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Redemption |
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Redemption |
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Relationship with the Resurrected Redeemer
King and Lord
Basis for Spiritual Life of the Church
Jesus Christ the King
Jesus Christ the High Priest
Divine Punishment
When
Jesus Christ was resurrected, God the Father gave Him a new title, King
of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:15). As King of kings, He is
Sovereign Ruler over all Creation, including angels, man, and animals.
As Lord of lords, He is the face of Deity and the High Priest. Since
He had no Royal Family after He was rejected by Israel, God the Father
called out the Church to be His Royal Family. Thus, members of the
Church are kings, and the Lord Jesus Christ is King of kings. Church
members are also priests, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the High Priest.
The Lord Jesus Christ in His resurrection body is both Deity and humanity combined in Hypostatic Union. The two natures, Divine and human, coexist in one unique person without loss or transfer of separate identity. Deity remains Deity, and humanity remains humanity. Yet, He is not two people, but one.
Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ is both King and Lord in one person. When He sits as King, He is also Lord; and when He is Lord, He is also King. He is both King and High Priest simultaneously. He isn't one or the other. He is both simultaneously.
The Divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ is God. He is the second person of the Trinity. Although God exhibits three persons, there is only one God. The Lord Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union has the same essence as the other members of the Godhead. He has the same Righteousness, immutability, veracity, and Love. When He acts or speaks, He is God. He does not operate independently of the other members of the Godhead. If He speaks as King or High Priest, He is also speaking as God. His words and actions are those of God.
What the Father wills, the Son directs, and the Holy Spirit produces. God the Father is Sovereign, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the Chief Executor of God's Sovereign will, and the Holy Spirit implements the Sovereign will of God under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God the Father is invisible, and the Lord Jesus Christ is in Heaven. The Holy Spirit reveals the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the agent of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal them to the Church Age Believer (CAB). The Holy Spirit fills the soul of the CAB to enable Him to know and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.
The relationship of the CAB with the resurrected Christ comes through the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ is revealed through his Word. He is known through Bible Doctrine. Fellowship with Him is real, but He speaks through His Word by faith. He is not seen with the eyes or heard with the ears. He is real, and not imaginary, but He is known spiritually. The Holy Spirit reveals Him to the believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit.
In the Book of Revelation, the resurrected Christ is portrayed in Heaven as the Lamb, who was slain (Rev 5:6, 12; 13:8).1 The Lamb is Jesus Christ, the redemption solution for the sins of the world. The Beast, the Evil King of the West, and the other evil kings will wage war against the Lamb in the War of Armageddon.2
Revelation 17:14The Lamb who will be attacked by the Evil Kings in the Armageddon War is the Lord Jesus Christ, the King. Evil Kings are men under demon power. The resurrected Christ, the King, is under attack today by Evil Kings just as He will be in the Armageddon War. There is an angelic war going on, and Jesus Christ the King is under attack from Satan and his demons. Satan wants to usurp the authority of Christ as Sovereign Ruler over all Creation (Isa 14:14). Satan also wants to be the Lord and be worshipped as God through idolatry (2 Thess 2:4).
These (evil kings of Europe) will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will be victorious over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called, the elect, and doctrinal.
Jesus Christ, the King, will be victorious over the Evil Kings because He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Sovereign over all Creation, and no one can defeat Him. His royal title of King of kings and Lord of lords will be written on His robe and on His thigh (Rev 19:16). Artists engraved their name on the thigh of their sculptures. So the title on the thigh of Jesus Christ is not a tattoo but a label to identify the picture of Him portrayed by the author of Revelation.
"Those who are with Him" refer to the Church, who are "the called, the elect, and the doctrinal." "The called" means those who heard the Gospel and believed. They are the recipients of Salvation through Efficacious Grace. "The elect" are those who are elected to privilege on the basis of a predetermined Design. They were chosen on the basis of the foreknowledge of God to receive the inheritance as members of the Royal Family and Body (Church) of Christ. And "the doctrinal" is the Greek pistov" (pistos), an adjective, which means believing, doctrinal, faithful. These are doctrinal believers who have Edification Complexes of the Soul. They are strong spiritually and powerful because they have been faithful in executing the Spiritual life after Salvation.
Just as the Church will return with the Lord Jesus Christ to fight the War of Armageddon, the Church stands with the resurrected Christ today. However, Christ is in Heaven, and the Church is on Earth. They are together in the Spirit. Believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit are following Christ. Carnal believers and reversionists are captives of Satan, the enemy. The war between the forces of Satan and the Lord Jesus Christ is raging today, but only Spiritual believers in the Church know it.
Members of the Royal Family who are strong through completed Edification Complexes will stand with Christ in Spiritual Warfare. The ignorant and uninformed will be taken captive by Satan to do his will (2 Tim 2:26). Spiritual strength comes by learning Bible Doctrine. Capacity for life comes through Spiritual growth. Temporal strength to serve the King comes through metabolization of Bible Doctrine in the Spiritual life. Strength to serve as king comes by being a royal priest and obeying the High Priest. As Jesus Christ is King and High Priest, the CAB must serve Him as Royal Family (king) and priest in the Church.
Revelation 17:15 The Prostitute of BabylonThe "prostitute who sits on many waters" (Rev 17:1) is the Prostitute of Babylon, who rules over the people of the world. Satan counterattacks the Lord of lords through the Prostitute of Babylon. The Prostitute of Babylon has infiltrated the Church and every civilian institution, including Marriage. The Prostitute attacks the Lord through the Church (Rev 2:20). The believer-priest of the Church is harassed on every turn by the Prostitute of Babylon to destroy the Spiritual life. Only those who persevere through Rebound and metabolization of Bible Doctrine can become Spiritually strong and defeat the Prostitute of Babylon. The Prostitute of Babylon destroys the Spiritual relationship between the believer-priest and the resurrected Lord, who is High Priest.
And he says to me, "The waters which you saw, where the prostitute is sitting, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages."
Ephesians 1:18 Personal Sense of DestinyThis is a prayer for the Ephesians to be enlightened about their unique Spiritual life. The "hope of His (God's) calling" is a personal sense of destiny of the new life in Christ Jesus. The "riches of the glory" describes the great blessings of the believer's inheritance as a member of the Royal Family of God. This includes Escrow Blessing for Time (Rom 9:23; Eph 1:18; 3:8, 16) and Eternity (Eph 2:7; Col 3:24).
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His (God's) calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:19 Sovereign PowerThe Ephesians need to see the great power of God (His Sovereign power) that operates in their lives. This is the power of the Plan of God in the life of the CAB. The power of God is directed "toward us who are believing."
and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who are believing, according to the operation of His superior (Sovereign) power,
Ephesians 1:20 Power Based on ResurrectionGod's Sovereign power "toward us who are believing" was "put into operation by means of Christ" when He was resurrected and seated at the right hand of God. The resurrection of Christ is the basis for the unique Spiritual life of the Church. The resurrected Christ is our King and High Priest. The Church has been called out to be Christ's Royal Family and His priesthood. The Church Age Believer has the same Spiritual life that Christ had in Hypostatic Union on Earth.
which (Sovereign power) He (the Father) put into operation by means of Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
God's Sovereign power gives the CAB a new Spiritual life and provides for all His needs in Grace. The new Spiritual life is based on the prototype of Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union. The ultimate goal is to receive eternal life with a resurrection body like Christ's along with eternal rewards and to be kings and priests forever living with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The power of God in the life of the believer is not just the Divine Dynasphere but God's Sovereign power in every aspect of life. God works all things together for Good for those who Love Him (Rom 8:28). This power does not require knocking down walls or parting the Red Sea. It is the smooth operation of history in which all the believer's needs are supplied in Grace (Phil 4:19). The invisible power of God will only be recognized by faith.
Ephesians 1:21Jesus Christ was seated in His resurrection body over all the angels. "Command, authority, power, and might" are angelic powers corresponding to the hierarchy in Colossians 1:16, except "thrones" is replaced with "power." Furthermore, Jesus Christ has the highest title not only in the Church Age but in the Millennium.
Above all command, authority, power, and might; and every title that is given, not only in this age, but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 1:22-23When Jesus Christ was seated at the right hand of the Throne of God, the Father put all things in subjection under Christ's feet. This is the Sovereign power of Jesus Christ as King. The promise of putting all things under Christ's feet requires the completion of human history. His enemies will not be subjected until the Second Advent.
22 And He (the Father) put all things in subjection under His (Christ's) feet, and He gave Him head over all things to the Church,
23 which is His body, the fulness of Him who Himself fills all in the sphere of all.
Jesus Christ was also made the head over all things to the Church. He is the Head, and the Church is the Body. He is the High Priest over the believer-priests in the Church. The Church is the fulness of Christ's Body. Jesus Christ as High Priest fills all believers in the sphere of all things. He supplies all the needs of the CAB and directs his life. The resurrected Christ actively directs the life of the believer priest. This includes Grace provision, testing, punishment, protection, relationships, and blessing.
After Christ was resurrected, the Church was called out to be His Royal Family. Royal Family analogies include:
David prophesied the ascendance of the Lord (Son of God) as Sovereign over all Creation at the right hand of God.
Psalm 110:1This Psalm begins with the Hebrew <a%n* (ne'um), meaning oracle or prophecy. The prophecy came from the Lord God through David under the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The first word for Lord, is the tetragrammaton JHWH, referring to the Father. The second word for Lord is the Hebrew /wd)a* ('adon), which refers to the Son.
A Psalm of David
The oracle of the LORD (Father) to my Lord (Son).
Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of Your feet.
The Father said to the Son, "Sit at My right hand." God the Father is offering the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) a seat at His right hand. The right hand of a king is the highest place of honor. Solomon invited his mother, Bathsheba, to sit on his right (1 Ki 2:19). The Lord Jesus Christ was seated on the right hand of the Throne of God (Matt 26:64; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2).
Jesus Christ quoted this verse as a riddle to the Pharisees.
Matthew 22:42Jesus asked them whose son the coming Christ, or Messiah, would be. They answered, "The son of David." "The son of David" is the name for the humanity of Christ.
What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He? They said to Him, "The son of David."
Matthew 22:43-45Jesus pointed out that David, prophesying by the Holy Spirit, called the Son 'Lord' (Psa 110:1). Jesus asked them how he could be David's son if he were called 'Lord.' This, of course, stumped them because they did not understand the Doctrine of the Incarnation (Hypostatic Union). They did not recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God even though they were staring at Him. "Son of God" is the title for the Deity of Christ. They did not recognize His Deity because they were unbelievers.
43 He (Jesus) said to them, "Then how does David by the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,
44 'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at My right hand,
Until I put Your enemies under Your feet?" '
45 "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his son?"
The Father invited the Son to sit at His right hand "until I make your enemies the footstool of Your feet." Making the enemies a footstool refers to the custom of bringing the conquered king before the footstool of the victorious king (1 Ki 5:3; Josh 10:24). The victorious king would pass judgment on the conquered king and grant him life or have him executed.
During Operation Footstool, the Lord Jesus Christ is the victorious King seated on His throne waiting for His enemies to be brought before His footstool for Judgment. This, of course, cannot happen instantaneously. It occurs during the unfolding of human history. As the Angelic Conflict rages, people on Earth fall under the power of Satan or God. Those who succumb to Satan will be brought to the Lord's footstool to be Judged. If they have rejected Jesus Christ as Savior, they will be sentenced to Hades. If they are believers in reversionism, they will go to Heaven, but so as through fire (1 Cor 3:15).
So, one of the major theaters of life is Spiritual Warfare. The war rages between the angels of God and Satan, and people are caught up in the conflict as witnesses, whether they know it or not. Believers with doctrine can understand what is going on and make enlightened decisions about where to stand. They can choose God, and live by Grace, or they can choose evil and wind up at the footstool of Jesus Christ, the King.
The Church Age Believer was called out as a member of the Royal Family to serve Christ, the King (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6; 5:10). Serving the King means learning to fight in Spiritual Warfare. The believer who matures will be able through faith to defeat the forces of Satan and become a winner. Winner believers will receive eternal rewards for combat in Spiritual Warfare in this life. They will be promoted just as Jesus Christ was promoted after His victory on the Cross. Their rank in the Eternal State will be based upon their service as Christian soldiers in this life. Serving the risen Christ has eternal repercussions.
Hebrews 1:3 Glory of ChristThe Lord Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union is the face of God. He is the revealed member of the Godhead. He is the radiance and effulgence of God. He has the same essence as the other members of the Godhead. He is the Creator of the Universe and the One who holds it together with His power. After He provided purification for the sins of the world, He ascended to Heaven and was seated at the right side of God.
Who (Christ), being the effulgence of His (God's) glory, and the exact representation of His essence, also upholding all things by the verbal communication of His power, having Himself accomplished purification for our sins, sat down at the right side of the Majesty on high.
The Lord Jesus Christ is enthroned as Sovereign King over all Creation by the will of God. He is seated on the right side of God's throne. The right side is the place of honor.
The resurrected Christ is the effulgence of God's glory. "Effulgence" is the Greek ajpauvgasma (apaugasma), from (ajpov, from) + (aujgavzw, radiate), meaning effulgence. "Jesus Christ is the effulgence of the glory of God as sunshine radiates from the Sun.
Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God's essence. "Essence" is the Greek uJpovstasi" (hupostasis), from (uJpov, under) + (stavsi", stand) = standing under; essence; to take upon oneself something extra without losing what was had. Jesus Christ stands under Deity.
Jesus Christ upholds "all things by the verbal communication of His power." He holds the Universe together. All created things are held together in their exact X, Y, Z, and Time relationships. "Verbal communication" is the Greek rh'ma (rhema), meaning verbal expression; spoken word. Jesus Christ communicates directly with all Creation and controls it from the Control Room in Heaven.1
"Having Himself accomplished purification for our sins" – this is an aorist participle, which precedes the action of the main verb, "sat down." Purification for sins refers to Positional Redemption in which Jesus Christ redeemed mankind from the slave market of sin through His work on the cross (2 Pet 1:9; Eph 5:26; Tit 2:14; 1 Jn 1:7).
After He had provided redemption for mankind, Jesus Christ was resurrected. Then He rose to Heaven and "sat down at the right side of the Majesty on high." He was seated at the right hand of the throne of God. "On high" refers to the Third Heaven. The resurrected Christ sits as King over all Creation.
Hebrews 1:13 Christ in Operation FootstoolThis is a quote from Psalm 110:1 in which the Father told Jesus Christ to sit at His right hand (Mt 22:44; Mk 12:36, Lk 20:42; Ac 2:34). The Father never offered any of the angels, including Satan, an opportunity to sit beside Him and rule over all Creation. Jesus Christ in resurrection body is the unique, Sovereign King of kings.
But to which of the angels has He (the Father) ever said,
"Sit down at My right hand
Until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?"
"Until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet." This is Operation Footstool in which the enemies of Jesus Christ will be defeated and brought to His footstool to be sentenced (Psa 110:1; 1 Cor 15:25; Eph 1:20-22; Heb 10:12-13). They will be defeated throughout the course of human history. At the Second Advent, the Evil Kings of the Earth will be defeated along with Satan and his demons. Satan and his demons will be incarcerated for a thousand years during the Millennium (Rev 20:2). Then Satan will be released for a short time before his final Judgment in the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:7-8, 10).
Hebrews 10:12-13Unlike the Levitical Priests who offered sacrifices for sins daily, the Lord Jesus Christ offered one sacrifice for all time. As a substitute for" is the Greek uJpevr (huper) + aJmartiva (hamartia) = "as a substitute for sins." The sacrifice of Christ was a substitute for the sins of all mankind.
12 But this One (Christ), when He had offered one sacrifice as a substitute for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,
13 From that time onward waiting until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet.
After offering the sacrifice as a substitute for the sins of the world, Jesus Christ "sat down at the right hand of God." He was promoted to Sovereign over all Creation. The resurrected Christ is seated in Heaven "waiting until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet." This is Operation Footstool in which the Royal Family has been called out to fight for Christ against His enemies. The enemies will be defeated through Spiritual Warfare and brought to the footstool of Christ.
Authority
The resurrected Christ is Sovereign over all Creation. Our relationship with Jesus Christ the King is a relationship with authority. All authority is under Christ, and all authority exists because of Him. Therefore, we have a relationship with the resurrected Christ through existing authority.
Colossians 2:9In the person of Jesus Christ is all the fullness of Deity. Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union is just as much God as the other members of the Godhead. He has the same Deity. Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union is co-equal and co-eternal with the other members of the Godhead. "Fullness is the Greek plhvrwma (pleroma), meaning fulness, full measure. Jesus Christ has the full measure of Deity.
For in Him (Christ) all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily (in Hypostatic Union),
"Bodily" is the Greek swmatikw~" (somatikos), meaning bodily, corporeally. The word is also used for instantiation and the reality (Col 2:17). "Bodily" refers to the incarnation and the Hypostatic Union – the instantiation of God in the unique person of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:10This verse is linked to the previous verse by the word, "fulfilled." "Fulfilled" is the Greek plhrovw (pleroo), perfect passive participle, which means to fulfill, as bring to full expression, as show forth in true meaning, or as fill up = complete. Just as Deity fills Christ, so also Christ fills the believer. Jesus Christ makes the believer complete. The believer belongs to Christ, owes all to Christ, and can only be fulfilled and completed with Christ.
and in Him (Christ) you have been fulfilled, and He is the head over all rule and authority;
The resurrected Christ is the reason the Church Age Believer lives. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, and our Sanctification. He is our King, and we are His Royal Family. He is our Right Man and we are His Right Woman. We are intimately united. We cannot be fulfilled without Him. Apart from Him, we are incomplete.
"He is the head over all rule and authority." The resurrected Christ is Sovereign over all Creation. All angelic or human authority is subject to Him and only exists because of Him. Therefore, our relationship with authority is associated with serving Christ, the King and Sovereign over all Creation.
Romans 13:1 AuthorityAll true authority is established by God. God has delegated the Lord Jesus Christ as Sovereign Ruler over all authority. The Lord Jesus Christ appoints and manages all authorities, both angelic and human, per the will of God. Therefore, our relationship with an authority is with a person the Lord appointed. Obeying temporal authority is serving the resurrected Christ.
Let every soul be in subjection to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except established by God, and those who exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:2 Resisting AuthorityResisting true authority is resisting God because God provided the authority in His Sovereign Design. Resisting authority is also resisting the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Ruler of all authority (Rev 1:5). Therefore, resisting authority is a violation of the ordinance of God, and the one who resists authority will receive Divine Judgment. The Lord Jesus Christ will order that Judgment per the will of God, and the Holy Spirit will perform the punishment.
Therefore, the one who resists authority has resisted the ordinance of God, and those who resist will receive Judgment upon themselves.
Romans 13:3 Fear or Commendation from AuthorityRulers should not be feared by those producing Divine Good, but those who are doing evil should fear. Rulers are pleased with Divine Good production. "Divine Good" is the Greek ajgaqov" (agathos), meaning good; divine good; good of intrinsic value.
For rulers are not a cause of fear for Divine Good production, but for evil. Now, do you want to not be afraid of authority? Produce Divine Good, and you will have commendation from the same.
Romans 13:4 PunishmentThe ruler is a minister of God to approve Divine Good and punish evil. The sword symbolizes capital punishment, which the ruler is authorized to perform. The sword is the side arm for enforcing the law. The Lord Jesus Christ oversees all the actions of rulers.
For he is the minister from God to you for Divine Good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword for no reason. For you see, he is the minister of God, the avenger for the purpose of wrath upon the one who practices evil.
Romans 13:5 Be Under AuthorityIt is necessary to submit to true authority, not just from fear of punishment, but because of conscience. "Because of conscience" means that a person should obey authority because it is the right thing to do. A person's conscience judges right from wrong, and disobeying authority will violate the standards of a person's conscience. This will lead to unchecked evil behavior in carnality and reversionism. This was Polonius' advice to Laertes in Shakespeare's Hamlet:
Therefore, it is necessary to be subordinate, not only because of wrath, but also because of conscience.
This above all: to thine own self be true,The Lord Jesus Christ as King rules over all authority. He knows when the believer is subordinate to authority, and He knows if the authority is himself out of line. The Lord appoints and directs all rulers and authorities. He may harden their heart as He did Pharaoh, or He may grant them Grace.
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
1 Peter 2:13-14We should submit to authority in human institutions because the Lord commands it. Human institutions include the Divine Establishment, Marriage, and Family. We are to obey the king and government authorities, who punish evildoers and praise those doing Divine Good. "Divine Good" is the Greek a*gaqopoiov" (agathopoios), which means doing good, Divine Good production. The king or governor will not recognize the Divine side of Good, but he will see it as good. Obedience to temporal authority is serving the Lord as King.
13 Submit yourselves because of the Lord to every human institution, whether to the king as the one in authority,
14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those doing Divine Good.
Church Age Believers are members of the Royal Family of God. They were called out to be the Royal Family of Christ, the King. In the Church Age the resurrected Christ is in Heaven, and His Royal Family is on Earth. Just as Christ is the King and High Priest, Church Age Believers are kings and priests, or royal priests (1 Pet 2:9).
Revelation 1:6 Royal Family of GodThe Lord Jesus Christ made us a kingdom and priests to God. "Made" is the Greek poievw (poieo), which means here to make, make into something, designate, or establish. Church Age Believers are the kingdom of the resurrected Christ, the King. We are Christ's Royal Family. We will be His Royal Family in His Millennial Kingdom, where we will rule and reign with Him over all the Earth (Rom 5:17; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 2:26-28; 5:10; 20:4, 6). We will also be His Royal Family in the Eternal State, where we will live with Him in the Heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:26; 2 Tim 4:18; Heb 12:22; 13:10-14; Rev 3:12; 21:10).3
and He (Christ) has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father – to Him (Christ) be glory and Sovereignty forever and ever. Amen.
As members of the Royal Family, we serve our King, the Lord Jesus Christ in the Church Age by executing the Spiritual life that He has given us. In order to do this, we must learn Bible Doctrine and learn to use the weapons of our Spiritual Warfare. We must learn to perform as royalty. We must complete the assignments that the Lord gives us daily. When we use Bible Doctrine to solve the problems of life, we will be promoted and given more Capacity for Life and Love so that we are qualified to serve in the future Royal Family. We make our rank under battlefield conditions in this life. Those who become winners in this life will receive crowns to be worn with the uniform of glory in the resurrection body (2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10; 3:11).
As Royal Family, we are also priests to God. Every Church Age Believer is a priest, who represents himself and others to God the Father. The Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest. To be effective priests, we must master the Spiritual life. This requires the daily metabolization of Bible Doctrine. The Edification Complex of the Soul must be completed. This requires passing the Lord's testing in order to reach Spiritual Maturity.
After relating our calling as kings and priests, John interjects a doxology of praise for the Lord Jesus Christ: "To Him (Christ) be glory and Sovereignty forever and ever. Amen." He prays for the Lord Jesus Christ to have glory and Sovereignty forever. The Lord in His resurrection body seated on His throne in Heaven at the right hand of the Father has great glory and Sovereignty now.
Marriage
Marriage is an authority relationship under Christ, the King.
1 Corinthians 11:3 Authority of Divine ProtocolThis verse establishes the hierarchy of authority in the Christian life.
But I want you to understand that the head (authority) of every nobleman (believer) is Christ, and the head (authority) of the woman, the man, and the head (authority) of Christ is God.
"The head (authority) of every nobleman (believer) is Christ." "Nobleman" is the Greek ajnhvr (aner), meaning husband, nobleman, or right man. Here it refers to a male believer. Every nobleman (believer) is under the authority of Christ. This is the resurrected Christ, who is the authority over every believer.
"And the head (authority) of the woman, the man" – this establishes the principle of the authority of man over woman as per the precedent in the Garden. It follows that the Right Man has Spiritual authority over the Right Woman, and the husband has temporal authority over his wife.4
"And the head (authority) of Christ is God." The members of the Godhead have the same essence but different personifications and protocol. The order of protocol is:
Order of Protocol
Regardless of the obedience of the Christian husband and wife in Marriage, the Lord Jesus Christ personally oversees the Marriage and punishes all disobedience (Heb 13:4). The Lord actively oversees Marriage because the Divine Institution of Marriage is the foundation of society.5
Ephesians 5:22 Authority in MarriageAuthority in Marriage includes temporal and Spiritual authority. Temporal authority is derived from Jesus Christ the King, and Spiritual authority is a function of the priesthood of the believer associated with Jesus Christ the High Priest.
You women, be subject to your own husbands as to the Lord.
The wife is to be subject to both temporal and Spiritual authority of her husband. Both temporal and Spiritual authority are directed by the Lord Jesus Christ, who oversees Marriage. Temporal authority is human authority vested in the husband in the Divine Institution of Marriage. The wife must submit to the husband under the authority of the Lord. She must obey both. Spiritual authority is the husband's Spiritual leadership in Marriage. This requires the wife's submission in the Spiritual life. The wife must submit to the husband as she would the Lord and serve the husband by executing the Spiritual life. The husband must redeem and sanctify his wife as Christ did the Church (Eph 5:25-26).
The woman is the reflected glory of the man (1 Cor 11:7). The woman's light comes from the husband (Right Man). The woman's Stage of Life is based upon the husband's (Right Man's) light. They share a destiny. Carnality blocks the light and causes medical and psychiatric problems.
The husband and wife are a team for a corporate testimony. The resurrected Christ directs the Marriage to produce the corporate testimony. Both husband and wife must obey the Lord. Both must resist sin. There is only one Marriage. If either party fails, the Marriage will be dysfunctional. Dysfunctional marriages result in curses upon children, such as the Four Generation Curse and the Curse of Jezebel.6
The Lord at the Second Advent
The Lord Jesus Christ will return as King of kings at the Second Advent.
Revelation 19:11The Lord Jesus Christ will return at the Second Advent to conquer the enemies of Israel. He will be riding a white horse. He will maintain His Righteous Integrity as He Judges and wages war. The war is the Armageddon War.
And I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who is sitting upon it is called Faithful and True, and in Righteousness He judges and wages war.
Revelation 19:12-13The Lord's eyes will appear like a flame of fire. This is artistic symbolism for fiery judgment, like saying a person has fire in the eyes. The Lord has a private title, and His robe is stained with blood from warfare. He is called the Word of God (Jn 1:1).
12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.
13 He is clothed with a robe stained with blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
The armies in Heaven were following Him (Rev 19:14). These are the Church and the Elect Angels.
Revelation 19:15The sword coming from His mouth is more artistic symbolism. He will use a spirit weapon to kill His enemies in the Gentile nations (2 Thess 2:8). He will rule in the Millennium with "a rod of iron." This means decisive Judgment, like smashing a clay pot with a rod of iron. His destruction of the enemy is like treading a winepress, where the grape juice symbolizes blood, which will flow to the horses' bridles for a distance of 183 miles (295 km) (Rev 14:20).
From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.
Revelation 19:16On the thigh refers to the custom of engraving the artist's name on the thigh of a statue. The conquest of the world by the Lord Jesus Christ illustrates His power as King of kings.
And on His robe and on His thigh He has the name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Psalm 110:4God the Father (the Lord) appointed the Son to be a priest in the Divine Decrees before Creation. He was to be a priest similar to Melchizedek, who was the King and High Priest of Salem (later Jerusalem). Thus, the Lord as the Son has always been a High Priest. He was a High Priest over Job, Abraham, and the nation of Israel.
The Lord (Father) has sworn and will not change His mind,
"You (the Son) are a priest forever
Similar to the order of Melchizedek."
The preincarnate Lord as High Priest appeared as the Angel of the Lord. When Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union was resurrected and seated at the right hand of the Father, He was promoted to King of kings and Lord of lords. As Lord of lords, He was also High Priest. He had always been High Priest, but now He became the High Priest of a new order. The Church was called out as the priesthood. Thus, the resurrected Christ in Hypostatic Union became the High Priest of the Church.
The function of the priesthood was demonstrated by the Levitical Priests, who served in the Tabernacle. They offered sacrifices, burned incense, replenished the shewbread, filled the lamps with oil, and trimmed the wicks. They feasted on the shewbread and walked in the light of the Holy Place. The High Priest supervised the priests and offered sacrifices to intercede for the nation of Israel on the Day of Atonement.
Hebrews 5:9-10"After coming to completion" is the aorist participle of the Greek teleiovw (teleioo), meaning to complete, finish. It means that Jesus Christ completed his work of bearing the sins of the world on the cross. After providing the redemption solution, He became the source of Salvation to all who obey Him. "Obey Him" means to believe in Him for Salvation – to accept the redemption solution.
9 And after coming to completion (on the cross), He (Christ) became to all who obey Him the source of Eternal Salvation,
10 having been designated by God as a High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
In verse 10, "having been designated" is the Greek prosagoreuvw (prosagoreuo), aorist passive participle. Since the aorist participle precedes the action of the main verb, "became," this means Jesus Christ had already been designed a High Priest. As the Lord (Son), second person of the Trinity, He was always a High Priest (Psa 110:4). He was appointed in the Divine Decrees with an oath from God (Heb 7:21). Here in verse 10, Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union has been designated High Priest. He was High Priest when He went to the cross and offered Himself.
"According to the order of Melchizedek" means that Jesus Christ was different from the Levitical Priests, who must be descended from the Tribe of Levi. Jesus Christ was from the Tribe of Judah and therefore, not qualified to be a Levitical Priest (Heb 7:14). Judah was the ruling tribe. Thus, Jesus Christ, from the Tribe of Judah, was a king and a high priest like Melchizedek.
Intercessor
The Levitical Priests were humans, who were prevented by physical death from being priests forever (Heb 7:23). However, Jesus Christ holds His priesthood permanently (Heb 7:24).
Hebrews 7:25Whereas the Levitical Priests could minister during their lifetime, Jesus Christ lives forever to save those who believe in Him. He is always alive to bear witness of a believer's Salvation. When the believer sins after Salvation, Jesus Christ as High Priest intercedes for him with the Father. He reminds the Father than the person's sins were paid for, and God the Father accepts the request of Christ, the High Priest.
For which reason, He (Jesus) is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives for the purpose of making intercession on behalf of them.
Hebrew 7:26Jesus Christ our High Priest is holy and undefiled. He is exalted above the heavens and resides with God.
For it was also fitting for us to have such a High Priest, holy, impeccable, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;
Hebrews 7:27Unlike the Levitical Priests who offered sacrifices daily for themselves and the sins of the people, Jesus Christ our High Priest offered Himself once and for all. As High Priest, He offered Himself for the sins of the whole world.
who does not need daily, like those High Priests (Levitical Priests), to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He (Jesus) accomplished once and for all when He offered up Himself.
Hebrews 8:1Our High Priest is seated at the right hand of the Throne of God in Heaven.
In addition to what is being said, the main point is this: We have such a High Priest who sat down on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
Hebrews 9:24Unlike the Levitical Priests, who entered the Tabernacle, Jesus went into the reality, which is Heaven itself. There He appears in the presence of God on behalf of us. As our High Priest, He intercedes for us with the Father.
For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on behalf of us;
Romans 8:33-34 Christ Our IntercessorGod's elect are believers according to the foreknowledge of God. Who can accuse or condemn these believers? God is the ultimate authority, who can condemn or justify. Jesus Christ intercedes with the Father on behalf of any believer who is accused. Since the work of Christ is complete in paying for the sins of the world, and He is at the right hand of the Father, then the Father will listen to Him. No one can condemn the elect because Jesus Christ intercedes for them with the Father.
33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? God is the One who justifies.
34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One having died; yes, rather, having been raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes on behalf of us.
Defense Attorney
Sin is contrary to God, and believers should not sin. However, when they do sin, no one has a right to condemn them because their sins were paid for on the cross. If a believer sins, Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for him and acts as his defense attorney.
1 John 2:1"Defense attorney" is the Greek paravklhto" (parakletos), which means attorney, advocate, helper; mediator, intercessor. The resurrected Christ at the right hand of the Father not only intercedes for the believer who sins, but He also acts as his defense attorney.
My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have a Defense Attorney face-to-face with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One;
Satan accuses the brethren.
Revelation 12:10Until Satan is thrown out of Heaven in the middle of the Tribulation, he has access to Heaven, where he accuses believers. Satan acts as a prosecutor and brings charges against believers all the time. However, Jesus Christ is the Defense Attorney. Since the sins of the believer were paid for on the cross, Jesus Christ throws the case out of court.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now has come deliverance and power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brethren, who constantly brings charges against them before our God day and night, has been thrown out of Heaven.
1 John 5:18
We know absolutely that everyone who has been born from God does not sin; but He who was born from God guards him, and the evil one does not touch him.
Everyone
born from God does not sin in the New Life. The believer does not
sin in the New Life because the filling of the Holy Spirit protects him
from sin (1 Jn 3:9). He resides inside the Divine
Dynasphere and is protected from the world and the Old Sin Nature.
A believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit cannot sin so long as He
is filled with the Holy Spirit. In order to sin, he must first reject
God, and then choose to sin. This is the same way Adam and the woman
sinned in the Garden. They first had to reject the Grace of God before
they could sin. As long as the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Spirit protects him from the Old Sin Nature, and "He who was born
from God guards him."
Jesus Christ as the High Priest of the Body of Christ guards all members of the Body. "Guards" is the Greek threvw (tereo), meaning to keep watch over, guard. Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, keeps watch over us and guards us from sin.
Furthermore, the evil one cannot touch the believer because Jesus Christ guards him. Satan and his demons do not have free access to believers. They only have access with Christ's permission.
1 John 3:9 FHS Prevents SinJohn is differentiating between the New (born again) man and the old self after Salvation. Those who are born out from God are filled with the Holy Spirit. They do not sin "because His seed abides in him." "His seed" is the Holy Spirit. "His seed abides in him" refers to the filling of the Holy Spirit. A person who is filled with the Holy Spirit does not sin so long as he is filled with the Holy Spirit. Sin is incompatible with the Holy Spirit.
Everyone who is born out from the source of God does not commit sin because His seed abides in him, and he is not able to sin, because He has been born out from the source of God.
"And he is not able to sin, because He has been born out from the source of God.." The one who has been born out from the source of God has been born again. He is Spiritually regenerated, filled with the Holy Spirit, and living the New Life in Christ. This New Spiritual Species is not able to sin. The old self can sin, but it is not in control. In order to sin, the person must reject the New Life, return to the old self, and then choose to sin. When that happens, the recovery procedure is to Rebound.
Access
The believer's access to God is through Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:2The Lord Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is our access to God (Eph 3:11-12). He is our access by faith into the Grace in which we stand. Christ, our access, is symbolized by the Door of Grace Orientation in the Tabernacle. Access into the Grace of God is through "faith." This is faith perception. A person must choose to walk through the Door of Grace Orientation by faith.
through whom (Christ) also we have obtained access by faith into this Grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Both Jews and Gentiles have access through Christ to the Father (Eph 2:18).
Ephesians 2:19 Gentile Members of Family of GodBecause Gentiles have access through Christ, Gentile believers are no longer strangers and aliens to God – unbelievers. When a Gentile believes in Christ, he enters the Church, where there are no racial distinctions. The Gentile believer is a fellow-citizen of the saints. He is a citizen of Heaven and a member of the Family of God. He is also a king and a priest.
Consequently, therefore, you (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow-citizens of the saints and members of the Family of God.
Prayer
Priests
have access to God through prayer. Church Age Believers have access
to God in prayer through the Lord Jesus Christ, the High Priest.
John 15:7 Prayer"If you abide in Me" means abiding in fellowship with Christ. In the Church Age that requires the filling of the Holy Spirit, which comes through Rebound. "Communicated doctrine" is the Greek rJh'ma (rhema), which means communicated words. This was the doctrine that Jesus taught during the period of the Hypostatic Union. The communicated doctrine of Christ must abide in those who wish to pray. They must believe the doctrine of the Dispensation of the Hypostatic Union, and they must be thinking the doctrine. Otherwise, they would be apostate and out of fellowship with Christ.
If you abide in Me (Christ), and My communicated doctrine abides in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.
If they are in fellowship with Christ and thinking doctrine, they can ask what they wish in prayer, and it will be done for them. Jesus further explained to his disciples that He had appointed them to bear fruit "in order that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give to you" (Jn 15:16). So prayer should be addressed to the Father in the name of the Son. We don't pray to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. We pray to the Father in the name of the Son. The Father will hear our prayers because of our relationship with Christ, our High Priest and Savior.
Hebrews 4:14Jesus Christ our High Priest is standing by in Heaven to direct and support our Spiritual life. We should therefore stick with our professed doctrine, which is the New Covenant to the Church.
Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our acknowledgement (professed doctrine).
Hebrews 4:15Having lived on the Earth as a human, Jesus Christ our High Priest understands our weaknesses. He faced the same temptations as we face, although He did not sin.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet apart from sin.
Hebrews 4:16 PrayerPrayer is a powerful weapon for the mature believer. We should therefore come boldly to the throne of Grace in prayer. The throne of Grace is the throne of God the Father with Jesus Christ our High Priest standing by. We should pray boldly in order to receive mercy and Grace to help in time of need. If we are in a hopeless or helpless situation, we are candidates for Grace, and we have a High Priest to support us.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of Grace, that we may receive mercy and find Grace to help in time of need.
Philippians 4:6 Stop Worrying"Stop worrying" is a Greek imperative of prohibition, which means stop doing something you are doing. Worry is a sin, and the believer must stop worrying. This is a command to handle the source of the worry or anxiety, since worry and anxiety are sins that must be confessed.
Stop worrying about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God,
"But in everything by prayer and supplication" – prayer should be offered continually about everything by the believer-priest, who lives with an attitude of prayer (1 Thess 5:17; 1 Tim 2:8).7 Prayer is fellowship with God. "Supplication" is the Greek devhsi" (deesis), which means entreaty; supplication; intensive prayer; special entreaty for special needs. Prayer should be offered with thanksgiving (1 Thess 5:18). God will hear our prayers and honor our requests when they are in His will, and Jesus Christ our High Priest will fully support us.
"Let your requests be made known to God." We orient to the Grace of God and synchronize with Him through prayer and supplication, which insure that we are on the same page as God. The prayer requests represent common goals.
Philippians 4:7 Spiritual Rapport"Peace" is the Greek eijrhvnh (eirene), which means peace, tranquility and harmony (John 14:27; 16:33; 20:19; Rom 8:6; 2 Cor 13:11; Col. 3:15; Gal 5:22) (Psa 29:11; Isa 26:3; 57:19-21; Jer 33:6). Peace is the Greek counterpart of the Hebrew Shalom. The Peace is from the source of God. Peace comes in fellowship with God in Spiritual Rapport. The Peace surpasses all understanding. The Peace from God is Spiritual, which is beyond the thinking of the soul. God takes our burdens away and gives us His Divine Peace.
and the Peace from God, which surpasses all understanding, will garrison your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Peace from God "will garrison your hearts and your minds." "Garrison" is the Greek frourevw (phroureo), meaning to guard, garrison, protect, keep (2 Cor 11:32; Gal 3:23; 1 Pet 1:5). The heart is the feminine, subjective, right lobe of the soul. Functions of the heart include: Love, Light, Happiness, timing, imagination, creativity, understanding, wisdom, subjective thinking, and association with good and bad emotion. God's Peace and protection of the Divine Dynasphere covers the heart and protects its function from enemies (the world, the flesh, and the devil). God's Peace in the soul is also a source of health and well being.
The mind is the masculine, objective, left lobe of the soul. Functions include: Thinking, logic, mental attitude, Faith, rationality, and association with authority and legality. God's Peace and protection inside the Divine Dynasphere cover the mentality and protect its function from enemies (the world, the flesh, and the devil). God's Peace and protection sustain the believer priest in executing the Spiritual life, including Spiritual Warfare. This is not a promise of instant healing, promotion, maturity, miracles, or defeat of enemies. God's Grace will solve the believer's problems in due time (2 Cor 12:9-10; Gal 6:9).
The Peace from God will garrison our hearts and minds "in Christ Jesus." This means that inside the Divine Dynasphere we will also be in fellowship with the resurrected Christ. We will be in Spiritual Rapport with God the Father and Harmonious Rapport with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is at His right hand.
Opens Doors
The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest opens doors for people. An open door is a metaphor for an opportunity for historical impact. The Lord has the Key of David, which is the power to open such that no one can close or close so that no one can open (Rev 3:7).
The Lord Jesus Christ placed before the Church at Philadelphia an open door. The Church at Philadelphia was the only Church He did not reprimand.
Revelation 3:8 Open DoorThose in the Church at Philadelphia were obeying Bible Doctrine and were not denying Jesus Christ in their lives. Jesus Christ was number one in their scale of values. They were growing Spiritually and had a little power. So the Lord opened before them a door for maximum historical impact. The Spiritual life of the believer influences the course of human history for better or worse (Matt 5:13). The resurrected Christ as High Priest of the Church opens and closes doors for believers.
I know completely your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Deliverance from Testing
The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest also delivers believers from testing. Since the Church at Philadelphia had obeyed Bible Doctrine, the Lord protected them from testing.
Revelation 3:10The members of the Church at Philadelphia had "kept the Word," which is Bible Doctrine. The Word was "from the source of My endurance." This means endurance which comes from metabolized Bible Doctrine in the soul. It is doctrine in the Edification Complex of the Soul. This was the Faith that sustained the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because you have kept the Word from the source of My endurance, I also will guard you from the hour of testing, which is destined to come upon the entire world to test those who live on the Earth.
Because these believers were guarding Bible Doctrine, the Lord would also guard them from "the hour of testing." This testing was about to come on the entire world. The testing was the destruction of the Roman Empire, which symbolized the destruction of the world later in the Tribulation.
Shepherd
The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest is the Shepherd, who leads the flock. He was the Good Shepherd who gave His life as a substitute for all mankind (Jn 10:11).
1 Peter 2:25Before Salvation, those in Peter's congregation were continually wandering astray like sheep. However, since Salvation, they had turned back to "the Shepherd and Guardian" of their souls. The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest is the Shepherd and Guardian of the soul. He leads us, guides us, and protects us like a shepherd. The resurrected High Priest of the Church directs our lives per the Plan of God from Heaven.
For you were continually straying like sheep, but now have been turned back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
The pastor-teacher is the under shepherd of the local congregation.
1 Peter 5:2-3 Function of PastorThe pastor is like a shepherd as he leads the flock to pasture in the teaching of the Word of God. He must be Grace oriented and be an example to the flock.
2 Shepherd the flock of God around you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
3 Nor yet as lording it over the allotment (local church), but becoming examples for the flock.
The Lord Jesus Christ as the Chief Shepherd will return at the Rapture for the Church (1 Pet 5:4). The Chief Shepherd is the title for the overseer of the under shepherds, the local pastors.
Eating
The Lord Jesus Christ as our High Priest gives our daily bread.8 He oversees Logistical Grace provision of food, clothing, and shelter for the Father (Matt 6:31-32).
1 Corinthians 6:13The analogy is that food is for the stomach as the Lord is for the body.
Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food; but God will do away with both. But the body is not for prostitution (or fornication), but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
(Temporal) (Spiritual)Actually the food for the stomach should be sanctified (1 Tim 4:4-5). The believer should eat what the Lord provides in Grace. The believer's body should also be sanctified for the Lord. It should not be joined to the Prostitute of Babylon but sanctified for the Lord's provision of Right Man or Right Woman.
Food : stomach = Lord : body
1 Corinthians 6:14The Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected by the power of God, who will also resurrect us.
Now God not only resurrected our Lord, but He will raise us up through His power.
1 Corinthians 6:15 Members of Body of ChristBelievers are members of the Body of Christ and therefore should be sanctified to the Lord. They should not become members of the Prostitute of Babylon. This is done by connecting to Satan through demons in idolatry (Eph 2:1-3).
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I, therefore, take away the members of Christ? Shall I make them members of a prostitute? May it not be!
1 Corinthians 6:16 Conjugal Union of BodiesHaving sex with a prostitute is a violation of the sanctity of Marriage. Sex is for Marriage only (Gen 2:24).
Do you not know that he who has sex with a prostitute is one body with her? For He (God) says, "The two shall become one flesh."
1 Corinthians 6:17 Spiritual Connection to the LordThe believer can connect to the Lord Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, who fills the soul of the believer, is also the agent of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit joins the two together and they are able to enjoy fellowship with each other.9 This is real time fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ our High Priest.
But the person who connects himself to the Lord is one Spirit (with Him).
1 Corinthians 10:31Eating should glorify God along with everything else the Christian does (Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11). Eating should be in Grace from Logistical Grace provision. Eating should be Divine Good production.
Whether, therefore, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Revelation 3:20 Knocking at the Door DisciplineKnocking at the door discipline is very intensive discipline on the reversionist to get him to turn around. The analogy is Jesus Christ knocking at the door of the soul. If the reversionist Rebounds and opens the door, the Lord Jesus Christ will enter into fellowship with him and dine with him. Dining is fellowship through the Word (Bible Doctrine, Faith) (Psa 23:5; 16:5-11; 119:11, 105). "And he with Me" is reciprocal Faith, Hope, and Love.
'Behold, I (Christ) stand at the door and continue knocking; if anyone listens to My voice and opens the door, I will enter face-to-face with him, and I will dine with him, and he with Me.
Right Man – Right Woman
The Right Man – Right Woman relationship, like Marriage, is directed by Jesus Christ the High Priest and Mediator. The Lord creates the woman and brings her to the man just as He did in the Garden. The Lord oversees the relationship whether or not there is a Marriage. Unlike Marriage, which relates to Jesus Christ the King and temporal authority, the RM – RW relationship is related to Jesus Christ the High Priest. The RM – RW relationship is mostly spiritual and not temporal. It can only be understood in light of scripture.
Ephesians 5:25This verse is correctly translated. It was addressed to married couples. However, the Greek could legitimately be translated "Right Men Love your Right Women"… That is because the Greek a*ndrov" (andros) means a nobleman or Right Man, and the Greek gunhv (gune) means woman. The word, "your," is not in the verse, but is added to clarify. Although the verse was written to married couples, it nevertheless also applies to the RM – RW relationship.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself as a substitute for her;
The Right Man must love his Right Woman with the Divine Love that Christ had for the Church. This was the love He had for the Church before it existed. It was the love He had when He went to the cross to die as a substitute for all mankind. Nevertheless, the only ones who ever appreciate His death are those in the Church. Thus, Christ dying for those who would later love Him, is analogous to the Right Man going to the cross for his Right Woman.
This testing of the Right Man – Right Woman relationship in which the man goes to the cross for the woman is called Eclipse Testing. The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest and Mediator actually orders Eclipse Testing to prove the love of RM for RW. Of course the woman also has Eclipse Testing in which she goes to the cross for her Right Man. The man's Eclipse Testing is symbolized by a solar eclipse, and the woman's Eclipse Testing is symbolized by a lunar eclipse.
Eclipse Testing is intense suffering that leaves a lasting impression. Eclipse Testing reveals the power of RM and RW to put each other's lights out. The man and the woman in the Garden did this to each other due to sin. RM and RW still do this to each other because of their sins.
Ephesians 5:26 Positional Redemption and SanctificationThe word order of this verse had to be clarified because "having purified her" is an aorist participle that precedes the action of the main verb, "sanctify." The relationship of the Right Man to the Right Woman is analogous to the work of Christ on the cross. "Having purified her" is redemption by the Blood of Christ on the cross (Heb 1:3; 2 Pet 1:9), which results in Positional Sanctification at Salvation. Salvation comes by believing the "communicated Word (the Gospel)." "The washing of water" is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which enters the believer into union with Christ (Positional Sanctification) (Jn 3:5; 1 Cor 6:11; 1 Pet 1:2).
that having purified her, He might sanctify her by the washing of water by the communicated Word (Gospel).
The verse describes Positional Redemption that purifies from sins, and the resulting Positional Sanctification at Salvation based upon believing the Gospel. However, the verse applies not just to Christ and the Church but to the Right Man and Right Woman. So the RM goes to the cross in Eclipse Testing to die to his own sins that were paid for by Christ and to intercede for his RW, whose sins were also paid for by Christ. The RM is then forgiven of his sins and sanctified positionally by Rebound, and the RW is forgiven of her sins and sanctified positionally.
With their sins forgiven and being sanctified from all wrongdoing, the RM and RW recover the filling of the Holy Spirit. Light returns to them, and they have Divine Love for each other. Each time Eclipse Testing is passed, the RM and RW are given more Grace, which includes more Capacity for Life and Love in the relationship. When Eclipse Testing is passed, it delivers from the Sin Leading to Death. The Sin Leading to Death results from failing Eclipse Testing.
Ephesians 5:27 Presentation of the BrideSo the purpose of the purification from sins (redemption) at the cross and resulting sanctification is to have a glorious Church bride in resurrection body for the Lord Jesus Christ. The glorious Church in resurrection body will be without any sin, human good, evil, or any impurity. It will be holy and a perfect match for the Lord in resurrection body. The wedding party will last a thousand years during the Millennium, and Marriage will last forever and ever.
that He (Christ) might cause her (Church) to be presented to Himself as a glorious Church (in resurrection body), having no spot or wrinkle or any such things; but that she should be holy and blameless.
The Lord Jesus Christ will cause the Church to be presented to Himself. He will do this by shouting a command to the Church at the resurrection, and the Church will be resurrected by the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. All the members of the Church will receive glorious resurrection bodies.
The resurrection body will have no spot, wrinkle, or any such things. A spot symbolizes sin, and a wrinkle symbolizes human good. "Any such things" refer to evil (sin, human good, lust of the OSN). Those in resurrection bodies will be holy and blameless. Holy means sanctified (Ultimate Sanctification). And blameless means the absence of the OSN, personal sin, human good, guilt, and evil.
Thus, the Church in resurrection body will be holy, pure, perfect, and without anything to hinder a love relationship with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Church member will receive a glorious resurrection body, but for those who have been faithful in executing the Spiritual life on Earth, there will be promotion and rewards at the Evaluation Throne of Christ. The highest decoration will be crowns.
There will be decorations for those who have passed Eclipse Testing because it symbolizes redemption from the cross and resulting sanctification. Executing the Right Man – Right Woman relationship will bring rewards because the relationship symbolizes the relationship of Christ and the Church. The Right Man corresponds to Christ, and the Right Woman corresponds to the Church. This is the brilliance of God's Design. The testing of the Right Man – Right Woman relationship symbolizes the redemption and sanctification of the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ. The love of Right Man and Right Woman symbolizes the love of Christ and the Church. And the resurrection of Right Man and Right Woman symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the Church.
Head and the Body
The relationship between Christ the High Priest and the Church is also symbolized by the Head and Body analogy.
Ephesians 4:15 Spiritual GrowthThe only way to avoid being a miserable failure in the devil's world is to learn Bible Doctrine. "Communicating the truth" is the Greek a*lhqeuvw (aletheuo), which means to communicate what is true. This refers to communication of the truth, which is the Gospel and Bible Doctrine. The pastor teaches truth to the local congregation, and the believer-priest lives truth.
But communicating the truth (Bible Doctrine) in the sphere of Divine Love, we may grow up in Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ.
Bible Doctrine should be communicated in the sphere of Divine Love. This is Love for Christ, our High Priest. Love for Christ motivates the congregation to learn Bible Doctrine (2 Cor 5:14).
"We may grow up in Him in all things." This is Spiritual Growth. "In Him" means in relation to Christ, who is the Head of the Body. "All things" refers to growing up in Faith, Hope, and Love. This includes every aspect of the Christian life. The only way to learn the Spiritual life is to have good Bible teaching. The mystery doctrine of the Church Age is quite complicated, and the Church Age is the intensified stage of the Angelic Conflict. The calling for believers in the Church Age is the highest of all ages of history, and the pressure from the Cosmic System is intense.
"Who is the Head, Christ" – Jesus Christ is the authority and High Priest over the Church.
Ephesians 4:16
From Whom the whole Body, being integrated and united through every joint of supply, according to the proper function of each individual part, produces growth of the Body resulting in the edification of itself in the sphere of Divine Love.
"From Whom the whole Body" – the Head directs the
entire Body.
"Being integrated and united" – "integrated" is the Greek sunarmologevw (sunarmologeo), from (suvn, together, with) + (a&rmov", joint) + (lovgo", thing) = fit or join together; "integrated." This is union with Christ.
"United" is the Greek sumbibavzw (sumbibazo), from (suvn, together, with) + (bibavzw, to lift up) = bring together, unite, of the body, which is held together by sinews, ligaments, joints (Eph 4:16; Col 2:19); knit together (Col 2:2); "united." This is the harmonious rapport of the Body in relation to the Head.
"Through every joint of supply" – joints symbolize pastor-teachers. "Joint of supply" – the pastor supplies nourishment to the local congregation.
"According to the proper function of each individual part" – this refers to the proper and proportionate function of the parts of the Body which will be integrated into the whole. "Each individual part" refers to the local congregations and individual members. Individual congregations have different purposes and different functions.
"Produces growth of the Body resulting in the edification of itself in the sphere of Divine Love" – growth of the body refers to Spiritual growth and evangelism. Edification refers to erecting the ECS. The ECS is built from metabolized doctrine. "In the sphere of Love" is the Love relationship of Christ and the Church (Eph 5:25-26).
Ephesians 5:23 Marriage – Church AnalogyThe husband is the head (authority) over his wife just as Christ is the head of the Church. Christ is also the Savior of the Church (the Body). The Church functions daily under the authority of the risen Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest directs the Spiritual life of every Church Age Believer.
Because the husband (Right Man) is the head (authority) of the woman just as also Christ is head of the Church: He Himself is Savior of the body.
Colossians 1:18 Head and BodyChrist is the head of the Body, the Church (Eph 1:22-23; 2:16; 5:23; 4:4-5, 15; Col 1:18, 24; 2:19). He is the High Priest (Heb 4:14; 5:10; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1) of the Body (Royal Family of God) (1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6). The Body is the Spiritual Body of Christ (Rom 12:4; 1 Cor 10:17; 12:12-31; Eph 4:16; Col 2:19). Christ and His Body, the Royal Family, will be glorified in resurrection bodies (Rom 14:10, 12; Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:43-57; 2 Cor 5:10). Winner believers will be rewarded (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7; Eph 6:8), and losers will be disappointed (Rev 3:18-19; 1 Jn 2:28).
He (Christ) is the head of the Body, the Church; who is the Beginning, the Firstborn out from the dead, in order that He might be promoted chief over all.
Church is the Greek e*kklhsiva (ekklesia), from (e*k, out) + (klh'si", a call, invitation) = Church, congregation. Church is used in scripture for a local assembly (Acts 19:25), Church universal (Matt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23; 5:25-27; Col. 1:18), local Church (1 Cor 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; Rev 2:12), the congregation of Israel (Acts 7:38), or a Synagogue (Matt 18:17). The local Church is headed by a pastor-teacher (Eph 4:11) (1 Ti 3:1-7) with deacons (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Ti 3:8-10) and saints.
The Head symbolizes authority over the Body.
"The Firstborn out from the dead" – the firstborn was ruler of the tribe, priest, and inherited the double blessing. Christ, the first fruits is the first to be resurrected (Ex 23:16; 34:22; Lev 23:10; Num 28:26; 1 Cor 15:20-23).
"In order that He might be promoted chief over all" – Christ was the first to be resurrected so that He could be promoted to the highest rank over all Creation. He is Sovereign over all Creation, and He will have that status for all eternity.
Colossians 2:7 Tree Analogy of Spiritual LifeThe individual believer is symbolized by the tree analogy in which Christ is the root and the tree is the believer. "Firmly rooted" symbolizes the foundation of Salvation and consecration of Experiential Sanctification. "Built up" symbolizes building the ECS. "In Him," or "in the sphere of Him," refers to Spiritual Growth of the individual believer in the Body of Christ.
Having been firmly rooted and constantly being built up in Him (Christ), and being established by faith (Bible Doctrine), even as you have been taught, overflowing with thanksgiving.
"Being established by faith (Bible Doctrine)" – metabolizing Bible Doctrine is the means of erecting the ECS whereby the believer is stabilized and established like a strong tree that is firmly rooted.
"Even as you have been taught" – they have been instructed in accurate Bible Doctrine. Believers will never mature under apostate teaching. They will be like trees that are diseased and weak and stunted. Good Bible teaching is required in the Age of Grace because it is the highest calling of history.
"Overflowing with thanksgiving" – this is symbolized by the leaves on the tree. The believer who perceives the glory and intricacy of his Spiritual life will be overwhelmed by being graced out, and he will overflow with thanksgiving.
Those who reject the authority of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body, fall into various systems of false spirituality (ref. Col 2:18-19). They don't submit to Jesus Christ in the filling of the Holy Spirit. They may practice false spirituality based on their own arrogance and illusions about angels, dreams, human good, or psychology. False teachers who fall into apostasy do not hold fast to the Head, which is Christ. Consequently, the Body of Christ (the Church) does not grow Spiritually but falls into weakness, confusion, and worldliness.
Colossians 3:1"Raised up with Christ" means that after we were identified with Christ in His death, He was resurrected and seated at the right hand of God. Therefore, we were also raised up with Him, since we are in union with Him. Because we are in union with the resurrected Christ, who is in Heaven, we should be seeking the things above.
Therefore, since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:2-3We should keep thinking about Heavenly (Spiritual) things, not Earthly things. Our old self died with Christ, and our new life is associated with Christ, who is out of sight with God.
2 Keep thinking about the things above, not the things on Earth.
3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:4 ResurrectionWhen Christ in resurrection body is revealed at the Rapture, the Church will also be revealed to have glorious resurrection bodies. The hope of the Church is to be like Christ in resurrection bodies.
When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
Author: Larry Wood, Released - Apr. 6, 2014 - Revised Apr. 28, 2014
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