Epiphany: Jesus’ Above Appearing; Instruction for the Church

The word epiphany has the modern usage of a great insight or understanding, or a holiday celebrated due to the Magi visiting Jesus. There is a definition that we don’t realize exists. It is the “above appearing”, the “above manifested appearing”, of Jesus. Jesus appeared as a baby, and the Magi saw him. Jesus was recognized as the Messiah at his baptism when God spoke and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. Jesus will appear again in the clouds when he calls for his church. He will also appear again on the Day of the Lord. There are other times Jesus appeared or manifested, as well as another time he will gather the 144,000 mid-tribulation; but this word is only used for two future categories, the gathering, and the Day of the Lord. And while all people on earth will also see the wrath of the Lamb during the 6^th seal being opened, epiphany is not used there either. Clearly, when a word is used in specific instances rather than every instance, we should take special note of that word. Also we have to keep in mind who used this word, and to whom it was to be communicated. Epiphany is used in Pastoral Epistles which tells us that there is specific direction given to the church.  Paul used it 8 times, Luke used it three times.

Jesus told his disciples that he was going to go away, and then he was going to come back. He mentioned it as recorded in John, twice. If Jesus told people he would come back, we should probably pay attention to what he was saying. While Jesus himself didn’t use the word epiphany, he is telling us something important, he’s coming back.

John 14:2-4 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know KJV

 If Jesus goes to prepare a place, he will come again and receive those he is making a place for. This is special, just as a bridegroom would prepare a place by adding on a room to his father’s house for his bride. Jesus is preparing a place for his bride. We know from Revelation that Jesus’ bride comes back with him on the Day of the Lord; the bride is wearing white and has made herself ready. Jesus is making an addition to His Father’s house for those he is coming to gather, harpazo. Just as the bridegroom would surprise his betrothed bride when he finished the room addition, Jesus will surprise his church. 

 

John 14:28-31 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.KJV

 

Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them/us. They weren’t quite sure what that meant. But Jesus says, I’m telling you ahead of time so you will remember what I said. Looking back, we understand this, as well as his next sentence.

Jesus then tells them not to worry, because the prince of this world has nothing in Him. In hindsight, we can see that the devil had no true hold on Jesus; he could not be put into hell. As we studied previously, the righteous dead prior to Jesus’ death were in a place called Abraham’s bosom, or more accurately, Abraham’s bay or creek. This was a place in Hades separated by a chasm from the fires of Hades. Satan was to let the righteous redeemed dead go to Paradise, but he held them as prisoners (Isa 14:17). The gates of hell could not hold Jesus, because as Jesus said, satan had nothing in Him, there was no legal right to hold Jesus because Jesus had no sin. Therefore the Old Testament saints were looking, as David did, to the day when their souls would be let out of hell.       

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/03/hades-gehenna-abyss-paradise.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/06/doors-and-clouds-jesus-tells-us-of-his.html

Acts 2:25-33  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption….31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.KJV

Jesus did not leave David’s soul in hell, nor any of the other redeemed. Jesus was not left in hell either. David saw this ahead of time, and Peter reminds everyone of what David said. Remember, Jesus told the disciples many things that they would understand later after they happened.

    

Jesus told John that He has the keys to hell and death. Jesus won the keys to hell and death because he could not be held by satan.   

Rev 1:18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.KJV

But there was another thing that Jesus told his disciples, He told them he was going to come again. Not simply in his resurrected body, because he was only on earth for forty days and then he left. Jesus was leaving to prepare a place for his disciples. Why? So that his disciples could be with Him.  What did the angels tell the disciples who saw Jesus leave earth?

   

Acts 1:5-11For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.KJV

The disciples were still looking for an earthly kingdom in Israel. That will happen at the millennial reign, after the tribulation period, and the Day of the Lord. They didn’t understand that there would be an age or time period of the Holy Spirit first. That is what Jesus was just telling them. First, the age of the Holy Spirit where his disciples would be witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth. While the disciples stood, mouths open wide in shock, watching Jesus be taken up in a cloud, the angels said ‘this same Jesus’, not a different one, or someone else in Jesus’ stead, but this same Jesus shall come in like manner. They saw him go up into a cloud, and Jesus is coming back in a cloud. This appearing is called Epiphany.

   

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.KJV

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/10/every-eye-will-see-five-visitations-of.html

One time he will come in the clouds, another time, later, he will come to earth, which is the day of the Lord. The Epiphany is his appearing on both occasions, one time he comes for the church, another time he comes with his church who are now His armies.

Definition of epiphany in English  Syllabification: (e·piph·a·ny) Pronunciation: /iˈpifənē/ noun (plural epiphanies) (also Epiphany)  the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). 1) the festival commemorating the Epiphany on January 6. 2) a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being. 3)  a moment of sudden revelation or insight.

The first definition of Epiphany is a holiday to commemorate two events, Jesus’ first manifestation as a baby, and Jesus’ Baptism. The birth of Jesus, as we have studied, was in the fall of 3BC. It took the Magi over a year to visit Jesus. This was a huge process because these three Magi had many people in their households to bring on the journey. The journey was not simply three guys and their camels; it was three wealthy men, plus families, servants, livestock; which came to about one thousand people. The entire city of Jerusalem was troubled because it was like an entire city from the east coming for a visit.        

Matt 2:1-12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.KJV

Here are more details on the birth of Jesus.

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-night-sky-when-jesus-was-born-what.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-day-was-jesus-born-fall-feasts.html

The second event people celebrate as a holiday regarding Epiphany is Jesus’ baptism. To many people, this is a significant event because we have the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, and the voice of God the Father announcing Jesus as His beloved Son.

               

Matt 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.KJV

   

Mark 1:10-11 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.KJV

   

Luke 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.KJV

   

John 1:32-34 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.KJV

 

The second modern definition of Epiphany, is the biblical definition, which is Jesus appearing. The word epiphany is made up of two words, epi [1909] which is above, and phaino [5316] which is to shine or show. It is an above showing, and above manifestation; an above appearing. Here are the corresponding words in the Greek.

NT:2014 ‎epiphaino (ep-ee-fah'-ee-no); from NT:1909 and NT:5316; to shine upon, i.e. become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known: KJV - appear, give light.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:5316 ‎phaino (fah'-ee-no); prolongation for the base of NT:5457; to lighten (shine), i.e. show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative): KJV - appear, seem, be seen, shine, think.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2015 ‎epiphaneia (ep-if-an'-i-ah); from NT:2016; a manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future): KJV - appearing, brightness.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2016 ‎epiphanes (ep-if-an-ace'); from NT:2014; conspicuous, i.e. (figuratively) memorable:(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus is an epiphany. The thought or realization that Jesus is the Messiah is itself an epiphany to people. Jesus is the only atonement we have for sin, that is an epiphany as well. Jesus’ time on earth, as a baby, and in his baptism, is a manifestation of the Messiah. He has appeared in the flesh on earth. We are looking for Jesus’ above appearing, his manifestation, his epiphany, when he comes in the clouds.

Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared [2014]to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing [2015]of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.KJV   

Paul’s letter to Titus reminds us that we are looking ahead for his above appearing, the manifestation of the Messiah, and that Jesus would redeem us; and this is what we are to tell others. Titus is a pastoral epistle, giving practical advice for the church. Both Timothy and Titus were instructional letters regarding the running of the church, and we see that predominantly, epiphany is spoken of here as a message to the church. This message was to be taught to the body of Christ; that is Titus’ instruction.   

Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared[2014],5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. KJV

Paul points out that we are justified by His grace, and made heirs. This is a great reminder for the church. We will show up with, appear with, Jesus in glory.

Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear [5316], then shall ye also appear with him in glory. KJV

In Revelation, we see another example of the root word phaino, shine. Part of this above appearing is shining like the sun.

   

Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth [5316] in his strength.KJV

The word shineth, is the same word as appear, Jesus’ countenance appeared bright. Paul tells us in Timothy, another pastoral epistle, to keep these commandments; follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, and to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold of eternal life.

 

1 Tim 6:11-16 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.13  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing [2015]of our Lord Jesus Christ:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. KJV

   

Paul says we are to keep those commandments until the above appearing, the Epiphany, of Jesus Christ. Paul then says again in 2 Timothy that at Jesus’ epiphany, death will be abolished, and life and immortality will be given to the saved and called. 

   

2 Tim 1:7-11 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,10 But is now made manifest by the appearing [2015]of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.KJV   

Jesus’ epiphany, above appearing, does what 1 Corinthians tells, us, the dead in Christ put on incorruption, and the living in Christ put on immortality. Therefore, we have no reason to be in fear. Jesus will judge the living and the dead twice, once at his epiphany, and again in his kingdom.

2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing [2015]and his kingdom; KJV   

As we have studied, the harpazo’d saints, the redeemed, are given rewards right after Jesus is crowned in Revelation 11. At the end of the tribulation, people are judged again according to their works. For those who love his epiphany, above manifestation, there is another reward.

2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing [2015]. KJV

   

At Jesus’ above manifestation in the clouds, there will certainly be people who love his epiphany, and those who hate it. In the instructional epistles for the church, epiphany is important for the saints to understand. Paul tells us there will be a time that the anti-Christ will appear, and be manifest. Then, on the day of the Lord, Jesus will destroy the anti-Christ. Sadly, many will be deceived by the anti-Christ, but one day he will be revealed for who he really is.

   

2 Thess 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness [2015] of his coming: KJV   

The prophet Joel foretold of the Day of the Lord and Peter reiterated it; Luke wrote the account in Acts. The word used here for notable, or as Joel used, terrible, is above appearing. This is the very scary Day of the Lord. What will that look like to earthlings? Jesus wearing red, riding a horse, followed by his armies who are dressed in white; if one has not confessed Jesus as Lord by that time, it will be a terrifying site.   

Acts 2:19-21 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable [2016] day of the Lord come:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.KJV

The sun will be dark, and the moon will look red before the great above manifested Day of the Lord. When Jesus is manifest on the Day of the Lord, he will mean business as Jesus comes to destroy the Beast. If we remember, the Beast destroys Babylon and Jesus destroys the Beast. This epiphany is not a happy manifestation for those who took the mark of the Beast. In contrast, the epiphany in the clouds is a happy manifestation. We have the choice as to which epiphany to be a part of.

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-winepress-of-gods-wrath-beast-and.html

Clearly, the word used, epi-phaino, epiphany, means several things in our modern understanding, such as an insight, or a holiday that celebrates either Jesus’ visit from the Magi or Jesus’ baptism. But the biblical meaning is an above appearing or an above manifestation. Written to the church, we don’t see epiphany used for anyone else’ above manifestation. The Church is to know about, look for, and prepare for, the above manifestation of Jesus in the clouds. If anyone left on earth after the harpazo understands epiphany, it will be in the context of the Day of the Lord. These are simple things the church is supposed to teach and preach to the world. As we know, we are waiting on a number, the number of Gentiles; not on a date, or a time. It is an encouragement to know that Jesus is coming for the redeemed, because the redeemed have been atoned for. This is the instruction to the churches that Paul concerned himself with. Timothy and Titus were to make sure that the church would know about the above appearing, the above manifestation of Jesus.  

Blood Atonement; Teachers and Itching Ears; The Work of a True Evangelist

The need for blood atonement began when innocent blood had to be substituted as an offering for sin. From Adam and Eve, when clothing from animals were made, to the day of Passover when Jesus was our Passover lamb, physical blood had to be shed to cleanse us from sin. Today, Jesus’ blood is the once, for all, perfect atonement for our sins, and is appropriated for us, cleansing us from our sin when we confess Him as Lord. This is such an easy process for us, but sometimes people don’t believe easy can be right. The end result of not confessing Jesus as Lord is that we die in our sins, ending up in Hades. This is the dilemma many people are in. It doesn’t have to be that way, but for some reason we get distracted from the importance of life and death, and follow “new” teachings. There is a crafty enemy who perpetrates this deceit.

Paul’s life and ministry was winding down. He probably felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to set the affairs of the church in order. If you or I were speaking our last words to the person taking over our ministry we would include everything that we felt was important. We probably would not want our words missed. Paul’s words to Timothy hold true to our day, and hauntingly we see the need for acting on them. Paul warns of teachers who teach what excites the hearer. Instead, Paul says preach the word, and do the work of an evangelist. We have to keep perspective and discern the message. Let’s look at Paul’s exhortation to Timothy and some definitions of these words.

2 Tim 4:1-8  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.3 For the time will come when they will not endure[430] sound [5198]doctrine[1319]; but after their own lusts[1939] shall they heap[2002] to themselves teachers[1320], having itching[2833] ears[189];4 And they shall turn away[654] their ears from the truth[225], and shall be turned[1624] unto fables[3454].5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.KJV

NT:430 ‎anechomai (an-ekh'-om-ahee); middle voice from NT:303 and NT:2192; to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with:KJV - bear with, endure, forbear, suffer.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:5198 ‎hugiaino (hoog-ee-ah'-ee-no); from NT:5199; to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): KJV - be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole (-some).

NT:1319 ‎didaskalia (did-as-kal-ee'-ah); from NT:1320; instruction (the function or the information):KJV - doctrine, learning, teaching.

NT:1939 ‎epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah); from NT:1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden):KJV - concupiscence, desire, lust (after).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2002 ‎episoreuo (ep-ee-so-ryoo'-o); from NT:1909 and NT:4987; to accumulate further, i.e. (figuratively) seek additionally:KJV - heap.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1320 ‎didaskalos (did-as'-kal-os); from NT:1321; an instructor (genitive case or specially):KJV - doctor, master, teacher. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2833 ‎knetho (knay'-tho); from a primary knao (to scrape); to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to tickle:KJV - itching.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:189 ‎akoe (ak-o-ay'); from NT:191; hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard):KJV - audience, ear, fame, which ye heard, hearing, preached, report, rumor.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:225 ‎aletheia (al-ay'-thi-a); from NT:227; truth:KJV - true, truly, truth, verity.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:654 ‎apostrepho (ap-os-tref'-o); from NT:575 and NT:4762; to turn away or back (literally or figuratively):KJV - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3454 ‎muthos (moo'-thos); perhaps from the same as NT:3453 (through the idea of tuition); a tale, i.e. fiction ("myth"):KJV - fable.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3452 ‎mueo (moo-eh'-o); from the base of NT:3466; to initiate, i.e. (by implication) to teach:KJV - instruct.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1624 ‎ektrepo (ek-trep'-o); from NT:1537 and the base of NT:5157; to deflect, i.e. turn away (literally or figuratively):KJV - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The first thing Paul tells Timothy, is that Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead in two places, at his appearing, and in his kingdom. It will be a judgment, if one is left on earth, when he calls from the clouds. We have to remember how horrible it will be during the tribulation, many people will die, including two thirds of the Jews. Shouldn’t we be concerned for our friends who will be left on earth during those years? Every day we are one day closer to the coming of Jesus for His body.

Paul says preach the word. I want to land here for a moment because many times the popular preachers don’t preach the logos, the written word. Instead they preach rhema, uttered words or narratives. There is nothing wrong with using examples to help someone understand the logos, but Paul said preach the logos, not preach what you perceive to be prophetic, or revelatory. The written word of God came as holy men wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. I know, there will be people out there who will put themselves in the “holy men” category, but if one thinks his or her self to be of that category, they probably have a narcissistic personality disorder as they think too highly of themselves. Most narcissists lack humility.

The next section says that a time will come when people won’t hold themselves up against healthy instruction and learning. Instead, because of their own inordinate desires, they will accumulate or gather around themselves teachers who scratch or tickle their hearing. Look at this two ways, the teachers tickle people’s fancy because of people’s lusts, and the teachers themselves tickle their own fancy because of their own lusts. This is a two way street. If the latest “new” doctrine is announced on television, the television station makes money, the program itself makes money and the teacher with the new doctrine makes money. It seems like a win, win, win situation for all of them. Unfortunately, it may be a false teaching from a false teacher. People are going to turn away from the truth and turn to fiction.

This is important to us because if you study or read someone’s instruction on the logos, you have to know what they believe. If there are aspects of the Bible they don’t believe, their teachings will be skewed. When a teacher receives fame and money for tickling people’s ears, that teacher has to come up with another way to tickle everyone’s ears, just to keep the income steady. They become narcissistic in that they start to believe their own press. Pretty soon they have to tickle ears with their prophetic insight. This has to keep building on itself, and the narcissists play it well. We have regular cycles of this in the Christian social media circles. Yet how many honest pastors, preaching the logos, go unnoticed by Christian broadcasting networks? Unfortunately, many in the body of Christ believe the media blitz of the current ear ticklers, and are led astray from healthy instruction.

An example of a dangerous trend in the body of Christ is that many people believe that Jewish people don’t need to believe on Jesus for salvation, as if they have some other way of atonement. Let’s expose that lie. The only way Jewish people can atone for their sins is with a blood sacrifice. However, the blood sacrifice has rules as to how and where this is to be done. The place a blood sacrifice is to be made is the Temple, and it is to be done by the Priests. Today, there is no temple, so blood sacrifices cannot be made. This, as we have studied, is because the Jew’s missed the time of Jesus’ visitation. Jesus said the city would be destroyed. And while we have the city rebuilt today, the temple is still not rebuilt. No sacrifices can be made for sin, therefore there is no atonement for sin, and when one dies without atoning for their sins, they go to Hades.

Jesus came to make atonement for everyone, once and for all. Here are the definitions of atonement from the New and Old Testement.                 

NT:2643 ‎katallage (kat-al-lag-ay'); from NT:2644; exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor:KJV - atonement, reconciliation (-ing).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)   

OT:3722 ‎kaphar (kaw-far'); a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:KJV - appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile (-liation).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

When Adam and Eve sinned, God announced his son’s coming to rectify their situation, and he made the first blood sacrifice on their behalf. Not only did God tell them that his son would come, but he also used the constellations to tell the Messiah’s story. Genesis 3:15 is a grand picture in the heavens. That was the first logos, the story written in the heavens. Throughout the Bible, the logos, the prophetic descriptions of the Messiah match the heavenly story. Here in Genesis 3:15 we have the picture of Ophiuchus holding back a serpent who is trying to grab the crown, while Ophiuchus’ left foot is on the back of a scorpion and his right heel is being stung by the scorpion. This is the star picture that the ancients had before the written logos. 

   

Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her Offspring; He will bruise and tread your head underfoot, and you will lie in wait and bruise His heel. [Gal 4:4.] AMP

What we can take away from this is the bruise the Messiah would receive would be almost nothing compared to the beating the enemy will get. God also covered Adam and Eve, but in order to do that he had to shed innocent blood.

   

Gen 3:21 For Adam also and for his wife the Lord God made long coats (tunics) of skins and clothed them. AMP

That is the pattern and picture we have throughout the Old Testament. Innocent blood had to be shed to cover human sin. As we studied a while back regarding Adam and Eve, their sin was not just an “oops”, it was to the end that if they had then eaten of the tree of life, they would have disappeared from God forever. And not just them, but their progeny as well; the entire human race would have been lost to satan. Therefore, until the Messiah would come, animals would be the substitution for innocent blood that would atone for sins.  When Noah came out of the ark, he made a burnt offering to God.

Gen 8:20 And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord ; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.KJV

Then God said some interesting things. Let’s read the Message and the ISV.

   

Gen 9:2-7 All living creatures are yours for food; just as I gave you the plants, now I give you everything else. 4 Except for meat with its lifeblood still in it — don't eat that. 5 "But your own lifeblood I will avenge; I will avenge it against both animals and other humans. 6 Whoever sheds human blood, by humans let his blood be shed, Because God made humans in his image reflecting God's very nature. 7 You're here to bear fruit, reproduce, lavish life on the Earth, live bountifully!" (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

   

Gen 9:3-7 “Every living, moving creature will be food for you. Just as I gave you green plants before, so now you have everything. 4 However, you are not to eat meat with its life—that is, its blood—in it! 5 Also, I will certainly demand an accounting regarding bloodshed, from every animal and from every human being. I’ll demand an accounting from every human being for the life of another human being.6 “Whoever sheds human blood, by a human his own blood is to be shed; because God made human beings in his own image.7 Now as for you, be productive and multiply; spread out over the land and multiply throughout it.”ISV

God gave all animals for food, except those that did not have their blood drained from them. The blood had to be drained from the animals first, and then they could eat them. Then God says that whoever sheds human blood, will have to shed his own blood. Why? This is because human life and human blood is sacred, made in Elohim’s image. If we remember our teaching of Aleph Tav, that word shows up here. Moses writing in the paleo Hebrew, added the first and the last, the A and Z, the Alpha and Omega to this statement. It reads “the image of Elohim made he Aleph Tav man”. It’s a good thing Jesus came looking like a man, otherwise less people might have believed on Him. Humans are made in the image of Elohim; remember Elohim is plural in the Hebrew, meaning three or more. Jesus the Messiah, the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, was also made in the image of Elohim so that he could communicate with us. Because he was executed by humans, and because the leaders did not recognize Him as Messiah, the city and temple were destroyed, leaving only one way to atone for sins. Jesus’ blood, the Aleph Tav, is the only way.

Here is a little back story to Noah. God tells Noah to reproduce, or multiply. However, Noah never had any more children. One theory is that when Noah was drunk, Ham castrated him. Noah cursed the fourth born of Ham because he could no longer bear a fourth child. Noah prophesied the Canaanites would serve everyone else. The Canaanites did become servants to Shem as Noah said. Shem lived in Canaan running a school for learning about God. Abraham lived there in the land of Canaan as well. Abraham later married a Canaanite and told his six sons by Keturah to move south because Canaan would be destroyed. The Canaanites were eventually driven out of the land.

After Moses brought the sons of Jacob out of Egypt, they were given very specific rules as to blood sacrifice.

   

Ex 29:32-37 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.33 And they shall eat those things wherewith the atonement [3722] was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy.34 And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.35 And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement [3722]: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement [3722] for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.37 Seven days thou shalt make an atonement [3722]for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.KJV

Once the temple was rebuilt, the same rules applied to Nehemiah’s temple.

   

Neh 10:32-33  Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;33 For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement [3722] for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.KJV

Those rules for atonement continued until another way was made, the blood of Jesus was shed instead of bulls and goats. Once the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, no one could make atonement the old way. The only way is the way made possible through Jesus.

       

Rom 5:8-21 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled [2644] to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled [2644], we shall be saved by his life.11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement [2543].12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.KJV

There is nothing we have to do first, no animal sacrifice or ritual, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. There isn’t a formula, or magic words, or a rain dance that precedes us being able to be atoned for and have remission of sins. It’s a gift of grace. We don’t deserve it, we didn’t earn it, and we can’t work for it. Once we believe he died and rose, we are saved from the wrath to come. We will not have to go through the tribulation because we have been atoned for. We are saved by Jesus’ life. As Paul writes, the law entered that offence might abound, but where sin abounds, there is more grace. We are given grace and made righteous, and given eternal life through Jesus Christ who is our Lord. Our Jewish friends need to understand this. They can’t fix the state they are in, but they don’t have to, as Jesus took care of it for all of us. It’s a free gift, which is hard for many to accept. The cost of his blood, a horrible death, was done for us. We can’t even shed our own blood for atonement for anyone else. Human sacrifice is feeble and incomplete because death reigns in our veins. Only the Alpha and Omega, the Aleph Tav, had the ability to shed His perfect, sinless blood on our behalf.

Now, before we think of this as all cotton candy and popcorn, there is a stern warning in Hebrews. It is not a light matter to make a mockery of Jesus’ blood or insult the Holy Spirit.

   

Heb 10:26-31  For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward]. 27 [There is nothing left for us then] but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition [to God]. [Isa 26:11.] 28 Any person who has violated and [thus] rejected and set at naught the Law of Moses is put to death without pity or mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. [Deut 17:2-6.] 29 How much worse (sterner and heavier) punishment do you suppose he will be judged to deserve who has spurned and [thus] trampled underfoot the Son of God, and who has considered the covenant blood by which he was consecrated common and unhallowed, thus profaning it and insulting and outraging the [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favor and blessing of God)? [Ex 24:8.] 30 For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people. [Deut 32:35,36.] 31 It is a fearful (formidable and terrible) thing to incur the divine penalties and be cast into the hands of the living God! AMP

And here is the conclusion of the matter, do our teachers who are trying to generate money, trample over Jesus and consider the blood of Jesus common and unholy, or do they insult and outrage the Holy Spirit?

The King James Version uses the word despite, regarding the Holy Spirit. (Heb 10:29 and hath done despite [1796] unto the Spirit of grace? KJV)

       

NT:1796 ‎enubrizo (en-oo-brid'-zo); from NT:1722 and NT:5195; to insult:
KJV - do despite unto. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:5195 ‎hubrizo (hoo-brid'-zo); from NT:5196; to exercise violence, i.e. abuse: KJV - use despitefully, reproach, entreat shamefully (spitefully).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Do our preachers preach the logos? Do our teachers, who like to tickle ears, disregard the Holy Spirit? Do they deny, insult, and criticize the Holy Spirit or the age of the Holy Spirit. Can we trust that our tickling teachers are honest, or are they lying for profit? There are huge groups of people from various denominations who reject the blood of Jesus and reject the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come once he left. That’s a little hard to miss in the Bible, but the logos doesn’t seem to matter because there is money in tickling ears rather than saving people from the wrath to come. Paul tells us we are reconciled to God; God is not counting up our sins.

   

2 Cor 5:17-19 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled [2644]us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation [2643];19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation [2643].KJV

God committed the word of reconciliation, atonement, to us. We can see the work of a true evangelist is to have a ministry of reconciliation, giving eternal hope to those who would otherwise be lost. This is why we are to preach the word, the logos. This is also why we should not be counted among those who tickle ears for profit. Our Jewish friends need to hear these words.

This is the inherent problem for Jews today, they are painfully aware of sin and have no way to reconcile or atone for sin. The only way, the one way available today, is to believe on Jesus as the Messiah. This time period of the age of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Grace, is here. It doesn’t matter if I like it, it doesn’t matter if I don’t agree with it. It doesn’t matter if I believe it or not, it is here irrespective of my personal conviction. If I drive through an intersection and get pulled over by a police officer, I can tell him I believe the light was green, I can tell him my religious belief system doesn’t allow for red traffic lights, but none of that matters because I’ll still get a ticket. It is not about our opinions, oh narcissistic generation; it is about what is written in the logos, all of it, not only the parts we narcissistically agree with. This burden of sin for the Jew is tremendous, we Gentiles don’t understand. There are laws and rules that are to be followed, and they cannot be practiced because there is no temple. There hasn’t been a temple for 1,981 years. It would seem awfully mean of God to not make a provision until the temple is rebuilt. The problem is, God did make provision for atonement for every Jew and Gentile, but it is not fashionable to speak of blood atonement. The Jews were able to make atonement in the temple/tabernacle for 1,463 years, but it’s been 1,981 years of Jewish men and women dying in their sins, unless they accept the atonement Jesus made available for them. The sheer numbers of men and women, who have died un-atoned for, stresses the urgency and value of preaching the logos, and doing the work of an evangelist.   

Paul told us that the Lord would give a crown of righteousness to those who love His appearing. For those who receive atonement for sins, the appearing of Jesus is an exciting time. To those who refuse His gift of atonement, Jesus’ appearing will be a signal of seven years of hard times including martyrdom by the beast. Even though it is easy for us to accept remission of sins, it was not easy for Jesus. But it is a gift given in the age and time of the Holy Spirit. Let’s not insult the Spirit of Grace, and instead accept the holy consecrated covenant of Jesus’ blood.