Life in the Millennium will be ideal for those of Israel. Individuals belonging to Israel will have specially assigned territories within the Middle East and around Jerusalem depending upon which tribe they belong, and the overall territory of Israel will be what God originally promised Abraham (Ek 47:13 – 48:35). This territory will be for Jews and Israelites but there will be Gentiles allowed to live there as well (Ek 47:22-23). Who are these Gentiles living within the assigned territory of Israel? Scripture does not say, but perhaps these are Jewish proselytes who have no “official” Jewish or Israeli DNA, but because they have lived as being Jewish their whole lives, they are allowed to continue to do so. Although not an “official” Jew, they will be treated as though they are Jewish (Ek 47:22). Therefore, it would seem there is no real downside to not being an ethnically pure Jew as long as they are followers of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. This shows that God is always just and He is always more concerned about individual obedience than national obedience, even though both are important. God always rewards individual obedience which has already been shown in many examples provided in past posts.

There is another possibility in identifying those Gentiles who would be living within the borders of this New Israel. While this is speculative, it is consistent with God’s character and what He has promised in scripture, even though scripture does not explicitly state these activities. God has made each man and woman unique (Ps 139:13-16) and He treasures this about His creation. One’s uniqueness, one’s identity, will not be lost as one moves into the Millennium and the Eternal State.  Since the Millennium will be a time of great joy, then human beings being able to achieve and excel in their God-given talents, creativity, and personalities will most likely be highly encouraged by God Himself. One will then use these talents as one seeks to praise Him and seek to know Him better, which will be an adventure for many lifetimes over (Jb 36:26). Science has always been about understanding the unknown and the natural processes which occur on a day-to-day basis. There is no reason to believe this will end once mankind dwells with Christ. Since He has made mankind to be very inquisitive, and many have pursued this in a professional manner and have specialized in specific scientific areas, it is likely God will allow such to continue. After all, it seems God wants mankind to search out and discover things about Him (Pr 25:2). While in this present society many try to ignore God in this process of discovery, at this future time in earth’s history, it will be evident to whom all the glory for discoveries made should go. Bringing these scientific discoveries before Him and presenting these findings to all of earth’s inhabitants will further give glory to Him and help those who have not yet received Him as their Savior to have an even better appreciation for Jesus Christ, their King, Lord, and potential Savior.

Since Jerusalem will be the center for all things of the world during the Millennium, the oversight and administration for all these activities will likely also be centered in Jerusalem. Just as the Jews and Israelites will be the leaders of the worship of God during this time, those from the Gentile nations will likely be leading the world in these other avenues of praise to God through science, art, and other forms of creative expression since the Gentile nations are the ones to bring glory into Jerusalem and present this before Jesus Christ (Ps 86:9; Rv 15:4). It would make sense to have those who oversee such activities to also be in or near Jerusalem during this time. These may also be part of Gentile inhabitants to whom Ezekiel alluded when God showed him a vision of this time of earth’s history.

One can never outthink God and everything He has promised will most certainly come true, even if one cannot fathom how. It is likely one will be very astounded at the actuality of this time in earth’s future and will wonder why they limited their own thinking to its possibilities.

This reminds me of what Paul stated in 1st Corinthians: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who live Him” (1Co 2:9).

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

While Gentiles certainly benefit from the Millennial Kingdom, this time is prophetically about Israel fulfilling their original commission of being a kingdom of priests. From the beginning of Israel’s covenant with God at Mount Sinai, they were to be a kingdom of priests to the world. They did not fulfill that command the first time. Therefore, God is going to allow them the honor of fulfilling that command by leading the world in the worship of their King, their Savior. This will also include sacrifices. It is important to note that the purpose of sacrifices has always been about atonement, which is the act of cleansing. Of course, that meant the atonement, or cleansing, from sin, but also included the act of cleansing the implements that were a part of the ceremony.  This would still be true. Everything, including the altar itself, must be cleansed before it can be used in worship (Ek 43:13-27). All these things will, at least in the beginning, be a reminder to all of what Christ did for them.

While Israel will lead the world in the worship of God, there will still be many nations on earth. During this one-thousand-year reign, there will be many, many children born (Zc 8:4-5). They, too, will have to decide about putting their faith in Jesus Christ. It might seem obvious that in such a utopian society it would be a natural thing for people to do. However, even in the present world it is pride that leads to destruction (Pr 16:18); it will be no different in the Millennium. Although Satan will not be present, mankind’s nature is still present. Pride itself does not come from Satan, but he uses it to his advantage. Also, the children born during this time will not be aware of how bad and troubled the world was before Christ came and lifted the curse on both mankind and the earth. They will only know, according to them, that Christ has always been the ruler. While the teaching of their parents and other teachers will tell them of what Christ did and show that the sacrifices reveal the work that He did on the cross for everyone, these will not be experiences for them. These are things they will have to accept by faith just as their parents had done. Unfortunately, as time goes on, not everyone will put their faith in Jesus Christ, their king. This period of history will force mankind to admit that its biggest problem is mankind’s spirit itself. It is not Satan who creates the rebellion in one’s heart, but it is generated by one’s own pride.

The Bible also states that Jesus will reign with an iron scepter (Ps 2:9; Rv 12:5). That means all turmoil will be squelched immediately. After all, when the king knows one’s very thoughts, it is easy for Him to pass judgment quickly. Therefore, anyone who dies less than one-hundred years of age is considered cursed (Is 65:20). This is likely reflecting the seriousness of the acts by those who do rebel. Rebellion will not be tolerated. However, that does not mean internal, deep-seated animosity will not still occur. Some believe these scriptures teach that only those from the Gentile nations may reject Christ as their Savior while all the Jews will accept Him.

While the verse in Isaiah does not explicitly state death will not occur to anyone who does not rebel, it can be implied since the first resurrection has already occurred, and the second resurrection is only for the non-saved (Rv 20:4-6). The Bible does not speak of any further resurrection of the righteous. This suggests that those born during the Millennium and accept Christ as their Savior will never die.

As you can see, this will be quite an awesome kingdom. You, too, can be a part of it. Don’t miss it!

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The beginning of the Millennium is almost like the antithesis of the earth after the Rapture – the world goes from chaos to peace. This time, all those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior are removed. After the Rapture, the earth and its inhabitants endured all sorts of natural disasters and plagues. In the Millennium, the earth and its inhabitants will have a wonderful environment and almost pure bliss. All has been made right again. All evil has been vanquished – at least for a time. Satan has been placed in the Abyss – locked up for one-thousand years so he can have no influence on mankind (Rv 20:1-3). All those who had come through the Tribulation and still not accepted Christ by faith have also been removed. The earth is full of only those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, the King of Righteousness. For the first time the earth is at peace – true peace.

There are two groups who enter the Millennium. One group is composed of those who were alive at the time of Christ’s return and who had accepted Him as their Savior. They enter the Millennium in their current human bodies. The other group is composed of those who are part of the first resurrection and enter the Millennium in glorified bodies. These consists of the following:

1. Those who returned with Christ when He came to destroy the Antichrist and bind Satan (Rv 19:14). These are considered the church, i.e., those from Christ’s resurrection until the Rapture who put their faith in Him.

2. Those who put their faith in the Messiah prior to his resurrection (Dn 12:1-2). These are resurrected after Christ’s return and before the start of His reign (Rv 20:4).

3. Those martyred for their faith during the Tribulation period. These also are resurrected after Christ’s return and before the start of His reign (Rv 20:4).

These will be like Christ in the sense that they will have their resurrected, glorified, bodies. They will be different from those who survived the Tribulation. Those who survived the Tribulation will still have human bodies like ours today. These who returned with Christ have what are called “glorified” bodies (1Jn 3:2). They already have the bodies they will possess in the Eternal State and know they will forever be with their Lord. The “New Testament saints” are considered the Bride of Christ (2Co 11:2; Ep 5:25-27; Rv 19:5-9) and the “Old Testament saints” are their attendants (Mt 25:1, 10). Both have a major part to play in Christ’s Kingdom. Future posts will explore this further. I hope you join us.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Many have stated that one cannot know if these events as described in the Bible, and especially in Revelation, are literal events or if they are allegorical and could thereby mean something completely different. There are three important points that should be noted before one makes a final decision on this point:

1. The context of these events: The Old Testament prophets when prophesying to the people of their day were referring to this time as a warning for Israel and Judah to repent and turn back to their One True God. However, in the midst of this there was also hope (Jr 30:7-24). Hope is hardly ever given in an allegorical manner; otherwise, it is not hope. Hope must be on something that is tangible. Therefore, it seems that to these prophets, it was a literal occurrence because it brought hope to them and to their people. They did not see God’s revelation of this period of time in an allegorical manner. Since there are many parallels between the events described by John in Revelation and the events described by these Old Testament prophets, it would seem logical that the events in Revelation are also literal and not allegorical.

2. The purpose of these events: God promised He would restore both Israel and Judah back to their homeland (Is 11:11-12; Jr 16:14-15). What better way to have this occur than the world-wide events and persecution described in Revelation? They will flee to the only place on earth where they will not be persecuted: Israel.

3. The early church belief of these events: The early church leaders believed these events to be literal. Three of the Gospel writers all record Jesus talking about these future events that parallel those of the Old Testament prophets and the events outlined in Revelation (Mt 24:4-42; Mk 13:5-37; Lk 21:8-36). Paul believed in a literal interpretation (1Co 15:24; 1Th 2:12; 2Th 1:5) as well as did Peter (2Pt 1:11) and James (Ja 2:5). All these early church leaders believed Jesus to be speaking of literal events and that they coincided with Old Testament prophecy.

Therefore, based upon these three points, a literal interpretation as presented in these posts seems relevant. These events are literal and still future to us today. If they are then literal, let’s understand them and take them to heart. We get a glimpse of a beautiful future awaiting us!

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Why does the Tribulation Period cause a definition change for Gentiles? Let’s get an understanding of what happens.

Although there are many Gentiles who turn to Jesus Christ during the Tribulation, the Antichrist will hold his sway over the majority. The nations look to him as their savior from the chaos which erupts after the Rapture, and he seems to be just that for the first few years. As conditions on earth start to get worse and worse, the Antichrist, just like Nero during the Roman Empire, makes Jews and Christians the scapegoat and punishes them severely. Many will blindly believe what the Antichrist tells them and cling more tightly to him because they feel he is their only hope.

The Antichrist brings almost all the armies of the world to the Middle East and the battle of Armageddon is fought which was described in previous posts. This leads to their ultimate destruction when Christ returns, as none of them can stand up to him.

Of course, this does not mean everyone on earth is in the Middle East for this battle. The ordinary men and women of all the earth’s nations are still going about their normal daily routine. The Bible states that what occurs is a reversal of the events which occurred previously at the Rapture. Now, all of those who are not believers in Christ will be taken while those who are left on the earth will be Christians (Mt 24:40-41; Lk 17:34-35). The nations will then be judged for how they treated Christ’s followers (Mt 25:32-46).

This pattern has been observed throughout history. God uses the animosity of nation against nation to achieve his desired plan. In this case, God uses the Antichrist and the earth’s nations to drive all the Jews and those of Israeli descent back to Israel forcibly so that He can in the end save them. Yet, these nations are then held accountable for their hateful actions.

Future Passovers from this time forward will not look back to the time God brought Israel out of Egypt but will look back to this Tribulation Period where God brought all of his chosen people back to their homeland (Jr 16:14-15). Both Israel and Judah will once again be reunited (Jr 30:3). Gentile nations will also partake in these Jewish feasts as well, but the Feast of Tabernacles will have a judicial ordinance attached to it to require attendance in Jerusalem (Zc 14:18).

This return of God’s chosen people to their homeland is comprised not only of Jews but also of Israelis. It was previously mentioned that those of Israeli descent were scattered throughout Europe and even to America. Over time, of course, no pure Israeli remained as they were integrated into the cultures of those nations. It has always been a mystery how those of Israeli descent will be driven back to Israel if they don’t even know they are of Israeli descent. This mystery may be solved. Today, one can more fully explore their ancestry by opting for a DNA test which will reveal their ethnic background and know from which countries and/or ethnicities their forefathers originated. It is possible that the Antichrist will utilize either this type of database or force everyone to take such a test. Then all those with Israeli or Jewish DNA will be persecuted and/or killed. That will force a mass exodus of these individuals to Israel for safety. It is likely many Gentiles will be surprised they are not truly Gentile after all. However, if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, it will become a great blessing to them as they move into the Millennium as all the people of the earth will hold them in great esteem during that time.

The definition of Gentiles, therefore, changes back to the first century definition of Gentiles comprising anyone who is not an Israelite (non-Jewish and non-Israeli). This definition now continues into eternity.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The second half of the Tribulation Period is known as the Period of Great Tribulation. The Antichrist sets himself up as the one who should be worshipped by all (Rv 13:8). He has a death, or near-death, experience and recovers which only drives more loyalty to him by those on earth (Rv 13:14). He even sets himself up in Israel’s temple as the one to worship (Dn 9:27; Mt 24:15). He puts a mark on those who show their allegiance to him and only they can buy or sell (Rv 13:16-17). Without the mark, no one can buy anything and anyone without the mark is immediately sentenced to die.

Many Jews flee to a more southern region (Mt 24:16; Rv 12:14) which many believe will be Petra, which is located south of the Dead Sea and in today’s country of Jordan. Many Christians and Jews who have converted based upon the evangelistic campaign by the one hundred and forty-four thousand will likely be there to greet these refuges as they would have already searched the scriptures and know that Daniel and John prophesied God’s protection of this area (Dn 11:41; Rv 12:14) and that Isaiah had prophesied of Christ’s triumph in this region (Is 34, 63). The Antichrist is now also against the Jews and is determined to wipe them out. Satan, through the Antichrist, had to first gain the confidence and loyalty of all. Once he has that, and has gained sufficient power, he then follows through with this original plan. If he can wipe out the Jewish nation, then Christ cannot fulfill His final mission of ruling over His chosen people. Therefore, total Jewish annihilation is the only goal he will accept.

The Antichrist, however, is determined. He is able to muster most of the world’s military to the Middle East and sets up to go against both Jerusalem and, likely, Petra (Rv 16:14-16) for what has been termed the Battle of Armageddon (Rv 16:16). The reason is that many Jews fled to this area south of the Dead Sea and the Antichrist is very determined to annihilate all Jews. The Antichrist’s armies are therefore placed from Jerusalem down to Petra. Jerusalem is attacked, ransacked, and brought to the verge of annihilation (Zc 14:2). Petra is surrounded (Is 34:1-6, 63:1-6).

Then the long-awaited promise occurs. Those in Jerusalem finally say the very words Christ stated must be spoken before he would return: blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (Mt 23:39). This is important because the context of these words is from one of the psalms (Ps 118:26), a psalm of deliverance. By saying these words, they are agreeing with the psalmist in asking for deliverance, a deliverance that results in their salvation and ushers in their Messiah’s reign. Jesus does not disappoint them. Descending from Heaven, He comes with all of those who had previously put their faith in him (Rv 19:11-14).

Just as Christ touches down on the Mount of Olives just east of Jerusalem, the biggest earthquake that mankind and the world have ever experienced occurs (Rv 16:18-20). This is likely the fourth earthquake mentioned in the previous post. It topples cities, moves mountains and islands from their places, and changes landscapes. The whole earth convulses and responds to the King’s touch. It causes all the faults in the area to separate. It has been found that the Arabian fault extends from the Afar Triangle (where the Arabian, African, and Somalian plates meet) up through the Gulf of Aqaba and through the Jordan River basin (called the Great Rift Valley) northward. In addition, there is a fault zone, called the Palmyra Belt of Faults and Folds extending from the Jordan River north of the Sea of Galilee to the Euphrates River. All throughout this area are subterranean riverbeds. A fault scarp (when land at the fault zone is thrown upward forming a cliff face on one side of the fault and a more level area on the other side of the fault) between Geba (about five miles north of Jerusalem) to Rimmon (about thirty-five miles south of Jerusalem) is formed which causes the area east to become a plain (Zc 14:10). The rift in the Mount of Olives will go westward to the Tyropoean Valley in Jerusalem (Zc 14:10-11) as well as eastward forming a scarp face which allows a subterranean river to flow from beneath the temple mount in Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea (Zc 14:8; Ek 47:1-12). Also, the Palmyra Belt of Faults will separate forcing the Euphrates River to flow into the Jordan River causing the remainder of the Euphrates River to dry up (Rv 16:12). Water from the Euphrates will then flow into the Jordan River as well as from other subterranean rivers now exposed from the scarp face. These fresh waters will flow into the Dead Sea making it vibrant for fish and vegetation (Ek 47:9-10); water will then flow out of the Dead Sea to the sea of Aqaba while another part of the Jordan will flow along the newly developed scarp face into the Mediterranean Sea (Zc 14:8). While all these events are to bring judgment, it seems they are also preparing the earth for the coming Millennial Kingdom.

Jesus first touches down on the Mount of Olives as was stated and then goes immediately to Bozra where the Antichrist’s armies were set against Petra and defeats the foes there. Defeating the enemy is not a hard task for him. It is, though, a very bloody task. A single word from Christ and the enemies’ flesh begins to disintegrate; there is panic and confusion and the army that the Adversary has brought starts fighting each other (Zc 14:12-15). The number of the enemy who fall is so great that blood spatters all the way up to a horse’s bridle (Rv 14:20). Jesus then heads up to Jerusalem in his blood-stained garments (Is 63:1) where he defeats all of his foes along the way and comes to Jerusalem victorious and enters Jerusalem through the Eastern Gate (Ek 43:1-5). This gate has long been closed (since 1541 AD by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent) representing the hopelessness of the Jews and their lost promises. Yet, such a closure is no barrier for the King of kings.

Christ will fulfill everything he has promised. Time is immaterial. What is a long time to use is not for him. All will work out as he has ordained. We can bank on that. Don’t you want a sure thing? Who doesn’t? This is a sure thing. Trust him. You’ll be glad you did.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

God is always at work spiritually – even during the future time known as the Period of Tribulation. Not long after the Rapture happens, although the restraint of the Holy Spirit is removed, the Holy Spirit will be very active in creating an evangelistic force which God will use as His witnesses during this dark and horrific period of history. Many Israelites will put their faith in Christ and begin to evangelize the world (Rv 14:1-5). These one hundred and forty-four thousand individuals are protected so that the Antichrist cannot harm them, and their work can continue (Rv 7:1-8). However, not everyone who listens to, and accepts, their message are as protected, as there will be many martyrs during this time (Rv 6:9; 7:9-17). It seems that times of persecution actually help spread the gospel message much like it did during early church times. These Jewish evangelists will also evangelize Gentiles during this Tribulation Period as these martyrs will include people of all nations and languages (Rv 7:9).

Because these one hundred and forty-four thousand individuals are from almost all the identified tribes of Israel (Rv 7:4-8), some believe this could not occur as described here in Revelation because the ten tribes that composed the northern kingdom of Israel were lost to history after their captivity by Assyria (2Ki 17:5-6). However, as stated in earlier posts, there is profound evidence that the kingdom of Israel was larger than most think, and the ten northern tribes of Israel were not lost, but many from these tribes settled in and around Armenia and later became a significant force of the Parthian Empire. When that empire crumbled, many crossed the Caucasus Mountains into Europe. This helps to explain why there is an Armenian quarter in Jerusalem. There are two religious components: Christian and Muslim; then there are two ethnic components: Jewish and Armenian (representing the two components of the split Israeli empire: Judah and Israel, respectively).

Despite all of these disasters, the Antichrist tries to make the best of it to keep the world together and on his side. At the same time, he persecutes not only Jews, but Christians as well causing many to be martyred (Rv 6:9). As the Jewish evangelists are showing many how to be saved, the Antichrist uses religion to help unite his followers as well. Up until the middle of this seven-year period, a unified religion has been implemented that suits his unification purpose. It has been suggested that the worship of a deity mother could be this unification factor to appeal to almost all with different religious backgrounds. Ever since the time of the tower of Babel, a counterfeit religion of a mother and son has existed and has manifested itself into most religions of the world. Therefore, this is certainly a plausible scenario as people would not have to drastically change their belief system to fit into the new world-church order. This will meet the Antichrist’s initial needs as he unifies the nations of the world into ten regions that are in allegiance to him (Dn 7:24; Rv 17:12). However, once he is in control, this counterfeit religion and his treaty with Israel become hindrances to his lust for total domination. These restrict what he can do. Therefore, he attempts to get rid of both (Dn 9:27; Rv 12:17, 17:16).

About mid-way into the seven years, Satan’s access to heaven is denied (Rv 12:9). It seems that Satan has always had access to heaven (Jb 1:6). Satan was created as Lucifer, the cherub that covers (Ek 28:14), the one who was the closest to God Himself – before he rebelled. As a created being, he has always been subject to God’s control and the limitations God imposed upon him (Jb 1:12). However, that has not seemed to deflate his ego or his belief that he can get out of these restrictions. Since the dawn of time, he has tried to prevent God’s prophecies from coming true – and will try until the very end. He knows that if he can destroy all of Israel, then God’s promise cannot come true. Now with his access to heaven taken away, he intensifies his efforts. The second half of the Tribulation period is known as the Great Tribulation because of both the heightened intensity of Satan’s actions through the Antichrist as well as the more intense judgments that befall the earth.

In the next post, we will investigate what occurs during this time of Great Tribulation.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

With so many disappearing all at once with the occurrence of the Rapture, there will likely be fear, panic, terror, chaos, and disinformation occurring. Therefore, Satan works in an individual who exudes charisma, is confident, wants power, and is one whom he can control. This one, the Antichrist, comes on the scene, likely working behind the scenes for many years prior to this time, and now surfaces as the one with the answers, the one everyone turns toward. His actions, his words, make sense and begin to calm fears. Many on the earth will feel putting him in charge will make sense and solve many of their problems. Satan has always desired to rule the world and have subjects who will worship him. He, therefore, works through this individual toward that end.

This period of time has become known as the time of Jacob’s Trouble (Jr 30:7) or the Tribulation Period (Rv 7:14). It is a seven-year period of time between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ; also known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Dn 9:27). It is also part of what Old Testament prophets called the Day of the Lord (Is 13:6; Ek 30:3; Jl 1:15; Am 5:20; Ob 1:15; Zp 1:14; Zc 14:1; Ml 4:5). The term ‘Day of the Lord’ includes this period of time, but also includes the individual judgment that will occur at the time of Christ’s second coming (Mt 25:31-46).

God has always stated Israel as a nation could know if they are in God’s favor. This statement is found back in Deuteronomy (Dt 27-28). God stated He would bless Israel if they were obedient: plenty of rain, plenty of crops, no enemies could overtake them, and they would be the ones taking care of other nations financially and provisionally. However, if the nation of Israel did not obey God, then a series of misfortunes would follow suit getting progressively worse and worse: disease, lack of rain, failed crops, overtaken by enemies, taken into captivity, and those in the land that are non-Israelites would overtake those living there. In ancient times, Israel as a nation was confined to a geographic region. However, today, Jews are everywhere around the globe and not in one geographical region. God could only get their attention if He acted where all Jews live. Therefore, today, this would involve the whole world.

As the Antichrist starts out on the heels of the great disappearances, the world is in chaos, and he seems to be the savior with answers for the nations of earth. He makes a treaty with Israel (Dn 9:27) and promises their protection. However, not everyone is in agreement with this, and a league of nations come against Israel. Likely, nations between and above the Caspian and Black Seas and northeastern Turkey, along with Georgia and Russia, will align with Iran, Sudan, and Libya to attack Israel (Ek 38:1-12). Peoples from the north, south, and east of Israel will attack. These nations have a 4-fold agenda: (1) obtain the wealth of Israel (Ek 38:11-12), (2) control the Middle East, (3) destroy Israel, and (4) challenge the authority of the Antichrist (Dn 11:40-44). The Antichrist as well as the nations in southern Arabia and Western Europe are against this invasion (Ek 38:13).

God intervenes and uses several natural disasters to hinder the invasion: (1) a great earthquake, (2) infighting among the troops of the various nations doing the invading, (3) disease, and (4) torrential rain, hailstones, fire and burning sulfur (Ek 38:19-22). There are four key events which follow this invasion: (1) birds and beasts are called to gorge on the dead bodies (Ek 39:4-5, 17-20), (2) burying of the dead takes seven months to complete (Ek 39:11-12, 14-16), (3) the weapons left from the invasion of the dead army provide enough fuel to last seven years (Ek 39:9-10), and (4) blessings, restoration, and salvation are provided to Israel (Ek 39:21-29). Although it is God Himself who actually saves Israel (Ek 38:21-23), the Antichrist claims credit and gets further respect from the other nations of the world and they see him as one dedicated to peace.

As the Antichrist is trying to set up his world-wide domination, there are natural disasters of epic proportion that also occur (Rv 6:12-14). There are four earthquakes that occur - each one more impactful than the previous: (1) the first marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation, i.e., the last half of the seven-year period (Rv 8:5); (2) God will send two witnesses who will preach from Jerusalem and be able to withhold rain and cause all sorts of plagues to occur on the earth as a way to get people’s attention. However, the Antichrist will be set against them and will eventually have them destroyed after three and a half years and will institute a celebration of their demise. However, after three and a half days, these two will be resurrected and ascend to heaven. At that point, a severe earthquake will occur. It will destroy a tenth of the city of Jerusalem, and seven thousand people will be killed (Rv 11:13). (3) Another earthquake occurs, along with a great hailstorm, not long thereafter (Rv 11:19). (4) The fourth earthquake is so severe that it breaks the city of Jerusalem into three parts and collapses cities all around the world. Mountains are leveled and islands submerged, or both are relocated and/or re-sculpted (Rv 16:18-21). This is likely the same earthquake that occurs at Christ’s second coming when he touches down on the Mount of Olives (Zc 14:4).

Many scientists proclaim today that space debris hitting the earth is not a matter of if it will happen but when it will happen. Apparently, the when is during the Tribulation period. The frequency and intensity of meteor showers will increase drastically (Rv 6:13). A massive hail and lightning storm occur which damages and burns a third of the earth’s vegetation (Rv 8:7). The removal of crop prosperity was one of the curses provided in Deuteronomy (Dt 28:18). Then come two large asteroids that land in the sea and on land which causes a third of the earth’s seas to become toxic so fish die and cause the fresh water supply to become too toxic to drink (Rv 8:8-11).

God then allows even more evil to be released on the earth. There will be a plague that lasts for five months on those who have not put their faith in Christ where the pain of their infliction will be excruciating but will not lead to death (Rv 9:1-6). Then there is another type of plague that kills one-third of mankind (Rv 9:13-15). However, even after all of this, most do not see a connection between these events and God’s wrath. By the end of the seven-year period almost one-half of the earth’s population will have been destroyed (Rv 6:8, 9:15). During the second half of the Tribulation the judgments intensify (Rv 16). Painful sores will break out on individuals. The seas become like blood causing the sea creatures to die. This then spreads to the fresh waters, the rivers, and springs. The sun becomes intense, and its heat kills many, and this is then followed by total darkness. The Euphrates River also dries up. This could be tied to the fourth great earthquake which could divert the flow of the Euphrates River.

Despite all of these events, the main purpose is a spiritual one. We’ll look at that aspect next time.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

It was not the difference between being Jewish and Gentile and how to combine these cultures under the umbrella of Christianity that caused the final division between the two, but the expression of anti-Semitism that developed. Probably one of the earliest writings that set this tone was the Epistle of Barnabas (80-120 AD):

…give heed to yourselves now, and not to liken yourselves to certain persons who pile up sin upon sin, saying that our covenant remains to them also. Ours it is; but they lost it in this way for ever, when Moses had just received it. (Barnabas 4:6, 7)

The main tenet of this author was that the Jews did not receive the covenant from God as they claimed because Moses broke the stone tablets that contained that covenant; therefore, it was not received until Jesus Christ came and it was received by the Gentiles who believed in Him. This thought pattern may have been the genesis to many other writers who went even further into these anti-Semitic beliefs and teachings.

While many of the early church fathers had very good Biblical teaching for which we all have benefitted, they could not seem to get over the stumbling block of Jews and their rejection of Jesus Christ as their Messiah. However, they did not seem to distinguish the difference between individual Jews and the Jewish nation. The national leaders rejected Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah; individual Jews, however, were accepting Him as their Savior. Yet, this distinction seems to be missed in their writings. Here are just a few:

• Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of the apostle John and was bishop of the church in Antioch, Syria, when Trajan was Emperor and sentenced him to a martyr’s death by beast in the arena. This is an excerpt from one of his writings to Magnesia, one of the regional units, or territories, in Greece (writing between 105-115 AD):

It is absurd to profess Christ Jesus, and to Judaize. For Christianity did not embrace Judaism, but Judaism Christianity, that so every tongue which believeth might be gathered together to God. (Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians, Chapter X)

• Justin Martyr was a second century Christian apologist. He also wrote against Marcion who held that Christianity was in discontinuity with Judaism. This is an excerpt from his third apology (writing between 150-160 AD):

For the circumcision according to the flesh, which is from Abraham, was given for a sign; that you may be separated from other nations, and from us; and that you alone may suffer that which you now justly suffer; and that your land may be desolate, and your cities burned with fire; and that strangers may eat your fruit in your presence, and not one of you may go up to Jerusalem. (St. Justin Martyr Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter XVI)

• Origen was a theologian in Alexandria, Egypt. He refuted Gnosticism and was a critic of many pagan philosophies of his day. He is noted for developing Christian Neoplatonism which combined many of the philosophies of Plato with those of Old Testament scripture. This is an excerpt from one of his responses to the pagan philosopher Celsus’ attack on Christianity (writing between 203-250 AD):

…on account of their unbelief, and the other insults which they heaped upon Jesus, the Jews will not only suffer more than others in that judgment, which is believed to impend over the world, but have even already endured such sufferings. For what nation is in exile from their own metropolis, and from the place sacred to the worship of their fathers, save the Jews alone? And these calamities they have suffered, because they were a most wicked nation, which, although guilty of many other sins, yet has been punished so severely for none, as for those that were committed against our Jesus. (Origen Against Celsus: Book II, Chapter VIII)

• John Chrysostom (344-407 AD) was a priest at Antioch in Syria as well as archbishop in Constantinople and was noted as the early church’s greatest preacher. He was blunt in his preaching which won him notoriety as well as got him into trouble. He was later falsely accused of heresy, deposed, and sentenced to exile. However, his health was so poor he died on the journey. The following are excerpts from some of his sermons:

The synagogues of the Jews are the homes of idolatry and devils, even though they have no images in them [Sermon I:3; based on Jer. vii:11]. They are worse even than heathen circuses [Sermon I:3]. The very idea of going from a church to a synagogue is blasphemous [Sermon II:3]; and to attend the Jewish Passover is to insult Christ. To be with the Jews on the very day they murdered Jesus is to ensure that on the Day of Judgment He will say 'Depart from Me: for you have had intercourse with my murderers' [Sermon III:5 and VI:8]. The Jews do not worship God but devils [Sermon I:3, based on John 8:19], so that all their feasts are unclean [Sermon I:6]. God hates them, and indeed has always hated them. But since their murder of Jesus, He allows them no time for repentance [Sermon VI:1]. It was of set purpose that He concentrated all their worship in Jerusalem that He might more easily destroy it [Sermon IV:6].

It is likely that most of these early theologians would state that they were not condoning the systematic killing of Jewish people and their words have been taken out of context. While that may be true, they also likely did not consider how much weight their words would be taken by those who would come after them or how long-lasting their statements would endure and be such a catalyst for a much more aggressive form of anti-Semitism which still persists today. While their intentions may have been pure and slated at non-Christian Jews and not wanting their congregation to be confused with non-Christian Jewish thinking, it became the focal part of the wedge that started to drive the separation of the church from all Jews and not just those who had not accepted Jesus as their Messiah.

During this time of church history through the teachings of Origen, Clement, and others who were influenced by Greek philosophy and allegorical scripture interpretation like the Jewish scholar Philo, was the use of allegory to explain scripture from a Christian perspective. This method of interpretation allowed them to make leaps that the Christian church was now the continuation of God’s covenant with Israel in the Old Testament. This in itself is not anti-Semitism, but does lay the groundwork for that to develop: if indeed true, then how would, or could, Israel fit into God’s future plans?

This sentiment has continued over the centuries by many. Under the rise of Constantine and the Counsel of Nicaea, further separations were made. As one example, Easter was made the official Christian holiday for celebrating the resurrection of Christ rather than Passover week (Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits). Also, the rights of Jews were severely reduced, and the Jews were later treated very severely, were blamed for plagues that occurred, and were harassed relentlessly. This anti-Semitism was a catalyst for the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and much persecution. Unfortunately, Paul’s statement that salvation had come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious (Ro 11:11) was not considered, but rather the Jews were made to hate instead. Even Martin Luther in the fifteenth century had disparaging remarks against the Jews. So much so that Hitler stated his atrocities against the Jews were simply finishing what Luther had started.

The separation between Jew and Christian has become so far removed that it is likely any mainstream Jew or Christian today would be unable to express any connection between their two faiths. Most Christians today have no real understanding that Jewish holidays have a Christian relevance.

Because of this separation, there is now also a separation between Christian Gentiles and Christian Jews (usually called Messianic Jews) which is unfortunate since they both are followers of Jesus Christ. It seems that these Messianic Jews are the only ones who currently blend the messages of the Old and New Testaments into their liturgical church operations. As an example, there are very few Gentile Christian churches that even mention Communion comes from the last Passover meal Jesus had with his disciples. Even if this aspect is mentioned, the symbolism of the bread and cup within the Passover meal are usually not explained. The argument continues in that Messianic Jews can get too legalistic as did the Jews in the days of old while Gentile Christians can be accused of not understanding the Old Testament meaning in their New Testament practices. It seems everyone can get caught up in tradition rather than understanding. All Christians, whether Jew or Gentile, should remember Paul’s words to the Colossians that whatever one does, it should all be done in the name of Jesus Christ and to the glory of God the Father (Cl 3:17). Praise and recognition should also not be the motivators as that can instead hinder the gospel message (3Jn 1:5, 10), and one’s thought pattern must change to recognize the worth in others that God sees (Pm 1:15-16).

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

The Parthian Empire extended from India in the east to Turkey in the west, with its western border being the Euphrates River, and from the Persian Gulf in the south to the Caspian and Black Seas in the north. The following modern-day countries would have been encompassed within Parthia: all modern Iran, Iraq and Armenia, parts of Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. During the New Testament era it was well known that there were Jews who existed within Parthian territory, and it seems they were also aware of their fellow Israeli descendants who lived in Armenia.

Likely because of Christ’s earlier command to his disciples to go to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 10:5-6) and to “teach all nations” (Mt 28:19), many of them went to the Jews in Parthian territories to spread the gospel, just as Paul reached the Gentiles within the Roman sphere of influence (Ga 2:8). One such evidence of this is that Peter wrote his first epistle from Babylon (1Pt 5:13). Some claim that this is a code word used for Rome which was done similarly by the apostle John when he wrote the book of Revelation (Rv 17:5; 18:2). However, this type of analogical comparison was not prominent until many years later. In addition, Peter was writing to those in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1Pt 1:1) – all places in the northern part of Asia Minor near the Black Sea whose territory today is in the country of Turkey. There was a large contingent of Jews in this Gentile territory. It also seems that Peter was stating that those from where he was writing from had similar connections to those to whom he was writing, i.e., “elected together with you” (1Pt 5:13). This could suggest that Peter was with other Jews or those of Israeli descent since he was in Parthian territory and therefore had a connection to those in Asia Minor who were of Jewish descent. There was a synagogue in Babylon all the way through the middle of the first century AD. Therefore, it is likely that Peter was indeed within Parthian territory when he wrote his epistle. Since Peter was a leader of the Jerusalem church and of the apostles, it would seem logical that the other apostles would follow his example. The apostles reached out to Jews in what today are the following countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Parts of Russia, Tajikistan, parts of Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Parts of Ukraine.

There were at least three main areas visited by these apostles most often: Babylon, Armenia/Scythia, and India. This would suggest there must have been a large group of Jews and/or Israelis who lived in these areas, although there were other areas visited. It has already been stated that many people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel migrated to the area in and surrounding Armenia. It is not surprising there would be a large contingent of Israeli descendants here as God had prophesied through Hosea they would increase to great numbers after they left their homeland (Ho 1:6-10). This also indicates that the Jews in Judaea knew they were Israeli descendants and never considered them “lost.”

It would also not be surprising to find pockets of Jews in Babylon and throughout the Parthian Empire as this was where Judah was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, and most Jews did not return to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, Ezra, or Nehemiah. While the Jews in Judaea had a sense of nationality, they never lost connection with those who had not returned to their native homeland.

It would also seem that these peoples were not considered Gentile at this point in history. The disciples had to have started their missionary efforts outside Judea soon after Christ’s ascension since James was an early martyr and yet he was noted to have visited areas at the extremes of both the Parthian and Roman Empires before his untimely death. This would mean that these people were practicing Judaism since the debate over how Gentiles were becoming Christians did not occur until later after Paul started his ministry. However, going forward in history, it appears that these Israeli descendants blended into the nationalities into which they migrated when the Parthian Empire fell in the early third century AD. After that point, they became indistinguishable from the Gentile people into which they settled. From that point on they were considered Gentiles as there were no longer any distinguishing ethnic characteristics that could identify them as being of Israeli descent, even though it may be true. In contrast, it seems the Jews were able to keep their ethnic identity throughout the centuries by not blending into the societies into which they migrated.

Since God’s prophecies always come true, it will be quite miraculous how He will one day bring together both Jews and Israelis into one nation again and they will have a heart to serve the Lord (Ek 36:24-28). How this will come about is not yet known but is a topic of much debate. It will be so miraculous when Israel will no longer talk about how God brought them up out of Egypt but how God brought them together from all of the countries of the world where they had been scattered (Jr 16:14-15). It sounds like there will be many surprised Gentiles to know they are of Israeli descent and will not be considered Gentile going forward.

Aren’t you glad you serve a God that can do impossible?

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

We have been talking about some of Jesus’ unique claims. However, there were many things about Christ that were unique. One of those things was how he healed. The Mosaic Law stated that those who were impure due to illness and/or disease were to come to the high priest after they were cured for pronouncement of being cleansed (Lv 14). This is because the high priest could not be near a diseased person without becoming impure himself (Lv 21).

However, if that which was holy touched something it became holy (Lv 6). Holiness was more powerful than the unclean. Now let’s look at how Jesus healed.

 Matthew 9:25 – Jesus touched the girl before bringing her back to life.

 Mark 6:5 – Jesus laid his hands on the sick and they were healed.

 Luke 4:40 – Jesus laid his hands on them, and they were healed.

 Luke 8:44 – A woman touched Jesus and was healed.

 Luke 8:54 – Jesus took the hand of a dead woman before he said, “Arise.”

 Luke 22:51 – Jesus touched a man’s ear to heal it.

These are just a few examples, but they tell an interesting story. Why did Jesus not wait to touch these people until after they were healed? Didn’t he become unclean in the process? Later on, we read about Peter healing, and he did what any law abiding citizen would do, he touched the person after they were healed so as to not contaminate himself.

This was not the case with Jesus. On the contrary, since these afflicted people were healed there was no impurity present. Why, because the holy had touched the unclean and so the unclean became clean. I thought this concept was brilliantly displayed in one of the episodes of the first season of The Chosen. A leper came to Jesus and the program showed Jesus full of love and compassion for this one in such a hideous state. With no repulsion whatsoever Jesus placed his hands on the cheeks of this one whose flesh was basically falling off his face. Jesus’ touch however changed all of that. The man’s face went from being rotting flesh to pure unblemished skin. It was an amazing scene. Just as the sin offering made those who touched it clean even so our sin offering made those he touched clean. Isn’t that amazing? Does this not also prove Jesus’ superiority over man and his sin problem?

Jesus continues to do that for us. When we accept him by faith our unworthiness is covered by his blood and God s acceptance to us is now because of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it a beautiful plan God has instituted? All praise be to Him!

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Jesus stated in Matthew 20:18-19, “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priest and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.”

The picture today perhaps should be of Superman. See if you don’t agree after reading the information below that Jesus Christ is our Superman. No one else could have accomplished what He accomplished.

Many people believe Jesus died but not why he died. As we saw in our last two posts, Jesus claimed to be equal with God. Either he was delusional, or this was an important point he wanted us to understand. As it turns out, it is extremely important and critical to the reason for his coming in the first place. Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Gn 3), sin was passed upon all mankind (Ro 5:12). This severed the relationship mankind had with God. It could not be repaired. God’s standard is perfection; mankind is not, so there is nothing we can do that will be good enough for God to accept us (Is 64:6). Therefore, the only thing God could do was to repair the damage for us. Well, that seems a little ironic, you say? God makes the standard of perfection for the payment for sin which no human can make but then makes the payment Himself. Well, that is because God is both a God of justice as well as love. He cannot go against His justice, and He will not go against His love.

Therefore, Jesus being equal with God was crucial to the whole concept of reconciliation. Jesus, who was the original second person of the Trinity, came to be born in human form so he could identify with humanity in order to be the sacrifice of perfection God required. God had laid out the groundwork with the Israelites, so they understood the sacrificial system and the necessity of a sacrifice. However, these sacrifices had to be done repeatedly and atonement done yearly. All of this pointed to the inadequacy of this system and to a sacrifice in their future where the perfect sacrifice would be accomplished. That is what Jesus Christ came to do: to appease God’s wrath against sin and to pay the sin debt God required. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, our sin debt is paid, and if we accept this payment and recognize that only by His death on the cross can we be perfect before God, we become an adopted child of His, and, because He rose again conquering death, we can one day live with Him forever. That is one of the important reasons for His first coming. All you need to do is avail yourself to what He has already done for you. It is free to you (not to Him) but you have to accept it. He will not force it upon you. It is a simple act of faith—a choice for each to make, but a choice that will change your life forever—both here and now and into eternity.

That is why Jesus Christ is the Lord of Easter. What about Passover, you say? Well, Passover began yesterday at sundown. Today, Passover combines three festivals provided by God to the Israelites: Passover (Pesach), Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzah), and First Fruits (Bikkurim) (Lv 23). All of these are important to what Jesus Christ did for our sin payment. He died on the cross at the beginning of Passover, was in the ground during Feast of Unleavened Bread, and rose again on First Fruits. If we accept Him as our Savior, the consequences of our sins are passed over by God because of the blood of Christ shed for them (like the blood on the doorposts of that first Passover – Ex 12); his sacrifice was sinless and perfect as bread without leaven (or yeast) signifies, and by conquering death and rising again makes His resurrection the first fruit of our resurrection; because He rose, we too will rise to be with Him forever. Isn’t it amazing how all of this works out as prophesied by these Jewish festivals?

So where does Easter come in? Well, that is another long story that was previously explained. However, the bottom line is that it is still about Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Whether you celebrate Easter for that reason or First Fruit for that reason, it is God who still gets all of the credit. We owe a great deal of debt to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is worthy of being our Lord as well. After all, He is the Lord of Easter, why not make Him Lord of your life as well?

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Jesus stated, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). This is quite a claim for Jesus to make. In my last post, we studied how Jesus claimed to be equal with God. In that light, maybe this is not such a remarkable claim. However, if we think about what He is saying here, it is that He is God, and He is the only way to Himself. Is that just too much? I think what He is really saying is that He is part of the Trinity and in that since He and God are the same. Also, as the second person of the Trinity, He is the one who has always been the face of God to the human race. He was the one who walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gn 3:8), He is the one who appeared to Abraham (Gn 18:1), to the Israelites (Ex 24:10), to Joshua (Js 5:13-15), to Manoah (Jd 13:22), Samson’s father, and to others. He came to earth to pave the way for all to find their way to God and to restore the relationship He had with mankind before Adam and Eve sinned and brought sin to all (Ro 5:12).

Some claim this is being very narrow minded and exclusionary. However, is it really? It is only exclusionary if people are excluded from accepting, like a country club. Although the cost was high and no human could afford the payment, God made the payment Himself so that it could be offered to everyone (Jn 3:16). It is very accepting: free to all and all are invited. One only has to come as they are. There is no special condition, no specific act, no payment, no good deed, or requirement needed for one to come freely and accept the price that has already been paid. It only takes faith: a belief that Jesus Christ came, died for sin’s payment, and rose again conquering death. Then one’s ability to be with Christ forever is that their sins are covered with His blood. Simple? Yes, for us. However, the act itself took planning by God from the beginning of time and required Jesus to leave all the riches of heaven to come to earth in the form of a man. Not only that, but he also remains in the form of man for all eternity so He can identify with us forever. Now that is a God I want to follow. He is definitely worthy of being the God of Easter.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Some claim Jesus never claimed to be equal with God during his ministry on earth. However, when closely examined, it seems there are a couple of verses which tell us otherwise. One of these is John 8:58—"I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” There are a couple of things that Jesus is implying here. First, he states he existed before Abraham. That claim in itself would seem to suggest he was not any ordinary human. In fact, it would imply, if he was human, he was unique from any other human who had ever existed. He was not claiming he had been born before Abraham. After all, many of those there knew him or knew Mary and/or his brothers and/or sisters. Therefore, this claim was not that he was born centuries earlier. He was claiming that before his physical birth on earth he had existed which is only a quality God could possess. Second, it would seem he is claiming the name of God: “I Am” or in Greek ἐγώ εἰμι (transliterated ego eimi). We only have to look at the next verse to see the Jewish leaders’ reaction: they thought it blasphemy! Now, if they were only reacting to Jesus stating he existed before Abraham, they would merely have stated, in their opinion, Jesus was crazy. However, to claim to be God, now that was something different. To them, that was blasphemy.

James White makes an exceptionally good connection of this term, ego eimi, to the term “I am” (ani hu transliterated from Hebrew) used by Isaiah (Is 41:4; 43:10; 46:4). Isaiah used this term, ani hu, as a euphemism to connect with the name of God Himself. Then in Isaiah 45:18, this term is then tied to the act of creating which the New Testament attributes to Jesus Christ (Jn 1:3, Cl 1:16-17; Hb 1:2-3). White then states that the connection between these passages in Isaiah and Exodus 3:14 (where God stated to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM”) is undeniable. The Jewish leaders understood this connection Jesus was making and is the reason they were so upset. They understood what Jesus was saying but refused to accept it, and accused him of blasphemy. John 8:59 states they were so upset they were willing to stone him on the spot. Remember, this was a time in Jewish history when the Romans had taken capital punishment away from the Jewish leaders. This shows how really upset they were. They were willing to go against the commands of Rome to silence Jesus making such a claim.

This is not the only verse where Jesus made this claim. In John 10:30, Jesus stated, “I and the Father are one.” And in John 14:9, Jesus told Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Therefore, Jesus was not passive in making a claim to not only be equal with God but to be God as well. Jesus was stating he was part of the Trinity and we see scripture supports this doctrine of God being Trinity.

This is really an important message because we need to stop and think about the significance of Jesus’ death. If he was not God, then His death has no real meaning for us. God demanded a perfect sacrifice. That was not possible up until the time of Jesus Christ, and so the sacrifices had to be done repeatedly. Jesus had to be 100% God for the sacrifice to meet God’s perfection criterion. Jesus had to be 100% human for his sacrifice to count for mankind’s payment. Since he was part of the Trinity (and therefore equal to God as well as a part of God) Jesus was able to appease the wrath of God that was headed toward each of us. We now count on his payment for our sins and by no other means of effort. We can only stand before a holy God because of what Jesus Christ did for us. After all, scripture also states that salvation can only come through Jesus Christ (Ac 4:12). No wonder no one else was qualified to meet the high expectation of a sin payment that God required. Only Jesus Christ met the criteria God established. How amazing! God established the criteria because of His justice and, knowing we could never pay the requirement, did so on our behalf to show His love and mercy. Don’t you want a God like that? Doesn’t that make Him a God of Easter?

James White, “Purpose and Meaning of "Ego Eimi" in the Gospel of John In Reference to the Deity of Christ,” Alpha and Omego Ministries, https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/general-apologetics/purpose-and-meaning-of-ego-eimi-in-the-gospel-of-john/

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Since Easter is just around the corner, I thought we should look at some things Christ said about himself that supports him being the God of Easter. However, before we do that, I think we should visit a few of the past posts to remind ourselves of what we already know so we can go forward. In the post Easter vs First Fruits we saw there is a difference between Easter and First Fruits (Bikkurim); but today, Easter for Christians is the same as First Fruits (Bikkurim) to the first century Christians. For the reason why, review the post. Therefore, for Christians, both are referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We also need to understand the character of God to help us understand the role of Jesus Christ. Review the post entitled Son of God to understand this more. This will help us understand the concept of the term “Son of God” and what that means. Does this mean they are two separate beings? Or does this term support the idea of Trinity? Reviewing that post will help you see that terminology sometimes yields to a connotation that was not the original intent.

Our understanding of the Godhead is especially important for us understanding how Jesus Christ can be the God of Easter. See the post entitled Biblical Conundrum: Trinity to review how God is an enigma to us and is very hard to understand from a human viewpoint. However, understanding that He is unique and above our understanding helps us to better understand how Jesus Christ can be the God of Easter. The idea of Trinity, although difficult, is key to our moving forward in understanding how Jesus could be the God of Easter.

Now that we have some background information for our discussion, we will begin to understand what Christ said about himself while here on earth. Many have claimed that while he was a great teacher and showed how to live a good life, he did not claim to be God. Others say he did not claim to have any qualities that would be considered equal to God. As we go forward from here toward Easter, we will explore some of Christ’s sayings and see what he really claimed. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

With Paul being so against Gentiles becoming Jewish proselytes in order to become Christians, we have to wonder if the apostle Paul became a Gentile. Although Paul was adamant about what made one a follower of Jesus Christ, it is not that he threw away his Jewish heritage. He was actually quite proud of it (Ro 11:1). At times, however, he did set aside his Jewishness, for he did not want it to be a stumbling block to others and confuse them (1Co 9:20-22). But for the most part, he kept a lot of the Jewish customs. On his second missionary journey, he hurried back to Jerusalem to keep the Passover (Ac 18:21). On this journey he also seemed to have kept a Nazarite vow (Ac 18:18). On his third missionary journey, he observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Philippi (Ac 20:6) and wanted to get to Jerusalem in time for Shavuot [Pentecost] (Ac 20:16). Paul, therefore, did not live like a Gentile in every aspect. Yet, he was not bothered by blending the two. Paul’s main emphasis was that Jesus Christ came and died for the sins of mankind and everyone needed to hear about Him, accept Him, receive salvation through Him, and receive the Holy Spirit in order to live a life pleasing to God. Everything else was just tradition. The Law of Moses had shown them their sin (Ro 3:20); keeping it did not save them (Ro 3:23, 28). Salvation through Jesus Christ is for all, both Jew and Gentile (Ro 3:21-31).

Paul saw no problem with keeping the Jewish traditions/customs or even the Law itself as long as it was kept in its proper context. It is something one chooses volitionally to do but not committed to do. Therefore, there was no need to impose this on Gentiles as it was not necessary for salvation. However, anyone, either Jew or Gentile could decide to keep the Jewish feasts and any other customs as long as they knew this was not making them any better than anyone else (1Co 8:8). After all, the Jewish feasts were just as important to Gentile Christians as to Jewish Christians: Pesach (Passover) was a reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus and thereby forgiveness of sins (1Co 5:7), Matzah (Feast of Unleavened Bread) was a reminder that Jesus Christ was a sinless sacrifice for them and that accepting Him they were now also dead to the power of sin (Ro 6:3), Bikkurim (First Fruits) was a reminder of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and thereby a promise for their future resurrection (Ro 6:4), and Shavuot (Pentecost) was a reminder of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the union of both Jewish and Gentile believers (Ro 10:12). Even the other feasts would be an important reminder for their future: Rosh Hashanah (New Years’ or Feast of Trumpets) would represent God not forgetting the nation of Israel as He remembers His covenant with them (Ro 11:25-26) and demonstrating that God always remembers His promises; Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) would represent the promise of Christ’s Second Coming and the salvation of the nation of Israel (Zc 13:1; Ro 11:27); and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) would represent the promise of Jesus Christ, their Messiah and Savior, setting up His earthly reign on David’s throne and dwelling with His people (both Jewish and Gentile Christians) on earth (Zc 8:3, 14:9; Rv 20:4).

While Paul was mainly focused on Gentiles, he did not forget about the Jews and would often first preach in their synagogues wherever he went (Ac 14:1, 17:2). The other disciples focused more on the Jews but also did not forget about Gentiles entirely. Much of this information is not found in the scriptures but from the Roman historian Eusebius, the Christian theologian Clement, as well as others. From these sources we find the other places that the disciples preached the gospel message. These places are countries we know today as Albania, Algeria, Crete, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Gavdos, Great Britain, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

The apostles, other than Paul, concentrated their gospel message to the Jews who lived in Jewish colonies throughout the Roman Empire. Many of the places overlap with where Paul preached, which is not really that remarkable when one finds even in the New Testament scripture that the churches were composed of both Jews and Gentiles.

It is interesting to note that one of the main areas where there is no overlap is northern Africa. However, it makes sense for the apostles to concentrate here as this was once part of the Israeli-spawned Carthaginian Empire before being defeated by Rome at least a century earlier. Shortly before Israel was taken by Assyria, many of the Israelites fled to Carthage, which was then known as Kirjath-Hadeschath, and became a significant part of Carthage’s rise to power. Therefore, it is likely that a large contingent of Jews still lived in these areas of North Africa. This is just part of the total Jewish/Israeli population that existed in the first century AD.

From this we see that God has always cared for both Jews and Gentiles and has a plan for both.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

There were two empires which existed in New Testament times: Roman Empire and Parthian Empire. More is known about the Roman Empire from a Biblical perspective because much of the New Testament comes from Paul’s writings, and he did his traveling within the confines of the Roman Empire. However, although Judaea was part of the Roman Empire, it seems this did not preclude travel between these two empires. There is evidence of this fact in Acts 2 where Jews and Jewish proselytes from Parthia were present in Jerusalem for Shavuot, or Pentecost (Ac 2:9).

In addition, the Bible states that while Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, Peter was an apostle to the Jews (Ga 2:8). There is evidence that many of the original apostles took many trips into Parthian territory to spread the gospel by ministering to those of Jewish and Israeli descent.

The end of Paul’s first missionary journey within the confines of the Roman Empire marked the first big controversy. It seems Paul and Barnabas were not the only ones going throughout Asia Minor (Turkey today) teaching about Jesus Christ. However, these other groups were stating that one had to first become a Jewish proselyte before becoming a Christian and had to keep the Law of Moses as a perquisite for salvation (Ga 2:16). Paul wrote the book of Galatians to address this issue as well as to defend his authority and credibility. Indeed, there were those coming from Jerusalem to Antioch preaching this same doctrine (Ac 15:1). Paul and Barnabas strongly admonished them which then led to a trip to Jerusalem for a discussion with what has become known as the Jerusalem Council (Ac 15:2). Titus also accompanied Paul and Barnabas He was used as an example of a Gentile being a Christian but not being circumcised (Ga 2:1-3). There were believers from the Pharisee sect which strongly believed in keeping the Law of Moses for salvation and so, again, much debate ensued. However, Peter got up and told of his encounter of how God accepted Gentiles without circumcision and so everyone was then more willing to hear of Paul and Barnabas’ account (Ac 15:7-12).

Afterward, James reminded everyone of the prophecy in Amos (Am 9:11-12) which speaks of the temple of David being restored and even Gentiles worshipping God with Israel (Ac 15:13-18). It seems James recognized the current age would focus on the Gentiles. However, God would not forsake Israel, but would return and fulfill all his promises to them. The council and all those present then wrote a letter to the believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia to admonish them to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood and things strangled, and to be sexually pure (Ac 15:29).

Although the Jerusalem Council made this statement, this did not end the debate. Paul had to deal with this issue continually. Paul consistently taught that keeping the Law did not lead to salvation; therefore, Gentiles did not need to be circumcised or follow other outward manifestations of being a Jew to be saved (Ro 8:1-4; 1Co 15:56; Ga 2:16; Pp 3:9; 1Tm 1:8-11). Paul also taught that from a spiritual point of view, there was no longer any difference between Jews and Gentiles (Ro 10:12) because God had now brought the two together spiritually as one body (Ep 2:14-18). He taught that the mark of a Christian is the circumcision of the sin nature and not anything physical (1Co 7:19; Cl 2:11). Teaching otherwise was ruinous to one’s faith (Tt 1:10-11).

Although this was an area of controversy in the early church, it really was not the major divisive force which drove Christian Jew and Christian Gentile apart. There is evidence that many Jews (Christian or not) and Gentile Christians were living together as late as the fourth century. This implies there was a blended culture which developed between the orthodox Jew and the Christian Jew. These Jewish believers were called “minim” by the orthodox Jews. Its Hebrew meaning is “believers,” but has been translated as “heretic” by later Jewish authorities. Owen Chadwick, a historian who has extensively studied early church history, as well as others, have often used the Jewish liturgy, “May the Nazarenes and the heretics be suddenly destroyed and removed from the Book of Life,” as evidence of the final separation of the orthodox and Christian Jews. However, it is likely that this was evidence of a resurgence of the Christian Jew and not the reverse.  Both Christian and orthodox Jews fought together in 132 AD to fight Emperor Hadrian’s push to abolish circumcision. However, the Christian Jews abandoned their support when Rabbi Akiva declared their military leader, Bar Kochba, to be the Messiah.

It’s always interesting how man is the one to create the derision which God never intended. We can’t seem to keep our biases at bay. If only we could look at everyone else as God sees them. It would change not only our lives, but those of the entire world. One day, it will happen. Are you looking forward to it?

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

It’s a surprise to many, both Gentiles and Jews, that the Church was originally Jewish, composed of only Jews and Jewish proselytes. When the Holy Spirit descended on that first Shavuot (Pentecost) after Christ’s ascension, all who believed and received the Holy Spirit were either Jews or Jewish proselytes (Ac 2:1-4, 41, 47). This continued as more and more people believed. It seems that the Christian Jews were very accepting of Jewish proselytes becoming Christians and were treated as equals. Nicholas, a Gentile and Jewish proselyte, was made a deacon of the church in Jerusalem (Ac 6:5). Philip preached to many in Samaria who accepted Christ as their Savior (Ac 8:12-17). Normally, Samaritans were not accepted by the Jews because they were considered half-breeds. Therefore, these were either Samaritans who had become Jewish proselytes prior to their acceptance, or the current Christian Jews were willing to accept them because of the similarity in their religious beliefs since no one challenged their becoming Christians. Even Philip preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch was not challenged since this eunuch was already a Jewish proselyte (Ac 8:26-39).

When God, through a vision, lead Peter to preach to a Roman Centurion and his household and they believed and received the Holy Spirit, it caused quite a stir. The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem had a hard time accepting that true Gentiles – not proselytes – had received the Holy Spirit. However, when Peter explained how God had orchestrated the whole thing, they accepted it and rejoiced (Ac 11:1-18). After that, other Jewish believers started telling other Gentiles (i.e., non-Jews) about Jesus Christ and they believed (Ac 11:19-21). During this time, Saul, who was a very zealous Pharisee, had received permission from the Sanhedrin to charge and arrest any Jew who had converted to what was then called “The Way” so they could be brought to trial for conviction of heresy (Ac 8:3, 9:1-3). This persecution first started with the stoning of Stephen. Stephen had been a deacon of the Jerusalem church and very outspoken about Jesus Christ (Ac 6:8-15, 7:57-58). Saul was adamant about finishing the job. This persecution caused many Christians to flee Jerusalem to other nearby areas – one being Damascus. Word got to Saul that The Way was spreading its teachings in that area. There has been much criticism of this passage of scripture with some saying that neither Saul, the high priest, nor the Sanhedrin would have any clout in Damascus to carry this out. However, since the letters from the high priest were to the synagogues, it is likely Saul would solicit their help in finding the correct suspects, ask their help with getting judicial authority or going under the radar of judicial authority, or help in securing the necessary means for carrying out the arrest. Also, the letters would carry the weight of the high priest’s authority and may have had financial implication to their synagogue for not helping. In addition, Jerusalem and Damascus would both have been considered part of Syria at this time of history. However, on the way to Damascus, Saul encountered Jesus Christ, had a change of heart, became part of The Way, and then poured his zeal into spreading the gospel (Ac 9:1-22). Later Saul’s name was changed to Paul (Ac 13:9).

Barnabas was part of the delegation from Jerusalem to go and investigate what was going on in Antioch where Gentiles were becoming believers. He saw that it was a good thing and of the Holy Spirit. He later went and got Paul from Tarsus where he was staying at that time and brought him to Antioch (Ac 11:22-26). From there, Paul and Barnabas went on their first missionary journey (Ac 13:1-3). This started many debates about how one should become a Christian, and how Jews and Gentiles could be part of the same group identifying with Jesus Christ.

For some reason, debate has always been a part of the Church – probably because we don’t all look at things from God’s point of view. Unity only comes from a single point of view, and that point of view must be God’s. Let us all strive to find and keep that unity.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Jesus had come to his people, the Jews, but how did Jesus respond to Gentiles he encountered. There are several passages where Gentiles came to Jesus that on the surface looks like he was not very receptive of them. However, he turned these seemingly awkward encounters into teaching opportunities:

Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon (Mt 15:21). These are cities in Phoenicia which was considered part of Syria at that time. Therefore, Jesus was in Gentile territory. It would be uncommon for a Gentile woman to approach him. However, the woman was quite desperate. Jesus at first did not speak to her and ignored her. The English translation of scripture sounds as if He was being rude. Yet, He was likely forcing an awkward situation to draw attention to it so that it could be a teachable moment. His words seem harsh, but the woman is persistent and seemed to understand his point. Jesus stated that his current mission was to Israel. The woman replied that she understood that and sticking to Jesus’ analogy stated that even dogs get to eat crumbs. Jesus commended her on her faith and, as requested, her daughter was healed (Mt 15:22-28).

Surprisingly, it seems the Gentiles were more anxious to receive the message Jesus had come to preach to his own people. Christ’s gospel message at this time was to repent because the Kingdom of God was nigh, meaning their acceptance of him would usher in His reign on earth with them which many of the Old Testament prophets spoke about and which all Jews were looking forward to. They believed in the prophecy, just not that it would come true in their lifetime. That would mean they had to decide to change; many were not prepared to do so. It is likely Jesus was using these Gentile conversions at this time to bring his own people to be envious and see the truth (Mt 11:20; Ro 10:19, 11:11).

To understand why the Gentiles were eager to accept, one needs to understand why the Jewish leaders were not. The Jewish leaders were at odds with Jesus because, to them, Jesus' teachings were radical. They may at first seem opposed to the Jewish laws of the day, but upon closer inspection they were not as radical as one may think. Jesus spoke about the heart; the Jewish leaders spoke about action and deed. Many of the Jewish leaders would tithe not only what the Law required but also tithed from the very spices they had (Lk 11:42). Jesus taught that getting the heart right gets the deed right. Jesus criticized them of neglecting justice and love when they obeyed the letter of the law (Lk 11:42). The Jewish leaders ignored the heart and focused on the deed. Jesus understood that getting the deed right does not necessarily get the heart right. Many Old Testament prophets had also taught similarly:

• to obey is better than sacrifice (1Sa 15:22);

• the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit (Ps 51:17)

• rend your heart and not your garments (Jl 2:13)

• I hate, I despise your feast days (Am 5:21)

• Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you (Ml 1:10).

The truth stung because it meant they had to change their world view and how they measured their own righteousness. They had a hard time with that. The Gentiles, however, did not have a pre-established sense of righteousness and so Christ’s words rang true to them, and many were ready for its acceptance. That is likely why the gospel spread so quickly once it reached the Gentiles.

However, this is not to say that Christ ignored the Gentiles. He loved them. After all, he told Nicodemus that he came because God loved the world (Jn 3:16). He often visited the predominant Gentile areas: in Gadara he healed demoniacs (Mt 8:28-34; Mk 5:1-16), he went through the Decapolis healing and teaching (Mk 7:31-35), as well as in Syria (Mt 15:21-28). People from these regions also sought him out for healing and listened to him speak (Mt 4:24-25; Mk 3:8).

I think this shows how inclusive Christ was of everyone. The Jews believed themselves to be God’s people, and rightly so, but they believed it to the exclusion of everyone else. Christ came for the Jews but did not reject the Gentiles. His true mission was our heart. Changing the heart changes everything. It still does.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens

Chaos ruled as the New Testament opened. Everyone missed the calm which passed through their midst. When chaos becomes ordinary, calm seems too out of character to be pleasing. Having Roman control in Jerusalem had an effect on Jewish worship, thereby changing many things from a religious point of view. While the priests, temple, and Sanhedrin functioned almost the same as always, there were major differences. For one, the high priest became a political position, and a distraction. When Herod Archelaus was deposed, Quirinius, the Syrian governor, appointed Annas as high priest. However, the newly appointed prefect Coponius held the vestments of the high priest in his quarters at the Antonia Fortress which was next to the temple. The prefect then held the power of when the high priest could perform his official duties. In addition, the act of capital punishment was given to the prefect and taken from the Sanhedrin (Jn 18:31).

Annas was able to maintain his position as high priest for approximately ten years. Within the next three years, the prefect Valerius Gratus instituted and deposed three high priests before instituting Annas’ son-in-law Caiaphas as high priest who maintained the position for the next eighteen years. Caiaphas was high priest during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Mt 26:57). Yet Annas still had much power and persuasion on how things went (Lk 3:2) and why he could hold an audience with Jesus even though not being the high priest (Jn 18:13). Because the position of high priest could be bought, this could be why Annas was able to get seven family members to become high priests in future years as well. He and his family had a corner of the market, so to speak. They had money changing stalls on the Mount of Olives to turn pilgrims’ money into temple shekels since that was the only coinage the temple would take. This allowed him to charge high exchange rates. They also had these stations in the temple courtyard as well as stations where people could buy animals for sacrifice rather than carry them great distances when they traveled – again at high prices. This allowed his family to become very rich, very influential, as well as very corrupt. They were also very much disliked by the common people. However, this affluence allowed them to be better known in society circles. While this did not necessarily endear them to the Romans, or vice versa, it allowed them to play the political game to stay in power and maintain their social prestige.

Therefore, many of the Sadducees embraced the Greek, or Hellenized, lifestyle and pandered to the Romans as needed. This kept them aligned with the aristocracy of the day and enabled them to maintain their accustomed status. The Pharisees, on the other hand, liked neither the actions of the Sadducees nor the Romans. They identified more with the common people and were the ones who taught at the synagogues. The Sadducees served only at the temple in Jerusalem and so were somewhat out of touch with the common people. Although the Sadducees outnumbered the Pharisees in the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees spoke for the people, so the Sadducees had to listen to them or suffer the reprisal of the people. It was a delicate balance. The Pharisees brought the ear of the common Jew while the Sadducees brought the ear of Rome to which they were held accountable. Therefore, the Sanhedrin had to find the middle ground that would not be too unfavorable for both sides. Not an easy task.

Therefore, all eyes were diverted from what was really important. The people’s eyes were on Rome and their oppression. The priests’ eyes were on their position and stature, and how to maintain it. The Jewish leaders were trying to preserve their heritage and way of life at the very time the one to whom their heritage and way of life pointed was already in their midst. May we not follow suit but keep our eyes focused on the one who really matters.

____________

Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens