Monday, May 10, 2021

Is God's Foreknowledge to Blame for the consequences of Sin?

Question:
Hello Pearl, I would like to know if there is an explanation on this subject that disturbs me. God already knew that Satan was going to do all this. Why did God make creation, despite that? Does He have any explanation?

My Reply:
Even though God knows what our free will is going to choose, what should be changed? 
If God knows that some (including Satan, Adam, and Eve) are going to choose sin, should God have removed free will, or perhaps, not even have created physical life?

If a mother discovers ahead of birth, that the child in her womb is disabled; should she be condemned if she lets him be born? She knows beforehand that there are problems. 
The parent's love and hope for the good that will also result from the child to come, move the parents to accept the deficiencies. The mother shouldn't have to explain her love and hope. The parents should not be condemned for valuing the good to come, despite the defect and challenge.

Life is a challenge. We are still within the era of Satan's dominion over creation (1John5:19; Rom.8:20-22; Eph.2:1-2). Satan is known as the Destroyer (Rev.9:11; Isa.33:1; John10:10). We see his handiwork, all around us. 
Yet each of us can choose how to live during the time we have been given. During our lifetime, we choose what kind of reputation we establish with God (Eph.5:15-17; Heb.4:13; 1Pet.4:5). 
We can keep the Devil as our father (John8:44; Eph.2:2-3; 1John3:8; Ps.69:28), 
or we can choose to imitate God (Eph.5:1; Matt.5:48; 2Cor.7:1; Phil.2:15). 
Through our imitation of His son, Jesus Christ (1John2:6; 1Pet.2:21; Eph.2:4-5; 5:8-10), 
we also become God's sons (Gal.3:26; Ps.82:6; 1John3:1; Matt.5:9; John1:12-13; Rom.8:14,17,19,21; 9:26). 
We are then written in the Lamb's scroll of life (Rev.20:12; 3:5) and will forever share with him 
in the blessings of the New Creation to come 
(2Cor.5:17; 2Pet.3:13-14; Ps.37:11,27,29,37; Rev.21:1,4-5; Isa.65:17; 66:22).


When we become children of God, we no longer are subject to sin and death (Luke20:36; Rom.6:23)
Adam used to be a son of God (Luke3:38; Gen.2:7). When Adam and Eve chose to obey Satan; Satan the Destroyer, became humanity's father (Eph.2:3; Rom.5:12,17,19). We see that scenario of Adam and Eve turning to Satan for guidance, played out, in the choice between the trees in Eden.

As God saw the future (Isa.46:9-10)... We ourselves can know what a child will choose. We may be correct in knowing that they are going to make a bad choice. Should we lock them up and take away their freedom? Should we never have children?
Should we kill them, just to make sure they never make the bad choices that we anticipate?
We need to let them make the choice (Deut.30:15-16,19). If it is a bad choice, we use the situation to teach them, and possibly, our other children. We do not remove the ability to make choices. 

After sin occurred, God already foresaw the new creation, and how it would be accomplished 
(Gen.3:15; Rev.19:11,14; 17:14; 12:7-8; 2Cor.10:3-5; 1Cor.15:20-22; Rom.8:29,10-11; James 1:18). 
God told Adam, Eve and Satan about the enmity, between the wicked and the righteous, as well as the victory of righteousness 
(Rom.8:37; Rev.21:7; 2:7,11; 3:5,21; Dan.7:13-14,18,22,27; Rev.11:15; 1Cor.15:24-26,53-55,56-58). 

Since the expulsion from Eden; God is gathering together those who love him (Matt.25:32,34; Mark 10:17-21; Mark 12:28-31). He is making a new creation for them. An abundance of peace, love and joy await the righteous (Ps.37:11; Isa.35:10; 1Cor.2:9; Ps.145:16).
That eternal future, free of strife, fear, tears and pain-- would not be possible, if God only foresaw the sins of the Devil, Adam, and Eve. God also foresaw the final good that would result, if He decided to be patient (Rom.2:4; 9:22; 2Pet.3:15). Waiting for the end of Satan's dominion, also requires our patience (Rev.14:12; Heb.10:36; 11:8,10,13-16).

Free will is a good thing, even though God can see in advance the choices we will make. Each person is making their own choices. God is not interfering. He knows the future. He reads the hearts of men. 
Is this a problem? No, because we are free to choose our future. 
Those who choose truth and life will live in the new creation. Those who choose darkness will not be there (John3:19-21). Even though God sees everything from the beginning, I don't see the problem. Can you explain why God's foreknowledge is a problem? In my opinion, it becomes an unjust problem, if God takes away our free will.

It should also be remembered that God was not the person in Eden. The one who interacted with Adam and Eve, was God's spokesman, the Logos and tree of life, who became Jesus Christ (John1:14,18; 6:63; Luke 6:45,43)(1Tim.2:5). 
Jesus was the one who created, using his father's spirit (John1:3,10; 8:58; Prov.8:22-23,30; John1:1; Col.1:15-17). The Logos was the one who warned Adam and Eve and saw Satan's bad intent (Gen.2:16-17). The Logos may not have known the future as well as God knew the future (Mark 13:32). God allowed the Logos to guide and protect the physical creation that he had made. 
Whatever resulted from the free will of Satan, Adam, and Eve; it affected the Logos/Jesus. Jesus freely decided to solve the problem of sin (Phil.2:5-7,8-10; John10:14-15,17-18; Eph.1:7). Through God's solution (John5:37; 6:39), good people are saved. Jesus writes their name in his scroll of life. They will live forever in the new creation. There is a wonderful future for those who love justice. 
There would be no future, hope, or choice for anyone... 
If when God foresaw failure on the part of some, He decided to abort the eternal future for the righteous.

Going back to the story of the parents who are expecting a handicapped child...
What if the parents knew that in time, there would be a cure for the infirmities of their child?
Just as God foresaw the advent of sin and death; He also foresaw an eternity of joy for the righteous. 
How thankful we are that He did not choose to erase that possibility!

You may also find the additional information in this post, of interest:

Friday, May 7, 2021

Is Jesus the Capstone of Zechariah, chapter 4?

QUESTION:
With Christ being the first and last at Revelation 1:17, (and the root and the offspring at Revelation 22:16) do you think he is both the cornerstone and also the capstone at Zechariah 4:7?

MY REPLY:
Zech.4 explains who the capstone is. I will highlight points that this chapter makes, with some scriptures to unlock those points. The scripture verses will be in bold black.
Zech.4:
1 Then the angel who talked with me returned and woke me up, like someone awakened from sleep. 
    [The 'waking up', is prophetic (Rev.3:2 ESV Matt.25:5-7)]
2 He asked me, ‘What do you see?’ I answered, ‘I see a solid gold lampstand 
    (Rev.1:20; Matt.5:15 -a congregation/house) 
with a bowl at the top 
    [a heart that pours out testimony/a star or angel/prophet, sent to that congregation (Rev.16:1; Luke 6:45)]  
and seven lamps on it (Rev.4:5 NKJV -the spirit/insight of prophets), 
with seven channels to the lamps (seven channels pouring oil/spirit to the seven lamps)
    (The testimony by spirit/oil from that bowl, is feeding the light of the 7 lamps/prophets). 
    [The reason why there are both one and seven, is because the 4th living creature/7th prophet, 
     contains the spirit/prophetic insight, given to all seven (Rev.15:7; 17:1; 21:9) 
     as well as perceiving their fulfillment. By the pouring out of his own heart/bowl/censer (Rev.8:5), 
     he enables the prophets to be heard again (Rev.8:2,5; Isa.58:1; 41:27; 40:9). 
     Through the prophets being heard once again; God's condemnation is unveiled 
     (Rev.8:5; Eze.13:13; Joel 3:16). 
     The 7th angel is the messenger/angel of the covenant (Rev.10:1; Gen.9:13 NKJV Mal.3:1), 
     sent ahead of Christ in the time of the end/Revelation's fulfillment 
    (Rev.22:10; 10:7)(Matt.3:1-3; Luke 1:16-17,76-77; Isa.57:14; 62:10-11; 49:11; Matt.24:16,15)
    (Matt.17:3,12-13,11)]. "Elijah" had a spirit from God that differed from common prophets (Matt.11:9). 
     That spirit/role was filled by John the Baptist. That spirit/role will arrive again in the time of the end, 
     to "restore all things" (Matt.17:11).
3 Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.’ (Rev.11:4).
4 I asked the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’
5 He answered, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ ‘No, my lord,’ I replied.
6 So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
    (What God accomplishes through his prophets during judgment day, will be by means of His spirit...
      not by means of worldly power, riches, a Gentile army, or hoards of followers.)

7 ‘What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. 
Then he will bring out... (make visible)
    ("raise the signal/banner for the nations" -Isa.41:27; 13:1-5; Rev.17:14; Isa.5:26; 11:12; 2:2-4) 
...the capstone to shouts of “God bless it! God bless it!”’ 
    [That mighty mountain to be destroyed and replaced with Zion, is "Babylon's" last daughter, 
     or last head of the beast (Rev.17:9; Rev.8:8; Jer.51:24-25,29), which is brought down 
     by the faith of the capstone (Mark11:22-23) by the spirit it is given]
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 
9 ‘The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. 
    [Who does Zerubbabel represent? Who is the one who lays the foundation of the spiritual temple 
     (1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5,9)? (John2:19,21; 1Cor.12:27)
     (Rev.21:14; Matt.16:18; John6:70; 15:16; Eph.2:20-22).
     Zerubbabel (meaning "against Babylon/against confusion") is Jesus Christ. 
     God set him as the cornerstone, 
     upon which the whole building rests (Isa.28:16; Matt.21:42,44).
Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. 
    (John16:7-8,13-15; Rev.5:7; 10:1-3; Rev.22:16,6)
10 ‘Who dares despise the day of small things?
      [(Zech.4:10; Amos 7:1-2,7-8; Rev.13:10)>remember that "plumb line" is synonymous with capstone)(Zech.4:10 NKJV Zech.4:10 NIV )], 
These seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth, will rejoice 
when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel.’ 
      [The 7 eyes are also the 7 spirits/lamps (Matt.6:22; Rev.5:6; 4:5)... the prophets that are 
       sent into all the 'earth'. The prophets have longed to understand what they were inspired to record, 
       and at the time of the capstone, they rejoice that their words are then, opened 
      (Dan.12:4; Rev.10:4,7; 22:10,6-7; 10:7).]

11 Then I asked the angel, ‘What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?’
12 Again I asked him, ‘What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?’ 
       [The branches of the two olive trees are pouring out spirit from the trees, through themselves. 
        They are supplying the oil that fills the bowl, and the bowl is supplying the seven lamps 
        with oil/spirit/light. That bowl/censer (Rev.5:8), is the same one at Rev.8:3]
13 He replied, ‘Do you not know what these are?’ 'No, my lord,’ I said.
14 So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’ (Matt.17:3).

The capstone/plumbline, and the two witnesses, are working together as one, which is why they are put in the same vision, and depicted as connected in their activity.
(Isa.28:17; John16:8; Eze.40:3; Amos 7:7-8; 2Kings21:13; Rev.11:1-2; 10:11)
(Rev.3:17-18; Zech.13:9; Rev.9:18; Mark8:35; Rev.21:15,27)
The two witnesses, supply spirit and truth to the one golden bowl (heart) (Zech.4:3,12),
and the one golden bowl (capstone/plumbline), provides the spirit/fuel of light, to ignite seven lamps/prophets (Rev.15:7; Zech.4:2,7), 
as well as it's own congregation/lampstand (Zech.4:2; Matt.5:15).
The two witnesses of truth (John8:17) can manifest themselves in any who represent them, 
including their lampstands/congregations (Rev.11:4; 1:20).
The two witnesses/plumbline/capstone, stands beside Christ, 
rather than being Christ himself (Matt.17:3; Zech.4:14).  
They are used by his symbolic right hand (Zech.4:10; Rev.1:20) (Luke 22:69; 1Cor.15:24,28).


As regards Jesus being both the root and offspring...
We know Jesus is the son or descendant of David, as the "offspring" (Matt.1:1,6).
He is the root of David, because he is the one through whom the "world"/nation of Israel was made and sprang up (John1:3,10-11). 
("world" = Greek: "Cosmos") (LINK)
It is similar to his being the first and last. 
Rev.1:17 continues... Rev.1:18. 
Rev.1:18 tells us that although Jesus died... he lives (Col.1:18; Rev.1:5) as the "first". 
He is the firstborn of the new creation.... and also, the "last" Adam (Col.1:15; 1Cor.15:45). 
Jesus Christ has become the "last Adam", because he is the start of the new creation (Isa.65:17; 2Cor.5:17). He is the last Adam, because this solution is final and everlasting, as Christ becomes the father of all the living (Isa.9:6) and his bride becomes the mother of all the living (Gal.4:26 NKJV)... replacing Eve (Gen.3:20).
(2Pet.3:13; Rev.21:1-3,4-5)
    [For more information about this topic, please consider: 

Jesus said that he would return upon, the clouds of heaven (Matt.26:64; 24:30; Luke 21:27)(Heb.12:1; John8:17) (Rev.19:11,14; 17:14). 
He is the one who sends forth his angels/messengers/witnesses 
(Matt.13:41; 24:31; John1:51; Gen.28:12-14)
So yes... in a way... Jesus' return is manifested through that last "capstone".


Of course there is so much more explaining that could be written and scriptures that could be referenced, but I'm hoping these scriptures, address your questions.
Love in Christ,
Pearl

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Source of Wisdom / Pillars ...for the Congregation of God [] Victor Rewards

COMMENTS and QUESTIONS that I WAS SENT:

The True anointed have always taught with the 4 legs, holding up the truth.  
What are they? You should know, they were taught by Russell, Rutherford, McMillan and the other old school anointed before 2010. Do you know what the four legs of the Truth consist of? 
What happens to the organization of Jehovah's witnesses,?  
Why? 
I have been eating in the east gate with an anointed one Ezek 44:3 for 10 years, 8-10hurs weekly,  ever since we were killed out of the congregation in 2012. I appreciated a lot of what you are teaching. If you truly are anointed you should have no problem getting at least three of the four legs supporting the Truth, since they were taught to all the anointed by Holy Spirit.
Look forward to hearing back when you can.

MY REPLY:

1Tim.3 reads; 
"15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

The Bible itself defines these "pillars" of support.
It also defines the "foundation".

Jesus spoke of such pillars of wisdom...
 "12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God." (Rev.3)

How do such pillars support truth?
"Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up its seven pillars." (Prov.9:1)

The house of Wisdom ("the congregation of the living God"), has seven pillars. 
They are given their wisdom from Christ, when he blesses those victorious ones with 
the tree of life (Rev.2:7), 
the morning star (Rev.2:28), 
and the hidden manna (Rev.2:17). 
Those symbols represent wisdom from Christ, in the form of 
fine fruit (Luke 6:43,45; John12:49-50; 6:63), 
spiritual light (Rev.22:16; Mal.4:2; John8:12), 
and bread from heaven (John6:35,49-50,57-58) 
     that is hidden (John14:21,6; 1:18; Luke 10:22; Matt.13:11,16-17,34-35).

Those seven pillars are mentioned by Jesus, at 
Rev.1:12,20; Matt.5:15; Rev.3:1; 4:5; 5:6; 1Cor.14:32; 4:1; Heb.1:1; Rev.22:6; Eph.3:5,2-3,4-5. 
Each of those messengers of wisdom, are sent out to his congregations. 
They are the ones made capable of interpreting prophecy (Rev.13:18; 17:9).

As regards the "foundation" of the truth and divine understanding,
again those seven are mentioned, along with the 12 apostles (Eph.2:20-21).
(Rev.21:14)

I am a student and servant of Christ and the Word of God,
not of Russell, Rutherford, or McMillan... though I must say, I was a JW from 1975-2010 and I never heard of the doctrine you refer to, which you claim they taught others.

The only four "legs" mentioned by my teacher, are the 4 living creatures/watchmen over God's people (Isa.62:6; Rev.4:8). 
They are charged with preventing God's nation from being ambushed, taken captive, and conquered. 
They do this in a spiritual capacity (Col.2:8; Rev.13:7,10), by always proclaiming to God's people, the supremacy of God (Rev.4:8). 
Those reminders prevent apathy, selfish greed, lust for power and dominance, and idolatry... 
which is at the root of going astray.

Perhaps you are referring to 1John5:6-9? (spirit, blood, water, truth)? 
Hard for me to say, since your claim that the actual anointing involves some kind of disclosure regarding these, is false. 
It is true that spirit makes contact with us during the anointing, filling our heart with the token of the love that is to come. 
It is also true that the blood of Christ and his faithful, is essential for salvation. 
We are washed by Christ with the water of God's word (Eph.5:25-26) which sanctifies us (John17:17), 
and of course, that living water is the truth (John4:10,14,24).


Please tell the anointed that you are associated with,
to read 1Corinthians, chapter 12.
I hope they are able to see and discern, that in order to have the truth bestowed upon the anointed Body of Christ;
every part of the Body must be associated with the other genuine and faithful, anointed members.
Each member is given their own place... their own portion of spirit (1Cor.12:7-11), and their own gifts,
"for the building up of the Body" as a whole (Eph.4:11-12). 
One of those gifts, is the wisdom of understanding/revelation (1Cor.12:8; Eph.1:17).

As regards your other general questions about what happens to the organization and why; your continuing studies at the blog should fully address them. 
You can start with this: 
and this:
(the second link contains the scriptures of prophecy, pertaining to the WT)

To be concise, I could give you Rev.8:8 (Matt.21:21) and Rev.20:10,15. 
But that does not provide much good, if you have not yet learned 
who the beast and false prophet are, 
why names are recorded, omitted, or removed from the Lamb's scroll of life, 
what the lake of fire is (Jer.23:29; 5:14; Rev.11:5,3-4; Zech.4:11,14,6; Matt.10:20)... 
...and why the Lake of Fire is called the second death (Rev.20:14; 11:5; John20:22-23).

If you have a particularBible question, please ask.
I suggest trying out the search box in the right side column of the Main Page.
If during your studies, a question arises, please contact me again.

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Ripping of the Curtain

QUESTION:
I was reading and wanted to ask ya  something.
When a jew died, the male relative, a expression of sadness grief, , I think male- -Father  would rip his garment.  -I always thought it was a sign of grief. 
When Christ died and the curtain  ripped  from top to bottom; I thought  it was because  it was, a sign of our Fathers the all Mighty Fathers grievance -  Jesus his son, being  the sacrificial lamb and fulfilling  what was needed.
How or does this ripping of the clothing and the curtain -are they related? 
Can you help me understand if they are related - and if so, how-?

REPLY:
Ripping of one's garment is surely a sign of strong emotion related to regret, fear, repentance, or grief.
(Gen.37:29,34; 44:12-13; 2Kings2:12; 19:1; Judges 11:35; Acts 14:13-15). 
It can also be done, to feign strong emotion (Matt.26:64-65).

Ripping the curtain can also represent an opening up that was previously closed 
(Matt.27:51; Heb.6:19-20; 10:19-20,21-22; Eph.5:25-26). 
It can also represent an uncovering of something that was secret (Matt.27:51; 2Cor.3:16). 

The ripping of the curtain to the most holy where God was thought to be present, takes on a few of these meanings.
 Certainly, God was very distraught over the death of Jesus, causing not only the curtain to be torn, but also darkness and an earthquake (Matt.27:50-51; Luke 23:45). The torn curtain, revealed that the most holy was empty (the Ark of the Covenant was not there), and signified that God had left/abandoned the Jewish Temple... and He would no longer be their protector. 

That is why Jesus foretold to them, "Your house is abandoned" (Matt.23:35-38). 
He meant, that God would abandon their Temple. 
That was demonstrated when the curtain of the most holy room for God's presence, was ripped apart. 
God left that temple, in a rage.
Thereafter, God's condemnation rested upon the nation (John3:36), 
and His protection was withdrawn (Luke 19:41-44).
That was why God permitted that Temple, to be torn down (Mark 13:2).

Why?
Those Jewish leaders turned to Rome in order to have Jesus executed (John18:28-30). 
God's nation had turned to Gentile nations in the past, and was always punished for it (Jer.17:5; Isa.31:1; 36:6). 
The Jewish religious leaders even claimed that their king, was Caesar (John19:15). 
When the whole Jewish crowd that was present at the condemnation of Jesus, 
heard Caesar say that he didn't want the blood of Jesus on his hands... 
they all said "Let his blood come upon us and our children" (Matt.27:24-25). 
They were referring to blood-guilt (Isa.1:15)... not to salvation (John1:11-12; 15:22-25; Ps.69:4). 
(John15:13-14,9-10)

Those with spiritual perception, recognize a similar situation today.
There are religious leaders in power over God's spiritual nation, who as in the first century, act in unfaithfulness. Please consider the verses I site within the quote of Luke chapter twelve. They aid our understanding of Luke chapter 12. (The links give deeper information)

Luke12: "42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? (LINK) 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ (Hab.2:3; 2Thess.2:1-2; Luke 12:40) (LINK) and he then begins to beat the other servants (Acts 5:17,27-29,33-34,38-40; John16:2) (LINK), both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk (Isa.28:7-8,9-10,14-15; Rev.17:6) (LINK). 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of (Rev.3:3; Luke 12:46) (LINK). He will cut him to pieces (Hosea 6:5 NET Rev.2:26-27) (LINK) (LINK) and assign him a place with the unbelievers." (2Cor.6:14; 4:4; Rev.22:15; Matt.25:41; Rev.20:10; Matt.7:21-23; 25:11-13).

The harlot/false prophet and beast are also condemning to death, the faithful servants of Jesus Christ, today (Rev.13:11,15; 11:7) (LINK).
The same consignment awaits the unfaithful, as that which befell the apostate leaders in the first century 
(Rev.19:2; 18:24; Matt.23:37,34-36,35; Rev.18:24). (LINK)

Additional Pages for Study (coming soon)