Wars and Rumors of Wars.

 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard

one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come."

I looked and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; 

and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering

and to conquer.

When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature

saying, "Come."  And another, a red horse, went out; and to him

who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men

would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

Revelation 6:1-4 NASB

     Jesus tells us that prior to His return, we will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but the end is not yet. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, however these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (Matt 24:6-8). Famine is also mentioned in this passage, however for this post I will focus on some biblical prophecies concerning wars surrounding the emergence of the Anti-Christ.

     The old testament prophets have much to say about the last days, perhaps more than most of us realize. Daniel foretold much of what is to come, and anyone studying biblical prophecy soon discovers that much of what Jesus teaches, and much of what is revealed in the book of Revelation, has its roots in the prophecies of Daniel, 

     For the sake of brevity I will highlight some passages from the old testament prophets, and save further elaboration for future posts. 

     In Daniel 7, Daniel receives a vision of four beasts rising out of the great sea. One has the appearance of a winged lion, one a bear rising up on one side, one a four headed leopard, also with four wings on its back, and finally a dreadful beast unlike anything preceding it. Many scholars agree that these beasts correspond to the kingdoms represented in chapter 2, where Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a large statue, made up of differing metals. The kingdoms here represented are that of Babylon, which was conquered by the Medes and Persians, who were them defeated by the kingdom of Greece. I agree with this, and I also believe that these kingdoms are also represented by the first three beasts Daniel saw in chapter 7. However this vision is not a repeat of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, but concerns the re-emergence of these same kingdoms in the future. 

     The fourth kingdom in king Nebuchadnezzar's dream is commonly believed to be the Roman empire, which re-emerges as the beast kingdom (represented by the ten toes on the statue, and ten horns on the beast of chapter 7) in the latter days. I disagree with this view, and briefly here is why. This vision is concerning the kingdom of Babylon, and what happens to it. Each of the successive kingdoms swallow up the previous kingdom, always having control over Babylon itself. Rome, although a dominant empire on the world scene, never conquered Babylon, or Persia to the east. the eastern Roman empire had its capitol in what is now known as Istanbul Turkey, but their dominance did not fulfill the dream of Daniel chapter 2.

     The next major kingdom on the world scene, which also defeated the eastern portion of the Roman empire is that of the Islamic caliphate. This is a much better fit, and the Bible has a lot to say prophetically about the lands that are Muslim majority nations today. This caliphate dominated all of the countries that made up the former Babylonian, Persian, and Greek empires for centuries. While the caliphate is now broken up, these countries still have the potential to unite once more as a dominant world power. This is what I believe the Bible teaches, and I hope that future posts can clarify this further. 

     This is where the wars and rumors of wars come into play. Right now in the middle east and north Africa we see many nations, some get along with each other, many do not. For a final kingdom to emerge on the scene, made up of ten of these nations, something has to happen. 

     Daniel 8 records a vision of a ram and a goat. This vision is for the time of the end (Daniel 8:17). It has not been fulfilled yet, although the defeat of the Persian empire by Alexander the great fits this, and can be looked at as a type of what is to come. The Ram represents the kings of Media and Persia, and the goat Greece (Dan 8:20-21). The actual word translated Greece in our English Bibles is Yavan. Yavan was an ancient country that was made up of a part of what is present day Greece, and what is now known today as Turkey. The modern country of Iran would represent what was formerly called Persia. Briefly, the Ram (Persia), will arise and attack countries to the west, north and south, but is ultimately, and swiftly defeated by the kingdom of Yavan (Turkey).  After this, the king of Yavan suddenly dies, and his kingdom is divided into fourths. The "little horn" (Anti-Christ) emerges from one of these kingdoms (Dan 7:7-8, 8:9-12). Could this be foretelling a coming mid eastern conflict between Iran and Turkey? It is something to consider and watch for.

     Daniel 11 gives further details of the power struggle this divided kingdom will go through. It ultimately comes down to two kingdoms, the North, and the South. Historically these events played out in the Syrian wars between the Seleucid empire (North), whose capitol was in Antioch Syria, and the Ptolemaic empire (South), which was Egypt. Historic events between these two kingdoms took place, leading to the emergence of Antiochus Epiphanes, his invasion of Egypt, and the destruction and misery he inflicted upon the land of Israel. Yet these are only partial fulfillments, shadows once again, as the events are again set for the future days as Daniel 12 shows. Antiochus Epiphanes is a type of the coming Anti-Christ, and what is applied to him in Dan 11 is ultimately fulfilled by the coming beast (Dan 11:21-45). 

     Dan 11:42-43 speak of His conquest of Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia (Sudan). Could this be the three horns uprooted by the little horn in Daniel 7:8? Isaiah prophecies of this in chapter 19. Again, the setting is the end, the return of Christ is referenced in the first verse (Isaiah 19:1). Remember Jesus' statement in Matthew 24, "Nation will rise against Nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom?" in Isaiah 19:2 we see a similar statement made where Egyptian will be against Egyptian, each against his brother and neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. Was Jesus making reference to this passage of scripture? Then we see Egypt fall to a cruel task master, the wicked ruler of Daniel 11 (Isaiah 19:4).  The good news is this. We see Egypt in their hour of need, cry out to the Lord, turn to the Lord, and find deliverance in Him (Isaiah 19:19-22).

     There are many more prophecies concerning the last days and the middle eastern nations found throughout the Bible. I would keep my eyes open to the events happening in that part of the world, and when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, and begin to see these events unfold, understand that this might be leading up to the return of Christ, and the inaugeration of His kingdom.

End Times Deception

Who is the liar but the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ?

This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

1 John 2:22 NASB

     When asked by His disciples about the end of the age, and of His coming, Jesus gave them a timeline so to speak, of the signs to watch for. The very first thing Jesus mentioned was deception. "See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many." (Matt 24:5, Mark 13:5-6, Luke 21:8)  Indeed, we live in an age of deception, but this is nothing new to Christianity. The Bible warns of deception throughout its pages. The New Testament epistles are filled with warnings and corrections concerning heresies that were already in existence at the time of their writing. 

     Jesus is specific. He states that many will come in My name claiming to be the Christ. Out of these deceivers there are two specific ones to watch for. In the book of Daniel we read of a wicked ruler who is to come. It states that he will fling truth to the ground (Daniel 8:12), and that he ascends to power through intrigue and deception (Daniel 11:21-23). This is the same king mentioned by Paul in his second epistle to the Thessalonians. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul begins by warning his readers against deception. He then explains that the day of the Lord will not come until there is a great falling away from the faith, and the man of lawlessness is revealed. This ruler's coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, accompanied with false signs and wonders, and deception (2 Thess 2:8-10). 

     Here we also see that if we wish to avoid deception we must have a love for the truth. To love the truth means we desire, accept, and live by the truth even if it goes against the grain so to speak. To accept falsehood because it is the easy way out is dangerous! The truth is not always popular, and in the last days it will be even harder to stand for it. The warning here is that God will eventually let us go on in deception if that's the road we choose (2 Thess 2:10-12).

     We read in Revelation 13 of two beasts that arrive on the world scene. The first one again, is the one we have been talking about. The next one to watch for is found in Revelation 13:11-18. This individual is known as the false prophet. He exercises the same authority as the first beast (The antichrist), and through false signs and miraculous wonders, he deceives the multitudes into the worship of this beast (Rev 13:13-14).  This ultimately leads to an economic situation where it will be impossible to buy or sell without being marked, some sort of identification of allegiance to this satanic kingdom (Rev 13:16-17).  Jesus Himself warns us that the deceptive signs and wonders in these days are aimed at misleading even the elect if possible (Matt 24:24). 

     What do we do? There are those who believe we as Christians will not be here at this time. I would disagree. I believe the bible teaches that the saints will go through the three and one half years of the tribulation, and I will examine this in future posts. You can also read about it by clicking here. It is vital that we know the truth, that we love the truth, that we seek truth and implement it in our lives. Now is when we must grow and become strong in the faith, ultimately trusting God for the grace we will need in that hour. As Jesus said, "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. " (Matt 24:13 NASB)

   

     

     

 

       

       

The Coming Son of Man

     "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in 

the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will

mourn, and they will see the Son of Man

coming on the clouds of the sky with power

and great glory."

(Matthew 24:30 NASB)

Jesus made this statement in the passage of scripture known as the Olivet discourse. Here He speaks of the things to come, the events leading up to and including His second coming. In this post I would like to examine this verse in light of a few other passages of scripture, to help us understand who Jesus is.

Jesus is drawing from the prophet Zachariah in this particular statement. This particular book deals quite extensively with the ultimate return of the LORD to deliver Israel, and to bring judgement upon her enemies, in what we would call the "last days." The particular verse quoted, is speaking of the day when Israel looks upon the LORD who has come to save them, and as a consequence repents in bitter mourning, and as a nation experiences the salvation of the LORD.

"I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, like the bitter weeping over a firstborn (Zechariah 12:10 NASB)."

This is the LORD speaking, telling of a day when He will be physically present in Israel (Zech 14:4), visible to the people. They will see Him, and they will repent and be saved (Zech 13:8-9). So who is this LORD who will one day be bodily present on the earth? 

Daniel speaks of a time when the saints of the Most High will be overpowered and wore down until the Ancient of Days comes and passes judgement in their favor (Daniel 7:21-22). This chapter is where we find the "Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven", the Son of Man, whom Jesus claimed to be throughout the gospels. So now we see two references to the coming of the Lord to this earth to save His people, who are under severe distress. This is foretelling of the time of tribulation where christian, and Jew alike will experience untold of suffering, ultimately ended by Christ's return.

Finally we read in Revelation 1:7, speaking of Jesus, 

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.

So to sum this up, we see Jesus quoting Zechariah 12:10, and applying it to Himself, and John drawing from this same verse and also applying it to Jesus. So where we read of the LORD (Yehovah in Hebrew, the name of God) coming to save His people, we also see how it has been applied to Jesus. So we can draw the conclusion that not only John, the disciple of Jesus, but also Jesus Himself, makes the connection that Jesus is the divine LORD, who will return at the end, bringing judgement upon His enemies, and salvation to those who are His.

       

   

   

     

 

      

 

Jesus the Coming Lord.

           In this post I would like to examine a couple of statement that Jesus makes, and then take a look at the Old Testament passages where He draws them from, to show that Jesus did in fact claim to be God.

     In Matthew 16:27 we read,

     " For the  Son of Man is going to come in the glory of  His Father with His angels, and will then REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS."

     

     First of all, the title Son of Man was the title Jesus used more than any other when referring to Himself. This title is found more than 80 times in the gospel accounts. I looked at this in two previous posts that can be read  here and here.

     Jesus was referencing the seventh chapter of Daniel where we read of one like a Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven and approaching the Ancient of days. this Son of Man was given glory, dominion and a kingdom that will not pass away, and the worship of all people, nations, and men of every language (Daniel 7:13-14, see also Phil 2:6-11). 

     Next we read where Jesus states that when He comes He will repay every man according to his deeds. Jesus also makes a similar statement found in Revelation 22:12,

     "Behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."

     Let's take a look at two verses found in Isaiah that Jesus is referencing in these two statements He makes concerning His coming.

     Behold the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him (Isaiah 40: 10).

     Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, "Lo, your salvation comes; behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him" (Isaiah 62:11).

     Isaiah is telling us that the Lord God (Adonai Elohim, according to strongs, used as a proper name of God only) is coming with power and to rule. He is coming to reward or repay mankind. 

     In the next verse salvation or deliverance is coming to Zion. This salvation is personified in the next part of the verse where once again we read "His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him." 

     It is of interest to note that that the meaning behind the name of Jesus is salvation (Matt 1:21). The Hebrew name for Jesus is Yehoshua meaning Jehovah saved.

     So to sum this up, Jesus is applying these verses to Himself. He is stating that salvation is coming, The Lord God is coming to repay man according to his deeds, and this Lord God is...Jesus. This is another place where Jesus is claiming to be God.

Jesus, the First and the Last.

      People will often pose the question, "Where in the Bible does Jesus say, 'I am God, worship me?'" While that explicit statement is not found in the scriptures, at least not in those words, Jesus does make claims to His divinity in numerous places. One such place is found in the first chapter of Revelation.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, 

saith the Lord, which is, and which was,

and which is to come, the Almighty.

Rev 1:8 KJV

     In this verse we see the eternity of God. He has always existed, and always will. One thing that I have always struggled to wrap my mind around is the fact that God has no beginning. He has always been. No one, or no thing has created God. There has been no time where He did not exist. That thought leaves somewhat of a holy mystery to the person and being of God.

     John writes in this book that he was in the spirit on the Lord's day when he heard a great voice behind him (Rev 1:10). 

     I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:  and what thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea

(Rev 1:11 KJV).

     The voice John heard behind him was the voice of Jesus. So here we have a statement that Jesus makes. He claims to be the Alpha and Omega, the first and the  last.  John is overwhelmed by the appearance of the glorified Christ and falls at His feet as dead. 

     And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 

     I am he that liveth, and was dead: and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death (Rev 1:17-18 KJV).

     Jesus is making a bold statement here. There can hardly be any doubt as to what He is implying. In making this claim of Himself, Jesus draws on several scriptures found in Isaiah. Lets take a look at them, it will help us in our understanding of what Jesus meant. 

     Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, am the first, and with the last; I am he (Isaiah 41:4 KJV). 

    Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me (Isaiah 43:10 KJV).

     Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God (Isaiah 44:6 KJV).

     Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last (Isaiah 48:12 KJV).

     The above verses quoted out of Isaiah all refer to the LORD, the eternal one. There is no doubt that this is speaking of God. God affirms in these quotations that He is the first, the last, and there is no other. He is God, the only God. therefore by applying these verses to Himself, Jesus in no uncertain terms is claiming to be Yehovah God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The eternal one who has existed from eternity past, who is, and is yet to come. 

     

     

     

     

     

Psalm 22 and The Crucifixion of Jesus.

      In the gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Christ, one finds the fulfillment of several Old Testament passages. Psalm 22 is one such prophecy. In this post I would like to compare this Psalm with the corresponding verses found in the four gospels, showing how it was fulfilled in the events of Jesus death on the cross. 

     This Psalm begins with the cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Jesus utters this phrase in a loud voice while on the cross, shortly before He yielded up His spirit (Matt 26:46, Mark 15:34). By this, Jesus is applying this Psalm to Himself, and we will see that the events of that day are indeed foretold here. While on the cross, suffering, bearing the sin of mankind, He indeed felt the abandonment of His Father. Yet we also see another prophecy fulfilled concerning the resurrection, where God will not abandon His soul to the grave, or allow His Holy One to undergo decay (Psalm 16:8-11 compared to Acts 2:23-28). 

     Next we read in Psalm 22:6-8 of the mockery and rejection Jesus faced. Isaiah 53:3 speaks of how Jesus was to be despised by men. The gospel accounts show that the crowds despised and rejected Christ at His arrest and trial (Matt 27:20-26, Mark 15:9-15, Luke 23:13-25, John 19:1-16). They rejected an innocent man, and not only a man, but the sinless Son of God, and chose Barabbas to be released to them. He was a murderer and insurrectionist. 

     Psalm 22:7-8 foretell the jeers of the Scribes, chief priests and elders, as they mocked Him while He hung on the cross. Matthew 27:41-44 records how they taunted Him saying, He saved others but He cannot save Himself " and, " He trusts in God, let God rescue Him."This is almost word for word what is recorded in the Psalm we are studying. (see also Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23:35-37)

     Psalm 22:12-16 speak of the cruelty of the scourging, the mockery of the Roman soldiers, the crown of thorns, and ultimately the crucifixion itself. As the soldiers stretched Jesus out on the cross and nailed His hands and feet to the beams He was surrounded by strong bulls and roaring lions.  As He hung on the cross, struggling to breath, His life literally poured out of Him. His bones would have been put out of joint by the act of crucifixion, and now as He struggled for each gasp of air He lost all strength. He would reach the point of extreme thirst before He breathed His last and gave up His spirit.

     Psalm 22:17 Records that He can count all of His bones.  We read in John 19:33-36 how the Soldiers broke the legs of the other men to hasten their deaths. When they came to Jesus however, He was already dead. They then thrust a spear into His side to insure He was dead, but they did not break His legs. Exodus 12:46 states that no bone of the passover lamb was to be broken (Numbers 9:12). Psalm 34:19-20 also states that The LORD delivers the righteous from all of his afflictions. He guards all of his bones, not one of them is broken. This finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

     Next we read about the soldiers dividing His garments, and casting lots for them (Psalm 22:18). This happened, and is recorded in Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:23-25. 

     Finally we see a prayer for deliverance. Psalm 22:19-22 records a cry for help, a plea that the LORD would not be far off, and that He would hasten to deliver from death. This plea ends with a proclamation of praise which is also recorded in Hebrews 2:12. The context of this verse is the suffering and death of Jesus for us, so that we could be sanctified and called His brethren (Hebrews 2:9-12). 

Isaiah Saw Jesus

      Isaiah 6 is a chapter well known to many. In it we read of Isaiah's experience of being in the presence of the Lord.

     In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe  filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory." and the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. 

     Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and  I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts (Isaiah 6:1-5 NASB).

     There is no doubt that Isaiah saw God. The Hebrew word translated LORD is Yehovah, the self existing, eternal one. What Isaiah saw was an awesome manifestaion of the glory of the LORD, while Seraphim cried "Holy, holy, holy," and the temple shook. In fact Isaiah was undone in the presence of Yehovah God.

     As we read on we see that one of the Seraphim flew toward him with a coal from the altar, and touched his lips, purging his sin, and taking away his iniquity (Isaiah 6:6-7). 

     In John's gospel we read of the final events of Jesus' ministry in the days leading up to His arrest and crucifixion. John 12:38 tells us that in spite of all the signs that He had performed before the people, they did not believe in Him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED (John 12:38 NASB)?

     In spite of three years of ministry, teaching, and miracles of every kind, the people in general rejected Jesus as their Messiah, as the very Son of God. In describing the manner of death by which He was to die, the people asked, "Who is this Son of Man?" They were confused by His use of this divine title (Daniel 7:13-14), believing that the Messiah was to remain forever (John 12:32-34).

     All this was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:1. Jesus, the Arm of the LORD had been revealed to Israel, as Yehovah God, their God and king, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, yet they did not believe. Isaiah 53 continues on to show the events that were yet to come in the life of Jesus. It speaks of the horror and injustice of his arrest, torture and death. However it also shows us why. He suffered all of this as a sacrifice for sin; to bear the iniquity of mankind so that we could be reconciled to God. And the unbelief of the people played into this as the events unfolded.

     John also quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 to show that the unbelief of the Jews fulfilled prophecy,

     For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, "HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM."

     These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him (John 12:39-41 NASB).

     Whose glory did Isaiah see? and who was Isaiah speaking of? John is showing us that the words of Isaiah were being fulfilled before their very eyes. Isaiah had prophesied of this. It was Jesus whose glory that he saw. Jesus was the LORD high and lifted up, seated on the throne, and it was Jesus whom Isaiah spoke of.  Jesus the "Word become flesh, who is the image of the invisible God, in whom all the fullness of God dwells in bodily form (John 1:14, 12:44-45, Col 1:15, 19).

     

     

     

     

     

Jesus in Psalm 45

      My heart overflows with a good theme; I

address my verses to the King;

My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

You are fairer than the sons of men;

Grace is poured upon Your lips;

Therefore God has blessed You forever. 

Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Mighty

 One, in Your splendor and Your majesty!

And in Your majesty ride on victoriously,

for the cause of truth and meekness  

and righteousness.

Let Your right hand teach You awesome 

things. Your arrows are sharp;

The peoples fall under You;

Your arrows are in the heart of the 

King's enemies.

Your throne, O God, is forever

and ever; A scepter of uprightness

is the scepter of Your kingdom.

You have loved righteousness 

and hated wickedness; Therefore

God, Your God, has anointed You 

with the oil of joy above Your fellows.

Psalm 45:1-7 NASB

     

     This psalm, in the first section, describes a King who is fairer than men, one who speaks with grace, and is forever blessed by God (Psalm 45:1-2). Next we read that this same King has splendor and majesty ascribed to Him (Psalm 3-4) and will ride in victory for righteousness, meekness, and truth (Psalm 45:3-4). And yes, we read in these verses that this King is a mighty warrior who will inflict judgement upon His enemies (Psalm 45:3, 5). 

     In Psalm 45:6 we see that this King is God, who rules forever, in uprightness. As God, He loves righteousness and hates wickedness (Psalm 45:7). This is the very foundation of His kingdom. 

     What we read next is quite amazing. Because the King (God), loves righteousness and hates wickedness, He is anointed by God, His God with the oil of Joy above His fellows (Psalm 45:7). This is a profound statement describing a plurality in the Godhead, and ultimately describes the reign of Jesus Christ.

     The writer of Hebrews has this to say,

But of the Son He says, " Your throne O God,

is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter 

is the scepter of His kingdom. 

You have loved righteousness and

hated lawlessness; therefore

God, Your God, has anointed You

with the oil of gladness above Your companions."

Hebrews 1:8-9 NASB

     In this passage we see Psalm applied to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. From this we see plainly that, yes, Jesus is divine, He is God. We also see that as God, He was anointed by God, and that even though Christ is God, He still has a God (Psalm 45:7, Heb 1:9). As the God who became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14), He lived in subjection to the Father. This helps to bring clarity to passages such as John 20:17 where Jesus states that He must ascend to My Father and Your Father, and My God and Your God, and Ephesians 1:3 which speaks of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We in our finite minds cannot always comprehend the deep things of God, but yet we see scriptures revealing God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    

     

     

In Whom Did Abram Believe?

 In the beginning was the Word...

John 1:1

 

     We read in Genesis 15 the account of Abram and the son promised him by the LORD. in verse 1 we read,

     After these things, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision saying, "Do not fear,  Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great." (Gen 15:1 NASB)

     We see that the word of the LORD came to Abram. This was in a vision. Was it a voice from heaven, or did this word come in some other way?  Abram responds to this with a request for an heir, a child, as he was childless (Gen 15:2-3). Now the word of the LORD comes to Abram. First in a vision and now as a person as we will see.

    

     Then behold the word of the LORD came to him saying, "This man will not be your heir, but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir." And He took him outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." (Gen 15:4-5 NASB)

     Notice that the word of the LORD is personified in these two verses. The pronoun He, is used in referring to the word of the LORD here. The word of the LORD takes Abram outside and asks him to count the stars. This is someone present before Abram who then speaks to him further and promises Abram that his descendants would be exceedingly numerous. 

     Abram believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6)

     Abram believes in the LORD in whose presence he is standing. The word of the LORD reveals himself to Abram as the LORD who called him out of Ur to go to a land which he would be given to possess. This divine being then makes a covenant with Abram as well. (Gen 15:7-21). So who is this? 

     We read in John 1:18, that no one has seen God at anytime, but the only begotten in the bosom of the Father has explained or revealed Him. This is Jesus, the one in whom all the fullness of deity dwells (Col 2:9). This same Jesus is revealed as the Word in John 1:1-5, 14. The one who came to Abram,  the one in whom Abram believed was Jesus Himself, appearing in a pre-incarnate form as the word of the LORD.