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Rev 3:1-6
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith
he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy
works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to
die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast,
and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a
thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their
garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess
his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. KJV
----------
Rev 3:1-6
1 Kaí toó angéloo teés en Sárdesin ekkleesías grápson Táde légei
ho échoon tá heptá Pneúmata toú Theoú kaí toús heptá astéras Oídá
sou tá érga hóti ónoma écheis hóti zeés kaí nekrós eí
2 Gínou greegoroón kaí steérison tá loipá há émellon apothaneín
ou gár heúreeká sou tá érga pepleerooména enoópion toú Theoú
mou
3 Mneemóneue oún poós eíleefas kaí eékousas kaí teérei kaí
metanóeeson Eán oún meé greegoreésees heéxoo hoos kléptees kaí
ou-meé gnoós poían hoóran heéxoo epí sé
4 Allá écheis olíga onómata en Sárdesin há ouk emólunan tá himátia
autoón kaí peripateésousin met emoú en leukoís hóti áxioí eisin
5 Ho nikoón hoútoos peribaleítai en himatíois leukoís kaí ou meé
exaleípsoo tó ónoma autoú ek teés bíblou teés zooeés kaí
homologeésoo tó ónoma autoú enoópion toú Patrós mou kaí enoópion
toón angéloon autoú
6 Ho échoon oús akousátoo tí tó Pneúma légei taís ekkleesíais
(Interlinear
Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c)1994 by Biblesoft)
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NT:4554
Sardeis, Sardis (or Sardes), the capital of Lydia,
a luxurious city; now an obscure village, Sart, with extensive ruins:
Rev 1:11 Rev 3:1 Rev 3:4
(from
Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 2000 by
Biblesoft)
----------
SARDIS
[SARR dis] -- the capital city of Lydia in the province of Asia, in
western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The church at Sardis was one of the
seven churches mentioned by John in the Book of Revelation (Rev 3:1-6).
Sardis was situated on the east bank of the Pactolus River about 80
kilometers (50 miles) east of Smyrna; it occupied a rocky spur of Mount
Tmolus and a valley at the foot of this mountain. In ancient times
Sardis was well fortified and easily defended. It became the capital of
the ancient Lydian empire, then passed successively to the Persians, the
Greeks, and the Romans during their respective dominance of the ancient
world.
During its days as a Roman city, Sardis became an important Christian
center. However, the church at Sardis was evidently affected by the
complacency of the city and its reliance on past glory: "You have a
name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Rev 3:1). Sardis, the
dead church, was like "whitewashed tombs which...appear beautiful
outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones" (Matt 23:27).
Its thriving, healthy appearance masked an inner decay.
The most impressive building of ancient Sardis must have been its
magnificent Temple of Artemis, built in the fourth century B.C. The
temple was 100 meters (327 feet) long and 50 meters (163 feet) wide and
had 78 Ionic columns, each 17.7 meters (58 feet) high. Some of these
columns remain standing until this day.
(from
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
----------
SARDIS
Capital of Lydia, in Asia Minor; on the Pactolus, at the root of Mount
Tmolus. Northward is a view up the Hermus valley. Southward stand two
beautiful Ionic columns of the temple of Cybele, six feet and one third
in diameter, 35 ft. below the capital; the soil is 25 ft. above the
pavement. The citadel is on a steep, high hill. So steep was its S. wall
that Croesus the last king omitted to guard it; and one of Cyrus'
Persian soldiers, seeing a Lydian descend by cut steps to regain his
helmet, thereby led a body of Persians into the acropolis. Now an
unhealthy desert; not a human being dwelt in the once populous Sardis in
1850. The senate house (gerusia), called Croesus' house, lies W. of the
acropolis. One hall is 156 ft. long by 43 broad, with walls 10 ft.
thick. There are remains of a theater, 400 ft. in diameter, and a
stadium, 1,000; and of two churches, the latter constructed of fragments
of Cybele's temple. Now called Sart.
Famed for the golden sands of Pactolus, and as a commercial entrepot. In
Sardis and Laodicea alone of the seven addressed in Rev 2; 3; there was
no conflict with foes within or without. Not that either had renounced
apparent opposition to the world, but neither so faithfully witnessed by
word and example as to "torment them that dwell on the earth"
(Rev 11:10). Smyrna and Philadelphia, the most afflicted, alone receive
unmixed praise. Sardis and Laodicea, the most wealthy, receive little
besides censure. Sardis "had a name that she lived and was
dead" (Rev 3:1; 1 Tim 5:6; 2 Tim 3:5; Titus 1:16; Eph 2:1,5; 5:14).
"Become (Greek) watchful" or "waking" (Greek),
what thou art not now. "Strengthen the things which remain,"
i.e. the few graces which in thy spiritual slumber are not yet extinct,
but "ready to die"; so that Sardis was not altogether
"dead." Her works were not "filled up in full complement
(pepleeromena) in the sight of My God" (so the Siniaticus,
Alexandrinus, and Vaticanus manuscripts).
Christ's God is therefore our God; His judgment is the Father's judgment
(John 20:17; 5:22). He threatens Sardis if she will not watch or wake
up, "He will come on her as a thief"; as the Greek proverb,
"the feet of the avenging deities are shod with wool,"
expressing the noiseless nearness of God's judgments when supposed far
off. Sardis had nevertheless "a few names" in the book of
life, known by the Lord as His (John 10:3). The gracious Lord does not
overlook exceptional saints among masses of professors. Their reward and
their character accord. "They have not defiled their
garments," so "they shall walk (the best attitude for showing
grace to advantage) with Me in white, for they are worthy," namely,
with Christ's worthiness "put on them" (Rev 7:14; Ezek 16:14).
The state of grace now, and that of glory hereafter, harmonize. Christ's
rebuke was not in vain. Melito, bishop of Sardis in the second century,
was eminent for piety; he visited Palestine to investigate concerning
the Old Testament canon, and wrote an epistle on it (Eusebius 4:26;
Jerome Catal. Script. Eccl. 24).
In A.D. 17 AD, under the emperor Tiberius, an earthquake desolated
Sardis and 11 other cities of Asia; Rome remitted its taxes for five
years, and the emperor gave a benefaction from the privy purse.
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998
by Biblesoft)
----------
Matt 23:1-39
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do;
but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on
men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of
their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad
their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the
synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and
all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father,
which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall
humble himself shall be exalted.
13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in
yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour
widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall
receive the greater damnation.
15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make
him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by
the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the
temple, he is a debtor!
17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple
that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever
sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar
that sanctifieth the gift?
20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all
things thereon.
21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that
dwelleth therein.
22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and
by him that sitteth thereon.
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay
tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier
matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have
done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make
clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are
full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and
platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are
like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but
are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye
are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye
build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the
righteous,
30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have
been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children
of them which killed the prophets.
32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation
of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and
scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them
shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to
city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth,
from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of
Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this
generation.
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest
them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy
children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,
and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall
say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. KJV
-----------
Seven times (indicating a spiritual completeness) was written, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!".
SCRIBES
Members of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times
who studied the Scriptures and served as copyists, editors, and
teachers.
In the Old Testament the Hebrew word translated as scribe identified a
person who numbered or mustered the troops (Jer 52:25). Such a steward
controlled the access of the people to the throne rooms of David and
Solomon (2 Sam 8:17). Gradually, the word came to refer to those who
chose a profession of literary studies.
Hezekiah, king of Judah, chose a body of men who transcribed the ancient
records for preservation, including the proverbs of Solomon (Prov 25:1).
The nature of the scribe's work had changed by this time. He was no
longer an officer of the king's court; he had become a person who
interpreted the Scriptures. The scribes soon became known for their
study and knowledge of the Mosaic Law.
After the Jews returned from the Captivity in Babylon, the era of the
scribes began. The reading of the Law before the nation of Israel by
Ezra (Neh 8-10) signaled the nation's return to exact observance of all
the laws and rites that had been given. Following the Law and the
traditions that had grown up around it became the measure of devotion
and spirituality.
At first the priests were responsible for the scientific study and
professional communication of this legal code. But this function
eventually passed to the scribes. Their official interpretation of the
meaning of the Law eventually became more important than the Law itself.
This position of strength allowed these early scribes to enforce their
rules and practices with a binding authority. To speak of the scribes as
interpreters of Scripture means that they provided rules for human
conduct out of their study.
By the time of Jesus, the scribes were a new upper class among the
Jewish people. Large numbers of priests in Jerusalem before A.D. 70 AD
served as scribes. One of these was JOSEPHUS, the Jewish historian. Some
scribes came from among the SADDUCEES. Others came from the ordinary
priestly ranks. But the largest group of scribes came from among every
other class of people, including merchants, carpenters, flax combers,
tent makers, and even day laborers, like HILLEL, who became a famous
Jewish teacher.
The young Israelite who devoted his life to become a scribe went through
a set course of study for several years. Josephus began his preparation
when he was 14. Students were in continual contact with the teacher,
listening to his instruction. The disciple-scribe first had to master
all the traditional material and the unique method of interpretation of
the Jewish Halakah.
The aim was to give the apprentice competence in making decisions on
questions of religious legislation and penal justice.
According to the traditon of the scribes, there were "secrets"
of interpretation, forbidden degrees of knowledge, which were not to be
expounded before three or more persons. Some chapters in the Bible were
to be explained only to sages (2 Esdras 14:1-5).
The apocalyptic writings of late Judaism contained great theological
systems that were understood only by the specially initiated. This was
left to the confidential teaching of the scribes. They believed that God
intended to leave the mass of people ignorant of His reasons for
requiring certain things under the Law. These truths were hidden from
the masses because they could not be trusted to understand and apply the
Law.
The city of Jerusalem was the center of this scribal knowledge and
interpretation of the Law. Only ordained teachers could transmit and
create the tradition; this was the matter studied to perfection by
students often beginning at age 14. When they completed their study at
the age of 40, they could be ordained. As members with full rights, they
could act as judges, be called rabbis, and occupy positions in
administration of justice, government, and education. They joined the
chief priests and aristocratic families who made up the SANHEDRIN. The
scribes were held in greatest esteem by the people.
Sometimes the gospels refer to the scribes as lawyers (Matt 22:35; Luke
7:30) - a title that identifies them as experts in the Mosaic Law. This
Law was regarded as the sole civil and religious authority governing
Jewish life. In Jesus' day, the scribes were usually associated with the
PHARISEES (Matt 12:38; Mark 7:5; Luke 6:7). In the gospels, they are
sometimes called "the scribes of the Pharisees" (Mark 2:16,
RSV, NASB; the teachers of the law who were Pharisees, NIV). This phrase
identifies scribes who were members of the Pharisaic party.
Many of the scribes were members of the SANHEDRIN, the highest legal and
administrative body in the Jewish state in Roman times. Gamaliel was one
of these (Acts 5:34), as was Nicodemus (John 3:1). They sat as
administrators of the Law "in Moses' seat" (Matt 23:2). This
administration intensified after the destruction of Jerusalem by the
Romans in A.D. 70 AD.
Since a scribe was not paid for his services, he had to earn a
livelihood in another way. This rule may have been enforced to keep down
the problem of bribery among the scribes in their application of the
Law. The scribes often developed attitudes based on their professional
privileges, and this often resulted in pride (Matt 23:5-7). Jesus warned
against these excesses, and He boldly attacked the religious hypocrisy
of the scribes (Matt 23).
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
PHARISEES
[FARE uh sees] (separated ones) - a religious and political party in
Palestine in New Testament times. The Pharisees were known for insisting
that the law of God be observed as the scribes interpreted it and for
their special commitment to keeping the laws of tithing and ritual
purity.
The Pharisees had their roots in the group of faithful Jews known as the
Hasidim (or Chasidim). The Hasidim arose in the second century B.C. when
the influence of HELLENISM on the Jews was particularly strong and many
Jews lived little differently than their Gentile neighbors. But the
Hasidim insisted on strict observance of Jewish ritual laws.
When the Syrian King ANTIOCHUS IV tried to do away with the Jewish
religion, the Hasidim took part in the revolt of the MACCABEES against
him. Apparently from this movement of faithful Hasidim came both the
Essenes-who later broke off from other Jews and formed their own
communities-and the Pharisees, who remained an active part of Jewish
life. Indeed, during the period of independence that followed the
revolt, some of the Greek rulers who controlled Palestine favored the
Pharisaic party.
As a result of this favoritism, Pharisees came to be represented on the
SANHEDRIN, the supreme court and legislative body of the Jews. At times,
the Pharisees even dominated the assembly. In New Testament times,
Pharisaic scribes, though probably in the minority, were still an
effective part of the Sanhedrin.
One distinctive feature of the Pharisees was their strong commitment to
observing the law of God as it was interpreted and applied by the
scribes. Although the priests had been responsible for teaching and
interpreting the Law (Lev 10:8-11; Deut 33:8-10) in Old Testament times,
many people had lost all respect for the priests because of the
corruption in the Jerusalem priesthood. They looked to the scribes
instead to interpret the Law for them. Some scribes were priests; many
were not. Still, they lived pious, disciplined lives; and they had been
trained to become experts in the Law. It was natural, then, for people
to follow their leading rather than that of the priests.
The way in which the scribes spelled out the meaning of the Mosaic Law,
the ways in which they adapted that Law to suit the needs of their day,
the time-honored customs which they endorsed-all these became a part of
the "tradition of the elders" (Mark 7:3). Although these
traditions were not put into writing, they were passed on from one
scribe to another and from the scribes to the people. From this
tradition, they claimed, the Jewish people could know the way God's law
should be observed. The Pharisees agreed, and they were known for
supporting and keeping the "tradition of the elders."
The Pharisees also believed it was important to observe all the laws of
God. But they were especially known for their commitment to keep the
laws of tithing and ritual purity. These were the laws that other people
were less careful about observing.
According to the New Testament, the Pharisees were concerned about
strictly interpreting and keeping the law on all matters (Acts 26:5),
including the Sabbath (Mark 2:24), divorce (Mark 10:2), oaths (Matt
23:16-22), the wearing of PHYLACTERIES and FRINGES (Matt 23:5), and so
on. But they showed special zeal in insisting that laws of tithing and
ritual purity be kept (Matt 23:23-26; Mark 7:1-13; Luke 11:37-42;
18:12).
Since Pharisees found that other Jews were not careful enough about
keeping the laws of tithing and ritual purity, they felt it was
necessary to place limits on their contacts with other Jews as well as
with Gentiles. For example, they could not eat in the home of a
non-Pharisee, since they could not be sure that the food had been
properly tithed and kept ritually pure.
Unlike the SADDUCEES, the Pharisees did believe in the resurrection of
the dead. On this point, they were on common ground with the early
Christians (Acts 23:6-9). The scribe in Mark 12:28 who thought that
Jesus had answered the Sadducees well concerning the resurrection was
probably a Pharisee.
The Pharisees and their scribes enjoyed a good deal of popular support.
In one way this is surprising, since the Pharisees kept apart from other
Jews. They always seemed to be ready to criticize others for not keeping
the laws, and they often looked down on "sinners" who showed
no interest in God's law (Mark 2:16; Luke 7:39; 15:2; 18:11).
Still, unlike the Sadducees, who were mostly rich landowners and
powerful priests, many Pharisees were ordinary people. And even though
other Jews could not be bothered with observing all the details of the
law, they respected the Pharisees for making the effort. Even Paul
credited unbelieving Jews with having a "zeal for God" (Rom
10:2) - even though it was misguided. He probably was thinking primarily
of the Pharisees when he wrote these words.
In the New Testament, the Pharisees appear frequently in the accounts of
Jesus' ministry and the history of the early church. In these passages a
number of the typical failings of the Pharisees are evident. Of course,
not all Pharisees failed in all these points-and the same failings can
be found among religious people of any age.
Pharisees observed the Law carefully as far as appearances went, but
their hearts were far from God. Their motives were wrong because they
wanted the praise of men (Matt 6:2,5,16; 23:5-7). They also had evil
desires that were hidden by their pious show (Matt 23:25-28). That is
why Pharisees are often called hypocrites: their hearts did not match
their outward appearance.
The Pharisees thought they could match God's standards by keeping all
the outward rules. Luke 18:9 says they "trusted in themselves that
they were righteous." This can easily happen when people think
God's will is the same thing as their list of what they can and cannot
do. Their desire to keep all of God's laws was commendable, but
sometimes they put the emphasis on the wrong places. Minor details
became a major preoccupation, and they forgot the more important things
(Matt 23:23).
Finally, because Pharisees thought they were doing their best to keep
God's laws while others were not, they often looked down on such
"sinners"-especially people like tax collectors and
prostitutes. Religious people need to remember that they, too, are
sinners in God's eyes, and that Christ died for everyone.
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
SADDUCEES
[SAJ uh seez] -- members of a Jewish faction that opposed Jesus during
His ministry. Known for their denial of the bodily resurrection, the
Sadducees came from the leading families of the nation-the priests,
merchants, and aristocrats. The high priests and the most powerful
members of the priesthood were mainly Sadducees (Acts 5:17).
Some scholars believe the name Sadducees came from Zadok, the high
priest in the days of David (2 Sam 15:24) and Solomon (1 Kings 1:34-45).
Many of the wealthy lay people were also Sadducees. This may be the
reason why the Sadducees gave the impression of wanting to preserve
things as they were. They enjoyed privileged positions in society and
managed to get along well under Roman rule. Any movement that might
upset order and authority was bound to appear dangerous in their eyes.
The Sadducees rejected "the tradition of the elders," that
body of oral and written commentary which interpreted the law of Moses.
This automatically placed them in direct conflict with another Jewish
group, the PHARISEES, who had made the traditions surrounding the Law
almost as important as the Law itself. The Sadducees insisted that only
the laws that were written in the law of Moses (the PENTATEUCH, the
first five books of the Old Testament) were really binding. The
Sadducees thought this way because of religious practices that had taken
place for several centuries.
For many years the priests were in charge of teaching the law of God to
the Israelites; they were the authorities to go to for interpretation or
application of the law (Deut 17:8-13). Unfortunately, the leading
priests lost the respect of the people by becoming corrupt. When this
happened, many Jews began to respond to the SCRIBES, people who had
become experts in God's law and who usually lived pious, disciplined
lives, although many of them were not priests. People began to follow
the teaching of the scribes and to let the scribes interpret the law of
God for them. The "tradition of the elders" which followed was
made up of customs, rulings, and interpretations that the scribes passed
on as the authoritative way in which God's law should be applied.
The Sadducees rejected this approach to authority in favor of the
written law of Moses. They felt the original law alone could be trusted.
Naturally, they felt Sadducean priests should be the ones to serve as
the law's interpreters.
The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the
immortality of the soul, since these doctrines are not mentioned in the
law of Moses. Neither did they believe in rewards or punishments handed
out after death, as in the doctrines of heaven and hell. Acts 23:8
indicates that they did not believe in angels or spirits, either. They
also believed in free will-that man is responsible for his own
prosperity or misfortune. They interpreted the law literally and tended
to support strict justice as opposed to mercy toward the offender.
Only a few references are made to the Sadducees in the New Testament.
They opposed the early church (Acts 4:1-3; 5:17-18), much more so than
even the Pharisees (Acts 5:34-39; 15:5; 23:6-9). Since the chief priests
usually came from among the Sadducees, it is clear that they played a
major role in the arrest of Jesus and the preliminary hearing against
Him (Mark 14:60-64), and that they urged Pilate to crucify Him (Mark
15:1,3,10-11). Jesus warned His disciples about the
"leaven"-the "doctrine" or teaching-of the Sadducees
(Matt 16:1-12). John the Baptist was suspicious of their supposed
"repentance" (Matt 3:7-12).
One incident when Jesus clashed with the Sadducees is recorded in all
three of the synoptic gospels (Matt 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke
20:27-40). Apparently one of the favorite sports of the Sadducees was to
make fun of their opponents by showing how their beliefs led to
ridiculous conclusions. They approached Jesus with a "what if"
question, designed to show the absurd consequences that can arise from
believing in the resurrection of the dead. "Suppose," they
asked, "a woman had seven husbands in this life, and each of them
died without leaving children? Whose wife would she be in the world to
come?"
Jesus replied with a two-part answer. First, He said that they were
wrong to suggest that earthly relationships, such as marriage, will
continue after the resurrection. Second, Jesus pointed out that they
were wrong in not believing in the resurrection at all: "Have you
not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of
the dead, but of the living" (Matt 22:31-32; also Ex 3:6,15-16).
Jesus' argument was that God told Moses that He was the God of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob. Of course, these three men had died long before the
time of Moses. Yet, if they were not "alive" at the time of
Moses (that is, if they did not live on after their deaths), then God
would not have called Himself their God, for "God is not the God of
the dead, but of the living." Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must live
on if God is still their God; therefore, it is wrong to deny life after
death and the resurrection of the dead.
After posing His reasons, Jesus stated clearly that the Sadducees were
"greatly mistaken" in their beliefs (Mark 12:27). The
multitude who heard Jesus' argument were "astonished at His
teaching" (Matt 22:33) and the Sadducees were "silenced"
(Matt 22:34).
(from Nelson's
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson
Publishers)
---------------
"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things
saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know
thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."
The majority of the people in this assembly, likened unto the "church
in Sardis", are spiritually "dead".
Who is "Death"? Satan is "Death". Therefore, their
names is that of a dead man (Satan, who is already condemned to perish.)
Who are these people and their teacher/pastor/rabbi?
These are literal offspring out of the lineage of Cain.
Jude: 1-25
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to
them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus
Christ, and called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that
ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto
the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God
into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt,
afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto
the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh,
are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise
dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed
about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing
accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what
they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt
themselves.
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran
greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the
gainsaying of Core.
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you,
feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried
about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead,
plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering
stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed,
and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against
him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts;
and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in
admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the
apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time,
who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the
Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even
the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and
power, both now and ever. Amen. KJV
1 John 3:11-12
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother.
And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his
brother's righteous. KJV
John 8:1-59
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the
people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in
adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the
very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but
what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But
Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though
he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto
them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at
her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went
out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus
was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said
unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned
thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn
thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:
12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life.
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of
thyself; thy record is not true.
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself,
yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but
ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I
and the Father that sent me.
17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is
true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me
beareth witness of me.
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye
neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known
my Father also.
20
These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and
no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me,
and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I
go, ye cannot come.
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye
are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye
believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them,
Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is
true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man,
then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as
my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone;
for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to
any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever
committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son
abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my
word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which
ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith
unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of
Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which
I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born
of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for
I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he
sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my
word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye
will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the
truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he
speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye
not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not,
because ye are not of God.
48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou
art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do
dishonour me.
50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall
never see death.
52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil.
Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my
saying, he shall never taste of death.
53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the
prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my
Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I
know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep
his saying.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was
glad.
57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and
hast thou seen Abraham?
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham
was, I am.
59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and
went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed
by. KJV
Who was the first murderer?
Cain was the first murderer. And, Cain, "who
was of that wicked one", was the literal offspring of Satan through Eve's
womb.
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are
ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God."
"Remember
therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.
If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and
thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
All men who have come through this earth age, in the prescribed method,
have an opportunity to overcome.
What is this method?
John 3:5-8
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born
of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of
the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,
but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every
one that is born of the Spirit. KJV
Each individual born "innocent" (not remembering the 1st or
2nd Heaven ages/dimensions) has the opportunity to overcome. "Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of God."
Please note that it is not only must the individual soul which must be
born of the embryonic 'water' of the womb, but also by direction and
command of YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT.
Cain was that direct offspring of Satan. He did not come through this
earth age "innocent", but with great knowledge and power of
Satan's most unholy spirit.
But, Cain took his wife from one of the 6th day peoples. A woman who was
born "innocent" ("born of water and of the Spirit").
Why did YHVH allow this union of Cain (Satan in the flesh) and that
woman of one of the 6th day people?
So that the same events which occurred in the 1st Heaven age could be
played out again in this earth age.
In the 1st Heaven age, Satan and those 'Elohiym (magistrates/judges) who
supported him, went unto the souls whom YHVH had given them power over
and advised them to follow and support Satan.
And, a third of all of YHVH'S children eventually followed and supported
Satan as their "king" up to the time of the Katabole.
These
Elohiym then became "fallen angels", because they fell from
Grace.
YHVH'S children, over whom these now fallen 'Elohiym ruled, did not
possess the same elevated wisdom, as did those of the 'Elohiym.
YHVH would not hold these completely responsible until they had lived in
the earthly flesh, which allowed them an opportunity to begin to
comprehend YHVH'S emotions.
Therefore, every soul whom YHVH has given the opportunity to be born
innocent in their earthly form, "born of water and of the Spirit",
is still yet able to overcome.
What does it mean "to overcome"?
1 Cor 15:1-58
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto
you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how
that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according
to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of
whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen
asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due
time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was
bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than
they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye
believed.
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some
among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not
risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your
faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have
testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so
be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your
sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of
them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the
dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward
they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to
God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all
authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all
things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did
put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son
also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God
may be all in all.
29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead
rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I
die daily.
32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what
advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to
morrow we die.
33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge
of God: I speak this to your shame.
35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body
do they come?
36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,
but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed
his own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of
men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the
glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is
another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and
another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in
glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it
is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a
natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the
last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is
natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord
from heaven.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the
heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the
image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must
put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord. KJV
"To overcome" is to overcome "death"
("death" is Satan) ... a "victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".
Even among those who are of the actual bloodline of these mixed peoples
out of Cain, there are some who have come into CHRIST.
"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled
their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for
they are worthy."
Earthly flesh 'races' and 'bloodlines' are temporal.
It is the soul, the spirit, and the acts of each of YHVH'S original
creation (1st Heaven age) which was a part of the determining factors as
to where each soul would be placed in this earth age. Each earned their
position in the earthly lineage YHVH determined that each soul should be
come forth in the flesh.
So, even through Cain's own seedline, there are those who have proved
themselves worthy to overcome by the blood of YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST.
These were called and chosen by YHVH to bring forth YHVH'S HOLY Word of
Truth unto other earthly flesh men who also 'earned a place' in Cain's
lineage.
Remember, even a Kenite, a literal offspring of Cain, can overcome death
by the blood of The LAMB, YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST.
"But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what
body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened,
except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body
that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other
grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every
seed his own body.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men,
another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There
are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the
celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is
one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory
of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also
is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised
in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is
sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it
is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a
spiritual body."
"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;
and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will
confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches."
Rev 3:7-13
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things
saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David,
he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no
man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word,
and hast not denied my name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are
Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and
worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee
from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try
them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man
take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and
he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God,
and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh
down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. KJV
Rev 3:7-13
7 Kaí toó angéloo teés en Filadelfeía ekkleesías grápson Táde légei
ho Hágios ho Aleethinós ho échoon teén kleín Dauíd ho anoígoon kaí
oudeís kleísei kaí kleíoon kaí oudeís anoígei
8 Oídá sou tá érga Idoú dédooka enoópión sou thúran eeneoogméneen
heén oudeís dúnatai kleísai auteén hóti mikrán écheis dúnamin
kaí eteéreesás mou tón lógon kaí ouk eerneésoo tó ónomá mou
9 Idoú didoó ek teés sunagoogeés toú Sataná toón legóntoon
heautoús Ioudaíous eínai kaí ouk eisín allá pseúdontai idoú poieésoo
autoús hína heéxousin kaí proskuneésousin enoópion toón podoón
sou kaí gnoósin hóti egoó eegápeesá se
10 Hóti eteéreesas tón lógon teés hupomoneés mou kagoó se teereésoo
ek teés hoóras toú peirasmoú teés melloúsees érchesthai epí teés
oikouménees hólees peirásai toús katoikoúntas epí teés geés
11érchomai tachú krátei hó écheis hína meedeís lábee tón stéfanón
sou
12 Ho nikoón poieésoo autón stúlon en toó naoó toú Theoú mou kaí
éxoo ou-meé exélthee éti kaí grápsoo ep autón tó ónoma toú
Theoú mou kaí tó ónoma teés póleoos toú Theoú mou teés kaineés
Ierousaleém hee katabaínousa ek toú ouranoú apó toú Theoú mou kaí
tó ónomá mou tó kainón
13 Ho échoon oús akousátoo tí tó Pneúma légei taís ekkleesíais
(Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright
(c)1994 by Biblesoft)
PHILADELPHIA
[fill ah DELL fih uh] (brotherly love) - a city of the province of Lydia
in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and the site of one of the seven
churches of Asia to which John wrote in the Book of Revelation (Rev
1:11).
Philadelphia was situated on the Cogamus River, a tributary of the
Hermus (modern Gediz) and was about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast
of Sardis. It was founded by Attalus II (Philadelphus), who reigned as
king of Pergamos from 159 BC until 138 BC Philadelphia was a center of
the wine industry. Its chief deity was Dionysus, in Greek mythology the
god of wine (the Roman Bacchus).
In the Book of Revelation, John describes the church in Philadelphia as
the faithful church and the church that stood at the gateway of a great
opportunity (Rev 3:7-13). Christ said to this church, "See, I have
set before you an open door and no one can shut it" (v. 8). The
"open door" means primarily access to God, but it also refers
to opportunity for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Still a city of
considerable size, Philadelphia is known today as Alasehir, or
Allah-shehr ("the city of God").
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas
Nelson Publishers)
Who is the "the angel of the church in
Philadelphia" and who are those within this assembly?
"I know thy works: behold, I have set
before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little
strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
What are these "works"?
"works"
NT:2041
ergon (er'-gon); from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work); toil (as
an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:
KJV - deed, doing, labour, work.
(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
When were these "works"
originally accomplished by these particular servants unto YHVH?
These originally did their works (acts) for YHVH in the 1st Heaven age,
at the time that Satan attempted to overthrow YHVH'S Kingdom.
Therefore, having accomplished these "works"
(acts) in service to YHVH, in the 1st Heaven age/dimension, these were
then fore-ordained to accomplish their "works"
again in this earth age.
These servants, likened unto "the
church in Philadelphia", are YHVH'S "wife",
spiritually speaking.
In order to understand this "spiritual marriage", we have need
to turn to the Book of Jeremiah, where YHVH speaks of HIS
"wife" and a "bill of divorce".
Jer 3:1-25
1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become
another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be
greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet
return again to me, saith the LORD.
2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not
been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in
the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and
with thy wickedness.
3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no
latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be
ashamed.
4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the
guide of my youth?
5 Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end?
Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.
6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou
seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every
high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the
harlot.
7 And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But
she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.
8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel
committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce;
yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the
harlot also.
9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she
defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned
unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified
herself more than treacherous Judah.
12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou
backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to
fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep
anger for ever.
13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against
the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under
every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto
you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will
bring you to Zion:
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed
you with knowledge and understanding.
16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the
land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of
the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall
they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be
done any more.
17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and
all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to
Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of
their evil heart.
18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel,
and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land
that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.
19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a
pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said,
Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
20 Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have
ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.
21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of
the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have
forgotten the LORD their God.
22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.
Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.
23 Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the
multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of
Israel.
24 For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth;
their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.
25 We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have
sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even
unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God. KJV
These servants likened unto the "church
in Philadelphia" have never left their spiritual
"HUSBAND", although in their earthly flesh, they were born
"innocent", not remembering those things which occurred in the
1st and 2nd ages/dimensions.
Yet, according to YHVH'S promise, these servants would be
"called" and "chosen" once again, in this earth age,
so that they could prepare themselves with YHVH'S HOLY Word, so they
could once do their "works" for YHVH, their HUSBAND.
Rom 11:1-36
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am
an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what
the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against
Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and
I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to
myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of
Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise
work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,
eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto
this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a
stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their
back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the
diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their
fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh,
and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root
be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild
olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the
root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not
the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also
spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which
fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed
in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much
more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their
own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this
mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in
part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come
in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come
out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy
they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counseller?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him
again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen. KJV
The "marriage" of YHVH and
HIS "seven thousand"
(Zadok priesthood) shall be consummated when YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT
"covers" the "spirits" (minds) of these particular
servants.
This is called the 2nd Baptism.
907 baptizo-
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (used of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with
water,
to wash oneself, to bathe
3) to overwhelm Not to be confused with 0911, bapto. The
clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the
Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a
recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words.
Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first
be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in
the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in
a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of
baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union
and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example,
Mark 16:16. `He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is
saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a
union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! --Bible
Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice (May, 1989).
This speaks of YHVH having fore-ordained these servants: "I
have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it".
YHVH has opened the spiritual eyes (minds) of these particular servants,
in order for them to be able to work and obtain HIS Word of Truth. And,
there is no one nor no thing which can prevent YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT from
providing the unction and guidance of HIS HOLY SPIRIT unto the
spirits/minds of these particular servants.
Do these particular servants have superior intellects to other peoples?
No, not necessarily. They simply have works, acts, to do for YHVH.
As these toil diligently to become ready to carry out YHVH'S
"Work", FATHER keeps open the "door" so that
these can obtain HIS Truth. And, as they begin bringing forth YHVH'S
Word of Truth unto others, their "works" for YHVH, become
example for others who are searching YHVH'S Truth.
"for thou hast a little strength, and
hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name"
Their "strength" has
reference to their "power". It is not the earthly flesh body
of these servants, but their spirits which are made strong by "The
Word".
NT:1411
dunamis (doo'-nam-is); from NT:1410; force (literally or figuratively);
specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):
KJV - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker
of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
NT:1410
dunamai (doo'-nam-ahee); of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:
KJV - be able, can (do, -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of
power.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and
International Bible Translators, Inc.)
The "strength" of these
servants is not very powerful within themselves... but, because of
YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT, their abilities can become greater.
"Because thou hast kept the word of my
patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall
come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."
How does YHVH "keep" these
"from the hour of temptation",
when all of the rest of the world has to experience those "temptations"?
YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT keeps these servants from the "hour
of temptation" through the consummation of the
"marriage".
YHVH'S HOLY SPIRIT covers the spirits of these servants before the
"hour of temptation"
begins, thereby preventing these servants from being able to be tempted.
"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast
which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
When YHVH first began calling out these particular earthly flesh
servants, they did not necessarily have YHVH'S Truth.
As with all natural people in this 2nd earth age, these servants were
born "innocent", and had to be taught.
Therefore, until these became strong, maturing in YHVH'S Holy Word of
Truth, there would be men (who had not YHVH'S Truth) which would try to
prevent these servants from obtaining and retaining YHVH'S Truth.
Satan, and the evil spirits of his 7,000, has attempted to take the
"crown" (the mark of YHVH)
from these servants, who are likened unto the "church
in Philadelphia", even in a time before these servants were
aware of those "works" which YHVH had fore-ordained them
to do in this earth age.
Rev 3:14-22
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These
things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of
the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou
wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have
need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable,
and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest
be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the
shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with
eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and
repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. KJV
Rev 3:14-22
14 Kaí toó angéloo teés en Laodikeía ekkleesías grápson Táde légei
ho Ameén ho Mártus ho Pistós kaí Aleethinós hee Archeé teés ktíseoos
toú Theoú
15 Oídá sou tá érga hóti oúte psuchrós eí oúte zestós ófelon
psuchrós eés eé zestós
16 Hoútoos hóti chliarós eí kaí oúte zestós oúte psuchrós mélloo
se emésai ek toú stómatós mou
17 Hóti légeis hóti Ploúsiós eimi kaí peploúteeka kaí oudén
chreían échoo kaí ouk oídas hóti sú eí ho talaípooros kaí
eleeinós kaí ptoochós kaí tuflós kaí gumnós
18 Sumbouleúoo soi agorásai par emoú chrusíon pepurooménon ek purós
hína plouteésees kaí himátia leuká hína peribálee kaí meé
fanerootheé hee aischúnee teés gumnóteetós sou kaí kolloúrion
engchrísai toús ofthalmoús sou hína blépees
19 Egoó hósous eán filoó eléngchoo kaí paideúoo zeéleue oún kaí
metanóeeson
20 Idoú hésteeka epí teén thúran kaí kroúoo Eán tis akoúsee teés
fooneés mou kaí anoíxee teén thúran kaí eiseleúsomai prós autón
kaí deipneésoo met autoú kaí autós met emoú
21 Ho nikoón doósoo autoó kathísai met emoú en toó thrónoo mou
hoos kagoó eníkeesa kaí ekáthisa metá toú Patrós mou en toó thrónoo
autoú
22 Ho échoon oús akousátoo tí tó Pneúma légei taís ekkleesíais
(Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c)1994 by
Biblesoft)
LAODICEA
[LAY ah duh SEE uh] -- a city in the fertile Lycus Valley of the
province of PHRYGIA where one of the seven churches of Asia Minor
was situated (Rev 3:14). About 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of Ephesus
and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Colossae, Laodicea was built
on the banks of the river Lycus, a tributary of the Maeander River.
The words of the risen Christ to Laodicea in Rev 3:14-22 contain
allusions to the economic prosperity and social prominence of the city.
Founded by the SELEUCIDS and named for Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II
(261 BC - 247 BC), Laodicea became extremely wealthy during the Roman
period. For example, in 62 BC Flaccus siezed the annual contribution of
the Jews of Laodicea for Jerusalem amounting to 20 pounds of gold.
Moreover, when the city was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60 AD
(along with Colossae and Hierapolis), it alone refused aid from Rome for
rebuilding (compare the self-sufficient attitude of the church of
Laodicea in Rev 3:17). Laodicea was known for its black wool industry;
it manufactured garments from the raven-black wool produced by the sheep
of the surrounding area.
The apostle Paul does not seem to have visited Laodicea at the time he
wrote Col 2:1. Epaphras, Tychicus, Onesimus, and Mark seem to have been
the early messengers of the gospel there (Col 1:7; 4:7-15). A letter
addressed to the Laodiceans by Paul (Col 4:16) has apparently been lost;
some consider it to be a copy of the Ephesian letter. A church council
was supposedly held at Laodicea (A.D. 344-363), but all that has come
down to us are statements from other councils.
The site of Laodicea is now a deserted heap of ruins that the Turks call
Eski Hisar, or "old castle."
According to the comments about the church at Laodicea in the Book of
Revelation, this congregation consisted of lukewarm Christians (Rev
3:14-22). The living Lord demands enthusiasm and total commitment from
those who worship Him.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986,
Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Are the people in this assembly, likened unto the "church of the Laodiceans", actually Christians?
Basically, these are only "Christian" by name. They call
themselves "Christian" (men of CHRIST), yet they do not the
works of a true Christian servant unto YHVH.
They simply do not look to YHVH nor CHRIST for anything, because they
are so rich with the things of man.
If they truly knew
CHRIST and YHVH, their FATHER, they would do HIS works.
Instead, they only do that which makes themselves rich, and only with
the things of this earth age.
What are true riches?
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried
in the fire, that thou mayest be rich"
CHRIST purchased Salvation for us, that we may repent and be free.
Yet, that Salvation cost CHRIST much physical pain and cost HIS earthly
flesh life.
What are we, as Christians, willing to work for and purchase for
ourselves and for the benefit of others who are YHVH'S children?
Are we willing to "buy of me"
( of CHRIST) "gold tried in the fire"
in order to obtain HIS true riches?
Let us look intently on this phrase "gold
tried in the fire", as was used
in the verse.
"gold"
NT:5553
chrusion (khroo-see'-on); diminutive of NT:5557; a golden article, i.e.
gold plating, ornament, or coin:
KJV - gold.
NT:5557
chrusos (khroo-sos'); perhaps from the base of NT:5530 (through the idea
of the utility of the metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as
an ornament or coin:
KJV - gold.
NT:5530
chraomai (khrah'-om-ahee); middle voice of a primary verb (perhaps
rather from NT:5495, to handle); to furnish what is needed; (give an
oracle, "graze" [touch slightly], light upon, etc.), i.e. (by
implication) to employ or (by extension) to act towards one in a given
manner:
KJV - entreat, use. Compare NT:5531; NT:5534.
NT:5495
cheir (khire); perhaps from the base of NT:5494 in the sense of its
congener the base of NT:5490 (through the idea of hollowness for
grasping); the hand (literally or figuratively [power]; especially [by
Hebraism] a means or instrument):
KJV - hand.
NT:5531
chrao (khrah'-o); probably the same as the base of NT:5530; to loan:
KJV - lend.
NT:5534
chre (khray); third person singular of the same as NT:5530 or NT:5531
used impersonally; it needs (must or should) be:
KJV - ought.
(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
"tried"
NT:4448
puroo (poo-ro'-o); from NT:4442; to kindle, i.e. (passively) to be
ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or
(figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust):
KJV - burn, fiery, be on fire, try.
NT:4442
pur (poor); a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively,
specifically, lightning):
KJV - fiery, fire.
(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
"fire"
NT:4442
pur (poor); a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively,
specifically, lightning):
KJV - fiery, fire.
(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International
Bible Translators,
Inc.)
Of what does this analogy refer?
"Gold" is extremely malleable. It can be hammered into thin
strips, made into the shape of delicate objects, and used as an overlay.
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried
in the fire, that thou mayest be rich".
1 Peter 4:1-19
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the
flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will
of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of
wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same
excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the
dead.
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live
according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch
unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for
charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one
to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in
all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and
dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is
to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil
spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let
him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:
and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not
the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and
the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit
the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful
Creator. KJV
YHVH'S servants, likened unto "gold" or "silver",
have need to be "tried in the fire", so to speak.
And, as "gold" or "silver", the minds/spirits of
YHVH'S servants have need to be tried by spiritual fire.
Afterward, the servant's spirit can be "hammered" and shaped
by Our FATHER.
And, if need be, YHVH'S servants will also endure the "fiery
trials" that men of this world and hell bring against you, as did
YAHSHUA, JESUS CHRIST.
Our FATHER, YHVH, is a consuming fire.
Heb 12:1-29
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the
joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against
himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto
children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom
he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what
son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are
ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and
we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto
the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness
unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be
turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall
see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any
root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be
defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one
morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the
blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though
he sought it carefully with tears.
18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that
burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they
that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any
more:
20(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as
a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a
dart:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear
and quake:)
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are
written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of
just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of
sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who
refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we
turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
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. KJV
CHRIST is the refiner and purifier.
Mal 3:1-18
1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before
me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even
the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall
come, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he
appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers'
soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he
shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that
they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the
LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness
against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false
swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the
widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his
right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not
consumed.
7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine
ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return
unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we
robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole
nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat
in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not
destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her
fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome
land, saith the LORD of hosts.
13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say,
What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that
we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully
before the LORD of hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are
set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the
LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written
before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his
name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when
I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own
son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the
wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. KJV
What does "wealth" mean to you?
Nelson's Bible Dictionary describes "wealth" as follows:
WEALTH
An abundance of possessions or resources. During the times of the
PATRIARCHS, wealth was measured largely in livestock-sheep, goats,
cattle, donkeys, and camels. This was true of Abraham (Gen 13:2), Isaac
(Gen 26:12-14), and Jacob (Gen 30:43; 32:5). People of the ancient world
also measured wealth in terms of land, houses, servants, slaves, and
precious metals. The prime example is King Solomon, whose great wealth
is described in 1 Kings 10:14-29.
Wealth is a major theme in the WISDOM LITERATURE of the Bible (Prov
10:15; 13:11; 19:4). The most important observation of these writings is
that wealth comes from God (Prov 3:9-10). The possession of wealth is
not always the sign of God's favor. "Why does the way of the wicked
prosper?" (Jer 12:1) became a familiar theme to the writers of the
Old Testament. The popular view that wickedness brings poverty and
goodness brings wealth is strongly opposed by the Book of Job.
The prophet Amos thundered against the rich and prosperous inhabitants
of Israel, who sold "the righteous for silver, and the poor for a
pair of sandals" (Amos 2:6). Their wealth was corrupt and under a
curse because it was founded on exploitation of the poor.
In the New Testament, many warnings are given of the dangers of letting
money and things possess a person's heart. In the Sermon on the Mount,
Jesus spoke of "treasures on earth" and "treasures in
heaven" and called upon His followers to be careful of which
treasure they chose (Matt 6:19-21,24).
Many of Jesus' parables, such as the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21) and the
rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), deal with people who made the
wrong choice, choosing earthly wealth over heavenly wealth. But the
only true and lasting wealth is the spiritual riches of God's grace
(Matt 13:44-46).
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986,
Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Nelson's refers to "wealth" as "An
abundance of possessions or resources.".
Physical riches of this earth age are temporal. You can't take them with
you.
All things belong to YHVH. FATHER only lends the things of this earth
unto HIS children.
That which each man does with these things lent unto him, will show
forth the character of the man.
Luke 12:16-21
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain
rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I
have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build
greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for
many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be
required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast
provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich
toward God. KJV
Mark 10:17-25
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and
kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may
inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good
but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill,
Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father
and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed
from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou
lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor,
and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and
follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had
great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How
hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth
again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that
trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than
for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. KJV
So, what are the "riches" that a servant can obtain, make use
of while in this earth age, and then take with them?
Through YHVH, YAHSHUA (JESUS CHRIST), and The HOLY SPIRIT there are many
"true riches".
SPIRITUAL GIF |
