.18:20; Matt.16:27; Rom.2:6; 14:12; Matt.25:40).
The example of Abraham is used to support their false reasoning.
How is his example mis-used?
Abraham did not understand why God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham did not know that God was going to hold Abraham's hand back from murdering his son. Abraham simply obeyed.
Well, this might seem to justify obeying religious leaders, even when their direction "does not seem practical or sound".
But let us not forget, that men did not tell Abraham to kill his son, nor was Abraham obeying men when he prepared to do so. (Obey Men?)
Abraham's faith and obedience was toward God, not toward an organization of men (Ps.146:3; Isa.2:22). God told Abraham directly, what to do (Gen.22:2; 26:5), and because it was God Himself who directed Abraham... this is why he obeyed. Abraham's obedient faith was toward Gods words (Deut.11:18)... not toward an organization (Rev.13:16) (MARK) (666) which is touting the false claim of being God's representative (Rev.13:5-8), as the WT does today (2Thess.2:4; Dan.11:36-37,31; Mark 13:14; Dan.8:11-13,17,24; Rev.11:2; 13:7,10; Luke 21:24,22,20; Rev.20:9; 11:5; Jer.5:14; Hosea 6:5; Zech.12:3; Jer.23:29; Matt.24:51).
The Bible is clear about the issues raised, and disagrees with the previous Watchtower doctrines.
We are each accountable before God, for whatever we choose to do (2Cor.5:10; Job 34:11; Matt.16:27; Eze.18:20). Even the WT teaches that baptism is a request made to God for a clean conscience (1Pet.3:21). God expects us to use that conscience in harmony with the Word of God, and not be like Eve, who blamed the serpent (Gen.3:13)... or like Adam, who blamed his wife (Gen.3:12) (Who-is-to-blame?).
Jesus warned us about false prophets (Matt.24:4-5,24-25; 7:15,18,20), because we cannot rest our judgment by God, on the claim that our trust was displaced
(Eze.14:10; Rev.19:20; 14:9-10; 13:8; 20:15).
If we become slaves to men (Rom.6:16; Gal.1:10), we are no longer a slave of God, as Abraham was (Heb.11:8,10).
Gods faithful chosen, are not subject to "Gentile" justice (1Cor.2:15; Rom.8:33,1; 5:1; 2:29)
If the elders "slay" the faithful in obedience to their leaders direction, they cannot transfer their bloodguilt to those who directed them, contrary to the false doctrine cited above. (symbolic-death)
What does all this have to do with the murderers of Stephen, laying their coats at the feet of Paul, in order to avoid staining their garments with Stephen's blood?
Certainly those who stoned Stephen, did so knowing that this was the will of Saul and the religious leaders. Under that umbrella of authority and power, even murder was excused. In the service of (at the feet of) the religious authority, the murderers thought they were free of blood-guilt. At the feet of Saul, their coat was kept free of bloodstain. But men do not see as God sees (Luke16:15; Prov.15:11; 16:2; 24:12).
In God's eyes, their visible identity/"garment" is soiled with innocent blood, that cannot be washed clean (Jer.2:34,22; Lam.4:14).
Members of the WT do well to remember that their judge is the Word of God through Christ (John12:48)...
(Basis of Judgment)
... not the word of religious leaders through local minions (Rom.3:4).
God holds the killers of innocent blood accountable to Himself (Num.35:33; Prov.6:16-17).
The excuse that those "taking the lead" directed me..., will not wash with God (Eze.14:10).
There is another Bible example of this same situation.
King Saul sanctioned the murders of God's priests, for a reward and with amnesty (1Sam.22:7,18).
Even the rank and file "JW" is eager to surrender their "garment"/individuality/identity, to the Beast they admire...
as it says in the baptism vow...
"Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you ("enrobes/dresses you"), as one of "Jehovah's Witnesses" in association with his "spirit-directed" organization?"
(John20:22) (Rev.13:15; 16:13-16; 19:20)
Yes... they desire an identity that belongs to and is associated with, the powerful...
and so they too, surrender their robes of individuality/personal reputation of integrity before God, to "don" their new garment/identity, as one of "Jehovah's Witnesses", under blind obedience to it's hierarchy under the wicked steward/harlot.
As a result, their new identity is also stained with the blood of the innocent. Their "witness" against the faithful brothers of Christ, within the "City"/congregations, is one of slander and complacency when the execution is announced
[Micah 7:2; Isa.57:1; Luke17:34,29-30... (Rev.11:8) ...Luke17:32-33; Isa.1:21; Luke21:21-22; Gen.19:15-17; Matt.24:16; Heb.13:13]
(Marriage Feast) (Keep Awake).
The charge is the same lying accusation as was made against Stephen. The "JWs" sanction and approve of such "murder"
(As Paul did Acts 8:1; 26:10; 1John3:15; Rom.1:32)...
which is proven by their own choice to shun, and treat the expelled, as dead.
(Symbolic-death-by-means-of-world)
Oversight of their identity/"garments" at the feet of the "elders" and their directors, will not keep the members free of blood-guilt before God.
This shared accountability of bloodguilt, is the reason behind God's command, at Rev.18:4.
Just as Paul came to realize that by persecuting Christ's brothers, he was in fact, persecuting Christ himself (Acts 9:4);
one day the members of the Beast/WT (Rev.13:15; 11:3,7; 6:9-11), will have to acknowledge the same accountability
(Rev.1:7; Jer.6:26; Eze.20:43; Amos 8:10; 5:17-22,23-24; Isa.28:17-19; Amos 7:8; Isa.28:17; Matt.25:41-46).
For past posts about the symbolism of our outer garment/robe:
(Search Results)
LINK TO DIRECTORY OF BLOGS
LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM
I was reading those scriptures in Amos this morning.
ReplyDeleteEarly on, it reads in the NIV,
This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Israel,even for four, I will not relent.
They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground
and deny justice to the oppressed.Father and son use the same girl
and so profane my holy name.
8 They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge.
In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines." Amos 2:6-8
Under Daughter Babylon, the “Father and son” together are cohorts in their profanity. As you brought on the forum, these refer to those within the Body of Christ – the sons, fathers, brothers.
Verse 8 aligns exactly with those in the organization identifying themselves with their leaders, pledging in loyalty to serve them and giving over their identity to the Beast. As a result of their idolatry they drink the Harlot’s wine, and for that their fine is condemnation.
KJV - "And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.”
Those of Israel that imbibe in this wine are “poor”, trampled as dust on the ground.
How fitting for those that wake up to this pitiful state, are then told “let those in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.” Matt 24:16-18
We leave that wretched identity behind.
Thank you, Pearl. I have also wondered in the past why the coming of Christ was considered one of mourning. Now I know.
“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matt 24:30-31
“I will turn your religious festivals into mourning and all your singing into weeping. I will make all of you wear sackcloth and shave your heads. I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.” Amos 8:10
It seems not until “David’s fallen tent” is complete that the mourning will disappear." Amos 9:11
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 5:3
love,
peely
"Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you ("enrobes/dresses you"), as one of "Jehovah's Witnesses" in association with his "spirit-directed" organization?"
ReplyDeleteWhat arrogance! "Do you understand that your DEDICATION and baptism identify you..." The are so confident that their slaves believe they are "spirit directed"...that they can claim that even a persons dedication to Jah is something they have a right to interfere with. Dedication is to Jah! But the GB are so blind by their lust for power,they place themselves BEFORE Jah in a persons dedication. We get baptised in the name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit. Not even the bible mentions anything about a person dedication can be claimed as something that belongs to anyone but Jah. But the GB claim they even have a right to that! This is NOT "spirit-directed" thinking. This is what the 19YO who wrote to you Pearl has to know! Look at the "vows". Are the scriptural?
How can a person dedicated to Jah, VOW his dedication to Jah away to the GB through JWs...and not to be exclusive to Jah??! That is outrageous. But the GB have even gone so far as to think that those within jws owe their dedication to Them...that a persons dedication belongs to them and is not exclusively to Jah. That is Idolatry! No-one comes to the Father except through Christ. Those branded on the forehead think this is OK and "right". Anyone studying with jws will be brainwashed into thinking such "vows" are from Jah...and they are NOT!
"Verse 8 aligns exactly with those in the organization identifying themselves with their leaders, pledging in loyalty to serve them and giving over their identity to the Beast."
ReplyDeleteThey not only hand over their "identification",they VOW away their dedication to Jah...and give it to the Beast. If Christ had not shared through Pearl the understanding of the beasts seamingly being "god breath" or "spirit-directed organization",we would not understand how this REVEALS to what depths the idolatry goes! Look at the baptism VOWS. What more blatant fulfilment of the WORSHIP that should only go to Jah through our dedication...now goes to the Beast. That worship is demanded to be baptised...and in the "VOWS" are includes,the fulfilment/understanding of WHY that worship is demanded: The Beast claims to having "divinity" and is "god breathed" through Holy Spirit/"spirit-directed organization". What an amasing fulfilment of the verses in Revelation,about the Beasts claim of being God Breathed...and how the Beast enforces worship to it.
Does this not show "jws" are truly branded on the forehead...that their thinking is so influenced as to VOW away their dedication that belongs to Jah...and give that worship to the Beast!