Saturday, June 12, 2021

Where is God's Kingdom? [] From War to Peace [] Diversity's Blessing

Updates-additions made, to "Where is God's Kingdom?" below. 

Firstly, I will post two links, which detail a person's right to use copyrighted material, for educational purposes. In this post, I will exercise that right.

Question received:
Hello Pearl,
My friend received this flyer from one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I'd like your Bible based opinion about the content of the flyer. If you provide scriptures, perhaps my friend will be able to respond to the JW, using the Bible.


My Reply:
Of course, some of the assertions that are purely based on scripture, are true.
Some assertions are not true, and if you notice, do not have a cited scripture to prove the statement.
I have no comment on numeral 1,3, or 4... but I will respond to #2 and #5.

Numeral 2 makes four statements. 
The first, reflects their ignorance about what heaven is. 
Their physical minds are thinking physically (1Cor.2:12-14 NIV), as if heaven could be plotted on a map.
God rules in the hearts of men... 
(John 18:37 NKJV Col.3:15,1;  Rom.6:17; Eph.3:17-18,19; Matt.13:52; Luke 6:45; Matt.23:13)
                (Luke 17:21 >Greek: "inside of you" - see: Strongs G1787
...who belong to heaven, 
even while such men are on earth (Heb.12:22-23; Eph.1:6; Phil.3:20; Luke 10:20).
God does not rule merely over space. At Matt:22:32, Jesus said of the Father;
I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? 
He is not the God of the dead but of the living.’"
If God is not the Lord of the dead, but of the living, then he is Lord and King over those who are capable of submitting themselves to Him, as their King. Subjection to God's authority and power is not exercised in the dead or within inanimate objects. Genuine subjection and lordship occurs in the hearts and minds of those who choose God as their King (Deut.11:18; Jer.31:33). God's sovereignty takes place in the heart of those who serve God and obey His decrees!
Jesus taught us to pray; 
"your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt.6:10)
This reveals that God's kingdom is associated with God's will being done, as in heaven, also upon earth.
There are those of heaven and those of earth. 
Those of heaven, do God's will... 
(1Cor.15:48; John 8:23; 6:51; Luke 10:20; Heb.12:22-23; Ps.89:5; 150:1; Eph.2:6;  1Pet.4:2).
Those of earth, do not subject themselves to God as their king (Phil.3:19; Col.3:5; James 3:15).
At Matt.6:10-11, we prayerfully express the desire that God's will, advance in the hearts of all men... thereby making the sovereignty of God, universally present. That occurrence will restore the corrupted Creation, back to it's original condition... when everyone exercises from the heart, subjection to the King.

It is the same with the kingship of Jesus. 
As we read at John 18:
"37 ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate.
Jesus answered, ‘You rightly say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’"

Col.3:15

I will respond to each of the 4 statements...

NUMERAL 2:

First: "God's kingdom will rule from heaven"
Since this is meant to mean that the rulers of God's kingdom are not on the earth
this statement calls God a liar.  
How so?
God promised Abraham that his offspring would inherit and occupy the earth 
(Gen.28:12-13,14; Gal.3:29; Gen.28:14; Rev.22:2; John 4:22; Zech.8:23). 
Jesus (the second Adam) and the faithful holy ones (Christ's bride), are promised that they will inherit the creation, away from Satan 
(Rev.11:15;  1Cor.15:22,45; Gen.1:28; Matt.28:18; Dan.7:21-22,26-27). 

That promise to Abraham, was that his seed would inherit and occupy the land (Gen.28:13; 22:18; Gal.3:29; Rom.8:17). 
---On the one hand, JWs say that God's kingdom is a real, tangible government. 
    Such governments have real, tangible representatives.  Yet JWs defy their own assertion, 
    by then asserting that the government is not tangible, but is somehow controlling everything 
    by literally hovering overhead. 
    I don't doubt that this assertion lays the groundwork to accept the expectation 
    that the Gentile "elders" will be the tangible princes, who rule visibly, 
    rather than those whom God has chosen to be ministering priests and kings (Heb.1:7,14; 2:16).
Working through Gentile, so-called elders, is not how the direct care of God's genuine agents of the kingdom, is depicted in scripture
(Rev.21:2; Ps.128:3; Micah 4:4; Isa.49:18; 61:10; Rev.21:2; Zech.8:13; Gen.22:18; Gal.3:29) 
(Dan.12:1; 10:13; Ps.45:16; Rev.12:7; 17:14; 19:14,8).
Rather than teaching that New Jerusalem will reign from heaven
the scripture at Rev.21:2 plainly states, that this is not true

A spiritual king, is a law-giver and judge (Isa.33:22). A spiritual priest is a guard and teacher of God's word (Mal.2:7). 
The royal priesthood fulfills both roles (Rev.5:10), both now, and in the kingdom of God...
"The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isa.2:3c)
No mention is made there, of non-anointed Gentiles, as middle-men.

Jacob saw a depiction of God's kingdom under Christ and his bride (Gen.28:12-13). It was shown as God's messengers ascending and descending between heaven and earth as they serve Jesus Christ..., just as Jesus promised Nathaniel (John 1:51). 
This reigning upon the earth is confirmed at Rev.5:9-10. The Greek of Rev.5:10 literally says, "UPON the land/earth" (Strong's G1909). (Gen.28:12; John 1:51; Rev.5:10)
Yet again, 'to rule upon' is not limited to a mere physical meaning. It is referring to the direct care and oversight the royal priests provide, as parents give to their children. Since Jesus becomes Adam's replacement and he inherits the dominion of the earth, which Adam lost to Satan;... he is not forbidden to visit or set foot upon it 
(John 1:51; Heb.1:6; Gen.28:12-13,17; Gal.3:29; Rom.8:17).
Can you see how the assertion that Jesus and his fellow heirs/Abraham's seed, are barred from the earth, makes God a liar?

Second: "As a world government"
This statement gives the impression that God's kingdom will be similar to the kingdoms of the world.

See what Jesus himself said, at John 18:36-37 NKJV
"36 Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’  37 ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You rightly say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’

Jesus said that his kingdom, is NOT of this world. He is a king of grace and truth (John 1:14; 18:37) since the first century, 
and all those in subjection to his authority and power, listened to and obeyed him (John 8:31; 15:10). 
If God's kingdom under Christ were of this world (1John 5:19;  1John 2:15-16,17), there would have been no reason for Jesus to 
reject Satan's offer, at Luke 4:5-6. Spiritual kings and priests of God, bear no resemblance to the world... as was seen by the life of Christ.

Third: "It will eliminate nationalism
God has no problem with the diversity of nationalism.
He created mankind to have such diversity. (Acts 17:26; 10:34-35; Eph.3:14-15; Dan.7:14)(and Isa.2:2 below)
Creation contains diversity in flora, fauna, and humanity. Such diversity is a display of God's love and generosity 
(Rom.1:20; Gen.1:21,24-25,28-29; 2:16; Gen.1:28; Acts 17:26).
God divided his own nation, into tribes; and set boundaries for their lands (Num.26:55). Any discord that arose between them, 
was as a result of disobedience to God (Zech.8:17; Deut.30:15-16,19-20; Isa.48:18). 
God even decreed that foreigners were to be treated as belonging (Lev.19:34; Isa.56:3,5).
Belonging to a tribe or nation was not the problem. 
Disobedience and a lack of love... was (Mark 12:29-31; John 13:34;  1John 3:12). 
When the earth becomes filled with the knowledge of God (Isa.11:9;  1John 4:7-8; John 6:45), 
nationalism will not be a root cause of anything, except a sense of belonging to your own group.

Fourth: "which is at the root of many conflicts".
According to Jesus, the source of conflict among men, is an indulging without restraint in the works of the flesh (Gal.5:13-14,16-17,19-26), 
...hatred, not treating others the way we wish to be treated, and disregard for the benevolent wisdom of God. None of these reasons for strife, injustice, and pain, are rooted in ones nationality.... but are rooted in the heart (Matt.15:19; James 4:8;  2Cor.7:1).

----------------------
NUMERAL 5:

Then let's go down to #5, which is their interpretation of Isa.2:3-4
I'm going to include Isa.2:2, because it makes the point that there are still "nations" in God's kingdom, 
so.... "nationalism" is not eliminated as numeral 2 asserted.
For your sake, I will add parallel scriptures that deepens our comprehension.
Isa.2:
"2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house (Eph.2:19-20,21-22; Heb.12:22; Rev.14:1; Ps.74:2; 48:1)
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills; (Rev.17:9; Eze.21:26; Isa.26:5; Luke 14:11; Mark 11:22-23; Rev.8:8; Luke 1:51-52,53-54,55)
And all nations shall flow to it. (Isa.60:1-2,3-4,5,11,14; Rev.21:24-25,26-27; Rev.3:9; 15:4)
3 Many people shall come and say,
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord...
...To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore."

The arrival of this peace, occurs just following the spiritual war of Armageddon.
The warfare spoken of above, IS spiritual (Gen.3:15;  2Cor.10:3-4,5; 6:7; Eph.6:10-11,12-13,14-15,16-17; Rev.20:7-8; 16:13-14,15-16; 17:14; 19:11,14; Eph.2:6)
The sword in Isa.2:4, is the word of God 
(Heb.4:12; Rev.1:16; 2:16; John 12:48; Rev.13:10; John 16:2; Luke 21:24; Col.2:8;  1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13-14,15-16).

What does it mean for God's servants, to convert their use of God's word 
from a sword of defense and condemnation, into using God's word as a plowshare
Jesus often compared the harvest of men, to a crop/harvest (John 4:35; Matt.3:12; Rev.14:14-15,16). 
His apostles also did (1Cor.3:6-7,8-9). When we plow the ground (Hosea 10:12; Luke 9:62;  1Cor.9:10), 
we are preparing hearts to receive the word of God (Luke 8:11,15). 
Just as the above WT teaching acknowledges, the arrival of God's kingdom will bring the nations to Mount Zion and Jerusalem...  
to receive God's word/seed (Isa.2:3)(Mal.2:7).    
            ["Zion" (Rev.14:1) and "Jerusalem" (Rev.21:2) are of heaven, and consist of sealed anointed.
              Mt. Zion and heavenly Jerusalem, are NOT the WT's counterfeit "mountain-like organization" -(LINK)(LINK)]... 
              nor is the WT the fulfillment of Isa.2:3.
Rev.8:8; 18:21; Zech.4:7

At that time when the nations turn to Zion, Armageddon will be over.
Never again under the Prince of Peace and his bride, will God's messenger angels be pressed to defend God's Truths.

As far as the title of the tract "Peace on Earth -- How will it come?";
  Jesus told us the answer. 
"Our Father in the heavens, honored be your name.
     Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt.6:9-10,11)
When God reigns in the hearts of all men (John 6:45; Jer.31:33-34),
there will be peace. (1John 4:7-8,9-10,11-12,13-14,15-16,17-18,19-20,21; Isa.54:13 NKJV )

[If you have been taught that Satan is released, after the kingdom arrives, please consider:

Monday, June 7, 2021

How does the Bible, interpret Revelation chap.10, verses 1-3? [] What is the Sea and Earth?

 The scriptures are like keys to open the meaning of those verses. I'll just give the scriptures...

"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud"...
(Heb.12:1; Rev.19:8; Ps.132:9,16; Zech.3:3,4; Rev.3:18;  2Chron.6:41; Isa.49:18)
(Rev.11:12; Heb.12:1; Rev.10:1)

LINK for those on a phone:
 https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.12%3A1%3B+Rev.19%3A8%3B+Ps.132%3A9%2C16%3B+Zech.3%3A3-4%3B+Rev.3%3A18%3B+2Chron.6%3A41%3B+Isa.49%3A18&version=CSB

..."with a rainbow over his head"...
(Gen.9:9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17; Rev.12:15,16; Rom.9:27; Joel 2:32; Matt.24:21,22)
(Gen.9:15,13; Rev.10:1; Mal.3:1 NKJV ; Mark 1:2,3,4; Luke 1:76,77,78,79; Matt.17:10,12; Matt.17:11)

>>(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/elijah-turns-hearts.html)

>>(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/two-witnesses-elijah-and-moses.html)

..."His face, shone like the sun"...
(Rev.1:16;  2Cor.3:7,8,18; John 17:22; Isa.30:26; Ps.89:37)

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.1%3A16%3B+2Cor.3%3A7-8%2C18%3B+John17%3A22%3B+Isa.30%3A26%3B+Ps.89%3A37&version=NKJV

[For more information about planetary symbolism:

..."his feet were like pillars of fire"...
(Ps.119:9,105; John 17:17; Jer.23:29; Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10;  1Pet.1:6,7; Rev.10:1; Rom.10:13,14,15; Isa.52:7; Rev.11:15,16,17; Nahum 1:15; Isa.26:5,6)

..."and he held a little scroll opened in his hand"...
(Rev.22:9,10,16; 2:28; 10:7)(Luke 24:45; Rev.10:2; 4:1; Ps.78:23; Mark 1:10; Col.2:3).

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.22%3A9-10%2C16%3B+2%3A28%3B+10%3A7%3B+Luke24%3A45%3B+Rev.10%3A2%3B+4%3A1%3B+Ps.78%3A23%3B+Mark+1%3A10%3B+Col.2%3A3&version=CSB

..."He put his right foot on the sea, his left on the land"...
(Luke 20:43; Rom.16:20; Luke 10:19;  1Cor.15:26)(Rev.13:1,11; Dan.2:34; 7:21,22)
(Sea and Earth, correspond to Iron and Clay >> See FOOTNOTE at the end of this post)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+20%3A43%3B+Rom.16%3A20%3B+Luke10%3A19%3B+1Cor.15%3A26%3B+Rev.13%3A1%2C11%3B+Dan.2%3A34%3B+7%3A21-22&version=NIVUK

..."and he called out with a loud voice like a roaring lion"...
(Rev.5:5; John 15:15; Rev.19:16; 3:21; Micah 5:8; Prov.20:2; Isa.31:4; Amos 3:4,7,8; Rev.2:26,27; Hosea 6:5 NIV )

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.5%3A5%3B+John15%3A15%3B+Rev.19%3A16%3B+3%3A21%3B+Micah+5%3A8%3B+Prov.20%3A2%3B+Isa.31%3A4%3B+Amos+3%3A4%2C7-8%3B+Rev.2%3A26-27%3B+Hosea+6%3A5&version=NKJV

..."When he cried out, the seven thunders raised their voices."...
(Rev.10:4; Dan.8:26; 12:4; Ps.29:3; Joel 3:16; Matt.10:20; Rev.4:5; Matt.5:15,16; Rev.22:10).



FOOTNOTE:
The "sea" is defined for us at Isa.57:20, 
...but the "earth/land" >Greek literally means, an occupied, inhabited plot of land, an owned dwelling. 
It is not referring to the entire planet 
(Lev.26:42;  2Chron.7:20; Isa.14:25; Jer.2:7; 16:18; Eze.14:13; 36:28; 37:14,25; 38:16; Joel 1:6; 3:2; John 14:23).
-


We note that the sea beast, comes to dominate and conquer God's people (Rev.13:1,7). That beast consists of the Gentiles (not God's nation), that are prophesied to trample God's holy place/city/temple/saints 
(Rev.13:1,7;  1Pet.2:5;  1Cor.3:16;  2Thess.2:4; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10; 11:2; Dan.8:10,11).


The "earth", is the source of the false prophet (Rev.13:11,14; 19:20). 
That prophet is a prophetic leader that arises from God's own nation/homeland/"earth".


The false prophet gives to the Image of the sea-beast, breath/spirit, so that it appears to have the authority to judge and execute (Rev.13:15) in behalf of the false prophet. 
(The meaning of  "breath", is explained at John 20:22.)


The alliance of the sea-beast and earth-beast was depicted as a dominion consisting of "iron" and "clay" (Dan.2:33).
Again... the sea/iron, is the Gentiles (Dan.2:40; 7:7,21; Rev.9:9; Jer.6:28)...


...and the clay/earth, are God's nation (Isa.64:8; Gal.3:26).


Those spiritual Jews (Rom.2:28,29) who form an alliance with spiritual Gentiles, are the unfaithful of God's "earth".
As Jer.17:5 reads;
"Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord."
Isa.30:1 reads;
"Woe to the rebellious children! This is the Lord’s declaration. They carry out a plan, but not mine; they make an alliance, but against my will, piling sin on top of sin."

That is why those leaders of God's people, who use Gentiles to do their dirty work (Rev.13:11,15), are also depicted as a harlot, riding the sea-beast (Rev.17:1,3) (Harlot-and-Beast). They commit gross spiritual adultery against the Lord of their covenant (Zech.8:3; Isa.1:21 NIV ; Rev.17:1,6).

For more info: 

---------------------------
For more information about the messenger of the covenant; see the second section of: 

If any questions arise regarding this post, please submit your thoughts in the comment section, below.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Body of Christ -- Rachel

INTRODUCTION:
It was prophesied for the time of the end, that the living stones/royal priests of God's Temple (1Pet.2:5; Rev.5:9-10), would be conquered, trampled, and scattered...
(Rev.13:7,10; Luke21:6,24; Rev.11:2; Dan.8:10-12,19; 7:25; 11:31-33,36-37; 2Thess.2:4)
...because of their losing the strength of their covenant of salt (Matt.5:13)(2Chron.13:5; Ecc.10:5,7).
As a result, the remnant of living stones are scattered (Dan.9:7; Luke21:24).

Prophecy also tells us, that the sanctuary will be set right again (Dan.8:14; Mal.3:1-4,6; Matt.17:11) and the scattered, collected back together again (Mark 13:27; John17:21; 11:52; Eph.1:10; 4:13).
Readers may have taken note, that this eventuality I describe is the basic mission statement, written at the top of this Blog. That foretold gathering of the elect and royal priests of God, is underway. The temple of living stones is being "brought back to it's right condition", and again undertaking to render their sacred service (Mal.3:4; Heb.13:15; Matt.7:20; John15:16).
These faithful members of the Body of Christ (1Cor.12:27,18), receive holy spirit from their Head (Eph.4:15; 5:23; John15:4-5; Rom.11:17; Eph.5:29-30; John6:63; 17:8; 8:51). That spirit supplies unity, wisdom, and love under their one head (Eph.4:3; John17:23; Col.3:14; Eph.1:10; 4:13).

I would like to share with you, a sacrifice of praise from another anointed one that is now with us.
Here is her blog, which contains the letters she is sending out as her testimony to those who marked by the Beast. (https://inthenightaflyingscroll.blogspot.com/)
It is a long post, but well worth your time. I suggest taking it in sections, being sure to read the scriptures as you come to them.
Here below, is the letter they sent out as a testimony to all those still captive to the Beast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gathering Elect [] Apostasy [] Abomination of Desolation [] God's Temple [] Divine Warning

Dear friends, 

I know you feel the same as I do about just the mere mention of the word “apostate”…a strong feeling of revulsion wells up.  That is a good thing!  Who wouldn’t fear rebelling against the Most High.  We are incredibly thankful that through preservation of God’s word the Bible, we can clearly identify an apostate.  Since we are unable to meet in person at the moment due to safety precautions, I am writing you, and perhaps in your personal study, you, too, researched this subject of apostasy.  Did you realize that an apostasy was prophetically foretold to occur?  You may have, but it is still shocking to read about it in the scriptures. 

The Hebrew and Greek scriptures give us a complete blueprint for identifying apostasy.  In the Greek scriptures, “apostasia,” translated “apostasy” (2 Thess.2:3) means a rebellion, a falling away, a defection from truth – “Jesus said to him [Thomas]: “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one come to the Father except through me.”  Apostasy, a defection from truth, is a departing from Jesus, rebelling against his instruction, and not imitating his example (1 Tim.6:3; 1 Tim.1:3; 2 Tim.4:4; 1 Cor.11:3; Luke 21:8; Rom.16:17; Matt.7:15; Heb.3:12; 1 John 2:6; 2 Thess.2:3).  The scriptures recorded the history God’s chosen ancient nation of Israel’s actions, both good and wayward, “examples…written for our admonition” (1 Cor.10:6-11; Heb.3:5; 9:1,6,9; 10:1,11,3,5-8).  In the Hebrew scriptures, we find God’s people, his nation of Israel, repeatedly became rebellious.  A Hebrew word was used for their disobedience: “meshubah,” defined, “apostasy,” “turning back/away,” “backsliding,” “waywardness,” and “unfaithful” (Prov.1:32; Jer.3:6,8,11,12,22; 5:6; 8:5; 14:7; Hos.11:7).  Time and again we read scriptural accounts of Israel’s unfaithfulness/apostasy due to their “abominations,” which described various kinds of wickedness they were warned against and described as “detestable things/images” and “disgusting thing/idols/god/practices” (Deut.12:31; 18:9-12; 20:18; 1 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 16:3; 21:2; 23:24; 2 Chron.28:3; Jer.4:1; 16:18; 32:34; Ezek.5:11; 7:20; 11:18).  Ancient Israel was God’s “treasured possession,” a “holy people,” and where He dwelled, but their abominable idolatrous practices were considered adultery/prostitution/“acts of harlotry,” and resulted in God describing them as a “prostitute”/“harlot” (Deut.7:6; 26:18; 14:2; Exod.34:14-16; Num.35:34; Jer.2:11,20; 5:7; 13:27; 16:18; Hos.3:1; 4:15; 9:1; Psalm 106:39; Isa.1:21; Ezek.16:15,22,25,34,36).  Did you ever take note of the pattern of ancient Israel’s priesthood?  The priesthood were the only consecrated persons to permitted to carry out “daily sacrifices,” or offerings in God’s tabernacle and Temple…all others/”foreigners uncircumcised”/Gentiles/non-consecrated persons were forbidden from duties in the Temple, at the penalty of death (Jer.33:18; Deut.17:14,15; Lev.3:16; 17:5,6; 2 Chron.23:6,7; 1 Chron.9:33; Exod.29:38-40,42-44; Ex.40:15-16; Num.18:7; 28:6; Lev.6:9-12; Ezek.44:9).  Despite being repeatedly told that that no one “except the priests and Levites” were permitted to serve in the Temple, the Israelites even departed from that divine command and appointed uncircumcised foreigners to “keep charge” of God’s sanctuary (Ezek.44:6-8,10,12,15; 20:30,31; Num.18:7). 

We recall that “all the things that were written beforehand were written to instruct us” (Rom.15:4).  What a constellation of apostate acts have been recorded and described in the scriptures!  Both the Hebrew and Greek scriptures come together perfectly to present a complete picture that perfectly guides us on what apostate acts are, and how to identify apostasy, according to God and Jesus.  Let’s first start with the Hebrew scriptures, which describe God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel, and the divine commands regarding worship they were not to depart from: 

 <> God referred to the nation of Israel as “My people,” “a holy nation,” “holy people,” and His “dwelling place” (Deut.7:6; 26:19; 28:9; Exod.19:6; 22:31; 25:8; Lev.21:15; 2 Chron.7:14; 1 Kings 8:16; Isa.51:4; Ezek.21:12; 37:27). 
 <> God established a covenant with His people whom He chose, and gave them divine commandments and instruction for building the Temple and sanctuary (Deut.14:2; Gen.17:4; Exod.25:8,9; Exod.19:5; 24:8; Deut.4:13; see Exod.24-26). 
 <> Temple duties were limited to a consecrated priesthood, anointed to carry out the daily sacrifices/offerings/sacred service (Exod.29:1,9,29,44; Lev.6:9-12; Num.18:7; Jer.33:18; 1 Chron.9:33; 23:24; 2 Chron.23:6,7; 26:16-18; 13:10,11; 35:3; Neh.12:44-47; 13:10,11; Ezek.44:6-8). 
 <> Uncircumcised foreigners/Gentiles were forbidden from sacred service duties in God’s Temple and forbidden to be appointed as king over Israel (Deut.17:14,15; 2 Chron.23:6; Ezek.44:6-9; Lam.1:10; 5:2). 
 <> God’s holy people were commanded not to imitate the customs of worship of the surrounding nations, and their abominable idolatrous and detestable practices (Deut.12:30; 18:9; 20:18; 2 Kings 9:9, 17:7-15). 
 <> Warnings against idolatry included setting up physical idols and setting up “idols in their heart” (Deut.4:16,23; Exod.20:1-5; 23:13; 34:17; Lev.19:4; 26:1; Ezek.44:12; 14:1-5). 
 <> Israel had a choice:  Obey God’s commandments, be blessed and looked upon with favor, or do not obey God’s commandments and lose blessings and favor, and bear the consequences of their sin/unfaithfulness (Deut.7:12; 11:13-17; 28:1,15; Lev.26:3-13,14-39; 1 Chron.9:1; 2 Chron.7:19-22; Hosea 10:15; 11:7; Ezek.15:8; 39:23,26; 44:10-12; Josh.22:20; Dan.9:7).   
 <> Israel’s record reveals they often became wayward/apostate/unfaithful, and their rebellious acts likened to adultery, prostitution, and the “sin of divination” (1 Sam.15:23; Lev.17:7; Jer.3:6,8; Zeph.1:3-5; Hosea 6:7; 9:1; Ezra 9:1,2; Josh.7:1; 1 Chron.5:25; 2 Chron.28:22; 29:6; 30:7; Ezek.20:27). 
 <> Israel’s acts of unfaithfulness included “detestable practices of the nations,” idolatry/trusting in idols, and breaking the divine commands of who may perform sacred service in the Temple (2 Kings 17:7-11,15,41; 9:22; 21:21; Exod.32:4,8; Judges 18:31; 2 Chron.26:16-18; 36:14; Jer.48:7; Isa.44:17; Ezek.23:49; Hosea 4:12; 10:5,13; Psalm 52:7; 135:15-18). 
 <> Detestable and idolatrous acts were likened to sexual immorality; God described His people’s “acts of harlotry” and adultery as sexual immorality and called them a “prostitute”/”harlot.” (Isa.1:21; Lev.17:7; Jer. 2:17,19-22; 3:6-9; 9:2; Isa.1:21; Ezekiel 16:1,2,14-17,20-26,32,33,35,36; Micah 1:7; Hosea 4:12; 9:1). 
 <> When Israel was unfaithful, God “kept warning them by means of his messengers, warning them again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling place,” and good news that a repentant remnant of Israel, at times, only a few refugees, would be saved (2 Kings 17:12,13; 2 Chron.36:14,15; Isa.1:9;19,27,28; 10:20-22; 28:5; 41:8,9,27; Jer.23:3; 44:14; Ezra 9:8; Nahum 1:14,15; Micah 2:12; Hos.1:10; Joel 2:32). 
 
The apostles drew attention to the first covenant Temple arrangement as it foreshadowed, illustrated, and served as a pattern for the spiritual Temple arrangement under the new covenant established by Jesus’ sacrificial death (1 Cor.10:6,7,11; Heb.7:19; 8:5; 9:1,8-10; 10:1; Col.2:17; Rom.4:18,22-25).   

 <> All anointed “have an anointing from the Holy Spirit” by God, and become part of “Christ’s body.”  Christ’s body is “not of one member but of many” with each part given different gifts according to the Holy Spirit given them from God (Matt.16:18; 2 Cor.1:21; Col.2:9; 1 John 2:20; Heb.12:23; Acts 1:4; Rom.8:15,28; 12:4,5; 1 Cor.2:11-13; 10:17; 12:12-18,27-29; 14:33; John 2:19,21; Mark 14:58; Jude 1:13; Rev.1:5,2). 
 <> All anointed are “living stones,” a “spiritual house” in which “the whole building,” “God’s household,” is built together into “a holy Temple.” Christ is the “foundation cornerstone,” a “chief cornerstone,” and “Son over God’s house,” in which “there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved” (1 Pet.2:4,5; Heb.3:6; Acts 4:11,12; 1 Tim.3:15; Eph.2:19-22; Matt.21:42; Isa.28:16; 1 Pet 2:4,5,9,10; 1 John 2:27 John 14:26).  
 <> All anointed are “God’s Temple” and “dwelling place.”  Ancient Israel and their Temple worship served as a “copy and shadow of heavenly things.  When the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus’ disciples, they grasped that the physical city of Jerusalem was no longer God’s Temple for worship, and expressed that as “living stones,” they are God’s Temple and dwelling place and that He dwells in them.  Yes, the early Christians had fellowship and congregated in homes, and the apostle Paul drove the point home to them that God does not dwell in man-made Temples.  Jesus, as high priest, and “mediator of a better covenant,” is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God, and is a minister of God’s sanctuary and true tabernacle erected not by man, but by God (1 Cor.3:16,17; Matt.12:6; Acts 7:48,49; 17:24; Heb.8:1-6; Heb.9:11,24; Heb.10:19-21; John 4:21-24; Isa.66:1; 2 Cor.5:1). 
 <> All anointed are a “holy priesthood” with Jesus as “high priest.”  Jesus “has become surety of a better covenant,” making obsolete the old covenant with his death.  Jesus has a “permanent priesthood,” those who God considers to be “My people,” just was ancient Israel, but now ordaining a spiritual priesthood for acts of divine service, a sacred service without the limitations of physical burnt offerings, but “spiritual sacrifices” (Heb.3:1; Heb.7:22,24,26-28; Heb.8:1,9,10; Heb.9:1,6-10; Heb.10:5-10; Rom.12:1; 1 Pet.2:5,9). 
 <> All anointed, Christ’s body, are Jesus’ “congregation.”  Jesus Christ is the “firstborn” and “the Ruler of the kings of the earth” -  Jesus is not the ruler of the world, but he is the “head” and the ruler over his “body,” his “congregation” of all anointed (John 12:31; 14:30; 1 Cor.2:12; 12:12-18,27-29; Rev.1:5,6; 2:11; 5:10; 3:21; 12:9; 20:4,6).   
 <> All anointed are taught directly by the Spirit.  Spirit teaches all anointed, and together, as a “holy priesthood,” they must carry out their priestly duties by offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  These “sacrifices” are not literal burnt offerings as was carried out by ancient Israel’s priesthood who served in God’s Temple.  All anointed, as God’s Temple, are to offer themselves as a “living sacrifice,” and through a perpetual “sacrifice of praise,” which is a bearing of “much fruit,” “the fruit of the lips”; sharing with others what the Spirit has taught them (John 14:26; Heb.13:15,16; Psalm 119:108; Rom.12:1; 1 John 2:20,27; 1 Cor.1:21; 2:10; 12:7,11-13; Matt.7:17; 13:23; Mark 4:20; 1John 2:27; John14:16; 15:4,5,16,18,26; 12:24; 16:3,7,13; Acts 2:33; Jer.33:18; Rev.22:3-5). 
 <> All anointed are ”branches” that must remain attached to the “vine”/Jesus.  All anointed must remain faithful to Christ’s teachings, lest they stray, become unfaithful, and be “cut off” from the vine/Jesus, discarded/”thrown into the fire.” Yes, it is possible for anointed to stop following Jesus, become apostate, and lose their “light.”  Without “light” in darkness and become false teachers, producing “fruit”/teachings that “rot”/expire and are thus, lies (Heb.3:12-15; 4:7,11; 6:4-6,18; John 3:19; 8:12; 15:5-7,16; 2 Cor.2:11; 4:6; 11:13,14; Rom.11:17-22; Acts 26:18,23; Matt.22:14; 7:15-23; 15:8,9; Mark 13:22; 1 John 2:11; John 8:44; Num.23:19). 
 
We now have the keys, the scriptures, to identify an apostate!  Carefully examine the example of ancient Israel, God’s people, and take note of the divine laws regarding the Temple/tabernacle arrangement….THIS is a pattern and foreshadow of God’s spiritual Temple (Eph.2:14-16; 1 Cor.10:6,7,11; Rom.4:23; Num.18:1,5-7; 2 Chron.23:5,6,18,19; Heb.8:5; 10:1; Col.2:17).  According to scripture, here is what we know: 

 <> Jesus’ faithful death fulfilled the old covenant, making it obsolete, and established a new covenant, one where God’s Temple is made up of spirit-anointed persons that include Gentiles, who are spiritual Jews, a “holy priesthood”/Jesus’ congregation. All anointed are God’s Temple, “living stones” that build His “house” (1 Pet.2:5; 1 Cor.3:10; 12:27,28; Rom.12:4-8; Eph.2:19-22; Rom.2:25-29; Col.2:11; 3:11,12,15; Phil.3:3; 1 Cor.7:19; Gal.5:6).  
 
 <> Jesus foretold that “many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people” (Matt.24:10,11; 1Tim.4:1).  Deception is an attempt to lead you in the wrong way, away from true teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “watch out for false prophets” (Matt.7:15-20), “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:5).   

 <> Will it be easy to identify a false prophet?  No, it will not. Jesus warns that false prophets will deceive by appearing sheep-like and be successful because they will actually be well-perceived and praised by many people (Luke 6:26; 1 Cor.2:14; 2 Cor.11:13-15; 1 John 4:1; Heb.5:14; Matt.7:15; 24:11,25; 22:14; Rom.12:2; John 7:24; 1 Tim.4:1; 1 Thess.5:21).   

 <> Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness” (Luke 17:20).  However, a “natural person” is enticed by the “senses,” and unable to “hear” and “see” because of not using spiritual discernment (1 Cor.2:14; Matt.13:13,14; 16:1-4; 12:39; 23:27,28; Mark 8:11,12; Luke 12:54-56; 2 Pet.2:18; Rom.8:5-8; 11:8; 1 John 4:1; 2 Thess.2:2; Jer.5:21).  Such persons will be easily deceived by false prophets who were foretold by Jesus to perform “great signs and wonders,” observable acts done to elicit a reaction of awe from onlookers, and to deceive, “if possible, even the elect,” spiritual Jews/anointed (Mark 13:22; Matt.24:24,22,31; John 4:48).   

 <> Jesus said we would recognize false prophets by their “fruit.”  What fruit?  Jesus’ truthful unchanging teachings; he is the “fruit of the light,” “the light of the world” and reflects God’s light, God’s truth (John 3:19,21; 8:12; 12:46; 14:6; 17:17; Eph.5:9; 1 John 1:5-7; 2:8; 2 Cor.4:6; Luke 11:36; Psalm 27:1).   

 <> The teachings, the “fruit,” we ingest from those we trust to be faithful anointed taught by Holy Spirit, does that “fruit” rot away and expire over time?  If so, we are ingesting “fruit” from a false prophet, an anointed that has departed from Jesus’ teachings.  Do not be deceived, God and Jesus will not vacillate or flip-flop in truth, nor provide teachings relayed with the “Spirit of truth” that only later expire, for as we know, “It is impossible for God to lie” or to “change His mind” (Heb.6:18; Titus 1:2; James 1:17; Num.23:19; John 14:17,26; 15:26; 1 John 4:6; Psalm 25:5).  Truth that “rots” is a lie, a hallmark of Satan who “masquerades as an angel of light,” and is the father of the lie (Matt.7:15-23; 12:33;15:8; Luke 6:43,44; 2 Cor.2:11; 11:13,14; John 8:44; Heb.6:18).   

 <> Jesus’ apostles too warned of individuals who are among God’s household, His Temple, who would lead in teaching others, yet would become unfaithful/apostate.  “The inspired word clearly says that in later time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons” (1 Tim.4:1; 2 Tim.4:3,4; Acts 20:29,30; 2 Cor.11:3,13-15; 6:16; Eph.2:21,22; 1 John 4:1; Col.2:8; 1 Tim.4:1).  The apostles did not exclude their own teachings from being thoroughly tested against scripture, and reminded the early Christians to “test all things,” a reminder preserved for us today in which no one is excluded from (1 Thess.5:21; 1 John 4:1). 
 
What Temple of God was the apostle Paul speaking about?  Ancient Israel?  No.  Remember, the scriptures tell us that those anointed by Spirit are “living stones,” they are God’s Temple.  (1 Pet.2:5; 1 Cor.3:16,17).  Is it feasible to think the Father departed, apostatized from His own truthful words, breaking His covenant with His people and directing His son Jesus to select a religious group among all the religions on the globe as a representation of the Most High?  That instead of all anointed being God’s Temple, anointed leaders are to imitate surrounding physical religious organizations common today, perhaps imitating televangelists, or churches, in the sense of man-made buildings/structures.  Did Jesus depart from his own teaching that anointed, who are the parts of his “body” and taught directly by Spirit, are now, not to receive direction from him, their “head,” and that he now, diverts his authority over his own “congregation”/”body” to not-anointed elders/overseers/physical Gentiles to teach and judge them? (Ezek.20:32; 2 Cor.6:16; 1 Cor.6:15,19,20; 12:12,13,27,28; 1 John 2:27; John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7,13; 1 Thess.1:9; Eph.1:23; 5:5; Isa.42:8; Lev.19:4; 26:1; 1 John 5:21; Rom.1:21-23; Gal.1:6-9; Deut.12:29-32; Lev.20:22,23; Jer.10:2-4; 1 Cor.2:14; Deut.7:26; Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14). 
We are warned that an “apostasy comes first” before “God’s day.”  “Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it [God’s day, vs.2] will not come until the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the Temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god” (2 Thess.2:3,4).   

This very thing was prophesied to occur, is happening now, and has been revealed in Revelation.  What anointed leaders have departed from Christ’s teachings and have become adulterous, a “prostitute,” by their idolatrous acts, lauding and claiming a physical religious organization, an idol, is “God’s earthly organization”?  “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I, then, take the members of the Christ away and join them to a prostitute? By no means!” (1 Cor.6:15).  This “wild beast,” Watchtower, is led by a “false prophet” who has “breathed life,” a spirit of divine authority into its “image,” not-anointed elders/overseers (Rev.13:1-18).  The only spirit this “image” has been given is out of the mouth of the “false prophet,” a deceiving spirit that originates from Satan and blasphemes God, “slandering his name and his dwelling place,” His holy people…inciting God’s wrath (Rev.13:4,7-10; Rom.2:5-8; Rev.14:9-11; 1 Pet.2:9; Heb.13:14; Col.3:12; Eph.2:6-10,12,19-22; Phil.3:3; Rom.2:28,29; 1 John 4:6; John12:44; 8:44; Jude 1:4; Deut.7:26; 29:17; Jer.16:18; Isa.62:12; Ezek.5:11; 11:21; 16:36; 20:7,8; Ezra 9:1,2; Rom.2:17-24; Acts 17:24; Acts 7:48-53; Titus 1:2).  Do you dare to confront the leaders of Watchtower or their elder/overseer representatives who speak for them about their false teachings, or openly disagree with them?  If so, will you be left “unharmed” (avoid shunning, disfellowshipping)?  “Who is like the wild beast [Watchtower], and who can do battle with it?” (Rev.13:4). “And it [the false prophet] was permitted to give breath [appearance of divine spirit and authority] to the image of the wild beast [not anointed elders/overseers], so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed (symbolic for disfellowshipping and shunning) all those who refuse to worship the image of the wild beast” (Rev.13:15).
 
Can you now, using scripture, spiritually discern the apostasy that has occurred and the man of lawlessness/Gentiles/not-anointed that have taken a seat in God’s Temple and are trampling God’s spiritual Temple?  (2 Thess.2:1-4; Exod.20:3; 1 Cor.3:16,17; 6:2; Mark 13:1,2,14; Luke 21:20-24,28; 17:20,21; Matt.24:12,15,16; Rom.12:1; Dan.11:31; Rev.11:1,2; 13:7; 17:15; 21:27; John 18:36; Matt.24:4; Ezek.5:11; Deut.7:26; 2 Kings 17:41).  God’s spiritual Temple, Jesus, the head of this “congregation,” is being surrounded, hemmed in and trampled by not anointed/physical Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Rev.11:2; 12:17; 19:20; Dan.8:13; Heb.10:29; Acts 3:17-20; Jer.12:10; 17:5; 32:36-44; Isa.1:4-9; Rom.9:31-33; 6:16,20-22).  Do you discern the abomination?  It is time to flee! (Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:21; Dan9:27).  “But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually” (1 Cor.2:14).
 
God is right 100% of the time…all His prophecies come true (Dan.8:13; 1 Thess.5:20,21; 1 Cor.14:32; Deut.18:18,19; Jer.12:10; 17:5; 32:36-44; Heb.10:29; Hos.12:10; Amos 3:7; 2 Chron.20:20; 24:19; Isa.1:4-9; 8:20; 30:10; Matt.5:11,12; Rom.12:6,7; Eph.4:11-13; 1 John 4:1).  God always warns His people when they become wayward, sending messengers to warn them, and with good news...a remnant will repent, and return to their “head,” Jesus, worshiping God in truth and spirit (Rev.22:12-16,18,19; 21:22-27; Eph.4:15; 5:23; Col.2:10; John 4:23,24; 16:13; Rev.3:12; 12:17; 19:20; Acts 3:17-20; Jer.4:1; Isa. 10:20-23; Ezek.11:18; 2 Kings 19:30,31; Rom.6:16; 9:27). Who do you believe and have more faith in…Christ’s teachings, or the Watchtower’s? (John 5:22-24: Luke 10:16; 1 John 2:23; Isa.29:13; Mark 7:6; Matt.15:8; Eph.2:8,9; Titus 1:16).  

“Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues” (Rev.18:4). 

Rachel Roman-Pruden

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.25:5-6,7)]
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.3:1-2,3; 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; 13:1-2,3-4,5; Rev.17:14; Isa.5:26; 11:12; 2:2-3,4) 
...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 (Mark 11:22-23) 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)? (John 2:19,21;  1Cor.12:27)
     (Rev.21:14; Matt.16:18; John 6:70; 15:16; Eph.2:20-21,22).
     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. 
    (John 16:7-8,13-14,15; Rev.5:7; 10:1-2,3; 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; John 16:8; 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; Mark 8:35; 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 (John 8:17) 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 (John 1:3,10-11). 
("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; John 8:17) (Rev.19:11,14; 17:14). 
He is the one who sends forth his angels/messengers/witnesses 
(Matt.13:41; 24:31; John 1:51; 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; John 12:49-50; 6:63), 
spiritual light (Rev.22:16; Mal.4:2; John 8:12), 
and bread from heaven (John 6:35,49-50,57-58) 
     that is hidden (John 14:21,6; 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 1 John5:6-9? (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 (John 17:17), 
and of course, that living water is the truth (John 4:10,14,24).


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; John 20:22-23).

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)

Friday, March 12, 2021

Memorial 2021

 Memorial 2021 -- Thursday March 25, after Sundown

Commemoration of the Lord's Memorial, is rightly held at the start (sunset) of Nisan 13.
(The Jewish day runs from sunset to sunset)
For those of you who did not realize that Jesus held the occasion and died, on Nisan 13, you can research that proof in the scriptures, by using the search box on this Blog Main Page, 
Mark 14:12; 15:42-43; John 19:14,31,42

While the Passover lambs were being sacrificed for the sundown/Sabbath to come, Jesus was also dying on his torture stake 
(Luke 22:7; John 1:29;  1Cor. 5:7; John 19:9; Isa.53:7). 
That was the afternoon following the memorial [and the same Jewish day (sundown to sundown) as the Memorial / Day of Preparation / first day of the week of Unfermented Cakes - first day of Passover Week 
(Luke 22:1,8,13-15,19,29; Rev.5:9-10; Mark 14:12; 15:42-43)]. 
(Mark 14:12; 15:42-43; John 19:14,31,42)
Jesus was buried in a tomb, before the Passover Sabbath (Nisan 14), even began (John 19:31,33).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As far as calculating when Nisan 13 takes place during this year,
I will review with you, the procedure as follows...

The way in which Nisan is calculated, is to find out when the Spring Equinox occurs. 
I will calculate it for my area, but the calculation will translate around the globe.

For this year (2021), the Spring Equinox is Saturday, March 20 at 5:37 a.m..
Then go to the schedule of the new moon for each month in your area, 
(Google search)
and find the new moon that occurred BEFORE the Spring Equinox.
For 2021, that would be March 13 at 5:23 a.m.. The remainder of that day (5:23 am - sunset) belongs to the previous month.
[If the new moon occurs at an hour, after the sun has already set, then that 24 hour period (sunset to sunset) is still the last day of the last month. The fresh day, would start the following sunset... the first sunset after the New Moon has occurred.]

If there are more than 15 days between the previous new moon and the equinox, that new moon is considered the start of the last month of the year. Nisan would not begin, until the following new moon, which would occur after the equinox.
If there are less than 15 days between the previous new moon and the equinox, 
then the sunset following that new moon, is the start of Nisan 1.
March 13th is only 7 days prior to the equinox, so March 13 (after sunset) is the start of Nisan. Sundown on March 13, starts the first day of the first month (Nisan 1) of the new Jewish year.
Next, is to count 13 days from the starting evening of Nisan 1.
For my location, that brings the start of Nisan 13, to the sunset of Thursday March 25, 2021.
This is when I intend to partake. 
It is up to each individual, to decide what they will choose to do.
Nisan 1, runs from sunset on March 13 to sunset on March 14. Nisan 2 runs from sunset on March 14, to sunset March 15, and so on...(N3/ssM15),(N4/ssM16),(N5/ssM17),(N6/ssM18),(N7/ssM19),(N8/ssM20),(N9/ssM21),(N10/ssM22),(N11/ssM23),N12/ssM24),(N13/ssM25)


If you have received miraculous, scriptural proof of God's choosing you (Rom.8:16; Eph.4:4;  1Cor. 11:28-29) to belong to the Bride of Christ, and wish to partake with us (1Cor. 11:33), 
please contact me using the contact form in the right side column of this Main Page.

If you desire to gain more scriptural information about who should partake, there are many posts which address that questions, from many angles. I will provide a few links. If you would like more... Please use the search box.

Additional Pages for Study (coming soon)