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Greetings brothers and sisters in the faith. My husband, Philip, was given some material on the truth of the Godhead about 2 years ago from a new friend at that time. We'd bought into the lies about people who are non-Trinitarians that they don't believe in the Holy Spirit.  I was very upset at the thought of no longer believing in the Holy Spirit.  It has been through some major studies that our eyes have been opened. Philip has done far more studying into this truth, but I'm beginning to do more on my own, and as I read the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, I'm understanding it more. May the Father continue to lead each of us onward and upward along the strait and narrow path, is my prayer.

While my husband and I were discussing the Sabbath School lesson dealing with the Trinity, Philip was explaining to me just why, with the Trinity understanding, it is so important that Christ could not have been "begotten," and at the same time be divine. While mulling this thought around in my head, I asked Philip this question--"So, does that mean that since Prince Charles, Prince William, nor Prince Harry were around at the time of Queen Elizabeth's birth that they aren't royalty?"

As I see and understand it, it does not matter just when Christ was "begotten" of His divine Father. What does matter is that God the Father is divine, and Christ told His disciples that if they'd seen Him, they'd seen the Father. This, by natural means of deduction, makes Christ divine as well.

Comment (4)

 

Here are brother Milo's questions:

First, when Ellen White says that “the Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father”; when she says that “Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense . . . with God from all eternity” (RH April 5, 1906); I'd like to know how the word "eternity" does not mean what it means. You say there is eternity, and then another eternity beyond our comprehension. But in saying that, haven't you just comprehended it?

Second, is basing a belief on what the pioneers taught always an infallible guide? Should we place them above Ellen White, even though SHE was the prophet? (Remember, she confessed that she didn't agree with A. T. Jones on all points of doctrine.) Furthermore, because the papacy promoted a doctrine, does that make it heresy? or because the pioneers promoted a doctrine, does that make it truth? After all, if I said you were wrong simply because Muslims also reject the Trinity, would you find that acceptable?

Third, to say that Christ was "begotten" in the strictly literal sense, does this not violate the literal/figurative principle of biblical interpretation? We say, for example, that Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus must be taken figuratively in every part, otherwise heaven and hell are within speaking distance of each other, and Lazarus really did go to Abraham's bosom. So, when it comes to the titles of deity, if Jesus was a literal Son with a literal Father, would He not also need a literal Mother?

Fourth, if I believe that God's nature is a mystery, something that transcends my human comprehension, am I not pulling Him down to the human level when I apply human relationships to Him literally? On the other hand, if I realize that divine love must be SYMBOLIZED by the human in order to understand what God has chosen to reveal about Himself -- am I not acknowledging that I, by searching, cannot find out God? (Job 11:7).

Fifth, if God's law, as Ellen White says in numerous places, is a transcript of His character, an expression of His nature, would not His law have existed before Christ was "begotten"? If the law is eternal, "as sacred as God Himself" (PP 63), would Christ, if not as eternal as the law, have been an offering equal to the law?

Sixth, had Christ not been self-existent, but simply INHERITED the attributes of divinity, would there not have been some validity to Lucifer's jealousy? After all, if the Father could bestow divinity upon His "begotten" Son, why not also on His beloved Lucifer?

Hello Milo, I know Gary left you with some answers but I thought I would leave you with mine also.

 

First: Notice Ellen White says that Christ was God “essentially”. How can He be God “essentially” and in the highest sense? You would never say the Father is God “essentially” because that is simply “who” He is. Christ is God essentially and in the highest sense because that is “what” He is. Christ is not God in “personality” as He is the Son of God.

“The Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, is truly God in infinity, but not in personality.” (Ellen G. White, Manuscript 116, Dec. 19, 1905, ‘An Entire Consecration’, see also The Upward Look, page 367)

 

“There is no one who can explain the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. Yet we know that He came to this earth and lived as a man among men.”  “The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty, yet Christ and the Father are one.” (Ellen G. White, Manuscript 140, 1903, see also Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Volume 5 page 1129

The word “eternity” or “eternal” in the scripture does not have a definition of without beginning or without origin if you do a study on it. I always ask Trinitarians if “without beginning” is your definition then how can Jesus be the eternal Son of God? If the Triune God took on roles of Father and Son sometime in eternity then before this counsel of taking on roles they were not Father and Son.  The Trinitarian definition of eternity is time that goes back forever and thus for something to be eternal that something must also have existed along with time as equals. In our understanding of eternity we believe God is not subject to time and without any creation there is nothing to measure time. From the moment Christ was brought forth and He created time until up until He created the earth is what is called “in the beginning” (Pro 8:22-25, Micah 5:2 and Gen 1:1 and John 1:1-3). In our understanding “in the beginning” means there was truly a beginning where the Trinitarian understanding of “in the beginning” ends at the creation of earth but goes backwards forever with time so there is no true beginning. Thus the Trinitarians do not accept the literal meaning of “in the beginning”. We are not saying there are two eternities but simply saying that before time was created eternity is not something that is measurable on a stick of time. Time is irrelevant to God as a day is as 1000 years and vice versa. Christ was certainly with the God from all eternity as eternity is not “time” that goes back forever in our understanding. Otherwise time is equal with the Triune God and God is subject to time.

Second: We do not base our belief on what the pioneers believed. They are an important piece of evidence in the big picture of studying the issue but they are not our reasoning on why we believe what we believe. The important issue with the pioneers on this subject is God’s word true as it says: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 3:11) Was our church built on the solid Rock or a false Christ? “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, ⁷Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Rev 14:6-7) How was this message preached in 1844 onward if our church was worshipping a false god?

The Catholic Church is the mother of abominations according to Rev 17 meaning the teachings that originate with her are all false. If she kept any truth she kept it from the original church established by Christ as she is the continuation of that church in massive apostasy. The Trinity has its origins around 325 a.d. and thus it is not something that was carried over from the apostolic church. If you study history of the original church you will see very clearly the church believed like our pioneers on the issue of the Godhead. I recommend clicking on the author section at the top of this site and reading Terry Hill’s material on this. Muslims are not the mother of abominations.

Third: To give terms like Father, Son, and begotten a metaphoric meaning in the contexts they are used in concerning God and Christ violates the rule of interpretation to take the Bible as it plainly reads. The clear context of scripture lets a person know if something is a metaphor. If you can supply any scripture on the Father-Son relationship that clearly shows they are pretending these roles then you would have evidence for these terms to be a metaphor. The following quote shows the literalness of begotten as you wouldn’t apply a literal explanation to two of the three explanations:

“A complete offering has been made; for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,"-- not a son by creation, as were the angels, nor a son by adoption, as is the forgiven sinner, but a Son begotten in the express image of the Father's person, and in all the brightness of his majesty and glory, one equal with God in authority, dignity, and divine perfection. In him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, 30^th May 1895, ‘Christ our complete salvation’)

You can also see that she borrowed this from Brother Waggoner:

It is true that there are many sons of God, but Christ is the "only begotten Son of God," and therefore the Son of God in a sense in which no other being ever was or ever can be. The angels are sons of God, as was Adam, by creation; Christians are the sons of God by adoption, but Christ is the Son of God by birth. The writer to the Hebrews further shows that the position of the Son of God is not one to which Christ has been elevated but that it is one which He has by right.” (Christ and His righteousness, page 12 ‘Is Christ God?’, 1890)

It’s also important to see that she agreed with their view on the Deity of Christ:

Messages bearing the divine credentials have been sent to God's people; the glory, the majesty, the righteousness of Christ, full of goodness and truth, have been presented; the fullness of the Godhead in Jesus Christ has been set forth among us with beauty and loveliness, to charm all whose hearts were not closed with prejudice. We know that God has wrought among us. {RH, May 27, 1890 par. 6} {EGW 1888 Materials 673.6}

 

For God to beget or bring forth a Son does not require a mother. The angels have no mother and neither does Adam and Eve. God is literally the Father of Christ because God has passed His life unto His Son. “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;” (John 5:26)

Fourth: God has never revealed in scripture that He is three beings that make up one God. There is no plain thus saith the Lord for this so this would be speculating on the nature of God.  Adam and Eve were made in the image of the Father and Son. Just as Eve came out of Adam so has Christ come out of God. Just as God is the head of Christ (1Cor 11:3) so is man the head of woman. Placing a symbolic meaning on the Father and Son as I said above is a violation of rules of interpretation to take the Bible as it plainly reads unless you can provide a plain thus saith the Lord for a metaphoric interpretation.

The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son; . . . who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time.  "Thou art My Son, This day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son?" Hebrews 1:1-5. God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.{8T 268.3}

Fifth: God’s law is His nature of love and thus as you said is eternal. Christ has this same nature by inheritance and thus God’s law is part of His nature. God is not arbitrary to where He needs to find the most valuable sacrifice in sense of appeasing anyone or Himself. Divinity is love and love is the law. Man is saved by the Divinity of Christ as He is able to make us partakers of His Divinity having gone into the grave and come out of it with the keys to hades and death. He could not have done this if He wasn’t divine as He would have become evil once separated from the Spirit of God on the cross. Satan had no dominion over Christ when He went into the grave as Christ was sinless. All who have the life of the Spirit of Christ are under the dominion of God and Satan has no say in them being resurrected for eternal life as he doesn’t have dominion over the life of Christ.

Sixth: We do believe Christ is a self-existent being but we do not agree that this means without origin. Brothers Waggoner and Jones were saying Christ was eternal and self-existent before Ellen White ever did yet we would never say they believed Christ was without origin now would we? Ellen’s writings make it clear that she was in harmony with these brothers on the Deity of Christ as I showed earlier. Here is a section out of my materials that show all of this:

Did any of our pioneers believe Christ was begotten and self-existent?

The Church of Christ is not built on a foundation of dust, nor even on a rock that is made out of dust. It is built upon the eternal, self-existent, Rock, which is "Jesus Christ himself." {October 11, 1894 A.T. Jones, AMS 314.16}

In him all the fulness of the Godhead dwells. Not an attribute or power has the divinity of the Father withheld from the Son. When he begat him of his own substance, the infinite majesty, glory, and excellence, the supreme wisdom, omnipotence, omniscience, and self-supporting existence from which all the powers of the universe take their origin, was as a necessary consequence conveyed to him. Though two beings, distinct in individuality and person, they are one in all else, perfectly united in methods, character, love and goodness, power, prescience, and might. Yet Christ himself says, "My Father is greater than I." Sustaining the relation they do as the Father and the only begotten Son, precedence in a certain sense must necessarily be conceded to the Father. The existence of the Son is derived from the Father. This implies superiority in duration and rank. But as it pleased him that "all fulness," "the fulness of the Godhead bodily, "should dwell in the Son, it would be difficult to tell in what other sense that superiority could be predicated.”  (G. I. Butler, RH, August 22, 1893, pp. 535, 536).

 Life and immortality are imparted to the faithful followers of God, but Christ alone shares with the Father the power to impart life. He has “life in himself ,” that is, he is able to perpetuate his own existence.” (E. J. Waggoner. Signs of the Times, March 25^th 1889, article ‘The Divinity of Christ’)

 If any should object to this most natural conclusion, on the ground that the one here speaking calls Himself "I AM THAT I AM," the self-existent One-Jehovah-we have only to remind him that the Father hath given to the Son to have life in Himself (John 5:26), that Christ asserted the same thing of Himself when He said, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:5, 6); for which supposed blasphemy the Jews attempted to stone Him; and that by the prophet He is most plainly called Jehovah, in the following passage:-

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is His name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS;" literally, "Jehovah our righteousness." Jer. 23:5, 6. {January 1, 1891 EJW, PTUK 9.9}

 Christ ‘is [sic] in the bosom of the Father;’ being by nature of the very substance of God, and having life in Himself, He is properly called Jehovah, the self-existent One, and is thus styled in Jer. 23:56, where it is said that the righteous Branch, who shall execute judgment and justice in the earth, shall be known by the name of Jehovah-tsidekenu—THE LORD, OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Christ and His Righteousness. p23,24. 1890. E J Waggoner.) Waggoner had no issue with Christ being the self-existent one.

 It will readily be seen that the whole virtue of baptism lies in the self-existent power of Christ,-that He could lay down His life, and take it up again. {November 28, 1901 EJW, PTUK 757.9}

 That is to say, the almost universal tendency is to eliminate God as Creator, and practically to deify creation, making it self supporting, which in reality means self-existent, although few stop to think that the terms mean the same thing. {June 20, 1901 EJW, PTUK 385.2} ***(This should help you understand what self-existent means. Self-existent doesn’t necessarily mean without origin but self-sustaining it definitely means. The ability for one to perpetuate His own existence outside of an external source.)

Now notice from Ellen White:

There is much talk about God in nature, as if the Lord were bound by the laws of nature to be nature's servant. Many theories would lead minds to suppose that nature is a self-sustaining agency apart from the Deity, having its own inherent power with which to work. In this men do not know what they are talking about. Do they suppose that nature has a self-existing power without the continual agency of Jehovah? The Lord does not work through His laws to supersede the laws of nature. He does His work through the laws and properties of His instruments, and nature obeys a "Thus saith the Lord."  {6T 186.1, Ellen White}

There is much talk about the Lord in nature, as if God were bound by the laws of nature to be nature's servant. In this men do not know what they are talking about. Do they suppose that nature has a self-existing power without the continual agency of Jehovah? Many theories would lead minds to suppose that nature was a self-sustaining agency apart from Deity, having its own inherent power with which to work. The Lord does not exert His laws to supersede the laws of nature. He does His work through the laws and the properties of His instruments, and nature obeys a "Thus saith the Lord."  {AUCR, July 31, 1899 par. 13 Ellen white}

All of these men and Ellen White make it clear to what they believe self-existent means and they have all said that Christ was truly begotten of the Father. Christ created Lucifer perfect so if Lucifer has a complaint that He doesn’t have the same eternal, self-existent nature as God’s begotten Son then his claim is one that is self-centered. Had he listened to the Spirit of Christ in him he would have been happy with being perfectly made the way he was. If Lucifer had been begotten of Christ just as God had begotten Jesus then where does it stop? Everyone ends ups being omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent beings. God must has a Divine Son to be the example of submission to the universe because if there is no submissive example then who would have given us this trait? We learn humility and submission through the Son of God. Hopefully this answer the questions you asked. God Bless!!!

 

 

Comment (2)

 

In the Qur’an Jesus is given the title, Rouhullah, meaning Spirit of God. It comes from the same text, chapter 4:171 where Jesus is called wa-rouhun-minhu, a spirit from him; the same structure is used as for the Word of God: rouh (spirit), min (from), hu (him). In this case we do find some evidence in the Qur’an that helps us to define the title. The expression occurs again here:

“… These are those in whose hearts he has inscribed faith, and strengthened them with a spirit from Him…” (Qur’an 58:22).

These are same words used as in chapter 4:171, rouhun-minhu, “a spirit from him.” Nowhere else in the Qur’an does this expression occur. In his commentary on the Quran, Yusuf Ali says that the “phrase used is stronger” than that for the Holy Spirit (Rouhul-Quds) in the Qur'an who is identified in Islam as the Angel Gabriel. Ali implies that this Spirit of God is greater than the mighty angel and says it is, “the divine spirit which we can no more define adequately than we can define in human language the nature and attributes of God.”

The Muslim commentator has, unintentionally but very impressively, given a precise definition of the Holy Spirit as it is in the Bible. He is the “divine spirit” who cannot be defined in human language with terminology other than that used for God himself. Yet the Quran, in the only other place where this expression occurs, applies this same divine title to Jesus!

The Quran, in the very passage (Chapter 4:171)—which contains a denial of the trinity (“Do not say Trinity! God is only one God.”) —paradoxically attributes three titles to Jesus which affirm his deity! He is the Anointed One / The Messiah; He is the divine Word of God, and He is a Spirit coming from God. Jesus was not just another prophet called to office at an appropriate point in time. He is the message of God, he came from God, his very spirit is the Spirit of God.

 

So Muslims have a third title in chapter 4:171—Spirit of God—which attributes divine features to Jesus just as the titles Messiah and Word of God do. Significantly they are synonymous with titles used in the Bible for Jesus to further express his profile towards mankind as the eternal Son from the Father.

 

Comment (0)

In our previous post titled  "Goelism #3: Boaz, Naomi and Ruth" we explored Boaz’s understanding of his responsibilities to his deceased relative, Naomi’s husband. One must understand Naomi’s position in all of this in regards to Goalism as Goelism  was the fiber which held the garment of Hebrew life together. In Deuteronomy 4:5-8 (RNKJV) we find this wonderful promise for those who believe and invest themselves in an intimate relationship with their redeemer (Goel):

“4 But ye that did cleave unto (YHWH) your Elohim are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as  my Elohim commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath Elohim so nigh unto them, as  our Elohim is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?”

Not only was Goalism to bring wisdom and understanding to the individual but it was also a witness to the world, hence the book of Ruth being presented in sequence of the Bible books when  (Yahushua) was Israel’s king during the period of judges and prophets. Naomi was submitting herself to the law and order of all time which was to produce a most beautiful result. By returning home she placed herself in a position where the application of Goalism could produce the wonderful fruit of peace and rest it was designed to produce.

Naomi knew Boaz was her near kinsman as evidenced by her statement to Ruth after Ruth’s sweaty day of gleaning.  In Ruth 2:19, 20 this dialogue is found between Naomi and Ruth,

“And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of YHWH who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.”

A bright glimmer of hope is kindled in Naomi’s heart as she realized the hand of the Almighty was at work in her life after the day’s events. Boaz was also aware of his position as a near of kin by his confession to Ruth, but the focus of this post is to explore an often times overlooked part of this real life drama.

There was a nearer of kin than Boaz. Ruth 3:12 states to us the real situation.

“And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.”

You can almost feel the heart of Ruth plunge to her sandals when she hears these words as things have been going so well, but now she receives a promise that Boaz will do all to meet her needs if the nearer of kin will not fulfill his responsibility. Ruth 3:13 states this so wonderfully.

“Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as  liveth: lie down until the morning.”

You see my friend, many people overlook the fact that we have a nearer of kin to us than our Creator. You and I are created beings as outlined in the very beginning chapters of the Bible. Genesis 2:7 beautifully records this event.

“And Elohim formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

It was our Creator’s intention that we would walk with Him throughout our life, but we chose a different kinsman when we accepted the deception  of Lucifer at the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It was Lucifer’s objective to become humanity’s nearest of kin by beguiling Eve and then using her to tempt Adam. Eve was deceived by Lucifer but Adam willfully chose to eat of the forbidden fruit knowing that it was going to change things from that which he currently understood. Genesis 3 shows the effect of sin.

9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

Adam took of the fruit his wife gave him, but there is no record that he was beguiled. Adam knew what he was doing.  Therefore Lucifer, by deception, had the stolen birthright. This now placed Lucifer as head of the human family instead of Adam. You will notice that when this dialogue began in Genesis chapter 3 that  approached Adam first.  Secondly He addressed Eve, and finally He addressed the serpent and wherewith the serpent is cursed.  Following the curse of the serpent is a conversation with Eve  regarding her curse and last is the curse given to Adam. Adam who had come from the Creator’s hand as head of the human race was now third in line. Above him was the woman and the serpent. As a result of our sin we came under the curse of sin, for the Bible plainly states that the wages of sin is death. This statement is made in Romans 6:23.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of is  eternal life through  the Messiah our Saviour.”

The Everlasting Covenant which was in place before man sinned, but not revealed was designed to bring back to this world and to the universe the proper order and faith relationship which Adam gave up by partaking of the forbidden fruit.

The power of the faith relationship between man and his Creator was lost when sin was introduced to humanity. Humanity was plunged into a pit of evil which has no bottom. One does not find hope in the pit of evil. It leads to a life of darkness and an ever deepening separation from our Creator. There is no light in the leadership of Lucifer who we call Satan. Do you remember what Adam first said to  (YHWH) when he was asked, Where are you? Adam listed three things which happened as a result of partaking of the forbidden fruit. Number one he was afraid, number two he was naked and number three, he hid himself. This is the natural consequence of partaking of that which is forbidden; Fear, Nakedness, and Hiding. Without a true goel (redeemer) we have no hope. But highest praise to the Father and His Son that there is a way by which we can be redeemed. It is by grace that we have been offered a way out of the bottomless pit of evil. The very first thing our Creator did after the fall of humanity was to begin to clothe them.

Genesis 3:21 “Unto Adam also and to his wife did  Elohim make coats of skins, and clothed them.”

Notice the beauty of our Goel. The very first thing he does is hide our nakedness; He provides us with a covering. He brings us under His wings and in His wings there is power. His purpose for us is to be over comers by the blood of the Lamb. Not only does the skin of the Lamb cover us, but the blood which was shed taught Adam the high cost for sin.  Adam realized that ONE would have to die to resolve the sin problem.  As we enter into an intimate relationship with our Redeemer we lose fear, nakedness and we no longer have to run and hide. This is demonstrated by the following example.

The law of  gravity has power over all of the earth’s elements, yet there is a law which is greater than that of gravity. That law is the law of aerodynamics. The scripture states in Isaiah 40:31

“But they that wait upon  shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

This promise is also contained in the Torah when in Exodus 19:4, 5 (KJV) it states,

“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagle’s wings, and brought you unto myself.  Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”

I am reminded every time I see a bird fly that there is a law which has power over gravity. It is the same in our spiritual world, we are under the effect of sin, but we are to have power over it by the grace and power of our Creator. What is the difference? The difference is who has power over us. Either we will come under the covering of Lucifer as our father which was cursed to slither in the dust of the earth, or under the father hood of  (Yahushua). This choice is put before us in Joshua 24:15.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve , choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the elohim which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the elohim of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve .”

Will we like Ruth come to our near kinsman for help? Are we willing to come under HIS covering?  The choice is ours each day as to who we will serve! It is my prayer for you that it will be .

Comment (8)

Wonderful Names for our Wonderful Lord

from book by Horton & Hurlburt

Altogether Lovely-SOS 5:16

Ancient of Days-Dan 7:13-14

Angel of His Presence-Isa-63:9

Angel of the Lord-Gen 22:15

Hiding Place-Isa 32:2

Rivers of Water-Isa:32:2

Babe-Luke 2:12

Balm of Gilead-Jer 8:22

The Branch-Zech 6:12

Branch of the Lord-Isa 4:2

Branch out of His Roots-Isa 11:1

Bridegroom-Mathew 25:10

Bundle of Myrrh-SoS 1:13

Captain of Host-Josh 5:14

Carpenter-Mark 6:3

Certain Nobleman-Luke 19:12

Certain Samaritan-10:33

Chiefest among 10,000-SoS 5:10

The Child-Isa 7:16

Child Jesus-Luke 2:43

Chosen of God-Luke 23:35

Christ-Math 16:16

Christ of God-Luke 9:20

Christ the Lord-Luke 2:26

Christ the Son..Mark 14:61

Cluster of Camphire-SoS 11:14

Commander-Isa 55:4

Consolation of Israel-Luke 2:25

Counsellor-Isa 9:6

Covert from Tempest-Isa 32:2

Crown of Glory-Isa 28:5

David their King-Jer 30:9

The Daysman-Job 9:33

Dayspring.. on High-Luke 1;78

Diadem of Beauty-Isa 28:5

Emmanuel-Math 1:23

Ensign of the People-Isa 11:10

Everlasting God-Isa40;28

Everlasting Father-Isa 9:6

Exellent-Psalm 148:13

Feeder-Eze 34:23

Fortress-Psalm 18:2

Foundation-Isa 28:16

Friend of Sinners-Math 11:19

Friend that sticks-Prov 18:24

Glorious throne to His Father’s House-Isa 22:23

Glory…..Luke 2:32

God my Saviour-Luke 1:47

God of….Earth-Isa 54:5

Good Master-Mark 10:17

Governor-Mark 2:6

Great Light-Isa 9:2

Great Prophet-Luke 7:16

Guest-Luke 19;7

Headstone…Psalm 118:22

The Highest-Luke 1:76

Him..I Loveth-Sos 3:2

His only Begotten Son-John 3:16

Heir-Mark 12:7

Holy One of GodMark 1:24

Holy One of Israel-Isa 49:7

Hope of…..-Joel 3:16

Hope of Israel-Jer 14:8

Horn of Salvation-Luke 1:69

Lord Mighty in Battle-Psam 24:8

Lord of Hosts-Isa 6:3

The Lord my God-Zech 14:5

Jesus-Math 1:21

Jesus Christ-Math 1:1

Jesus the Christ-Math 16:20

The King-Zech 14:16

King in His Beauty-Isa 33:7

King of GloryPsalm 24:10

King of IsraelJohn 1:49

King of the Jews-Mark 15:2

King over Earth-Zech 14:4

The King’s Son-Psalm 72:1

His Annointed *Psalm 2;2

My King *Psalm 2;6

The Son *Psalm 2;12

Lamb of God-John 1:29

Leader-Isa 55:4

Lifter..mine head-Psalm 3:3

Light of Israel-Isa 10:17

Light of Men-John 1:4

Light/Gentiles-Isa 42;6

Light of Morning-2 Sam 23:4

Light to Gentiles-Luke 2;32

Lilly of the Valley-SoS 2:1

Lord of Sabbath-Luke 6:5

The Lord’s Christ-Luke 2:26

Man of Sorrows-Isa 53:3

Manna-Ex 16:31

Master-Math 23:8

Master of House-Luke 13:25

Meal offering-Lev 2:1

Messenger/covenant Mal 3:1

Messiah-John 4:25

Mighty God-Isa 9:6

Mine Elect-Isa 42:1

My Beloved-Math 12:18

My Beloved Son- “    “

My First Born-Psalm 89:27

My Glory-Psalm 3;3

My High Tower-Psalm 144:2

My Maker-Isa 54:5

My Physician-Jer 8:22

My Portion-Jer 10:16

My Righteous Servant/Isa 53:11

My Rock and…Psalm 31:3.

My Servant-Zech 3:8

My Shepherd-Psalm 23:1

My Strength,my Song/Isa 12:2

My Strong Rock-Psalm 31:2

Nail Fastened…Isa 22:23…

Nazarene-Math 2:23

Ointment….SoS 1:3

One Son Beloved-Mark 12:6

Only Begotten of Father:John 1:14..

Our Brother-Mark 3:35

Our Lawgiver-Isa 33:22

Our Potter-Isa 64:8

Peace Offering-Lev 3:1

Plant of Renown-Eze 34:29

Polished Shaft-Isa 49:2

Prince of Peace-Isa 9:6

Prince of Princes-Dan 8:26

Prophet Mighty-Luke 24:19

Prophet of Nazareth-Math 21:11

Purifier-Mal 3:3

Rabbi-John 1:49

Rain…..-Psalm 72:6

Ransom-Mark 10:45

Redeemer-Isa 59:20

Refiner-Mal 3:3

Refuge-Isa 25:4

Resting Place-Jer 50:6

Restorer-Psalm 23:3

Righteous Branch-Jer 23:5

Rock of Ages-Isa 32:2

Rock /Salvation-2 Sam 22:47

Rock/Higher-Psalm 61:2

Rod…Isa 11:1

Root-Isa 11:10

Rose of Sharon-Sos 2:1

RulerMicah 5:2

Salvation of God-Luke 2:30

Sanctuary-Isa 8:14

Sceptre-Numb 24:17

Chosen Servant ..Math 12:18

Shadow (shade)Isa 25:4

“”  ‘’ in weary land-Isa 32:2

Shepherd of Israel-Eze 34:23

Shiloh Gen 49:10

Showers….Psalm 72;6

Sign-Luke 2:34

Son of Abraham-Math 1:1

Son of David-      same

Son of God-John 1:34

Son of Man-Mark 10 :33

Son of Mary-Mark 6:3

Sower-Mark 13:37

Star-Numb 24:17

Stone cut out…-Dan 2:34-35

Stone of Israel-Gen 49:24

Stranger 7 Alien-Psalm 69:8

Strength to….Isa 25:4

Strong Tower-Psalm 61:3

Stronghold  -Nahum 1:7

Sun of Righteousness-Mal 4:2

Sure Foundation-Isa 28:16

Tender Grass-2Sam 23:4

Everlasting Light-Isa 60;20

Thou Son of the Most High God-Mark 5:7

Tried Stone-Isa 28:16

True Light-John 1:9

Understanding-Prov 8:14

Wall of Fire-Zech 2:5

Wisdom-Prov 8:12

Witness to the People-Isa 55:4

Wonderful-Isa 9:6

WORD-John 1:1

There may be more…you  can decide which names may apply to The Father

I can see now how hymn writers have used these names-can you?

XX

Comment (2)

But you, Beit-Lechem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Y'hudah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Isra'el, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times. - Micah 5:2 CJB Complete Jewish Bible

The Lord says, "Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.- Micah 5:2 GNT Good News Translation

You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are too small to be included among Judah's cities. Yet, from you Israel's future ruler will come for me. His origins go back to the distant past, to days long ago - Micah 5:2 GW

Comment (2)

Comment (20)

Many Blessings to the remnant,

There is a beutiful illustration that I've found of what happens when the very rocks start to witness for the Son of God.  As I understand, this is based on a true story.  Sometimes when we are silent, and yet we stand up for what we blieve, in the only true God (Our Father) and Jesus Christ (God's Sent), then the Lord would use this opportunity as a golden witness.

Enjoy the Following Story Brthren.

Brother Bana

God will Stand Up For You if You'll Stand Up for Him

There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist.  His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God couldn't exist.  His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic.  For twenty years, he had taught this class and no one had ever had the courage to go against him.

Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever really gone against him' (you'll see what I mean later).  Nobody would go against him because he had a reputation.  At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand up!"

In twenty years, no one had ever stood up.  They knew what he was going to do next.  He would say, "because anyone who does believe in God is a fool.  If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking.  Such a simple task to prove that he is God, and yet he can't do it."

And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces.  All of the students could do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students were convinced that God couldn't exist.  Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up.  Well, a few years ago, there was a freshman that happened to get enrolled in the class.  He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about this professor. He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major and he was afraid.  But for 3 months that semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said or what the class thought.

Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped.  Finally the day came.  The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!"  The professor and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the classroom.

The professor shouted, "You FOOL!!  If God existed, he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!"  He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleats of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe.  As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away, unbroken.  The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk.  He looked up at the young man and then ran out of the lecture hall.  The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus for the next half-hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of his power through Jesus.

Comment (1)

When we read the inspired scriptures, we have nothing to fear regarding the present truth that the Lord has given to his remnant people.  What has been revealed to us from the written word is of most value, as it lies within this word the secrets that are made known to the servants of the Most High.  Not all things are clearly understood, but that which is written may be understood by them who come in the name of the Lord, posessing the Christ life Charater, who are called according to his purpose.

Whilst under inspiration, Soloman took the pen in hand and began to write.  Christ spoke through solomon and said thus regarding himself:

"...The Lord (The Father) possessed me in the beginning of his ways..." "...I was set from everlasting..." (vs 23) "...or ever the earth was..."
"...I was brought forth..." "...when there was no depths..." "...when there was no fountains abiding with water."  (vs 24)
"...I was brought forth..." "...Before the mountains were settled..." "...Before the hills..." (vs 25)
"...I was there..." "...While as yet he (The Father) had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.  When he prepared the heavens..." (vs 26-27)
"When he set a compass upon the face of the depth" (vs27)
"...When he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep. When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandments; when he appointed his foundations of the earth." "...Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him"  (Proverbs 8: 23-30).

The above scripture sets forth that this passage, pertaining to Christ, was a description of the Son with his Father before the creation, including the boundaries of time.  As we see, it was Christ speaking of himself, through Solomon, Christ declared that before all things; fountains, mountains, hills, clouds above, and waters, he was brought forth.  He was "...set up from everlasting..." and that the Father (who is Lord) "...possessed me (the Son)" who is the beginning of the Father's ways.

It goes without saying, that before anything was, Christ was "...brought forth...".  Christ who was "...brought forth..." was set up in the realms of eternity, which is beyond the human comprehension and understanding.  The Lord Jesus, in eternity past, was begotten of God the Father.  It is as though that before anything was created or made, or before the Father anticipated on creating things seen or unseen, he had a Son.  He gave birth to a literal Son, in eternity past.  This is the first begotten of God.

Begotten is another word for "born".  When we see that Christ was begotten in eternity past, we see that he is the literal replication of God the father.  We cannot fully explain how this process happened nor could we ever search the deep mystery of how Christ was begotten, but what we can conclude is that it happened and the Bible says so!

The begetting of the Son, from Him who begat is but a mystery and miracle, which cannot be fully compreheded.  Therefore we can come to a place where we must choose to accept that which is revealed, and accept that which we do not know, Amen!

So than we know that Christ was begotten in eternity past.  But then how do we know that he was begotten of God the father.  Let us turn to scripture as it is written.

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and everyone that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him" 1 John 5:1

Lets us go over that Scripture in 1John 5 and read it in laymens terms...

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God the Father; and everyone that loveth God the Father, whom gave birth to a Son, also loveth Jesus the Christ who is the one and only offspring of God the father" 1 John 5:1

"For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. "  John 16:27-28

"No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. " John 1:18

What we read here is simple and simply understood.  Without adulterating and spiritualizing what is written, Christ is the only born Son of the Father.  He is in the Bosom of the father, for it is from there that he came.  Being that only being closest to the father, it could only be he who knows the mind of God that can fully reveal him to the World.  Christ is unique in this way, because he is the only born Son of God the Father.  This is the battle that has gone on from the beggining of time and before.  Are we ready to accept that Christ is a literal Son of the Father or will we turn our heads away from the truth and join the ranks of the defeated angels and their arch rebellion leader.

He (Satan) desputed and mumbled the Fact that God had a begotten Son, and refused to give allegiance to the Son, as ordained by the Faher.  By this as the reference point of the Great controversy, all other aspects of the truth, regarding the plan of Salvation may then fall into place.  The acceptance of Christ being the literal Son of God will strength our adoption process, so that we may become Sons and daughters of the Father.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."  1John 3:1-2

Christ being the central theme of the plan of salvation, will draw us into a close fellowship with one another, and in essence turn our hearts to the Father and the Son.

"And this is Life eternal, that they May know thee (The Father) the only true God and Jesus Christ (the Only Begotten Son of the Father) whom thou hast sent" John 17:3 (Emphasis added)

While contemplating on the power of salvation, and the life that Christ is offering us in know the Father and himself, let us then turn to the pages of the Mystery of Christ being Begotten, when he became like unto  his brethren.

Comment (11)

OUR SAVIOR, DIVINE.  By G. I. Butler, 1893.

IT is an inspiring thought to the true disciple ever to realize that our Savior who has under taken our salvation, is a divine being, really and truly God, as properly so called as the Eternal Father himself, and therefore almighty to save…

In this age of unbelief, of so-called "higher criticism," when the tendency is to whittle down everything supernatural to a mere human standard, we cannot too much emphasize the grand fact of our Lord's divinity…

We should lift him up in our own minds and before our fellow-men, that his exalted station may be properly recognized. In doing this, we not only show true honor to him, but to the Father also who has assigned him this position, and between whom there is perfect union and sympathy…

When Christ asked the disciples who the people said he was, their answers showed the plane of their expectations: Some said, "John the Baptist;" others, "Elias;" others, that prophet foretold by Moses. But when he asked them who he was, impulsive Peter expressed the grand truth, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." This answer Christ declared was a heavenly revelation to him, not a mere human conception, the grand truth upon which his church is founded, which the powers of hell should never be able to overthrow. Matt. 16:13-18. When the church has living faith in this glorious truth, Satan cannot destroy it. But to believe in him as a mere human being, or some created agent, is quite another thing…

This Jesus is the first-born of every creature.  "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 8:16. The terms "only begotten" or "first begotten Son" are used at least eight times in the New Testament. These expressions positively imply his absolute pre-existence to every created being. He was not created, and therefore not a creature. He was " begotten " in some manner not revealed, and is therefore of the same substance or essence as the Father. His existence precedes that of all others excepting the Father…

Personally he is precisely like his Father in appearance, in nature, in character, in substance, and essence…

In him all the fulness of the Godhead dwells. Not an attribute or power has the divinity of the Father withheld from the Son. When he begat him of his own substance, the infinite majesty, glory, and excellence, the supreme wisdom, omnipotence, omniscience, and self-supporting existence from which all the powers of the universe take their origin, was as a necessary consequence conveyed to him. Though two beings, distinct in individuality and person, they are one in all else, perfectly united in methods, character, love and goodness, power, prescience, and might. Yet Christ himself says, "My Father is greater than I." Sustaining the relation they do as the Father and the only begotten Son, precedence in a certain sense must necessarily be conceded to the Father. The existence of the Son is derived from the Father. This implies superiority in duration and rank. But as it pleased him that "all fulness," "the fulness of the Godhead bodily, "should dwell in the Son, it would be difficult to tell in what other sense that superiority could be predicated.”  (G. I. Butler, RH, August 22, 1893, pp. 535, 536).

Comment (3)