While we cannot know the very day of the coming of the Lord right now, we can recognize the times. However, if we desire the truth, we long to know what everything written in the Bible means. The Bible is our main source of information concerning the plan and purpose of God. The plan portrays the purpose of God and, in particular, we know Moses was given this plan, coded into typology. We also know that the plan was unveiled over time, through the prophets, until the days of John the Baptist. After the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, the plan concerning the purpose of God was further spelled-out through the Apostles’ writings in the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. The twenty-seven books were added to the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament for a total of sixty-six books. The knops on the golden candlestick that was in the Holy Place were a type of these sixty-six books. The golden candlestick is depicted as having seven lamps that represent the seven churches, and sixty-six ornamental knops that represent the books of the Bible, which provide the knowledge of God’s purpose.
The Golden Lampstand (candlestick) represents the Word Made Flesh, who was beaten and crucified so that He might become manifest in the called out ones: the great assembly known as the Church. The Apostle Paul gives a glimpse of this when writing to the Ephesians:
To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now through the assembly [called out ones] the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. (Ephesians 3:8-12)
The golden lampstand consists of a stem positioned on a base with a lamp at the top that also has three branches protruding from each side, each pointing upwards also with a lamp on top. This provides seven lamps. On each branch we find three sets of three ornamental knops consisting of a cup, a bud and a flower, whereas the shaft of the stem has four sets of these same ornamental knops. There are six branches with three sets, with the four sets belonging to the stem; this totals twenty-two sets of three ornamental knops representing sixty-six books of the Bible. There are twelve ornamental knops in the stem and twenty-seven knops in the three branches on either side of the stem’s shaft. The shaft and three of the branches on one side gives us a total of thirty-nine knops, which is the number of books in the Old Testament. The shaft represents the only words written by God Himself, the branches on one side represent the prophets and the branches on the other side represent the apostles (cf. Ex. 24:12; Is. 8:20; Lk.11:49; Eph. 3:5; 2:20). Not only do we have a golden lampstand that was made out of beaten gold representing the Living Word of God made flesh and beaten to fulfill the eternal purpose that is to be realized in the Church, but also the number of books[i] in the written word of God that bears witness to the Word made flesh, Lord Jesus Christ.
You shall make a lamp stand of pure gold. Of hammered work shall the lamp stand be made, even its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it. There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side; three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand; and in the lamp stand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the lamp stand. Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it, all of it one beaten work of pure gold. (Exodus 25:31-36)
This is a clear indication of the purpose for the church that we see in the book of Revelation concerning the seven churches, and one of the reasons why we understand that those seven churches represent the ages of the church. The seven lamps of the lampstand shine from one beaten work of pure gold (the Living Word of God made flesh). The church began at Pentecost and is to continue into the days of the latter feasts. The Israelites had to appear before God three times a year: at the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. These types are for the church. Passover and Pentecost have gone. Tabernacles has yet to happen. What we know is the Feast of Tabernacles occurs during the latter rain, when the final harvest is gathered. Therefore, this means that when the Feast of Tabernacles is to be celebrated on the church calendar, this is the time of the end. This is what the Written Word has to say:
Be patient therefore, brothers, until
the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the
earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
(James 5:7)
He set another parable before them,
saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field,
but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the
wheat, and went away. But when the blade sprang up and produced fruit, then the
darnel weeds appeared also. The servants of the householder came and said to
him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these darnel weeds
come from?’
“He said to them, ‘An
enemy has done this.’
“The servants asked him,
‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’
“But he said, ‘No, lest
perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell
the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to
burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’ (Matthew 13:24-30)
Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and
went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the
parable of the darnel weeds of the field.”
He answered them, “He who
sows the good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world; and the good
seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the
children of the evil one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is
the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. As therefore the darnel weeds
are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age.
(Matthew 13:36-40)
The first rain came at Pentecost and there was an early harvest. We see this in the following Scriptures:
The tombs were opened, and many bodies
of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs
after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.
(Matthew 27:52-53)
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:22-24)
When Jesus rose from the dead, the first fruits of those who were to be raised from dead (who were in Abraham’s bosom—Luke 16:19-31) were raised also. None of those who were dead and had rejected salvation were raised. They will be raised at the end, along with all the others who reject Lord Jesus Christ. Those who have died and who are part of the body of Christ will be raised from the dead at the second coming of Lord Jesus, along with those who are alive and waiting. The rest of the dead will be raised at the time of the Great White Throne Judgment, when everything is handed over to the Father.
The first fruits were those who ascended with Lord Jesus into the Heavens after He rose from the dead. This fulfilled the feast of the First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10-20). We see in the book of Ephesians, when Jesus ascended upon high, He had righteously captured what the Devil had taken captive and thereby set free all who were in Abraham’s bosom, who were held in captivity up until that time.
Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:8-10)
Those who had been in Abraham’s bosom were the first fruits, presented to the Lord. However, the type continued in that some of the harvest had to be sown again to bring about the future harvest. In this case, Jesus offered Himself as the seed that was to be sowed into the hearts of men and women. This was done on the day of Pentecost when the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was given to the one hundred and twenty people who were waiting in the upper room (Acts 1:15).
Now when the day of Pentecost had come,
they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came from the sky a
sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they
were sitting. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one
sat on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak
with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. (Acts
2:1-4)
But Peter, standing up with the eleven,
lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who
dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. For these
aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.
But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will
prophesy. Your young men will see visions.
Your old men will dream dreams. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:14-21)
The Apostle Peter under the anointing of the Holy Spirit begins to explain what was taking place. When the Holy Spirit had been given to one hundred and twenty disciples, who were waiting upon the Lord, that particular day in Jerusalem was the beginning of the last days. These last days (according to our current 365-day-with-leap-year calendar) will have spanned some two thousand years by the year 2031 AD. Since Peter himself declared that a day to the Lord is as one thousand years (2 Peter 3:8), many see this as being the timeframe for a day in the Bible. There just may be something in this reference to the length of a day being a thousand years and the last days of Joel. Especially, when we consider that the Millennium is to be a thousand years and we have not long entered the seventh thousandth year since God began His rest in the book of Genesis. We get some perspective of this Sabbath rest from the following Scriptures:
The heavens, the earth, and all their
vast array were finished. On the seventh day God finished his work which he had
done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. God
blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his
work of creation which he had done. (Genesis 2:1-3)
He said to them, “The Sabbath was made
for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the
Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27-28)
For he has said this somewhere about the
seventh day, “God rested on the seventh day from all his works”; and in this
place again, “They will not enter into my rest.”
Seeing therefore it
remains that some should enter therein, and they to whom the good news was
before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience, he again defines a
certain day, today, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has
been said), “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:4-11)
The Sabbath rest of God from His labors of creating the Creation has come to around the end of six thousand years and we are about to enter into the seventh thousandth year of this rest, which is the time Lord Jesus Christ will reign on Earth; a time when He will bring rest from sin and the Devil to the planet and its inhabitants. When God began His rest from having created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in them, Adam and Eve had not sinned. What we do not know is the length of time from when God first rested and Adam and Eve sinned. (Could it have been thirty-one years?). There is nothing in the Bible that provides any indication; so we need not speculate; for it is not important. What we do know is that we are entering the seventh thousandth year after God had declared His Creation good and He took rest from His labors. This fits in with the pattern given to Moses concerning the Jubilee and the Sabbath rest of the land. For this is what Moses was instructed to do when the Israelites were to go into the Promised Land:
You shall count off seven Sabbaths of years, seven times seven years; and there shall be to you the days of seven Sabbaths of years, even forty-nine years. Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement, you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land. You shall make the fiftieth year holy, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee to you; and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor gather from the undressed vines. For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat of its increase out of the field. In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his property. (Leviticus 25:8-13)
The year of Jubilee was the fiftieth year. This was the year every person was given what rightfully belonged to him. This is the year of the Great White Throne Judgment, where every person is apportioned what is rightfully his (or hers) in accordance to the decisions each person has made. Those who rejected Lord Jesus Christ, whose names are not in the Book of Life, shall be cast into the Eternal Lake of Fire.
It just so happens that there have been seven days identified in the Creation Account of Genesis. The first day had no beginning and, as we have seen already, the seventh day had no ending. We are living in the seventh day now and this will continue until the Great White Throne Judgment is complete. After that the seventh day will close and a new Heaven and Earth will be created (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).
The forty-ninth year of the Jubilee period of fifty years is a Sabbath. Considering one thousand years as a day, and reviewing the prophetic account of history, noting six thousand years have passed since the end of the sixth day of Creation, clearly we are still in the seventh day. This suggests that the forty-ninth thousandth year of seven times seven years (7x7)—the years being a thousand years each—would be the Millennium rule of Lord Jesus Christ, a time of Sabbath rest; with the Jubilee being the Great White Throne Judgment that is to follow, presumably, the fiftieth thousandth (50,000th) year.
The Apostle Peter came to a realization that he was not going to be alive at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He returns to set up His Kingdom. Lord Jesus had made this clear to Peter. So the Apostle wrote some very important instructions for us:
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to
make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never
stumble. For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the
eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Therefore I will not be
negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are
established in the present truth. I think it right, as long as I am in this
tent, to stir you up by reminding you; knowing that the putting off of my tent
comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. Yes, I will make
every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my
departure. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses
of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the
voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him
on the holy mountain.
We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:10-21)
Apart from the fact that no true prophecy comes from the will of man, we are told that interpreting the Bible is not something anyone can do. Even those who interpret Scripture by using the Scriptures have to be shown by the Holy Spirit. Unless a person is walking with God in the power of the Holy Spirit and bearing fruit, that person is not going to understand the Scriptures. We have to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit to understand the truths of God. Because they have not repented from their sins and have not begun exercising faith towards God in the power of the Holy Spirit, many are unable to appreciate the truths even when clearly explained. Appearing to have this in mind, the Apostle Peter informs us that he was an actual eyewitness of “the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
The importance of this Scripture cannot be overlooked. How could the Apostle Peter have been an eyewitness of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when this had not happened? The following text from the Gospel of Matthew explains how this came to be:
For what will it profit a man, if he
gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in
exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father
with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. Most
certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of
death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. (Matthew 16:26-17:3)
Many people scoff when they read that Jesus said that there would be those who are standing in His presence who would see Him coming in His Kingdom. Yet this is what Peter, James and John saw when He was transfigured on the mountain. More than this, they also saw Moses and Elijah. This informs us that Moses and Elijah have to appear at the time of Lord Jesus’ return. And one thing we know from the book of Revelation is that two witnesses will be appearing in Jerusalem, for we read:
I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3)
We know that Elijah did not die, for he went up by a chariot into Heaven (2 Kings 2:11-12). We know that Moses had no grave (Deuteronomy 34:5-6) and the Devil argued with the Archangel Michael over Moses’ body (Jude 1:9), which suggests He is still alive like Elijah and capable of returning to Earth in the flesh. The appearance of Elijah and Moses in Jerusalem will definitely be for three-and-a-half years. They will appear in Jerusalem at the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles and begin to prophecy.
However, what is also possible, there could be two individuals, who appear on the world scene when the Feast of Trumpets begins (similar to John The Baptist) coming in the spirit of Moses and Elijah. These two individuals would speak with authority and they would spark great interest in seeking God, not because they are anything of themselves, but because they speak in the power and authority of God. Such individuals will have no need to promote themselves because God will go before them and they will be known by their particular emphases: one on the law and the other being a prophet who speaks of what is to come.
There is also another possibility. The person whom God has chosen to trust with providing the true food for His people could actually be a person who, very much, is representative of Lord Jesus Christ. Such a person would be anointed by God to prepare the Bride for the coming of Lord Jesus Christ, so that she might be holy, without spot, wrinkle or blemish—sinless, overflowing with joy, and without imperfection. This person would be similar to John The Baptist appearing on the scene to herald the coming of Lord Jesus Christ, in the form of the Nazarene—as the Word made flesh. The Bible does gives us some indication that this prospect could very well be the case.
When Peter, James and John saw Lord Jesus with the Moses and Elijah, he wanted to make booths for them. Now this is really the name of the Feast of Tabernacles: the Feast of Booths; the Feast of Tents. Let us read a little more from the account in Matthew, and we shall see that there is another eschatological implication embedded within the text as well:
Peter answered, and said to Jesus,
“Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still
speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of
the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen
to him.”
When the disciples heard
it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. Jesus came and touched them
and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.” Lifting up their eyes, they saw no
one, except Jesus alone. As they were
coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone
what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
His disciples asked him,
saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
Jesus answered them,
“Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, but I tell you that
Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever
they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them.”
Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer. (Matthew 17:4-13)
The World English Bible uses the word “tents” for “booths”. However, we know that this is a type of what is to happen when Lord Jesus returns, because the Apostle Peter told us that he was an eyewitness to His Second Coming. Jesus also said that there were those standing in His presence who will see His Second Coming. The fact that Peter wanted to build three tents could mean that three individuals, who are representative of this prophecy, have something to do with preparing the Bride to be ready for the Coming of the Bridegroom. Peter, James and John being witnesses to the event also indicate this could be the case. Peter was the head spokesman. John is believed to be the man of prophecy. James, the brother of John, was the first of the disciples believed to have been beheaded by the sword. James probably laid down the Law of Moses, and because of this, King Herod decided to do with him as he had done with John the Baptist. For we read of King Herod:
Now about that time, King Herod
stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly. He killed James, the
brother of John, with the sword. (Acts 12:1-2)
She came in immediately with haste to
the king, and asked, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the
Baptizer on a platter.”
The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her. Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison. (Mark 6:25-27)
Concerning the time that is to come, those who are walking with God will not be touched. Even though the two witnesses (believed to be Moses and Elijah) are hated by the people of the world, they cannot be touched until the Antichrist appears.
I will give power to my two witnesses,
and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in
sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands, standing
before the Lord of the earth. If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out
of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he
must be killed in this way. These have the power to shut up the sky, that it
may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the
waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as
often as they desire. When they have finished their testimony, the beast that
comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill
them. Their dead bodies will be in the
street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where
also their Lord was crucified. From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and
nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and
will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. Those who dwell on the
earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one
another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
(Revelation 11:3-10)
The Feast of Tabernacles is about being cloaked with the protection and presence of God. Nobody can touch a person who is so cloaked. This is because the person is walking in the Spirit of God. This is what abiding in the light is about, and those who abide in Lord Jesus Christ ought to walk as He walked—in righteousness without sin. This is not to say that a person is righteous of himself; rather, a person has fully put on Lord Jesus Christ and therefore the person is hidden in Him (Colossians 3:3). Because of this, the two witnesses could very well be two individuals whom God chooses to perform the work that the sons of Zebedee appear to have been singled out to do. Jesus called John and James, the sons of thunder (Mark 3:17). If James thundered the word of God as he accentuated what Moses had written in the Law to Herod, one could understand his fate being like that of John the Baptist. But, as we have seen, this is not what is going to happen to the two witnesses in the times to come.
The person who is to be given the authority that appears to have been given to the Apostle Peter in Jerusalem, and provides the direction and teaching concerning what is happening, we can indentify as the faithful and wise servant. Here is the context, and this is definitely the last days:
Now from the fig tree learn this
parable. When its branch has now become tender, and produces its leaves, you
know that the summer is near. Even so you also, when you see all these things,
know that it is near, even at the doors. Most certainly I tell you, this
generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. Heaven
and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But no one knows of
that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
As the days of Noah were, so will be the
coming of the Son of Man. For as in
those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying
and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and they
didn’t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming
of the Son of Man. Then two men will be
in the field: one will be taken and one will be left; two women grinding at the
mill, one will be taken and one will be left. Watch therefore, for you don’t
know in what hour your Lord comes. But know this, that if the master of the
house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have
watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore also
be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come.
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. (Matthew 24:32-47)
Clearly, we see a reference to a particular generation that will not pass away before the Second Advent occurs. This generation will not know the exact day, but everything will be provided for it to read the signs. The fig tree beginning to sprout its bud indicates that this is the case. The fig tree actually represents Judah. However, Noah is referenced and the generation of his day was only permitted to live one hundred and twenty years. There are a number of significant clues in this passage. But, who is the faithful and wise servant set over the household of God. The only person in the Bible who has been given the status of a faithful servant is Moses.
For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is God. Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:4-6)
There once was a man by the name of William Marion Branham who appeared on the public stage in the USA. He was attributed to have been a man who demonstrated an incredible diagnostic ability when it came to people’s problems (known as a word of knowledge), which he claimed was given to him by an angel standing beside him at the time. Remarkable healings were witnessed at his revival meetings. In 1951, U.S. Congressman William Upshaw, crippled for fifty-nine years of his life, was healed at one of his meetings when Branham called out that the congressman is healed—but unbelievers did not believe, even though they saw William Upshaw healed. Oral Roberts and T. L. (Tommy Lee) Osborn both had an increase in expectation of what God could do as a result of attending one of Branham’s revivals. Many people speak evil of these men for various reasons. But the truth is the truth. F.F. Bosworth said that Branham was demonstrating “the signs following gospel” he himself had preached about that ought to be the norm. Branham at one time claimed that he was Elijah and the other two witnesses anointed by God were Oral Roberts and Billy Graham. Branham claimed that the Millennium of Lord Jesus Christ reign would begin in 1977; unfortunately, earning him the title of “false prophet”.
According to many commentators, Branham stepped outside of his calling, when he began to prophesy and teach doctrine. This is something people called of God often do. They step outside of what God has called them to do. Tommy Lee Osborne followed his calling and, in one country alone, was responsible for ten thousand pastors becoming ministers of the gospel. T. L. Osborne was probably the most effective mass evangelist of all times, surpassing Billy Graham, and even Reinhard Bonnke, who is said to have preached to more people than anyone in history and secured seventy-five million decisions for Christ on decision cards in Africa. Effectiveness goes beyond merely getting names on decision cards; something Billy Graham has been criticized for after it was learned that only two-per cent of his three-million-plus decision card converts remained in a congregation longer than two years. Nevertheless, while there are many critics, winning souls for Lord Jesus Christ is the reason why we are still on this Earth. When the last soul is won that completes the number of persons designated for salvation, Lord Jesus Christ will return.
Out of the revivals that occurred during 1948, a group of people in Saskatchewan, Canada, had a revelation that for God to restore the Church and prepare the Bride for the coming of Lord Jesus Christ, the house of David had to be rebuilt (which is frowned upon by unbelievers). This revelation came from reading the book of Acts, where it states:
All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them. After they were silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations, to take out of them a people for his name. This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written, ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up, That the rest of men may seek after the Lord; all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who does all these things. All of God’s works are known to him from eternity.’ (Acts 15:12-18)
The book of Acts revelation birthed the Latter Rain Movement, which was rejected by those who had already had a Nicolaitan church government in place. But little do those denominations understand that when Jesus was speaking to the Church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation, He said:
But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)
The Nicolaitans are believed to be those who hold to a denominational hierarchy or a non-denominational congregation where the pastor becomes the lord of the manor, rather than a servant of the people, and fulfilling the pastor’s role as one who cares for the sheep. In fact, the model given to the Church at Ephesus included five servants, who were gifts to the body of Christ, to bring about the maturity of the saints, so they could effectively do the work of ministry. This is contrary to the model that fits more com-fortably with the world of success and self-aggrandizement.
Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:8-16)
The reason the five gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers, and the house of David being restored are rejected is because of hardness of heart. Those who are open to the truth test all things and seek only to know Lord Jesus. Those who seek a career prefer the accolades of men. This is evident in the many Bible Colleges and Seminaries around the world, where certificates are awarded and status is exalted. Those who are of God will let their light shine. Those who are not of God will demonstrate this by their craving for personal glory. Anyone can be caught up in self-aggrandizement; even among those who claim to be part of the Latter Rain Movement and subscribe to the teachings of Scripture that God is preparing to bring His people to a place of perfection, so that he can return to a Bride that is without spot, wrinkle, blemish or any such thing. The Latter Rain Movement has been attacked for many reasons, and not only because of those among its ranks who seek self-exaltation.
Those who realized that the restoration of the House of David was what God was doing, beginning with Pentecost, began to search the Scriptures in earnest. They realized that David created a tabernacle of praise for the Lord and that he had a perfect heart before God, irrespective of his failings (1 Kings 11:4;1 Kings 15:3). They also began to realize that Moses was given instruction in codified form known as types. Typology and its realization is something that has played a major part in these believers coming to understand the Scriptures. Subsequently, praise and typology have become a major feature of the Latter Rain Movement, along with the emphasis on the local church and the restoration of the ministry gifts in preparation for the return of Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet Jesus said that there would be a servant whom God will appoint at the proper time to provide His people with instruction. Many people like to see this servant as the little flock or a group of people, rather than a single individual. Those who have asserted that they are this individual, have all proven that they are not. This also proved to be the case of John Alexander Dowie, who founded the Christian Apostolic Church and the City of Zion, Illinois, in the late 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s. Dowie was a restorationist who, in many ways, was used to prepare the way for the Pentecostal movement in the United States. Dowie also claimed to be Elijah, who is to come. In some ways, he may have had the spirit of Elijah upon him because he did bring awareness of what was to become the Pentecostal movement. Many of those who grew up under his influence (e.g. F.F. Bosworth, who said Branham was doing what he preached) went on to become part of the Pentecostal movement. The Pentecostal movement eventually became known as the third force in Christendom, along with Roman Catholicism and Protestant/Evangelicalism. In this context, it is possible to look throughout history and see that there have been quite a number of individuals who have moved in what possibly could be termed the spirit of Elijah, as they became forerunners of greater moves of God. However, this does not seem to fit with the very last days before Lord Jesus returns as a Bridegroom to be with His Bride
We have identified that two of the qualities that this precursor of Jesus’ return possesses are faithfulness and wisdom, for he shall be a faithful and wise servant. We have also identified that this is what Moses possessed. Importantly, Moses was also regarded as meek. That is Moses did not seek his own exaltation. He was commissioned by God to do a particular job and this he did, without seeking to place himself as someone who was to be obeyed. Rather, those who disobeyed Moses, had to answer to God.
A third feature that can be identified concerning this individual, from what Jesus said, as recorded in the book of Matthew, is he will be set over all that the Lord possesses (Matthew 24:47). As it happens, there is an intriguing prophecy in the book of Zechariah that points to exactly the same reward for a high priest, who is often represented as Jesus, but when this prophecy is analyzed, the type actually indicates someone else. We read:
He showed me Joshua the high priest
standing before Yahweh’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his
adversary. Yahweh said to Satan, “Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has
chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the
fire?”
Now Joshua was clothed
with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel. He answered and spoke
to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off of him.”
To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I
will clothe you with rich clothing.”
I said, “Let them set a
clean turban on his head.”
So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and Yahweh’s angel was standing by. Yahweh’s angel protested to Joshua, saying, “Yahweh of Armies says: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by. Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch. For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says Yahweh of Armies, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. In that day,’ says Yahweh of Armies, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’” (Zechariah 3:1-10)
In this vision, we see this promise that is given to Joshua that he will be placed over God’s house, if he walks in his ways and follows instructions. If not exactly the same, this is very similar to what Jesus said about the servant who will be doing what is required at the Second Coming. If Joshua is faithful, that is, if he walks in the ways of God, and follows instructions, by being a servant and providing the appropriate words of direction, he shall judge the house, and be set over all the Lord has (as per Matthew 24:47).
Zechariah chapter three is a prophecy of Lord Jesus Christ. It is an end time prophecy also. Many believe that this prophecy was fulfilled at the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus. However, we will see that there is a problem in understanding this prophecy if every individual mentioned refers to Lord Jesus. For we have Joshua, Yahweh’s angel, the servant the Branch, and the stone with seven eyes that are all supposedly types of Jesus. Satan, of course, is the accuser of the brethren, but the others cannot all be types of Lord Jesus. Therefore, when we reassess the types, we come up with a more plausible scenario. The Branch is Lord Jesus Christ. The stone with the seven eyes represents the Spirit of God. The Angel of the Lord (Yahweh’s angel) is not Lord Jesus Christ, but an angel. Joshua is a sinner. Effectively, we have a future scenario that will involve five main characters. This does not add up to the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, even if it is possible to find fulfillment of all these types in the death of the man, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God in human flesh.
Joshua may be a high priest, but he is wearing filthy garments and needs to be clothed with rich garments. This refers to the state of Joshua’s spiritual condition. For when we see the condition of the Laodiceans, we find Lord Jesus saying that those who belong to that Church are dressed in the filth of the wretched and pitiable, and need to purchase fine linen.
Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. (Revelation 3:17-18)
This prophecy that places Joshua’s spiritual condition, as one that is filth, fits with the condition of the people in the Laodicean Church. We can say that we have found a correlation in the New Testament in respect to the end of the age that fits this prophecy concerning Joshua in Zechariah. Joshua is a person, who belongs to the last Church Age, and he is in need of spiritual restoration, if He is to be a servant of God, after the order of the High Priest—that is, the Melchezidek Order. We know that Joshua is not the Branch. The Branch is to serve not only Joshua, but also the others, who are in his company—which indicates a group of people.
The
Branch, we are told, comes out of the stock of Jesse, and this refers to the
chosen one of the Lord, who has a heart after His own heart (Acts 13:22). For
Samuel the prophet was told to go and anoint the one that the Lord had chosen
from the sons of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1-14).
This refers to David, but prophetically, this refers to Lord Jesus
Christ; for we read that the Branch shall build the Temple of God; David could
not. Jesus said that he would raise the temple and rebuild it in three days
(John 2:19). Once we have knowledge of
what Jesus meant when He said that He would rebuild the Temple, we understand,
more readily, what the following Scriptures mean:
A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit. (Isaiah 11:1)
In that day, Yahweh’s branch will be
beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory
of the survivors of Israel. It will happen,
that he who is left in Zion, and he who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called
holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem; when the Lord
shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have
purged the blood of Jerusalem from within it, by the spirit of justice, and by
the spirit of burning. Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount
Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a
flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. (Isaiah 4:2-5)
Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and speak to him, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies says, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build Yahweh’s temple; even he shall build Yahweh’s temple; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’ (Zechariah 6:11-13)
The new Temple of God is not a building made of stone but a living structure consisting of human beings. The Branch has come to bring about fruit that will ripen to the glory of God. The Branch is a servant who does the work in the Temple that consists of living stones. These living stones are individuals that allow Him to reside within their own persons, so that He can do the necessary work of glorifying the Lord God in their lives. Those that permit the Branch to work in their lives are the ones whose names are written in the book of the living; for their spiritual filth has been removed. The Branch for the purposes of this prophecy is a different entity to Joshua, the High Priest, even though the Branch is our High Priest.
The
stone with seven eyes represents the Seven-fold Spirit (Seven Spirits—
Revelation 1:4) of God that include the seven attributes that are attributed to the branch that comes out of the root of Jesse. For we read:
A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit. Yahweh’s Spirit will rest on him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh. His delight will be in the fear of Yahweh. (Isaiah 11:1-3a)
The Stone represents the Infinite God in finite form; hence, we see that as in the case of the branch, the Stone has seven eyes that are:
1) Infinite Spirit of God;
2) Wisdom;
3) Understanding;
4) Counsel;
5) Might;
6) Knowledge;
7) Fear of evil.
We read of this stone being the rock of salvation and the very cornerstone upon which everything is to be established, especially the people of God (2 Samuel 22:3; 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 89:26; Deuteronomy 32:15; Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6-7; Ephesians 2:20). This is the stone that removes the iniquity of the land in a single day; the stone that is seen in the vision of Nebuchadnezzar that smashes into the feet of the statue made of clay and iron (Daniel 2:34-35, 45). The Seven Spirits that are before the Throne of God are manifest in Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:4-5) for in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in bodily form (Colossians 2:9), just as, if, in a stone with seven eyes. The stone represents the Seven Spirits of God.
The Angel of the Lord can only be an angel of the Lord. In many places, the angel of the Lord figures as a type of Lord Jesus Christ, but in reality an angel is one of many that serve the purposes of God (Hebrews 1:13-14)—even being the very representation of Him (Exodus 23:20-22). Those angels not referred to as angels of the Lord are the messengers of Satan (2 Corinthians 12:7). Angels are messengers. Instead of being messengers, who are ministering spirits, the angels of Satan are pain-causing spirits, as opposed to comforting spirits. The messenger of the Lord, then, is definitely not Lord Jesus Christ, but an angel who has been sent to do what is required. In the case of Joshua the High Priest, we see that he has filthy rags and he is about to be given clean clothes. Satan objects to this and the Angel of the Lord rebukes him. This is exactly what happened in respect to the body of Moses. For we read:
But Michael, the archangel, when
contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring
against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” (Jude
1:9)
If we did not know better, we would probably think that Jude was merely copying what was said here in Zechariah, when he contends the high priest has no right to have clean clothes given to him. However, the angels of the Lord are sent to serve the saints and those who are looking to the Lord for salvation. Joshua’s body was to be clothed with glorious garments, befitting his faithfulness, as a servant of the Lord providing instruction to the people that God gave him. The parallels between Moses, Joshua the High Priest and the faithful servant, who is to come, have to be more than coincidence. The meek shall inherit the Earth—and who are the meek? Is it not those who allow God to defend them? Hence, the Lord sends His angel to rebuke the Devil on behalf of the meek. While it is true that we are saved by faith, we have to have sufficient faith that God will do what He promises to do, before we can receive what is promised. God promises to cleanse us from all sin; if we walk in the light as He is in the Light (1 John 1:7).
Satan, we know is the accuser of the brethren. He figures in a similar manner within the book of Job, when he appears in Heaven. When in Heaven, Satan accuses God of protecting Job.
Now on the day when God’s sons came to
present themselves before Yahweh, Satan also came among them. Yahweh said to
Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Then Satan answered
Yahweh, and said, “From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up
and down in it.”
Yahweh said to Satan,
“Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is no one like him in the
earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from
evil.”
Then Satan answered
Yahweh, and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven’t you made a hedge
around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side?
You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the
land. But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will
renounce you to your face.”
Yahweh said to Satan,
“Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don’t stretch out
your hand.”
So Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh. (Job 1:6-12)
The
manner in which God interacts with Satan in the case of Job is different to the
way the angel of the Lord speaks to him. What is important to understand is
that Satan still has access to the presence of God even though he has
fallen from Heaven into darkness (Luke 10:18). The Apostle Paul understood that
we are fighting powers, principalities and wicked hosts in Heavenly Places and
advised people to be wary of the wiles of the Devil.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
The Apostle John was also aware that we have an accuser; for he wrote that we have an advocate acting on our behalf in the event that we sin (1 John 2:1). If our sins have already been covered, the only reason we would need an advocate to act on our behalf is if there is a prosecutor accusing us of having sinned. This suggests the accuser appears in Heaven, even though he fell, as lightning does, to become darkness. In fact, when we understand that the book of Revelation, after chapter three, speaks of things that are to come and not what has happened, we learn that the Devil actually still has access to the throne of God in Heaven—even though he has lost his original position of authority. The Apostle John wrote:
After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, “Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this.” (Revelation 4:1)
There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. They didn’t prevail, neither was a place found for him any more in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:7-10)
The event where Satan is thrown out of Heaven has not happened. For while it is true that Satan has fallen into darkness (Luke 10:18), and the ruler of this world, the Prince of the Power of the Air, has been judged (John 12:31), he still has access to the Heavenly Courts because, in the Church Era, nobody appears to have attained to the resurrection from the dead, not even the great Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:11) who is revered by multitudes. Yet Moses may well have done so, because He trusted in the Lord. Elijah appears to have done so, too. This being the reason why they were on the holy mountain and the disciples bore witness to the coming of the Lord.
Since the Church Age began at Pentecost, historically, nobody has been publically declared as having attained to the resurrection from the dead. Only God can cause a person to attain to this status. For this to happen, the individual has to be cooperative with God throughout the entire process, when the circumcision of the flesh is being performed unto completion. This is possible, because God is at work in us all, for His good will and pleasure; but we have to be cooperative in working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). However, only the Lord can actually bring us to the place where we allow Him to raise us out of our sin—but we must exercise faith by taking the initial steps to allow Him to do so. Those who belong to the age of the Laodicean Assembly are told that they need to come and buy clothes from Lord Jesus Christ and have their eyes healed. If members of the Laodicean Assembly overcome the world, they will be given the right to sit on the throne of God with Lord Jesus Christ. Since we ourselves are members, this means we have the opportunity to sit on the throne of the Son of God, providing we individually open the doors of our lives and allow Lord Jesus to sit on our thrones. Note what Lord Jesus says:
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me. He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down 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 assemblies.” (Revelation 3:19-22)
By way of emphasis, when Lord Jesus says that if you are to open the door, this requires you to exercise faith as an individual. Clearly Lord Jesus is not speaking to the assembly of the Laodicean Church as a whole, as the deceivers would like you to believe. For Lord Jesus says that “if anyone” hears His voice and opens up to Him, irrespective of whosoever you might be, or what you may have done, He will come and sup with you—which means have intimate fellowship with you. Moreover, if you fully understand the word Jesus imparts into your heart, you will have the opportunity to overcome the world, by exercising faith in that word. Importantly, this is all predicated upon you hearing the voice of Lord Jesus Christ and responding to Him, by inviting Him into the inner sanctum of your heart, so that His Spirit can take up residence within your spirit.
Understanding what is required, concerns appropriating the ability to overcome the world. Jesus said that he overcame, and we have to overcome. What did Jesus overcome? This could refer to overcoming temptation, as Jesus did in the wilderness, when Satan tested Him (Matthew 4:1-11). It could refer to overcoming the flesh and seeking to know the will of God, as Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-43). It could mean being raised from the dead after having become sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). In reality, we can safely say that all three are required. However, we have to hate sin and desire the will of God, so that He can raise us out of the world of sin into which we were born. We overcome the world when we place our faith in God to raise us from our dead works to do His will.
In the vision from the book of Zechariah, chapter three, which we have under consideration, we have identified who the main characters are: the Branch, the Stone, the Angel, the Devil and the High Priest. The others are the company of people who are with Joshua, the high priest. Now the stone that is set before Joshua is spoken of, in the book of Daniel, as that which is not cut by human hands. This stone will smash the statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and cause a new kingdom to fill the Earth. The Stone is the Son of God coming to Earth, paying the price for sin and then creating the Kingdom of God at Pentecost. Even though iniquity was removed in a single day, iniquity still exists. However, what needs to be understood is that, even though the redemption price had been paid to remove the iniquity, not all who are born into captivity have opted to take up their freedom. For freedom, Lord Jesus has set us free; but, not all people realize that they are enslaved to their sins. Those who hate their sin and recognize that sin is something that they do not want to do, understand that within themselves there are desires that have to be eradicated. So while Jesus has fulfilled what is a prophetic element within the day of Atonement in respect to reconciliation with God, not all have availed themselves of what the Passover represents and are struggling with their own sinful habits. Whereas, regarding the Kingdom of God, the feasts of Passover, First Fruits, Unleavened Bread and Pentecost have been celebrated in the days of the early rain, but the feasts of Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles have not yet been realized so that they can be celebrated. The vision of Zechariah concerning Joshua the High Priest has to do with these last days.
In some respects, the role of Joshua (meaning “savior”) is similar to what happened when Jesus died. However, the Promised Land of Joshua’s day is a type of the Millennium, which Lord Jesus Christ is going to usher in. Therefore, in this instance, the role of this Joshua person would have to be that of John the Baptist, and yet more like Moses—the similarities of which we have already discussed. Just as John the Baptist was different to Moses, and Jesus’ first public ministry was different to that of Joshua, so, too, this coming servant, who is to prepare the way of the Lord is going to be different to Elijah and any of the other forerunners. While we have types, the fulfillment of these types never appears to be the same, even though we can recognize the fulfillment of the type after it has occurred. Rarely do people seem to be able to prognosticate accurately, even if we have penetratingly accurate diagnostic skills and can work backwards to discover how things happen in the world of biology and psychology. Freewill is the reason predictive interpretations of prophecies are so inaccurate. Nevertheless, those who are walking with God will be shown what He is doing as far as it concerns them, for this is the promise found in the Bible.
Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
To forecast when the person represented by Joshua the High Priest is to appear and begin his ministry as a servant of God is difficult. However, we do know that this will be the fulfillment of the feast known as the Day of Atonement on the Christian calendar, if the prophetic element of the typology given to Moses is true. For on this day the Devil will be rebuked and the servant represented by Joshua will be clothed with new garments, for the Lord will have taken away His sin completely on that day. This coming servant will have attained the resurrection from the dead and Satan will be thrown out of Heaven along with His angels. This will be ten years after the Feast of the Trumpets has ushered in a spiritual awakening around the world. When the Devil is cast out of Heaven, we read that this is what will happen:
Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who
dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down
to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time.
When
the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman
who gave birth to the-. Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman,
that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be
nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
The serpent spewed water out of his mouth after the woman like a river, that he
might cause her to be carried away by the stream. The earth helped the woman,
and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon
spewed out of his mouth. The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to
make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep God’s commandments and hold
Jesus’ testimony.
(Revelation
12:12-17)
The male-child is the company of people who sit before Joshua. These are the individuals who are also looking to breakthrough and experience the resurrection from the dead. These are those who form the one hundred and forty-four thousand, who will carry the seal of the Lord on their head. We read:
I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Don’t harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!” I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel. (Revelation 7:2-4)
A very important point that is little understood is the Jewish nation that is called Israel today is not made up of the tribes of Israel. This nation is made up of some of the tribes of Israel, according to the flesh—possibly Judah, Benjamin and Levi; it is so difficult to tell. However, true Israel is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. The One who is the True Vine said that He would destroy the Temple and after three days raise it up again. Therefore, the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with the Israel that exists today. The Israel that exists today, will nevertheless have members who will be crying out for the Lord Jesus Christ, after the Antichrist has been revealed, has killed the two prophets (who will be raised from the dead) and the resurrection of the Bride of Christ takes place. For then the bowls of God’s wrath will be poured out upon the Earth and Israel will be saved as a nation in accordance to the prophetic word. For our Lord Jesus Christ declar
Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 13:35)
The forty-four thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel are listed as the following:
of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve
thousand,
of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Naphtali twelve
thousand,
of the tribe of Manasseh twelve
thousand,
of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Issachar twelve
thousand,
of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed
twelve thousand.
(Revelation 7:5-8)
While God is capable of knowing who belongs to which tribe according to the flesh, the Bible clearly teaches that the true Israel belongs to the Vine. Lord Jesus Christ is the Vine (John 15:1-5) and this is not a New Testament teaching but is found in the Old Testament and refers to the Son of God bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt (Psalm 80:8). True Israelites have always been those who were part of the Vine; for they are circumcised of heart. The Old Testament teaches that everyone has to circumcise his heart and not be stubborn. Heart circumcision is impossible to perform; therefore, any person who truly desires to circumcise his (or her) heart needs to call upon God to perform the circumcision. The Bible teaches that this is exactly what is required. Of course, only those who are truly genuine would seek God to have their hearts circumcised. The one hundred and forty-four thousand are overcomers, who will have realized their full salvation on Earth, through the circumcision that is not made with hands.
The following is what Moses taught the Israelites and what the Apostle Paul explained in respect to circumcision of the heart:
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of
your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. (Deuteronomy 10:16)
Yahweh your God will circumcise your
heart, and the heart of your offspring, to love Yahweh your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul, that you may live. (Deuteronomy 30:6)
For he is not a Jew who is one
outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he
is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the
spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God. (Romans
2:28-29)
In whom you were also circumcised with a
circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of
the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ. (Colossians 2:11)
For we are the circumcision, who worship
God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the
flesh.
(Philippians 3:3)
As we can see, only those who are circumcised of heart are true Jews; that is, true Israelites. God does not change. The only way people can secure eternal membership in the Kingdom of God and be saved is through circumcision of the heart. However, the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Israel, according to the flesh, needs to be understood. The eternal reality of being a member of the Body of Christ today in the Kingdom of God has to do with circumcision of the heart. The Kingdom of Israel (which included Judah) existed to facilitate the purpose of God, so that the plan for the fulfillment of time could be established, whereby all things are united in the death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. The nation of Israel was required to bring about the conditions to fulfill the purpose and plan of God that Satan has tried to destroy.
Before Jesus died and rose from the dead and had ascended into Heaven, no person could be a member of the Body of Christ, which is only possible through receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit first. Those who were saved beforehand, were saved by believing in the promises of God, after forgiving other people and seeking forgiveness from God. This was the criteria worldwide and still is, but now power to overcome the world is available, which before had not been given, because Lord Jesus had not been glorified (John 7:39).
The principle of salvation has always been that whoever forgives those who have sinned against him and trusts the Son of God (Mark 12:35-37) to forgive sins, shall be saved. Those who reject the Son of God, do so on their own accord. Previously forgiveness was taught, along with God’s purpose, using animal blood, various sacrificial offerings, keeping feast days and Sabbaths, which were unable to perfect the adherent. Now the Holy Spirit is doing the teaching, providing each person repents from dead works and exercises faith in Lord Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 6:1), in order to receive the Spirit’s baptism. In this regard, the covenant with Moses has been annulled and a new covenant has been entered into, without the essential elements of salvation having been changed. Faith, justice, mercy, tithing (Mathew 23:23) and circumcision of the heart have always been essential criteria for salvation, and in respect to these, nothing has changed.
For
as the promise was given to Jacob, it is also given to those who are to be members
of the kingdom. The story of Jacob tells us that tithing was a critical part of
the fugitive’s success. Not so much in the actual account, but more so when we
read the book of Malachi, prior to informing us about who serves God and then
mentioning Moses and Elijah, five to nine verses later. Besides tithing, Jacob
had to be merciful towards Laban, not vengeful, and have faith that God would
ensure justice would be executed.
In these last days, nothing has changed, for we have to be like Jacob and put our trust in our Savior to deliver us from what is to beset us. Our uncle Laban will want to enslave us and our brother Esau will want to kill us.
Who is Laban, today? Who is Esau, today?
Laban is spoken of as someone who is wants to get the upper hand and cheat us out of our blessings. He is someone who wants to rule over us and have us serve him. This speaks of pastors, who are in the game for the money, for they are not servants or true shepherds; rather, they seek wealth and fame. They are not providing people with the truth that is needful for them to grow in the knowledge of Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, they are hirelings, or wolves in sheep’s clothing seeking wealth and prestige. In China and other totalitarian countries, they are state ordained pastors. In most instances, they belong to the established denominations promoting traditions and dogma, rather than truth (Colossians 2:8).
Esau does not seek to rule over us, he merely seeks to destroy us. Esau wants to do this because he does not delight in honoring the Lord, he delights in the flesh. Esau hated his brother. Therefore Esau is the nominal Christian, who will side with the status quo and do anything to bring the true Christian down. In this respect, Esau speaks of those who are of the synagogue of Satan.
What does the Scripture say regarding the Bride and the male-child? Is not the male-child to be caught up to Heaven? Does this not mean that the angels will be ascending and descending, as Jacob saw on the ladder that reached up to Heaven (Genesis 28:12)? Will this not be because there is no deceit in the hearts of those who belong to the Bride or the male-child? Consider what Jesus said of Nathanael:
Philip found Nathanael, and said to him,
“We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of
Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Nathanael said to him,
“Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come
and see.”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and
said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael said to him,
“How do you know me?”
Jesus answered him,
“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”
Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!” He said to him, “Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:45-51)
Those who believe that they have a deceitful heart (Jeremiah 17:9), because they have been taught all men have deceitful hearts, obviously have not read the account of Nathanael. Jesus said that Nathaniel was a man in whom there was no deceit—yes, the Bible actually states, Jesus said that Nathaniel did not have a deceitful heart. For those who have deceitful hearts are those who trust in men rather than the Lord God. Jeremiah warns:
Yahweh says: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Yahweh. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose trust Yahweh is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:5-10)
Nathaniel had a pure heart. And Lord Jesus knows our hearts. For it is He who searches our hearts. Whoever seeks to be pure, the Spirit purifies more. At the Second Coming, whoever is to be a member of the Bride and the male-child will have pure hearts, too. The Evil One will have nothing on the male-child; nor will he having anything on the Bride. The male-child, consisting of the one hundred and forty-four thousand true Israelites who have been fully circumcised, will have a new song (Revelation 14:2-4) that only they know. The Bride will rise up on eagle’s wings and the Evil One will not be able to touch her (Revelation 12:14). She will be washed clean by the washing of the water of the word (Ephesians 5:26-27). Those who belong to her will be cleansed by the blood of the lamb. They will have overcome the world by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). They will be protected for one thousand two hundred and sixty days (Revelation 12:6). For as Jacob was protected from Esau, so shall the Bride be protected from the false brethren.
***
[i] Ironically, though
there are sixty-six knops made up of twenty-two bowls, twenty-two buds and
twenty-two flowers, there are also fifteen pieces of gold rod separating the
clusters of bowls, buds, and flowers; two on each of the six branches and three
on the stem. There are two stalks separating the knops on each of the branches
and three on the stem. These total eighty-one features for the branches and
stem of the lampstand, however this excludes the six pieces between the first
cluster from the stem and the one on the stem separating the first cluster from
the stand. The King James Bible has sixty-six books. Those who mistakenly
believe the King James Bible to be the living Word of God make an argument that
this is the case. The Ethiopian Church had copies of the Scriptures from the
beginning, The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church,
"Canonical Books," accessed June 20,2025,
http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html.) declares a
canon of eighty-one books (46 Old Testament, 35 New Testament), which equals
the eighty-one ornamental features for the lampstand, when including the
fifteen stalks that separate the knops. (N.B. A count reveals that the
Ethiopian canon really has over 81 books, as the six books of 1st
and 2nd Samuel, 1st and 2nd Kings, Ezra and
Nehemiah are considered three books). However, the twenty-seven knops (not 35
required to qualify the Ethiopian version) that are on the three branches on
each side of the stem are the same in number as the books of the New Testament.
When the twelve knops of the stem are added we have the number of books in the
Protestant Bible. The Tanakh, which is the same as the Protestant Old
Testament, consists of twenty-four books. The typology is a little arbitrary,
but yet indicative of what exists. What is rather
extraordinary is the fact the Protestant Bible has 66 books, which fits the
type best.
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