Tag: Jesus

It Wasn’t Really Expected

On By TimIn Apologetics, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Jesus, Matthew 26, Resurrection, The CrossLeave a comment

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away on account of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’

Matthew 26:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus told the disciples of many insights from the Old Testament. He showed them that even their behavior was prophesied long before it would happen. He shared it with them to prepare them.

As always, people tend to only focus on themselves. Read on as the disciples do that. They would turn their focus on themselves and miss something important.

It’s the proverbial elephant in the room!

But after I have risen, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus isn’t talking about them… Really. I mean, these guys walked with Jesus for around 3 years. They knew Him and loved Him. He relates His impending death, their scattering, and His resurrection and continued shepherding of them.

Peter answered, “Though all men will fall away on account of You, yet I will never fall away.”
Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
Peter said to Him, “Though I should die with You, yet I will not deny You.” And all the disciples spoke in this manner.

Matthew 26:33–35— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes we, like the disciples, get so focused on our performance, we miss the bigger picture. Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for what is going to happen. He would die and rise again. He will again lead them. He gives them the very hope they need to not fear the coming trial.

So focused on proving their loyalty, they missed what He said… After I have risen.

Is it any wonder?

Did they really expect the resurrection, even now?

Think about that. We know the resurrection, as the central tenet of Christianity. Without it, there’s no hope. Skeptics get it. They will pounce on the idea with cockamamie stories on how it is a lie. They will say this dying and rising God was copied from elsewhere. They will allege the disciples stole Jesus’ body and hid it. (I am sure there are even more objections.)

If the resurrection were a lie foisted upon us by these witnesses who penned accounts of it, why would Matthew embarrass himself by recording his own ignoring of it?

In the passage we examined, the fact they would be scattered wasn’t missed. The most important thing wasn’t even acknowledged.

It wasn’t expected, at all.

In your own reading of the Gospels, take note of how many times Jesus spoke of the resurrection. Also, the note how many times it was acknowledged. Deeply consider that.

Encouragement for Some

On By TimIn Church, Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Last Days, Love, Prophecy, Revelation 03, Seven Letters to Seven ChurchesLeave a comment

“To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write:
“The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says these things: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
“To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:14–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Please do reread this portion of Scripture when finished reading the entire post.

This is for each of us. Any of us may be of those who are in a church, that for all intents and purposes, appears as the Laodicean one. Our first reaction may be to flee. For some, that may be the best way to handle the situation. But is that what Jesus instructs?

Please pay attention to the admonitions that Jesus gives. The first is to the church itself. He urges the church to repent.

Immediately after, He speaks directly to the individuals in the church. It becomes personal. He encourages us to open the door to Him as His voice is heard. Though Jesus may indeed be standing outside the door of this church and those like it, His entreaty is to anyone who hears. That’s you and I!

For those that hear and respond… The promise to that person is a sweet fellowship with Him. This would be even in the midst of trying circumstances were a believer ‘churches.’

Jesus doesn’t tell us to flee such a situation. Perhaps we are called to stick it out. To be that one person who helps others to hear Jesus’ voice. If enough do, it would change things dramatically.

Listen, the local body of believers may have problems… But the promises are to the individuals in those bodies. It’s you He came to save. It’s you He wants to serve. The promises are to him who overcomes.

Hear what Jesus says to the churches. Listen for His voice and let Him in. Be one who overcomes!

Atheism is a Temporary Condition

On By TimIn Apologetics, Revelation 06Leave a comment

When Jesus returns to this Earth, atheism will be proven to be a temporary condition.

Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the rich men and the commanding officers and the strong and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. They said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of His wrath has come. Who is able to withstand it?”

Revelation 6:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

However, given the hardness of the heart… That temporary condition has eternal consequences. When even knowing that return of Jesus before He is even seen they run and hide. Great plagues follow. There is a holocaust brought upon the earth by men. And what happens to all of those “believers” that hid underground and survived these?

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not cease to worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which cannot see nor hear nor walk. Nor did they repent of their murders or their magical arts or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 9:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus is Best in Every Way

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Hebrews 06Leave a comment

This is what is being taught in the book of Hebrews. It teaches of the superiority of the new covenant in Jesus. It relies on a familiarity with the Torah and the commands set forth there.

Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. This we will do if God permits.

Hebrews 6:1–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In other words…

Therefore, since Jesus is better let’s be moving forward and not forsaking those Old Testament things that were the foreshadows of Jesus. These are called here the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ. Let us go on that is keep going–pressing forward – on to maturity. That is, let us be carried to salvation.

Don’t lay again a foundation for yourselves of those foreshadows, the ordinances that pointed forward to Jesus. These were commands of repentance given in the Old Testament laws to be pure and righteous.

Let’s not just put our faith toward God the Father but in Jesus. The Father is revealed in the Son.

Let’s not wander back to the instruction about washings. This is not baptism but the ceremonial washings prescribed in the law.

Let’s not continue the laying on of hands. This is not laying hands on brothers and sisters in prayer. It is pointing to the symbolic imputation of sins that was done by the priest and the one offering a sacrifice for sins.

Let’s clearly understand the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Not being entangled in Pharisee and/or Sadducee teachings.

Jesus is best. He is the only Way to heaven. The only real Salvation.

The True Israel

On By TimIn Isaiah 42, Israel, Jesus, Prophecy, The Father, The ServantLeave a comment

I the Lord have called You in righteousness,
and will hold Your hand,
and will keep You and appoint You
for a covenant of the people,
for a light of the nations,
to open the blind eyes,
to bring out the prisoners from the prison,
and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isaiah 42:6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This Servant is now being identified in another unique way. He is being given the same identity as Israel. The nation was called in righteousness, with the sure promise of God to uphold and defend it. It was given a covenant and a particular calling. These things are established beginning in Exodus chapter 19.

Now therefore, if you will faithfully obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is Mine. And you will be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.

Exodus 19:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are God’s words to Moses which he was to deliver to the people. Israel is to be a light to the nations. Priests are the ones who make God known to people, they intercede. This peculiar kingdom of priests was called to be a witness to all nations of the goodness of God.

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be His special people, treasured above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a peculiar people to Himself, treasured above all the nations that are on the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The intertwined calling of the Chosen Servant is applicable to the nation Israel. As prophecy is given to us as patterns, the calling of the nation Israel serves as a pattern for the Messiah. He would ultimately fulfill the mission the nation failed at. Jesus is the True Israel.

This is purposeful, in the earliest texts that tell the history of Israel.

Israel is My son, even My firstborn.

Exodus 4:22b — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The calling of Israel is extended to Jesus by another prophet.

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

Hosea 11:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The way Israel is called by God serves as a pattern to identify the Coming Messiah.

Not so unexpectedly, I find a particular peculiarity in this pronouncement of the Chosen Servant. As the One called to open blind eyes, heal the sick, and release captives, this is the calling of priests. Israel is a kingdom of priests.

Yet we know they were blinded in their own pride. Some couldn’t recognize the Messiah. The most likely cause is an errant identity. The nation identified in their calling and not the One Who called them. Even when He spoke clearly of Who He is.

He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. And He stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. When He had unrolled the scroll, He found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
because He has anointed Me
to preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted,
to preach deliverance to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed;
to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Then He rolled up the scroll, and He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all those who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 4:16–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see all of these things fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry on earth by His own words. Jesus would build His church and give to them all of the privileges of service extended to the nation Israel. It would be another body identified solely in Him. But would mean the nation Israel would be set aside for a time.

For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen by race, who are Israelites, to whom belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises, to whom belong the patriarchs, and from whom, according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God forever blessed. Amen.

Romans 9:3–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is a different body that has been grafted into these privileges through Jesus. It is the body that does those things cited by the prophet Isaiah as part of the identity of the Chosen One.

That is how the church is now called elect… Chosen… To serve God in a peculiar way. It is to shine the light of Jesus to all nations.

We see clearly that the call of election is not to salvation, nor would salvation be limited to a group of people. It was the calling to a peculiar appointment of service to God.

The Everlasting Kingdom

On By TimIn Daniel 07, Heaven, Jesus, Salvation1 Comment

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This Son of Man Cloud-Rider is the One given an everlasting kingdom. We know this is Jesus, as Jesus has been given all things by the Father.

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness of what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:31–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus uses this language to identify Himself as the Cloud Rider given all things by the Ancient of Days. There is a default kingdom in which all who can understand find themselves in. There is another one… His.

The carnal kingdom whose master is death by sin leads to everlasting perdition. Perdition isn’t annihilation or soul sleep, but a real eternity away from everything God gives freely to all. Think about that… The air we breathe is His. As is cooling rain, water to quench thirst, food to date hunger, and the fellowship and camaraderie of others. Imagine being conscious without these things. It gets ugly.

The other, better kingdom is eternal and everlasting. It is a dominion given to Jesus. It doesn’t pass away. It is a kingdom of life. Those who enter into it are also everlasting by definition. The only way into this kingdom is to be born again into it.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

John 3:5–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Once born into that kingdom, there is no way out.

We are physically born into this carnal kingdom where death reigns over our bodies encumbering our soul and spirit. We cannot leave it. Death isn’t a way out, it is the portal to judgment and perdition.

But we can be born again into this new everlasting kingdom. Just like in that carnal kingdom, where there is no death. This everlasting kingdom also has no way out.

Of which kingdom would you be a citizen?

The Lord Who Created the Heavens is the Servant

On By TimIn 27 - Daniel, Apologetics, Creation, Daniel 07, Isaiah 42, Psalm 104Leave a comment

Thus says God the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it,
who gives breath to the people on it,
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I the Lord have called You in righteousness,
and will hold Your hand,
and will keep You and appoint You
for a covenant of the people,
for a light of the nations,
to open the blind eyes,
to bring out the prisoners from the prison,
and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.
I am the Lord, that is My name;
and My glory I will not give to another,
nor My praise to graven images.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.

Isaiah 42:5–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Thus says God the Lord

We don’t take His words lightly. When God makes a pronouncement, it’s important. God is identifying Himself as the Creator. The One Who made all things.
Remember the verses that come before this. They are a proclamation of the coming Servant, Messiah.

Who Created the Heavens

Creator is a unique identifier of God. He made the heavens. He had no help.

That’s the first declaration of the Bible for a reason. It is the foundation for all of reality. That is why God calls attention to these simple truths repeatedly. God is, and He made the heavens and the Earth.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

And Stretched them Out

Long ago, there was a Servant of God named Job. The important parts of his life are recorded for us. In them, we know Job knew God. Even in the midst of a great trial, his friends offered counsel on his situation. Job’s faith didn’t waver. He made a declaration about God to his friends. In it, there is an identity of God that I think is enlightening.

He who alone spreads out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea. He who makes the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades, and the constellations of the south.

Job 9:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is God alone Who spread out the heavens. It’s He Who makes the stars. The Psalmist agrees.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is His Handiwork

Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, You are very great!
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
covering Yourself with light as a garment,
who stretches out the heavens like a tent curtain,
who lays the upper beams of His chambers on the waters above,
who makes the clouds His chariot,
who rides upon the wings of the wind,
who makes His angels as winds,
His ministers a flaming fire.

Psalm 104:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Though poetic, the language is telling us the heavens we created. They were made by God. They have a message for us. It is a testament of this great God Who would come to serve His creations made of dust.
Now, these last citations have referenced water and waves as a unique identifier in connection to this great God. The Psalmist includes another, He makes the clouds His chariot. This great God walks on water and has chariots of clouds.
To recap, we see the Servant in this prophecy would make advent. We are given many ways to identify this Chosen Servant. Now God chooses to identify Himself uniquely as Creator.

This Chosen Servant is the Creator

This Creator treads on the waves. We know Jesus walked on water. It is recorded in the Gospels for our edification, and to help us identify the Chosen Servant. The Gospels also identify the Servant as the Creator in many ways.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created. In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:2–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is layer upon layer of truths through the Scriptures. There are more crumbs that have fallen from the Master’s table for us.

The Cloud Rider

Let’s go to an episode toward the end of the Servant’s ministry on Earth. He has been arrested and is brought before the then High Priest of Israel. This is the one man who was assigned to intercede for Israel before God. One would think he would know the Scriptures that speak about God.
The priest demands succinctly, “I adjure You by the living God, tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further need do we have for witnesses? See, now you have heard His blasphemy. What do you think?”

Matthew 26:64–66 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Caiaphas knew Who Jesus claimed to be. He also knew from the other identifiers in the Old Testament, exactly those things exclusive to the Messiah.
Those same Scriptures also give us exclusive identifiers of the Great God. He treads on waves of the sea. This Man before him did that. This Man calls Himself publicly the Son of Man. Now He identifies Himself as this chariot-of-clouds riding God.

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This Chosen Servant is given an everlasting kingdom. This Servant is none other than God.

Of this Coming Servant… As Caiaphas asked, “What do you think?”

Is this You?

On By TimIn Eternal Security, Fruitfulness, Hebrews 06, SalvationLeave a comment

For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. But land that bears thorns and thistles is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.

Hebrews 6:7-8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a parable. The land that drinks in the rain is those who readily hear the Word of God and welcome it. Such may even serve in church, soup kitchens or volunteer for other worthy causes. You see, we can receive God’s Word and we can serve others. We can spend a lot of our time volunteering and helping others. The parable offers a caveat.

The crop is the service you do. In order for it to be blessed, it must be done with the proper motivation.

The rain and fruit must be useful for Whom it is cultivated. That is, it must be useful for God. In other words, think of it like this:

For the heart that receives the Word of God readily, and serves because their faith solely for salvation is in Jesus, and they do it for Him… Those receive the Holy Spirit and eternal life.

In other words, there is no other way to know the Father than through Jesus. You cannot know the Father by doing any of the Old Testament commandments. You cannot be doing it by going to confessional or adhering to the dictates of some organization like the Watchtower or Latter-Day Saints. The only way to know the Father is through Jesus.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”

John 14:6-7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those that don’t have the former, a heart cultivated by Jesus to receive the truth of His Word and bear fruit for Him… Are rejected and near being cursed. If that is you, as you read this, there is still hope for you.

Acknowledge that Jesus is God.

Believe (the Bible says in your heart) that He is God, that He lived on earth as recorded, He died to forgive your sins and He rose again and lives today.

Confess it aloud with your mouth!

Did Jesus Already Return?

On By TimIn Acts 01, Jesus, Rapture, Return of JesusLeave a comment

When He had spoken these things, while they looked, He was taken up. And a cloud received Him from their sight.
While they looked intently toward heaven as He ascended, suddenly two men stood by them in white garments. They said, “Men of Galilee, why stand looking toward heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:9–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I was just reading where someone was attempting to claim Jesus has already returned in the first century. That is, He came to Paul. Given the testimony above, let’s examine the evidence for such a claim.

As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”
He said, “Who are You, Lord?”
The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Trembling and astonished, he said, “Lord, what will You have me do?” The Lord said to him, “Rise up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. Saul rose up from the ground. And when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Acts 9:3–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’
“I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
“He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.
“I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’
“The Lord said to me, ‘Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told what you have been appointed to do.’ Since I was blinded by the glory of that light, those who were with me led me by the hand into Damascus.

Acts 22:6–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the two accounts of Paul’s experience. The latter seems to be a quotation of Paul recounting the event to others. Let’s note some things.

The angels at Jesus’ ascension said Jesus would come again in like manner. To wit: “a cloud receive Him from their sight.” Do notice that there are multiple eyewitnesses to this event. The angels said this same Jesus would come again in like manner. They… Many… Saw Him go into heaven.

In contrast to the Damascus Road experience. Neither Paul nor his companions saw Jesus come from heaven. His companions didn’t see Jesus.

There is also something that is easily overlooked. Jesus had a body as He ascended. If He has a body at Damascus Road, how is it such was veiled from Paul’s companions, who heard a disembodied voice?

Luke helps with another witness of the event.

While He blessed them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.

Luke 24:51 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We clearly see that there are multiple eyewitnesses present at Jesus’ ascension to heaven. For the Damascus Road experience to qualify as the second coming, it necessitates multiple eyewitnesses to the event. As we’ve covered Paul’s experience, at best, there could only be one eyewitness. It is debatable that Paul did not see Him there either, since his own testimony declares he was blinded by the light.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is a Sabbath day’s walk from Jerusalem.

Acts 1:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also see another qualification for the like manner… Location. To meet the qualifications the angels gave to the eyewitnesses, As Paul “came near to Damascus,” this is now not even near the Mount of Olives.

I must also point out the reaction to Paul’s companions. They were in fear!

Read what Paul writes about this event…

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and in godliness in this present world, as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Unless there is a third time Jesus comes, Paul’s experience by his own testimony cannot qualify as the second coming.

I the Lord have Called You

On By TimIn Election, Isaiah 42, Jesus, The ServantLeave a comment

Thus says God the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it,
who gives breath to the people on it,
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I the Lord have called You in righteousness,
and will hold Your hand,
and will keep You and appoint You
for a covenant of the people,
for a light of the nations,
to open the blind eyes,
to bring out the prisoners from the prison,
and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.
I am the Lord, that is My name;
and My glory I will not give to another,
nor My praise to graven images.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.

Isaiah 42:5–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As we continue in Isaiah 42, we see this Elect Servant of God is indeed called to a specific purpose. That is Biblical election. It isn’t being elect to salvation, but to a purpose.

Perhaps as you’ve read Romans 9, you miss what is taught. Paul introduces the chapter outlining the service Israel was appointed to do for God.

to whom belong the patriarchs, and from whom, according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God forever blessed. Amen.

Romans 9:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is this exclusive calling given to Israel. But with Isaiah’s prophecy we can see that this calling is also to an Individual, One we know as Jesus Christ. One of the names applied to Jesus is Israel. As He fulfills the purposes of their calling.

As the One do the calling, we see God establish His “bona fides,” which is His right to elect. He does that in a specific way, which will be demonstrated in the next post on this subject.

God then promises to be the One to uphold and establish this Servant. He appoints unique characteristics and abilities to this Servant to help us identify Him. He would be the covenant of the people and to open blind eyes.

God then calls out attention back to Who He is. In the midst of that, He also gives us another way to identify this unique Servant. It is how John identifies this Servant.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We saw His glory, that is God’s glory… given to another. John is establishing this Servant as God Himself.