Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Isa 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isa 29:15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Isa 29:16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?
How many of us talk of God? How many of us say things to honor God? A lot of us do. I know lots of people who would loudly profess Christ crucified, of God the Father glorified. It's easy to speak. It's easy to say things. Easy to spout off whatever we want to and whatever we think others might want to hear. We can fool others, we can possibly even try to fool ourselves but we can't fool God ever. God knows our hearts and He doesn't lie when He says there are people who draw near to Him with their mouths, people that honor Him with their lips, but their hearts are removed FAR from Him. They have no HEART connection, no real love for God. They are taught by other men, but they are not taught of God.
The wisdom of the wise men -- perish.
The understanding of thr prudent men -- is hidden.
Nothing is hid from God! Nothing we do is hidden from Him! We think we do things in secret but there is no such thing. All that we are, all that we do God knows. The worst of the worst isn't given freedom in their evil to go unnoticed, their acts are recorded. The best of the best, they too are an open book to God. Nothing is hid. We can sneak around on other people, friends, loved ones; we can hurt others in ways we believe are anonymous and we can get away with a lot of our evilness without a single person finding us out, but God knows. The deepest ways we take to hide our counsel from the Lord is ineffective. All the works we do in the dark believing no one sees, God sees. God knows us in and out.
We can twist things all we want and our fellow man may believe all our upside down and inside out deceptions are effective, but they're not.
When we create something does that creation tell us we didn't make it? Does it? No! It's absurd to even think such a thing. Does a child who knows their birth parents tell their birth parents they didn't create them, their mother that they didn't birth them? Their father that he had no hand in their conception? NO! Creations do not question their creator because truth is truth, it's ludicrous to think otherwise. The thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? The thing made question the maker? Yet we foolish people dare to question God over and over and over. We think in our small minded ways that we have a right to question the Creator, that somehow questioning our Maker makes us on equal or higher ground than He is. Fools. We are fools.
God knows us.
God knows our hearts.
Nothing is hidden from God.
Nothing.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior let us lay our hearts open to Him fully and stand before our God, our Creator with nothing hidden from Him. Lord, know us, see us, help us, save us. In Your love, Your righteousness, Your mercy, Your forgiveness now and forever. We believe, Lord, help our unbelief.
Amen.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
God First!
Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Clay- Moist, sticky earth; mud.
A potter needs moist, sticky earth, mud to work with, to form their objects. If a potter takes a lump of dry, hardened clay can they work it, change it? No. Clay needs to be malleable. If the LORD is our potter we are malleable in His hands. With the Lord nothing is impossible so even if we've let ourselves grow hard He can soften us again. Yet there is talk of this--
Exo 7:13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exo 7:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.
Exo 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exo 8:32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.
1Sa 6:6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?
2Ki 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
2Ch 36:13 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.
Neh 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
Job 9:4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?
Jer 19:15 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.
Dan 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
Mar 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Mar 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
****
We can become hardened, we can be hardened and this isn't a good thing at all! We don't want to be hardened against God in any way. That last verse- 'Exhort one another DAILY, while it is called To day lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.' Sin will hardened us. Sin will kill us. Sin separates us from God and without God our Father, our Potter, molding us we are lost forever. If the clay is separated from the potter it cannot be worked. If the clay is hardened, it cannot be worked. We are the work of God's hand and He will shape us as we need to be shaped into vessels pleasing to Him if we don't let the deceitfulness of sin overtake us. We can't shape ourselves. We can't mold ourselves. We cannot force God to work us. We are clay and we can't forget this. We can't become arrogant in ourselves and believe that as clay we can be the potter. Clay can NEVER shape itself it remains however it is found -- a lump, unshapened, unformed, nothing of value. The Potter needs to shape us, to form us, to make us vessels for Him. When we believe that because we are formed as human beings that we are shaped fitted for God we become very arrogant. It is by the grace of God we were formed in our mothers wombs and brought to life. It is by the grace of God we live each day. We can't take our lives for granted. We can't hardened our hearts, our necks, our minds into believing we live of our own accord. In a world that promotes self, we have to promote God first before self and never forget it, never. God first. God first. God first!
Clay- Moist, sticky earth; mud.
A potter needs moist, sticky earth, mud to work with, to form their objects. If a potter takes a lump of dry, hardened clay can they work it, change it? No. Clay needs to be malleable. If the LORD is our potter we are malleable in His hands. With the Lord nothing is impossible so even if we've let ourselves grow hard He can soften us again. Yet there is talk of this--
Exo 7:13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exo 7:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.
Exo 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
Exo 8:32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.
1Sa 6:6 Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?
2Ki 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
2Ch 36:13 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.
Neh 9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
Job 9:4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?
Jer 19:15 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.
Dan 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
Mar 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Mar 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
****
We can become hardened, we can be hardened and this isn't a good thing at all! We don't want to be hardened against God in any way. That last verse- 'Exhort one another DAILY, while it is called To day lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.' Sin will hardened us. Sin will kill us. Sin separates us from God and without God our Father, our Potter, molding us we are lost forever. If the clay is separated from the potter it cannot be worked. If the clay is hardened, it cannot be worked. We are the work of God's hand and He will shape us as we need to be shaped into vessels pleasing to Him if we don't let the deceitfulness of sin overtake us. We can't shape ourselves. We can't mold ourselves. We cannot force God to work us. We are clay and we can't forget this. We can't become arrogant in ourselves and believe that as clay we can be the potter. Clay can NEVER shape itself it remains however it is found -- a lump, unshapened, unformed, nothing of value. The Potter needs to shape us, to form us, to make us vessels for Him. When we believe that because we are formed as human beings that we are shaped fitted for God we become very arrogant. It is by the grace of God we were formed in our mothers wombs and brought to life. It is by the grace of God we live each day. We can't take our lives for granted. We can't hardened our hearts, our necks, our minds into believing we live of our own accord. In a world that promotes self, we have to promote God first before self and never forget it, never. God first. God first. God first!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psa 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
*******
We should all live with this as our life's objective above ALL else!
Psa 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Beholding God's face in HIS righteousness. Satisfied when we wake from the sleep of death into new life with God's likeness. For when we wake from the sleep of death incorruptible we are changed to incorruption. Even if we don't see the sleep of death but are translated at Christ's second coming we are changed. All of us that are God's are changed and the change is a restoration of our lives untarnished by sin, the breach healed, once more we are as God created us to be - in His likeness, in His image, in His righteousness, at one with Him once again.
Do we know exactly what it will be like? No. But we have glimpses.
Luk 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
Luk 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Luk 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
No marrying, no marriage. Obviously there will be no need of such. Marriage is the joining of two - man and woman to complete each other and to multiply. It wasn't good for man to be alone so God formed woman out of man's rib giving him a companion, a companion he could join with. If we are worthy to obtain the new world in Christ, worthy of being translated or resurrected into that new world, into God's likeness, we will never be alone there will never be a loneliness such as Adam felt as he was left alone with all of God's creatures around him, not finding one to compliment Himself. Life will be different in many, many ways. Another joy of awaking in God's likeness in the resurrection to God's new life for us is that fact we won't be able to die, in that respect we will be equal to the angels. Our forms perhaps as Jesus' new form upon His resurrection and ascension to the Father- flesh and spirit form. Jesus could be handled, be touched and He could eat food yet He was able to ascend to heaven, able to appear without opening a door. Spirit and flesh combined. Angels too take on the semblence of flesh at times- we are told to entertain strangers because they might be angels. We know angels visited Abraham before they continued on to Sodom and Gommorah as beings seen as men. Angels unlike us now can't die. We can be wounded, our flesh is being corrupted from the moment we are born. We all see death as our future, we live our lives knowing death will eventually catch up to us. Angels don't have that worry, even as they take the form of man they cannot die but they can revert to their spirit form.
David said he would be satisfied when he woke with the likeness of God. This was where his satisfaction lie and it's where our satisfaction should be. We can't count on this life to satisfy us if we do then we will forever be found wanting.
May God help us to realize through the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we can have the hope of this change and be satisfied upon that glorious day of transformation. Through the blood of the Lamb of God, through the forgivness and righteousness we can only find in Him may this be realized for us all. Please Lord bless us, keep us as Thy will is done on earth as it is in Heaven, protect us, keep us from the evils of this world, teach us to realize that we need total dependence upon Jesus for all things, not a single thing we can do will save us. The work God would have us to do is believing in Him, believing, having faith in Him for all things.
By His amazing grace.
Amen.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
*******
We should all live with this as our life's objective above ALL else!
Psa 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Beholding God's face in HIS righteousness. Satisfied when we wake from the sleep of death into new life with God's likeness. For when we wake from the sleep of death incorruptible we are changed to incorruption. Even if we don't see the sleep of death but are translated at Christ's second coming we are changed. All of us that are God's are changed and the change is a restoration of our lives untarnished by sin, the breach healed, once more we are as God created us to be - in His likeness, in His image, in His righteousness, at one with Him once again.
Do we know exactly what it will be like? No. But we have glimpses.
Luk 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
Luk 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Luk 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
No marrying, no marriage. Obviously there will be no need of such. Marriage is the joining of two - man and woman to complete each other and to multiply. It wasn't good for man to be alone so God formed woman out of man's rib giving him a companion, a companion he could join with. If we are worthy to obtain the new world in Christ, worthy of being translated or resurrected into that new world, into God's likeness, we will never be alone there will never be a loneliness such as Adam felt as he was left alone with all of God's creatures around him, not finding one to compliment Himself. Life will be different in many, many ways. Another joy of awaking in God's likeness in the resurrection to God's new life for us is that fact we won't be able to die, in that respect we will be equal to the angels. Our forms perhaps as Jesus' new form upon His resurrection and ascension to the Father- flesh and spirit form. Jesus could be handled, be touched and He could eat food yet He was able to ascend to heaven, able to appear without opening a door. Spirit and flesh combined. Angels too take on the semblence of flesh at times- we are told to entertain strangers because they might be angels. We know angels visited Abraham before they continued on to Sodom and Gommorah as beings seen as men. Angels unlike us now can't die. We can be wounded, our flesh is being corrupted from the moment we are born. We all see death as our future, we live our lives knowing death will eventually catch up to us. Angels don't have that worry, even as they take the form of man they cannot die but they can revert to their spirit form.
David said he would be satisfied when he woke with the likeness of God. This was where his satisfaction lie and it's where our satisfaction should be. We can't count on this life to satisfy us if we do then we will forever be found wanting.
May God help us to realize through the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we can have the hope of this change and be satisfied upon that glorious day of transformation. Through the blood of the Lamb of God, through the forgivness and righteousness we can only find in Him may this be realized for us all. Please Lord bless us, keep us as Thy will is done on earth as it is in Heaven, protect us, keep us from the evils of this world, teach us to realize that we need total dependence upon Jesus for all things, not a single thing we can do will save us. The work God would have us to do is believing in Him, believing, having faith in Him for all things.
By His amazing grace.
Amen.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Listen
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
God appointed His Son heir of all things.
God made the worlds by His Son.
Jesus the brightness of God's glory.
Jesus the express image of God's person.
All things are upheld by Jesus' power.
When Jesus by Himself purged our sins sits next to God.
Jesus made so much better than angels.
Jesus the firstbegotten of God.
Jesus whom the angels worship.
God who proclaimed the angels spirits, his ministers flames of fire.
God who said to His Son--
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
God called His Son, God because He is a God. He is not a lesser God. He is a God. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit- each are a God in their own right and can't be denied being such.
It's so wonderfully amazing, the Majesty on high and the Son of God together. God speaks to us through His Son. We can't ignore this. Jesus speaks to us. Those words - 'hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...' God spoke to people by his Prophets before His Son was born on earth and then there was a direct link, God the Son speaking to us. Every word that Jesus spoke is important, more important than we realize. Or maybe we do realize and that's a great thing. People want God to speak to them and He does, through His word, through the Bible. No, it's not a conversation, it's not speaking as we know it. But God does speak to us. God is alive. God is real and we need to go to Him in prayer, go to Him in His word and listen to Him. We really need to listen.
Some say that a lot of people need to 'learn' to listen. Do we? Do we really need to 'learn' to listen? We know how to listen don't we? We hear someone speak and we respond, that's listening. We hear someone speak and we comprehend it but don't speak out of choice or situation, that's listening right? What do people mean when they say we need to 'learn' to listen? They mean that yes, we know how to hear but are we really internalizing what we are hearing. How often do we go off on something someone has said having not really listened to understand what was being said? We tend to fill in our own endings to the things people say. We tend to hear what we want to hear. Having to repeat what we say is common isn't it? Asking someone to repeat their words is very commonplace. We hear but we don't always listen, we're all guilty of not listening.
Let's listen. The words are there, we need to hear and listen to those words spoken to us.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit may we hear all that the Lord God our Savior wishes us to hear, listening, really listening.
In His love always.
Amen.
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Heb 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
God appointed His Son heir of all things.
God made the worlds by His Son.
Jesus the brightness of God's glory.
Jesus the express image of God's person.
All things are upheld by Jesus' power.
When Jesus by Himself purged our sins sits next to God.
Jesus made so much better than angels.
Jesus the firstbegotten of God.
Jesus whom the angels worship.
God who proclaimed the angels spirits, his ministers flames of fire.
God who said to His Son--
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
God called His Son, God because He is a God. He is not a lesser God. He is a God. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit- each are a God in their own right and can't be denied being such.
It's so wonderfully amazing, the Majesty on high and the Son of God together. God speaks to us through His Son. We can't ignore this. Jesus speaks to us. Those words - 'hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...' God spoke to people by his Prophets before His Son was born on earth and then there was a direct link, God the Son speaking to us. Every word that Jesus spoke is important, more important than we realize. Or maybe we do realize and that's a great thing. People want God to speak to them and He does, through His word, through the Bible. No, it's not a conversation, it's not speaking as we know it. But God does speak to us. God is alive. God is real and we need to go to Him in prayer, go to Him in His word and listen to Him. We really need to listen.
Some say that a lot of people need to 'learn' to listen. Do we? Do we really need to 'learn' to listen? We know how to listen don't we? We hear someone speak and we respond, that's listening. We hear someone speak and we comprehend it but don't speak out of choice or situation, that's listening right? What do people mean when they say we need to 'learn' to listen? They mean that yes, we know how to hear but are we really internalizing what we are hearing. How often do we go off on something someone has said having not really listened to understand what was being said? We tend to fill in our own endings to the things people say. We tend to hear what we want to hear. Having to repeat what we say is common isn't it? Asking someone to repeat their words is very commonplace. We hear but we don't always listen, we're all guilty of not listening.
Let's listen. The words are there, we need to hear and listen to those words spoken to us.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit may we hear all that the Lord God our Savior wishes us to hear, listening, really listening.
In His love always.
Amen.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Everlasting Covenant
Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God of peace brought our Lord Jesus alive from being dead.
The Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep(us).
Through the blood of the everlasting covenant.
Covenant. Promise between God and man. God didn't have to make a covenant with man, but He did. Jesus came as the sacrifice necessary for the covenant to be binding. It is the GREAT SHEPHERD's blood that will make it possible for us to perfect in every good work to do HIS will. HIS will, not our will, His will. We often want God to make us perfect in our own will but it's our will we have to give over to His will only then can He make us perfect. We have to surrender self and He will work that which is wellpleasing in His sight. We have to get rid of self.
May God help us, continuously bless us, because we are full of self, much too full of self. Empty us Lord and fill us with You! By Your unfathomable love and mercy, Your forgiveness now and forever.
Amen.
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God of peace brought our Lord Jesus alive from being dead.
The Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep(us).
Through the blood of the everlasting covenant.
Covenant. Promise between God and man. God didn't have to make a covenant with man, but He did. Jesus came as the sacrifice necessary for the covenant to be binding. It is the GREAT SHEPHERD's blood that will make it possible for us to perfect in every good work to do HIS will. HIS will, not our will, His will. We often want God to make us perfect in our own will but it's our will we have to give over to His will only then can He make us perfect. We have to surrender self and He will work that which is wellpleasing in His sight. We have to get rid of self.
May God help us, continuously bless us, because we are full of self, much too full of self. Empty us Lord and fill us with You! By Your unfathomable love and mercy, Your forgiveness now and forever.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee
Deu 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Deu 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deu 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Jos 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
1Ch 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Jer 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
*******
The fact that we cannot live for this world, this life is so real. Everyday we are confronted with problems big and small. It is so easy to get caught up in those problems and let them overwhelm us, so easy. We tend to believe as long as we make it through hard situations that God was with us, but what happens when we don't make it through and things go horribly wrong? Does God leave us then? If we are living for this world and peace in this world now, then we'll believe God forsakes us. We have to get it in our heads and in our hearts that the world we live for is the one to be after Jesus Christ returns to call us to Him. We need to remind ourselves over and over and over again what we are living for and it's not here and now. The things we may have to endure, the things we may have to face may break us in many ways and as long as we cling to our Savior and the promise of His mercy and grace, of HIS righteousness we can have hope for a better life with Him. The pain we have now is nothing compared to the glory to come.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
I've said it before and I think I'll probably say it again and again because we don't tend to internalize this and live this. Satan would have us live with the pain and then point the blame at God.
God will never leave us.
Christ promised His comforter to us.
Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever
Does this mean we will be comforted at all times? Not if we are looking for the comforted in a worldly way. Some of God's greatest men and women suffer unimaginable pain and the comfort they find is in the knowledge, in the truth of the hope to come in Christ not in any belief they will no longer have pain and suffering right now.
By the mercy of God, by the hope in our Lord and Savior now and forever.
Amen.
Deu 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deu 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Jos 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
1Ch 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Jer 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
*******
The fact that we cannot live for this world, this life is so real. Everyday we are confronted with problems big and small. It is so easy to get caught up in those problems and let them overwhelm us, so easy. We tend to believe as long as we make it through hard situations that God was with us, but what happens when we don't make it through and things go horribly wrong? Does God leave us then? If we are living for this world and peace in this world now, then we'll believe God forsakes us. We have to get it in our heads and in our hearts that the world we live for is the one to be after Jesus Christ returns to call us to Him. We need to remind ourselves over and over and over again what we are living for and it's not here and now. The things we may have to endure, the things we may have to face may break us in many ways and as long as we cling to our Savior and the promise of His mercy and grace, of HIS righteousness we can have hope for a better life with Him. The pain we have now is nothing compared to the glory to come.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
I've said it before and I think I'll probably say it again and again because we don't tend to internalize this and live this. Satan would have us live with the pain and then point the blame at God.
God will never leave us.
Christ promised His comforter to us.
Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever
Does this mean we will be comforted at all times? Not if we are looking for the comforted in a worldly way. Some of God's greatest men and women suffer unimaginable pain and the comfort they find is in the knowledge, in the truth of the hope to come in Christ not in any belief they will no longer have pain and suffering right now.
By the mercy of God, by the hope in our Lord and Savior now and forever.
Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Eternal Verities 15A Concluded
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
THE ATONEMENT #2 -- The concept of a final atonement is based in the typology of the sanctuary services associated with the tenth day of the seventh month - Yom Kippur. In the Old Testament this day is noted as the Day of Atonements, plural. Leviticus 23:27 reads - "On the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonements." Actually, only one atonement was made on this day, an atonement for cleansing (Lev. 16:30).
The Septuagint in translating Leviticus 23:27 uses the singular, exilasomoV, for the Hebrew plural, which adds support to the position that the majestic plural was used to designate the typical Day of Atonement. This being the case, then the atonement of the tenth day of the seventh month was considered of greater significance than the atonement ministered by the common priests in the daily sin ofterings brought to the sanctuary.
This background also helps one to understand why our pioneers in their writings placed the emphasis as they did on the antitypical Day of Atonement, even denying that an atonement was ever made on Calvary. (See 0. R. L. Crosier, The Sanctuary, Day Star Extra, 1846; Reproduced in Facsimiles of the Two Earliest S. D.A. Periodicals). With the change of emphasis today in mainline Adventism, placing the atonement of the Cross as the one atonement, and the down-play of the final atonement, even to the point of denial, there needs to be a rebalancing of the study of the atonement which reflects the whole of Scripture. If it requires a learning process, or an unlearning process, so let it be. (See Testimonies to Ministers, p.30) A thoughtful rereading of Leviticus 16 would so indicate such a process.
Traditionally, we have perceived that the High Priest went only once into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atoneinent. A careful study of Leviticus 16 indicates ihat he entered three times on that day. First the High Priest took in a censer "full of burning coals from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense" (v.12). Next, he was instructed to take "the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat" (v.14). Finally, he was to kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail" (v.15).
Traditionally, we have pictured the ministry of Jesus in the Most Holy Place as a High Priest standing before the Ark of the Covenant, robed in the pontifical attire like that worn by the typical high priest. The clothing worn by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement in the typical services are described as "the holy linen coat" with "linen breeches upon his flesh," and "girded with a linen girdle," and wearing "the linen mitre." These are declared to be the "holy garments" (v.4). Conforming to the traditional concept, we have lost much in our perception of the vision of Ezekiel 9. Three times in the vision given to Ezekiel, the One with the "writer's inkhorn by his side" is described as "clothed in linen" (vs. 2, 3, 11). This links the sealing as associated with the work of Heaven in connection with the antitypical Day of Atonement.
Traditionally, we have literalized the offering of the bullock as an atonement made by the High Priest for his immediate family, failing to consider that the High Priest typified the coming great High Priest in all aspects of the services on the typical day. In fact, the introduction in the book of Hebrews to the sanctuary typology is based on this concept of the house of Moses, of which Aaron was High Priest, and the house of Christ, of which He Himself is the High Priest. (See Heb. 3:1-6) The contrast of the two houses is prefaced with the admonition - "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus" (v.1). As the bullock was provided by the High Priest, so Christ offered Himself, as well as being the "Lord's goat" taken from the congregation (Deut, 18:15, 18), as the offering of God. For the bullock no confession was made, and its blood was taken first into the most holy place following the pouring of the incense upon the coals of fire. While in the Old Testament, the ministry of the sanctuary was limited to the tribe of Levi, and the priesthood to the house of Aaron, the New Testament pictures the ones who believe in Jesus "as lively stones" "being built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood" even "a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (I Peter 2:5, 9). In its entirety, the new Israel was to be a kingdom of priests. This is the "house" of Christ, "whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (Heb. 3:6).
Traditionally, we have limited the ministry of Jesus as High Priest on the antitypical Day of Atonement and restricted it to the Most Holy Place. The type does not warrant such a conclusion. In the services as outlined in Leviticus 16, there is a progression beginning in the Most Holy (called "the holy"), and passing to the Holy Place (called "the tabernacle"), and then to the Altar of the Court, noted as "the altar before the Lord." [There is also implied movement in the vision of Ezekiel 9, from "the cherub, where upon He was" to the "threshold of the house" to give commands to those standing "beside the brazen altar," among whom was "the man clothed with linen"].
In the outline of the typical service of the Day of Atonement, it is stated that the atonement was necessary for two reasons:
1) "the uncleanness of the children of Israel" and
2) "because of their transgressions in all their sins" (Lev. 16:16).
These reasons could be summarized as the record of sin, and the cause for the record of the sins - "their uncleanness." The record is kept in "books" (Daniel 7:10); the confession of those sins were recorded typically on the altars of the sanctuary (Leviticus 4). In the services of the typical Day of Atonements, the uncleanness is not noted as cleansed until the third phase, the cleansing at the brazen altar (16:19). For that phase, the blood of the bullock and the blood of the Lord's goat were mingled (v. 18). This gives some suggestion of how Heaven views the final atonement, and the magnitude of what God purposes to accomplish through the "Surety" of the better covenant.
How can this be related to the prophetic picture of Daniel 7? First, one must recognize a basic premise. Sin began with a covering cherub in the very presence of God (Eze. 28:14-15). The first point of reference for the final eradication of sin must be where sin began and the issue involved which sparked the rebellion. At this point, the statements of Scripture and the revelation found in the Writings must be combined. Man, created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), was to be only "a little while inferior to the angels" (Heb. 2:7, margin).
[The Greek of this verse is bracu ti. Thayer observes that here Paul "transfers to time what the LXX in Ps. 8:6 says of rank." (p.105) In the context of this verse, the same wording is used of Jesus (2:9). In His condescension, time not rank was the factor. (See Heb. 1:4; Phil. 2:9)]
From the Writings we learn that "human beings were a new and distinct order" (Review & Herald, Feb. 11,1902), and "designed to be a counterpart of God" (Review & Herald, June 18, 1895). Further, we are informed that "when God said to His Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man" (Spiritual Gifts, Vol.1, p. 17). This sparked the rebellion in Heaven. The whole angelic host became involved, and each made a decision.
It is with the angelic host that the scene of judgment in Daniel 7 begins. All are assembled. God who changes not desires that His original plan be activated. Will the angels of heaven accept the exaltation of the redeemed? The picture is far different now than when first suggested. The books are opened, and there is recorded the dark history of man's continual transgression and uncleanness. Will the angels consent that these who have sinned be placed above themselves who have never sinned? What plea can God make? Here the significance of the service of the Day of Atonement enters. First, Jesus who gave Himself, typified as the high priest who provided his own bullock, asks, "Did I give enough?" Across the minds of the angelic hosts races the recall of the agonies of Gethsemane and Calvary. Then God, who placed His co-Equal in the channel of human inheritance, and gave Him for the fallen race, asks, "Have I given enough?" The angels recall those hours of darkness when God Himself suffered in inexplicable anguish at the Cross. Yes, they assent, the purpose of God may proceed, and they will join in the final work for man.
Three angels go forth with the final call of the Everlasting Gospel, announcing first the setting in which it is being given - "The hour of the judgment of Him is come" (Lit.). Worship Him; "Be ye reconciled to God." Cease in rebellion; keep His commandments. The man "clothed in linen" completes His work, and returns to the Throne, declaring, "I have done as thou has commanded me" (Eze. 9:11). This is the second time He has uttered these words. Once before He prayed - "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4). But this time instead of from the cross the cry, "It is finished," there will come from the temple of heaven, from the throne "a great voice" declaring, "It is done" (Rev. 16:17). In the symbolism of Daniel, the Son of man comes to the Ancient of days to receive His kingdom - His "house" for which He has given so much. The at-one-ment is completed. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ" (Rev. 11:15).
While the "house" is not limited to the last generation, but includes all who have availed themselves of "the redemption in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24), there is a uniqueness in regard to the last generation which one dares not over look. This distinction is clearly defined in Paul's discussion of the resurrection in I Corinthians 15. All the redeemed "shall be changed" (v.51). While those who have been corrupted by death, are raised to incorruption (afqarsia), those alive at the event put on immortality (aqanasia) (v.53). It is this latter word, which emphasizes the uniqueness of the final generation. It is used three times in the New Testament, all in the writings of Paul; twice in I Corinthians 15:53, and once in I Timothy 6:16. In this latter reference, it declares that "the King of kings and Lord of lords ... only hath immortality." It is evident that to the victors who do not taste death, God shares a unique part of Himself, they in reality become a "counterpart of God."
This then raises the question of when the commission of sin ceases. Those who go to the grave can by faith in the Surety, who is still interceding in the sanctuary above, claim the promise of victory (I Cor. 15:57). But what about those who are alive when the intercession of the One "clothed in linen" ceases? Sin will also have had to cease in their lives. When and how will this be realized?
[The book of Revelation is clear that there is a period of time between the cessation of the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, and His coming as King of kings and Lord of lords. (15:8, 19:11)]
The Writings indicate that the objective of "the latter rain" is to bring "the seed to perfection" (Testimonies to Ministers, p.506). In the same chapter, "Pray for the Latter Rain," is found the suggestion that this experience is involved with the reception of the advancing light of truth: - "Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light" (p.507). The result is clearly written - "We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ" (p.506) The "how" is also defined - "It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ" (p.507). Paul wrote that in Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him" (Col. 2:9-10). This returns us again to the "in Him" concept of the Pauline epistles, and that Christ is the "Surety of a better covenant." We are His "house," the new house of Israel, a people of the covenant, and the promise is - "He shall save His people from their sins."
With all the failures of the past century to find the answer which the typical service of the Day of Atonement demands, one hesitates to even offer a suggestion as to what the answer might be. However, we would do well to consider a suggestion found in the Writings which reads - "Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel [Chapter 3] applies with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing of the great day of atonement" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. V, p.472).
In analyzing this vision, the first revelation is that Satan will resist every effort not only to understand the final atonement, but also its realization. Joshua, the ministering high priest in the days of Zechariah, is seen standing before the Lord, and "Satan standing at his right hand to resist Him" (v.1). Satan is just as envious and just as set in his opposition to the plan of God for man as when God first suggested it in the beginning. He seeks to set himself at "the right hand" for power and control. In the vision the Lord first rebukes Satan before turning His attention to Joshua. "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire," He asks. Joshua has no means to escape - his clothes are flammable - "filthy garments" ripe for the fire. Then the Lord commands those who stood before Him - those who have assented for God to carry out His original intent for man - "Take away the filthy garments from him" (v.4).
Here is the first test to those who would be cleansed. They can either yield their "filthy" garments, and become naked before whom they stand, or they can hold to them so as to cover their nakedness. This is the critical test self is involved. It is embarrassing to have to admit that all the "righteousnesses" which sustain our egos are nothing but "filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). But unless we are willing for this to happen, the next step cannot be taken. The Lord will not put His righteousness over our righteousnesses. He alone is righteous and He does not intend to share that righteousness in which there is not a thread of human devising with the fig-leaf devisings of men.
When Joshua yielded up his filthy garments - the angels of the Lord will remove them if we permit - the Lord declares - "Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment" (v.4). The emphasis is on what God can and will do, not on what man can do, for his is only to surrender so that it can be done for him. On the typical Day of Atonement, it was the high priest alone who accomplished the atonement. The recipients were to afflict their souls and do no work (Ex. 23; 29-30). Soul affliction - how few understand what this is all about. Self denial - and this does not mean in material things of life - but the actual emptying of self even as He did, whose mind we are suppose to accept (Phil. 2:5-7 RSV). How painful to those who profess they can keep the commandments of God, and tell the Lord, "All these have I kept from my youth up, what lack I yet?"
After being clothed with the garments provided and a fair mitre being set on his head, the messenger of the Lord solemnly affirmed the intent of the Lord of hosts - "Thus saith the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by" (v.7).
The result - "Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at" (Heb. "men of wonder"). Through the bestowal of the final outpouring of God's grace, * human beings still closed in flesh of sin, will fully reflect the image of Christ, for God will bring forth His servant, the BRANCH in each - "Christ in you the hope of glory." The final atonement will have been accomplished. "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith" (Gal. 5:5).
* -- "Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work." (Testimonies to Ministers, p.508)
*******
By the will and grace of God will we obtain salvation, surrendering self to Him fully, by His power not ours. In His righteousness alone.
By the love and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior now and forever.
Amen.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
THE ATONEMENT #2 -- The concept of a final atonement is based in the typology of the sanctuary services associated with the tenth day of the seventh month - Yom Kippur. In the Old Testament this day is noted as the Day of Atonements, plural. Leviticus 23:27 reads - "On the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonements." Actually, only one atonement was made on this day, an atonement for cleansing (Lev. 16:30).
The Septuagint in translating Leviticus 23:27 uses the singular, exilasomoV, for the Hebrew plural, which adds support to the position that the majestic plural was used to designate the typical Day of Atonement. This being the case, then the atonement of the tenth day of the seventh month was considered of greater significance than the atonement ministered by the common priests in the daily sin ofterings brought to the sanctuary.
This background also helps one to understand why our pioneers in their writings placed the emphasis as they did on the antitypical Day of Atonement, even denying that an atonement was ever made on Calvary. (See 0. R. L. Crosier, The Sanctuary, Day Star Extra, 1846; Reproduced in Facsimiles of the Two Earliest S. D.A. Periodicals). With the change of emphasis today in mainline Adventism, placing the atonement of the Cross as the one atonement, and the down-play of the final atonement, even to the point of denial, there needs to be a rebalancing of the study of the atonement which reflects the whole of Scripture. If it requires a learning process, or an unlearning process, so let it be. (See Testimonies to Ministers, p.30) A thoughtful rereading of Leviticus 16 would so indicate such a process.
Traditionally, we have perceived that the High Priest went only once into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atoneinent. A careful study of Leviticus 16 indicates ihat he entered three times on that day. First the High Priest took in a censer "full of burning coals from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense" (v.12). Next, he was instructed to take "the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat" (v.14). Finally, he was to kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail" (v.15).
Traditionally, we have pictured the ministry of Jesus in the Most Holy Place as a High Priest standing before the Ark of the Covenant, robed in the pontifical attire like that worn by the typical high priest. The clothing worn by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement in the typical services are described as "the holy linen coat" with "linen breeches upon his flesh," and "girded with a linen girdle," and wearing "the linen mitre." These are declared to be the "holy garments" (v.4). Conforming to the traditional concept, we have lost much in our perception of the vision of Ezekiel 9. Three times in the vision given to Ezekiel, the One with the "writer's inkhorn by his side" is described as "clothed in linen" (vs. 2, 3, 11). This links the sealing as associated with the work of Heaven in connection with the antitypical Day of Atonement.
Traditionally, we have literalized the offering of the bullock as an atonement made by the High Priest for his immediate family, failing to consider that the High Priest typified the coming great High Priest in all aspects of the services on the typical day. In fact, the introduction in the book of Hebrews to the sanctuary typology is based on this concept of the house of Moses, of which Aaron was High Priest, and the house of Christ, of which He Himself is the High Priest. (See Heb. 3:1-6) The contrast of the two houses is prefaced with the admonition - "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus" (v.1). As the bullock was provided by the High Priest, so Christ offered Himself, as well as being the "Lord's goat" taken from the congregation (Deut, 18:15, 18), as the offering of God. For the bullock no confession was made, and its blood was taken first into the most holy place following the pouring of the incense upon the coals of fire. While in the Old Testament, the ministry of the sanctuary was limited to the tribe of Levi, and the priesthood to the house of Aaron, the New Testament pictures the ones who believe in Jesus "as lively stones" "being built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood" even "a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (I Peter 2:5, 9). In its entirety, the new Israel was to be a kingdom of priests. This is the "house" of Christ, "whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (Heb. 3:6).
Traditionally, we have limited the ministry of Jesus as High Priest on the antitypical Day of Atonement and restricted it to the Most Holy Place. The type does not warrant such a conclusion. In the services as outlined in Leviticus 16, there is a progression beginning in the Most Holy (called "the holy"), and passing to the Holy Place (called "the tabernacle"), and then to the Altar of the Court, noted as "the altar before the Lord." [There is also implied movement in the vision of Ezekiel 9, from "the cherub, where upon He was" to the "threshold of the house" to give commands to those standing "beside the brazen altar," among whom was "the man clothed with linen"].
In the outline of the typical service of the Day of Atonement, it is stated that the atonement was necessary for two reasons:
1) "the uncleanness of the children of Israel" and
2) "because of their transgressions in all their sins" (Lev. 16:16).
These reasons could be summarized as the record of sin, and the cause for the record of the sins - "their uncleanness." The record is kept in "books" (Daniel 7:10); the confession of those sins were recorded typically on the altars of the sanctuary (Leviticus 4). In the services of the typical Day of Atonements, the uncleanness is not noted as cleansed until the third phase, the cleansing at the brazen altar (16:19). For that phase, the blood of the bullock and the blood of the Lord's goat were mingled (v. 18). This gives some suggestion of how Heaven views the final atonement, and the magnitude of what God purposes to accomplish through the "Surety" of the better covenant.
How can this be related to the prophetic picture of Daniel 7? First, one must recognize a basic premise. Sin began with a covering cherub in the very presence of God (Eze. 28:14-15). The first point of reference for the final eradication of sin must be where sin began and the issue involved which sparked the rebellion. At this point, the statements of Scripture and the revelation found in the Writings must be combined. Man, created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), was to be only "a little while inferior to the angels" (Heb. 2:7, margin).
[The Greek of this verse is bracu ti. Thayer observes that here Paul "transfers to time what the LXX in Ps. 8:6 says of rank." (p.105) In the context of this verse, the same wording is used of Jesus (2:9). In His condescension, time not rank was the factor. (See Heb. 1:4; Phil. 2:9)]
From the Writings we learn that "human beings were a new and distinct order" (Review & Herald, Feb. 11,1902), and "designed to be a counterpart of God" (Review & Herald, June 18, 1895). Further, we are informed that "when God said to His Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man" (Spiritual Gifts, Vol.1, p. 17). This sparked the rebellion in Heaven. The whole angelic host became involved, and each made a decision.
It is with the angelic host that the scene of judgment in Daniel 7 begins. All are assembled. God who changes not desires that His original plan be activated. Will the angels of heaven accept the exaltation of the redeemed? The picture is far different now than when first suggested. The books are opened, and there is recorded the dark history of man's continual transgression and uncleanness. Will the angels consent that these who have sinned be placed above themselves who have never sinned? What plea can God make? Here the significance of the service of the Day of Atonement enters. First, Jesus who gave Himself, typified as the high priest who provided his own bullock, asks, "Did I give enough?" Across the minds of the angelic hosts races the recall of the agonies of Gethsemane and Calvary. Then God, who placed His co-Equal in the channel of human inheritance, and gave Him for the fallen race, asks, "Have I given enough?" The angels recall those hours of darkness when God Himself suffered in inexplicable anguish at the Cross. Yes, they assent, the purpose of God may proceed, and they will join in the final work for man.
Three angels go forth with the final call of the Everlasting Gospel, announcing first the setting in which it is being given - "The hour of the judgment of Him is come" (Lit.). Worship Him; "Be ye reconciled to God." Cease in rebellion; keep His commandments. The man "clothed in linen" completes His work, and returns to the Throne, declaring, "I have done as thou has commanded me" (Eze. 9:11). This is the second time He has uttered these words. Once before He prayed - "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4). But this time instead of from the cross the cry, "It is finished," there will come from the temple of heaven, from the throne "a great voice" declaring, "It is done" (Rev. 16:17). In the symbolism of Daniel, the Son of man comes to the Ancient of days to receive His kingdom - His "house" for which He has given so much. The at-one-ment is completed. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ" (Rev. 11:15).
While the "house" is not limited to the last generation, but includes all who have availed themselves of "the redemption in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24), there is a uniqueness in regard to the last generation which one dares not over look. This distinction is clearly defined in Paul's discussion of the resurrection in I Corinthians 15. All the redeemed "shall be changed" (v.51). While those who have been corrupted by death, are raised to incorruption (afqarsia), those alive at the event put on immortality (aqanasia) (v.53). It is this latter word, which emphasizes the uniqueness of the final generation. It is used three times in the New Testament, all in the writings of Paul; twice in I Corinthians 15:53, and once in I Timothy 6:16. In this latter reference, it declares that "the King of kings and Lord of lords ... only hath immortality." It is evident that to the victors who do not taste death, God shares a unique part of Himself, they in reality become a "counterpart of God."
This then raises the question of when the commission of sin ceases. Those who go to the grave can by faith in the Surety, who is still interceding in the sanctuary above, claim the promise of victory (I Cor. 15:57). But what about those who are alive when the intercession of the One "clothed in linen" ceases? Sin will also have had to cease in their lives. When and how will this be realized?
[The book of Revelation is clear that there is a period of time between the cessation of the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, and His coming as King of kings and Lord of lords. (15:8, 19:11)]
The Writings indicate that the objective of "the latter rain" is to bring "the seed to perfection" (Testimonies to Ministers, p.506). In the same chapter, "Pray for the Latter Rain," is found the suggestion that this experience is involved with the reception of the advancing light of truth: - "Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light" (p.507). The result is clearly written - "We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ" (p.506) The "how" is also defined - "It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ" (p.507). Paul wrote that in Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him" (Col. 2:9-10). This returns us again to the "in Him" concept of the Pauline epistles, and that Christ is the "Surety of a better covenant." We are His "house," the new house of Israel, a people of the covenant, and the promise is - "He shall save His people from their sins."
With all the failures of the past century to find the answer which the typical service of the Day of Atonement demands, one hesitates to even offer a suggestion as to what the answer might be. However, we would do well to consider a suggestion found in the Writings which reads - "Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel [Chapter 3] applies with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing of the great day of atonement" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. V, p.472).
In analyzing this vision, the first revelation is that Satan will resist every effort not only to understand the final atonement, but also its realization. Joshua, the ministering high priest in the days of Zechariah, is seen standing before the Lord, and "Satan standing at his right hand to resist Him" (v.1). Satan is just as envious and just as set in his opposition to the plan of God for man as when God first suggested it in the beginning. He seeks to set himself at "the right hand" for power and control. In the vision the Lord first rebukes Satan before turning His attention to Joshua. "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire," He asks. Joshua has no means to escape - his clothes are flammable - "filthy garments" ripe for the fire. Then the Lord commands those who stood before Him - those who have assented for God to carry out His original intent for man - "Take away the filthy garments from him" (v.4).
Here is the first test to those who would be cleansed. They can either yield their "filthy" garments, and become naked before whom they stand, or they can hold to them so as to cover their nakedness. This is the critical test self is involved. It is embarrassing to have to admit that all the "righteousnesses" which sustain our egos are nothing but "filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). But unless we are willing for this to happen, the next step cannot be taken. The Lord will not put His righteousness over our righteousnesses. He alone is righteous and He does not intend to share that righteousness in which there is not a thread of human devising with the fig-leaf devisings of men.
When Joshua yielded up his filthy garments - the angels of the Lord will remove them if we permit - the Lord declares - "Behold I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment" (v.4). The emphasis is on what God can and will do, not on what man can do, for his is only to surrender so that it can be done for him. On the typical Day of Atonement, it was the high priest alone who accomplished the atonement. The recipients were to afflict their souls and do no work (Ex. 23; 29-30). Soul affliction - how few understand what this is all about. Self denial - and this does not mean in material things of life - but the actual emptying of self even as He did, whose mind we are suppose to accept (Phil. 2:5-7 RSV). How painful to those who profess they can keep the commandments of God, and tell the Lord, "All these have I kept from my youth up, what lack I yet?"
After being clothed with the garments provided and a fair mitre being set on his head, the messenger of the Lord solemnly affirmed the intent of the Lord of hosts - "Thus saith the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by" (v.7).
The result - "Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at" (Heb. "men of wonder"). Through the bestowal of the final outpouring of God's grace, * human beings still closed in flesh of sin, will fully reflect the image of Christ, for God will bring forth His servant, the BRANCH in each - "Christ in you the hope of glory." The final atonement will have been accomplished. "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith" (Gal. 5:5).
* -- "Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work." (Testimonies to Ministers, p.508)
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By the will and grace of God will we obtain salvation, surrendering self to Him fully, by His power not ours. In His righteousness alone.
By the love and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior now and forever.
Amen.
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