Thursday, April 22, 2010

Did Jesus die on a cross or a stake only?

Did Jesus die on a cross or a stake only?

Greek - English dictionary:
http://www.lexilogos.com/english/greek_ancient_dictionary.htm

It would be fair to say Jesus died on a stake / tree (Greek words used stauros / xulon) WITH A CROSSBEAM. No doubt it wasn’t smooth and varnished, anymore than the way Jesus is depicted on the cross by artists with hardly a scratch in comparison to how Isaiah prophesied that he was “marred more than any man” (Isaiah 52:14).

After researching and putting the pieces of “evidences” TOGETHER, it equals to have been a rugged cross-like figure on which the Lord was crucified.

SCRIPTURES that physically depict Jesus died on a cross:

1)
Matthew 27:37
ABOVE HIS HEAD they placed the written charge against him:
THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The written charge was placed over the highest point of the body, namely, ABOVE HIS HEAD. It does not say it was placed above the hands.

2)
Psalm 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me:
they pierced my handS and my feet.

John 20:25
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his handS the print of the nailS, and put my finger into the print of the nailS, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

John 20:27
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my handS; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Emphasized is the plural form of “hands” and “nails” which implies the nails which held each hand. Had his hands been stretched upright, the wrists would most likely overlap and only one nail was needed through both wrists.

3)
Luke 23:33
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right HAND, and the other on the LEFT.

This Scripture plainly shows Jesus’ horizontal outstretched hands! One malefactor was at Jesus’ right hand, and the other malefactor was at Jesus’ left hand. Otherwise, this Scripture would have just put to his left and to his right.

SCRIPTURES that metaphorically depict Jesus died on a cross:

Isaiah 49:16
Behold, I have GRAVEN thee UPON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS; thy walls are continually before me.

Exodus 12:23
For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the BLOOD upon the LINTEL, and on the TWO SIDE POSTS, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Exodus 12:7
And they shall take of the BLOOD, and strike it on the TWO SIDE POSTS and on the UPPER DOOR POST of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

Exodus 12:22
And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the BLOOD that is in the BASON, and strike the LINTEL and the TWO SIDE POSTS with the BLOOD that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

Is the cross a pagan symbol?

Remember, the Scripture says He took the curse for our sins, for cursed is everyone that is hanged on a tree. Furthermore, he was crucified by pagans!

Galatians 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Resurrection of the Christians

The Resurrection of the Christians

1 Corinthians 15:20
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Philippians 3:21
Who shall CHANGE OUR VILE BODY, that it may be FASHIONED LIKE UNTO HIS GLORIOUS BODY according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

1 Corinthians 4:5
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made A QUICKENING SPIRIT. (Compare with Romans 8:11 above.)

1 Corinthians 15:44
It is sown a NATURAL body; it is raised a spiritual BODY. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15
50)Now this I say, brethren, that FLESH AND BLOOD cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the DEAD SHALL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE., AND WE SHALL BE CHANGED.

Job 19:
26)And though AFTER MY SKIN WORMS DESTROY THIS BODY, yet in my FLESH shall I see God:
27)Whom I shall see for MYSELF, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Daniel 12:
2And many of them that SLEEP IN THE DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Conclusion:
THUS, in the resurrection a Christian’s BODY WILL BE GLORIFIED as JESUS’ BODY WAS GLORIFIED, NOT AS GHOSTS, BUT WITH GLORIFIED BODIES THAT ARE INCORRUPTIBLE. This is the sum when putting all Scriptures together.

Did Jesus rise as a ghost? Did Jesus die forever and a new entity take his place?

Did Jesus rise as a ghost? Did Jesus die forever and a new entity take his place?

Answer: Jesus resurrected from the dead in his own body, glorified, but his own body.

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one mediator between God THE MAN Christ Jesus .

Acts 2:31
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, NEITHER HIS FLESH DID SEE CORRUPTION.

John 2:
19)"Destroy THIS TEMPLE and in three days I will raise it up AGAIN in three days,"
21)BUT HE WAS SPEAKING OF THE TEMPLE OF HIS BODY.

Luke 24:
39)Behold MY hands and my feet, that it is I myself: HANDLE me, and see; FOR A SPIRIT HATH NOT FLESH AND BONES, AS YE SEE ME HAVE.
40)And when he had thus spoken, he SHEWED them HIS HANDS AND FEET.
41)And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, HAVE YE HERE ANY MEAT?
42)And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

1 Corinthians 15:
11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

1 John 4:2
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ IS COME IN THE FLESH is of God:

Acts 1:11
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this SAME Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in LIKE manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, WHO CONFESS NOT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Conclusion:
Jesus’ body was not replaced by another body, neither was He raised up as a ghost. His body was resurrected and glorified.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Pt. 2, Why Celebrate Jesus Birth & Resurrection?

Romans 13:77
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour

The Scripture above gives us “permission” to commemorate events and to honor people, example, the Veterans, those that have sacrificed their lives for others as “the ultimate gift."

1 John 15:1313
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

HOW MUCH MORE CELEBRATE HIM THAT DIED FOR THE WHOLE WORLD that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life!

THE MEANING OF “CHRISTMAS” to the Christian is LOVE. Some say Christmas, others call it the CELEBRATION OF JESUS BIRTH ON EARTH.
In John 3:16, let it be emphasized that God SO loved THE WORLD (that’s us) that He GAVE His one and only SON to save us.

Have you received a gift? Were you thankful? Have you given a gift? What if the person you gave the gift to wasn’t thankful. CONSIDER GOD’S GIFT, RECEIVE IT, AND BE THANKFUL. Reverence Him that gave it to you. And yes, go corporate to celebrate with the world the birth of His Son Jesus and also his Resurrection after having accomplished the REASON for coming to earth.

Remember the carol that says: GOD AND SINNERS RECONCILE (for God so loved the WORLD). As Christians we pray Jesus will also be born in the hearts of many as they go to church once or twice a year and hear the gospel message anew. When we get saved, it’s not about us anymore, it’s about Jesus, and pointing others to Him.

"But God demonstrated His own LOVE for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)

Matthew 1:22-23
22) Now all this was done, that it might be FULFILLED which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23)Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Holy Ghost came upon a virgin, Mary, and the power of the Highest overshadowed her, and His Word was incarnated. WHAT AN EVENT!

Critics that reject celebrating Jesus’ birth on earth AND His resurrection need to study the TYPES AND SHADOWS of the Old Testament ceremonies. The offering of lambs is no longer approved by God TODAY. JESUS FULFILLED these TYPES AND FIGURES.

The Old Testament lamb sacrifices pointed forward to Jesus who would save us from our sins. Recall also the ram provided to Abraham to substitute for Isaac. This typifies Jesus, the LAMB OF GOD, taking away the sin of the world.

Hebrews 10:
9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10
24)And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25)Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In other words, go to church where the manifold gifts of God are given to your local Body of Christ to minister to you and you to them that all may profit withal.

We need Jesus to come to the Father. Let others commercialize and drink, eat, and be merry. But as Christians we are to “please” men in all things seeking their profit that they be saved (1 Cor 10:33).

God’s Word is powerful. Amid all the hustle and bustle of the holidays the message of Christ’s birth on earth and His resurrection will resound!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

WHY Celebrate "Christmas" or "Easter"?

None church goers show up at church on the celebration of Jesus Resurrection or on the celebration of Jesus Birthday on earth.
Carols with the Bible message of Jesus’ birth for the purpose of saving sinners are heard all over for people to hear this glorious message. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God even if it’s in song.

We celebrate our loved ones birthdays and these are special days to us. How much more the ONE EVENT WHEN GOD CAME TO DWELL WITH MEN ON EARTH not to condemn but to save at a horrible price to Him.

If God had not sent his Son to earth, there would have been no cross, no resurrection, no salvation plan, and we would have all perished in our sins.

The host of heaven was rejoicing and CELEBRATING bringing GOOD TIDINGS to men on earth. This glorious sight was seen by the most humble of that day, the poor shepherds. God loves us all. John 3:16 says God loves us SO much that he gave us His Son.

In the account of Esther, for example, it was to be remembered perpetually how God saved His people from perishing. Thus Purim is a festival commemorating this event. HOW MUCH MORE IMPORTANT to commemorate Jesus saving us sinners from perishing.

No resurrection means no Christianity, no forgiveness for sins, no hope, no salvation for us at all!

Beware of those that are enemies of the cross!

Philippians 3:18
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Is Jesus a Created Angel?

A certain religious sect teaches the following two Scriptures to say Jesus is a created being (an angel), not to worshiped because he is not God.

Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Psalm 2:
7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Comment:
The word “firstborn” in the Old Testament, for example, was given a special inheritance, position, and preeminence. The firstborn blessing was given to Jacob (Genesis 25:27-34)

In this Scripture in Colossians it means that Jesus, was given FIRSTBORN (an adjective) RIGHTS of all Creation, because he is not only the Son of God, but also the SON OF MAN THAT LIVES FOREVER. He has the title to own the creation. Thus, the phrase “first-born of all creation” proclaims Christ’s preeminence.

Note the Greek words for "birthright" and "firstborn" in the two Scriptures below which further clarify that "first-born of all creation" has to do with inheritance and preeminence.

Hebrews 12:16
Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his BIRTHRIGHT (PROTOTOKIA) .

Colossians 1:15
Who is the image of the invisible God, the FIRSTBORN (PROTOTOKOS) of every creature:

+ + +

This other Scripture, this same sect misinterprets to claim Jesus is a created being:

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: (Revelation 3:14)

Comment:
The following Scripture explains it:
All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:3)

Comment:
You see, God the Father SPOKE THE WORD (that became flesh, John 1:14) and at His command the invisible became visible. His words, they are spirit and they are life.

Thus, Jesus--God’s Word--is the ORIGIN of all creation.

Comment:
Below is another Scripture used to falsely claim Jesus is created.

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, FROM EVERLASTING.

Comment on:
"WHOSE GOING FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD":
1) According to THE FLESH , Matthew 1:1-11 outlines Jesus’ lineage.

Matthew 1
1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2) There are many references to Jesus (the same yesterday, today, and forever) BEING AT WORK in the Old Testament and in the lives of the patriarchs of the “Hall of faith.”

Examples:

Isaiah 44:
6) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and HIS REDEEMER THE LORD OF HOSTS; I am the first, and I am the last; and BESIDE ME THERE IS NO GOD.

Daniel 3:
25He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Daniel 10:
5)Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6)His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

John 8:
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

1 Corinthians 10:
4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Psalm 40:7-8
7)Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8)I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Hebrews 10:
5)Wherefore WHEN HE COMETH INTO THE WORLD, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

Romans 15:
12) And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Hebrews 4:
7) Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8) For if JESUS had given THEM rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

I Peter 1:
10)Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11)Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ WHICH WAS IN THEM did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Micah 5:2 Ends succinctly "FROM EVERLASTING" in case there is any doubt. JESUS IS FROM EVERLASTING!

WHO IS THIS ANGEL? IS IT JESUS?

Revelation 1
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his ANGEL unto his servant John:

Revelation 22:
8And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the ANGEL which shewed me these things.
9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

COMMENT: THIS ANGEL ISN’T JESUS, AS SHOWN IN THE SCRIPTURE BELOW:

Revelation: 22:
16 I JESUS HAVE SENT MINE ANGEL to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.