Answers to questions in our May/July 2006 Issue
1. Is the "Lake of Fire" in Rev. 20 referring to Hell?
Many believers and Bible scholars have concluded that the "lake of fire" spoken of in Revelation #s 19:20 and 20:9-15 refers to Hell. This conclusion, at best, is incorrect. In short, the Bible speaks of the "consuming fire" that God is (Dt.4:24; Heb.12:29; Is.30:27b). This is more awesome that the fire of Hell. God's holy fire is "the fire" of his judgment on earth and in the spirit world.
This "judgment by fire" is an all consuming, purging, purifying, and refining fire. It is the fire of His word- His truth, His righteousness and His holiness that will directly confront the evils of Satan and fallen man in the final judgment.(Is.30:27, Zech.13:9)
In Rev. 20:14, "Death and Hell are cast into the lake of fire." It is nonsensical to believe here, that Death and Hell are cast into the fire of Hell. Or, that the Devil is cast into the fire of Hell. Proper spiritual understanding of God's word leads us to conclude that it is "the Holy fire of God" which will "consume" the Devil, Beast, false prophet, and all evil doers. All that is evil in the spirit and physical worlds must eventually come to an end. God's consuming fire will purified and restored all so that He can dwell in all, returning all to their original state. (1Cor.15:24-26, 28; Zech.13:9; Rev.21:5).
Malachi 3:2-5; 4:1 also give us some insights into "the refiner's fire," in the day of the Lord. Also, Jesus said: "I came to cast fire on the earth and wish it was already kindled." (Lk.12:49). God's word, in the spirit world, will accomplish the final cleansing and purification of all evil doers.
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2. How can the unity of the world's religions be realized?
Many view the efforts to work for the unity of the world's religions as one of a great compromise of faith and doctrine. However, this is not necessarily so. And, should not be so. The genuine religions of humankind developed based on particular religious experiences of their founders (e.g., Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus and Mohammed) in specific geographical locations, and historico-cultural settings. Overall, the religions share many common values, beliefs, and aspirations. Examples: the quest for higher spiritual understanding of life, guiding moral values, a knowledge of man's origin and destiny, the purpose of man and the universe, and the existence of God (by many other names)- to mention a few. Religions as a whole share a common purpose: to investigate the internal, spiritual dimension of life and to help us to better relate with it and to our fellowmen.
The monotheistic religions such as: Judiasm, Christianity and Islam, for example, claim to have revelation from God (the one God - Gen.16:9-13; 17:1, 18-21), and are proud of their heritage (the Abrahamic descent - 17:6-7,20). This is common to all three.
In the broader spectrum of the religious faiths, we belong to one humankind, one family - though divided by "every which way." The true unity of the religions must occur based on a common understanding and appreciation of God's original purpose for man, universally shared values, common vision of "one family of humankind under God," and the practice of true love rooted in a life lived for the sake of others.
Without the active quality of practicing God's true love toward each other, and to our enemies, it is impossible for the true unity of religions to be realized. It is therefore, not by compromise that oneness comes about, but by the embrace of God's love and truth as we strive to realize His original purpose for humankind.
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3. Did God create angels to be higher than man in position?
The writer of Hebrews (2: 7) quotes Psalms 8:5, saying that “…God made man a little lower than the angels.” He then goes on to say that: “He has crowned him with glory to have dominion over all the works of His hands.” Many have therefore come to believe, that angels are actually higher in position that man, before God. This is not so.
Angels were created to be ministering spirits (i.e., servant beings) attending both God and man (Heb.1:14). This is befitting a “master-servant" relationship to both God and man. Man was created to be the sons and daughters of God, occupying a parent-child relationship with Him. Man, therefore, is in the position to inherit and rule over all that God possesses (1:1-8). This qualification is not given to the angels.
In Hebrews 2:9, we see that Jesus is also described as being “created a little lower than the angels.” But no one truly believes that angels are actually higher than Jesus. What does the writer mean by “created a little lower than the angels”? He must be referring to Jesus’ (or man’s) physical state, in that he is created on earth, in comparison to the spiritual state of angels created by God in the spiritual world. The reasoning is: the spirit world is esteemed higher than the physical world.
It is important to know that fallen man, when his original nature is restored before God, will regain his original position of true sonship (Rom.8:14-19; Eph.1:5) and come to inherit all that God possesses (Rev.21:7). He will also come to have dominion over the entire angelic world (1Cor.6:3).
Answers to questions in our March/April 2006 Issue
1. Does Hebrews 9:22, "...without the shedding of blood...." mean that Jesus had to be killed?
The above biblical verse has often been used to help justify the argument that Jesus had to be crucified in order to shed his blood (for the remission of our sins). Close examination, however, brings several points to light: a), the context of the verse speaks to the Old Testament Law pertaining to the sacrifice of animals. Jesus, is the incarnation of God’s Word on earth, he should not be persecuted, and definitely not be killed (Gen.9:6; 1Sam.24:6; Ps.105:15), but be loved and followed (1Sam.15:22; Hosea 6:6; Jn.6:29): God commanded the Jews not to shed the blood of the innocent; and, David warned: "Touch not the Lord's anointed." There was never a tradition of offering human sacrifice in Israel. This, however, was practiced among the pagans.
b), As we have previously explained in: "What was the significance of Jesus being circumcised?" (See"Answer #1, June/July ’05" - below). God had already given instruction via His Covenant with Abraham for the ceremonial shedding of blood of each male child - which would include the Messiah, coming in Abraham's lineage (Gen.17:9-14). This was not to their death.
c), The text says: "Almost" (22a). This means that there are certain sins that cannot be redeemed by the shedding of blood. Why? Because only obedience, loved, mercy, faith, etc., have the power to resolve them (Prob.15:6; Lk.7:47; 1Pet.4:8). It's in this sense that we can understand why God said: "Obedience, love and mercy are better than sacrifice."
d), The killing of Jesus was a brutal and violent event, carried out by "the hands of evil and wicked men" (Acts 2:23b,7:52). It was not a ceremonial, holy act, officiated by a Jewish priest, instructed by God in order to cleanse the sins of Israel and the world. In fact, it brought the opposite effect, fulfilling Jesus’ words against the Jews - Lk.19:42-44; Mt.21:43 (In A.D. 70, Jerusalem and the Temple were completely destroyed. In 135 A.D., Hadrian renamed Israel, Palestine then killed or enslaved all the Jews he found).
e), Jesus, himself, said; "it was a sin...." to seek to kill him, (Jn.8:44) and, a "great sin" to hand him over to Pilate to be crucified (19:11).
Hebrews 9:22 is not a verse indicating that Jesus had to be killed for our sins.
2. Was the forbidden fruit in Eden really a literal fruit?
Many believe that “the fruit” (Gen.3:6) which grew on the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” (Tree K-G&E), in Eden, was a literal fruit; such as an apple, fig or banana. Was it really an actual fruit? Let us investigate.
Would a loving God place a literal fruit is their midst, that, if they eat of it, they would not be sick, but be instantly dead? Would not the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil on which “the fruit” grew be also literal, if the fruit is literal? Biblically speaking, how can we know that the “Tree K-G&E” was literal or symbolic?
Biologically speaking, we have never discovered such a tree on earth, neither have we found a literal “Tree of life” which was beside the Tree K-G&E.
Solomon, in his God-given wisdom explained that the Tree of Life is “a desire fulfilled” (Prob.13:12), also that it is “the fruit of the righteous.” (11:30). Again, it is “wisdom and understanding.” (3:13-18). Conclusion, the Tree of Life is a metaphor. It is symbolic, not literal. By comparison, the tree standing beside it: the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, must also be symbolic, representing unfulfilled desires; unrighteous, foolish and unwise acts.
God warned Adam and Eve that eating of "the fruit" would cause their instant death (Gen. 2:17). This meant spiritual death, in that they would be separated from God. This would happen, not because of “eating a literal fruit,” but of committing a most serious act.
*Please read more details on the Tree of K-G&E, as it pertained directly to their fall. See Answer #3, June 2004”
3. What could be the significance of the millions of barren planets in our universe?
Through modern science we have discovered that there are millions and millions of planets in the untold number of galaxies in our universe. An immediate question that may confront us is: “what is the significance of all these planets, etc., etc.?”
Without embarking on a great degree of speculation, we can conclude from God’s original purpose that, He created all things (i.e. “Everything” in creation ) for His children. His intention and blessings: that we be “fruitful, multiply and fill the earth (universe); subdue, replenish and have dominion over all things.” (Gen.1:28).
Through discovering the mode and manner of our Father’s principles of creation, through science and spirituality, we will be able to replicate all forms of environment, life and eco-system. Earth (planet earth) is the womb and starting point for our life and activities. Being co-creators with our heavenly Father, we will therefore be able, in the future, to help with the creation, cultivation and development of the many planets in our vast universe.
The spirit of perfected man before God (Mt.5:48), is indomitable in all the universe and the entirety of the spirit world. We will dominate both realities through the power of true love, heart and creativity.
The unlimited numbers of stars, planets and others, truly shows the great love that God has for us all.
*(Would love to have your feedback)
Answers to questions in our February 2006 issue
1. "It is finished." What did Jesus really mean?
It is commonly understood by Bible scholars that Jesus' expression on the cross of "It is finished."(Jn.19:20) just before he died, meant that he had finished all that he came to do. That the path to man's complete salvation was finally done, to its fullest. And, that nothing more needed to be done by anyone else.
On closer examination of the Bible, we see that Jesus was only referring to the path of spiritual salvation made available to us through his life's sacrifice culminating with his crucifixion. In other words, his expression pertained only to the course of the rejected messiah, as the vicarious 'suffering servant' of Isaiah 53.
The course to restore "God's original plan of creation" (Gen.1:28) was not done, but had to wait for a future date (Acts 1:6-7). Because Jesus was now killed, no fallen person could come close to fulfilling the original intention of God. This can only be initiated and completed by the Messiah, in the flesh, on earth. Knowing this fact, Jesus spoke about his return (Jn.14:28), the coming of "another Comforter" (14:16), and of the coming of "the Son of Man"(Lk.7:22-37), before he went to the cross.
His final expression while on the cross meant that he had concluded the way of spiritual redemption only, by offering up his life. Conclusion of God's providence of salvation and restoration will be fully accomplished at the Second Coming.(Rev.12:10; 21:1-7)
2. Is a 'male-centered only' construct of God's nature the best understanding?
Our traditional understanding of God, in Christianity, is that He is a "Trinity": God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is also seen as a male person (in spirit form). This theological construct then, becomes a thorough-going 'male-centered' view of God: Father (He), Son (He), and Holy Spirit (He).
Is there a more wholesome understanding of God, who created man and all things in His image and likeness, “male and female;” and, who reveals Himself as "One" and as Father and Mother to us all?
A more accurate and proper understanding of God and His nature is that "He" is "parental", that is; the harmonious oneness of fatherhood and motherhood. This is the main reason why God created all things after His Image: "male and female."
This pattern of creation goes down to the smallest particles (+ and -), and to all aspect of our spiritual expressions (active and passive).
Jesus came as the "male" (not female) incarnation of God's nature (Lk.1:32; Jn.1:14). He was unable to restore his true Bride due to his rejection, lack of cooperation of his family, and crucifixion. For this reason, God gave him the help of the Holy Spirit so that “spiritual rebirth” could be given to fallen man (Jn.3:3, 6; Acts 1:5). To correctly understand the role of the Holy Spirit, we must first appreciate God's principle and purpose of operating. The Holy Spirit, in the context of Jesus’ mission, is first and foremost fulfilling a feminine role: as "Spiritual Mother" (Jn.3:3). *Please see article on: “Role of Holy Spirit….”
A proper understanding of the “Trinitarian unity” is therefore: God as Father (Parent), Jesus as Son, and Holy Spirit (God’s Spirit, fulfilling the role of Bride to Jesus, and Spiritual Mother to believers). "God is one", the Parent (harmony of Father and Mother) of humanity (Deut.6:4; Mk.12:29,32; 1Tim.2:5; Is.63:16; 66:13).
P.S. The Holy Spirit is able to fulfill many roles, each one is determined by God.
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3. How should we relate with Islam?
Since biblical times there have been major problems within Abraham’s family (Gen.16:4-6; 21:8-14). Islam is the fruit of God’s blessings to Ishmael (Gen.17:20). This is clearly affirmed in our Judeo-Christian Bible. Christianity is the historical fruit of Jesus’ accomplishment before God (Mt.28:19). Jesus came as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, through the avenue of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen.17:7,19).
In short, Muslims and Christians are brothers through the inheritance of Ishmael and Isaac. The lineages of Abraham’s other children (25:1-6) and people from Gentile nations were adopted into either of the brothers’ heritage.
How should we relate to the descendants of Ishmael? “We should do so as brothers.” How should conflicting brothers resolve their: resentments, grudges, jealousies, indifferences, hatreds, misunderstandings and mutual hurts? Through forgiveness, repentance, mutual sharing, reconciliation and love. Are there similar examples of brothers (or close relations) in conflict in biblical history? Yes: Cain and Abel, Esau and Jacob, and Saul and David, are a few.
The model path of reconciliation between brothers was typified through the course of Jacob who, under threat of being killed by Esau, loved him, served him, and later reconciled with him in the most sacrificial and creative manner (33:1-11).
At the close of the twentieth century and the dawn of the twenty-first, we (world Christianity) find ourselves in a global conflict with world Islam. We are therefore challenged to bring forth creative ways of being able to win the hearts of our 1.3 billion brothers and sisters. Jesus himself taught: "Love your enemies...."(Mt.5:43-47). It is time for us to learn from Jacob and from Jesus, our ancestors of sacrificial love.
Answers to questions in our January 2006 issue
1. What is the true meaning of salvation?
To understand the true meaning of salvation, we must first understand the original state and relationship that man had with God before the fall. What was that state? It was pure ( sinless), true, good and faithful. In short, one of true love with God. Because of the fall, man fell under the dominion of Satan, living a sinful life. This is a life separated from God. The result; eternal death in hell on earth and in the spirit world.
True salvation therefore, is; to victoriously follow the path established by God so that we are able to return to our original position (relationship) with Him, as it was before the fall. (Rev.21:7).
Based on the above definition, God laid the foundations for that path through the Old Testament age (the Law and the prophets – Mt.11:13). The central purpose was: to lay the foundation for the coming of the true (sinless) Messiah. The Messiah comes to perfect the path of obedience, faith and love toward God –Jn.14:6; 4:34 (this Adam and Eve did not do). The Messiah then calls all (without exception) to believe, deny themselves and follow him (his standard)-Mt.16:24; Lk.14:26. True and complete salvation is therefore accomplished when sinful humanity, united absolutely with the Messiah, go the full path of reversing all the mistakes of the fall, then perfect himself in God- Mt.5:48; 7:21. This is the only way to restore our original nature and live a pure life in order to fulfill God’s purpose for man (Gen.1:28; Rev.21:7).
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*Special note: To believe in the Messiah is only the starting point. Every other commitment or accomplishment is only “a part of the way.” (1Cor:13:9). We must go the whole course to attain complete salvation. (Mt.5:48).
*Please read "Salvation" Article
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2. Will people literally walk out of their graves at the resurrection?
Traditional Christian doctrine on the resurrection, posits the view that the living and the dead will be resurrected at the time of the return of Christ (e.g., 1Thess.4:13-18; Rev.20:13). Though this general statement is true according to God’s providence of resurrection, the all important questions are: “What does resurrection truly mean, and, what type of body will the dead have, when they are resurrected?
Based on the conventional perspective, those physically living at the time of Christ return will levitate in the air, and the dead will rise up from their graves with their physical bodies.
The Divine Principle establishes that resurrection means: “to pass from (the state and realm of) spiritual death to life.” That is, to return to the pure, original state that existed before the fall of man, in order to live a full life with God - to leave Satan’s sovereignty and go to God’s sovereignty. Jesus affirms this crucial point in John 5:24: “He who hears my words and believes Him who sent me...has passed from death to life.”
Because of Adam’s fall, all humankind inherited sin and were born under satanic dominion. People lived, died, and went to the spirit world, under satanic dominion. Among several terms used for the abode of fallen spirit men, in the spirit world, is “grave” (or “tomb”). This is often misunderstood to be the physical grave or tomb. Examples: Ps.49:15; Jn.5:28 and Matt.27: 52,53.
At the time of the Second Coming, all spirit persons in Hell, and all other realms of the spirit world, including Paradise, must resurrect through God’s dispensation in the last days (ICor.15:22). Through the processes of redemption, purification, santification and others, God will restore all humanity and all things to His original purpose (Is. 46:11; Rev.21:5).
Though the physical bodies of the living will be redeemed from sin (physical resurrection), those who are already deceased (residing in the spirit world) will not regain their physical bodies (already decomposed and returned to the soil), but their “spirit bodies” will resurrect (ICor.15:44; Jn.6:63) as Jesus, himself, resurrected (IPet.3:18).
Note: Jesus does not dwell in Paradise in a physical body, but in a perfected spirit body/resurrected body. (Rev.1:18; 2:7).
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3. What does “dust of the earth” mean in God’s creation of man- Gen.2:7)?
It is commonly understood from the Bible that God created Adam (man) from the literal; “dust of the earth.” Gen.2:7. Other verses of the Bible render the identification of “clay.” (e.g, Job 33:6). Was man therefore made of particles of clay? A ready response would be: yes! However, with the help of modern science, we have now come to understand that the constituents of man’s physical body are the totality of the elements of the physical world. In other words, the elements of “the periodic table” make up the composition of man. A more accurate understanding of Gen.2:7 would therefore be: “God made man of the elements of the universe.”
It is also important to understand that man is not only “clay”, but he was made with God’s spirit – a substantial spirit body was fashioned in him with the spirit of life (spiritual life) –Gen.2:7b; Job 33:4; Zech.12:1b; 1Cor:15:44.
Answers to questions in our October-December 2005 issue
1. Did God really create man and all things from nothing (ex nihilo)?
A popular conventional idea emerging from Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica is the ex nihilo view of creation. This means that God created the universe "from nothing". This view, which enhances a solely miraculous perspective of creation has persisted throughout the centuries and is still strong among many believers.
Though a strong miraculous perspective can be gleaned from the Genesis account, especially when a purely spiritual interpretation is adopted (e.g., where God said: "Let there be.... And it was so."), a closer look at the Bible shows a more "wholesome", yet principled approach to creation ("I made with My hands...." Is.48:13; 64:8).
In creating man, for example, Chapter 1 of Genesis gives a miraculous impression: "God said: 'Let us create man in our image.... So God created man in His image....'" (26-27). However, in Chapter 2, we encounter a more principled and rational approach. The Bible states that "God created his body (physical) from the dust (elements) of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath (spirit) of life, then man became a living being (2:7; Job10:8-9; Zech.12:1).
In a scientific sense, therefore, man's physical body is composed of the material elements of the physical world. This establishes the biological link to nature. Here, man can be regarded as a microcosm of the universe (the great macrocosm).
Man's spirit however, originates from God, "directly" (Gen.2:7b; Zech.12:1).
What about the physical world? Did it come from "nothing"? "It did not." The physical world was wrought into being from God's divine energy and power (Rom.1:20). God's (invisible) energy, a characteristic of His word (logos), has the potentiality of being transformed, incarnated or substantiated into a tangible, measureable and quantifiable state (Jn.1:3); comparable to; "The Word becoming flesh...."(vs.14). Thus, Einstein discovered the scientific formula of relativity: E=MC*, where the interchangeability of energy and mass takes place through the avenue of the speed of light *squared.
God, Himself, is the Absolute reality, embodying all essentialities of spirit and matter (energy), masculinity and femininity, positivity and negativity (Jn.1:3). Man is in His direct image and likeness (Gen.1:27), and "all things" are in His "indirect" image and likeness (2:19a).
As it is said: "Ex nihilo nihil fit"; - "From nothing comes nothing". But, from God, all good things come.
God is now revealing to us (by way of the Divine Principle) a clearer and plainer understanding of His truth (Jn.16:25), fitting for the mind and spirit of our modern scientific age; this, in no way, detracts from the beauty and wonder of his amazing creation.
2. Where did Jesus first shed his blood?
The purpose in asking this question is to establish the biblical basis showing that Jesus did not have to be crucified (killed) in order to shed blood to redeem us from our sins.
God did not command the chosen people to kill Jesus, so that he could shed his blood to atone for our sins. In fact, God commanded the opposite (Gen.9:6; Ps.105:15; 1 Sam.26:9; Jn.6:29).
Jesus shed his blood firstly, when he was born from his mother Mary. This was the natural way of the shedding of his blood. However, God specially instructed Abraham to circumcise each male child at 8 days old as a sign act of the new covenant between Him and the his lineage (Gen.17:10). This had a special meaning in regards to the sin of Adam that caused the separation between God and man.
*Please read answer to question #1, June/July 2005 issue (below): "The significance of Jesus having to be circumcised".
3. Why should Jesus have a new name (Rev.3:12)?
The mission of the Messiah was given to Jesus by God (Lk.1:31-33). “My own new name” referred to by Jesus in Rev. 3:12, is the name/title given to the returning Lord who comes to complete the mission of the Messiah at the Second Coming.
The messianic mission has to be completed because Jesus, who was to have been accepted as the promised Messiah (Is. 9:6-7; 11; 60), was cut-off; rejected and killed. The Jewish leaders and people of Israel handed him over to the Romans to be crucified as a false messiah (king)- Jn.19:6-16.
The returning Lord, “Son of Man” at the Second Advent (Lk.17:22-37; 18:8; 21:34-36 ), and who is also the messianic “ Male child” of Rev.12:5, is therefore sent by God to accomplish the mission began by Jesus (Rev. 2:26-28; 12:10; Jn.14:15;16:7-13; *Note: the fulness of the coming of the Holy Spirit will take place through the Second Coming of the Lord. Pentecost was to "baptize and empower" the disciples to witness to Jesus -Acts 1:5,8). This is analogous to John the Baptist being sent to complete what Elijah started (Mal.4:5; Lk.1:17; Mt.11:14; Mt.17:10-13).
In Jesus’ life course he commonly used the title “Son of Man”; this, he used, more than any other (approx. 200 times). His “new name” is therefore the central and popular name/title used by the returning Lord in his effort to conclude the age-old messianic task. The returning Lord will be the first, after Jesus, to truly overcome Satan and the fallen world, and therefore be fully qualified to inherit the new name of Jesus.
This “New name” or new title will be revealed by the returning Lord at the Second Coming. It is one which has never been revealed in the Bible, but is closely related to those that have already been given by God.
Answers to questions in our August/September 2005 issue
1. Will the New Jerusalem come literally from the sky (Rev.21:2)?
A great number of Christians believe that the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21 will literally (physically) descend from the sky. This is a misunderstanding of spiritual things. Jesus said: "I am the living bread of life which come down from heaven..."(Jn.6:51). But, no one saw him descending from Heaven. The Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, the Temple; all were inspired/revealed by God, from Heaven, but they did not literally come down, so to speak.
For a heavenly thing to be substantiated on earth, it must take physical form here (on earth). This happens through a physical process that involves: a plan (blueprint), raw materials and labor. After, it is able to reach a completion or final stage.
The spiritual aspect (invisible) comes from Heaven, but the physical (visible aspect) comes from the earth (e.g., Gen.2:7). This is God's consistent principle.
"Coming from Heaven" means: originating from a holy, pure, righteous and good state. That which is ordained/approved of God. Or simply: "that which comes from God."
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2. Jesus said there would be "no marrying and giving in marriage in the resurrection"(Lk.20:35). Why?
To understand Jesus' reason for making such a statement, we must first understand God's original ideal and the meaning of resurrection. Jesus told the Jews that they had erred in even asking the question (vs.29-33). The reason being: the example they presented was taken out of the manner of fallen marriage relationships (marriage after the fall of man), also, the Sadducees themselves, did not believe in the resurrection.
The age of the resurrection will be the age when fallen man returns to the point "before" Adam and Eve fell. That is, the stage where they were at in their relationship to God, before they fell away from Him. We will be able to return to this original point and state with the help of the Messiah. Ideally, we should go this path "as a single person."(Jn.5:24). Not as a married couple. This path is a course to restore God's first blessing to man of being "fruitful" (Gen.1:28a). After attaining this resurrection (returning to life - i.e., original state), then we will be blessed with the "original standard of marriage" (1:28a; 2:24), to create true families, and next; be able to attain "the blessing of having dominion over all things."(1:28b). All people will then become true sons and daughters of God, bringing Him great joy and happiness. *This was God's original ideal from the very beginning.
There will be no more marrying and remarrying, and giving in marriage, according to the old (fallen) standard - the way of sinful relationships which were under Satan's dominion. God will directly be in charge after all is restored to bless man and woman in the original standard of marriage - the Blessing of Marriage. This is why Jesus said: "In the beginning no divorce was intended." See Mt. 19:5, Rev. 21:3-5.
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3. Will Israel be the nation of the Second Coming?
Israel will not be the nation of the Second Coming. Surprising? Today, many are waiting for Jesus to alight on Mt. Zion, in Israel. Those who have such an expectation have not read Jesus' own words (Mt.21:41-43): "The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it." Was Jesus wrong in making this great judgmental statement on Israel, the chosen nation?
Jesus, the promised Messiah, was born in Israel. It was supposed to have become the chosen nation producing the firstfruits of the Kingdom (Lk.1:31-33; Acts 7:51-53). However, due to their rejection of Jesus,God's covenant with the Jews was annulled (Jer.18:9,10; Ex.19:5,6; Zech.11:10; Rom.10:19,20, 11:20). God's covenant with Israel depended on the fulfillment of their responsibility before Him. Having the Messiah killed is the greatest breach of the covenant by Israel. This is the main reason, Jesus said, that "their nation will be destroyed and they be taken into captivity and scattered throughout the world." (Lk.19:42-44; 21:20-24).
The nation that rejects the Messiah cannot be the nation which becomes the base for the Second Coming. This 'special blessing" will go to another nation (said Jesus)that God has prepared (Mt.21:43).
When Jesus was asked "Where the Messiah would come"; he responded with a parable: "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered."(Lk.17:37). This means, the Lord of the Second Coming (returning Lord)will appear in a nation of prepared people, the saints who are ready to follow him. He (Jesus) did not know exactly, "when and where" the returning Lord (Son of Man) would come (Mt.24:36).
*Note: Because of Israel's breach, this does not mean that God will not work to restore those who repent and accept Jesus. But, the nation, as a whole, "will not be the nation producing the fruits of the Kingdom." "The substantial fruits of the Kingdom are: 1. the returning Lord and his Bride (the restored Eve). 2. The main disciples of the returning Lord, and 3), The central, "model city (New Jerusalem) and nation" for the restoration of the world.
*Answers to questions in our June/July 2005 issue
1. What was the special significance of Jesus being circumcised?
The act of circumcision was given by God to Abraham (Gen.17:10)as a covenant between God and Abraham's seed. A pertinent question is: "Why circumcision itself (cutting the foreskin of the male sexual organ); and, what is its significance regarding Jesus?
Long story short: Because the fall of Adam and Eve was an illicit sexual act (as we have explained from the revelation given to Rev. Moon -the Divine Principle), then the act of circumcision was "an indemnity condition symbolic of bleeding the satanic blood from fallen man (through the area of transgression) and setting a base for his separation from Satan and renewing his connection to God."
Jesus, who had God's pure blood lineage in himself, did not necessarily need this act, in the same sense. In regards to Jesus, it became a condition (approved by God) to shed his blood for the sake of the salvation of fallen mankind. To redeem mankind from the death caused by the sexual fall. The circumcision of Jesus (Lk.2:21)had this deeper meaning.
The shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross occurred because of Satan's influence over the chosen people, 'not God's direction to them,' to kill the Messiah. This was regarded by God and Jesus as a 'great sin'(1Sam.26:9;Jn.19:11b). The circumcision however, as mentioned above, which shed Jesus' blood, was directed by God.
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2. Jesus called his disciples "friends" and "guests," but not "bride." Why?
In conventional Christianity the Church is seen as the "bride of Christ," and rightly so - in a spiritual sense only. This particular doctrine was adopted from Paul's writings (2Cor.11:2) to the Corinthians in which he exhorted the early Church to maintain purity "as a pure bride to her one husband." In Jesus' "wedding parables" and others, however, he did not (at any point) refer to his disciples as his bride, but as "friends or guests" at the weddings.(Mt.22:10;9:15;Jn.15:13-15).
Why is this so? Jesus knew his original mission was to find and restore his true bride (a chosen woman of God), in the position of Eve. He, being the perfected "Son of Man" (Adam), needed to establish his perfected bride, the restored Eve, through the marriage of the Lamb, in order to build his holy family before God (Gen.1:28; 2:24; Ps.45:9-17; Chp. 128; Is.9:6). It is on this foundation that he would be able to fulfill God's original ideal (Gen.1:28). Because the chosen people rejected and killed him, he was unable to accomplish his original mission which was to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Due to this, he had to settle for the way of the cross which would bring spiritual salvation only. Therefore, Paul placed all believers in Christ as the "bride of Christ" who are waiting for the coming of the Bridegroom.
In Rev.19:7-9, we see both the "Marriage of the Lamb" and the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb." The "Marriage of the Lamb" is the restoration of the substantial Bride (as depicted in Ps.45:9-10. The "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" is the receiving of the saints (true believers, the faithful). The "wife of the Lamb" in Rev.21:9-10 is the extension of the substantial Bride, on the level of the restored city - the "New Jerusalem". After comes the nation, the world, and Heaven and earth (universe).
*Answers to questions in our April/May 2005 issue
1. “My Kingdom is not of this world;...” (Jn.18:36). What did Jesus mean?
In the traditional response to this question, it is said that Jesus did not come to be an earthly king, he did not come to reign over a kingdom on the earth, but in Heaven only.
However, closer examination of the prophecies of Jesus' messiahship (e.g., Is.9:6-7; Ezk.37:25;Lk.1:31-33, and others) show that Jesus came to be king on earth, Not only over Israel (as David was king), but over the entire world. Jesus knew his mission, understood all the prophecies, and asked his disciples to pray that "God's Kingdom come, and His will be done "on earth" as it is in Heaven" (Mt.6:10).
Jesus' answer to Pilate (our main question above) did not mean that he had no desire to establish an earthly kingdom. He answered with a parable, meaning: "my Kingdom (the Kingdom of God)is not of this satanic world (sovereignty)." This can be further understood as being so, because he added:"...if it was so, my servants would fight...." "Fighting" is the method that Satan utilizes to obtain and maintain power on earth. Jesus came to practice the love of God to realize the Kingdom of God. This is not done through fighting, but through living for others, serving others. That is why he said; "I came to serve, not to be served."
He was unable to achieve the Kingdom on earth because the chosen people did not want him to be king over them (Jn.19:15-16). They did not believe in him. In accepting Caesar as their king (19:15b), the Jews rejected the Kingship of God and His Messiah - Jesus.
2.“The wolf shall lie down with the lamb…. The lion will eat grass like the ox.” (Is.11:6-7). Are these to be understood literally?
Many may see a literal understanding in the above quote from Isaiah. Today, there are many wolves, dogs and even some lions and tigers that lie down with lambs (no joke intended) and other domesticated animals. This happens because man has used the power of love to train many animals which were to some extent, "natural enemies."
The Isaiahic verse however, does not specifically refer to a literal togetherness of animals and the eating of herbs only by carnivorous animals. Carnivorous animals do eat herbs as a part of their diet. The verse, in a more profound sense, refers to the powerful, arrogant and mighty men, in leadership roles or other. They will be humbled by God, and, in so doing, be able to participate on the same level with those whom they considered to be of lower status or rank. This will be realized because at the return of Christ, all mankind will be humbled before God and will live together as brothers and sisters in the love of God.
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*Answers to questions in our Feb./March 2005 issue
1. Why did Jesus' family oppose him, did they not know he was the Messiah?
Mother Mary received direct visitation and was told by the Archangel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Messiah (Lk.1:31-33), Jesus. Joseph, her betrothed, also received revelation that Jesus is of God. Why would they not fully support Jesus, and, why would they go to the extent in opposing him? Certainly, this would anger Jesus. We see several instances in the Bible where Mother Mary and her sons and daughters were not in accord with Jesus and even tried to call him away from his mission (Mt.12:46-50). He was even accused by his family members of being "out of his mind" (Mk.3:21). These confrontations are quite serious when we consider that Jesus needed the unity and cooperation of his family to make his mission a success before God.
It appeared that both Mother Mary and Joseph had lost sight of who Jesus was, and the scope of his mission. They, like most of the Jews of Israel, expected the Messiah to fit a certain profile and could not accept that his methods and manner of conducting himself were in accordance with the established traditions and customs of the land. They saw him as violating those sacred traditions. It appeared that the many complains and accusations against Jesus, by the Pharisees and Scribes, also influenced his family members in turning their hearts against him. The scriptures (Jn.7:5) said: "For even his brothers did not believe in him." Certainly if Joseph and Mary had believed wholeheartedly in Jesus and continued to do so, supporting him all the way, his brothers and sisters would most likely, believed also.
2. Why did Jesus say: "I thirst" (Jn.19:28), while he was on the cross?
Was Jesus truly thirsty while on the cross? Considering that he was at the last moment of his life, under excruciating pain, focusing on the closing moments of his mission on earth; is this an appropriate request to satisfy himself?
As the Messiah, he had much greater concerns (Jn.4:34). His deeper motive was to give the Jews and the Romans (who were killing him) an oportunity to make some small spiritual condition for them to be forgiven before God. They were committing the greatest sin (Jn.19:11); killing the promised Messiah, "the Anointed One," who comes to establish the Kingdom of God. They had failed drastically and would be totally destroyed as a result(Lk.19:43-44). Jesus wanted to do everything that he could to lay some foundation with them so that they would be able to receive some degree of forgiveness from God. Even with his last request, they failed. They gave him vinegar instead.
He, nevertheless, prayed that God would "Forgive them, for they know not what they were doing."(23:24)
3. Will the Messiah live forever, on the earth?
Many believe that the Messiah will live forever on the physical earth. However,
the eternal home of God's children is not the physical world but the spirit world. "Heaven" is our eternal home (Ecc.12:5; 2Cor.5:1). It is the dwelling place of the eternal spirit of man. The domain of God Himself. The physical world and physical man is temporal. The Messiah comes from God and must return to God. All who come from God must return to God (Ecc.12:7). The Messiah comes to perfect God's will on earth, the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven, then return to the
Father. Physical expiration of the body is in accordance with the natural law created by God. All things follow this principle on earth. On reaching perfection on earth, the spirit which grows in the soil of the physical body, must return to Heavenly Father. Even after the Kingdom of Heaven is established, people will still pass to the spirit world, not of sin, but of expiration of the physical body, having accomplished its purpose on earth(Is.65:20). In this way, the natural cycle can be completed.
*Answers to questions in our January 2005 issue
1. Will Christ be seen coming down from Heaven at the Second Coming?
In conventional Christian belief, Christ will be seen descending to earth at the Second Coming. The Bible gives several references to this effect (examples: Mt.24:30; Rev.1:7:). The prophets of the Old Testament also stated that the Messiah will be seen coming from Heaven. Jesus, at his first coming, said: "I am the Bread of life, I come down from heaven."(Jn.6:38). However, no one in Israel or the world actually saw Jesus descending from Heaven. But, he in fact, did come down from Heaven.
God's words are often given in parables, euphemisms, metaphors, and many other forms of figurative speech, we first must realize that unless God opens the spiritual eyes of fallen man he will not be able to see things that are spiritual. Herein lies the problem. Everyone assumes that he or she will automatically see and hear all that God is doing.
On the counter-side, Jesus said "he will come as a thief in the night" (Rev.3:3); also, "no one will know the hour or the day that the Son of Man comes...." (Mt.24:36)
The matter becomes more complicated when the Bible further shows that God will send a new messianic personality to accomplish His will on the earth (Rev.12:5). And, Jesus clearly said that "The one who overcomes he will give him power to rule the nations, and give him his (Jesus') new name.(2:26-28; 3:12)
In understanding how God has been working historically and spiritually, we see that if someone, chosen by God, to accomplish a particular mission, is unable to complete it on earth, then God will raise up a "new chosen figure" to inherit or succeed the previous person's role. A very good example is that of Elijah and his mission. His role and mission were inherited by John the Baptist while his very spirit worked in and through John (Mal.4:5; Mt.11:14, Lk.1:17). It was the same principle of God working in the case of David and Jesus (Ezk.37:24,25; Jer.23:5-6; Hos.3:5).
In reference to Jesus' return then; he himself will return in spirit. Those who truly love him and are prepared to receive him will be given revelation by God(Jn.14:21-22; Lk.21:36). The Returning Lord or Son of Man (of the Second Coming - Lk.17:26-30; 21:36; Rev.12:5; 19:11-15) will be the one whom all eyes will see, similar to the Jews seeing Jesus, 2,000 years ago.
The Returning Lord - the Lord of the Second Coming (Son of Man) will be conducting his mission on the earth. This, however, does not mean that all people on the earth will believe and receive him. Only those who show faith (Lk.18:8).
Jesus, like Elijah, will not be seen coming from the sky. The Jews believed Elijah would return from Heaven. Also, Heaven, the domain of God and Jesus, is not the physical heavens, but the spiritual Heaven, the spirit world. So he will not come on physical clouds - water vapor. "Clouds" are a methaphor for "prepared ones", prepared believers, saints, example: Hebrews 12:1.
2. Will Jesus, himself, physically rule on the earth?
Jesus has already conducted his earthly public ministry. He was rejected by the Jews and offered up
to be killed by the Romans. It is God's principle that each person has only one lifetime on earth then pass to the eternal world - the spirit world.(Heb.9:27) Throughout the biblical history this has been shown to be true. Jesus has also been resurrected from the dead, appeared to his disciples in his ressurected body, and later ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:11). His coming again, as we have explained above (answer #1) will be a spiritual coming, in like manner as Elijah returned to work with and through John the Baptist(Mt.11:14; 17:9-10). In the Old Testament, David is also prophesied to rule on earth (Ezk.37:24,25; Jer.23:5-6). Jesus came fulfilling the prophecy of the coming of David ().
This principle of succession from a spirit person (one who has already ascended)to a chosen physical person is one ordained by God, so that the mission of the prophets and the Messiah can be fulfilled on the earth.
Jesus who has already ascended to Heaven will not return to physically rule on earth, but the one who succeeds him - the Lord of the Second Advent, the Returning Messiah will establish God's Kingdom and rule on earth. His rule will endure forever, "through his lineage." He also will not live physically on the earth forever (Is.65:20). Physical life will only be for one lifetime (Heb.9:27).
3. Do the Last Days signify that Christ is on the earth, or, that he is preparing to come to the earth?
The "Last Days" have a special meaning. They signify a special period of time when God will put an end to Satan's sovereignty and initiate His eternal Kingdom. God's Messiah will accomplish this.
Almost all believers think this period of time is the time when the world goes through tribulation and the Messiah is preparing to come to earth. This however, is not entirely accurate. Why? Because the last days cannot begin unless the Messiah is actually on the earth conducting the will of God so that Satan can be subjugated and the Kingdom of God established. This is the reason why Jesus spoke concerning the "Day of the Revealing of the Messiah" (Lk.17:30).
In examining Jesus' words further, example, his analogy to the time of Noah and Lot (Lk.17:24-36), we see the same principle. God was actually using Noah (on the earth) to build the Ark which would house Noah's family - the family that He would use to make a new beginning. Likewise, Lot was also present on the earth, in Sodom, when God wanted to put an end to Sodom and Gomorrah.
The period of tribulation begins because God is moving the world through the final stages of His providence through His Messiah who is born on the earth (Rev.12:5; 19:11-15).
Peter spoke of the Last Days when Jesus had already come. If these are the Last Days - final days, then the Messiah must be among us, just as Jesus was among the Jews when he told them to; "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" but many did not recognize him, because they did not believe in him.
Jesus, being concerned about a repeat of the same problem, in the end time, warned his disciples to "Watch and pray...because the Lord comes as a thief in the night."
We are to find the Messiah on the earth, through special fasting and prayer condition, with utmost seriousness, specifically asking God to guide us to him. We must have an absolute commitment to meet the messiah and to follow him obediently. With such seriousness God will help to prepare us to meet the Returning Lord.
