Jew or Gentile?

What is a Jew?
What is a Gentile?
The answers to these questions are easy, if we are viewing things physically.

The nation of Israel is historically known as having a culture that centered around their worship of the Biblical God. Physically, a Jew is physically from the lineage of Abraham, and belongs to the physical "Nation" of Israel. 

The nations/Gentiles are historically known as a culture that centered on conquest, power, control, and riches... while many paid homage to a variety of gods. Physically, a Gentile is physically from lineage other than physical Jew (Oriental, Celtic, Indian, Latino, Slavic, etc.). 

    

What about spiritual nationality? 

Is there such a thing?

At John 8:33,39, Abraham's physical descendants, claimed to be of Abraham's lineage.
This may have been true in a physical sense, but take note of what Jesus disclosed...
John 8:37,39,40,41,42,43,44.
So apparently, Jews can lose Abraham as their father. Obviously, Jesus was not talking about losing a genetic identity. He well knew that the Jews were Abraham's physical descendants (John 8:37).
Abraham was a man of Faith. This was the reason he received the promise of blessings for him and his seed (Rom.4:13).
Those who imitate Satan, become Satan's seed. The Jews who imitated Satan in lying and deadly intent, lost Abraham as their father.

Can physical Gentiles, gain Abraham as their father?
Those who imitate the faith of Abraham (Rom.4:13,16; Gal.4:28; 3:7; Heb.11:8; 13:13; Rev.18:4), are "grafted in" to the promises given Abraham, becoming his seed (Gal.3:29; Matt.3:9; Rom.9:6,8,7; (Heb.11:17; John 3:16) Rom.8:28,29,30). (Isaac is fulfilled in Christ)
These physical Gentiles, can become spiritual sons of Abraham (through imitation of his courageous faith)...spiritual Jews...receiving the "circumcision of the heart" (Rom.2:28,29; Phil.3:3; Col.2:11).

If a physical Gentile can become a spiritual Jew...
Can a physical Jew become a spiritual Gentile?
Well we have already seen that, at John 8:39,44; But please consider these words:
Jer.9:25,26; Acts 7:51; 13:46; Eze.31:18; 32:19; Rom.2:25; Amos 9:7,8,9,10; Rom.11:7,19,20,21,22

The scriptures teach us that there are Jews....
physical Jews,
 and spiritual Jews (through faith in Christ).
The scriptures teach us that there are Gentiles...
physical Gentiles who may come to be considered spiritual Jews by God,
and spiritual Gentiles, who are not considered God's Nation,
even if they are, physical Jews.

Review:
There are four groups:
Physical Jews (Physical descendants of Abraham
                         -lost their inheritance unless they accept Christ.
                         -Matt.21:43; Acts 13:46; John 3:36; Luke 19:41,42,43,44;
                          Matt.23:37,38; Deut.31:17; Micah 3:4; John 7:1; Matt.27:23,24,25)
Spiritual Jews  (Spiritual descendants of Abraham-heirs of the promises given Abraham 

                          -Gal.3:29; John 1:47; Deut.11:18; Rev.14:1,5; Jer.31:33; 7:23)
Physical Gentiles  (Physical descendants "of the Nations" outside physical Israel-
                             Can become spiritual Jews. -Rev.5:9,10; 7:4)
Spiritual Gentiles  (Not anointed, hearts uncircumcised by Spirit, unwashed from sin,
                            -Can be a physical Jew.
                            -awaiting life's provisions through acceptance of kingdom ambassadors
                            -John 13:20;  1Cor. 4:1; Mal.2:7;  2Cor. 5:20)
                            These are NOT PERMITTED to serve as anointed priests/"Jews" (Rev.2:9)
                             in Christ's Temple arrangement (2Chron. 23:6;  1Cor. 3:16;  1Pet. 2:5,9),
                            although the non-anointed elders today, do so.
                            (Mark 13:14; Eze.44:6,8,9;  2Chron. 13:9; Matt.24:15,16)
                            (see pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)

The little flock is thought to be all anointed, while the "other sheep" are thought to be not anointed.
This is not correct.
The little flock are the fleshly Jewish anointed, and the "other sheep" are the fleshly Gentile anointed.
When Jesus said I have other sheep and these too I must bring in (to be one flock -John 10:16), he said this because Jesus and the apostles only "called" (Rom.8:29-30) fleshly Jews to inherit the kingdom during his 3 1/2 year ministry (Matt.15:24; 10:6), out of a preference which resulted from the promises given to Abraham (Rom.11:28). When as a race, they rejected and slaughtered God's Son (Matt.21:38,39,40,41,42,43; 23:37,38;  1Chron. 28:9; Matt.27:24,25; 23:35,37), the deficiency of the new anointed priesthood (1Pet. 2:9,10; Rev.5:9,10), was compensated for by fleshly Gentiles who would "produce fruit when due". This is still God's requirement for those to be His Nation (Matt.21:43; John 15:8; Matt.24:45,46). (Acts 13:46; 3:25,26; Rom.15:8; 1:16; John 4:20,21,24; Luke 24:47; Acts 11:9,12,15,17,18; 2:33; 10:45,46,47). After the Jews rejected God's Son, He turned to the Nations to make up the lack of the "full number" (Rom.11:25; 9:18; Rev.14:1; Heb.12:22,23; Luke 10:20).
Are physical Jews today producing such true fruit, due to their unity with Jesus Christ? (John 15:4,5; 17:21) If not, then they are still not the nation producing that fruit when due. This means that the Kingdom, still does not belong to them (Matt.21:43).
It was not until later that Gentiles were also being brought in by holy spirit, which spirit was sent because Christ returned to the father and sent it (John 14:28,16; 16:7). This was how he fulfilled his words..."these also I must bring in" (John 10:16).

These anointed (both fleshly Jew and fleshly Gentile) became one anointed flock. They were no longer separated by their flesh
(Eph.2:11-22 --(click on, to read);  Gal.3:26,27,28,29; Acts 10:34,35; Gal.6:15,16), but rather all together became spiritual Jews, the "Israel of God", God's new nation under a New Covenant (Heb.8:13) to become New Jerusalem.

The designation "little flock" no longer matters, because it has been almost two thousand years since that little Jewish flock was gathered together with the other sheep into one flock. There is no longer "Jew" or "Greek" (Gal.3:28), but rather, the temple of God, made of all nations, tribes people and tongues (Rev.5:9,10) chosen to become the New Israel of God (Rev.7:4). One's flesh no longer matters, because it is through Faith, that the kingdom promises given to Abraham are inherited (Gal.3:29,28; Heb.6:12)

Understanding the distinction between spiritual Jews and spiritual Gentiles, is essential, in understanding the identities of Revelation. In symbolic terms, both "Jews" and "Gentiles", are depicted.
Understanding "what will soon take place" is not possible, if the details pertaining to those two identities, are not discernible.
There is a "Gentile" Beast, from the "sea" (Rev.13:1; Isa.57:20; Rev.13:8,7; 11:2),
and there is a benefactor of the "sea Beast"... a lamb-like lying Beast ("Jew"), from the "earth" Rev.13:11,15; 19:20 who has broken her marriage covenant with God (Isa.1:21; Jer.23:10; Hosea 6:7; Isa.28:15).
Once we accurately perceive these two allies, we can understand how the "Man of Lawlessness"/"abomination of desolation" (2Thess. 2:4; Rev.13:18), received "his" power over God's Temple (Eph.2:20-22;  1Cor. 3:16-17;  1Pet. 2:5) and Holy Place (Matt.24:15-16; Rev.11:2; Luke 21:24; Rev.13:10,7) (Dan.11:31-33; 8:24-25;  2Thess. 2:8,3).
("Two Beasts") ("Iron and Clay") (disgusting-thing/abomination)

I hope this explanation helps to make other posts clearer.

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The Great Crowd (again)

Dear Pearl,

Please take into consideration one important argument...

-- the Rev 7 is a vision ... the first ones are first in importance before Father 

it is seen the total group of the 144000 ones - ( after being made free from Babylon -the contemporaries ones) , cleansed and sealed = a total amount of 144000  out of every tribe of Spiritual Israel .

SO , that means all the actions from Jehovah's part for the building up of this "group"  is done/finished

then it comes :

9. After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes and peoples and tongues......

please see (consider)  that John (the present "remnant") sees  this "after these things" / that shows us another action, with another group , an action which continues after the completeness of the first actions with the first group 

(more than that: the first ones are "out of every tribe of Israel"   while the seconds are "out of very tribes, nations, tongues...)

Now, there is something common to Jehovah's witnesses , which no other so called christian group has: - I mean a truth , the fact that there are two folds of people: the Christians

 - that is those who have faith and obey Christ /

-  and those (of course, with faith)  called by Father to be with His Son and having the anointment of the Spirit upon them 

MY REPLY:

Dear Xxx,

First I want to thank you for your support, when you post links to the writings.

Many come and read due to your help.

Now for your comments....

Not all anointed, are prophets (1Cor.12:27,29; Num.12:6). Not all of the remnant are "like the apostle John" was, when he was given visions of the end, which he wrote down in the book of Revelation.

For those never given visions, it is hard to understand 

how they are shown and written, and why  they are written the way that they are.

I was shown many visions. 

It is necessary to see them, one at a time. 

Yet...the things I saw did not happen (and are not fulfilled) in the order I was shown them.

In fact....I was shown the same things...over and over again...from various angles, other perspectives, and different viewpoints. Each vision added to my understanding of the same subjects and events.

So you see, the last vision did not happen "in time", after the first vision. 

Neither did their fulfillment happen in the order they were shown.

Can you understand this?

When Jesus described what "the kingdom of the heavens will become like", he gave many different parables.

Do we imagine that he was talking about many different kingdoms that were all different?

No. We know that it is all the same kingdom. We know that if we combine all the different descriptions, we make a full picture... to understand many things about one  kingdom.

This is how visions take place. There are many different visions....all describing different parts of the same truth.

Like many facets of the same gem, we must see each facet before we see the whole gem. 

This is what different visions accomplish.

It is the same with the visions given to John. I know this. I also had visions just like him.

I was given the visions to explain the book of Revelation. I know how to understand the way it is written.

Those who have not learned this way....they take the book from a human standpoint, and view the prophecies as having human timing.

When John says..."then I saw"...

he is not saying what happens next in prophecy .

He is telling what he saw next. 

There is a big difference between how a prophet learns, and how reality takes place.

When Jesus said what the kingdom will become like (Matt.13:24,31,33,45,47; Matt.25:1,14);

he did not mean that things would happen in that order....

that first the kingdom would be like a farmer...and then later... after that, it would become like a mustard grain.

No. All these things happen during the same time. 

But we do not learn each part of the Truth, all at the same time, do we?

And Jesus does not teach  all the facts at the same time (John 16:12). 

Otherwise, there would only be one  parable/illustration. 

Please understand that when Rev.7:4 describes the 144000 (as being Jews) (see Rom.2:29; Gal.3:29),

and THEN describes the Great Crowd as being of all nations (Rev.7:9; 5:9,10; Gal.3:28)...

IT IS NOT DESCRIBING two different time periods. It is not describing two different groups of people.

Just as Jesus gave many illustrations for the "kingdom" and what it would become like;

he also gave many descriptions of the sealed anointed. Why? So that we could understand these things more fully, with more detail.

This is the situation when we learn by means of illustrations, and when we learn by means of visions, (such as the book of Revelation). Illustrations compliment one another. Visions compliment one another. They each add information to the whole understanding. I know this.

You have made assumptions without the direction of scripture to do so.  

It is true that the Great Crowd shares traits with the 144000 priests, 

and yet it has a unique trait....these come through the time of the end and the Great Tribulation. 

Not all 144000 do that.

If you have a graduating class, and some of them receive special awards....

this does not mean that the students who are honored are not a part of the original graduating class, does it?

We are told that the Great Crowd have the honor of spiritually surviving the Great Tribulation.

This does not mean that they are not a part of the 144,000.

Rev.7 teaches us....and we must accept... that the 144000 are spiritual  "Jews" (Rom.2:28,29; Rev.7:4)

and at the same time also physically come from all Nations (Rev.5:9,10) (both Jew and Gentile- Acts 10:34,35; 15:12,13,14,15,16,17; 11:9; Rom.9:23,24; Eph.2:19,20,21,22; Rev.7:9)

By Jesus showing John that the heirs of the kingdom were BOTH spiritual Jews (in covenant), but also physically from all Nations...we learn both these truths about them...

That they are Jews (God's people)...BUT NOT PHYSICAL JEWS in the flesh. This corrects many present misunderstandings.

Both these truths (spiritual Jew, yet physical Gentile) cannot be illustrated all at once in the same symbols at the same time....

so they are shown in successive illustrations....

consistent with the way Jesus always taught, by many successive illustrations.
A vision IS an illustration. The only difference is that the student sees and lives it, rather than only hearing it. Anyone can read the Bible's illustrations. They can pray for Holy Spirit to understand, and they can read explanations from others.
But when God's spirit gives a vision, there is no room for misunderstanding. The prophet can question God's messenger or Christ directly, when the prophet needs more information or is confused. To experience something directly, makes a prophet a valid witness. Once a prophet is taken in the power of the spirit into spiritual, unseen realities surrounding events and identities; their faith and knowledge is a powerful shield against Satan's deceptions and doctrines/interpretations of men.

Each description and illustration,
and each vision,

teaches us a different part of the very same truth about the very same thing. 

I have learned directly from Christ.

I have received visions just like the apostle John. 

I know how Jesus teaches, and I know and understand how to interpret what 

both I and John were shown.

We can not nullify scripture. Each and every thing Revelation tells us about the Great Crowd, 

is how the chosen priests  are described in other scriptures.

We must accept the Bible's own interpretation of who the Great Crowd is.

Let us consider only one  of the many descriptions of them....Rev.7:15

"and they render sacred service day and night in his temple".

The "Temple" in Revelation is not  the physical "shadow" of the reality to come (Col.2:17; Heb.8:5). 

The "temple" in Revelation symbolizes the anointed 144000 priests, among whom God dwells (1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:21,22; Rev.7:15 D).

If you read  Heb.10:11; 8:1,2; Num.18:5,6,7;  2Chron.23:6;  1Chron.23:3,4,5,24,28,30,32; Eze.44:5,9,15,16
("day and night" Rev.7:15;  1Chron.23:30)

you will see that the Bible says that the only ones permitted to "render sacred service...in the Temple" are God's priests (2Chron.23:6).

They are the only ones allowed to do this (Num.18:7).
Rev.7:9 tells us that these include those who were not his people (physical Gentiles), but these have now been "shown mercy" and made priests....
physical "Gentiles" made into spiritual Jews and  Holy priests (1Pet.2:10,9; Rev.5:9,10)
by means of spiritual circumcision of the heart (Rom.2:28,29; Col.2:11).

These who serve in God's temple, can not be spiritual Gentiles (uncircumcised in heart by spirit) who never received the circumcision of the heart (Eze.44:7). Only anointed, spiritual "Jews" and priests receive this circumcision by spirit (Rom.2:28,29) and may enter the temple to render acceptable sacred service (1Pet.2:5; Rev.7:15). 

Those born in the flesh as Gentiles, but who receive a circumcised heart by spirit, become spiritual Jews. (Eph.2:11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21; Eph.2:22; Eph.3:1,2,3,4,5,6]

If you and Xxxx do not understand these things,

you will not perceive the "disgusting thing" standing in the "Holy Place"

     (spiritual Gentiles- not anointed) standing in the Temple (taking over the priesthood- 2Chron.13:9; Eze.44:7).

If you still see the Great Crowd as not anointed (uncircumcised in heart), 

and that it is fine for them to serve in the temple,

then you accept what God thinks is an abomination. (2Chron.23:6; Num.3:10; Eze.44:7)

Please give Xxx all these scriptures and please tell him if that he still thinks that the Great Crowd of Rev.7:15 are not God's chosen priests and a part of the 144000 spiritual Jews, (Rev.7:4; 20:6)

then he must send me the scriptures which tell us

 that those not receiving the circumcision of the heart by spirit (Col.2:9,10,11,12; Rom.6:4,5; 2:28,29; Eph.3:6) may also render acceptable service to God in His spiritual Temple,

because that idea goes against the scriptures that I know (see some above), as well as prophecies which I was given understanding for.

If God finds it acceptable for spiritual Gentiles to serve in his temple,
then the Man of Lawlessness in 2Thess.2:4 is doing an acceptable thing, when he also trespasses into, and raises himself up "in God's temple" (Dan.8:11; 11:37).
 A spiritual Gentile is one who is uncircumcised in heart. (Eze.44:7,9)

Jesus said that in God's eyes, spiritual Gentiles in the Temple is a "disgusting thing"!
(Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14; Rev.11:2; Dan.8:13; 11:31) and caused the "Temple" (1Cor.3:16; Eph.2:20,21,22) to become defiled (Dan.11:31; Jer.7:30; Dan.11:37,38; Jer.19:4; Rev.13:8).

Why then, would it seem good, for those in Rev.7:9,10 to be "saved" through the Great Tribulation and wear "white robes", if these are uncircumcised Gentiles who are breaking God's Temple Laws by replacing the priests in rendering sacred service?

Please study the previous scriptures. They will tell you and Xxx who the "Great Crowd" must be.

The scriptures can not be nullified, even if we think we understand something the Bible does not say.
The Bible must agree with itself, or else we have the wrong interpretation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

When John said "after these things" he adds "I saw and look" (Rev.7:9 A).

It was after... that he saw...

not after, that it happened in fulfillment of prophecy.

This seeing "after", has nothing to do with fulfillment, or human timing.

Thinking that this indicates the order of prophetic fulfillment, is an assumption.

It indicates rather, the beginning of the next illustration.

This is how visions teach...in layers. 

Truths are shown in vision, over and over, until you learn the whole picture.

The scriptures about who is allowed to "render sacred  service in God's spiritual Temple" (Rev.7:15), 

must not be nullified.

If we do disregard these, we will never understand "the disgusting thing standing in a holy place".

There is a provision for life to those not circumcised in heart by spirit....

but it is not by means of them becoming the "disgusting thing".

That provision for life, is contained in the scriptures (Matt.10:40,41,42; 25:45,46).

If we understand the Great Crowd as not  anointed, 

then we believe the same lie "Jehovah's Witnesses" believe.

This lie from Satan lets those not chosen as priests, feel entitled to serve God "in His Temple priesthood", even emboldening them to name themselves, Jehovah's chosen witnesses (Isa.43:10,21;  1Pet.2:9), and be equal and even over the priests, allowing the trampling of the Holy Ones (Rev.11:2; Dan.7:25; 8:13; Luke 21:24; John 16:2; Rev.13:7).

This lie was needed for Satan to control the anointed and prevent their being sealed,

which is the result to those who let themselves be dominated and tormented by those who take over the Temple Priesthood from them (Isa.5:5; Dan.12:7; Lam.1:10; Rev.9:3,4,5,10). That dominating, tormenting identity is the "Man of Lawlessness"/"Wild Beast"/"Locust-Scorpions" (2Thess.2:3,4; Rev.13:7,8,15,16; 9:3,4,5,10). These are all the same entity.

I sympathize, that in seeing the Great Crowd as not being chosen priests, you yourself may not desire to trample God's chosen and anointed priests.

You may feel qualified to build your faith without the spirit given to them, to teach you with scripture (Mal.2:7).

You may feel that the service of the priests in the Temple, is no different than the service of others.

You may feel that it is nothing for God Himself to choose His nation to serve him,

and then for others not chosen nor cleansed, to render the same service.

But this is not at all what the Bible teaches.

  - Teach-the-distinction.html

It is nothing for you to speak against, reject, or blaspheme God's chosen priests;

but it is something to reject God's Word and spirit. (Matt.12:31,32; Eph.6:17)

Please, read and accept the scriptures I have given you.

Love,

Pearl

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When do the Twelve Apostles, judge the Twelve tribes?

READER COMMENTS AND QUESTION:

Good day sister D
 Thank you so much for sharing that with me, i can just imagine how that makes you feel. You are truly Jehovah's chosen vessel, clay in His hands, letting him do with you what he pleases.
 As usual i have been following your letters with interest and i drew a couple of points from the letter you posted yesterday:-
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/11/good-morning-sister-doxsey-thank-you.html)

 Matt 19:27-28 - does that mean that the apostles were resurrected when Jesus received the rulership from his father Jehovah in 33 CE and have been judging the invited ones since then?

REPLY:

Here is the scripture you reference...
Matt.19:27,28:
Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Your question:
Matt 19:27, 28 - does that mean that the apostles were resurrected when Jesus received the rulership from his father Jehovah in 33 CE and have been judging the invited ones since then?

  [First, I just need to state the point that when called and chosen by God, it is not an invitation that can be refused (Rom.11:29). One becomes either faithful or unfaithful. Rev.17:14]

Likely Peter did not yet realize that all anointed would have to leave "everything to follow" Christ (Luke 9:23; Mark 8:34-5)...not just the apostles. He also may not have yet realized, that these twelve apostles, as such, (1Cor.12:28,29) would occupy "first" place in the rank of the entire anointed body of Christ. They would be the foundation of faith, for all temple stones to follow them (Rev.21:14; 1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:20-22).
When Jesus told them that they would judge the tribes of Israel, they may have been thinking "fleshly" Israel. (Acts 1:6; Gal.4:25) rather than the Israel of God to come (Rom.9:6; 2:28-29; Gal.3:2; 6:16). They viewed the restoration of God's people, also as literal. 

See what God had in mind... 

"3 The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord.”

4 These are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah:

How awful that day will be!

    No other will be like it. (Matt.24:21,9-13)

It will be a time of trouble for Jacob,

    but he will be saved out of it. (Rev.12:17; Luke 21:20; Rev.20:9)

8 “‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty,

    ‘I will break the yoke off their necks

and will tear off their bonds; (Rev.13:7,10; Luke 21:24; Eze.21:12-13)

    no longer will foreigners enslave them. 

14 All your allies have forgotten you;

    they care nothing for you.

I have struck you as an enemy would

    and punished you as would the cruel,

because your guilt is so great

    and your sins so many. (Eze.44:10; Rev.13:7-8)

17 But I will restore you to health

    and heal your wounds,’

declares the Lord,

‘because you are called an outcast,

    Zion for whom no one cares.’ (John16:2; Mark13:13; Rev.11:7-10)

18 “This is what the Lord says:

“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents (Job 33:18,23-24,30; Ps.49:15; Isa.48:20; Jer.51:6; Rev.18:4)

    and have compassion on his dwellings;

the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,

    and the palace will stand in its proper place. (Dan.9:25; 8:11-14; 11:31-33,34-35,36-37; 2Thess.2:4; Mark13:14; Rev.13:15)(Dan.11:44-45; 2Thess.2:8) (Dan.12:1,4,7-9,10-13)

Chapter 31 

“1 At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” (Rev.21:3,7)

2 This is what the Lord says:

“The people who survive the sword (Rev.13:10; 19:15; Heb.4:12)

    will find favor in the wilderness; (Eze.21:16-17; Matt.24:15-16; Eze.34:13; 36:8; Luke21:21-22; 17:29-31,32-34; Luke17:35-37 KJV)

    I will come to give rest to Israel.”

(Rev.14:13; Heb.4:1,9,11)

I suggest reading the entire chapters of Jer.30 and Jer.31, for those who recognize the connection to Revelation.

Built on the apostolic foundation, all other parts of the Israel of God, would be in subjection to these who are "first".

This is demonstrated, when all anointed "parts" of Christ's body, subject themselves to the Greek scriptures, which were written largely by these 12.

Jesus here tells Peter, exactly how these would be "first". He says that they will "judge" the "tribes of Israel". These twelve are the main part of the "foundation" of the Holy City (Eph.2:19,20; 3:5; Rev.21:14); and they determine all those to be "built up" upon them/their foundation (1Cor.3:9,10; Eph.2:21). Those tribes that were to come, are referred to in Rev.7:4. There it speaks of those who attain a seal to become established as part of the 12 tribes of the 144,000, built upon the "foundation" of the 12 apostles.

As stated at Rev.7:4, these are sealed from among the twelve tribes. In other words, those being selected, are from a pool of the twelve tribes of spiritual Jews (Rom.2:29; Gal.3:29), people in Covenant with God..."Israelites" (Gal.6:15,16). They have all been offered a promise from God....That should they prove faithful and endure to the end, they will become sealed heirs with Christ. (1Cor.4:1,2; Matt.24:13)

Not all who are bought with Christ's blood (Rev.5:9,10) succeed in winning that race (1Cor.9:24,25; Luke21:36; Matt.24:13; Mark 8:35; Rev.3:11; 2Pet.2:1; Matt.22:14). Jesus heeds the One who determines who gains life (Rev.3:5; 20:15; 13:8; Dan.12:1)(Rev.7:2-4; John6:27; 2Cor.1:21-22; John18:9)

Who assist in judging the winners of the seal? Here Jesus tells the twelve apostles, that it will be them.... just as the 12 sons of Jacob/fleshly Israel, had a tribe of sons under each of them.
When do the twelve begin this job of judging the candidates....which started to be chosen in the first century, up until our present time? I offer you what the scriptures indicate as possible answers.

First possibility...if the apostles are written in the Lamb's scroll of life, but rest in their grave until the end...this would mean that they would need to be conscious for the judging of the last chosen ones...the remnant to come out of the Great Tribulation. Judging those who preceded the remnant, would not have to be judged during the time in which they lived, because their record of deeds could be brought up and judged at the same time that the remnant are being judged. The final ones could not be sealed without the conscious presence of the apostles, because if they are to judge the 12 tribes....these could not all be sealed without their passing judgment.

We are told that judgment takes place in the time of the end (Rev.20:11-13), based upon the teachings of Jesus (John12:48), which were recorded by the apostles.

Second possibility...Jesus said that many living during his era would not see death at all. We are also told that many pass directly from death to life....a living condition in spirit. Other men of faith are also mentioned as "living" to יהוה, YHVH God. These are in the "memorial tombs". But Ec.9:5,6 tells us that the "living" are conscious that they will die; but as for the "dead" "the remembrance of them is forgotten". Although we have been previous taught by the WT that this is applied physically, I see it as spiritual......

"For the living know that they will die,
    but the dead know nothing;

[Eph.2:1 (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-is-sheole-hades.html)]
they have no further reward,
    and even their name is forgotten.
  Their love, their hate
    and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
    in anything that happens under the sun."

These "dead" are "forgotten". I suspect they are not in the "memorial tombs" awaiting resurrection (John5:28,29).
As these verses state..."they have no further reward" and "never again will they have a part in anything".
I strongly suspect that in God's eyes, they were spiritually dead, and have no future reward, nor life, under God's Kingdom/"anything that happens under the sun" (Mal.4:2; Rev.22:16). (Col.2:13; Eph.2:1; 1Tim.5:6).
Those deemed as worthy of a place in God's memory, (viewed by Him as good as living); seem capable of physical death. As Ec.9:5 stated, "the 'living' are conscious that they will die".
So we see it is likely that those who were faithful before Christ died (in every sense), although saved in God's memory for a future time, when they would be "made perfect" through a future City prepared for them (Heb.11:13,16,39,40), did indeed "die".

My point is that up until the apostles, faithful men died and became unconscious.
What about after Jesus came?
John11:25,26 reads...
"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

This riddle contains our answer, as to whether the apostles transferred from physical life to spiritual life, without ever dying. If so, it would enable them to judge chosen anointed, during the period in which each of those anointed ones lived.
Please also consider John6:47,50,51,58; John8:51; John5:24; 1John3:14 which show that not only may the apostles have never died, all faithful anointed attain this life. 

See also 1Cor.15:20-26...
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, those who belong to him at his presence. (Matt.24:3) 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death."

1Cor.15:51-54 reads;

"51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet (Rev.11:15). For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ (1Cor.15:26)

When we read;
"The rest of the dead did not come to life until the Thousand Years has ended" (Rev.20:5)

It is speaking of 'coming to life' in spirit, through faithfulness (Eph.2:1). 

The 144000 of the first resurrection (Rev.7:3-4; 14:1,4-5; 20:4,5-6) gained their spiritual standing of life, during the symbolic "thousand year" rule of Jesus Christ. 

The "rest"/remnant do not come to life until after the "thousand years", because they go through the Great Tribulation, when Satan is released and wages a successful war against these remaining ones/remnant of the woman's seed (Rev.20:7-9; 12:17; Luke21:20; Rev.13:7). To gain God's favor of life (Rev.2:10; James 1:12), they must conquer and prove victorious amid the idolatry toward the two beasts (Rev.13:1,11,15,7-8,13; Col.2:8; Luke 21:24; Rev.15:2) (Eze.37:5,14; Rev.11:11)
This last enemy death, is not fully destroyed until all are resurrected to life. This is not talking about the first resurrection of the priests and kings, who are said to get life first. (Rev.20:4,6)

We know that Christ's "presence" with his anointed, started in the first century and was promised to last until the end (see Matt.28:20 B)...
" And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

From all these foregoing scriptures, it would seem that anointed faithful are "written in heaven" as worthy of life (Luke 10:20; Heb.12:22-23), even while they are still living their physical lifetimes. 

We are told that we must be born again as spirit, in order to inherit the kingdom of God (John3:3,6).

There were those said to be so born, in the first century (1Pet.1:23). Did Peter speak of an assurance, a hope... or a present reality? 

Perhaps we should realize that the timing does not matter. What does matter, is how one is judged by God. If we receive a favorable standing; the fulfillment of God's promises are sure and guaranteed. Eternal life is given, regardless of when it is bestowed.

Were the apostles "changed" in the twinkle of an eye, but "never died"  upon their physical deaths (John11:26)?
Note 1Cor.15:50-55...
"I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead (spiritually dead) will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”
The promise is sure. Paul does not give undue attention to a calendar, but to the situation and circumstances. I agree with him. What matters is the victory over death and the grace of God... not the date upon which it happens.

The "sleep" referred to here (1Cor.15:51) is the state of temporary death (John11:11,12,13).
Paul is saying that not all will fall asleep in death. Yet clearly....some will (Matt.25:5; Luke 21:36 ESV) (Remember John11:25,26 ?)
Jesus said that those who "believe in him, though he dies, will live".
And of another group, "and whoever lives by believing in me will never die"
I see two groups....
1. Those already born of "incorruptible seed" (1Pet.1:23; John1:13; James 1:18; 1Pet.1:3; 1John3:9) will never die,
    but have already "passed over, from death to life" (the first resurrection -Rev.20:4,5-6)
2. Those who were dead in their sin of idolatry (Eph.2:1-2; Col.2:13; Rev.3:1; 13:7-8), but subsequently gained victory over that idolatry (Rev.15:2; 14:5) and came to life spiritually, by securing divine favor (Rev.3:5).

Why then does Paul refer to the first resurrection as occurring "at the last trumpet"?
I personally remain open to this arrival of the "seventh trumpet", as being within the heart of each sealed one.....just as the arrival of the daystar is (2Pet.1:19; 1Pet.1:22,23); which according to vision given me, occurs at the end of the "seven times". Each time carries with it, a symbolic "milestone" of accomplishment, within the heart of each anointed one, until they reach the full maturity of Christ (Eph.4:13; Heb.5:14; 1Cor.2:6).

So...how did the twelve apostles judge each chosen anointed one throughout time?
While I am not positively sure at this time, I hope the scriptures I have shared with you help you to see a good possibility, that the testimony the apostles gave, are a basis for judgment. Attaining spirit life now, is possible by gaining God's favor during our time in the flesh (2Cor.5:10). The timing of when eternal life is bestowed, I see as irrelevant.
If the first resurrection does not occur until a future common "seventh trumpet", when all will be raised at the same time chronologically and physically; then however and whenever the apostles do their judging of those sealed;
all scripture will be fulfilled and proven true.
If Holy Spirit widens my understanding of this, I will post more on the subject.
Thanks for your good question,
Pearl

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End of the New Covenant

In response to a comment left after the Jan.7 post,
I received this question:
"Is the second, "new covenant" not eternal? How can it be destroyed?
I have revised this post on 1/10/16, to accommodate increasing understanding about the time of the end.

REPLY:

To understand the answer to this, we need first to understand the general purpose of all God's Covenants,
and what a covenant with God actually is. Please acquire a foundation to this information, by first reading (pearl-thewoman.blogspot.com).
                                                              ****************************

You would likely understand more about the "New Covenant", if you re-examined what you already know about the "Old" Covenant.
First...both Covenants were promises made by God...as all His covenants were.
(Gen.6:18,19; Lev.26:9,12; Rom.4:13; 9:8; Gal.3:18; 4:28;
The Covenant with the Nation of Israel, promised a "seed"...a Messiah.
God's covenant with Abraham promised, that this "seed" would come from his family line, and that by means of that seed, all other families of the earth, would bless themselves.
That promise also included, that this seed would become heirs, to possess the earth (Rom.4:13; Heb.2:5,16; Gen.13:14,15; 28:13,14).
Eventually, promises, are fulfilled.
This is especially so when the One to make that promise, is Yhwh (Luke 1:37; Isa.55:11).

When the time arrives for the fulfillment of a covenant (promise),
the purpose of that covenant, ends.
This can be compared to an engagement to be married. The woman is promised in marriage. When that promise is fulfilled and the marriage takes place....The engagement/promise period, ends. Yet at the same time, the fulfilled promise, is forever. It is the same with God's Covenants.
A Covenant's fulfillment results in the next phase of God's purposes...all phases of which lead to the final purpose...
the restoration of a sinless physical creation, under the sovereignty of God and free of corruption. That is the goal of God's covenants and the "seed" they bear for Him.
Yet as we know, this purpose is being fulfilled in stages/a progressive chain of Covenants/"women" who bear promised seed (ie. Gal.4:24,26,28).

At the end/fulfillment of each stage/fulfilled promise (covenant)/birth of promised seed;
an adverse judgment takes place for those who proved unfaithful to that covenant with God
(those unworthy of the promised seed and it's blessings Heb.11:37,38; Matt.10:13,14,15).
Those who do prove faithful to the promised "seed" of the New Covenant, receive the fulfilled promise. (Matt.10:40,41,42; 25:40,34; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:39)

When Jesus Christ (the promised seed of the old Covenant) finally arrived, he fulfilled the Law Covenant. (Acts 13:23,32; Gal.3:16)
Those who accepted that promised seed, and "listened to him", benefited from that fulfilled Promise/Covenant. (Mark 9:7; Eph.5:23; 2:20;  2John 1:9)
Those who killed him, lost out on the benefit he offered (Matt.23:37; 16:3; 12:42). They were condemned by their rebellious deeds and were destroyed. (John 8:40; Matt.23:33)
So you see...it was not the covenant that was destroyed....it was those unfaithful to it...
The covenant/promise itself, was fulfilled (Matt.5:17; Rom.10:4). In this way, it ended.
Those who refused the grace and mercy of God through the promised seed, were destroyed (Luke 19:44; Isa.10:3; 29:3).

Now if you examine the old covenant according to these explanations,
you may recognize...
It was not the old Covenant that was destroyed...
it was those who proved unfaithful to it...
those who actually persecuted and killed the promised "seed" who finally did arrive as promised.
(Mal.3:1; Matt.21:38; John 19:15; Gal.3:16,19)
Yet that covenant ended, when it's purpose/promise/covenant, was fulfilled (Heb.8:7,13).
The "seed" arrived, he fulfilled the Covenant, and brought with him light and life (2Sam. 7:13; Luke 7:19,20,22,23; John 8:12; Acts 26:23).

So too with the New Covenant.
It also is a promise for a "seed" (Rom.9:8; Gal.3:7,14,29; 4:28,31,26; Heb.11:26; Isa.61:8).
When that seed arrives, the covenant is fulfilled (Rom.8:24,25; Rev.12:1,2,5; 2:26,27).
Those who accept and "listen to" that seed, "bless themselves" (Jer.12:16; Matt.5:14; 10:40;  1Tim. 4:16; Gen.17:7,19; Luke 1:55). These will be appointed over all the earth (Gen.28:13,14; 13:14; Psalm 2:8; 45:16; Matt.24:46,47; Rev.5:10; 20:6)
Those who persecute and destroy that seed, are in turn, destroyed (Isa.57:13;  1Cor. 3:16,17; Rev.11:7; 20:10,14;  2Thess. 2:8).
So you see, the New Covenant/Promise, also becomes fulfilled, and ends (Mark 14:24;  1Cor. 11:26; Heb.1:6; 10:13; Rev.5:9,10; Eph.1:4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12; Rev.7:4; 14:1).

The New Covenant/mother, is for the first resurrection. (Gal.4:26; Rev.20:4,5,6; Heb.11:35,40,16)
The woman/New Covenant/Promise for the anointed, is compared to a mother in heaven.
She gives them life upon the first resurrection to spirit, when they take on their mother's heavenly nature. (1Cor. 15:49,50,53; Rev.3:12)
When the first resurrection is completed (all 144000 come to "life"). The New Covenant is then fulfilled. The "thousand year" covenant, is then replaced with the eternal one. (Heb.11:16; Isa.61:8; Dan.7:9,18,22; Rev.11:15; Matt.25:21,34; Luke 16:10; 19:17)
"Women" are symbols for Covenant with God (Gal.4:24)

Please recall the changes that the "woman" goes through....

In heaven, crying out to give birth, with the Serpent awaiting to devour the Child (Rev.12:1,2,4)

on earth ("wilderness"), "away from the face of the Serpent" (Rev.12:6,14)
like a bride adorned for her husband
and at the same time....

 as the Holy City coming down from heaven (Rev.21:2)

The New Covenant "woman" is the one giving birth to the "male child" 144000 / New Creation.
The sealed representatives of the completed administration on earth, is the woman in the wilderness.
The Kingdom Covenant, is all 144000...placed into their position as heirs of creation, ready to bring life to the rest of Creation / fulfilled Bride of Christ (another woman covenant to bring forth seed).
All these women have different roles and represent different promises given them by God.
They are not all the New Covenant....Jerusalem above...the mother who will give life to God's firstborn new creation (Gal.4:26;  1Pet. 1:23)
The covenant/bride of Christ, which comes down out of heaven in the Kingdom, is a different Covenant....one for humanity on earth...to offer eternal life to the physical Creation. This is not the "New Covenant" (which lasts a "thousand years", and is now finished LINK), but is an Eternal Kingdom Covenant to restore all Creation, by making everything new and healed (Rev.21:5; 22:1,2,3,6; Dan.7:22,18).

If you read the article about "pearl-thewoman.blogspot.com",
you know that there is another "woman" to come after the New Covenant.
You can see that in the illustrations above.

When "she" "comes down" "out of heaven"...
Then it is time for the next promise/Covenant/woman, and her new "seed".

This is the last promise/covenant/mother. It is extended to the earth and physical humanity upon it. It's purpose is to offer them life. (the second resurrection of the "capstone"/"rest"/"remnant"/"great crowd", of the last of Christ's harvest of anointed priests) (Isa.61:4; Matt.17:11,2-3; 19:28) (Amos 7:1; Rev.9:3-4; 14:14-16)

So, the New Covenant/"woman", is a promise for seed. This promise fulfilled, is the actual materialization of that promise, into living spirit sons of God...the 144000 New Jerusalem, Mt. Zion, Holy City, "woman above" (Gal.4:26; Rev.12:1).
Before all 144000 are raised to life....all those Bible identities do not yet exist...but are only a promise/Covenant.
When they do exist and that promise/Covenant is fulfilled....there will be a new provision, a new promise/Covenant for life to the rest of Creation. (Isa.42:6; 2:2,3,4; 58:1; 61:4; 65:9; 60:1,3; 49:8) (2Cor. 6:2; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47; Rev.22:17; Gen.22:18; Gal.3:29)
...The New Covenant fulfilled and materialized, comes to be with mankind (Rev.21:2,3,4; 12:6,14-17). This is the next "mother"/"woman"/covenant/promise to bring forth provisions of life (Rev.22:1,2,17). The time comes, when her being barren, is reversed (Isa.54:1-17) (pearl-holycity.blogspot.com). Her presence (along with her Bridegroom) will remove death, pain, injustice and wickedness...for those who accept it's provision.

This Kingdom Covenant is depicted as Christ's "Bride", which comes down, out of heaven (Rev.21:9,2; 22:17;  2Cor. 11:2; Rev.14:4,5; Psalm 45:14;  2Pet. 3:14; Eph.5:27).
The purpose of the Kingdom Covenant occurs during the second resurrection...offering life to those overcome by the great tribulation/Satan's release from the abyss, just previous to Armageddon. Those who become seed to the final covenant, will also become sons of God. But these are not given life first, as are those of the New Covenant, who were never marked by the Beast, nor faced the Great Tribulation (Rev.20:4-5). They are not the firstborn/firstfruits from the dead, who rule with Christ in his time-limited "thousand year" kingdom (Rev.20:6;  James 1:18; Eph.1:12). The seed of the New Covenant are the firstborn sons of God's earthly family (Rev.14:4; Rom.8:23; Heb.12:22,23;  1Cor. 15:23,52).
The children of God are a new creation (2Cor. 5:17)...human and angel (1Cor. 15:44; Heb.8:5;  1Cor. 3:16; Eze.41:18,19)....born naturally as flesh, and "born again" as spirit (John 3:5;  1Cor. 15:50; Rev.21:17). Already human (of Adam and Eve -Gen.3:20), they have additionally been given spiritual parents (Gal.4:26;  1Cor. 15:45; John 20:22; Gen.2:7; Eze.37:14; John 6:63;  2Cor. 3:6), and have become, spiritual "seed"... the "New Heavens" (2Pet. 3:13; Eph.2:6).
(http://pearl-materialize.blogspot.com/)
http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/09/someone-on-panel-of-broadcast-at.html

The final covenant, the Kingdom Covenant, is the last Covenant needed. It provides a mother covenant for the last phase of God's purpose....to restore all things, in heaven and on earth, to righteous perfection and life. (Matt.6:10; Rev.21:3; Rom.8:19,21; Matt.17:11)
This does not occur under the New Covenant.
The purpose of the New Covenant, is to give spirit life to those who will rise first. Under God's eternal Kingdom, they support the implementation of the Kingdom Covenant, as they slave for God  and the representation of His Kingdom present on earth (Rev.22:3; 20:6; Dan.2:35,44-45; Zech.4:8-10,13-14)... the "two witnesses"/"Great Crowd"/"remaining ones" of the New Covenant seed.
(pearl-greatcrowd.blogspot.com)
This new creation mother Kingdom covenant, will provide life and "seed" for the earth. (Psalm 37:11,29) This mother was human, as well as being spirit. So too was the Son of Man human...the new "father" of earthly creation (Isa.9:6; Matt.12:8;  1Cor. 15:45).

The 144000 Kingdom administration is complete, the New Covenant is fulfilled. All 144000 have attained to life and are ready to fulfill their place in God's unfolding purpose. These acquire and implement the Kingdom Covenant, to which their "capstone" belongs, and is now present.
Once the New Covenant promise is fulfilled, the remaining members of the "Bride"/"late harvest" (who are present at Christ's return, and usher in/belong to the new Kingdom Covenant) are refined and made ready. This new Bride/woman/covenant (containing the complete spirit of truth) will "come down from heaven" (symbolically Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22-23) to offer perfect truth and life to everyone else.
This will soon include those who have died. (Rev.22:17; John 4:14; Acts 24:15; John 11:25,26)
The New Covenant is in force for all those redeemed by the blood of Christ. It did not establish life for physical creation now. It provides spirit life now for "the new creation", who are spirit sons of God. (Rom.8:14; John 3:6;  1Pet. 1:23)

Just as the Old Covenant was not destroyed...but it was fulfilled (by the birth of the promised seed, Christ -Matt.5:17). Those Chosen Ones who accept the purpose of this seed by listening to and obeying Christ, go to move ahead in the next phase of God's purpose....becoming the recipients of the next promise/New Covenant. (Gal.3:21,22,23,24,25)
So too, the New Covenant is not destroyed...but it is fulfilled (by the birth of it's  promised seed Rev.12:5; 2:26,27).

Those who accept the blessings of this seed, (by listening to them and not persecuting and killing them- Matt.25:40; 10:40,41), go to move ahead in God's purpose.....becoming recipients of the next promise/Covenant....
the one having come down from heaven, New Jerusalem.
This is the final Covenant/woman. It will last forever as the Bride of Christ the King. By means of this Kingdom Covenant; God's promises, Creations' restoration, and God's last creative day, is finally brought into complete fulfillment (Matt.12:8; Heb.4:11).
God...and the rest of His creation, will finally enter God's rest....the eternal Sabbath....when our Father in Heaven can finally declare that he sees all he has made, and it is eternally, very good...as it was before sin ever corrupted it. (Gen.1:31;  1Cor. 15:24)

Someday...the Kingdom Covenant will also be fulfilled... by the birth to eternal life of the entire human race seed, who also must accept and listen to the spirit sons of God (who were the promised seed of the woman/New Covenant). Already "living" due to the spirit of God within them, they are now the Kingdom Covenant/woman/mother from heaven. This Bride of Christ becomes the mother of eternal life for the resurrection/restoration of Creation.
The New Covenant was fulfilled, (all 144000 are sealed and receive the first resurrection) during Christ's Thousand Year reign, and previous to Satan's release from the Abyss/Great Tribulation. Their "capstone"/remaining ones, become the first to implement the last mother/Covenant/woman/promise needed. This Kingdom covenant will come down from heaven and enter the "wilderness", through it's new-creation representatives. It's life provisions will be eternal and perpetual, as the original tree of life was. (Rev.22:1,2) This is not the New "Covenant" / kingdom of a "Thousand Years") (Luke 22:29; Rev.5:10; 20:6).
The New Covenant is a promise leading to an eternal Kingdom of God  for those who prove faithful first/those of the first resurrection, during the "Thousand Year" kingdom of Christ (Matt.25:23; Luke 16:10;  2Tim. 2:12).... as well as the capstone...those who come through the Great Tribulation/"Great Crowd... who initiate THE eternal KINGDOM / covenant to come.
Once God's Kingdom arrives, the New Covenant is fulfilled.
Regarding the emblems of that present covenant-promise...
"We keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives." (1Cor. 11:26)

The New Covenant provides a ransom for the sins of the heirs, and a crown of hope, spiritual power and royal authority (Luke 10:19; Rev.3:21; 2:26,27; 5:10; 20:6; 1:5; 17:14).
The fulfilled Kingdom reality itself (not the promise), is what provides life for the physical creation.
It is this Kingdom Covenant, that will never be destroyed. (Dan.2:44; Luke 1:33; Heb.12:28; Isa.60:12; Eze.37:25; Dan.7:14,27; Haggai 2:7), nor passed on.
It too, will judge those who are unloving and  unfaithful to it's promised heavenly seed...
the sons of God, while they offered life, and when they are revealed (Rom.8:19; Matt.10:41).
Those who are thus judged negatively, will also be destroyed. (Rev.20:9; Matt.25:45,46)

Thank you for your good question.
If anything confusing remains, please follow up by means of the contact form.
Love in Christ,
Pearl

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A Thorn in the Flesh

2COR.12:7-10

You have heard it said that the "thorn" in the apostle Paul's flesh, was likely a speech impediment (2Cor.10:10), or poor eyesight. This doctrine may seem harmless, but accepting it could prove negligent. Why?
The "thorn" in Paul's flesh was a warning and lesson to all anointed prophets. If this warning and lesson is not discerned; it puts those prophets who overlook the actual warning, in danger.
First, lets examine the scripture which introduces this "thorn" Paul dealt with.

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" 2Cor.12:7
Eze.2:6; Judges 2:3; Num.33:55
At 2Cor.12:7 Paul equates this thorn with a "messenger of Satan". This "messenger" means "angel". Satan's messengers are described in scripture as messengers/angels of deception, liars, and impostors, (Matt.12:34; John8:44; 2Cor.11:14,15; Rev.12:7; Matt.24:24; 2Thess.2:2; Rev.13:11) who restrain the messengers (angels) of Truth, such as Paul was himself. (Rev.1:20; Luke20:35,36; John5:24; 4:14; Rev.11:3,4,7).

If we examine 2Cor.12:7 in more detail, we can learn much more. Paul says that the reason that God allowed this persecution by one of Satan's agents, was "to keep me from becoming conceited" (Rom.12:3). Why was Paul in danger of becoming puffed up? He explains, "because of the abundance of revelations/visions".
Paul had been taken into the spirit realm (2Cor.12:2). Sacred secrets were laid before his eyes (Amos 3:7; Num.12:6; John15:15; Rev.10:7; Dan.2:47; 11:33; Eze.29:21). The purpose of this was to educate Paul, that he might be granted understanding of God's purposes and have "opened" to him, God's prophetic Word (Luke12:37; Psalm 23:5; Luke22:27; Rev.3:20; John14:17; Rev.1:1; 20:12).
(http://pearl-newscrolls.blogspot.com/)
Such a unique privilege might make one feel superior. But as Paul well knew, any spiritual treasure he now possessed, was due to the grace and mercy of God 

(1Cor.4:7; Romans 9:16; 12:3; John3:27; 1Cor.1:27,28,29).

But, like Paul, we are all human. Pride is an innate defect (Mark9:33,34; Luke22:24). Therefore, God allowed a measure of discipline to remain with Paul (2Cor.12:8-10; Heb.12:6; Prov.23:13; Rev.2:27; Prov.23:14).
Finally, we are told that this "thorn" (Num.33:55; Mark 4:7; Eze.28:24NIV ; Judges 2:3; Luke21:20; Jer.4:3) was permitted, "to torment me".

These stinging thorns indeed do torment (Rev.9:5,10). The "reproach, persecution, and distress" these one's caused him (2Cor.12:10) kept Paul reliant upon the continuing strength provided by God. (2Cor.12:8,9)

Through this reliance upon God, Paul was progressively cleansed of pride, refined in holiness, perfected in maturity, and able to appreciate God's undeserved blessing. It kept him reliant upon the strength of his Heavenly father, rather than his own sense of self-righteousness.

Next is added the detail that this thorn was in Paul's "flesh" (2Cor.12:7; Num.33:55). The flesh is contrary to the spirit (Gal.5:17; Rom.8:5). Yes...pride is sourced in our sinful flesh. That is where the sting of those who challenge us, resides. Another possibility, is that the source of Paul's torment in his flesh, was his wife (Mark10:7,8,9; 1Cor.7:29 B). God did not give Paul permission to dismiss her.

  As-if-We-Have-no-Wife.html

While our flesh is yet weak and vulnerable to these thorns; we are under training (1Pet.5:10; Phil.1:6; Heb.5:8; Rom.8:17-18). Like Paul, we must learn to use these "thorns" (James 1:2,3,4) to learn full humility. 

As we progressively learn to walk by spirit (Gal.5:16; Rom.8:14; Matt.26:41), such cases of insult, ridicule, threat, and torment do not deter us at all....
but our Faith is for us, a shield (Eph.6:16; 1Thess.5:8).

  

Num.33:55; Eze.28:24NIV ; Matt.10:24,26; 2Cor.12:7
[If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. (John15:20)]
pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com

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Can the "Watchtower" Crumble?

Imagine yourself back in First Century Jerusalem.
The Temple there is a hub of worship in the name of Yhwh.
You know that in all the world, this was the one City that seems centered upon the True God.
How could God ever allow it to be destroyed? How could living outside the walls of this great City
(perhaps alone in the wilderness), ever be preferable to being inside among "God's chosen people"?
To live outside in the wilderness,
would seem so displaced from "true worship", and all those practicing it.
Would this attitude have been correct?
The disciples of Jesus once said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" (Mark 13:1)
Luke 21:5 puts it:
"Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God."

Even the disciples closest to the Son of God were swayed by appearances. Remember...this appeal to Jesus was made immediately after Jesus announced that he was leaving this form of worship for good (Matt.23:38,39; Matt.24:1). The disciples were dismayed that such impressive buildings, history, and outward displays of dedication to God, could be dismissed and rejected by their Teacher. Let's consider Christ's response.
"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." (Mark 13:2)
 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6)
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Matt.24:2)

Then Jesus elaborates upon more of the signs that will involve this very City and it's Temple...

 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you in advance." (Matt.24:15-25)

“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it does not belong” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." (Mark 13:14)

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written." (Luke 21:20-22)
pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com

History has established Christ's warning as valid. Despite the outward show of piety and an apparent divine favor and blessing; Jesus saw the spiritual realities. It was the spiritual frame of reference from which he spoke. No matter how impressive a form of worship may appear, it is a fleeting mist if it is not constructed by, and approved of, by God (Psalm 127:1;  2Cor. 4:18;  2Pet. 3:11;  1John 2:17; Matt.15:13).
Yhwh God remains the same (Mal.3:6; James 1:17; Psalm 102:27).
His standards of holy righteousness rejected and abandoned the unfaithful before (Matt.23:38; Luke 23:45; Hosea 1:9; Matt.23:1-39). Do not be deceived by what many believe to be blessings from God. If you are viewing things physically, then you will naturally see things the way Jesus' disciples did. If you, like them, think that buildings, sacrifices, riches, power, prestige, millions of followers, and such outward showings prove God's favor...
then I ask you to contemplate what the source of physical blessing, is...
(1Cor. 4:8;  1John 2:15; Luke 4:5-6; James 1:27)
The faithful apostle Paul said, to those who thought God's blessings are manifested
in impressive physical ways...

"For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." (1Cor. 4:9-13)
 2Cor. 6:4,5,6,7,8,9,10; Luke 9:58; Matt.6:19,25,34; Jer.45:5)
The only face of true worship, is a practice according to "spirit and truth" (John 4:21,23,24). (LINK)
The glory of Christ was not physical, but spiritual (John 1:14) ("Glory").
Physical things of this world are not God's blessing (1John 2:15,16). The spiritual treasures of wisdom and understanding are (Prov.3:13,14,15,16,17,18; 4:13; 10:22; Ec.7:12; Prov.8:10,11; 2:4,5; 23:23; Matt.13:44,46; Rev.3:18; Matt.16:17; Rev.1:3).
If we do worship God properly according to spirit and truth (John 17:17;  2Cor. 5:5;  1Cor. 2:12; Matt.10:20) ...the most we may expect for our faithfulness, is our own soul (Jer.39:18; 45:5; Mark 8:35,36; John 12:25; Luke 21:36; 13:23,24). Our reward is not the impressive things of this world. Remember Christ's example, and what his reward was while on earth (1Pet. 2:21). He well knew that this life was meant for poverty, tribulation, and service. When Peter disagreed, Jesus said, "Get behind me Satan, for you think, not God's thoughts, but men's thoughts."(Mark 8:33). 

Yes, to view God's blessing and reward as physical and worldly (buildings, power, dominion, position, etc.) is to lack a love and appreciation for God and His spirit, which he gives generously to those who serve, not for the physical, but for the spiritual (Matt.6:19-21). To watch as ones own dominion grows into a large number and assume that this is God's blessing, is to be deceived (Luke 12:15-21,30,33-34) (Luke 13:23,24; Matt.7:13,14,22-23).

In the first Century, it was not the impressive buildings, the large number of worshipers, nor the embellished form of worship that gave salvation. All these perished, along with their impressive holdings, members, and form of worship (Col.2:22,20; Matt.24:2;  2Pet. 3:11).
It was the Truth which saved (1Cor. 1:18; Rom.1:16;  1Cor. 2:14;  2Thess. 2:10). It was obedience which saved those who heeded Christ's warning 

(Matt.24:16; Deut.30:15,19; Prov.12:28; Jer.21:8; Micah 6:8; Luke 19:44). 

As we know, Jerusalem was destroyed in 70CE, and only those who heeded Christ's prophetic warning, were protected.
Jesus compared the end of the Covenant with the nation of Israel (Matt.21:43; Heb.8:7; 10:16; Deut.11:18; Rev.14:1), to the end of the Covenant with the "Israel of God" when it's fulfillment ends Satan's dominion. (Matt.24:3,30,31,35;  2Pet. 3:7,12,13;  1John 2:17;  1Cor. 15:24-26). We can expect that just as the signs saw fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem; those signs will see a spiritual fulfillment among those to become New Jerusalem. This comparison of "first physical, last spiritual" can be discerned at Gal.4:25,26 and  1Cor. 15:46; 2:14.
The first covenant (Gal.4:24,25) was with physical Jerusalem/fleshly seed of Abraham. The second Covenant is with spiritual "Jerusalem above" (Gal.4:26) spiritual seed of Abraham (Gal.3:26-29; Rom.2:28-29) (Jew/Gentile). The tribulation of those unfaithful to first Covenant is also physical. The tribulation of those unfaithful to the second covenant is also spiritual.
To read the Bible's interpretation of the spiritual signs Jesus gave in Matthew, chapter24, and how they indicate the end/fulfillment of the "New Covenant" ("Fulfillment/End of New Covenant"); please consider this link:  (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)

The reason I have written about this today, is because I heard a comment given by someone in my old Congregation of  "Jehovah's Witnesses".
He said, "The Organization may be imperfect, even wrong a lot of the times; but it's the best thing out there; and it obviously has God's blessing."
I'm sure many Jews and Christians felt the same way about the first Century City of Jerusalem.

Jesus' own disciples did, but they were not viewing things spiritually, and they were wrong.
Matt.24:15,16


 

What then, are the "mountains/hills of Judea" (in the time of the end),
where Jesus said we should spiritually flee to? (Matt.24:16)
I hope these scriptures will help you to discern that...

Matt.5:14,16; Zech.6:1; Zech.4:14; Rev.11:4,3; (Rev.12:6; John 14:3; Heb.13:13; Matt.25:6); 
Psalm 72:3; 3:4;  2Chron. 13:10,11,12; Joel 3:18; Zech.14:8; Isa.65:9; Jer.50:19,20; Zech.3:9; Luke 23:30; Eze.36:8
(where-is-true-religion)

For more information, click on- 
"First the Wall, Then the Temple"
"YHWH's Genuine Mountain"
"An Illustration"

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Daily Bread

QUESTION:
Greetings! I have passed by this post of yours, at 

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/12/some-have-told-me-that-buying-and.html

I find it very imperative information, will you expound more about "daily bread".
And explain Rev.6:6 please.
 

 Isa.50:4; Jer.1:9; Matt.6:11

REPLY:
Regarding the "daily bread", there is already much information in the above post, as well as many scriptures there upon which to meditate.
If you like, you can also read the "signs" article, located at pearl-sign.blogspot.com ,
under "famine".
The spiritual famine (lack of bread--"hearing the words of YHVH") is a subject that I prefer to expound further upon, when an article about the "four horsemen" is released. If you have a specific question about "daily bread", please submit it here, or email me at pearl144000@gmail.com , and I will forward to you whatever spirit and scripture, provides in response.

Regarding Rev.6:6
 "Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
I will also go into this in depth within the "four horsemen" article (Rev.6:1-8).
I will give you a brief answer for now.
You can already see that according to this plague, spiritual provisions (daily bread) will come at a cost, for what should be free (Isa.55:1,2; Rev.22:17; 13:17,16,15;  2Cor.2:17; 4:2;  2Pet.2:3; Titus 1:10,11; Prov.1:19; Isa.57:17;  2Thess.2:3;  1Tim.6:5;  2Tim.3:5).
("Dishonest Gain")

When Rev.6:6 tells us, "do not harm the olive oil and wine"; perhaps you know from my past writings about this... that "olive oil" stands for Holy Spirit which acts as fuel for spiritual enlightenment (Matt.25:7-8; Heb.1:9; Psalm 23:5; Zech.4:12,14; Rev.11:3,4).
Under this plague (caused by the "Wild Beast"/"Man of Lawlessness"  2Thess.2:4), it restrains the partaking of Holy Spirit and it's enlightenment [but allows only it's own spiritual commerce, based upon lies (Rev.13:17;  2Thess.2:7,10;  Amos 8:11)].
"Buying" is the acquisition of divine favor, guidance, stature, and instruction.
It is acquired by what one trades for it (or sells)...one's devotion, obedience, and honor (Rev.13:3,8).
Organized religion requires conformity and servitude to it's doctrines and leadership.
If you sell these away to men, they will give you approval and spiritual food.
This entire commerce is corrupt. All these things belong to Christ, and not to men, who exploit these things for their own glory and power. Who rightly owns our subjection and loyalty?
These should only be given to God and His Christ (Rev.3:18; Mark 8:34,35; 10:21; Matt.16:24)

Let's get back to the spiritual commerce prophesied for the end time....
We read that this plague also restrains "the wine".
Wine is a product of the "vine" (see John 15:5,16; Heb.13:15). Yes, without Jesus Christ the true vine...sending Holy Spirit to those branches that remain "in union" with him (John 15:5 B;  1John2:28) there will be no "fruit" (Matt.7:20,17; 12:33,35,37; John 7:16,17,18).
That spiritual fruit produced (teachings, sayings)
and it's wine (fruit made ready for spiritual ingestion)
are the end product of Holy Spirit being poured out upon anointed prophets
(1John2:20,27; John 16:13; Exo.4:12; Matt.10:20; Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:14; Mark 9:4).
(pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com)
That wine can be fine truths sourced in God's holy spirit...
or the false prophets who bear rotten fruit (Matt.7:15,16; 12:33,34; John 7:18). The false prophets will offer poisonous wine...doctrines leading to death (Jer.2:21; Deut.32:33,32; Psalm 140:3; Rom.3:13).
God tells us the future of these anointed who leave the "True Vine" Christ, in order to mislead for the profit of their own power and glory (John 7:18 A; Jer.25:30,29; Rev.18:3-4; 14:18,19). These forbid partaking of the True "olive oil and the wine" (Rev.6:6; Rev.13:17).

addition:
For a time, this plague of discipline headed up by the returned Master (Rev.6:2);
allows the Chosen to be mislead and disciplined by the Gentiles, whose idolatrous rule they have chosen to have over them. (Dan.11:36;  2Thess.2:4; Matt.24:24; Eze.11:12; 8:10; Matt.24:15; Micah 6:16; Eze.22:30; Dan.7:21,25; Rev.13:7; 9:4,5,10). Why are they being "trampled"? (Rev.11:2; Isa.5:5; 63:18; Dan.8:13; 12:7; Luke 21:24) Because they have lost their "saltiness", and buried the light of Holy Spirit under a "measuring" basket of commerce (Matt.5:13,14,15; Rev.13:17). Their lamps have replaced the fuel of Holy Spirit, with doctrines of spiritual Gentiles (Matt.25:9,10). To replace Holy Spirit in your lamp with false doctrine, is spiritual fornication (Rev.17:2; 18:3;  1Cor.6:15-16).
If it were not for God "cutting short" those days of deception 

(Matt.24:22;  2Thess.2:4,9; Rev.12:9; 13:11,14; 14:8), 

no flesh would be saved (Luke 13:23,24;  1Pet.4:18; Rom.9:29; Isa.1:9; 10:21,22; Eze.17:22; Psalm 72:16).
To allow His deceived people more of a choice, God does cut this sifting tribulation by Satan short, limiting it's lethal effects (Luke 22:31; Amos 4:11; Isa.48:9; Mark 13:20).
God restricts the damage, just as a log is snatched out of a fire, for the sake of His Holy Name (Eze.36:22; Dan.12:1; Zech.3:2-3,4; (Rev.19:8) Zech.2:12; Jude 1:23; Rev.9:14).
What is it that saves the remnant from being drowned by this flood of Satanic lies? (Rev.12:15-16) earth-swallows-satans-river-rev1216.html

How are His people given one more chance at life?
Along with this plague of horsemen (including a spiritual famine); He limits their ability to harm/destroy totally, the "olive oil and the wine". (Isa.65:8-9) A remnant will be awoken spiritually (Matt.25:6-7; Luke 12:37; Rev.9:14; 11:3,4). These will have the resolve to base their teachings upon Holy Spirit, despite Satan's persecution and the wrath of the Wild Beast (John 15:4-5;  1John2:28; Rev.13:15; Mark 8:35; Rev.11:7; 20:4) The fruit the faithful bear, will remain (John 15:16;  1Cor.3:13-14). The "blessing within it"(Isa.65:8), will become manifested (Matt.13:43; Dan.12:3; 11:33,35; 12:10; Prov.4:18; 11:30).

I hope this answer suffices for now.
There will be more under the "four horsemen" article, I hope soon to come.

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