Howdy BigD,

Greetings again. You seem to suggest that Paul will be in heaven, while Peter, James and John will be on earth.

Where will Jesus be?
Matthew 19:28 (KJV): "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Luke 1:32-33 (KJV): "32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Kind regards
Trevor

[BigD wrote:]

Howdy BigD,

Greetings again. Despite the Scriptures that you quote BigD, I still have difficulty with the concept that there will be some in the "earthly kingdom", while others will be in heaven. Repeating your statement from your original post:
BigD wrote:

"Those that were promised an earthly kingdom will praise God from there place here upon the earth in His earthly kingdom, and the Body of Christ will be praising God from their position in heaven."

BigD wrote:

"In Galatians 2:6 we learn that the believer today is already positionally with Christ in "heavenly places."

Ephesians 2:4-6 (KJV): "4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
This does not directly state that when we die or when Christ returns we will be taken into Heaven. To me this is Paul's method of teaching us that we should think and act as if we were seated in the presence of God and Christ in Heaven. It does not say we are literally there, because we are still literally here. Similar encouragement and thoughts are given in:
Colossians 3:1-4 (KJV): "1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Our belief, repentance, baptism is likened to the resurrection of Christ. The above passage also talks of our need to centre our thoughts and feelings on Christ, and it also speaks of the appearance of Christ, but it does not state that after he appears that we then go to Heaven.

BigD quoted and wrote:

"2 Corinthians 5:1 states: "For we (believers) know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
I do not see an earthly kingdom here.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (KJV): "1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
This could also be explained by Colossians 3:3-4, that our "life is hid with Christ in God", and "when Christ, who is our life, shall appear", then "mortality" will "be swallowed up of life". This again speaks of Christ's second coming.

BigD quoted:

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation (citizenship [NIV]) is in heaven: from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Looking at the next verse we have a similar teaching to Colossians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5:
Philippians 3:21 (KJV): "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

BigD quoted and wrote:

In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 Paul is speaking to believers concerning the rapture of the Church, the Body of Christ.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
The above is not the 2nd coming of Christ to earth to establish His kingdom. The Body of Christ has no place in that kingdom.
No where in Paul's Epistles do we find that the believer, in this dispensation of grace, will inherit a kingdom here upon the earth. He only speaks of our "heavenly hope."

Again 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 is similar to the previous quotations, that Christ will return and raise the dead and change their bodies into glorious immortal bodies. Briefly, I believe that the terms "the clouds" and "the air" are figurative language, and it does not use "heaven" in the sense of being directly in Heaven, in the presence of God. Again, you seem to be teaching that there are two kingdoms, the earthly kingdom and the heavenly kingdom, or "heavenly hope", the same as in your original post.

Concerning Galatians 3:16, BigD wrote:

"You are taking verse 16 completely our of its context. There is no earthly kingdom in it contents. It is the promise of the SPIRIT that is promised, not land (earthly kingdom)."

Paul in Galatians 3:16 quotes directly from the land promise in Genesis 13:14-15. You seem to read "the promise of the Spirit" as saying the promise that consists of the Spirit (kingdom). There is some possible ambiguity when the preposition "of" is used. If it said "the promise of God", we would most probably accept the promise that God gave, and this is how I read "the promise of the Spirit". I read this as the same as the promise(s) that was (were) given to Abraham by God, eg
Galatians 3:16-18,26-29 (KJV): "16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
The whole flow of this passage is the promise(s) to Abraham. Those that believe and are baptized into Christ have put on Christ. They are thus part of the body of Christ and will inherit the land for ever as promised to Abraham and Christ in Genesis 13:14-15. This will occur when Christ returns and raises the dead and gives them immortality. The last verse, v29 is clearly speaking of the body of Christ becoming heirs to the promises made to Abraham, and as your citation from the article states, these promises included the land promise of Genesis 13:14-15, further defined in Genesis 15:18-20.

Kind regards
Trevor

[BigD wrote:]

Howdy BigD,

Greetings. BigD wrote:

"The "kingdom of God" includes His entire creation. Therefore, when ever we see that phrase we must take it in the context of that particular passage in the Bible. God's kingdom includes everything above the earth, on the earth and under the earth."

Yes, we need to consider each context. In some contexts the "Kingdom of God" speaks of the replacement of the present kingdoms of men with the Kingdom of God when Christ returns.
Daniel 2:44 (KJV): "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."

BigD wrote:

"Those that were promised an earthly kingdom will praise God from there place here upon the earth in His earthly kingdom, and the Body of Christ will be praising God from their position in heaven."

I do not believe that the Bible teaches we go to heaven when we die or when Christ returns. The term "Kingdom of God" is mainly used in the records of Mark and Luke, and the term "Kingdom of Heaven" is mainly used in the record of Matthew. A careful comparison of the usage of these terms reveals that these two terms are equivalent.

An example of Paul's preaching shows that both Abraham and the believer in Christ partake of the same inheritance, God's Kingdom on earth.
Galatians 3:16,26-29 (KJV): "16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Paul's comments are based upon the promise of the land to Abraham and his seed in
Genesis 13:14-15 (KJV): "14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."

Kind regards
Trevor

[preaching the gospel of the kingdom]

Matthew 9:35 (KJV): "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."

Luke 8:1 (KJV): "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,"

Acts 1:3 (KJV): "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:"

Acts 8:5,12 (KJV): "5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."

Acts 19:8 (KJV): "And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God."

Acts 20:25 (KJV): "And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."

Acts 28:23,30,31 (KJV): "23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."

The common element in all the above is the gospel of the Kingdom of God. An interesting development is Luke's account in Luke 8:1 where he says that Jesus was "preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God" while in Acts 8:5 he says Philip "preached Christ unto them". Luke also summarises this preaching in Acts 8:12 as "the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ". Luke uses the same language and does not draw any obvious distinction between what Philip taught in Acts 8:5,12 and what Paul taught in Acts 28:23,30-31 "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ".

These two aspects then are a summary of the gospel preached and revealed by Jesus, and preached by Philip and by Paul. In both Acts 8 and Acts 28 Luke does not detail what Philip and Paul preached on these occasions, but is content to summarise these by these two aspects. On other occasions Luke gives more details of the speeches given by the Apostles, eg Peter in Acts 2, also Acts 3, and Paul in Acts 13. A careful assessment of each of these speeches will reveal the same two aspects of the gospel, the glad tidings of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

Briefly looking at Acts 3, Peter in vvs 12-18, 22-26 speaks of the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ, and in vvs 19-21 the things concerning the kingdom of God including the return of Jesus Christ to refresh and restore all things.
Acts 3:19-21 (KJV): "19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
Even these verses appear to be a summary of what Peter said, and such phrases as "the times of refreshing" and "the times of restitution of all things" could be explained and expanded by reference to that "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began". A few examples 2 Samuel 23:1-5, Psalm 8, Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:1-4, Daniel 2:44. Each of these speak of the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon this earth when Christ returns.

Kind regards
Trevor

Proverbs 20:12 (KJV): "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them."

What is true of the "natural" creation is also true of the new or spiritual creation.

Of some Christ says Matthew 13:14 (KJV): "And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive."

Of others Matthew 13:16 (KJV): "But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." These statements are set in the midst of the parable of the sower, a beautiful word-picture of the preaching of the gospel and its effect upon its hearers.

The teaching of Christ in Matthew 5-7 also presents many word-pictures. These words also reveal that God knows our very character and motivations, and gives us gentle instruction to turn our hearts unto the way of God.

We need to become as babes in his presence Matthew 11:25-26 so that we can respond to his call and loving care and guidance throughout our lives.
Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV): "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Kind regards
Trevor

[saw this house in her first glory]

Howdy Reba,

Greetings again. I thought that this could help in answering the question why the Temple of the future is called the Tabernacle of David.
Isaiah 16:5 (KJV): "And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness."
Isaiah 33:20 (KJV): "Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken."

Also the language in the following speaks of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Temples as if they are one Temple, and also speaks of the spiritual fulfilment in Christ.
Haggai 2:3,7 (KJV): "3 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts."
John 2:16-22 (KJV): "16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21 But he spake of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said."

Kind regards
Trevor

[the tabernacle of David]

Howdy Reba,

Greetings again. I prepared the following for my own interest on this subject, mainly because of the various obscurities mentioned below. You may disagree with some of the following and there are other aspects to be considered.

Acts 15:14-17 (KJV): "14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."

This is part of James' summary at the end of the Jerusalem conference. There are a number of things that are obscure at first. One is the name "Simeon". Is this Simon Peter or Simeon who prophesied over the babe Jesus when he was presented in the Temple. This Simeon said that Jesus would be:
Luke 2:32 (KJV): "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."
My preference is that James is referring to Simeon, not Simon Peter.

Also James is quoting Amos 9:11,12 concerning "the tabernacle of David" and the Gentiles upon whom God's name is called. Is James saying this is a direct and only fulfilment of this prophecy, or is this only an example, to show that there is no restriction for the Gentiles becoming part of God's name. My preference is that this is an example, a principle established, that the Gentiles will be saved by direct association with God's name.

Looking at "the tabernacle of David" in the context of Amos 9. This is also obscure, because it talks of the tabernacle as "fallen down", and also of the "breaches therof", presumably of its walls, and its "ruins". This language does not seem to be speaking of a tabernacle or tent, but of a building and walls made of stone.

We find that David pitched a tabernacle or a tent for the ark when he first brought it to Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 6:17 (KJV): "And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD."
It is significant that after the ark was recovered from the Philistines, there was no attempt to move the ark back into the Mosaic Tabernacle. The place of rest for the ark was destined to be Jerusalem Numbers 10:35,36, Psalm 132.

David then purposed in his heart to build a house, or a Temple for God's name and glory. God's response to this is given in:
2 Samuel 7:10-16 (KJV): "10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever."
Notice also the echo of 2 Samuel 7:10 in Amos 9:15.

Although David was not allowed to build the Temple, he was told in v13 that his son would achieve this. This has a dual fulfilment, firstly in Solomon, and secondly in Jesus who will build both a spiritual household for David, consisting of believers and faithful followers, and also build a literal Temple at Jerusalem for the praise and worship of both Jews and Gentiles in the Age to Come. These promises to David are to be fulfilled when Christ returns to sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem. The angel uses many of the phrases of this promise when speaking to Mary:
Luke 1:32-33 (KJV): "32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
At that time he will convert the remnant of the nation of Israel and build a Temple of worship for all nations, when all the nations will be blessed in Christ Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:7-9, Isaiah 2:1-4.

Although David was not allowed to build the Temple, he prepared most of the material and encouraged Solomon and Israel in the work that was soon to commence 1 Chronicles 22. We often call it the Temple of Solomon, but in reality it was the Temple of David. We have a picture of the Temple of Solomon, and the Temple of the Age to Come, but by a beautiful poetical expression, Amos calls these "the tabernacle of David". This expresses David's heart, his purpose to establish a building for the glory and praise of God, so that Jews and Gentiles could join together in worship.

One psalm used by David in worship and praise to God is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 and this Psalm is also recorded as Psalm 105:1-15, Psalm 96. David appointed Asaph as his chief musician, and in charge of the praise and music at this tabernacle 1 Chronicles 16:4-5,37. Also 1 Chronicles 16:34 and the sons of Asaph reappear in every revival of true Temple worship.

Two other Psalms sung before this tabernacle could well be Psalm 8 and Psalm 145. Psalm 8 comes most probably from the beginning of David's ministry, rejoicing in God's creation and celebrating the victory over Goliath. Also when Psalm 8 is considered from the NT allusions, the new creation comes into focus with the death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, his receiving dominion, the babes and sucklings who respond to his message and the ultimate filling of the earth with God's glory. Psalm 145 has been called "the beautiful tapestry", "the jewel in the crown" of all the Psalms. This most probably comes from towards the end of David's ministry. David himself could have sung vv1-3 of this Psalm, then the others would join the singing of this praise to God. God will build again the tabernacle of David that is fallen down.

Kind regards
Trevor

[they brought in the ark of the LORD]

Howdy Reba,

Greetings. In response to your first two questions
Question 1: "What is D T"
My initial suggestion is that "the tabernacle of David" refers to the tabernacle or tent that David pitched to receive the ark.

Question 2: "Where was DT"
This was at Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 6:17 (KJV): "And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD."

Kind regards
Trevor

[I create new heavens and a new earth]

Isaiah 65:17-23 (KJV): "17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them."
Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV): "1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Despite many similarities in the language, Isaiah 65 speaks of death and sin, Revelation 21 speaks of "no more death". Are these the same new heavens and new earth, or do they represent changes at a different period of time?

One question that should be considered is what does the term "new heaven and new earth" represent. Is this the complete destruction of the universe and a replacement with a new universe? Do the heavens mentioned speak of the clouds and atmosphere of the earth and hence a new local heaven and a new earth? Or is this figurative language?

Looking at some passages that speak of the literal earth
Ecclesiastes 1:4 (KJV): "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever."
Psalm 78:69 (KJV): "And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever."
These two passages indicate that the earth will not be destroyed or replaced.

When the generation of Israel under Moses failed God pronounced:
Numbers 14:21 (KJV): "But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD."
This passage also does not teach that the earth will be destroyed or replaced. God's purpose is to fill the earth, that is the present or literal earth, with His glory. God's purpose will not fail despite the failure of Israel..

At a time when the nation of Israel was failing once again through idolatry and wickedness, God told Habakkuk that He was raising up Babylon to judge his nation. Habakkuk objected, but God answered with those well known words concerning individual salvation. Again God's purpose will not fail, individuals will be blessed even if Israel fails. Further down in the chapter we have an echo of the thoughts of Numbers 14:21.
Habakkuk 2:4,14 (KJV): "4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."
The earth will not be destroyed, but filled with the knowledge of the glory of God.

There are some passages that speak of the heavens and earth in a figurative sense. The following is the same prophet, Isaiah, who spoke of the new heavens and new earth in Isaiah 65:17.
Isaiah 34:4-5 (KJV): "4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. 5 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment."
Isaiah uses the figure of heaven for those of Idumea when speaking of their judgment. Heaven is used figuratively for a political power, while earth is used for the people subject to that power.

Paul quotes the following and gives us an interpretation of shaking the heavens and the earth.
Haggai 2:6-7 (KJV): "6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts."
Hebrews 12:26-29 (KJV): "26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire."

The deduction from all the above is that a new heaven and a new earth do not speak of the complete destruction of our heaven and earth, but the replacement of the existing system with a new system. This new system is the Kingdom of God as taught in the dream of Nebuchanezzar:
Daniel 2:35 (KJV): "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth."
Daniel gives the interpretation of these details of the dream:
Daniel 2:44 (KJV): "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."
Christ will return to replace the kingdoms of men with the Kingdom of God, and the end result be that the Kingdom of God will fill the whole earth, fulfilling Numbers 14:21, Habakkuk 2:14.

How do we reconcile Isaiah 65:17-23 with Revelation 21:1-4? Paul quotes Psalm 8 in Hebrews 2 and shows that Psalm 8 refers to the "age to come". He also quotes Psalm 8 in:
1 Corinthians 15:25-26 (KJV): "25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."
This shows that during the Kingdom there will be sin and mortals, as is also obvious from Zechariah 14:16, and this corresponds with the period mentioned in Isaiah 65:17-23. This period is also mentioned in Revelation 20 that speaks of the Kingdom lasting 1000 years, when the chosen faithful will be kings and priests. To be kings and priests necessitates mortals and sinners over whom the faithful will rule and teach.

Revelation 21 speaks of a time when there is no more death. Comparing 1 Corinthians 15 and Revelation 20 this must be after the 1000 years, at the end of the Kingdom of God, when Christ will have "put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." Looking at:
Revelation 21:1 (KJV): "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
The word "first" is translated "former" in v.4. The heaven and earth of Revelation 20, where there was sin and death has in Revelation been replaced by the period after the 1000 years, and in that period there will be no more death. as testified by 1 Corinthians 15.

We wait in patience for the return from heaven; of "the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:20-21 (KJV). May each of us share Paul's hope 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV): "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Kind regards
Trevor

[when we were in the flesh]

We need to seek by God's mercy and strength to live in the environment of Romans 8 and not Romans 7. We live to some extent in the Romans 7 environment, a law (and flesh) environment, but we should live in Romans 8, the spirit (and Spirit) environment. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God on a day to day basis, and need God's forgiveness made possible by the death and resurrection of Christ. Sin is still a struggle for all of us, but Christ can give us the victory through faith.

There are a few key verses in Romans 7 that shows that Paul is speaking of his experience under the law. Read firstly Romans 7:1-4. The following is the basis of what he then says in Romans 7 and 8:
Romans 7:5-6 (KJV): "5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."

The first example of the law environment given is simply the last of the ten commandments:
Romans 7:7-8 (KJV): "7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence (or coveting ASV). For without the law sin was dead."
Law in its simplest form as a commandment, especially a negative commandment does not bring obedience to that law, rather it even awakens sin, and sin brings death.

The environment introduced through Christ makes us free from the environment of the law, because it brings a new mode of thinking, a new environment patterned after Christ, and the source of this is from Christ. Paul uses a beautiful phrase "the law of the Spirit of life" and this is in contrast to the law environment of Romans 7 which he calls "the law of sin and death".
Romans 8:2 (KJV): "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

The basis of the victory is the sacrifice of Christ. He came in the likeness of sin's flesh. He was in the same human nature as us Hebrews 2:14, but he never allowed sin to rule over him. He rendered sin of none effect, he condemned sin in the flesh, in the very arena where all others sinned.
Romans 8:3 (KJV): "3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh".

An illustration of this process is given in the temptation in the wilderness:
Matthew 4:3-4 (KJV): "3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
How did Jesus overcome? Simply by countering with a Scripture commandment? No, he had meditated and understood the reason for Israel's failure. He had learnt to trust in God's care and provision. The full context of the quotation shows some of the thinking of Christ and how he overcame.
Deuteronomy 8:3 (KJV): "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live."

In practical reality we need to grow spiritually to move from a law environment to the Spirit environment. When we are immature in faith we are still in need of law. A good example of this new life, this new environment is:
Galatians 2:20-21 (KJV): "20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

Kind regards
Trevor

[2nd Timothy wrote:]

Howdy 2nd Timothy,  

Greetings. I appreciate the welcome and your reply.
2nd Timothy wrote:

"I agree with DW. The Jews do not believe the NT, so they are not trying to be in accordance with scripture. Also, you will note that in Matthew 24:15 it speaks of the Abomination of desecration standing in the holy place. This happens during the time of the Antichrist, so the temple must be in place before the reign of Christ."

Most religious Jews try to conform with the OT Scriptures, God's inspired word. The Temple is to be built after the events of the early part of Zechariah 14 and the events of Ezekiel 38 & 39, and neither of these have happened yet. Both of these also teach that a remnant of Israel will be converted to God by these events, recognising at long last that Jesus is their Messiah whom they pierced. They do not understand the plans revealed in Ezekiel 40ff sufficiently, nor do they know who really belongs to the Levitcal tribes etc. The establishment of the tabernacle, the temple and the 2nd temple were all directed by God's prophets and they would recognise any attempt outside of this would be presumptuous.  

A comparison with Luke 21:20-24 shows that Matthew 24:15 speaks of the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.
Matthew 24:1-3,15 (KJV): "1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"
Luke 21:20-24 (KJV): "20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."

The third Temple will be built and the earth will be at peace:
Isaiah 2:1-4 (KJV): "1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

This is the peaceful way to build the Temple, by the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ. These all show that we should seek to understand the prophetic word. By having a vision of the blessing of the coming Kingdom we will grow to love the appearance of the Lord, who will bring righteousness and peace to the nations. Paul encourages us to have this disposition in
2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV): "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Kind regards
Trevor

Howdy 2nd Timothy,

Greetings. The proposed plan ignores the prophecy of Zechariah 14 that teaches that there will be topographical changes to Jerusalem when Christ returns. The third temple will be built after this.

Zechariah 14:4 (KJV): "And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south."

Kind regards
Trevor

[Thou art this head of gold]

A brief simplified look at Daniel 2. The interpretation of the dream was given to Daniel by God, Daniel 2:19-23. Daniel then gives Nebuchadnezzar the interpretation.

Daniel 2:37-40 (KJV): "37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise."

Here is a prophetic time-line of history. Four successive kingdoms or world empires. Nebuchadnezzar is the head of gold, representing Babylon.

Daniel 2:39 (KJV): "And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee". Daniel does not state here what kingdom would replace Babylon, but the historical record states that the Medes took the kingdom:

Daniel 5:30-31 (KJV): "30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. 31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old."

Daniel 2:39 (KJV): "and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth." Again Daniel does not define the third kingdom. Daniel 8 reveals this in another vision, the Ram and the Goat, where the kingdom of Medo-Persia is replaced by Greece.

Daniel 8:20-21 (KJV): "20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king."

Daniel 2:40 (KJV): "40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise." Daniel's prophecy does not give a direct interpretation of this, but Luke gives us some idea.

Luke 3:1 (KJV): "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene".

The fourth kingdom is the Roman Empire.

Daniel 2:41-43 (KJV): "41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay."

Much could be discussed on the detail here, but briefly the Roman Empire declined and what we have today is some strong and some weak or brittle elements.

Daniel 2:44-45 (KJV): "44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure."

The Kingdom of God will replace the present kingdoms of men when Christ returns. The stone initially hits the image on the feet, corresponding with the present era. When Jesus returns we can be either identified with the world, the kingdoms of men or with the stone, the Kingdom of God John 17:6,14-17, Matthew 21:42-44.

Kind regards
Trevor

The Cherubim and Seraphim represent all that has been incorporated in the Lord Jesus Christ, representing his being, his character, his past, present and future work The "many parts" and "the many ways" revealed by the prophets have now been fully revealed in God's Son Hebrews 1:1-2.

A few examples of the occurrence of cherubim and seraphim and a brief note of their fulfilment in Christ.
a. Cherubim guarded or preserved the way to the tree of life Genesis 3:24. Jesus now is the one who will give access to the tree of life Revelation 2:7
b. Cherubim are seen as part of the ark in the Most Holy Place Exodus 25:18-22. Hebrews 9:5,11 and John 1:14 indicate that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Tabernacle, and hence each part.
c. Cherubim were embroided in the curtains and the veil of the Tabernacle Exodus 36:8,35. The veil represents the flesh of Jesus and hence the cherubim are part of the flesh of Jesus Hebrews 10:20
d. Seraphim surrounded the vision of Christ as the future king-priest Isaiah 6:1-2. Some aspects of the role of the seraphim are seen to be fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus in John 12:20-41.
e. Cherubim are seen in active vision in Ezekiel 1 and Ezekiel 43:1-4. The earlier reference speaking of judgment on Judah, the latter showing all things incorporated in Christ.
f. The Cherubim of Ezekiel 1:10 had four faces, a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle.

Christ is the man, the Son of Man, the second Adam, the true likeness and image of God, the one who will fulfil the Divine purpose in the creation Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:4,5, Matthew 11:25-30, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Hebrews 2:5-11.
Christ is the lion of the tribe of Judah, the king, who has inherited this role by first being the slain lamb, establishing the basis of righteousness and mercy of the future kingdom Revelation 5:5,6, 14:1
Christ is the ox, the burden bearer Matthew 11:28-30, the servant, Isaiah 42:1-4, 52:13-15, 53:1-12.
Christ is the eagle, the Son of God, John 1:14, fulfilling the Divine role in the new creation, the new exodus previously revealed in God's care and nurture of Israel Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11-14. All that is fulfilled in Christ will also be seen in small measure in the believers during their probation, and in more fulness during the kingdom to come Isaiah 40:31.

The glory that dwelt between or inhabited the cherubim is seen in the glory of Christ's character, "full of grace and truth" John 1:14 and we can reflect this moral glory John 1:16, 1 John 3:1-3. His physical glory is to be revealed at his coming and will also be given to the faithful who love his appearing Philippians 3:21 (KJV): "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

Kind regards
Trevor

[Zechariah 14v3-5 The Return of Christ, The Mount of Olives & The Earthquake]

Zechariah 14v3-5 The Return of Christ, The Mount of Olives & The Earthquake

Zechariah 14:3-5 (KJV): "3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee."

Zechariah 14:1-2 describe the nations coming against Jerusalem in battle and their apparent initial victory. Parallel quotations that could be considered are Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 11:40-45.

Zechariah 14:3 speaks of the LORD fighting "against these nations as when he fought in the day of battle".  Ezekiel 38:19-22 and Daniel 11:45 appear to be parallel with this, speaking in terms found in the books of Joshua and Judges and elsewhere, when God "fought in the day of battle".

Zechariah 14:4 is remarkable as it speaks of "his ("the LORD" v3) feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives". This speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ and his judgment on the nations. It is significant that the Lord ascended from the Mount of Olives, and it is promised that he will return.

Acts 1:9-12 (KJV): "9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."

Zechariah 14:4-5 speak of great topographical changes as a result of Christ's feet standing on the Mount of Olives. The inhabitants will flee, and Zechariah compares their fleeing to when they fled the earthquake in Uzziah's day. Remarkably there is no other direct record of this event, and Zechariah here through the Spirit confirms what they must have heard from their forbears or by history.

One prophecy that is significant is Isaiah 2:10-21. Isaiah prophesied of an earthquake, and it reads as if it is speaking of God's judgments at Christ's return. As Isaiah prophesied in the days of Uzziah, he could well have spoken this before Uzziah's earthquake, compare Isaiah 6:1, as Isaiah's prophecy seems to be sequential. Pride was a characteristic of King Uzziah himself 2 Chronicles 26:16, and most probably his times which were times of prosperity. This is similar to our times.

Isaiah 2:17 (KJV): "And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."

If given before Uzziah's earthquake then this would be part of his ministry, to warn his contemporaries of things that would happen in their own day, and the reason for them, and also show forth the things that speak of Christ.

The present situation in the Middle East indicates that Christ's return is near at hand. May we look forward with joy to the coming times of refreshing and the restoration of all things at His return Acts 3:19-21.

Kind regards
Trevor