Melchizedek

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Aerials1978

Well-known member
Dec 10, 2019
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#61
Me either but that would be how I see that parable. Our sister did say it was secret or hidden manna.

I think Melchizedek as a vision revealed to another's mind which would be of the same kind of language or revelation that revealed the hidden unseen in Ezekiel a vison of creatures. In order to give the unseen gospel understanding. .representing the unseen glory .The strength of the Ox so and so.

Like many attributes the name Melchizedek has its meaning that does seem to represent His hidden glory .Revealed in the Son of man the Prince of peace . Both the King and Prince of peace working together to bring the peace of God which does surpass our understanding.

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;Hebrew 7:2

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.



The just and justifier. God's two witnesses. The law and the prophets.
I have no idea what she was talking about.
 

SoulWeaver

Senior Member
Oct 25, 2014
4,889
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#62
That’s beautiful.....as I sit in the chair next to you enjoying the same beach horizon, I see......

Lion - King
Ox/Calf - Priest
Man - Savior
Eagle - Deliverer


Then, there is The Slain Lamb upon The Throne that all 4 living creatures bow and worship........
I thought of it last night after we talked and am convinced the lamb represents love of God because the emphasis is on exaltation... It reflects what is said in Corinthians, if I have all but I don't have love... etc. So it is set above all other powers, glories and roles of God. The green emerald throne might represent the garden of Eden, lush green is opposed to desolation (godless state) in the Bible:

Ezekiel 36:35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden;

So the chariot below is what's on earth, and chariot is a moving, living vessel also one that kings use moving in an exalted and powerful way, aka it does seem the living creatures is God's expression in physical realm like you said... also living creatures, that God operates through, exalting love of God...

That hit me last night, when I also remembered a study I did on the cherubim. The two angels set to guard the tree of life have similar characteristics as Ezekiel's chariot and Revelation creatures... they turn to every direction, like creatures go to all four sides of the world (4 represents created world because of 4 cardinal directions). There is also flashing like lightning mentioned in that verse, although this is lost in a lot of translations, which obscures the connection with the living creatures. And again two angelic figures like on the Ark which is at the same time a throne and a footstool, like the Middle Eastern royal throne.

The flaming sword set at Eden, is I believe the Word coming out of God's mouth... So at the Ark there are two angels touching wings ("righteousness and peace have kissed each other") and the voice of God speaks from the midst... same with the chariot, God speaks from the midst above... and same with the Eden cherubims, God's word (sharp two edged sword) is in the midst of the cherubim... this sword is a "divider of bone and marrow and judges the intents of the heart"... so according to the Eden picture, if the sword is the Word, Jesus judges who shall access the tree of life, as God is full of mercy (peace) yet must judge sins because He's a righteous God - the same cherubim atop of the Mercy seat representing these 2 opposing qualities of God that met at Jesus grave, ambassadorred by two angels standing at Jesus grave in the same way. (Obviously figures on the Ark didn't stand for these two angels, but vice versa - the angels stood there representing the cherubim) This is consistent with the rest of the Bible and makes a lot more sense to me than two random angels weilding some esoteric weapons, or two random angels standing at the Mercy seat just in order to stand there.

One particular thing that still remains the biggest question for me and I am hoping that you or someone here has the answer, is the difference in the number of cherubim wings - 6 vs 4 - is Ezekiel and Revelation accounts. I mean this is all good, because when it's correctly uncovered it becomes a confirmation point... I know I have not grasped this yet as evidenced by the wings.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
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#63
For a long time now I have been trying to understand Melchizedek. Now I find out that Melchizedek is talked about in the Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch.
Christians do not need to resort to writings which are outside the Holy Bible (such as those you have mentioned). Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who appears to Abraham in Genesis. And according to what we see in the book of Hebrews, he is another manifestation of the pre-incarnate Christ. There is only one High Priest *after the order of Melchizedek*, and that is Christ Himself. This priesthood is divine, and does NOT go back to Adam. Mormons have corrupted this and claim to have a Melchizedek priesthood.

HEBREWS 6-8
1. THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD WAS ESTABLISHED BY A DIVINE OATH

17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

2, THERE IS ONLY ONE ETERNAL ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK RESERVED FOR CHRIST
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.... [Note: The spelling of Melchizedek matches the Greek]

3. CHRIST AS MELCHIZEDEK APPEARED TO ABRAHAM AND BLESSED HIM
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; [Note: Only Christ can be simultaneously King of Righteousness and King of Peace]

4. MELCHIZEDEK WAS NONE OTHER THAN CHRIST HIMSELF
3 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. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. [Note: Only Christ is eternal and has an endless life]

5. MELCHIZEDEK RECEIVED TITHES FROM ABRAHAM, AND LEVI ALSO PAID TITHES AT THAT TIME
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.


6. THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD WAS TEMPORARY
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

7. CHRIST WHO DESCENDED FROM JUDAH HAS AN ETERNAL PRIESTHOOD
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

8. WE DRAW NEAR TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST WHO IS AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hopedid; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

9. JESUS IS THE SURETY OF A BETTER COVENANT -- THE NEW COVENANT
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

10. THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER IS GUARANTEED THROUGH OUR HIGH PRIEST
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore....


11. CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

12. CHRIST IS HIGH PRIEST IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY -- THE TRUE TABERNACLE
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

13. UNLIKE MOSES CHRIST IS THE MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
 
Dec 30, 2019
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#64
This priesthood is divine, and does NOT go back to Adam. Mormons have corrupted this and claim to have a Melchizedek priesthood.
This is a Hasidic belief (Kabbalah) found long before the Mormons. The ancient Targumim (Aramaic interpretive translations) identify Melchizedek as Shem—son of Noah. Of course Jesus does warn us to watch out for this sort of teaching. For the most part I just study the Hasidic to learn the Hebrew Language.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
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#65
Christ is unique. Christ is God. He is the son and when He lived as a man and was crucified he spent three days in death and paid for our sin. Melchizedek did not do that.

Being in the order of Melchizedek means being both priest and king, as only Christ was.
 

massorite

Junior Member
Jan 3, 2015
544
118
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#66
For a long time now I have been trying to understand Melchizedek. Now I find out that Melchizedek is talked about in the Book of Jasher and the Book of Enoch. We are told Melchizedek is the oldest son of Noah's oldest son. His priesthood goes back to Adam. The belief here is that Adam was a King and Priest. Now Paul's statement in Hebrews 7:17 starts to make sense: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”

This also deals with what they call the oral tradition. When you have people saying that the Oral tradition goes back to Moses, some say Abraham and even others say the Oral tradition goes all the way back to Adam. If the Melchizedek priesthood goes back to Adam then the Oral tradition must go back to Adam also. Even though the Hasidic people believe that the Oral Tradition has been recorded or they are currently recording the Tradition to make it more easy for people to learn.

This is the best explanation we have. Based on books that were considered scripture in the past but are not currently considered to be scripture. We do not have a better explanation. In the Bible the priesthood only goes back to Aaron the brother of Moses. Rather then to go back to Adam. We are told that through Jesus we are able to receive back what Adam somehow managed to lose.
I don't know much about the "oral tradition" except that science has proven that it is mentally impossible to spread the word of an event or a historical fact from ear to ear over a period of hundreds of years and maintain the accuracy of the event or historical record. Science has proven that if you put ten people in a row and whisper something into the ear or the first person and tell them to repeat what they heard into the ear of the second person and so on, by the time the spoken words get to the last person the context and content of what was spoken to the first person has been distorted and is nothing like what was spoken in the first place.
So I don't put much credibility on the oral tradition.
This is why I think it is always much simpler to stick with just what the Word of God says.
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Gen 14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
Gen 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

The name Melchizedek means first "The Prince of Righteousness" and second "The Prince of Peace". Both of which are also the titles of Christ. Melchizedek just appears out of no where in scripture with no birth, family, mother or father recorded in scripture and no record of his death. In Gen. 14:18 it says that Melchizedek was "THE PRIEST" of the Most High God. The verse doesn't say that Melchizedek was "A" priest of the Most High God. The verse says that Melchizedek was "THE PRIEST" of the Most High God and there are only two places in all of scripture that talk about "THE Priest of the Most High God". They are Gen. 14: 18 and Hebrews 7"1. During this entire encounter with Melchizedek Abraham never says one single word and in those day nobody on the face of the earth was giving a Tithe to any other person or god.
So lets face it folks, Melchizedek was Jesus Christ. He wasn't a precursor to Christ He was Christ. There is now and always has been only one Prince of Righteousness, and there is now and always has been only one Prince of Peace.
In the book of Hebrews we are told that Melchizedek had no mother, no father, no descendants, no beginning of days and no end of life. Melchizedek was never born of a woman, and He has never died and is still alive as we speak. Melchizedek was immortal and was not from this earth.
Melchizedek was the King of the city of Salem/Peace. The city of Salem is the same as city a Jerusalem and they were and are in the same geographical location. Which is also te same geographical location as Jacob's Ladder and the location where Jacob wrestled with God.
The word Jeru means "God lifts up". so Melchizedek was the King Of the city of "God lifts up Peace.
Heb 7:1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Heb 7:3 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.
Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

Most folks have a hard time with believing that Melchizedek was Christ before He was born of a virgin and I base my belief on the fact that both Christ and Melchizedek are the Prince of Righteousness and the Prince of Peace and both of them were already immortal before they ever showed up here on earth. The are one in the same.
 
Dec 30, 2019
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#67
They are Gen. 14: 18 and Hebrews 7"1.
Paul is quoting David: "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4) My point was that Shem was a descendant of Adam. He would have actually carried the Physical DNA of Jesus. I would love to see a conversation between Eve and Mary. Because Jesus was descended from Eve but it was Mary that birthed Him.
 
Dec 30, 2019
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#68
They are Gen. 14: 18 and Hebrews 7"1.
Paul is quoting David: "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4) My point was that Shem was a descendant of Adam. He would have actually carried the Physical DNA of Jesus. I would love to see a conversation between Eve and Mary. Because Jesus was descended from Eve but it was Mary that birthed Him. " I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Genesis 3:15)
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
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#69
Hi Nehemiah6,
From your post March 4th:
Quote: Christians do not need to resort to writings which are outside the Holy Bible (such as those you have mentioned). Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who appears to Abraham in Genesis. And according to what we see in the book of Hebrews, he is another manifestation of the pre-incarnate Christ. There is only one High Priest *after the order of Melchizedek*, and that is Christ Himself.

Response: Because you gave such a good rundown of verses about Melchizedek, there is one thing wrong. That it was not Christ, but Jesus, who was made a Priest after the order of Melchizedek. --- (As you say, we must stick to what is in the Holy Bible.)

--- While many make the mistake of believing what has been taught, that Christ and Jesus are one person, the Scripture separates them as individual Being. --- And it is like this: that Christ came down from heaven, and Jesus was born on earth.
This is what it says in Hebrews 10:5 Therefore, when He (Christ) came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ” (Written in Isaiah 48:16.)
8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

--- Christ said, ‘a body you have prepared for Me,’ --- and the body that was prepared for Christ to indwell, was Jesus. --- Notice what the angel Gabriel said to Mary in Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
--- ‘That Holy One’ was the earthly vessel that God prepared for Christ to indwell. (So they 'shared' the body of Jesus.)
Another thing, ‘that Holy One, Jesus’ will be ‘called’ the Son of God. --- And Jesus has been ‘called’ the Son of God from then till now.
Blessings
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
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#70
To continue, with the identification of Jesus as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Again from Hebrews 2:9 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” --- So Jesus was ‘made,’ or ‘brought into being’ on earth through Mary, as a flesh and blood Being that could shed His blood for the sins of the world.

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
--- Christ was a spiritual Being who had no blood to shed, nor could He be tempted like men are, nor could He suffer, --- So Christ, in Himself, could not redeem mankind. --- Therefore, Christ had to indwell the perfect body of Jesus and ‘share’ the body of flesh and blood, until the blood was drained out in the crucifixion.

Matthew records in 27:50 "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." --- When the veil of the temple was torn down from top to bottom, it opened the Holy Of Holies to all people, so that all could pray directly to God.

---But Jesus, being human, was caught up as a saved soul to heaven to be the High Priest, as is recorded again in Hebrews 12:2 “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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
--- But notice that the location was not ‘at the right hand of God,’ --- but ‘at the right hand of the throne of God.’ --- And this is explained in Hebrews 8:1 “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”
So Jesus is the new High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek, in the new sanctuary in heaven. This will no doubt be, or contain, the new Holy of Holies or Prayer Room, in heaven, in the true Tabernacle ‘not made with hands.’
--- Jesus is our High Priest, who I believe will be the first One we will meet when we enter heaven.
Blessings
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
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#71
Oops, did I say something wrong? --- I didn’t mean to interrupt the thread.

Is there not someone who will say, “I don’t believe it?”
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
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#72
By way of explanation.

A few years ago the Lord led me to study the prophecies of Daniel and relate them to the world in which we live. In relationship to Daniel I spent a lot of time in Hebrews. --- The one important thing is the ‘written word’ as it has been translated down to us. And if we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, then we have the Interpreter of the Scriptures within. We need then to take time to study, and to apply the teaching of James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

I first went forward for prayer in a Pentecostal tent meeting when I was 7. From then on I believed in God and saw Him work various times in my life, but I didn’t make a full commitment till I was 26, when my wife and I went forward in our Baptist Church. I have been retired for years, and have more time to study.

However, it is not what we study, but what the Lord reveals from our study, that is 'His word to us,' and through us. --- As Nehemiah6 said, “We need not to go outside of the Holy Bible.” --- So, if all the answers we need to know are in the Scriptures, then we need to study and write as the Holy Spirit directs us, in the Scriptures we study.

--- As a new Christian in a Baptist Church, I was taught the doctrines and the pat answers to various questions, but I wanted to clarify what the Scriptures really said, and not what others, including Pastors, said about them. --- I would quiz the Pastors and one time riding to a meeting with three Pastors, I asked the simple question, “Where is Jesus now?” And one said, “He is in your heart.” --- So I said, “But the Bible said, He is in heaven.” --- Another Pastor said, “Well, yes He is in heaven.” --- This kind of opened up an interesting discussion that they hadn't prepared for. --- And I would ask more questions to keep it going.

--- When the topic is Melchizedek, and who our High Priest is, I ventured to give the Scriptures that tell it like it is.
So, let's continue.
Blessings
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#73
Christ is unique. Christ is God. He is the son and when He lived as a man and was crucified he spent three days in death and paid for our sin. Melchizedek did not do that.

Being in the order of Melchizedek means being both priest and king, as only Christ was.
The Son of God as Christ the eternal Spirit of God. For a one time promised demonstration of the work of the finished work of the lamb slain from the foundation of the world when God did work and rested on the 7th.

Jesus as the Son man the temporal seen who like us lived in a body of death signified as sinful, fulfilled the shadow of the vision using literal flesh and blood.

Jesus's Flesh and blood what the eyes see performed what the theosophy (Melchizedek) could not do.. provide corrupted flesh and blood for the promised demonstration .Again using the corrupted and the shadow (Melchizedek)through the demonstration condemned sin in the flesh.

Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
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#74
Hi Garee,

The fact that Christ was called both the Son of God, and the Son of Man indicates that in the generations in heaven, 'Son of' refers to second generation, so not from the beginning. --- However, Christ was from 'eternity past.'

There are other Scriptures which show that Jesus and Christ went separate ways after the death on the cross. That was the main purpose of Christ’s coming, to confront Satan. --- Satan had the power of death over everyone and Christ came to destroy the power of death. To ‘release the captives,’ who were held in the prison of death.
--- While Jesus went to heaven to take up His position as High Priest, it shows the different activity of Christ.

--- Two examples of releasing the captives .

It says in 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
--- No doubt in the flood there were some who had faith in God but who were disobedient, so were kept in the prison of death, till Christ came and defeated Satan and death. --- ‘It says Christ also suffered once for sins,’ --- so in sharing the physical body he would know the pain, but being ‘spiritually alive’ He would not feel it.

--- Secondly, it said in Matthew 27:50 “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” --- These saved souls would not go back to the graves, but would be caught up to heaven would they not?

And the conclusion is in 1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has 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 your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#75
Hi Garee,

The fact that Christ was called both the Son of God, and the Son of Man indicates that in the generations in heaven, 'Son of' refers to second generation, so not from the beginning. --- However, Christ was from 'eternity past.'

There are other Scriptures which show that Jesus and Christ went separate ways after the death on the cross. That was the main purpose of Christ’s coming, to confront Satan. --- Satan had the power of death over everyone and Christ came to destroy the power of death. To ‘release the captives,’ who were held in the prison of death.
--- While Jesus went to heaven to take up His position as High Priest, it shows the different activity of Christ.

--- Two examples of releasing the captives .

It says in 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
--- No doubt in the flood there were some who had faith in God but who were disobedient, so were kept in the prison of death, till Christ came and defeated Satan and death. --- ‘It says Christ also suffered once for sins,’ --- so in sharing the physical body he would know the pain, but being ‘spiritually alive’ He would not feel it.

--- Secondly, it said in Matthew 27:50 “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” --- These saved souls would not go back to the graves, but would be caught up to heaven would they not?

And the conclusion is in 1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has 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 your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings
Thanks that was clear. I like what you said in the opening..It can be helpful when looking at the use of the words first born and how that metaphor is used throughout.

It would seem the second born is used to represent the unseen first born . The new birth for the believer. In that way we can marvel not.and rather believe as anchor to ones new born again soul.
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
316
36
28
#76
Hi Garee,

What is interesting about our first and second birth is that, --- we didn’t ask to be born. We really had no choice, did we? Thankfully we were born into a family with good parents who provided love and Security. It was when we went out into the world that we found instability. --- In our second birth we have the privilege of choosing. Okay, but why are we faced with a choice? If God made us, should He not then save us? --- But for our second birth, it is by invitation where Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” --- So there we have the invitation to love and Security. --- But another thing is that we need to work our way through life. Again there are choices. --- One will say, “I have to go to work.” Another will say, “I get to go to work, thankfully I have a job to go to.”

Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” --- So the second birth is by invitation and acceptance. --- Unless we are ‘born again’ we cannot see, understand, or perceive the kingdom of God in this world. Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?” --- And Jesus said again in 5, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot ‘enter’ the kingdom of God.” --- Again there are choices. Which is better, to be able to see and understand the kingdom of God, or to be prepared to ‘enter’ it? It says in Luke 17:20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” --- So this has to refer to the indwelling Holy Spirit, --- who again comes in by invitation. --- So what does it mean to be born of ‘water’ as well as the Spirit?

--- In conversation with the woman at the well in John 4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” In Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” Again in Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” --- So the washing of water is to bathe oneself in the Scriptures, or “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

--- Sorry, I get sermonizing, but the various verses come to mind. --- And one more thing about choices. If we choose just to be born of the knowledge, or enlightenment of God, then we can rejoice in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

--- But if we are born of ‘the word of God and the Holy Spirit,’ then we can rejoice in it this way, 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
--- So being a servant of God, ‘prepared for every good work,’ comes with a work schedule. --- With the assurance of eternal life. --- We are to be ‘His workers,’ to do His ‘good works.’
Blessings
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#77
Hi Garee,

What is interesting about our first and second birth is that, --- we didn’t ask to be born. We really had no choice, did we? Thankfully we were born into a family with good parents who provided love and Security. It was when we went out into the world that we found instability. --- In our second birth we have the privilege of choosing. Okay, but why are we faced with a choice? If God made us, should He not then save us? --- But for our second birth, it is by invitation where Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” --- So there we have the invitation to love and Security. --- But another thing is that we need to work our way through life. Again there are choices. --- One will say, “I have to go to work.” Another will say, “I get to go to work, thankfully I have a job to go to.”

Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3 “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” --- So the second birth is by invitation and acceptance. --- Unless we are ‘born again’ we cannot see, understand, or perceive the kingdom of God in this world. Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?” --- And Jesus said again in 5, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot ‘enter’ the kingdom of God.” --- Again there are choices. Which is better, to be able to see and understand the kingdom of God, or to be prepared to ‘enter’ it? It says in Luke 17:20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” --- So this has to refer to the indwelling Holy Spirit, --- who again comes in by invitation. --- So what does it mean to be born of ‘water’ as well as the Spirit?

--- In conversation with the woman at the well in John 4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” In Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” Again in Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” --- So the washing of water is to bathe oneself in the Scriptures, or “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

--- Sorry, I get sermonizing, but the various verses come to mind. --- And one more thing about choices. If we choose just to be born of the knowledge, or enlightenment of God, then we can rejoice in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

--- But if we are born of ‘the word of God and the Holy Spirit,’ then we can rejoice in it this way, 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
--- So being a servant of God, ‘prepared for every good work,’ comes with a work schedule. --- With the assurance of eternal life. --- We are to be ‘His workers,’ to do His ‘good works.’
Blessings

Thanks great way of presenting it.

Do you think the first born has anything to do with the idea using generations ?

The third and forth and beyond as those who hate God would mean not eligible because it goes beyond the first two or three?

The phrase third and fourth generation is used several times. I will post two.


Exodus 20: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.


Two or three when yoked with Christ in that way does seem to represent the church. Reddeemed mankind yoked with her savoir Christ.

Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against thre
e.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
13,797
113
#78
There are other Scriptures which show that Jesus and Christ went separate ways after the death on the cross.
I don't recall reading anything of the sort anywhere in the Bible. Perhaps you could post the verses.
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
316
36
28
#79
Hi Garee,

Quote: Do you think the first born has anything to do with the idea using generations ?
The third and forth and beyond as those who hate God would mean not eligible because it goes beyond the first two or three?

Response: In the OT the first born was given the birthright, which was a double portion of the inheritance, and in case of the father’s death, the first born would accept the role as father for the well being of the family.

--- In the ‘new birth’ it has nothing to do with family, as it is an individual decision to follow Christ. --- Somebody said, “God has no grandchildren.”
--- Often third and fourth generations follow their ancestors in faith, or folly. --- So it has to be a break for an individual to hear the Gospel, and accept the Lord for himself. --- Then he has the opportunity to share with his family, if they will listen and learn.
 

Placid

Senior Member
Sep 27, 2016
316
36
28
#80
Hi Dino246,

Quote: I don't recall reading anything of the sort anywhere in the Bible. Perhaps you could post the verses.

Response: --- I had used these verses in a previous post where I said, --- ‘But Jesus, being human, was caught up as a saved soul to heaven to be the High Priest,’ as is recorded again in Hebrews 12:2 “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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

--- But notice that the location was not ‘at the right hand of God,’ --- but ‘at the right hand of the throne of God.’ --- And this is explained in Hebrews 8:1 “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”
--- And it says in Hebrews 7:21 “The Lord has sworn and will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ ” 22 “By so much more Jesus has become a [g]surety (guarantee) of a better covenant. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” --- So that identifies where Jesus is, and will be forever.

In the meantime, Christ was still on earth, and He went the opposite direction as it said in 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah.

--- So it was Christ who went to Hades to meet and defeat Satan on his own turf. ---This is explained in Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” --- (An explanation of, ‘He led captivity captive,’ is --- “He took captive that which had taken us captive; like sin, Satan, and death.”)

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying (building up) of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Christ is the Head of the Church, and it is Christ, the Son of Man, who will be coming for His Church, in Matthew 24:30 “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

--- And Paul tells us where Christ is now in Colossians 3:1 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
Blessings