Who are the Stones that cry out?

Questions received:

I was hoping you would discuss Luke 19:39-40.  

It reads;

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 

I am interested in understanding more the difference is between Jesus’ “disciples,” and the “stones.”  When considering the verses prior in Luke ch.19, the wicked servant is mentioned (minas)…is this perhaps a comparison between the wicked slave and the anointed (“stones”) that will cry out?

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My Reply:

Although the connection between those obligated to preach (Luke19:11-17), and those who "keep silent" or "cry out" (Luke19:37-40), could be drawn and expounded upon; that comparison would not be a direct answer to the meaning of Luke19:40.
There are multiple application of Jesus' words. There are multiple scenarios where those obligated to cry out, keep silent... and multiple times when "stones" replace them in crying out.

FIrst, lets look at what the Bible's meaning of "stones", are.

Acts 1:8,4-5; Eze.11:19; 36:26; 2Cor.3:3; Jer.24:7; 31:33; Heb.8:10; Deut.11:18; Rev.14:1; 7:3; Isa.43:10,21; 1Pet.2:9-10

From those scriptures, you may have noted the change from a heart of stone, to a heart of flesh. Such a heart is softened... willing to listen... willing to repent. These are the ones given spirit in the heart, so that they can understand the things of God (1Cor.2:12-13). Such priests become, "living stones" (1Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:20-22) 

They stand in contrast to those of Matt.13:13-15 NLT:

13 That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. 14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says,

‘When you hear what I say,
    you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
    you will not comprehend.
15 For the hearts of these people are hardened,
    and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
    so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
    and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
    and let me heal them.’"

Like the stiff-necked unrepentant of ancient Israel; such ones retain a hardened heart of stone... unwilling to repent and be healed (Isa.6:10) of their error and sin. The Bible refers to hardened, unrepentant hearts as "stones", and softened repentant hearts as "living stones".

First we need to clarify, who the original ones responsible to do the crying out, are... both past and present. 

The priesthood of God is charged with declaring the praise found at Luke 19:38 (Ps.118:26-27; 1Pet.2:9-10; Isa.43:21,10) 
(1Pet.2:5; Hosea 14:2; Heb.13:15; Mal.2:7; 1Cor.4:1). 
Rather than the first century Jewish priesthood, praising the arrival of the Messiah; They were seeking his death (Mark8:31; John8:39-40).

In contrast, the apostles were spiritually regarded as the seed of Abraham, and as a result of their faith in Jesus (Gal.3:7,9,29; Rom.4:12-13,16) could arise as vocal "stones" (Luke3:8; 19:40; Rev.21:14).

So... in the first century... the Jewish priesthood "kept silent" regarding the declaration of praise due God for sending His son to them (John1:11-13,26-27,31,34; Matt.10:6-7; 15:24). The nation as a whole, rejected Jesus (John1:11; Matt.23:37; 27:24-25; 21:37-38,39-40,41). 
The genuine sons raised up for Abraham and having the faith of Abraham ("stones"), took up the praise due, and cried out (Rev.21:14; Luke19:37-38; Acts 2:4,5-6,11,14,22-23,32-33,36; 1:8). 

 Hab.2:11

The apostles were the first "foundation stones" of God's Temple. They were the first from among God's lost and hardened Jewish nation, to replace the silent priesthood. From then on, that spiritual Temple would be under construction, with more living stones being added (1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:20-22).

But there is a further fulfillment of Luke 19:40, which Jesus had in mind when he spoke those words.

Are there other hearts of stone that can be softened by the spirit of God?

Are there other "stones" that can be raised up as seed of Abraham, besides the Jewish disciples that were already crying out? (Matt.3:9)
Are there other stones, that would cry out, should the apostles themselves be silenced?

Gal.3:14,7 reads;

"14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham."

There we see the fulfillment of what Jesus was referring to, at Luke 19:40.
If the Jewish disciples of Jesus kept silent... the Gentile stones would cry out... those also to be raised up as seed of Abraham (Matt.3:9; Rom.4:16-17; Gen.17:4-5).

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The literal and physical seed of Abraham, were known by circumcision (Gen.17:12-13; Acts 7:8,51).

Those physical Gentiles who became Abraham's spiritual seed, would receive a circumcision of the heart (Rom.4:11; 2:28-29; Gal.5:6; 6:15; Eph.2:11-14,18-22; Col.2:11) by the law of God, being written upon it.

Once again... Gentile hearts of stone, are softened, repentant, healed, receive spirit, and able to hear and declare the truths of God.

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We read in prophecy, that when God has prepared the marriage feast for his spiritual temple priesthood;

those originally invited, refuse to attend (Matt.22:1-3,4-5). 
Matt.25:10-12 gives us another facet to understanding why those invited, do not attend. They are not guided by the spirit of God. 
The "oil" for their lamplight is running low as is their light/eye/insight (Matt.6:22-23; 25:8). 
In truth... rather than declaring the praises of God...
 (Ex.15:3; 14:14; Ps.24:8; 83:18; Isa.42:13; 43:13; Jer.20:11; Rom.8:31; 1John4:4; Prov.21:30; Isa.40:18), 
....they are declaring the praises of an Idol (Rev.13:4,7-8; Rom.1:25)!

Are such ones prepared and actively declaring God's praise, as well as the arrival of the Bridegroom (Matt.25:6; Luke19:38)?

Since they are not found faithful at the arrival of the Bridegroom... they lose out on the provisions of the marriage feast 
(Matt.25:10; Rev.3:7; Isa.29:10-11; Matt.13:11; 25:28-30; 22:13; Luke 8:18).
They are taken captive, suffer famine, and are rendered silent.

What "stones" then, would declare the praises of God... the bounteous provisions of the wedding feast, the arrival of the Bridegroom, and the day of God's inspection (Matt.22:11)?

After the original Invitees decline their attending the marriage feast,
God's faithful servants are directed to "invite anyone you find" on the roads leading out of the city (Matt.22:8-10). 
Those whose hearts have been softened by holy spirit, appreciate their invitation to God's feast. They are honored by God, the Bridegroom, and his Bride. 
They even assist the Bride in dispensing the living waters of God and Christ  (Rev.22:17). They too, become "stones that cry out" when the original invitees to the marriage feast, remain silent.

It is true that the steward over the household of Christ, should be the one to "cry out".

The wicked steward will not do that, because he is drunk 
(Luke12:45-46; Jer.51:7; Isa.28:7-8; Micah 2:11; Jer.5:31; 2Thess.2:11; Rev.13:11; 19:20). His allies have hearts like iron (Rev.9:3,9; Eze.2:6).

Who then, will "stand in the gap" (Eze.13:5; 22:30; 37:10; Rev.11:11)?

The two witnesses (Rev.11:11,3-5; Zech.4:11-12,13-14; Rev.1:20) and their congregations/lampstands will do so. 

They will be the stones which cry out, in the midst of a silent, trampled priesthood (Rev.22:17; Matt.22:8-10).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/trample-how-does-it-happen.html)

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Blood

Question received:

Can you please direct me to where it says Jesus' Blood shed was God's blood? That God owned Jesus' blood!???

A JW told me that, in the attempt to demote the Son of God and His blood sacrifice! Never heard that in my life. Ty so much!

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My Reply:

You ask me;

"can you please direct me to where it says Jesus' Blood shed was God's blood?"

....Not sure what you mean by this. Many believe that God and Jesus were the same person, so I am not sure if you are saying that God shed His blood when Jesus did, and you want me to show you that.

Did you want me to show you in the Bible, or in my writings, or was this just a rhetorical question, meant to criticize that belief?

I personally do not have that belief, because the Bible does not teach it. Jesus said; "God is a spirit" (John4:24), so God does not have blood of His own.

But then you add;

"That God owned Jesus' blood!?", seeming to say that this is the same as God having blood. I think that having physical blood, is not really the same, as owning blood.

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*Did God own the blood of Christ?*

Well, the scriptures that come to my mind, are Lev.17:11; Eze.18:4 NKJV ; John17:10; 10:18. They help to answer the question as to whether God owned the blood of Jesus.

Lev.17:11 : "For the soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul, by the soul in the blood.’"

There we learn that the blood of a life, contains it's soul. That is why ...It is the blood that contains the sacrifice of the soul, just as Heb.9:22 reads; "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.". This is why Deut.12:23,16 reads; "Only be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the soul, and you must not eat the soul with the meat. 16 Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth like water."

That makes clear, that people do not own blood.

Who does?

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Next, is Eze.18:4 NKJV : "Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine"

I would think that if all souls belong to God, then the blood that contains the soul, would also belong to God. That's why the scriptures above, tell us that we are not to eat the blood. We are not to consume the soul of another life... because the souls belong to God.

Did God own the soul of Jesus?

At John17:10, Jesus said in prayer to God;

"All that I have, is yours".

At Matt.26:39 Jesus said; "'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'"

So when Jesus sacrificed his blood, he was giving it to God. He was doing it for the will of God. I see that as giving God, his blood. Jesus saw God, as being worthy of owning his blood.

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But God has given to us... our lives, our souls, and our blood.

Even though God owns his entire creation that He made...

How we use our lives, souls, and blood, is up to our free will. That was true of Jesus, because he said;

"No one takes my soul from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.’" (John10:18).

So,

Jesus got permission from God, to shed his own blood. He used that permission and his free will, to do the will of God.

Does that make the voluntary suffering and death of Jesus, worth less? I don't see that.

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So, those were the scriptures that came to mind. I hope they help to give you clarity, on the idea of whether or not, God owned the blood of Jesus... and how we also have choices about how we use what God has given us.

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Next you say; "JW told me that, in the attempt to demote the Son of God and His blood sacrifice!"

I'm guessing you are saying that a JW told you that God owned the blood of Jesus, and that this fact somehow decreases the value of Jesus' sacrifice.

I don't see that as true. I mean... if someone bought you a new car... it was theirs and they gave it to you. What if you saw someone else that needed a car, and you decided to give them the gift you received?

Jesus said that God gave him authority, to use his life in sacrifice for us (John10:18 quoted above).

...So if the person that gave you the car, gave you permission to give it away, and you did.... would that mean that your sacrifice was worthless?

You are giving your new car away to someone who needs it, instead of keeping your new car for yourself. I think that this is a valid sacrifice, and proves your love and kindness. Instead of keeping it for yourself, you let it go to benefit someone else. What Jesus went through for us... his voluntary torture and death... is not diminished, just because he (and we) got our life and our blood, from God.

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Seven Pillars of Wisdom

During our most recent meeting, the question was asked:

"Why is Wisdom, referred to as female?"

That question was in reference to Prov.9:1

Starting with that verse... here are verses 1-6:

"1 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. 

(Prov.31:10,17-18,26-27; 3:13,18; 9:1; Rev.3:12; Prov.9:1; Rev.1:16,20; 4:5; Matt.5:14,15; Rev.5:6) 

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 

(Luke 17:7-10; 12:42-44; Rev.4:5; Luke 12:35-37) (Prov.31:18,14-16)

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 

(Matt.5:14-15; Prov.31:31)

4 ‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense she says, 

(1Cor.3:18; Prov.31:10,20) 

5 ‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 

(John15:5; Isa.55:1-2; Rev.22:17) 

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.’" 

(Isa.35:8-10)

Proverbs 2:6 reads; "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Prov.2:6 helps us to see that God is the ultimate source of all wisdom. Any wisdom sent by Him into the world, is by means of His spirit. -- Those who become the 7 pillars of wisdom (Prov.9:1; Rev.3:12), are those who convey, the "seven spirits of God, sent out into all the earth" (Rev.5:6).

They are also seen as "horns"(with eyes/lamps -Matt.6:22; Rev.4:5) on the head of Christ the Lamb (Rev.5:6). "Horns" are kings (Rev.17:12; 5:10). 

In all these considerations; those who are the seven pillars of wisdom, are a part of the Temple of God (Rev.3:12). That temple, is his priesthood (Rev.3:12; 1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5) 

That Temple is also the Bride of Christ (Rev.21:2-3,6; 22:17). She is the heavenly mother (Gal.4:26) who offers wisdom from God (Rev.22:17,1).

This is why the source of Wisdom, is referred to as female. It comes to mankind through the 7 pillars of God's Temple, which belong to, the Bride of Christ.

Prov.3:13-14,18; Zech.8:23; Rom.2:28-29

For more information:

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=seven+spirits+of+god

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Who is Your Father?

Comment after "Why does God allow suffering?"

                   (Additional links with that title: LINK) 

 COMMENT:

"I do not think that Adam and Eve were aware of satan, to be able to 'choose' him as their father. I believe Jesus' blood can cover everyone. Eve definitely glorified God after her births, but yes, they could not remain there with sins uncovered, so they were cast out of Eden and lived many years after. Eve was unaware of who the snake really was.

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My response:

The scriptures help to clarify for us, the issues you raise. Were Adam and Eve, aware of Satan?
Gen.3:1-4 describes the conversation Eve had with the serpent. Afterward, God asked Eve;
"13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” 
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Gen.3:13)
Even though the serpent is symbolic for Satan (Rev.12:9), and the fruit he offered was symbolic for his guidance (Luke 6:44-45), the conversation between Satan and Eve is evident.
For more clarity about what happened in Eden, the scriptures in this post are helpful: 
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/.../two-trees...
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The Bible speaks of those who have Satan as their father.
It is not because they make that a conscious choice, but because they imitate and resemble him...
"44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John8)
---Jesus said this about the Jews, while the Jews claimed and believed themselves to be, God's true children (John8:41). Jesus responded to them, with John8:44.

Matt.13:
"38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil."
1John3:
"10 By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother."

At Matt.3:7 John the Baptist spoke of the generation of vipers. Jesus agreed (Matt.23:33-34,35-36,37-38).
God Himself referred to that generation of the Devil, 
at Gen.3:15...
"And I will put enmity between thee (the Devil) and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

There is an ongoing battle between the seed of Satan and the seed of the covenant woman (Gal.4:26). 
(https://pearl-thewoman.blogspot.com/)
As Jesus said in Matt.13:30,39, they both "grow together" until the time of the harvest.
The seed/children of the Devil, do not choose to be so consciously. They are categorized as such, by their word and deeds. 
Their choices in life make evident, who they are imitating, and who their father is.
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This is also true of becoming God's children...
"Become imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children" (Eph.5:1).
Matthew 5:48
"Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect."
Luke 6:36
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
John8:42
"Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me."
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Whoever we bear the spiritual traits of,
is our spiritual father.
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Regarding a ransom for Adam and Eve....
Jesus himself mentioned dying for his friends...
John15: "9 ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command."
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We see there that the love of Jesus is conditional upon obedience. At John 15:13-14, Jesus explains that he lays down his life for his friends. That friendship is also conditional, upon obedience.
The Lamb of God has a book of life.
The disobedient are not written in it (Ps.69:28; Rev.13:8)(Revelation 20:12,15;  21:27; 3:5).

Even though Adam and Eve's son Abel did not have the ransom of Jesus... he did not choose the Devil as his father, because he sought the approval of God (Gen.4:4). Despite not yet having the ransom, Jesus considered Abel a righteous martyr, and said of him...
"And so upon you (the offspring of vipers) will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." (Matt.23:35)
Heb.12: "24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
....So, Abel was ascribed righteousness. He died as the first righteous man. That too, was no accident. He manifested by his actions, who he desired to imitate.
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So you see,
we can have many of our own thoughts about what is true. But if we really want the truth, 
we have to turn to the Word of God (Rom.3:4; John17:17)

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Additional comment:

Eve was unaware of who the snake really was.

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My Response:

But Eve was aware of God's warning, and the consequences (Gen.2:16-17; 3:2-3). Her sin was established by her own defiance (Gen.3:6), not by a full familiarity with her tempter. Few of humankind, have a full familiarity with Satan. That does not prevent them from imitating Satan's evil traits, or unwittingly choosing him for their father. Despite their loss of spiritual acuity (2Cor.4:4; John3:19; Matt.6:23; John12:35); 
the spirit which they generated and cultivated inside them (Matt.15:18-19), 
binds them as guilty before the judgment seat of God (Jer.17:10; Heb.4:13).

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What is the Divine Purpose for Anointed? | Heavenly

In the nation of Israel; those anointed at God's direction, were installed to serve God's nation, as either a priest or king 
(Ex.28:41; 29:7) (1Sam.10:1; 15:1; 16:12,13;  1Kings 1:34,39; 19:15). 
Prophets could also be anointed (1Kings 19:16;  1Chron.16:22; Ps.23:5; 105:15) because they too, are consecrated to serve God and His people (Ps.89:20; Isa.45:1; 61:1; Zech.4:14).
Anointing with the holy oil (Ex.30:25,31), set a person or item apart (Ex.29:21,36; 30:30; 40:9-10,13)... consecrating it so that it became sanctified to serve God 
(Lev.8:10,12; Acts 10:38;  2Cor.1:21,22;  1John 2:20,27; Rev.3:21; Eph.2:6; Rev.5:10; Mal.2:7;  1Cor.4:1).

Jesus said that the material Temple in Jerusalem, would be replaced on the basis of his blood of the New Covenant 

(Heb.9:22;  1Cor.11:25; Rev.5:9,10;  1Cor.6:11,19;  1Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:20,21,22;  1Cor.3:16; Rev.21:2,3; 22:1,2,3; Matt.7:20). 

The members of that Temple of living stones, would also serve God and His righteous nation.

That capacity of service by the royal priesthood (Rev.5:10), was a covenant promise which God made to Abraham and his seed. God promised Abraham, that all nations would be blessed, through Abraham's seed/offspring (Gen.17:1-4,6; 28:4,12,13,14; Gal.3:29).
(https://pearl-holycity.blogspot.com)

(https://pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com)

Abraham's seed/the trees of life, provide access to the blessing for the nations (John 1:51; Gen.28:12-14; Rev.22:2; Gal.3:29), which is to offer the crystal clear waters of truth (John 4:10,14; Rev.22:17), coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev.22:1; John 12:49,50; 13:20; Matt.10:20; John 17:22; 1:14).
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/12/glory.html)
There is a place in God's purpose for the garden of God, the Bride of Christ, and the angels that serve Christ (Jacob's ladder). 
(https://pearl-holycity.blogspot.com)

When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost access to the "Tree of Life" (Gen.3:22,23).
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/08/two-trees.html <(essential reading)
The blessing of life through the fruit of that tree, is once again made accessible from the Holy City (Rev.2:7; 22:1,2,3; Eze.47:12). The anointed servants of God will also be trees of life, to offer provisions of living water in their fruit and leaves... just as was promised, regarding the purpose of the seed of Abraham.
(https://pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2019/06/leaves.html)

When the original Tree of Life is once again within reach for some, it is not accessible to all... only to the saints who conquer/die (Rev.6:9,10,11; 22:14; 19:8; 2:7; 22:2). 
There is not one tree of life. There are many in the "garden of God" in heaven. All of them, are for the healing from the curse of sin and death, through their fruit and leaves/teachings of spirit and truth.
Access to the tree of life (Christ) does not simply mean having access to his teachings in the Bible. It is the ability to directly and correctly, understand them 

(Mark 4:12; Matt.13:16;  1John 2:20,27;  1Cor.2:10,11,13; 4:1; Rev.10:7; 22:6,16).

Also, Christ is not only the Tree of Life. That is only one of the three symbols representing him. He is also the morning star (Rev.22:16), which rises in the heart to those priests who are brought out of a night of darkness, into the light (2Cor.4:6;  1Pet.2:9; Col.1:13; Eph.2:6; Rev.3:21; 5:10)...
...and he is also the HIDDEN Manna (Rev.2:17; John 6:48,49,50,51) because he can not be perceived, unless God grants it 
(John 6:44; 14:21;  1John 3:2;  1Cor.13:12; Rev.10:4; Dan.12:4,3; Rev.1:20; 10:7; 22:10).

Jesus said that the tree of life, is in the garden of God (Rev.2:7). Where is the garden of God in the New Creation? If you read Rev.22:1,2,3, you can see that the tree of life, is inside heavenly New Jerusalem... along with the other trees of life (Eze.47:12).
Take note, that Rev.22:17 reads; "The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."
Do you see that there are those granted ears to hear, that are not the Bride? Yet who is it that starts the invitation to the waters of life (contained within the trees of life -Rev.22:1,2). It is the spirit and the Bride. Her members are, the trees of life, who have direct access to those waters.

We may wonder if we really need God's anointed Temple priesthood.

Why did God make Adam's life, dependent upon the Tree of Life, and eating it's fruit?

Why not just provide life and guidance to Adam directly?

How did Adam receive life? How was his eternal life, sustained?

What was the nature of Adam's life? As God's son, given the spirit of God inside him... did Adam become a spirit being? (Gen.2:7)

A question was raised, about Adam being spiritually alive by means of God's breath/spirit being put into Adam, making him a "living soul" made in the image of God. The question was raised, Does that make Adam a spirit being who can go to heaven?

There is a difference between having our flesh kept alive by the spirit/breath in us, [and that spirit being kept alive and maintained by spiritual food (Tree of Life),... and actually being a spirit/tree of life, which provides the spiritual food of life. 

Adam lived by the spirit (which gives life to our mortal flesh -Rom.8:11). Just as all need to accept and obey the teaching of Jesus, in order to remain alive spiritually (John 5:24; 6:63; 3:18); Adam and Eve needed to continue to consume and obey the Tree of Life. They depended upon its sustenance, for sustained life. When Adam and Eve sinned, the Tree of Life was removed from them (Gen.3:22,23,24), as was sustained life.

Without God's spirit in him (Ps.104:29), and without having living, spiritual food to sustain his spirit, Adam's flesh, expired. Adam was not a spirit-being. He was a physical being, sustained by the incorruptible "ruach" (breath/spirit of God), living in him. By subjecting himself to the serpent, he was no longer permitted free access to God's spirit.

At John 3:12, Jesus told Nicodemus; ""If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?"

So we see that when the tree of life offered the spirit in Adam, food for continued eternal life... Adam could be shown "heavenly things", without actually going to heaven [as if heaven were a physical place (it is not)]. By "opening" to us, spiritual understanding of the water of life (Luke 24:45), we are given access to heaven *through those who are OF heaven* (Heb.12:22,23; Eph.2:6; Luke 10:20)... the members of New Jerusalem (Rev.21:9,10; 22:17), the Temple abode of God's spirit among mankind 

(Rev.21:2,3;  1Cor.3:16;  1Pet.2:5,9; Eph.2:20,21,22).
The fruit of a tree of life, is sourced in heavenly waters. The water inside it is from the river of the water of life, in heaven. The fruit containing that water, is offered on earth (Rev.22:1,2; Matt.7:20).

Jesus could tell "heavenly things" (spiritual mysteries of God) because he learned from God/heaven, as do God's true prophets and trees of life (Matt.3:16; John 6:51; 12:49; 13:20; Rev.22:16).

You will see from Matt.3:16 that heaven opened for Jesus, and he received the spirit of God, seen as a descending dove. Both things were symbolic, and it was not necessary for Jesus to leave the earth, in order to have heaven open for him.

In vision, the apostle John also had heaven opened to him, by being invited up into that higher perspective (Rev.4:1).  This also occurs for the "two witnesses" (Rev.11:3,11,12; 10:7).
Take note, the stated purpose of that "opening" (as a door). It is to be "shown" the knowledge of God (Rev.4:1; Luke 24:32,45) (river of life -John 17:3; 4:10; Rev.22:1,2; Matt.7:20).
https://pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com

After the "two witnesses" prove faithful, we are told that they too, were invited to view the insight of heaven (Rev.11:12). When the "two witnesses" have that door of understanding opened (Rev.11:12; Luke 24:45), we are told that they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies observed it.

Is that literal and physical?

No.

They too are given insight (Rev.2:7,17; Luke 12:37; Rev.3:20). Spirit from God enters into them (Rev.11:11). They are fed spiritual food and drink by God, through the Tree of Life, Christ. Heaven's waters are open to them, through Christ 

(John 4:10; 10:9; Rev.3:20; Luke 24:45)(John 14:6; Matt.7:7,8; Prov.2:3,4,5; John 14:6;  2Cor.4:6).

They are "caught up into a cloud", because they are then found worthy to join the other faithful anointed witnesses of heaven (Heb.12:1,22,23; Eph.2:6; Rom.8:9)...and that becomes recognized by their enemies (Rev.11:12; 3:9; Isa.60:14; Zeph.3:19; Isa.65:13).

So in trying to be more straightforward...

Adam was living spiritually, by God's spirit inside him. That spirit was kept alive, by the spiritual food provided by the tree of life. Just as we must continue to take in physical food in order to continue to live... we must continue to take in spiritual food from the trees of life (Christ and Abraham's spiritual seed) in order to live eternally by the spirit of God.

The *spiritual* death of Adam, affected his physical existence, because he was "also flesh" (Ps.104:29; Gen.6:3). His life was physical... maintained by the spiritual breath/spirit of God put in him (Gen.2:7; Rom.8:11). (see Gen.3:22,23,24; Eph.4:18; 2:12). --- So... Adam living by spirit, does not mean that he physically, goes up into heaven. Heaven is a spiritual state of being, not a physical place.

To have access to heaven (as the faithful anointed trees of life and "two witnesses" now do), is not physical. It is to have the door of understanding opened and to be shown heavenly things and given the ability to perceive them. 

Adam had that, through the tree of life. Adam was not made into the new creation of flesh and spirit. His physical life was maintained, by the spirit. Do you see the difference?

The same difference exists, between the Bride of Christ...

        [new creation of being born as heavenly spirit that can also be flesh],

...in contrast to her children... [born again by spirit, to have spirit life in them, to keep their flesh alive, maintained by the spiritual food from the trees of life which are their spiritual parents (Isa.9:6; Gal.4:26)].

One can live by means of spirit and have a spirit-based life (maintained by spiritual food), without being A spirit/theos/god, who provides such food 
(John 10:34,35; Ps.82:6; Gal.3:26; Rom.8:14;  1Cor.3:16) (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/01/who-are-gods.html). 
Both sort belong to God's restored creation... the "new heavens" and the "new earth".

2Pet.3 reads; "13 But based on His promise, we wait for the new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell."
Note that Rev.21:1 reads; "Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea."
Isa.57:20-21 reads; "20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea,
which cannot rest,
whose waves cast up mire and mud.
21 ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’"

Ps.37: "10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it for ever."

So, those who comprise the wicked sea, will be no more.
Those meek who comprise the righteous "earth" will live in it forever.

  Just as Adam was told regarding the original creation, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it" (Gen.1:28)... the last/second Adam (1Cor.15:45,47) is given dominion over the New Creation. 

He will accomplish what Adam failed to do when Adam handed the first creation over to the dominion of Satan (Luke 4:5,6;  1John 5:19). 

Jesus does succeed in subduing the earth (Ps.47:3; Ps.110:1,2;  1Cor.15:25; Phil.3:20,21; Rom.16:20; Rev.3:9), and filling it with the righteous children of the new, spiritual parental progenitors of life.
Those who comprise the "heavens", will serve God and mankind, forever (Rev.22:2,3; 3:12)... removing the curse of sin and death for those who receive the healing fruit and leaves (Rev.22:2; Gen.22:18; Gal.3:29; Heb.10:17).
The role of anointed kings and priests (Rev.5:9,10), are to serve God's people (Rev.21 and Rev.22).
ADDITIONAL READING on this topic: (http://anointed-obadiah.blogspot.com/)

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