A Study of the Scriptures: All the Stories in the Bible.
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After Abram had returned from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and of the kings in rescuing Lot, he had met up with two kings: the King of Sodom and King Melchizedek of Salem.
Melchizedek brought bread and wine
(Which is no doubt a parallel of the bread and wine ceremony in the Lord's Supper).
The King of Sodom is mentioned as bring nothing of value.
Melchizedek is a king of Salem; Salem is short for Jerusalem (Which is a favored city name by God).
Sodom has come to be known as a city that has been destroyed by fire.
Melchizedek is a king and a priest. He is priest of the most High God. One meaning behind the words, "Most High God" means that God is above all other deities.
Melchizedek brought bread and wine
(Which is no doubt a parallel of the bread and wine ceremony in the Lord's Supper).
The King of Sodom is mentioned as bring nothing of value.
Melchizedek is a king of Salem; Salem is short for Jerusalem (Which is a favored city name by God).
Sodom has come to be known as a city that has been destroyed by fire.
Melchizedek is a king and a priest. He is priest of the most High God. One meaning behind the words, "Most High God" means that God is above all other deities.
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Here we see Melchizedek blessing Abram not for anything Abram did but because of Abram's relationship with God. We see Melchizedek bless Abram and give glory to God.
Melchizedek acknowledges God's greatness in his blessing of Abram by saying:
Here we see an example of tithing existing before the Law of Moses came into being (i.e. Before the 10% tithe). However, today, New Covenant believers are not under the Law of Moses. For 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that we are to give what God has purposed upon our heart to give. But we should give. Not out of compulsion but because we want to give because we love God. For God loves a cheerful giver.
The King of Sodom offers Abram goods in exchange for his people back. However, what the King of Sodom does not understand is that Abram believes it is God who meets his material needs (i.e. to be blessed) and it is not himself or anyone else. This is why Abram acknowledges God as the possessor of heaven and earth. God owns everything already and it is God who ultimately decides to bless someone or not for His glory and purpose. For God is testing us. He is seeing if we will trust in money or trust in Him. God always wants us to put Him first and to trust in Him for everything (In His timing and will and not our timing and or will). Abram can only reach his hand or hands to the Lord who is above all and ask God to fulfill his needs. It is God who provides. Not us. God is the provider and sustainer of everything. We must walk after Him and trust Him that he will provide and not give into the world wanting us to be rich.
Melchizedek acknowledges God's greatness in his blessing of Abram by saying:
#1. God is the possessor of heaven and earth. (i.e. God owns everything).
#2. Blessed is the most high God
(i.e. God is the most blessed being in the Universe; Loving, holy, all powerful, and all good).
#3. God delivered Abram's enemies into his hand (i.e. The battle belongs to the Lord).
#2. Blessed is the most high God
(i.e. God is the most blessed being in the Universe; Loving, holy, all powerful, and all good).
#3. God delivered Abram's enemies into his hand (i.e. The battle belongs to the Lord).
Here we see an example of tithing existing before the Law of Moses came into being (i.e. Before the 10% tithe). However, today, New Covenant believers are not under the Law of Moses. For 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that we are to give what God has purposed upon our heart to give. But we should give. Not out of compulsion but because we want to give because we love God. For God loves a cheerful giver.
The King of Sodom offers Abram goods in exchange for his people back. However, what the King of Sodom does not understand is that Abram believes it is God who meets his material needs (i.e. to be blessed) and it is not himself or anyone else. This is why Abram acknowledges God as the possessor of heaven and earth. God owns everything already and it is God who ultimately decides to bless someone or not for His glory and purpose. For God is testing us. He is seeing if we will trust in money or trust in Him. God always wants us to put Him first and to trust in Him for everything (In His timing and will and not our timing and or will). Abram can only reach his hand or hands to the Lord who is above all and ask God to fulfill his needs. It is God who provides. Not us. God is the provider and sustainer of everything. We must walk after Him and trust Him that he will provide and not give into the world wanting us to be rich.
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Melchizedek is also a type of Christ. Some believe Melchizedek is a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. However, this is not the case, though (of which I will briefly touch upon later). Anyways, my next post will primarily attempt to go into describing Melchizedek as a type (i.e. a like figure) of Jesus Christ.
As for Melchizedek:
Well, Melchizedek's name means righteousness. In other words, Melchizedek is a King of righteousness.
This is "Type" pointing to the ultimate King of Righteousness: Jesus Christ.
Melchizedek at one time was King of Salem, (That later becomes known as Jerusalem) (i.e. Hebrew: Jeru means "possession", and Salem means "peace." In other words, Jerusalem means "possession of peace"). In fact, Psalm 76:2 says that the city of Jerusalem is "Salem". The Prince of Peace (Jesus) will one day reign over Jerusalem (In the Millennium) and He will rule over the New Jerusalem (in the Eternal New Earth).
Also, speaking of Kings: There is an interesting fact concerning David, Melchizedek, and Jesus Christ in them being kings.
#1. From Melchizedek to David is approx. 1000 years.
#2. From David to Jesus Christ is approx. 1000 years.
#3. Jesus sits upon the throne of both Melchizedek and David and rules for 1000 years.
(Note: On the approx. 1000 years mentioned in #1 and #2 above, see: Bible Timeline )
Melchizedek was also a priest, too. This is the first time anyone was ever mentioned as being both a King and Priest. The fact that Melchizedek was a priest is a very important point that is made in the New Testament. What is that point?
Well, it is to show that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood (Which represented the Law) in two ways.
#1. It would last forever (Thru our Heavenly High Priest Jesus Christ).
(Melchizedek - was a like figure (parallel) of Christ's eternal priesthood).
#2. It involved a Kingship (That fulfills the Office of our King Jesus Christ).
(Melchizedek - was a like figure of Christ being an eternal King).
This the purpose of Melchizedek as a parallel or Type of Jesus Christ.
For in the New Testament, we learn that Melchizedek was used as an example to show that the Law of Moses (After the Aaronic priesthood was only temporary and it was not meant to fulfill the required need of redemption or salvation - Which is thru Jesus Christ under a more perfect Covenant and priesthood).
Well, Melchizedek's name means righteousness. In other words, Melchizedek is a King of righteousness.
This is "Type" pointing to the ultimate King of Righteousness: Jesus Christ.
Melchizedek at one time was King of Salem, (That later becomes known as Jerusalem) (i.e. Hebrew: Jeru means "possession", and Salem means "peace." In other words, Jerusalem means "possession of peace"). In fact, Psalm 76:2 says that the city of Jerusalem is "Salem". The Prince of Peace (Jesus) will one day reign over Jerusalem (In the Millennium) and He will rule over the New Jerusalem (in the Eternal New Earth).
Also, speaking of Kings: There is an interesting fact concerning David, Melchizedek, and Jesus Christ in them being kings.
#1. From Melchizedek to David is approx. 1000 years.
#2. From David to Jesus Christ is approx. 1000 years.
#3. Jesus sits upon the throne of both Melchizedek and David and rules for 1000 years.
(Note: On the approx. 1000 years mentioned in #1 and #2 above, see: Bible Timeline )
Melchizedek was also a priest, too. This is the first time anyone was ever mentioned as being both a King and Priest. The fact that Melchizedek was a priest is a very important point that is made in the New Testament. What is that point?
Well, it is to show that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood (Which represented the Law) in two ways.
#1. It would last forever (Thru our Heavenly High Priest Jesus Christ).
(Melchizedek - was a like figure (parallel) of Christ's eternal priesthood).
#2. It involved a Kingship (That fulfills the Office of our King Jesus Christ).
(Melchizedek - was a like figure of Christ being an eternal King).
This the purpose of Melchizedek as a parallel or Type of Jesus Christ.
For in the New Testament, we learn that Melchizedek was used as an example to show that the Law of Moses (After the Aaronic priesthood was only temporary and it was not meant to fulfill the required need of redemption or salvation - Which is thru Jesus Christ under a more perfect Covenant and priesthood).
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Now, some might object that the Law has not been done away with (i.e. fulfilled in Christ). Many of them will point to the fact that the Temple sacrifices will one day resume as their proof.
However, the animal sacrifices of the Millennial Temple will not be a return to the Mosaic Law, since the New Testament clearly teaches that the Law has forever been fulfilled and discontinued through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:14-15; 7:1-6; 1 Corinthians 9:20-21; 2 Corinthians 3:7-11; Galatians 4:1-7; 5:18; Ephesians 2- 3; Hebrews 7:12; 8:6-7, 13; 10:1-14). Instead, it will be a new Law, similar to the Mosaic Law of animal sacrifice but different (Falling under the jurisdiction of the New Covenant). This Law (of sacrificing animals) during the Millennium will be different in the sense that it will be symbolic only. Whereas the Law for animal sacrifices in the OT was both symbolic of Christ's perfect sacrifice and to atone temporarily for sin. In other words, it a change of the Law (Hebrews 7:12).
So if there is a change of the Law, then how can the Law still be in effect?
Source Used:
https://www.raptureready.com/featured/ice/LiteralSacrificesInTheMillennium.html
(Note: I do not agree with the author everything within this article and on other important Biblical topics, too; For example: I strongly disagree with their stand on "Once Saved Always Saved."; I merely agree with one point of truth that he has stated within his article).
However, the animal sacrifices of the Millennial Temple will not be a return to the Mosaic Law, since the New Testament clearly teaches that the Law has forever been fulfilled and discontinued through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:14-15; 7:1-6; 1 Corinthians 9:20-21; 2 Corinthians 3:7-11; Galatians 4:1-7; 5:18; Ephesians 2- 3; Hebrews 7:12; 8:6-7, 13; 10:1-14). Instead, it will be a new Law, similar to the Mosaic Law of animal sacrifice but different (Falling under the jurisdiction of the New Covenant). This Law (of sacrificing animals) during the Millennium will be different in the sense that it will be symbolic only. Whereas the Law for animal sacrifices in the OT was both symbolic of Christ's perfect sacrifice and to atone temporarily for sin. In other words, it a change of the Law (Hebrews 7:12).
So if there is a change of the Law, then how can the Law still be in effect?
Source Used:
https://www.raptureready.com/featured/ice/LiteralSacrificesInTheMillennium.html
(Note: I do not agree with the author everything within this article and on other important Biblical topics, too; For example: I strongly disagree with their stand on "Once Saved Always Saved."; I merely agree with one point of truth that he has stated within his article).
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Anyways, I ask this question, not so as to debate it here within this thread (Because this is a Study Thread), but I ask this question so as to get you to look at the Scriptures and to think about what it is saying plainly. If you disagree (With what I had written on this point here), please provide only 1 or 2 sentences why you disagree and provide a link to a new thread (or another thread) so as to debate it.
Thank you for reading and I appreciate your cooperation deeply.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
~Jason.
...
Thank you for reading and I appreciate your cooperation deeply.
May God bless you.
Sincerely,
~Jason.
...
I also want to publicly apologize as well to everyone for causing havoc where there shouldn't have been, these things are there. Jason does not use numbers in his life, he compares them where he feels necessary and are in the Bible. He isn't looking to numbers for future events or any mystical magic, which is just a copy cat of the real " miracles " that God does, and not saying anything that isn't there, we are back in agreement, just a disclaimer 
Also, some have suggested that Melchizedek is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. They have suggested Hebrews 7:3 as their proof (Which says):
"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."
However, this is not the case, though. What this verse (above) is saying is that Melchizedek did not have a genealogy listed amongst the Scriptures (Hebrews 7:6) and he was made LIKE unto the Son of God. Meaning Melchizedek was merely a "Type" of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek was not Jesus Christ. Verses 15-16 makes this point absolutely clear.
For it says, after the similitude of Melchizedek (Who is a like figure or Type of Christ) there ariseth another priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life (This other priest that arises IS Jesus Christ). Melchizedek was of a different priesthood than the Aaronic priesthood (That involved the Law of Moses). Melchizedek's priesthood was an eternal one because Jesus Christ (who had followed after him) became our Heavenly high priest forever (to intercede for us).
"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."
However, this is not the case, though. What this verse (above) is saying is that Melchizedek did not have a genealogy listed amongst the Scriptures (Hebrews 7:6) and he was made LIKE unto the Son of God. Meaning Melchizedek was merely a "Type" of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek was not Jesus Christ. Verses 15-16 makes this point absolutely clear.
For it says, after the similitude of Melchizedek (Who is a like figure or Type of Christ) there ariseth another priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life (This other priest that arises IS Jesus Christ). Melchizedek was of a different priesthood than the Aaronic priesthood (That involved the Law of Moses). Melchizedek's priesthood was an eternal one because Jesus Christ (who had followed after him) became our Heavenly high priest forever (to intercede for us).
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Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).
Act 2 - (The Journey - Continued)
Story Line A:
(A Walk By Faith With God): (Continued)
~ Part 3: ~
- (Abram believes God's Promise of the Blessing):
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying,
"Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
And Abram said,
"Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?"
And Abram said,
"Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir."
And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,
"This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir."
And he brought him forth abroad, and said,
"Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be."
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
And he said unto him,
"I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it."
(Genesis 15:1-7).
Abraham believed in the Lord; and God counted it to him for righteousness.
Paul says we're in the same boat as Abraham, that we get considered right with God when we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead:
Romans 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24*But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead..."
Paul says we're in the same boat as Abraham, that we get considered right with God when we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead:
Romans 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24*But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead..."
God told Abram to fear not. Why was Abram afraid? Well, Abram had just had a major victory against the King of Sodom. No doubt he was probably in fear if this King would want to take revenge on him. But God said, "Fear not, Abram: I am your shield,"
I remember a while back I was faced with a crisis (Whereby I did not know what I was going to do). It was very serious; And I was in fear. I went to my Mom's house and eventually broke down into tears with her in crying out to God for His help. Later, that night I had a dream of tall shields (with a cross on each of them) stuck in the ground on a sloped or slightly high angled hill. Small balls of fire were flying towards me as I stood behind one of the shields that was on this hill. A few days later, God answered my prayer and resolved the crisis. Why? Because God is good. Because God is my shield, my protector, and my friend.
This leads into my next comment on the following text.
"Fear not, Abram: I am ... thy exceeding great reward."
In the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: Who or what is the "Pearl of Great Price" that we have to sell our possessions so as to obtain it?
Well, it should be obvious. The Pearl of Great Price is Jesus Christ. Meaning, that once a person accepts Christ, they will count the cost in following Him and will not desire to put their treasures here upon this Earth, but they will desire the ultimate treasure and reward who is Jesus Christ. They will no longer live in accumulating things here so as to be satisfied, but they will live unto their King and so as to be with Him one day (Because love has changed them).
For, "God is love" (1 John 4:8).
And...
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18).
God (Christ) is our love and He is our exceeding great reward. He is our pearl of great price. Our treasure. Our everything.
When Abram feared, he was not made perfect in love yet with God. That is what Abram's journey with God is all about. Abram was on a walk with God so as to perfect his love with the Lord by faith. Abram's enemy or enemies (That caused him to fear), was a lesson in loving and trusting God. God wanted to comfort Abram in his decision of refusing the riches from the King of Sodom by saying that He (God) was his exceeding great reward. He was Abram's pearl of great price. His prized possession.
I remember a while back I was faced with a crisis (Whereby I did not know what I was going to do). It was very serious; And I was in fear. I went to my Mom's house and eventually broke down into tears with her in crying out to God for His help. Later, that night I had a dream of tall shields (with a cross on each of them) stuck in the ground on a sloped or slightly high angled hill. Small balls of fire were flying towards me as I stood behind one of the shields that was on this hill. A few days later, God answered my prayer and resolved the crisis. Why? Because God is good. Because God is my shield, my protector, and my friend.
This leads into my next comment on the following text.
"Fear not, Abram: I am ... thy exceeding great reward."
In the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: Who or what is the "Pearl of Great Price" that we have to sell our possessions so as to obtain it?
Well, it should be obvious. The Pearl of Great Price is Jesus Christ. Meaning, that once a person accepts Christ, they will count the cost in following Him and will not desire to put their treasures here upon this Earth, but they will desire the ultimate treasure and reward who is Jesus Christ. They will no longer live in accumulating things here so as to be satisfied, but they will live unto their King and so as to be with Him one day (Because love has changed them).
For, "God is love" (1 John 4:8).
And...
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18).
God (Christ) is our love and He is our exceeding great reward. He is our pearl of great price. Our treasure. Our everything.
When Abram feared, he was not made perfect in love yet with God. That is what Abram's journey with God is all about. Abram was on a walk with God so as to perfect his love with the Lord by faith. Abram's enemy or enemies (That caused him to fear), was a lesson in loving and trusting God. God wanted to comfort Abram in his decision of refusing the riches from the King of Sodom by saying that He (God) was his exceeding great reward. He was Abram's pearl of great price. His prized possession.
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Abram was asking the Lord if this heir would be thru Eliezer of Damascus. Eliezer was Abram's steward of his house. This is the man that Abram later sends to find a bride for his son Isaac (of which I will discuss in more detail when we come to Isaac's Story).
God tells Abram that he will have an heir that will come from out his own bowels. God then essentially tells Abram about his seed (i.e. offspring) shall be as innumerable as the stars. This is only made possible by Jesus Christ (Who is the heir and the Promised Seed). Yes, Abram would have a promised son by Sarai, but the real Promised Son the real Promised Seed is Jesus Christ.
We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Believing in Christ (God) imputes righteousness to us. This is the righteousness of God and it is not our own righteousness. To learn more about believing in God and His righteousness, check out this thread here:
http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/99195-born-again-righteousness-god.html
After God had told Abram about how he would have an heir that would give him descendants as innumerable as the stars (with Abram believing), the Lord then confirms the benefits of the Promise (Which will be in Abram one day inheriting the Promised Land some time in the future).
God tells Abram that he will have an heir that will come from out his own bowels. God then essentially tells Abram about his seed (i.e. offspring) shall be as innumerable as the stars. This is only made possible by Jesus Christ (Who is the heir and the Promised Seed). Yes, Abram would have a promised son by Sarai, but the real Promised Son the real Promised Seed is Jesus Christ.
We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Believing in Christ (God) imputes righteousness to us. This is the righteousness of God and it is not our own righteousness. To learn more about believing in God and His righteousness, check out this thread here:
http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/99195-born-again-righteousness-god.html
After God had told Abram about how he would have an heir that would give him descendants as innumerable as the stars (with Abram believing), the Lord then confirms the benefits of the Promise (Which will be in Abram one day inheriting the Promised Land some time in the future).
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Also, it is important to point out that this numbering of the stars being likened to Abraham's seed was supposed to be so many that you could not even count them all.
"As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me." (Jeremiah 33:22).
"As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me." (Jeremiah 33:22).
Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).
Act 2 - (The Journey - Continued)
Story Line A:
(A Walk By Faith With God): (Continued)
~ Part 4: ~
- (God makes a Covenant with Abram Concerning the Promised Land):
And he said unto him,
"I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it."
And he said,
"Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?"
And he said unto him,
"Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon."
And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
And he said unto Abram,
"Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full."
And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying,
"Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."
(Genesis 15:7-20).
...